My biggest issue with this novel was how unrealistic the boys journey seemed. For me, there were far too many close calls and coincidental opportunities. While I do believe there were countless situations where people were saved by the kindness of strangers during these devastating times, this felt over the top. Additionally, although I generally love stories revolving around children, I did not feel a connection or investment in Moses and Jacob. The story lacked emotional depth. The story was just not believable, and I think it lost a bit in the translation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Author and publisher for a copy of this ARC.The opinions expressed are my own.

Due to a extended illness I've gotten way behind on my reviews, so these are going to be short and sweet!

Loved this book. Read in one day. Excellent plot, held my interest from first word. The characters were well liked and complex.
5 stars

I am thankful that the publishers allowed me the opportunity to read and review this book. The following is the review I posted on Goodreads:

Ugh. I really don’t like giving poor reviews to WW2 novels, but this one was just too much. First of all, reading this book was like reading a collection of inspiration memes that someone’s 73 year old great aunt posted on Facebook. There were just waaaaay too many of them. Secondly, I understand the author was inspired by true events that occurred during the war, but it felt like he tried to squeeze every single incident he read about into one book. Again, just too much. Lastly, the dialogue was terrible. Nobody talks like that. The dialogue didn’t drive the plot forward, it told the story. As I read I felt like the characters were reciting events rather than conversing. Sorry, but even children in the most dire circumstances do not speak like philosophy professors. I don’t know...I just couldn’t with this one...

Oh, and the fact that they arrive in Argentina around the 95% mark in the book...this should NOT be given away in the book description. Come on! Spoiler!

I have long been a fan of this genre, namely a genre that covers the WW11 timeframe. I have read many of the books, each one notable and different for different reasons. This story by international bestseller Mario Escobar brings us the heart-wrenching story of Jacob and Moses Stein. Living in France, and decidedly Jewish, their story begins in the summer of 1942 as Nazi’s start making a concerted effort to round up all the Jews from France. Their parents were forced to leave France and hoped to send for them. Thinking they would be safe with their aunt, their parents could not have imagined the deterioration that would occur inside France. When the boys are picked up in a raid, they defy the odds and escape from the Velodrome. Using the help of a few, honest adults, the boys ultimately find themselves in the refuge of Le Chambon Sur Lignon, a remote French village that became a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution. Hoping to find their parents, who have ended up in Argentina, the boys stop at nothing to be reunited with their parents. Like so many historical fiction novels, the main characters are fictional, but they are based on real people and real experiences. The remote village of Le Chambon Sur Lignon is a real place and many of the people from the village mentioned in this story were real and they gave their lives in defense of these marginalized people. Will definitely appeal to fans of the genre. I couldn’t help but root for these 2 young boys on this almost impossible journey. A delight to read. Review posted to Amazon, Litsy, Facebook, LibraryThing and Goodreads.

As someone who is drawn to historical stories in WW2 and particularly the plight of Jews during the Nazi regime, I was keen to read Children of the Stars. I had been delighted with Mario Escobar's writing in Auschwitz Lullaby, and this new novel is beautifully rich as well. I could well imagine the circumstances in which Jacob and Moses found themselves as they journeyed alone across France to their parents in Argentina, with writing so descriptive and emotionally charged. I have not encountered much written about the treatment of Jews during this period in France. I especially enjoyed learning about the citizens living in Le Chambon-Sur-Lignon and their fight to help persecuted Jews during the war.

Anyone who enjoys wartime inspirational fiction based on true stories of real people who lived through those times will appreciate Children of the Stars. I am grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC for this my honest review.

#International bestselling author #Mario Escobar is such a master at blending facts with fiction.With his background in advance studies in Modern History this Author is a gem.He is the executive director of an NGO and directs the magazine #Nueva.
The novel has two brothers whom in “1941” start on their journey.The journey from France 🇫🇷 to Spain.While looking for their parents they make it only on “#”KINDNESS OF STRANGERS “.Will they find them?
Thank you#Netgalley,#Mario Escobar and #Thomas Nelson
“

This story was a disappointment to me. The narrative was clunky and uneven—I couldn’t tell if the writing or the translation or both was the issue. It would go from choppy to lyrical with a suddenness that left me frequently dizzied. The voice wasn’t consistent throughout. The narration is in an omniscient POV that can’t seem to focus on the same characters very long. I generally really enjoy omniscient narrations but this was the most jarring I’ve ever read as we’d get deep into one character’s thoughts and then be surprised by something another character was thinking in the same paragraph.

