It took me a few tries to get beyond the first chapter. But when I did, I became engrossed in the intricate details of this split-time tale.

Ava's search for the truth about her family's fortune leads her on a dangerous trail to difficult truths about what happened in Holland during the Nazi occupation. But perhaps, when light is shone on the broken pieces of her great-grandfather's story, beauty and goodness may yet come from the brokenness.

Oh. my. Every time I read a story that focuses on the atrocities of World War II, I am horrified to know how easily people can be brainwashed to believe that wrong is right. Memories of Glass is just such a story.

The story walks fluidly through present day Portland, to 1942 Holland and back weaving a story of unlikely heroes, working tirelessly to save just one more child. Ava Drake, as director of the prestigious Kingston Family Foundation, is sent by her grandmother to Uganda to Landon West's coffee plantation. Her job is to check that the plantation/children's home is actually doing what it says it's doing, and if it is, to offer funding. Meeting Landon, helping with the children, proves to be a turning point for Ava. Yes, her job makes a difference, but could she be doing more herself than throwing money at the world's problems? Meeting Landon's grandmother, who grew up in Holland, is another turning point. Hearing her story makes Ava question her family's version of the WWII truth. Could it be that her grandfather wasn't the hero he made himself out to be, but instead funded the cause and profited from the deaths of Holland's Jews?

Josie van Rees and Eliese Linden grew up neighbors and best friends. Life changed for both of them when war came to Holland. Eliese, of Jewish heritage, is forced by the Nazis to work as a registrar for the Jewish people being transported out of Holland to "camps" in Germany. When she learns that those camps are really death camps, and that often the children are killed first, she and Josie work together to spirit as many of the children away from the transports as they can, including Eliese's young son, Hein. As the Allies close in, can both women stay out of Nazi hands long enough to be liberated?

Again, wow! What a great story. I listened to this one, and can definitely recommend the audio version. I couldn't put it down.

MEMORIES OF GLASS is a bit of a redemption story for two families as this novel takes you from WWII to modern-day. The pure evil that defined the war always pulls at my heart strings and Dobson’s writing brings the story to life right before you. Your head, your heart, your soul — they all feel every raw emotion.

We all have a past — and sometimes it’s not as it seems. Ava learns this the hard way. But with God’s grace and mercy, she sets out in search of the story — the whole story. We’re shown how greed and secrets can drive people to do unspeakable things.

This historical accuracy is spot-on and adds to deep emotions I felt while reading. The presence and message of how God’s love and faith in Him can bring an incredible amount of love, joy, hope, and resiliency to our lives. This isn’t overpowering; but more intricately wrapped into the situations, people, and story. The ending will leave you feeling fulfilled in numerous ways.

Classic Melanie Dobson. Well written. Well developed characters. Thought provoking story line. Highly recommended. Five stars.

A poignant tale of two women in Holland, fighting for the lives of the children as well as their own during the dark days of WWII.

A dual timeline story that weaves together pieces of the past and present, highlighting the brave men and women who risked everything for the sake of others, and the terrible injustices suffered in Holland during the second World War.

I procrastinated a bit on this one as dual timelines and holocaust don't always draw my attention right away, but I was blown away by this touching and powerful story. The modern day story tells of Ava Drake, a young woman working for her family's philanthropic foundation as she uncovers the dark secrets of her family's wealth. Meanwhile in the 1940's, we follow Josie and Eliese, two friends reunited by the war, as they experience a fast changing world as their freedoms are lost and they make sacrifices with the hope of doing some lasting good for the sake of the children. I don't usually like bouncing back and forwards in time, but this book made me love it, as I compared present and past trying to piece together the clues as to how it was all connected.

I loved how this book kept me guessing throughout, and I wasn't completely sure how it would end. This book realistically shows humans at their best and worst, showing the horror of the Nazi occupation in Holland, as well as the unbreakable hope and will to fight for something better. Fantastic characters, that felt tangible, realistically flawed and imperfect. A masterfully told tale of faith, friendship, and courage.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a beautifully woven story! It packs an emotional punch but it's definitely worth the read. It brought me to tears multiple times and knowing it's based on true events made the story come alive in a major way. It's a heartbreaking tale but it's masterfully told by Melanie. If you like fantastic historical fiction based on true life events, do not pass this one up! Melanie's time-slip tales are not to be missed!

