Continuing Sera's story this is a sequel that expands on the stories and characters from the first book in the duology. You do have to read the first book in order to understand the second so be sure to start there.

This book is a yes if you like dual narratives and stories from the past and present weaving together.
This book is a no if you don't like Christian fiction because that is the first second and third theme of the novel. This book is also a no if you had the miscommunication/lack of communication trope. So much could be fixed if Sera and William actually spoke to each other.

When learning of the Holocaust there are certain sites that you know about Terezin was not one of those for me. I wasn't aware of this work camp that was a stopping place to worse places. Cambron did a good job in bringing that place to life. In showing the reality of a place that was a stop on the ride to hell she brought more to this tragic spot in our history. Kaja was a good protagonist in balancing too brave and too timid. She came across as more real in her facing what was in front of her.

I do again wonder the need to shove a Christian belief in a Jewish tragedy however I recognize that I have changed since when I first had this on my TBR.

Good story, if you're into Christian Historical I'm sure this is one that will work for you.

Thank you Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Present time - Sera is married to a real man, not to an ideal one. Real = flawed.
1942 - Kája Makovský, a half-Jewish girl, is desperately trying to save her parents from the Nazi-occupated Prague.
Is it possible to forgive? Os ot possible to have peace?

This is a second novel in the Hidden Masterpiece Series.

Beautiful heart of Ms Cambron shines through this novel, and her love for Christ. This is also my reason for 4 stars, as I have been uplifted through the reading (even if some issues are bothering me a bit).

But firsts first - Kája's story is powerful. A girl returning from at least a bit safe London to the (almost) heart of the Nazi's land? And then, captured and sent to Terezin, half-ghetto and half workcamp? And still trying to have and give hope?
Kája is strong and connectable character because of her integrity and compassion.

And her story with Liam is pure vintage movie charm. I love them together. It is obvious that the authoress loves the golden era movies and who can blame her? Certainly not me!

Sera and William - well, that's another story. I could relate to Sera (even if I find her inconsistent in her feelings), but I can't relate to William. He is quite bland and what is worse, I can't shed the feeling that the reality of his wrongdoings is a bit twisted so that Sera could forgive him. But in the first book we read that he wanted to be a pastor! So I am a bit confused by his actions as described in this volume.
But I love the quintessential best friend Penny and the beautiful character of Sophie.

And I love all the descriptions! Ms Cambron's strength lies in her ability to depict the various environments, she just can "get you there". I certainly should buy some polka-dot dress!

And what bothers me? Well, I live in Europe and my country was under Nazi's regime, too. I understand that the author is non-European and that the book is primarily for non-European market, too, but the evil of this regime was much, much worse than depicted (and I know we are speaking about a book of fiction). Not just in the thousands of thousands lives lost, but for the change in mentality, too. War is evil, as it can change people into monsters - and not just anonymous Nazis, but your acquaintances, friends and family, too. This is another facet of the war which was not depicted and I believe it should be. The cruelties were also much worse.
The forgiveness is very needed after such a dark time, but to forgive, one should acknowledge the full suffering, too - to be able to forgive wholeheartedly.

I applaud the authoress for using the full Czech name of Kája even with diacritics - so often the usage if the name would be "Kaya Makovsky" or something like that. It shows respect for the foreign culture.
And just to add some educational info - the correct form of Kája's surname should be "Makovská", not Makovský - Slavic languages (Czech language belongs into this group) have different form for the surname of a female and different for the male - the base is the same, but the ending differs. This is very practical so one knows if he is meetinf Mr or Mrs based just on name. The name of the authoress would be "Cambronová", for example.

Read this for the beautiful spirit of forgiveness. And some vintage charm!

A Sparrow in Terezin takes you from the terror of London during the Blitz, to the horror of the concentration camps, to modern-day London and San Francisco. Kristy Cambron paints a touching picture of a woman trying to do the right thing in a time when evil prevailed, and the ripples her actions send into the future. Beautiful writing and heartbreaking imagery make the novel sing, proving Cambron’s acclaimed debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, was no fluke. I highly recommend this book

Thank you for the opportunity read and review this title! I didn't enjoy it as much as I"d hoped, and rather than post a negative review, I chose to not feature it on my blog. I look forward to seeing what new releases you have in store!