Hidden Among the Stars is a compelling, riveting, and haunting story featuring one of the darkest periods of time the human race has ever been exposed to—that of WWII with the rise of Hitler and the persecution and extermination of the Jewish people in Europe. That Melanie Dobson has done much research is evident, as this book is rich in historical detail. The setting in Vienna and Hallstatt, Austria was particularly interesting to me, because I’ve visited Austria and fell in love with the quaint, beautiful town of Hallstatt. Dobson is skilled at creating realistic, interesting characters. Annika, Max, and Luzia were richly drawn and their intertwining story was deeply absorbing.

Across the ocean in small-town Ohio eighty years later, a bookstore owner named Callie is linked by an old book to the story that unfolded decades before in Austria. This time-slip story connects the two scenarios with a mystery involving the old book. As Callie and a professor named Josh attempt to solve the mystery of that book, their story evolves and connects with the one in Austria.

Although I enjoyed both of the story lines, I felt that the one in Austria was more compelling and gripping, probably mainly because I love historical fiction. I think dual time lines are hard to correlate, but I think Dobson did a fine job of it. The only thing that was a little distracting to me was going from the historical told in the past tense to the contemporary told in present tense. It pulled me out of the story a bit.

This is the first book I’ve read by Melanie Dobson, but I definitely want to read more. She is a talented and creative author. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary book from the author/publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

First, to explain what a “time slip” story is. Basically, there are two stories in different time periods, with something that bridges between the two. The story may be driven by a family relationship or a quest or any of a number of options, helping to connect the past, present or future. Hidden Among The Stars is this type of story. We read in the present and then we read in the pre-World War II era, when Hitler was just taking over Austria.

Melanie Dobson makes the transitions very clear, by chapters. It helps a lot that the past is written in third person narrative and the present is written in first person.

There is some romance, but it’s handled very well and is nicely incorporated into the story without making it the main focus, and with no “electric cheese”. That deserves a star right there.

I can’t speak of the story, because I leave the author’s summary to do that, they know best what they want to reveal. But I will speak of the craftsmanship of the story telling. It is beautifully laid out, very clear, nothing ambiguous. There was just enough description to help you see where you are and what the people are looking at, without it being cumbersome or repetitive. It was so good, that when the story ended, I didn’t even notice that the plot reveal has been done before, in different variations. Like a magician, who makes a trick that’s been done before look brand new, this is what happened for me. It actually took me a few hours or a day to remember similar scenarios in other stories.

Normally, I don’t like simile and metaphor, but like the plot reveal, it took a while for me to realize that I had been reading a lot of simile and metaphor naturally woven into the story.

Definitely, get this one and Happy Reading!!!

DISCLAIMER: I received this book as a gift. The opinions I express are provided without obligation for a positive review. I receive no compensation for the review, other than a really good read.

Read full review on my blog - http://www.multifarious.fircreations.com/hidden-among-the-stars/

I have been a big fan of Melanie Dobson for a number of years. Her novels always deliver a story full of wonderfully developed characters, unforgettable settings, and powerful messages. Hidden Among The Stars is no exception and has moved to the top of my all-time favorites from this talented author. You really need to read this book! Very highly recommended!

Hidden Among The Stars has a dual timeline that while popular with authors and readers alike, certainly has to be very difficult to achieve. I often find that one story is missing something. Not so with Hidden Among The Stars. I was fully invested in both the modern day story of children’s book store owner Callie as she sought to find the connections and secrets hidden within the pages of storybooks and the story of oppression and fear, hope and sacrifice in the early years of WWII-era Austria. The characters touched my heart and became like well known friends. I hurt for them, cheered them on, and was amazed at their resilience and nobility in the face of cruelty. While all the characters are striking in their portrayal, my favorite was the simple, teenaged Annika who was caught up in events much larger than her experience. A very ordinary young woman, Annika extraordinarily lives out Christ’s love. The history surrounding the occupation of Austria, the early years of Nazi oppression, and the hidden treasures that were lost was fascinating. Dobson weaves a mystery that will captivate your imagination while forcing you to turn the pages faster and faster. For those who love books, children’s books in particular, Hidden Among The Stars is a treat. I loved the history shared about the authors and their life experiences.

Hidden Among The Stars will undoubtedly make my best of 2018 list. A book that pulls you in from the opening lines, it is a beautifully written, emotionally charged, and powerfully moving depiction of love, honor, and sacrifice. Grab this one and some of your friends — you are going to want to talk about this book!

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: older teens and adults.

