A Sparrow in Terezin (A Hidden Masterpiece Novel)

Absolutely fantastic!! Kristy Cambron is an amazing author who ties past and present together in a beautiful story of pain, art, and love! Her characters will captivate you, her historical facts will educate you, and her final chapters will warm your heart! Two thumbs way up for this book and this author!

Disappointing read. Had a hard time getting through this book, at times it dragged.I did read it to the predictable ending. I felt characters were superficial. The author leads the reader to believe the ending will be worth the read, leaves loose ends and the a quick so-what ending.

A Sparrow in Terezin is the sequel to The Butterfly and the Violin, and the two books do need to be read in order. Both books are written in two separate timelines, with the contemporary story in both books following the story of art gallery owner Sera James and business mogul William Hanover. As with the first book, the historical section of the novel followed the story of a woman in World War Two Europe, following her from Prague to London and back to Europe over the course of three years.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Butterfly and the Violin. Some readers didn’t like the way it skipped between two timelines or didn’t like the Sera/William subplot, but it was original and I thought it worked. I’d been looking forward to the sequel, so started reading it as soon as the review copy was available (it wasn’t like I had anything better to do on Christmas Eve when I was hosting the family for Christmas Day …. Yes, I'm aware that's five months ago. It just shows how keen I was to read this).

But while A Sparrow in Terezin is a good novel, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I expected, as I didn’t think the two timelines worked as well. I found the present-day timeline frustrating, as it didn’t seem to be moving the story forward and the link between present and past seemed contrived (I can only assume the minor character linking the stories will actually turn out to be a major character in a later book).

It didn’t help that the past plot took a long time to get to the point—it’s not until two-thirds of the way through the book that Kaja arrives in Terezin, by which time I’d been so involved in her London story that I’d forgotten the implications of the title. The sequence of events which lands her in Terezin, a ghetto/concentration camp, seems unlikely and her motivation for taking those steps is noble, I didn't think it fitted with her character as it had been shown.

The writing and research were excellent, although the Christian aspects were too oblique for my taste. I thoroughly enjoyed Kaja’s story for the first two-thirds of the book, but I found the last third seemed disconnected, and I didn’t get into Sera and William’s story at all. The result was a novel that didn’t meet my expectations, and left me feeling “meh” in the end.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

As in the first Hidden Masterpiece novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, author Kristy Cambron gives us a stirring glimpse of World War II in A Sparrow in Terezin, particularly at the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp in Terezin and from the perspective of Kája Makovsky, a young, half-Jewish writer who's separated from her family when she flees Prague, only to end up later in the disaster of the London Blitz. Kája's intelligence, compassion, and courage all find places to pierce through the war's horror, even when any chance for a future, her future, is on the verge of being blacked out.

"Can you tell me about him, about Jesus?... He was a Jew."
"He was, just like us. And if he were here right now, he'd be suffering. He'd be crying for what we do to each other."

While the emotionally tumultuous present-day account about newlyweds Sera and William Hanover is well intertwined, the novel's strength is in Kája's story, though it took a while before I got a strong sense of a deeper and cohesive purpose running through her thread, when the book's central theme started rounding out in the second half. There was a little issue with overuse in the book, "embattled" and forms of the verb "melt" appearing quite a few times as well as a number of scenes with Kája in tears. Of course, crying would be more than expected in any heartrending novel like this, but as there are many ways a person can react to fear, grief, relief, etc., I think main characters' tears have more impact in a novel, especially one with dark themes like war and death, when crying is depicted at the most necessary points, or even slipped in at an effectively understated moment, and not as much in between.

Still, there's so much to be found here—love, tragedy, romance, faith—and the most compelling takeaway for me is the illustration of how one human being can begin to save the life of another at the moment when he or she says, "I'd like to tell you a story."

Powerful.

________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

I've been eagerly anticipating this novel ever since I finished the first book in the series. I could hardly imagine a story sweeping my emotions away more than The Butterfly and The Violin. Once again, I was surprised. A Sparrow in Terezin is one of those books you read slowly, savoring every word. And let me warn you... you will lose all sense of time as you fall immersed into it.

The story picks back up with Sera and William from the first book, along with a few other familiar faces, and their side of the plot was certainly unique and unexpected. Unanswered questions will leave you intrigued to the end. But it was Kaja's story that compelled me more than anything.

Kaja. Liam. Her parents. Dane. Sophie. The children. Oh, the sparrows. I was with each of them as I read. Some scenes were so vividly painted, I had to stop and read them over again. The missing pieces were revealed in a creative, poetic way. I couldn't have asked for more, really. It's a love story of faith and courage and the Lord's faithfulness even in unimaginable places. I forgot I was reading. I was watching.

I also learned some fascinating historical details I'd never known before. It's something I think would make a great additional reading for schooling. It paints the history in a more personal way. Such a poignant glimpse into the past. It's raw and heartbreaking, yes, but it's beautiful and we can learn by it.

With more than a few teardrops on the last page, I closed the book. Even now, two days later I'm still hearing the heartbeat of this story and carrying it with me. I hope I never forget it. A Sparrow in Terezin is a book for keeps – on your shelf and in your heart.

I am apparently a glutton for punishment and decide to read all the books that will rip out my heart and stomp on it back to back. Story SHOULD move you though. As you read the words of the author's heart poured out on the page...If you finish unchanged...What was the point? These characters, these stories, may be fictional, but they represent many people who had to live through one of the darkest times in history. Ask yourself, what can we learn from them? What are they trying to tell us? Fiction CAN and WILL challenge you to grow, to learn, to thrive...

Multiple times I wanted to cry (and there were times tears escaped) while listening to this story. Knowing that the horrors depicted in this book were lived out in reality during WWII. Kristy Cambron...I tip my hat to you...You have found BEAUTY in the ashes of a history that is riddled with sorrow and death. You have brought redemption to life on the page. You have spoken TRUTH and LIFE and LOVE into the hearts of any who lay a hand on your books. But none more so than this one*. Thank you. A Sparrow in Terezin truly is a masterpiece.

*Revision: And The Lost Castle

I won a print copy of this book from the author. This review is based on the audio version which I borrowed from my public library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

As an avid fan of World War II historical fiction, I took a leap of faith in reading Kristy Cambron's debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin (read my review here.). The characters were so real to me that they have stayed with me since I finished the book last July. Needless to say, I was very anxious for Ms. Cambron's sophomore release to come out. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Her second book, A Sparrow in Terezin continues the story of William Hanover and Sera James from the first book. In fact it begins with their wedding day.

As in The Butterfly and the Violin, Miss Cambron takes the reader on a journey in modern day and another journey set during World War II. The reader may begin to wonder what one story has to do with the other but this masterpiece is woven together so well that the reader's questions are answered about midway through.

While both story lines are strong on their own, my favorite was Kaja Makovsky's story. Kaja is a young women who is half Jewish and because of her Jewish heritage, her parents force her to flee Prague with her sister and brother-in-law just as the Nazi's are beginning to invade. We soon catch up with her five years later where she is living in London during the Blitz. It is here where she meets Liam Marshall, a journalist at the newspaper she works at. Their relationship starts off slow but in time. Well, we can't give out spoilers now can we?

