The stories go back and forth in the time between the present day where the main protagonist is Callie Randall and during WWII the points of view shifts among Annika, Max, Luiza and Hermann. Thanks to Melanie Dobson, I have discovered that this kind of writing is known as time slip fiction, where stories with two (or more) interconnected timelines. The author takes the reader along for the journey of discovery through family history, research, documents and even time travel.

As with most WWII historical fiction, the reader will grapple with understanding how people who were once neighbours, friends and colleagues were able to overnight become enemies. Through the Callie and Brie, Dobson is able to subtly show the impact of literature as they search for clues with the help of famous Austrian and German authors and how they were shaped by society. Honestly, I had heard that the original story of Bambi was somewhat connected to the Nazis but I had never thought much about it until I read this book.

I have read a lot of books about the WWII in my short life but this one of the few that left me with the lingering thoughts about how one man’s selfish ambitions can devastate nations and generations. Maybe in a sense, his legacy will remain for over a thousand years.

I would highly recommend this book if you are curious about the people's lives leading to the Holocaust in Austria and the lasting effects throughout the years.

This was an interesting perspective on WWII. I've read a lot of WWII era novels and this was the first one I've read where the premise was specifically more about lost heirlooms being returned to people.

Timeslip novels are always a little risky. Sometimes I only end up liking half of the book and barely even skim the other half. Dobson did a great job of keeping me engaged in both parts of her book. I think it really helped me a lot how interwoven the two were. Throwing in a mystery certainly didn't hurt anything either!

One of my favorite parts about this book was the bookstore that Callie and her sister own. I was really impressed by it even just through the pages of the book. I loved that she did a story time with kids. I also love her website - but I'll let you read the book to figure out why!

I really enjoy WWII era books because they can be educational or at the very least reminders of things that happened in the past that we must truly never forget. They usually aren't easy books to read - but they are important. Because even in fiction we can remember the atrocities and be reminded that we must do better.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

I'm a sucker for WWII novels especially novels with dual timelines and this book checked off those boxes. It was a fairly interesting read and I would suggest it to people who enjoy the genre.

In 1938, as the Nazis take over Austria, Max Dornbach refuses to join them. Instead, he tries to help how he can, by hiding valuables belonging to Jews at his family's summer home, Schloss Schwansee, and he eventually asks Annika Knopf, the caretaker's daughter to help him, which she does. Annika has loved Max forever, but when Max asks him to help her once again--this time with hiding Luzia Weiss, the Jewish woman he is in love with, that tests her in ways she'd never imagined.

In 2018, Callie is a bookseller and homebody, afraid to branch too far out. However, when an article she's writing leads her to an old German copy of Bambi with a strange list written among the text, she finds herself wondering about the list as well as the original owner of the book, Annika Knopf. In order to get answers, however, she would have to leave home and reach out in ways she's never done.

I love reading WWII novels, and I thought it was really interesting to see how the two different timelines intersected. I was excited to see how things would play out. Callie's whole hunt for information was a great plot line. I felt a slight disconnect from the characters. I think that's largely in part because there were several different narrators; sometimes we're seeing things from Callie's POV, other times from Annika's, or Luzia's, or Max's. Although that allowed for compelling scenes, I think it made it harder to get as close to any single character as I (as a strongly character-driven reader) wanted. All in all, a good story and one I can recommend to fans of WWII fiction and Christian fiction.
3.5 stars.
I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I’ll have to admit that I had a hard time getting into this book. Not the writers fault, for Ms. Dobson writes a lot of detailed history in this book. Slipping from the 1938 Hitler Movement, when young Annika helped hide valuable possessions of the Jewish people from the Nazis. To eighty years later when bookstore owner Callie Randall finds a cryptic list left in an old edition of Bambi that connects her to Annika’s story.

As with Melanie Dobson style, Hidden Among the Stars is a heartfelt story that’s not always easy to read. But each scene is so vividly detailed, and the characters so professionally crafted they pull you right into the story along with them. I did learn a lot about the Hitler movement that I’d never heard before. And I have to say the author did an amazing job of going back and forth between the 1938 era and today’s era. This is a very well written story, and I don’t know how to bring in a lot of the happenings in the review without giving away part of the plot and I hate doing that! So you will just need to pick up this book and see for yourself. You will find an awesomely crafted story that will sure give you hours of entertainment!

