🩰 The Italian Ballerina - Kristy Cambron

3 ⭐️- This book was really beautiful given the time it takes place. I love US History and historical fiction so a story based on true events peaked my interest.

A ballerina, two American medics, and a young jewish girl with no name. It’s the height of WWII and Nazi control in Rome, Italy. Finding refuge in a hospital, we find out about the illness, Syndrome K (you must quarantine, how annoying 🤣), that is made up in order to save Jews from Nazi’s during the war.

This story was told in multiple view points and timelines, which normally I love. At the beginning of this book, I found it hard to keep track of. As it went on though and those storylines started to connect and make sense, it did get easier. It was a bit choppy but overall, I thought the story was beautiful, heartbreaking, and heartfelt during a dark time in history. Definitely recommend if you’re a dancer (lots of ballet references) or like historical fiction!

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron is another brilliant example of her historical dual timeline stories. I have fallen in love with her writing style, her deep understanding of historical events and how they impacted people's lives, and her challenging spiritual arcs. I cannot pick which timeline I fell in love with more–the contemporary or historical–as the characters are so incredibly written and full of life. As usual, she does an excellent job of blending the years between the stories, bringing the past to life in the present, and delicately intertwining the frailty of the past with the realities of the present.
This story is beautiful in its exposure of the goodness in humanity and the persistence of life to keep moving on despite the evil in the world. I fell in love with the story instantly. I hoped. I cried. I sighed as I closed the back cover. It will not disappoint.
For lovers of historical fiction/romance or dual timeline stories, this is a must-read and one of my favorites of 2022.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I admit that I was interested in this book because the title has "ballerina" in it. What does a ballerina do when the war interferes with your profession? This particular ballerina, Julia Bradbury, helps patients in a nearby hospital. She finds herself helping patients with Syndrome K, the deadly and highly contagious disease that was fabricated by doctors in Rome to save Jewish people from Nazi extermination.

This is a dual timeline story with events taking place in the past and in the present day. It took me a little while to get used to that but once I did the story flowed better for me. I found the Syndrome K storyline ingenious and fascinating as I'd never heard of it before. I didn't know how much the Italians helped the Jewish people. Learning new things is one reason I love historical fiction. The red suitcase in the present day ties into the past in a way I'd never have thought. I don't want to give anything away but I love little things like that.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Another absolutely beautiful WWII story from Kristy Cambron.
Dual timelines, from present day, back to the past, I found this story to be very fascinating, and a bit heartbreaking.
I enjoyed all the viewpoints. It was a real eye opener to see what WWII might have looked like from that position in time and place.
The little red suitcase is an important piece of the puzzle, and completes all the story lines.
I loved seeing how it all came together.
The characters were alive and real to me as I read.
I always appreciate reading about the time period during the war, if only to keep it alive in our memories, that the sacrifice of all those poor people is not in vain.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This amazing WW11 historical fiction novel takes place in three timelines. While I was a little bit confused initially, I could not put the book down by the end.
This book is based on the true accounts of Syndrome K, the deadly and highly contagious disease that was fabricated by doctors in Rome to save Jewish people from Nazi extermination.
In the past, Courtney Coleman has had a troubled past and decides to enlist when Pearl Harbor is bombed. While he is there, he meets Julia Bradbury, an Italian ballerina, and together with another allied medic and the hospital staff, they work together to try and save the Jewish people from the Nazis.
In the Present day, Delaney Coleman has recently lost her grandfather, a WW11 veteran. Soon after, Delaney's family is contacted by an Italian woman who claims they have a family heirloom. Delaney travels to Italy to discover her grandfather's past. This is one of the newest books set in Italy on our list!

Historical fiction written with so much research proves to be a history lesson for us. This story taught me about how the Italians assisted many Jewish people to survive. I learned about the sacrifices that were made during the war. It also takes you into the lives in the US where people were learning about themselves and honoring their promises. I enjoyed the characters and the love and care they all shared.