Ava Drake spends her days working for her family, the world known philanthropists Kingstons, but in reality it is only her adopted grandmother who accepts Ava. Everyone else fears her presence and want to ensure that she never ends up with any money or power. And when she visits the library in the Netherlands dedicated to remembering those who suffered under the Nazis, she cannot help wanting to learn more about her great grandfather, who used his American money to help this tiny nation recover after the war. What she finds is unsettling, but then her grandmother sends her to Uganda to examine a charitable enterprise seeking a financial grant. What she finds turns her heart in a new direction, but surprisingly leads her to a stark discovery about the Kingston family. This book is told are two stories -- one the modern story of Ava Drake and coffee grower/charitable entrepreneur Landon West and the other, a tale of two neighbors, Josie and Eliese, who work to save many Jewish children. While it takes almost the entire book to see how the two stories are connected, both stories kept my interest. The efforts of Josie and Eliese (Jewish) are based on the resistence efforts of a real group of Dutch citizens including Walter Suskind and Henriette Pimentel, who are featured in the book. From the author's note at the end of the book, it is clear that Melanie Dobson did her research and carefully wove it throughout the book. From the description of the Hollandsche Schouwberg deportation center to the mining tunnels used as hiding places and escape routes, she uses the facts of Holland's occupation to tell a compelling story of heroism by ordinary people. I received a copy of this title from Netgalley. All opinions are mine.

Melanie Dobson brings the most intricate and perplexing details in history and weaves them together to bring a story sure to mark our hearts and mind. I am always astounded by all the layers there is to be learned from one of the darkest years in history -- so much grief and cruelty. However, people's resilience and creativity inspire me today to also be a part of history. They remind me of whose image I am made and who I should seek day to day to mirror.

This novel jumps from 1940s WWII in Holland to the present in the US as it follows the descendants of two families. They two families were friends before the war, and war and love-based decisions drove them apart, so they believed. The key women, Josie and Eliese, find themselves at odds after Eliese returns to Holland but has spurned the affections of Josie's brother, Samuel. The two women work together, though, to hide many children through the guise of the nursery where Josie works.

In the present day, Ava Drake digs into the family history and finds it tied to a case she is evaluating for a donation from the family foundation.

There are a lot of characters in the story, and it isn't revealed until the last 3 to 4 chapters as to who is whom. I found that part quite confusion.

Memories of Glass is a time slip novel set during the WWII era and jumps to years later showing the impact on the family of those who lived during this time.
This book reminded me of how much I appreciate and love historical fiction. There are random quotes between chapters which was really well thought of.
Being a South African, I simply adored the setting which took place in Africa.

Memories of Glass is a well written, deep and inspiring story. It not only tackles the hardships of this war, but also tells of the bravery that so many people possessed in caring for fellow human beings.

This is a highly recommended novel.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another winner from Melanie Dobson!
A beautiful time slip novel that switches between Holland in World War II and present day Uganda. Based on true life events Dobson weaves a wonderful tale of the bravery and love of the people risking everything to save over 600 Jewish children from deportation.

1942- Eliese works for the Jewish Council, but has been able to avoid transportation by helping the Nazi’s in cataloguing the Jewish families being deported. She is determined to save as many as she can by leaving names off the list and with the help of a friend hiding the children, Josie works in a crèche by day and helping the Resistance whenever she can. Together the work to save as many children as a they can.

Present day - Ava, the director of her families Kingston Foundation is starting to have suspicions that her grandmother is harbouring a family secret. When she flies to Amsterdam to open the foundations library she realizes there may be more to her family than what she currently knows.

Will Ava discover a hidden secret and how does it connect to Eliese’s life?

Very well written and a must read!

Thank you to Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishing for the advance copy.

She discovers a past both painful and beautiful...

I'm sitting here now emotionally spent. Words cannot express how much my heart breaks at the horrors those who lived and died during the Holocaust had to face. Memories Of Glass explores the horrors of WWII Holland, but not just the darkness for author Melanie Dobson also tells of the courageous people who fought so hard to save the lives of many innocent children. While this book is sometimes painful to read it is also a beautiful story of hope that transcends generations and ethnicity.