I enjoy books having a dual timeline. This book is set in Austria in 1938 and also the present, 80 years later, in Ohio. The thing about dual timeline books is they keep you reading, wondering how the lives of the characters in each time period will intersect with those in the other.

I enjoyed especially the character of Callie, aka Storygirl, at the bookstore in Ohio, present day. Maybe that’s because I’ve always loved books, bookstores and libraries! Her friend and surrogate mom Charlotte was also a favorite, due to her special care for Callie and her sister. One book, Bambi, connects these people with those of Austria in 1938. The “how” and the mysteries surrounding the story make for a great read. Some surprises in the end!

I received this book from the publisher via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. I would recommend it to lovers of historical fiction, especially that of the WWII era, as well as lovers of stories with dual timelines.

I’m not sure what to say about Hidden Among the Stars. Not for lack of enjoyment but rather the reverence of the subject matter. Even as I sit to write this review, my eyes mist over at the thought of the atrocities against a group of people. Things that are stuff of horror movies. In reality, it is our world's history. “Oh God, forgive us.”Melanie Dobson has a way of crafting a story and sucking you in. Making you forget that it is 1 o’clock in the morning. This one left me just as captivated if not more so. I even read the Acknowledgments, which I typically skip. She does change points of view and times in history quite a bit, but it is fluid and easy to track. I never felt lost as to where I was in time and who I was reading.
In all honesty, it was the subject matter that drew me to this story. As I closed the book, I cried. I cried for the fictional characters, for those whose real stories she used, and for the millions of lives lost at the hands of an evil regime.

*Thank you CelebrateLit for offering the opportunity to read Hidden Among the Stars that I might leave an honest review.

I loved this story. I loved the characters in both the present and the past. I was never confused as to which characters I was reading about. I loved Annika and Max and Luzia. There were many twists and turns throughout this present day/ historical mystery. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

A well researched and beautifully written story of both the Gentiles and the Jews in Austria, Hidden Among the Stars gets 5 stars in my book.



While it is not exactly Time Travel, the time-slip in this book was fun! Getting pieces of both stories, these Austrians, both the ancestral Austrians and the Diaspora Jews in Austria, and Callie’s 21st Century story was great!



I really connected to Callie, the contemporary lead. I too feel safest tucked away with my books and when I get to share books I love with others. {in case you wondered why I blog} I think we share the same superpower. “Story Girl” is a title I could really get into!



And despite how she got here name, Callisandra is absolutely beautiful! Her courage made me want to be more courageous, and her book choices made my wishlist grow again!

Fathers
There are several fathers in this book, at least 3 of them make you mad, and 2 of them stand out as men of honor, who care for and take care of their families well. Even with impossible odds, Dr. Weiss did what he could. I admired him throughout his story. He was a remarkable man.



Part of the ending, I expected from about chapter 2-3, which is about when I was sucked in and couldn’t put the book down. But another part surprised me, and I was very impressed. I enjoyed being surprised!



The premise of Hidden Treasures belonging to the Jews in Austria who could not take their wealth with them when they were escaping was sweet and sad. How it was cared for, as well as how easy it might be for that knowledge to be lost was well written and believable.



I would recommend this book to anyone 16+ with the caution that

A) there is some forceful unwelcome attention that does result in pregnancy, and

B) this deals with the treatment of the Jews in Austria leading up to the war, so it will be uncomfortable. That said, the real history is uncomfortable, and we dare not forget or pretend that it wasn’t!



Melanie Dobson does a fantastic job of making it real without being graphic. I hope you will read it!

Truth. I love dual time line stories, when they are done right. Truth. World War 2 era fiction is a favorite historical time period of mine (after Civil War - hello Gone with the Wind!). Truth. Nothing can be wrong when a character in a book happens to own a book store, I mean all the books IN the book. I'm new to Melanie Dobson but this won't be my only book by her. You can tell she did her research both historically on currently. Set at the cusp of WWII when Austria voluntarily let Germany into their borders and the Jewish population that had only recently been granted the opportunity for citizenship (again) scrambled to find their footing. You can tell she loved her people even when she had to weave in their hardships the love was evident. Loved people become loved characters in a reader's hands. Just sayin'.

Let's talk for a minute about the things that didn't work for me however. Girl meets boy over an antique book with some unusual writing in it. Boy is a university professor studying the history of the time of the book. Girl is part owner of a book store whose hobby includes digging up information on writers of previous generations. Boy and girl meet a handful of times and he invites her to join him on the trip to Austria to dive for the Jewish treasures that history tells us the Nazis threw into the lakes when they were being closed in on. Boy trusts girl he barely knows to fly to a foreign country with his daughter. Really?!? Boy and girl share conversations about faith and God in settings and situations that just didn't feel authentic. Awkward. Boy and girl fall in love in Austria. Now that I've given you the long story, the modern parts of the story is where I struggled. I can't begin to imagine in the short time they knew each other with such brief meetings before he left that he was totally on board with letting his child fly to Europe with, for all reality, a stranger. The faith elements in the modern story felt forced and awkward as well, they lacked a naturalness.