Ms. Cambron has the ability to masterfully craft a scene that takes the reader right into the heart of the story. Then her characters introduce themselves and you know it's real. It just has to be real. Doesn't it? The reader is pulled into a story that is so real, so well researched that it is hard to believe that the creation only lives inside the mind of this wonderful new author. I am just so thankful that I discovered her as a new voice.

Both the contemporary and historical parts of this book are about love, faith, trust, hope and courage when faced with difficult circumstances. They will both take the reader on an emotional journey in which you may shed a few tears. I know I did.

I would highly recommend A Sparrow in Terezin to anyone who enjoys a good emotional read. While you don't need to read the two books in order I would highly recommend it.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Lituse Publicity for my copy of A Sparrow in Terezin. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

What an emotional journey!

I didn't read book one, but Sera's journey of trust and love still hit my heart hard. Seeing her and Kaja go through uncertainty, fear, and doubt but yet trusting God to be in the most difficult times was inspiring to say the least.

Kaja's story, however, was more heart-wrenching and even then I'm not sure if those are the right words. Kristy opened an entirely new world to me that I didn't even realize existed concerning the Holocaust. Despite that there was such heartache, Kaja still had hope in the ghetto that could not be extinguished. It definitely is encouraging in my own life to know that God is always with me in every situation, whether good or bad. It also makes me thankful that Kristy penned “A Sparrow in Terezin” because she has indeed reminded me to never forget this horrible time in history. No matter how bad things might get in life, God gives us the courage to face another day through Him as demonstrated through these characters lives.

Overall, I'm not sure if there are even valid words to describe this novel, but it is one I definitely would recommend. It will leave you grateful for God giving hope in the mist of any circumstance and thanking Him for the family in your life.

*(I received this novel from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.)*

I've been eagerly anticipating this novel ever since I finished the first book in the series. I could hardly imagine a story sweeping my emotions away more than The Butterfly and The Violin. Once again, I was surprised. A Sparrow in Terezin is one of those books you read slowly, savoring every word. And let me warn you... you will lose all sense of time as you fall immersed into it.

The story picks back up with Sera and William from the first book, along with a few other familiar faces, and their side of the plot was certainly unique and unexpected. Unanswered questions will leave you intrigued to the end. But it was Kaja's story that compelled me more than anything.

Kaja. Liam. Her parents. Dane. Sophie. The children. Oh, the sparrows. I was with each of them as I read. Some scenes were so vividly painted, I had to stop and read them over again. The missing pieces were revealed in a creative, poetic way. I couldn't have asked for more, really. It's a love story of faith and courage and the Lord's faithfulness even in unimaginable places. I forgot I was reading. I was watching.

I also learned some fascinating historical details I'd never known before. It's something I think would make a great additional reading for schooling. It paints the history in a more personal way. Such a poignant glimpse into the past. It's raw and heartbreaking, yes, but it's beautiful and we can learn by it.

With more than a few teardrops on the last page, I closed the book. Even now, two days later I'm still hearing the heartbeat of this story and carrying it with me. I hope I never forget it. A Sparrow in Terezin is a book for keeps – on your shelf and in your heart.

I am apparently a glutton for punishment and decide to read all the books that will rip out my heart and stomp on it back to back. Story SHOULD move you though. As you read the words of the author's heart poured out on the page...If you finish unchanged...What was the point? These characters, these stories, may be fictional, but they represent many people who had to live through one of the darkest times in history. Ask yourself, what can we learn from them? What are they trying to tell us? Fiction CAN and WILL challenge you to grow, to learn, to thrive...

Multiple times I wanted to cry (and there were times tears escaped) while listening to this story. Knowing that the horrors depicted in this book were lived out in reality during WWII. Kristy Cambron...I tip my hat to you...You have found BEAUTY in the ashes of a history that is riddled with sorrow and death. You have brought redemption to life on the page. You have spoken TRUTH and LIFE and LOVE into the hearts of any who lay a hand on your books. But none more so than this one*. Thank you. A Sparrow in Terezin truly is a masterpiece.

*Revision: And The Lost Castle

I won a print copy of this book from the author. This review is based on the audio version which I borrowed from my public library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

As an avid fan of World War II historical fiction, I took a leap of faith in reading Kristy Cambron's debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin (read my review here.). The characters were so real to me that they have stayed with me since I finished the book last July. Needless to say, I was very anxious for Ms. Cambron's sophomore release to come out. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. Her second book, A Sparrow in Terezin continues the story of William Hanover and Sera James from the first book. In fact it begins with their wedding day.

As in The Butterfly and the Violin, Miss Cambron takes the reader on a journey in modern day and another journey set during World War II. The reader may begin to wonder what one story has to do with the other but this masterpiece is woven together so well that the reader's questions are answered about midway through.

While both story lines are strong on their own, my favorite was Kaja Makovsky's story. Kaja is a young women who is half Jewish and because of her Jewish heritage, her parents force her to flee Prague with her sister and brother-in-law just as the Nazi's are beginning to invade. We soon catch up with her five years later where she is living in London during the Blitz. It is here where she meets Liam Marshall, a journalist at the newspaper she works at. Their relationship starts off slow but in time. Well, we can't give out spoilers now can we?

Ms. Cambron has the ability to masterfully craft a scene that takes the reader right into the heart of the story. Then her characters introduce themselves and you know it's real. It just has to be real. Doesn't it? The reader is pulled into a story that is so real, so well researched that it is hard to believe that the creation only lives inside the mind of this wonderful new author. I am just so thankful that I discovered her as a new voice.

Both the contemporary and historical parts of this book are about love, faith, trust, hope and courage when faced with difficult circumstances. They will both take the reader on an emotional journey in which you may shed a few tears. I know I did.

I would highly recommend A Sparrow in Terezin to anyone who enjoys a good emotional read. While you don't need to read the two books in order I would highly recommend it.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Lituse Publicity for my copy of A Sparrow in Terezin. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

What an emotional journey!

I didn't read book one, but Sera's journey of trust and love still hit my heart hard. Seeing her and Kaja go through uncertainty, fear, and doubt but yet trusting God to be in the most difficult times was inspiring to say the least.

Kaja's story, however, was more heart-wrenching and even then I'm not sure if those are the right words. Kristy opened an entirely new world to me that I didn't even realize existed concerning the Holocaust. Despite that there was such heartache, Kaja still had hope in the ghetto that could not be extinguished. It definitely is encouraging in my own life to know that God is always with me in every situation, whether good or bad. It also makes me thankful that Kristy penned “A Sparrow in Terezin” because she has indeed reminded me to never forget this horrible time in history. No matter how bad things might get in life, God gives us the courage to face another day through Him as demonstrated through these characters lives.

Overall, I'm not sure if there are even valid words to describe this novel, but it is one I definitely would recommend. It will leave you grateful for God giving hope in the mist of any circumstance and thanking Him for the family in your life.