This was another of those books that I never even read the blurb for, it was a Melanie Dobson book and that was all I needed to know that I had to read it. And honestly, I couldn't put it down, reading until 2 am to finish it and finally allow sleep deprived eyes a little rest.

As with many of her other books Memories Of Glass is what some people call a time slip novel and others, probably more accurately, call a dual timeline story. I equally enjoyed, though I'm not sure that's quite the right word, both eras, finding Ava's experiences in Uganda and journey to find the past to be as engrossing as Josie and Eliese's wartime experiences.

Memories Of Glass is a heart-wrenching read that will stay with the reader long after those last pages, be they paper or digital, are turned. Melanie Dobson is a master at her craft and this is one book that is not only going onto my favorites list for this year but it is also one I would highly recommend...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

This is the first book I have read by Melanie Dobson and I certainly hope it isn't the last. I already have one book of hers on order from a rewards program and I already scoured the library to see what they had available to borrow. So that's high praise to start this review.

I haven't read a lot of World War II historical fiction until the past few months. It's so heartbreaking to read and yet it can be so redemptive. Now, I realize that not all the actual happenings of WWII were redemptive, but I can appreciate the efforts authors make to bring those bittersweet, redemptive endings to their historical fiction. Melanie did an amazing job of bringing an aspect of World War II to life that I had no idea about. Who knew that some American businessmen had invested in the Nazi regime before and during the war? I had no idea that that had happened and it made me so sad.

And yet it was encouraging to read about the many children that were rescued in Holland despite Hitler's plan to exterminate the Jews, but it was heartbreaking to hear about the thousands that were not rescued.

So what is the book about? It goes back and forth between three characters: World War II friends, Eliese and Josie and modern-day Ava. Eliese and Josie are young, scared and yet trying to make a difference. Ava is also young, part of a family where only the grandmother wants her around. And then there's Landon, well, of course, there is, but he is an amazing man also trying to make a difference for those less fortunate.

The story is gripping and well-written and the ending is satisfying and beautiful. Redemption happens, questions are answered, new friendships are forged, and deeper insights are gained. I just so enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Melanie.

I received this book from Tyndale Publishers via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is quite a dramatic, heart-rending story based on true events from World War II. This story moves back and forth from those days to present day, and weaves together in a way that kept me turning pages and trying to guess how it would all come together. The conclusion is surprising, but satisfying. My admiration knows no bounds those who risked—and in some cases, lost—their lives to protect these precious children during the war. This story is a true picture of faith, hope, and love in action.

There are real people referenced in this story. Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end of the book. But the author has given us some wonderful fictional characters, too, and both fit together well in this book. If you love historical fiction set in this time period, you’ll love this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This author skillfully brings historical events and people to life in this compelling, time split story tugged at my heart strings in current time and in the back flashes in WWII (1940’s)

The Kingston family has secrets they are hiding. Secrets that could destroy their family and its reputation. Ava Drake wants to find out about her great-grandfather William Kingston and what he did in WWII. His family says he’s a hero, she finds clues that lead to something dark. The family wants it buried. Ava hopes that the truth will set this family free and they can rebuild their relationships.

I was surprised to hear in author notes that this novel was based on the true accounts of unsung heroes who saved children from death camps. The author says, “A network of heroic men and women risked everything to rescue more than 600 Jewish children from the Dutch theater, Hollandsche Schouwburg”. ….” This novel was written to commemorate the many Dutch men and women who chose to use the gifts God gave them … – to battle for good. To remember the bravery of many people….and the many resistance members and caregivers whose names we will never know…I also wrote this story to celebrate those who continue rescuing children today.”

I enjoyed seeing these characters grow like Ava when she discovers this about herself, “The people pleaser in me is weary. I wish I could be more like Landon and not care so much about what people think, but I still care deeply.”…..“I’ve spent a lifetime trying to make others like me, trying to be good, but I have never felt good enough. Perhaps, in hindsight, I’ve spent a lifetime trying to be God.”

The author includes ten discussion questions to help at your book club meeting. Once again, this author writes a novel that touches your heart, has you walk in the characters shoes, get blown away by their courage and bravery and leaves you with a message you won’t soon forget. It’s a story of forgiveness, family, hope and love that will stay with you long after you close the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

Melanie Dobson has written another beautiful story of heartache and redemption. She is a master of time slip novels and has become one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book.