For all the hiccups in the modern story the history engaged me. The authenticity of the relationships and the palpable fear and concern of the individuals at play. The true depth of all the emotions that brought these characters to life. Some of the twists I figured out before the revel, though a few kept me *thinking* but not certain until time to know. Overall, the truly is a well written book of two generations of individuals exploring life, finding themselves and to some degree finding out who they were. Healing the hurts of the past and reconnecting the faith of the future. This is a must read for anyone who has an interest in WWII history. It's definitely one I know I'll read again as I know there are more nuances I missed (sick reading ya know). But it's also unique from the perspective of Austria which isn't as common for history of this era.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Sometimes there are books that change a reader’s life. These books worm their way into a reader’s heart and live there forever. Hidden Among the Stars is one such book for me. This story is superb, and it left my heart beautifully shattered. I found the writing in this novel to be stellar, the research impeccable, and the characters exquisitely crafted. Hidden Among the Stars is a must read for 2018!

Callie, one of the main characters, is my favorite. She could easily be my twin. I very much relate to her introvertedness, her fear of traveling, her love of books, and her innate need to hide from the world. At one point in the story Callie states, “Too many people, for too many hours, exhaust me.” Yes! This is totally me. It’s not that I don’t like people. I’m a high school teacher; clearly, I need to be around people. But it is physically and emotionally draining to be in large groups for a long period of time. I really love and need my alone time just as Callie does in this story.

Callie hides from people because she is trying to keep herself from emotional pain. Heartbreak hurts hard. I definitely get wanting to protect one’s self from heartache, sadness, and loss. The problem though with hiding from people is that you miss out on a lot of amazing experiences and moments. As I stated above, I’m a textbook introvert. I have been known in the past to skip out on my best friend’s Halloween and Christmas parties because I knew they would be large to-dos. Large to-dos terrify me. But, after unexpectedly losing my brother and dealing with my best friend’s cancer diagnosis and treatments, I have come to realize that we only have a small amount of time with our loved ones and we should not squander this precious time. Callie eventually realizes this herself, makes a very brave decision (for an introvert), and begins to live the life God always meant for her to live. I cheered quite loudly for her when she changes things in her life for the better!

There is a lot of violence and evil illustrated in this book. There is a Gestapo agent bent on annihilation. Kristallnacht is portrayed, as is the round up of completely innocent Jewish men for “questioning.” And, the overall ugliness that defined Hitler’s regime permeates this book from start to end. There were moments I had to step away from the book just so I could breathe. But, through all of this evil, no one blames God. Some of the characters question what God is allowing, but they never hate on God. It is so refreshing to read a book and find that the characters understand and accept that God allows things and the Devil is just pure evil. To me, it’s the difference between knowing the Bible and having a relationship with God versus claiming to know God and not having truly studied His Word. So, when the characters act in brave and courageous ways in this novel, it is always believable because their relationships with God were real. They knew His Word and they knew Him. This is the lesson I took away from this beautiful story — real bravery and courage comes only when we have a full and right relationship with our Creator. A full and right relationship allowed David to stand against a giant, Daniel to withstand lions, and Esther to face a Hamon. And, it’s how the remnant few survived the Holocaust. Truly, this is an excellent reminder for me today.

Hidden Among the Stars is one of the most stunning novels I have ever read. I am blessed to have read this heartbreaking, yet hopeful, book. This story and characters will stick with me long after I’ve read the final page. I highly, highly recommend this read!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Anyone who enjoys World War II novels will enjoy this book.

I moved pretty quickly with hoping back and forth to present time and the past.

The point of view and seeing what was happening in Austria was heart breaking. Jewish people who lived peaceful lives, the were pillars in the community suddenly being thrown out.

Melanie did a great job of depicting the brainwashing the took place from Hilter and how people’s mind were swayed to his way of thinking.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

The author has woven a story that begins in 1938 and flashes to the present eighty years later, and when we begin we know that the characters are somehow connected, but how, yes, we think one way and then another.
Through the written words we experience the beautiful area of Austria, and unfortunately, also the evil that is lurking to destroy a group of people because of their beliefs.
I found the bookstore charming, and could just see the rapture in the eyes of those children as they enjoyed the stories read to them.
We see how the children’s story Bambi, written by a Jewish author, helps bring this book together, and in the end, works to bring families together.
Lest we forget, a book that is a reminder of a dark time, and also of a rebirth.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.