*(I received this novel from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.)*

Kristy Cambron has done it again! This was another wonderful well-written story with an interesting modern-day plot and a fascinating historical one. I didn't like the modern one as much in this book as in book one, mainly because of the relationship struggles between Sera and William. Their story continues in this book so I would recommend reading book one first, which was excellent! I loved the story about Kaja and how she risks her life to save her family back in Prague after she had gotten out. Her work at the newspaper in England and then what she goes through when she goes after her family was fascinating. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be in London while it was being bombed, not to mention having to deal with the Nazis. She was incredibly brave, but incredibly human. We see her struggles and terror over what she goes through. It was interesting to learn about the art Jewish children created in the Terezin Concentration Camp and heartbreaking to learn in the author's note that 15,000 children are believed to have passed through Terezin, but less than 100 eventually survived the Holocaust. There were some happy moments and some romance, which were nice to balance the hard things. I also liked how she depended on God to get her through, to give her courage. I would highly recommend this book!

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

An enchanting, emotional story!!

Oh, the emotions...or the feels, as some might say. I don't think I've ever come so close to crying while reading until this book. It was heartfelt. And it packed a punch in Terezin. But, okay, time for some honesty. I knew this book was about the Holocaust. I didn't go in blindly. Nevertheless, the beauty of Cambron's writing left my heart tangled up in the pages.

Ouch.

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

This book was the kind that left you hurting, but not without hope. There were moments when putting down the book was a necessity, not because of the surroundings, but because Cambron provoked thought. She artistically captures the setting, the characters, even the atmosphere. Don't misunderstand, I desperately enjoyed this book. But I didn't enjoy it for its "entertaining" quality. Oh, no. I enjoyed the refreshing message of hope.

Suffice it to say, you need to read this book. It's a wonderful story with relatable characters and a meaningful message. I highly recommend it. Readers should remember, however, that parts of this book are set in a concentration camp. Cambron does well to keep it toned down, but I felt the need to make readers aware.

I received this book from BookLook bloggers in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

This review is for the book "A Sparrow in Terezin" by Kristy Cambron.This book drifts back and forth between present day and World War II.

About the book:
Present Day — With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she’s stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942 — Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.
Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Personally, I could not get into the story of Sera and William. I felt that it was confusing and not explained by the author very well. I was not interested in the characters or their story and I never felt emotionally attached to their story. On the other hand, I felt that the story of Kaja was exciting and suspenseful. It easily kept my attention and I definitely felt an emotional connection between myself and the characters in that part of the story. Although, to be honest, I still could not fully explain the connection between the two stories.

The book includes a reading guide which would be perfect for use with a book club or small group.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Two women, separated by generations but brought together by a common heritage, are forced to fight for their families and futures, and discover more courage than they believed possible. Sera, a newlywed, must find the evidence to exonerate her husband of a crime he didn’t commit, while Kaja must rescue her parents from certain death in a Nazi concentration camp. Will they be successful or will the risk cost them more than they can bear?

The setting of A Sparrow in Terezin takes place in two diverse locations: present-day America and Europe, and a Nazi concentration camp during World War Two. While there are some wonderful descriptions of the contemporary surroundings, Cambron’s best imagery is reserved for the stark environment of Nazi-held Europe in the 1940’s. The deprivation, desperation, and deplorable conditions experienced by the Jews are vividly depicted and, heart-breaking as it is, effective for story immersion. Although the author took some liberties to enhance the story, she should be credited for alerting readers about those liberties, and for doing the historical research to make the novel plausible.

A Sparrow in Terezin is told through two points of view: those of Sera (present-day) and Kaja (past). Each is a strong woman who is determined to persevere in spite of the enormous obstacles placed in her path. Each character has a unique voice. However, the characters surrounding Kaja’s story are more believable and more sympathetic, while Sera and those surrounding her lack a certain depth, and the present-day plotline reflects it. It is easier to identify with Kaja’s pain than with Sera’s because of the incredible suffering portrayed. The dialogue reflects each personality well and moves the story forward without burdening the prose with unnecessary information.

For this reader, the book starts slow, and it takes some time to warm up to the characters. There are a few curious placements of scenes and, at times, the plot doesn’t stay with one storyline long enough before switching time periods. However, when the story switches from the present-day to past events, the novel takes off because the scenes are gripping and the characters engaging.

A Sparrow in Terezin is a well-written tale driven equally by characters’ actions and external events. In the World-War-Two plot, there is no let-down in the middle, and the suspense grows into a spell-binding climax. However, the present-day plot is missing the element of suspense. There is a similar dichotomy in the endings as well. The historical plot has a surprising finish while the contemporary plot’s ending feels flat.

The conflict in A Sparrow in Terezin is balanced between the characters’ personal struggles and external events. The tension allows the lead characters to grow and develop as they overcome difficulties in a realistic way. Kaja’s character exemplifies this quality in extraordinary ways, which makes her even more sympathetic. The romantic angle of both plots is used to increase the story’s tension without saturating the entire plot. The love story is communicated sweetly and realistically, but with greater depth in the plot which takes place in the past.

The spiritual message in the novel is strong and unmistakable. It permeates the entire novel without superficial clichés, and it explores timeless questions without a preachy tone pervasive in some Christian fiction.

A Sparrow in Terezin is geared to Christian women, and it might also appeal to Historical Fiction fans. There is no objectionable content but, rather, the suffering is depicted in a moving way without graphic descriptions. This is a stand-alone novel, but the second in Kristy Cambron’s Hidden Masterpiece Series. I suggest one read them in sequential order as there are continuous storylines.

Despite the lack of depth in one plotline, A Sparrow in Terezin is a well-written, incredible tale of love, loss, and God’s providence in the midst of dark times.

I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

When Kristy Cambron burst onto the scene last year, her debut novel was met with high praise. Her newest release goes above and beyond, in my opinion, and captures the needs, fears, and emotions of the World War II setting in a way that will leave you breathless.

Kaja Makovsky's parents managed to get her out of Prague before the Nazis completely took over their city. Broken-hearted that they refused to leave themselves, half-Jewish Kaja is determined to one day find her way back to her home country and get them out. As the war unfolds, Kaja finds herself in London working as an editor for The Daily Telegraph during the German blitz on England's capital city, spending much time in air raid shelters and making unlikely friends with Liam Marshall, a reporter whom she is sure is also a member of foreign intelligence.

As news begins circulating about of the atrocities being done to the Jewish people under Nazi rule, Kaja decides to let nothing stop her in getting back to Czechoslovakia and rescuing her parents. Your heart breaks as you watch her saying goodbye to the relative safety of London and plunging herself into Nazi-occupied countries, and knowing because of the title that Terezin will factor in somewhere. How does she get to the concentration camp? Will she survive once there? My nerves were frayed waiting to see how the story progressed.

Continuing the contemporary story from "The Butterfly and the Violin," we revisit art gallery owner Sera James as she makes a new home for herself on the West Coast. While she hopes she's now found her happily ever after, those dreams are jeopardized when her fiance is charged with criminal activity. While Sera believes in his innocence, she doesn't understand his stubborn lack of openness about what really did happen. Determined to launch her own investigation into the matter, Sera heads to Europe to track down every lead and discover the truth.