This was a great story set during WWII. I loved how the story flipped back and forth between the past and the present. I liked seeing how what happened in the past effected the future. I really loved the characters and there were moments when I cried over what they went through. I thought this story was well written and was a great look into what people are capable of especially during hard times. I would recommend this book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This was a beautiful story of how the Italian people banned together to help save the Jews during WWII. The book weaves together the past and present in a very poetic way. It was so interesting to see specific instances of people risking everything to save innocent Jews from the Nazis. Specifically Julia Bradbury, herself a famous dancer, befriends a little girl and saves her from certain death. It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation that occurred at the hands of the Nazis but equally as uplifting to see that there were those will to go up against that evil with courage and love. A truly inspirational story of redemption and second chances.

I do not have much interest in the Second World War. I know that I am an oddity, but I tend to find it immensely sad and difficult to read about. (Even in fiction!) However, I am fascinated by dancers during the war. Many companies, like the Royal Ballet (as they would later be known), travelled extensively during the war to perform. And Audrey Hepburn herself danced during the war. Most of the recollections I’ve read ended “well” (for a war story), but The Italian Ballerina looks at a dancer when things go sideways during the war and they can’t dance.

Because I don’t read a lot of WWII fiction, I found this fascinating. I did have to concentrate with the dual timeline, but it was absolutely worthwhile for this beautiful story. And as an historian, I appreciated the amount of research that went into this novel- it really came across in my reading experience.

My only slight qualm is that there could have been more about ballet in this book; however, that can get tedious for any non-dancers to read. I think that this is the perfect balance for a wide-range of readers!

4 out of 5 stars - If you ask me, I'll tell you to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for this advanced copy (even if it did take me much longer to get to it than I intended!)

This book taught me so many new things about WWII that I never knew. So many historical fiction books are focused on Germany or France during the war, but this one is set mostly in Italy. With converging storylines, this book jumps between present day and various years between 1939 and 1945. It follows two American medics, a British ballerina, and a young Jewish girl, as well as the grandchildren of one of the medics and the child in present time.

Before this book I had never heard of Syndrome K or the hospital at Fatebenefratelli in Rome. A fake contagion was invented to hide Jewish people from the Nazis in plain sight. The Jewish people were diagnosed with Syndrome K and the Nazis wanted no part in catching a potentially deadly contagion. While the main characters are fictional, many of the people mentioned in the historical timeline were real. I really enjoyed the "extra information" at the end of the book with more details about the war in Italy.

Kristy Cambron is one of my all-time favorite authors and once again, I was left utterly speechless and completely blown away by her beautiful writing and storytelling! The Italian Ballerina is an absolutely stunning novel spanning from WWII/Rome to present day, based on true events, exploring the Syndrome K sickness. Amidst the multiple POV’s here, I was so impressed with how the story unfolded, progressed through the pages, and wound together by the end.

Every book I read by Cambron becomes a memorable one, and The Italian Ballerina was no exception. I have found myself thinking back on this story, the historical events, characters, settings, all of it quite frequently. I loved how rich with detail and history this story was, and the ways that made it the compelling and engrossing read I found it to be. There was so much that I learned here and walked away with!

Cambron really nailed every element to what makes a superior historical fiction read. Beautiful writing, a unique and powerful plot, atmospheric setting that transports the reader, enjoyable characters, and meaningful takeaways. There is a quality to this authors writing that I find to be matched by none.

While at times difficult, emotional, and heartbreaking, this story was ultimately so inspiring and heartwarming. A story of compassion, faith, forgiveness, and redemption. I am intentionally skipping over more specific details here because this happened to be a book I went into “blind” and it would be my suggestion to do the same. Simply soaking in the characters and plot as it all came along with no previous anticipations made it come to life on a whole different level.

I absolutely cannot sing enough of this book’s (and author’s) praises! Kristy, thank you for this incredible book. It has become a new favorite and is one I will highly recommend for time to come! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. Pick this book up!!!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy!