This poignant story wove around my heart and has left a lasting imprint that is sure to remain. Like a master orchestral composition, this story started in broad lyrical strokes and gradually build upon itself into a sweeping masterpiece. Past and present blend together seamlessly in this sweeping saga of love, loss and the power of restoration.

My copy of this book is awash in colorful highlights and page-flags noting parts that I especially enjoyed, quotes, and important details. The setting of the story sets the tone, but its the dynamic characters that carry the plot along, setting the tempo and the lyrical melody. I found myself simultaneously reaching for the tissue box and hugging the book when I finished.

Faith in God plays a central role in the characters lives. This gentle reminder weaved into the story, “God is infinitely more beautiful and loving and tender and kind than anything we can imagine of Him.”

Both vibrant and enduring, this dual-timeline story that is set primarily in Austria during World War II is one that you won’t want to miss! I give this story 5 enthusiastic stars. Order your copy today, or request it from your local library.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

Y’all, Melanie Dobson gives readers a gift with her latest release in the beautifully written dual time story. Hidden Among the Stars tells the tale of a bookstore owner and blogger who needs to write her own adventure. A woman who starts that adventure with a book with an unusual feature in it. A feature that will connect her to four people living in Nazi-occupied Austria.

Callie’s interest is piqued when she finds a book. One that a professor at a nearby college is interested in because of the owner’s name. Her search leads her to learn of heartbreak, love, and sacrifice.

There is a doozy of a twist near the end I did not see coming. One that poked at the soft places of my heart because it exemplifies what love will do.

Dobson does an excellent job of using quotes from some favorite children’s books to emphasize her own story. One that reminds us of what a gift our lives are and the importance of living them well.
If you want a story that will stick with you a while after you close the back cover, one that makes question what you would give up for those you love, then add Hidden Among the Stars to your list today.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I was really excited to get a chance to read this book! This book is amazing. The story captures your heart and doesn’t let go. It is so well written and seamlessly blends two time periods together. It’s hard to decide which characters I liked best so I just think I like all of them. There is just so much depth to each character. I feel like they are friends and I was sad when then story ended. Melanie Dobson created a compelling story that will stay with you for a long time. The message of faith, hope, forgiveness is weaved throughout the story. I think the reader can learn these truths right along with the characters.

I recommend this book to my friends and family.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion

As I read this book, I was captivated and intrigued. I think this just might be the first book I’ve read from this author, and I am definitely adding her to my list of “authors-whose-books-I-must-read”.

This is a story about a girl living in Vienna at the beginning of WWII. Annika. She is a servant girl at the castle of Max Dornbach’s family. Max has a friend Luzia who is Jewish.

The book slips back and forth, from 1938 to modern day.

The modern day Callie is a bookstore owner in Mount Vernon, Ohio. (I always find it neat to read about places I’ve actually been to–the town, that is, not the bookstore)

She finds a book that has Annika’s name in it, dated 1938. Thus begins her journey to learn all she can about the original owner of that book.

This book grabbed and held my attention. If you like history, or WWII, you won’t want to miss it!

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

3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4

Opening Line:
The blade of a shovel, cutting through frosted grass. That’s what she remembered most from the spring of 1938.

I have been a fan of Melanie Dobson since reading her books Catching the Wind, Château of Secrets and Shadows of Ladenbrook Manor - all historical fiction.

It is 1938 and Austria is getting overtaken by the Nazis, three young people’s lives are about to get entwined together as family secrets are uncovered and friendships are put to the test. How an original copy of Bambi, gifted from mother to daughter, ignites a journey for the present day story.

Hidden Among the Stars weaves between 3 women with 3 vastly different stories to tell. Again I found myself drawn to the past story (nothing new there). Set around a castle, hidden treasure and forbidden love I couldn’t help feeling for these young women. It was a brutal time with the author not holding back on the atrocities that took place. While I enjoyed this book I was able to predict the outcome as the story unfolded - which isn't a bad thing.

Sometimes it’s the little tidbits I glean from certain books that stay with me, such is the case here. Callie works in a bookstore and it’s her knowledge of children’s literature and the past that did interest me. References to some of my favorite kids' books even adding a few to my tbr pile. The author of Bambi and Curious George both Jewish fled hours before Nazis invaded (I’m still googling).