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and NetGalley for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

Content in her single life, though wishing for a family of her own, bookseller Callie is afraid of change. Being part of a team was never in her comfort zone. She’s always been a bit awkward, as if unsure of her place. Her childhood was about survival.
When she discovers a cryptic code in an old copy of Bambi, she searches online for answers. She meets professor Josh Nemeth and his daughter Ella, and suddenly, going to Austria isn’t so scary.
Annika Knopf and Max Dornbach bury treasures for Jews under threat from the Nazis in 1938 Austria. Annika loves Max, but Max loves Luzi Weiss. Luzi is Jewish, and that’s dangerous. The Weiss family can’t escape the Nazis.
Evil raged during that time. How can people be so cruel to others?
A fascinating time-slip story about love and loss, faith and tragedy, vile and good. The evil of the Nazis seems so pronounced, but the world is still wracked by humankind’s malevolence toward each other.

Impeccable research as I have come to expect from Melanie Dobson filled this book with rich history and made it an interesting read on the historical part. But overall, I did not enjoy the book much. The slow start had me almost quitting several times and I did not connect with the characters either. I kept reading, because I usually love this author's books, but Hidden Among the Stars did not do it for me.

Surprise ending with plenty twists and turns. An enjoyable book, but more could be done to give the main protagonist a bit more depth.

<i>“There’s always a cost for standing up against evil…”</i>

First, one of my favorite elements of both the past and the present storylines is the significant role of children’s books in the plot. Two books in particular are key to the characters and the poignant tone of the story, but the whole contemporary thread is really a love letter to the power of children’s stories – and our memories associated with them – to anchor us and remind us about what’s important in life. I have always wanted to do what Callie does – to run a bookstore and be like Kathleen Kelly from You’ve Got Mail (#lifegoals) so I instantly latched on to her character and thrilled over all the book references and Story Girl and the old used book she discovers – which connects us to the historical plot thread.

<i>Some books, I think, can be like cats. No matter where they’re sent, they have this uncanny ability to find their way back home.</i>

The historical storyline is intriguing and bittersweet and incredibly moving. There was more than one moment where I had to stop reading to swipe at the flood of tears before I could continue. The Holocaust and the Nazi regime were horrific and cruel and inhumane, and Hidden Among the Stars doesn’t sugar coat the atrocities. Yet at the same time, Dobson tenderly weaves in grace and hope and light, like the first green shoots of spring. The last few chapters undid me with the beauty of her storytelling and the poignancy of how all the various threads tie together in exquisite perfection. The contemporary part of the plot is noticeably less intense – which lets our hearts settle a bit and lets us see ‘the rest of the story’, as it were. As Callie began to uncover answers to her search for the significance of the Bambi book, my excitement also grew with every step closer and closer to the moment when all the pieces fall into place. The two separate story threads are indispensable to each other and to the novel as a whole.

Bottom Line: Make sure that Hidden Among the Stars has a spot on your TBR pile because this is a story that is not to be missed! It is emotional and gripping, and the characters will linger in your heart for a long time to come. Dobson puts faces and hearts to the history we are familiar with, and then takes us even deeper to the stories we may not have known. Along the way, we are reminded of the power of love, of the goodness of God, and of the life-changing embrace of story. It’s a novel about, as the author says, “ordinary people who resisted evil in their own extraordinary way”. A must read from intriguing start to compelling finish!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

The author pretty much had me by the book blurb on this novel. I love learning (yes you can learn even though you're reading fiction!) about different time periods, and happen to be fascinated with the time period that Hitler was around. The point of view that was presented in this story - Max and Annika mainly, was amazing. It's men like Max that make you smile, with their strong exterior and soft heart. In a time that was full of violence, persecution, and evil, this story reminds us that there was good stories out there too, if we just look for them.

Typically when I read a dual timeline book I find myself hooked on one story line more than the other. Not the case here. Let's start with the historic time period - Dobson makes you feel like you are there, scared for what's to come, but hope that you will make it through. If you stop for just a moment as you are reading, you can see the scene play out vividly in front of you. It will make you cry, it will surprise you, and it will remind you how faith is relevant today just as it was back then.

Then there's Callie. First of all, she has my dream job. Owning your own bookstore and being surrounded by so many wonderful books day after day? Um, yes please! The adventure she goes on trying to solve not one, but really two mysteries is fun, exciting, and keeps you on your toes. Both stories come together in a beautiful, perfect way that will leave you sighing when you find the words "the end". I'm thinking that maybe Callie can continue to find mysterious things in old books so that we can have more wonderful stories in the future! ;)

The bottom line is that this is a book historic fans and Christian fiction fans are going to devour. You may even want to set aside some time to read most, if not all of it at once. Dobson hooks you right from the beginning and I think you'll find it hard to put down! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Hidden Among the Stars is a fascinating split-time novel! The novel takes place mainly in late 1930's Nazi-occupied Austria and present day United States and Europe. The portion set in the past centers around a group of young people—Annika, Max, Luzia, and Hermann—as they resist the Nazi infiltration of Austria. Callie's story is told in the present, and it quickly becomes obvious that her own story is connected to the one in the past.

