THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN

A mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz---and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl---a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover, the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul, who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together, Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.

A darling of the Austrian aristocracy, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: in the grim camps of Auschwitz and in the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

My thoughts...

A wonderfully written debut novel telling the story of Adele in 1942 and Sera in current day. Adele was a young violinist that was imprisoned in a concentration camp for smuggling Jews out of Vienna. Her story will warm your heart, in the midst of the horrors she used her violin to bring joy to others and glory to God.

Cambron's glides back and forth between past and present so well. She has given depth and realism to her characters and told a story with passion and grace. I highly recommend this book!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.