This is Christian fiction and heavy in both time periods, more so than in the author’s previous books. I feel there is a fine line where it can be too over-the-top, just right or not enough, in terms of sharing the faith of the characters, without sounding overly preachy and taking away from the story. With this book, I think it was just the right blend, especially the past story. The nightmarish path these girls faced, the struggles, it was authentic and believable. For Callie while her story was not as devastating as the other two she clung to her faith.

All in all an entertaining read, my thanks to the publisher (via netgalley) for an advanced copy of this book.

This dual-time novel wrapped itself around my heart and mind and remains in my thoughts as I ponder the captivating story. It contains many of the elements I enjoy—books, history, suspense, uncovering secrets, intriguing plots twists, hidden treasure, and a satisfying conclusion. I can’t put into words what a masterful tale Melanie Dobson weaves as her characters unravel the threads and unearth more layers to fully explore the history and mystery centered around an Austrian village by Lake Hallstatt during the Nazi invasion. A modern-day bookstore owner and a history professor search clues and follow leads that point to much more than they expected to find. The journey is rich and enlightening. Join characters separated by generations but connected through books and a common tie and “experience” their adventure as you read. You won’t want to set the book aside until the last page, and even then you’ll long for more. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. all opinions are my own.

This book was impossible to put down! A time-slip novel bringing the terror, secrets and the horribleness of Hitler's takeover of Austria together with a cape-clad, red-striped sock wearing Story Girl who wants to return treasures and memories more than 70 years later. Annika, Max, Luzia and many others had physical and emotional scars from what they had to do to survive. Many, as we know, did not survive, and those who did, do not want to talk about it, so finding the owners of the notes, little treasures and pictures found in old books was a labor of love for Callie, the co-owner of the Magic Ballon Bookshop. An orphan, now grown, an imposter, a professor and the bookstore owner all find answers and family in this fabulous story of resilience and faith.
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.

Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson

A compelling novel of sacrifice and trust

My rating is 4.5 stars

I loved the way children’s stories were threaded throughout the book. As a co-owner of a children’s bookstore and as the real live Story Girl, Callie was intimately acquainted with this genre. Her philosophy about the importance of being selective about the books that children read is one that I appreciate and wholeheartedly agree with. Comparing the types of books to various kinds of food was very clever. Are the books you read healthy, are they like a junk food diet, or are they simply poison?

Hidden Among the Stars was very rich and compelling. While it dealt with some of the atrocities against the Jewish people, it was handled very tactfully and carefully so that it was not gruesome or depressing. Very few details were given of any violent acts.

I appreciated the way that Max loved Luzi so deeply that he was willing to sacrifice for her. Despite the fact that she did not encourage him at all, he continued to pursue her and watch over her to the best of his ability. In addition to that, he was not influenced by his father’s cold heart and just knew that what the Nazis were doing was wrong.

Callie needed to face her fears. She had been hurt deeply, first by her parents, and then by her fiancé. As a result, she closed herself off from adventure and spent her life with her sister’s family and at the bookstore but never branched off beyond that. When she was challenged to travel, it took almost more than she thought she could give to get her onto the airplane.

There were many rich insights from the Scriptures. Insights about the nature of God filled the pages as well. As the characters struggled with questions about how a good God could allow such terrible things to happen, they discovered truths that helped them to deal with their pain.

Read the full review of Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net

I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

“No one can stop this music. Its journey continues, I think, throughout the earth and up into the heavens. An eternal, sacred song.”

Hidden Among the Stars is another winner from this masterful author. Melanie Dobson’s haunting, lyrical, and musical voice is powerful and beautiful. She creates a vivid world of 1938 Vienna and Austria - its music, beauty, and culture clashing against hatred and anger against the Jews. This dual timeline story unites 1938 Austria with present day Ohio and one antique book brings strangers and families together for an unforgettable journey. The slow unraveling of the past and present as they intertwine is delicious and full of intrigue and anticipation. The multiple twists and turns in the plot heightens the anticipation. The present day is from Callie’s first person perspective in present tense. The past is from Max, Luzi, and Annika’s limited third person perspective in past tense. The writing switches perspectives and times fluidly to create an incredible tale. I loved the way the author used well-known quotes from children’s books in the story and how the antique books central to the story are also children’s books.

The characters Callie and Josh from present day Ohio will charm you. The characters Max, Luzi, and Annika from pre-WWII Austria will make you cry and hurt and love with them. The themes of sacrifice, justice, full trust in our God, and letting go of fear are real and prominent in all the characters’ lives.

If you enjoy historical romance, especially dual timeline ones, you will absolutely love this book. It’s a must-read!

I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.