What can love and art do for the soul? I believe that is the core of what this story is all about. In the past storyline the reader is given multiple characters to follow, Julia and Court. Each struggles through personal loss which in turn molds their character. Both Julia and Court have the ability to love deeply and don't hesitate to make sacrifices for others. In the midst of the German occupation in Italy, one little girl with her red suitcase gives them a reminder of why their actions are worth it.
The modern day timeline gives the reader the story of Delaney and Matt. A forgotten red suitcase in Delaney's grandfather's possessions triggers the unravelling of an unknown story, one that neither Delaney or Matt could ever dream.
Cambron created a beautifully heart wrenching story that brilliantly describes the monumental efforts taken to thwart the Germans from taking more Jews. Complex characters, a scam of epic proportions, romance, and one little girl make this book a wonderfully satisfying read.

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.

This is an amazing story of World War II bravery and courage; of a man willing to give his life to save a little girl; of people willing to invent a mysterious, contagious illness in an Italian hospital in order to protect and save Jews; and of a famous ballerina who is willing to risk everything to care for others.

These are a few of the many things that happen in this tale that spans the 1940s to the present in finding out the truth about a man everyone thought they knew.

Starting in present day with Delaney “Del” Coleman receiving a call from a man in Italy asking for some of her deceased grandfather’s belongings, this story goes on to find out about the unknown background of Dr. Courtney Coleman and why people in Italy are interested in him. Thereafter is the telling of tragic events during WWII that lead to some terrible, and wonderful, outcomes.

This tale is compelling and keeps readers on their toes wondering what is going to happen next. And how will the mystery of the little girl’s “suitcase” be solved?

I enjoyed this very much and highly recommend it!

I'd like to thank NetGalley, Kristy Cambron, and Thomas Nelson for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

Cambron's books tend to either be a hit or miss for me. And The Italian Ballerina was a miss for me. I was so looking forward to this one because of the dual time and the Italian setting because I haven't read many WWII fiction set outside of Germany and France and England. Though I didn't enjoy this one. It was still a well written book. And Cambron does indeed spin wonderful stories.

"Based on true accounts of the invented Syndrome K sickness, The Italian Ballerina journeys from the Allied storming of the beaches at Salerno to the London ballet stage and the war-torn streets of World War II Rome, exploring the sometimes heart-wrenching choices we must make to find faith and forgiveness, and how saving a single life can impact countless others.."
Well researched historical fiction that pulls you in with the author's attention to detail. This one will tug at the heart strings and keep you interested from page one to the end.

I enjoyed The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron. The characters were well developed, you could feel their pain, terror & joy. Cambron did a great job blending dual timelines. The book is long and at times it seemed slow to develop the story line. Overall, it was a very good book.

This happens to be my first book by Kristy Cambron and I can say that I am a fan. I'm in love with historical fiction and WWII holds my interest. I thought this one was unique from other WWII books I've read. It takes place from 1939 to current day but not in chronological order. It was a bit confusing at first until I got in the swing of it. Yet, I still felt that the jumping around in time was what disconnected me some from a smooth read because of how it distracted me at times.

The book's genre is also Christian fiction so the romance was very good, clean, and pure in my opinion. Not all romance has to have steamy scenes to hold my attention. Tender, loving, caring and honest feelings are important to love so I enjoyed the romance quite a bit.

I thought this book was more character driven than plot drive and I definitely loved all of the main characters and their POV's. Julia is a ballerina and she's a very strong personality/woman. I really enjoyed her character but I equally loved Court with all of his true-to-life flaws.

Going to different countries in the different POV's made it interesting as well. England, Italy, and Indiana were given equal time so each time the reader goes to a different country the story line of a character continues.

I am sure I will be reading more of Cambron's books now that I've been introduced to her!

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

Fantastic book. I listened on audio and had some moments of distracted listening (thus is a teacher's life), but overall, I really enjoyed this story and would definitely re-read it again! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this book!

I always enjoy historical fiction, especially when there is a present time storyline to parallel the older story. I tend to read a lot of WWII novels, and find I always learn something new. In this case, I was interested to learn about Syndrome K - something I had never heard of before. I enjoyed following along as Delaney uncovered the story that eventually tied in with her own past.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson - Fiction for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was a beautiful story that kept me turning the pages. Both the historical and contemporary storylines kept me turning the pages. I loved the resolution as well. Kristy Cambron is one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend this new book.