Both of these women - Kaja and Sera - are determined to give everything they have for those they love. While it's a prison sentence threatening Sera's man, we get to see Kaja's spirit truly rise to the occasion when she is confined within the walls of Terezin. Tasked with teaching school for the children too young to work, Kaja must look beyond the bleakness and horror to instill hope in a place where hope seems impossible. Kaja knows that God sees each sparrow who falls, and surely He sees each soul who falls in this dark ghetto.

I felt that Kristy Cambron did a wonderful job with this historical novel. The way she portrayed London during the blitz made me feel like I was there, and the scenes in Terezin made my heart ache for all their struggle. I was left inspired to never give up and to do my best to watch out for and love those around me. I would say this ranks among my favorite WWII novels ever.

I received my copy from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.

Kristy Cambron has created another great read in her sophmore offering, A Sparrow in Terezin. This historical/contemporary novel spans time and connects people with the story and art of the Holocaust. Kristy is meticulous in her research and creates lasting images with her words. If you read book 1 in her Hidden Masterpiece series, The Butterfly And The Violin, then you will not want to miss this book. Haven’t read book 1? Then make sure to get both and look forward to some wonderful reading.

In the early days of WWII, Kaja makes her escape from Prague as the Nazi’s march into her beloved city. But she is forced to leave her parents behind. Making her way to London, via Palestine, she meets the dashing and daring Liam at the newspaper where she works. Liam is a reporter on the war beat, but his shadowy movements hint at something much more. As Kaja discovers the horrors of the Nazi’s plan for the Jews, she enlists Liam’s help in getting back to Prague to rescue her family, but soon finds herself living the nightmare of Terezin. In the present day, Sera and William’s love story is upset by legal battles and problems with trust. Kaja’s story intersects their own in interesting ways.

As in The Butterfly And The Violin, I enjoyed the WWII story line much more than the contemporary romance. Sera and William’s story is interesting, but it is Kaja’s story that kept me turning the pages. Kristy brings to life the march of the Nazis into Prague, the Blitz of London, and the brutality and inhumanity of Hitler’s Final Solution. At first I was incredulous that Kaja would risk traveling back to Prague, but her sacrifice becomes more believable as she cares for and protects her mother and then the child entrusted to her. Her character is interesting — idealistic, a bit naive, but ever hopeful. She survives by placing her trust in God’s promises. Trust is a theme that runs through A Sparrow in Terezin — trust in God, in love and in commitment to people. Kristy’s writing is very strong. She paints pictures with her words that remain with the reader for a long time. Her description of Kaja’s journey to Terezin is powerful with phrases such as “as evil unfolded around them” and “forgotten souls” capturing the despair of the people transported from everything they knew and loved to a world one never could have imagined.

One of the strongest elements of A Sparrow in Terezin is found in the remarkable character of Dane. An SS officer charged with the engineering aspects of the concentration camp, he is also a man of compassion and conscience trapped by his own country’s ideology. He serves to remind the reader that the smallest light can dispel the darkest darkness.

Powerful images, complex characters and a message of hope in the midst of evil, A Sparrow in Terezin is a highly recommended read.

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: older teens and adults.

(Thanks to LitFuse and Thomas Nelson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

The second of the Hidden Masterpiece series continues the story of Sera James from book one, The Butterfly and the Violin. She’s about to get married, and has received a string of pearls from her friend, Sophie, in Paris. Readers of the first book will remember Sophie and, it is in A Sparrow in Terezin that we’ll learn more of her survival in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. The novel then alternates between Sera and Kája, the woman who looked after Sophie in the camp.

Throughout the first half of the book, I found myself more interested in Sera’s story. There was immediate drama as her husband is arrested. Is William innocent or guilty? What secrets is he hiding? In contrast, while I understood Kája’s need to do something I couldn’t get behind her determination to return to Prague. I also got stuck on the simple problem of not being able to pronounce her name! In the end, however, Sera’s narrative became less of a mystery tale and more of a story about relationship problems. It paled in comparison to what happened to Kája, whose storyline built up to a dramatic climax on a train bound for death. If that sounds familiar it’s because Kate Breslin used a similar motif in her novel For Such a Time, which was also set at Theresienstadt.

Disappointingly, this follow up to The Butterfly and the Violin didn’t have the same emotional impact on me as that first book did. I’m not sure why. I know I found jarring a couple of uses of American terms in reference to something an English character was doing. However, this could’ve stood out to me because of my English background, and it might not be noticed by other readers. I also wish we could’ve learned more about a particular character Kája encountered in the camp. I don’t want to give much away, but what made him be so different to others in his position?

Overall, however, this is a good novel. It describes London during the Blitz and gives us a look of the lives of those who lived through it. Above all, however, it provides the reader with detail about the hardships endured in the camp and what the Nazis did to hide its true condition during a 1944 Red Cross visit. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the liberation of Theresienstadt. The horror experienced by the prisoners there (and at other camps) must never be forgotten.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson for my complimentary review copy of A Sparrow in Terezin, which I received in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in this series. Again, we're following two stories. We're continuing on with Sera and William that started in the first book, The Butterfly and the Violin, but our view of the past has shifted somewhat. We're reading about a refugee from Prague and her plight.

Sera and William's wedding ends with William in handcuffs. Sera decides that to get to the truth, she's going to have to confront William's father in England. William isn't fond of the idea, but when Sera discovers that she's pregnant, she's even more determined to get to the bottom of things.

In the past, Kaja is working at the newspaper office as a secretary when the bombings start in London. After a life-threatening hit and a horrifying news report, she feels compelled to return to Prague and get her parents out. She's made a friend in Liam, and he promises to help her. They fall in love, but they both have their jobs to do during this war and they just hope to find each other later on. When Kaja is sent to a concentration camp, she knows that she'll miss her rendezvous with Liam, and worse, she may never see him again.

I have to say, this one had me on the edge of my seat up until the end. I was thinking that I wasn't going to read anything resembling a happy ending, but I was relieved at the end, even if parts of it were bittersweet. Since we are dealing with the atrocities of the Holocaust, there are many moments of darkness, but it's not overwhelming to the point where you don't want to read any more.

While the story of Sera and William is more of a continuation, I feel that you could read this alone. I heartily recommend you read The Butterfly and the Violin, though. A major character from the past in the first book plays a role in this one, and you'll get to read the story of Sera and William getting together. There's also mentions here and there of events from the first book, but they don't make the reader feel lost.

I loved both story lines. In the first book, I felt more invested in the past than I did with Sera and William. This time, I loved both stories. I think the worst part had to be reading the author's note at the end. Have your hankies ready.

*I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you have been following my blog since last year, you will have read my review of The Butterfly and the Violin, book one to the Hidden Masterpiece series and you would probably know quite well how much I LOVED that book! As soon as I knew that Kristy was writing book two; I knew without a doubt that I was going to be getting it, to the point that I never even read what the book was about until I held it in my hands! A Sparrow in Terezin is another great novel that I could tell was well researched and well loved. I was happy to see that the present day characters, Sera and William, were much more realistic and much better developed in this book than they had been in the first. I enjoyed the plot twists that were found throughout the story and once again the intertwining of the present day and past stories worked out beautifully.