This book started out slowly for me, but once I reached the halfway point, I couldn't put the book down! The way the two stories intertwined kept me tearing through the pages. I did engage more with the historical story than the contemporary one—it really felt like the contemporary story was there just to allow resolution to the historical plot. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the contemporary plot, but I found myself rushing through those pages to get back to the historical plot. However, the way Dobson wrapped up the novel by connecting the 1930's portion to the present was nothing short of brilliant, and I found myself fighting back tears as it unfolded on the page.

This is a lovely story of faith, family, and sacrifice that fans of World War II fiction will love!

I've heard a great deal of buzz about this book amongst other Christian fiction readers and their recommendations really made me want to read this book. This was my first novel by Melanie Dobson, but it won't be my last! This book was a dual timeline novel that switched between pre-world war II Austria and modern day in small town Ohio, following an original rendition of the book "Bambi" between the 2 timelines. Unlike some other dual timeline stories I've read, this one takes the current day timeline in first person and the past timeline in 3rd person. I found this very easy to navigate which timeline I was in and I believe made it flow better. The story drew me in immediately. In the past timeline, it was surreal to see from the viewpoint of those who were living in a country that Hitler took over before the war technically began and to see the difference between those who supported the third reich and those that did not. It was alarming to see the viewpoint of the Jews who were virtually shunned overnight and who weren't able to leave the country. This book brought me to tears many times and brought to life this very scary time in our not-too-distant history. In the modern timeline, there was a good deal of character development as Callie came to terms with some of her past and her fears. It was amazing to watch her come out of her shell. The writing style of this book was very easy to read, the book flowed well between the timelines and the characters were very likeable. There were a few twists and turns that I won't spoil for you here, but my husband could tell you how many times I exclaimed out loud when something caught me off guard as I read through this one. Regardless of your genre of choice (historical, contemporary, mystery, romance, etc.) I would strongly recommend this book as it has it all!

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy of this book. I was not under any obligation to provide a review and the thoughts and opinions contained herein are my own.

A captivating story of history, romance, and suspense, this book just drew me in!
A long time fan of stories set in the time of WWII and the horrible time in America's history, of Hitler and the horrible treatment of the Jews, I new I wanted to read this book. While I am not always a fan of time slip novels because they can be so hard to keep up with, this author did an exceptional job of telling a wonderfully engaging story through characters and times set 80 apart.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, this book is a must read!
As a first book to read of Melanie Dobson, it will definitely not be my last!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Celebrate Lit, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

I have enjoye all of The different genres that Melanie rights. This was the historical fiction that was woven with love, war and mystery.

"Please smile, Luzi."

And with Max's words, I know why I allowed myself to pick up another war story and be pulled through the tears and pain of those terrible years in history. I always finish a beautiful book like this one with a gut feeling. How would I have coped in that time? How do I deal with wrong things in front of my right now? It's interesting to consider and really encourages me to do what it's right even when it seems impossible.

The characters were beautiful in this story, and both the contemporary and past setting swept me away. I didn't quite enjoy the contemporary scenes as much, but they were still sweet and I liked that the author didn't rush Callie's story, even at the end. You are still left with the hope that there will be many happy days ahead for her. On a side note, I LOVED that Callie worked in a bookstore and I adored learning more of the book Bambi and its author.

My heart broke in the other scenes. There's a love-triangle of sorts, but I can honestly say it's one of the few that I actually adored. It wasn't cheesy and actually held a strong focus of true love, not just frivolous feelings. The spiritual content was spot on and I loved the strong threads of salvation through Jesus Christ.

I can't say a lot without spoiling, but it is indeed a sweet and heartbreaking story. Max, Hermann, Luzi, and Annika all reveal the beauty and expanse of well-rounded characters, while Callie and Josh seek to learn more of their story. I know I would read it again, so I'll be adding it to my wishlist :)

Like the castle that haunted the mind of Mrs. Dobson so has this book to mine. I love anything that has to do with this time period and the World Wars. It is a fascinating and torturing time for the world. I knew the history of the dumping of treasures and or the use of them for the Nazis party. What I found to be the most fascinating point that was created in this book, is those that chose to stand up and attempt to do right.

From the award-winning author of Catching the Wind, which Publishers Weekly called “unforgettable” and a “must-read,” comes another gripping time-slip novel about hidden treasure, a castle, and ordinary people who resisted evil in their own extraordinary way.

The year is 1938, and as Hitler’s troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to his family’s summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker’s daughter, who is eager to help the man she’s loved her entire life. But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at the castle, it complicates Annika’s feelings and puts their entire plan—even their very lives—in jeopardy. Especially when the Nazis come to scour the estate and find both Luzia and the treasure gone.

