While I keep thinking I have learned most of what there is to know about the Holocaust there always is something more to be learned.
This book is a yes if you like dual narratives and mysteries of the present shining light on history of the past.
This book is a no if you don't like christian fiction because that is the first second and third theme of the novel.

Here is the set up: In present day we have Sarah who is facing her own heartbreak by hunting down a haunting painting she glimpsed once in the Louvre. She's brought together with William who is searching for this painting for his own reasons. The painting in question is of a beautiful, striking girl holding a violin but with the distinct tattoo of Auschwitz.
In the past we learn of Adele - daughter of a Nazi general who is also the darling violinist of Austria. She has picked a side in the war and must survive the consequences.

These stories weave back and forth learning more about both sides of the story until they finally come together.

My thoughts: While I should have anticipated this from a Nelson published book I didn't think the christianity would be SO heavy handed. However, if that's your jam go for it. I won't yuck on your yum. Additionally I found the romance between Sarah and William to be far too quick and not all that believable. 2 days? 2 and she's all heartbroken and won't ever trust? too fast to be believable. The stories of the past definitely were stronger than the present however overall it was a fine read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this some time ago but forgot to post my review on here.

I enjoyed the book but overall it was a bit didactic for my taste.

The Butterfly and the Violin is the first of 2 books in A Hidden Masterpiece Novel (A Sparrow in Terezin, is #2). It's a dual time-period story where the present-day folks search for a missing painting - each having their own different reasons. The past story is about how the painting came to be.

Set in Vienna beginning in 1942 it's an emotional story, which stands to reason given the time and location. The author doesn't hold back when describing what Adele goes through. As the blurb above holds back on saying all she went through so will I. Given the title it's no secret that music plays a big part and that I found interesting and loved the way the author built this story around that.

As much as I love dual timelines there are times where the past holds more interest for me and that was the case here. The current day was ok but I think I wouldn't have minded if the book was just in the past. I found myself more invested in the past, it was interesting and captures my attention more than Sera and William's story.

Again so many different ways to write a story that encompasses the Holocaust.

Here is the story of two young Austrians who decide that they do not want to follow the directions of the people running their country. The daughter of a high ranking member of the third Reich and talented violinist, Adele Von Braun risks everything to help the handsome cellist she has fallen in love with rescue a Jewish family and smuggle them out of the country.
Modern day and Sera James meets William Hanover as their paths cross while both are searching for the mysterious portrait, of a young violinist with striking blue eyes.
Giving this novel a sightly different twist to the now familiar details of life lived during the war and details of the concentration camp, Auschwitz, is the idea that all these characters in the book are Christians. They refer to their Bible and to the Lord many times in the plot. Their religion plays a prominent role int he story even through the modern couple searching for the painting.

In Kristi Cambron’s The Butterfly and the Violin, talented violinist Adele Von Braun lives a sheltered life in 1942 Austria but yearns to help those who are affected by war. To that end, she undertakes the dangerous mission of smuggling Jews out of the country. Her life turns upside down when she is caught, and she fights for survival in Auschwitz. In her darkest days, a fellow prisoner shows Adele an exquisite painting and reminds her that God creates beauty out of tragedy. Generations later, the historic search for this same masterpiece serves to inspire a young art dealer struggling to overcome rejection and a broken heart. Will it lead her to love too?

The Butterfly and the Violin is extremely well-written and rich with historical detail, so much so that the reader can feel the deprivation of the concentration camp. The narrative is told by two women generations apart, but the plot is woven seamlessly together with gripping scenes that make the novel hard to put down. The reader easily identifies with the characters, each displaying depth and authenticity. The romantic storyline is skillfully told and, to Cambron’s credit, does not drown the rest of the story. The spiritual message is unmistakable, but not preachy.

The Butterfly and the Violin is an example of superb writing and the first in the Hidden Masterpiece series. If you like historical romantic fiction, I highly recommend The Butterfly and the Violin.




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