Kaja’s story was intriguing and very well written; it had really good characters and great emotion, but, in my opinion, it was not near as good of a story as Adele Von Bron’s story from The Butterfly and the Violin. That was a story that was just so perfectly written that I doubt it will ever be able to be duplicated. However, I still loved A Sparrow in Terezin, couldn’t put it down, and I will be recommending it to everyone I know! 4 out of 5 stars!

Though you can read the books out of order because of the “past” stories; I would suggest reading The Hidden Masterpiece novels in order to keep up with the “present day” story as it is a continuation for William and Sera.

“I received this book from the author/publisher via Litfuse for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”

Following the events of Ms. Cambron’s first novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, A Sparrow in Terezin continues the story of gallery owner Sera James, as she moves to California and marries her fiancé, William Hanover. However, not all is as it should be, as Sera and William are immediately faced with a court battle that has the power to tear apart their dreams of a life together. Their story becomes interwoven with the life of Kaja Makovsky, a native of Prague before the terror of the Nazi occupation destroys all that she has known. With God-given strength and courage that later inspires Sera’s generation, Kaja survives the Blitz in London before sneaking back to Prague to rescue her parents. When the unthinkable occurs, Kaja finds herself in the Terezin ghetto and concentration camp, teaching Jewish children art and an unfathomable lesson in hope.

Ms. Cambron brings together two divergent periods into a novel that inspires generations with its message of God’s consistency and provision. The historic sections of A Sparrow in Terezin are haunting in their depiction of Kaja’s life in World War II Europe, as she must choose between her own comfort and the safety of her family. In comparison, Sera’s present-day situation seems challenging, but never takes on the intensity or drama of the historical sections of the novel.

Overall, I thought that A Sparrow in Terezin was well done, but had a few weak points.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced copy of A Sparrow in Terezin!

Thanks!
Brittany at BooksandBiscuits.com

Stepping onto the pages of a historical novel can be a journey of the heart, mind, and spirit. Our heart is moved by the people and events as the author fleshes out the story. Our mind is engaged with a particular piece of history that draws us toward study and research. And our spirit is moved at the way God moves in the affairs of man.

Kristy Cambron captured my mind and readership with her first book, The Butterfly and the Violin. Now she has flawlessly continued the story here in The Sparrow of Terezin. Pages are mingled with a two-pronged story - current day and war torn 1940s Europe. While reading The Butterfly and the Violin first enhances the reader's enjoyment of the Sparrow book, the reader can begin with book two with quick identification of characters and involvement in the story.

My curiosity often interrupts my fictional reading and I divert my attention to a bit of research. Terezin was a concentration camp (or "ideal" Jewish settlement). Interned there were over 32,000 - men, women, and children. This was a place where noteworthy Jewish individuals in the arts - performers, composers, and artists - were interned. Works of art were created within the walls of this place of sorrow. (Wikipedia)

Two romances - one contemporary, one in war torn Europe. Glimpses into a Nazi concentration camp and its treatment of innocents - children. The past connected to the present. Written by a wordsmith that will truly capture the reader.

I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own.

What a story of hope, sacrifice and finding beauty in the darkest of places and times! Kristy Cambron’s sophomore novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, is another beautifully written tale, drawing you into two different times and eras, but connected through a child who survived the war. It’s not an easy story to read (stories surrounding WWII rarely are), but it’s 112% worth it!

This history of what happened around the world during WWII, especially the horrific things done to Jewish families who crossed paths with the Nazis is a disturbing topic. Yet even in the midst of such horror, those brave souls who survived tell stories, not of darkness, but hope. The art of so many innocent children lost, the daring sacrifices people made to mess with the Nazis’ plans and save others…it shines light on a dark period in history.

Kája’s tale of returning to her country is one of such courage, sacrifice and love of family. There are many heart breaking moments along the way, but through her life and her eyes, we catch a glimpse of true heroism. Plus I really enjoyed the friendship and relationship of her and Liam. He was fabulous friends! In our modern day story, I loved seeing Sera and William as a married couple. Dealing with deep wounds, it was refreshing to see a couple deal with issues while already married. It shows the mess within the beauty, the courage of daily choosing and what forgiveness looks like. While I enjoyed the historical setting a bit more (based on a personal preference and obsession with history), I liked coming back to Sera and William too!

Right after I finished this book, without even realizing, I started singing this hymn (in case you’re wondering, I only sounds pretty to Jesus : ), one I haven’t thought of in years. Yet the way the book ended, with Kristy’s final notes, I’m not surprised my heart and soul thought of this song.

Where have you seen beauty in the broken recently?

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Originally posted at http://booksandbeverages.org/2015/04/07/the-sparrow-in-terezin-by-kristy-cambron-book-review/

In the Sparrow of Terezin, Kristy Cambron has crafted a beautiful story of parallel journeys: a completely free-standing story set during World War II, and the other a continuation of the contemporary story in The Butterfly & the Violin. The pages move seamlessly from one story to the next, yet leaving me with a longing for more in each story. This makes the pages fly and makes it difficult to walk away from the story when real life intervenes.

The historical characters are so real, their losses unimagineable, and the hope they find in the darkest of nights tangible. The historical story slips between Prague, London, and Terezin during the war. The journey is one of discovery, family, and war. It is a story of loss and saving.

The contemporary story is one that will not cleanly stand alone. You could read it without first reading The Butterfly & the Violin but you will lose some of the deep meaning of the characters' battles. This said, it is a beautiful story that will compel you to follow Sera through the challenges and decisions she must make.

The Sparrow of Terezin is a story that will embrace readers who love a mix of modern and historic, romance with emotion, beauty with an awareness that God sees every sparrow.

And Kristy Cambron does it again: her newest novel, A Sparrow in Terezin (the follow-up to The Butterfly and the Violin) tells another heart-wrenchingly beautiful, moving, hard-to-put-down story. With two distinct plots, alternating between the present day and the era of World War II, Cambron crafts an intertwining narrative featuring the beauty of hope and sacrifice in the face of the cruelest tragedy and inhumanity, and as I read, it continually tugged at my heartstrings. From London’s Blitz to a Nazi concentration camp, the historical aspects are vivid, captivating and interesting, shaping the course of both the historical and contemporary plotlines. A powerful and inspiring read, A Sparrow in Terezin will not disappoint fans of historical fiction. (Note: if you’re interested in A Sparrow in Terezin, please start by reading The Butterfly and the Violin. It will help in understanding and enjoying the contemporary plotline.)

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of A Sparrow in Terezin and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The marriage of William and Sera is hindered by William's past. He is being charged of felony grand theft and forgery, and is facing prison time for crimes he didn’t commit. But Sera is determined to face the humiliation because she trusts her husband, and believes in his innocence.