Eighty years later, Callie Randall is mostly content with her quiet life, running a bookstore with her sister and reaching out into the world through her blog. Then she finds a cryptic list in an old edition of Bambi that connects her to Annika’s story . . . and maybe to the long-buried story of a dear friend. As she digs into the past, Callie must risk venturing outside the safe world she’s built for a chance at answers, adventure, and maybe even new love.





My Thoughts: This is an amazing novel. It takes the reader back to 1938 to the beginning of Hitler's regime. The author Melanie Dobson has done an incredible job of giving the reader a glimpse of what it would have been like in that period time.


I liked the time-slip of the characters, and how they all inter-related to one another. It was so creative how one book can tie all these characters together. All this and a little romance too!


In this novel, we learn through history about the persecution of the Jewish people; but we also learn to let our walls down, that even though we've been hurt we need to learn to trust again. It's also about being selfless, loving your neighbor more than yourself and taking care of their needs no matter how much it may hurt.


This novel is well written and it flows easily. It's a book that the reader won't want to put down. I highly recommend this book.

This intriguing novel is set during 1938-1939 in Hallstatt, Austria just as Nazi Germany begins its occupation; and during modern times in a used book store in Ohio.
Max Dornbach has a heart for people and as the Nazis sweep into Austria, Max helps his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions at his family’s summer estate in the mountains. Annika is his childhood friend, and daughter of his family’s questionable caretaker. Annika has loved Max all of his life and would do anything to help him. Luzia Weiss is a talented violinist, and the object of Max’s affection. When he brings a distressed Luzia to the estate, Annika must make a life or death decision in order to stay true to her promise to help Max.
Fast forward 80 years to small town Ohio, where orphaned sisters Brie and Callie run a used book store passed down to them from the woman who took them in. When gifted a first edition copy of Bambi, Callie discovers handwritten cryptic lists written between the text, forever connecting her to Max, Annika, and Luzia’s story. As she digs into the past of ownerless treasures Callie’s tested and challenged to overcome her own fears, stepping outside of the safe haven she’s created for herself.
This is a time slip novel about good versus evil, love, hidden treasure, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, but ultimately about the love of a Father who is faithful even when evil abounds.
The descriptions of setting are vivid, and there’s a depth to each character that endears them to the reader. One can’t help but to grieve along with all that was lost during the Holocaust. The novel is sensitively written, challenging the reader to not forget what was a horrendous time in history.
I did not see the twist coming near the end of the novel in Annika, Luzia and Max’s story. It took me by surprise but was fitting of the characters. The question remains, do we love enough to do the same?
Callie’s story is beautifully connected to the mountains of Austria. I did foresee the ending of Callie’s happily ever after even before it really began, but it was still enjoyable to read her story. There’s a bit of mystery though as she follows a trail to find the mysterious ‘Annika Knopf’, original owner of her Bambi edition. Her story answers loose ends in Annika, Max and Luzia’s stories.
There are some intense moments (what holocaust novel doesn’t have them?) but more beautiful moments that leaves the reader thankful for those who love them.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Hidden Among the Stars is crafted with emotional depth, authenticity, and artistry! Everything about this story is beautifully intricate from the characters and their backstories to the intimate depiction of history and breathtaking landscapes. Timeless themes of love, faith, and family make this story a must read for all!

This story, these characters, and the inspiring message between these covers touched my reader heart in a way that few stories do... deep, wide adoration! Obviously, this book is going straight to my all-time favorites shelf and I strongly urge readers to experience this story for themselves.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I couldn't get through the book without crying several times. The author has written an historical story that sweeps across time from 1938 to present. It was easy to follow when going from time period to time period. Each character had a special place in my heart with their fierce determination to survive. I have read several books about how Hitler treated the Jewish citizens and each time my heart weeps for them. This book was especially emotional because the characters seemed so alive and jumped off the pages.

Annika was a special person who wanted to help her friend Max hide treasures so that Hitler's men couldn't find them. It was such a risk for her and I feared that she would be found out. Would you risk your life to help a friend? The author describes the terror that the Jews faced with deep emotional words. I can't imagine having to hide from people who hated you. The story is very intriguing and I couldn't put the book down.

When the book goes to present day, I saw the brilliance of how gifted the writer is. It is a seamless jump from past to present . Callie is a wonderful character and I liked her instantly. How fun it was to read how much Callie enjoys being at the bookstore everyday. She does story time with children which they all look forward to. When she discovers a very old children's book, she finds something very special hidden in the pages. This will take her on a journey that will span years and impact many lives.

I really enjoyed finding out more about "ownerless treasures" and how desperate people wanted to preserve them. Are there still treasures hidden today that are waiting to be found? Callie goes to great lengths to discover who Annika was and what the hidden message in the book meant. It's a wonderful story filled with faith, danger, sadness and for me an unexpected ending to the story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.