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Sunday, July 21, 2013

New giveaway! Now I'm giving away Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander Donley (with bonus review!)

About the book:

Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life. Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?

My review: 

Wow, I'm so tired this morning but I just had to finish this book before I went to sleep last night. It was good from the beginning, but I work full time and am an author myself, so it took me longer to read due to my own deadlines. The tension kept building and building, just the way I like them. I cared about the characters so much my heart ached at times. I would love to see this book in print. It's long, but very good. I enjoyed the entire ride!

The story felt real to me and the characters were complex. I often got so lost in the story I forgot I was reading. The plot was emotional and compelling. My heart pounded more than a few times. And the ending... OH MY! If that doesn't make you want and jump up and shout, "Yes!" nothing will. Very well done!

I'm a big fan of fiction written about Europe during the war anyway, and this story had just the right amount of tension, romance, and setting. I must have read upwards of fifty books or more during this time period and this was one of the better ones. There were so many compelling twists and turns in this story. I'm telling you, that last quarter of the book was NOT going to let me rest until I finished the last word. Great debut!

Where Treasure Hides was published by Tyndale and released in January 2013.

Now for the question: What fascinates you most about WWII era fiction?

A winner will be chosen using "the Hat" randomizer program next weekend.

14 comments:

Johnnie Alexander said...

Michelle, thanks so much for hosting the giveaway for Where Treasure Hides. I have to say that I think Ian (the hero) is dreamy, too. :)

So much about WWII fascinates me, but two things came together that inspired this novel -- protecting children and art from the Nazis.

Can't wait to hear what everyone else has to say!

Thanks again!

Caroline said...

OH, my, your book has already drawn me, being written in the WWII era. I write (and love) in WWII era and contemporary because:

* My mother lived during this period: that's number one reason I love the time period.

* there are so many facets of the period that seem (in my head) romantic: the hasty marriages, the courageousness of the young men, the honor and loyalty from our country, the decisiveness from our leaders. And on and on. The music and dress and cars and military uniforms. It was both a wonderful and horrible time. But I love it! :)

apple blossom said...

the heroes of the war

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Johnnie Alexander said...

Caroline, I know just what you mean. And the more I read and the more I learn, the more fascinated I am by those years. So much tragedy, but also so much heroism. I hoped to capture both in my novel. Thanks for sharing your love of my favorite historical era. (I could just feel your excitement through the screen!)

Johnnie Alexander said...

Hi, Apple Blossom. Love your hat! Oh, there were so many heroes -- those who performed quiet acts of courage, such as sharing limited food and providing hiding places for the children. Thanks for participating!

Andrea said...

I've always been fascinated by books set during the WWII era. Maybe because it was fought on so many fronts that the settings and characters can vary widely and never run out of material. I think the first series I read about WWII was the Zion Chronicles by the Thoenes. Ever since I've been hooked and try to read every book I can find in that era.

andrea2russia@hotmail.com

Amie Lout said...

This book looks incredible, right up my alley! I love these kinds of era books! I just finished Paul Mark Tag's White Thaw: The Helheim Conspiracy, paulmarktag.com for info. which was fantastic I recommend it.But now in need of a new book to keep the streak alive for great reads and this one is my next choice! Thanks for the great review!

Johnnie Alexander said...

Andrea, that is part of the appeal for me, too. I met an author, Joanie Schirm, at a local event this past weekend whose Czech father sought refuge in China. After his death, she found 400 letters he had kept since that era. She writes about the letters in her book, Adventurers Against Their Will. I'm so excited to read it. Thanks for participating in the giveaway.

Johnnie Alexander said...

Hi, Amie. I hadn't heard of that book, but I'm going to look it up. Thanks for the recommendation and the link. I very much hope you love Where Treasure Hides. Thanks for commenting!

J. Hilton Steele said...

I have always been interested in the Holocaust and read all the Leon Uris books about the time and after. I also have an interest in the Pacific side of the War because my uncle was killed over the Philippines. A Town Like Alice is a fave from that side of the war stories.

Johnnie Alexander said...

Hey, Julie! How great to run into you here! I had at least two uncles who served in the Pacific, but it's the theater I know the least about. I wish I had talked to them more about their experiences when I had the chance. Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the recommendations.

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

and the winner is Caroline !

Johnnie Alexander said...

Congratulations, Caroline!

I also want to thank Michelle again for her great review and for hosting the giveaway.

Thanks, too, to everyone who participated. Loved chatting with you!

Ralf said...

This is fantastic!

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