Kaja fled Nazi-occupied Prague in March of 1939, leaving her half Jewish parents behind, with a promise from them that they would be on the next train. Kaja’s parents had sent her away because things had begun to turn bad in Prague, but they had no way of knowing that their daughter was now in the most dangerous place in the world. War had chased her to an ARP Shelter in the heart of London – she was living in the Blitz, caught up in another nightmare.

Kaja read that the Nazis were killing Jews, rounding them up and sending them away where many of them were never heard from again. The camps in the East were killing centers where the Jews, along with women and children, were murdered with bullets and by gas. Kaja makes the decision to return to Prague to rescue her parents.

Liam Marshall, a reporter assigned to the war beat, meets Kaja in London, and is immediately attracted to her. A romance soon blossoms between them. Liam knew there was no way of stopping Kaja from returning to Prague. He understood Kaja’s heart and used his connections to help her in her quest. Kaja was a woman of incredible will, and astounding courage, who was about to embark on a harrowing journey of great sadness.

And the story unfolds as Kaja returns to Prague and ends up in Terezin, a halfway point – a holding pen for Jews that was a combined ghetto and concentration camp. Between 1942 – 1944 more than 15,000 children passed through Terezin, living in horrific conditions, while they awaited to be transported from the ghettos to one of the Nazi killing centers.

The author cleverly weaves together two storylines that are compelling and beautifully written. The characters are strong and unique, and the engrossing story that takes place during WWII is vividly described – quite captivating.

A slight negative comment – I couldn’t become fully engaged with the story of William and Sera, and I did read the first book in the series, The Butterfly and the Violin. My rating is 4.5 stars.

Prepare to lose yourself in this thrilling novel, beautifully crafted, by an extraordinary author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

“A Sparrow in Terezin” by Kristy Cambron is the second book of the Hidden Masterpiece Novels. Even though some of the characters in this book have made their first appearance in “The Butterfly and the Violin”, and the book can be read without reading the first one in the series; it would be much better to read them in sequence. I loved this novel. It is a story of survival, perseverance, faith and determination. Reading about camps such as Terezin and others bring me to tears. I also feel hope in that these poor victims, who had to suffer so much inhumane treatment at the hands of their captors, can keep their focus on surviving. What a tribute to those who endured and a testimonial to those who didn’t survive.

My review seems inadequate in the face of the power of this novel. The story has stayed with me and even haunts me. I’m not sure I could have endured. I received a free print copy of this book from Litfusepublicity.com in return for my honest review. You can find my review on my website at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-f4, on Goodreads.com at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1255109735.

Sunday, April 26, 2015
A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron, © 2015
A Hidden Masterpiece Novel, Book Two
Contemporary/Historical Fiction
Thomas Nelson

The story centers around the children’s art of the Theresienstadt transport camp (also known as Terezín), the Nazis’ propaganda camp north of Prague.

My review:
A strong story of hope and encouragement in the face of despair. I really enjoy reading two time period novels. The stories are richly woven together. The happenings before us do affect today. Courageous actions on the part of those willing to take a risk to love will be an encouragement to those who follow. Kristy Cambron has written of an inner strength.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ––Joshua 1:9 NIV

Kája swallowed hard. "The last secretary quit after one day?"
"Secretaries. And it was within a week." He grimaced. "But what does it matter? We have a copy-editor from Oxford here now. And given the fact that she's already had the grand tour and her desk is cleared off and everything..." He pulled out the wooden swivel chair and patted the back with his palms. "Why not give it a try? What's the worst that could happen?"
--A Sparrow in Terezin, 47

Powerful. You walk every step with them.

I began reading mid-afternoon, with 87 pages remaining, so absorbing, I was unaware I had read that far. Kristy Cambron is a wordsmith bringing you visibly into their world and time. The story of the beloved clock from Kája's childhood brings hope alive amid the children's art at Terezin.

"You are Kateřina Makovský from Prague?"
She stood before the woman, nervous but head held high. If Liam was right and she was inordinately stubborn, Kája had an inkling it would be a necessary component to her survival in this place. She notched her chin and answered, "Yes. I am."
The woman handed over a sheet of paper, a small rectangle, then answered, "You are to report to the ration line, then to the Jewish Council for medical inspection and work assignment. Memorize this number," she cautioned, though her voice was staunch and formulaic. "You must know this number. It is how you will be referred to from this point on. Do you understand?"
Kája nodded. "Yes."
"If you are asked, you must give this number immediately. At all times. There will be no opportunity for remembering."
--Ibid., 221

The description of the Terezin concentration camp is so vivid. One detail, among many, that stood out to me was how being moved from a large central room to an attic room was worse because of the vermin and cracked window with winter approaching. Nearer to the school for children, the attic room was a place of refuge against the turmoil without, if even for a little while.

Continuing from the story in the first book, this second book reflects Sophie's early childhood. Giving from an open heart, the present and past intersect in her later years. Present day, Sera James, receives what she needs to continue by the influences and sacrifices of those who risked their own lives for the children of Terezin. For such a time as this; how important we each are in forthcoming generations.

***Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson for this copy of Kristy Cambron's book two in the Hidden Masterpiece series, A Sparrow in Terezin, for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

___________________________________________________

*Summary*

~Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor’s story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.~

Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she’s stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

__________________________________________________

*My Thoughts*

Wow. First, I'll start with this. This is my first Kristy Cambron novel. Mistake on two levels. One, this novel was genuinely good! Such a perfect depiction of WWll and the characters were REAL. They had dreams, plans, fears, faith, hope...Kristy opened me up to the realities of war. It's nothing pretty...wars rarely are, but it is honest and true and a part of our history. Kaja's stories were filled with stories. Some horrors sure. But Kristy showed us how they overcame. Somehow, Kristy she it from something you would learn in a history class to a special reader to character relationship that allowed us to see the impact.

That being said, don't read this book. WHAT?!?! NO! That is not exactly what it seems so keep reading. While Kristy is new she does have another book out...The Butterfly and the Violin. You've probably heard of it. I know I have. And while I haven't had the privilege of reading it, I know I should have. Because this book is part of a series. Not a "can read as a stand-alone novel" series but one of those that leaves you hanging and weaves into the next book. Therefore, as someone who picked up in the middle of the series, I seriously suggest reading the first book...well, first.

One thing that made this story so unique was the blend of modern day time with World War 2. A special story by a brand new author of whom I can't wait to read more of!

__________________________________________________
*My Rating*

I give A Sparow In Terezin by Kristy Cambron...

4 stars!! (While not a perfect five, had I read book one, I'm sure it would be!)

____________________________________________________
*My overall thoughts*

A Sparow In Terezin by Kristy Cambron is a wonderful twist of modern with history, blending together, helping to show we aren't so different as we think. Beautiful writing, a wonderful story, and a reality that helps shape and mold our history in a way textbooks never could!