Melanie Dobson is a masterful storyteller. She weaves past and present, ordinary and extraordinary, love and loss, fears and faith in an intricate tapestry of experience and emotion. My words can't even begin to scratch the surface of Dobson’s exquisite art.

The richness and depth of not only faith and emotion but also fascinating historical detail captivated my heart, mind, and spirit. The characters (and real people who inspired them) speak truth to us and our lives today. Despite their grave circumstances, these people made a difference in the lives of others by loving and acting sacrificially.

Memories of Glass tore my heart out, engaged my mind, and challenged my spirit in such a way that I am grateful for and changed by the experience. I highly recommend this book and I will definitely be purchasing a print copy for my all-time favorites shelf.

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.

It has been awhile since I have read a novel penned by Ms. Dobson, but I was immediately drawn to this cover and when I saw it was a time-slip novel, I thought it would be fantastic. I was so right in my thinking because this book is utterly amazing.
From the first page until the very last page, I was completely caught up in this beautifully crafted story.

Josie von Rees and Elise Linden who were once childhood friends are reunited in painful and turbulent tines in 1942 as they work together with other citizens to save hundreds of Jewish children from further horror than what they were already experiencing. The bravery these women had was incredible and I cheered for them as they continued their commitment to saving so many lives .It was uplifting to see people filled with love when so many were filled with hatred.

This book kept me reading long into the night but I simply had to know what would happen and how it would all be tied to Ava Drake and her family. The characters have stayed with me since I have finished this book and I know that they will for quite some time.
Memories of Glass is a thoroughly researched and impeccably written novel which is why I recommend it.

I received a copy of this book form the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

“One hundred twelve thousand Dutch Jews were deported ruing the Holocaust. Five thousand survived, but nothing was ever the same for those men and women who came home.”
With decades comes perspective but what if you were on the other side of WWII and the Nazi regime? What if you didn’t realize what would happen to the families you helped register before they were loaded on trains to a German concentration camp? Melanie Dobson puts you in those shoes and others in the Dutch resistance group in Memories of Glass.
I was immediately drawn into this tale of three women. Josie and Eliese met and became friends as young girls in Holland. The war brings them together years later and together they work together to save children from the camps.
Ava Drake longs for a family that’s not motivated by greed like those surrounding her. When she discovers some new information about the Kingston family, she sets out on a journey to uncover the truth with no idea of what she will uncover.
From Holland to Portland to Uganda, Dobson paints portraits of a life lived in selfishness versus a life lived in selflessness with beautiful prose and a story of sacrifice that will stay with the reader long after the final word is read.
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.

Save the Children
This is a heartbreaking story of the Holland Jewish people during the Nazi occupation of Holland. It is the story of resistance and the saving of the lives of many Jewish children by hiding them. Samuel, Jose, Eliese, and Klaas were friend playing together as children. The war changed everything.

Samuel worked at the bank managed by Eliese's father. During the war he took the money the bank had received from the Jewish customers and distributed it to the resistance to help hide Jewish families. Jose helped him deliver the money.

Eliese left Amsterdam and went to England with William Kingston and they had a son Hein. Later when he left them and returned to New York Eliese returned to Amsterdam. She had to put her son in hiding and later at the last minute Jose saved him from the death camps, but Eliese never found out and always thought he had perished at the hands of the Nazi's. Klaas took the route of working for whomever paid the most. In the end he did the right thing and helped Jose save Hein. Their stories are told within the book. It was sad and moving.

The story is also one of the Kingston family after the war, and the secrets they hid. Crimes that were committed and how ruthless some members of the Kingston family were in order to keep the secrets hidden. Eloise works for the Kingston foundation but knows nothing of her past. Her mother and brother perish in a fire and she is sent to live with her mother's adopted family. She digs into the past and finds the family secrets dating back to WWII. Someone in the Kingston family does not want her to find the truth. As events unfold so does the story of William Kingston and the WWII era for this family.

Told in both modern time and the WWII occupation of Holland both stories are merged together in a way that was easy to follow.

The book was definitely a story to remember. I would highly recommend it.

My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing, Melanie Dobson and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book.