*I received this book from the author and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts are my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

http://bookreviewsforchristians.blogspot.com/2015/04/thomas-nelson-review-sparrow-in-terezin.html

A Sparrow in Terezin is Kristy Cambron's second book in her Hidden Masterpiece series and it is a beautiful, beautiful story. I had the privilege to read her first book The Butterfly and the Violin when it came out and that book is still with me, such a fantastic story. As a fan of Historical Fiction I was excited to read Kristy Cambron's books. I have learned so much about World War II and the crimes committed against people just because they were different. A Sparrow in Terezin is no different. I was not aware of this concentration camp so reading this book opened my eyes to more about World War II and the many, many countries it affected. In this book, Kristy Cambron gives us a glimpse into two worlds, the past and the present, finding the perfect balance to tell two stories that intertwined so beautifully. In the present, it picks up where The Butterfly and The Violin left off with Sera and William getting married and tuning their two worlds into one. In the past Kaja Makovsky, a reporter who leaves Prague and her half Jewish family to go to England to escape the occupied Prague. Kaja is faced with the reality that even though she left Prague, the terror she left behind has followed her so she finds herself making her way back to Prague to try to smuggle out her family to somewhere safe. As both Kaja and Sera fight to do what is best for their survival and the survival of their families, they find themselves relying on their faith to help them through.

I could NOT put this book down, just as it was with Kristy Cambron's first book The Butterfly and The Violin. I was hooked from the first page until the last. Kristy Cambron writes with authority about art, World War II, The World during World War II and now. I learned so much about our world's history again in Kristy's books. A Sparrow in Terezin is a fantastic book that really grabs a hold of you and keeps you guessing until the end. Kristy Cambron writes with a perfect balance of past and present to make one cohesive book and that tells two stories and intertwines them seamlessly. This book left me breathless. So much to learn and digest. Another story that has had a lasting impression on me. Kristy Cambron is one of my top 10 authors to read and I look forward to reading much more from this fantastic author. I HIGHLY recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I recommend that you start with The Butterfly and the Violin though, to get the full understanding of the story. I give this book 5 STARS!!

The Writing...

Kristy Cambron doesn't disappoint in her second installment in the Hidden Masterpiece series. I so did not see the twist in the first chapter coming. Way to get me hooked from the beginning, Kristy Cambron! There I am, sitting on the beach in California, and then BAM! I won't spoil it for those who haven't read it yet. Let's just say Kristy Cambron has kicked things up a notch. Just as in The Butterfly and the Violin, we have perfect pacing, masterful descriptions, deep point of view...Kristy brings well-honed craft to the table. She's someone to admire and learn from for anyone who desires to get into the publishing biz.

The Story...

I am loving the different angles Kristy Cambron has taken in this series. She approaches WWII and the Holocaust from completely new perspectives. In A Sparrow in Terezin, I felt like I was really there in London during the Blitz. I experienced Terezin as an insider. The places and events portrayed in this book made history come alive for me. Kája and Sera's stories are so rich, so beautifully woven together, I almost want to take a break from writing YA fantasy and have a whack at historical fiction. That's how much this story spoke to my heart. From contemporary lovers to all-out history buffs, A Sparrow in Terezin has something for everyone.

As always, in order to keep me interested, there must be romance involved. I have to say I am sort of crushing on Liam Marshall. What girl wouldn't fall for a dashing Londoner who sweeps her off her feet (more than once, I might add). And then there's Sera's and William's contemporary story. I fell in love with these characters in book one, and despite all the trials they face in book two, these characters find strength to get through it all. Add another mystery to the mix and you have a book you'll devour. This busy, homeschooling/writer mom did. In two days! How's that for hungry?

The Ending...

Perfect. Satisfying. Leaving me wanting more. I cannot wait until the next installment! I'm having a bit of a book hangover after this one. It's THAT good! Also, the message of Joshua 1:9 is clear from the first page to the last. It has quickly become my new favorite verse.

Disclosure: I received A Sparrow in Terezin for review from LitFuse Publicity. I was not asked to write a positive review. All views and opinions are solely and completely my own. I received no compensation other than a copy of A Sparrow in Terezin, which is mine to keep or gift as I so choose

Unforgettable. It is the only word I can use that completely captures the essence of what you will experience after reading Kristy Cambrom's latest novel, A Sparrow in Terezin. It is the second novel in the Hidden Masterpiece Novel and tells the tale of two women who's lives are connected through time, one during the German invasion of Poland, and the other involving present day. But they are linked in a way the reader won't understand until the final handful of chapters. It will leave you on the edge of your seat as the story reaches it turmoil that will forever change the lives of everyone involved. I don't want to give too much away but to say that if you are a fan of historical WWII fiction, then you will HAVE to pick this one up.

As the novel opens the readers are thrown into the wedding of Sera James and her husband William Hanover. Just as the wedding is over and the celebration is about to begin, the fear that Sera and William were waiting for shows up as Will is arrested. Knowing her husband is innocent of the allegations that are piling up against him even with mounting evidence, she believes that the best way for them to get through this is working together. But Will is hiding something from his past that might set him free but shame his family's name and that isn't something he wants to do. He only hopes Sera can continue to trust him.

1942, as Kaja Makovsky escapes with her sister on a train out of Prague just as Germany is invading, she can't help but think about the parent she left behind. Ones that were willing to sacrifice everything just to see their daughters safe and living in London, far away from the affects of the war. However when the war finds Kaja in London as the bombs begin to drop, she learns that Jews are being exterminated by the thousands as they board transport trains for places like Auschwitz. She knows she must try and find a way to help get her parents out before they are shipped away on a train to be killed simply for being a Jew.

I received A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This story is based on the art created by the children kept in the Terezin Concentration Camp and Kristy incorporated this element into this exceptional novel. In an Author's Note at the conclusion of the novel, Kristy shares that out of the 15,000 children who lived at Terezin, fewer than 100 survived the Holocaust. It is a moving story that will stay with you long after you finish this book and for that reason, I rate it a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. It's like reading Corrie Ten Bloom's story through the eyes of Kaja's character and makes you wonder how people find the courage not only to survive the horrors but in forgiving the men responsible for so many deaths during the war and the Holocaust.

Kristy Cambron is an author whose writing not only entertains, but makes me feel. After reading The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin, these are just a few of the qualities that I've come to associate with Kristy's writing: humanity in the midst of the most horrific inhumanity . . . historical and character authenticity . . . haunting imagery . . . agape love . . . raw and honest emotion . . . heartfelt romance . . . God working through seemingly hopeless situations.

One thing that especially touches me is how Kristy focuses on some aspects of WWII that aren't all that familiar and shows how the arts were used to inspire hope in the darkest of places. In The Butterfly and the Violin, it was Adele having to play her violin in the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz for those walking to the gas chambers. And in A Sparrow in Terezin, it's Kája discovering her hidden potential as she teaches art to the children of Terezin. Kristy also runs a connected contemporary storyline along with the historical, showing how important legacies can be. I think it is these two factors that makes both novels capture my heart - stories that I might not have read otherwise because of their Holocaust theme.

I enjoyed Will and Sera's story from the previous book and it was great to continue on with their marriage, seeing how they dealt with issues many of us face - fear of rejection, the need for total honesty, and the importance of trust. As for Kája and Liam - what great characters! Sometimes it's not until we face a pressure-filled situation that we find out what we're capable of, with God's help, and that is the case with Kája. I was riveted to their story and their tender, emotional romance is one of my all-time favorites.

Vivid imagery is one of Kristy's strengths, as shown in this poignant description of the people of Terezin, seen through Kája's eyes: "Those interned in the little city were somber, their expressions vacant. The old and feeble perched on benches, sitting like lost birds without a tree. Others walked about as dirt-covered ghosts, haunting the streets, their expressions of despair the most vivid thing about them."

While the Holocaust represents some of the worst evil of which man is capable of inflicting on another human being, we know not only that God never leaves or forsakes us, but that He works through those who are completely surrendered to Him. From the beauty of the Prague clock tower and the spiritual message of hope that it inspired in Kája, to a glimpse of God seen through the humane acts of an SS officer, God's timing and involvement in our lives is a central theme, as shown in Kája 's words to Liam: "My father used to say that all of time is set to a clock - God's clock. We're given so much of it from sunrise to sunset each day. And it's in God's will that time continues to move. He watches over all of us, wherever we should go. . . . And especially when fear overrides our feeling of safety."

The imagery of sparrows always makes me think of God's tender care, and even Jesus used them as a visual in Matthew 10:29: ". . . not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care." A Sparrow in Terezin is a beautifully moving story, one that I highly recommend.

Thank you to Kristy Cambron and Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Kristy Cambron’s The Butterfly and the Violin (see my review) was one of my favorite reads of 2014. I was impressed by its beautiful portrayal of hope in the form of art amidst the horrors of war. I also loved the way the contemporary and historical storylines complemented each other. This second novel in the series follows in its predecessor’s footsteps, continuing William and Sera’s contemporary story, while introducing a new set of historical characters through which to portray hope in seemingly hopeless circumstances.

I greatly admire this author’s writing style. The description, imagery, and symbolism found in both her books so far are simply gorgeous. So much so that I found myself highlighting one beautiful passage after another, intending to re-read and share. Let’s just say that there are far too many of these to share them all! You’ll just have to read the books.

Well, okay. Here’s just one example from Chapter 28:

“Collages dotted the room, hung on the wall with old tacks or pinned to lengths of twine draped along the back wall. Theirs was art fashioned from life in Terezin; the children’s expression made from old newsprint and label paper from old cans. They used what they had. Stretched where they could. And all the while, Kája tried to believe that she wasn’t feeding them false hope.”

There’s a lot to love in this story. The characters are complex and engaging. The storylines and situations are compelling and emotionally charged. In fact, the only thing that bothered me about the storytelling was that I found myself skeptical of the reasoning behind a couple of decisions made by Kája in the historical storyline and William in the contemporary one. I can’t go into detail without risking spoilers, but let me hasten to say, I still enjoyed the story a great deal, and would not hesitate to recommend it, particularly to anyone who enjoyed The Butterfly and the Violin (which you really should read first).

The romance between Liam and Kája is well written, and they seem quite well suited, but I have to admit that some of the scenes with Dane and Kája turned out to be among my favorites in the book. I also loved the scenes with Sophie in both the historical and contemporary storylines that centered on the cross, the clock tower, and the sparrows. There’s some beautiful symbolism and a touching message there.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a complimentary electronic copy of the book via NetGalley for review purposes.

Kaja Makovsky and her sister flee Prague to escape the Germans, but her parents stay. Kaja gets a job working in a London newspaper office, where she meets the handsome war correspondent, Liam Marshall.
But when Kaja hears of the horrors of what the Nazis are doing to the Jews in Prague, she insists on going back for her parents.

Liam is a man of great depth, even though he hides it well under a playboy persona, his job carries a greater burden than it appears to, and he carries the responsibility well. I liked his concern for Kaja, and how he reaches out to her in friendship.

There are familiar faces woven into the story, and the story of Sera and William continues.

Sera and William struggle to see the light in the face of horrible implications.

Overall, this is a deep read, that explores the horrors of the war, the hardships faced, and the faith that sees them through. This was a difficult books to read at times, because I knew that things would have to get so much worse before they got better. Perfect for lovers of rich history.

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron is the latest novel by this author. In present day California Sera marries her great love, William Hanover, who from all appearances lives the charmed life and Sera has just fallen into a Cinderella life. But because even in fairy tails dreams don't always come true neither does Sera's. Before the ceremony is even over William is being arrested for selling artwork that they say isn't his to sell. Time step back into 1940s---In Prague Kaja and her sister has barely escaped Nazi occupation and has settled into London not as a reporter as was her plan but rather as a secretary to the editor. Somehow a paper containing information that the Nazi concentration camps are killing Jews (she is half Jew by her father) by the thousands. Her parents are still hiding in Prague and though Kaja is falling in love with Liam she feels she must go back and get her parents out to safety. Instead Kaja and her parents are arrested and sent to Terezin, a concentration camp. This is the story of their fight to live and treat each other with love as all around everyone is being mistreated and starved to death. This is the story of a Nazi soldier trying his best to do what he can to treat the Jews with humanity while following orders he cannot avoid. This is the story of how WWII still affects families today.

I loved reading this story though it was at times difficult to read. I have an interest in World War II since hearing the was stories from family members. This story doesn't dress up war but it is not the most difficult concentration camp book I have read. I wouldn't have children under middle school age read this book and I would be choosy about the middle school readers. It does mention school children though none of them are graphically murdered and none are raped. It is a good read and we should all know of the atrocities that happened in Nazi occupied Europe in the 1940s.

I received this book from Booklook for this review.

Kristy Cambron's engaging Hidden Masterpiece series continues with A Sparrow in Terezin, another story of hope amid the devastation of World War II.

Picking up a few months after The Butterfly and the Violin, the present day portion of A Sparrow in Terezin follows Sera and William as they attempt to begin a life together—a life that's shaping up to be much different than they imagined.

While I was glad to catch up with William and Sera, much of their story was—I think purposefully—confusing. Just as Sera didn't understand what was happening with William, neither did the reader. But rather than enjoying the slow unpacking of his story, I ended up frustrated, as sometimes even what Sera knew was kept from the reader. Because of that, some of Sera's actions didn't make sense to me. In the end, I'm glad things turned out the way they did, but William and Sera's story isn't what will stick with me when I think about this novel in the future.

Kája's story will.

Kája's story—the portion set during World War II—makes up the bulk of the novel. I found this story to be utterly fascinating. Set in Prague, London, and the Terezin Concentration Camp, Kája's story is different from ones you normally hear of Holocaust survivors. Kája escaped Prague, built a life for herself in England, and then returned to rescue her family ... and ended up bringing hope to countless children while in Terezin.

While Kája is not directly connected to Adele and Vladimir from The Butterfly and the Violin, Sophie, the girl they rescued, is an integral part of Kája's story, and, as she did in the first novel, Sophie serves as the bridge between the past and the present.

A Sparrow in Terezin is a truly beautiful novel. I thought The Butterfly and the Violin was good, but A Sparrow in Terezin is even better. If you enjoy historical fiction or learning about World War II, then this is a series you won't want to miss! 4-1/2 stars.

Note: You really should read these books in order. First read The Butterfly and the Violin, then pick up A Sparrow in Terezin.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.