Another thing that really bugged me was that the author’s philosophical wanderings were most likely to occur in the thoughts of the twelve-year-old boy. Had it been presented as a truism from the narrator at all times, I’d not have found it jarring, but to think of a boy on the run stopping to think these transcendent thoughts felt very unlikely and made it harder for me to connect with Jacob as a character.

The story is mainly clean, with bad language mostly limited to vulgarities, but does include some episodes of graphic violence. It is marketed as Christian fiction but it isn’t; the MCs are Jewish.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

Description
From international bestselling author Mario Escobar comes a story of escape, sacrifice, and hope amid the perils of the Second World War.

August 1942. Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers, are staying with their aunt in Paris amid the Nazi occupation. The boys’ parents, well-known German playwrights, have left the brothers in their aunt’s care until they can find safe harbor for their family. But before the Steins can reunite, a great and terrifying roundup occurs. The French gendarmes, under Nazi order, arrest the boys and take them to the Vélodrome d’Hiver—a massive, bleak structure in Paris where thousands of France’s Jews are being forcibly detained.

Jacob and Moses know they must flee in order to survive, but they only have a set of letters sent from the South of France to guide them to their parents. Danger lurks around every corner as the boys, with nothing but each other, trek across the occupied country. Along their remarkable journey, they meet strangers and brave souls who put themselves at risk to protect the children—some of whom pay the ultimate price for helping these young refugees of war.

This inspiring novel, now available for the first time in English, demonstrates the power of family and the endurance of the human spirit—even through the darkest moments of human history.

I have enjoyed reading other novels by Mario Escobar so I was excited to get this one via Net Galley. While it tells a memorable and suspenseful story of two brothers, I must admit that sometimes I found it stretched my ability to find it believable. If I suspended my disbelief a bit, I enjoyed this story about family and brotherhood in the time of war. Lots of historical references are built in accurately, such as the Vel d’Hiv roundup (something lots of people don’t know about since the Velodrome d’Hiver is no longer standing). I will share it with my high school daughter as it’s not a disturbing read, but instead one of hope and resilience.

Thank you for my ARC, Thomas Nelson Publishers!

It is difficult not to feel inundated by all the recent literature covering World War 2, fiction and nonfiction alike,: but this story from Mario Escobar will reel you in, smoothly and effortlessly, take hold of you as though you were on a wild rollercoaster ride, and emotionally wring you out when you get to the other side.
I know when I have finished a book and it leaves me breathless and emotional at the end, it's a keeper. This book relays the journey of two young boys during WW2 who travel through Nazi occupied France all the way south, but find their parents have fled for South America. Through the help of various individuals, they get assistance crossing the border into Spain and then travel by bus to Barcelona before they can set sail to Argentina to finally be reunited with their folks. They do this with the help of various clergymen and business owners who have handled other Jewish refugees seeking safety. The story had me biting off what was left of my nails while riding this emotional rollercoaster, wondering, were they ever going to make it back to their parents???
The message I took from the story was that sometimes in the midst of so much evil, some good, some hope can prevail. I was amazed at how strangers help ferry the two youngsters to the next safe location even while facing extreme danger themselves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my opinion.

A story that tender hearts will find a bit sad, but love anyway. The Holocaust is a depth oft plumbed, but rarely well. Escobar's story is a hopeful one set against a dark background.

Another World War II historical fiction book. There are a lot of them out there and I have been enjoying them, even though they are rather hard reading.

This book is more historically based than some historical fiction books are. It follows the lives of two fictitious Jewish boys, Jacob and Moses, on the quest to find their parents. It is based in France during the Nazi occupation, so it was a setting I was unfamiliar with. Le Chambon-sur-Lignon was a simple village in France that was home to thousands of refugees during the war. It was fascinating to read about real people who were willing to risk all to help their brothers and sisters regardless of race or religion.

Jacob and Moses showed the resilience of the human spirit. They were determined and willing to move forward in spite of great risks. They longed to find their parents and they were thwarted at every turn and it seemed they would never find them.

This is a story of familial love, compassion, resilience, and ultimately reunion. I just really enjoyed the story. Mario has a good way of writing and the translator, Gretchen Abernathy, did a superb job of making the story flow smoothly. This is the second book I have read by Mario and I will keep on the look out for more of his books. They are worth reading, though they are not the easiest, lightest reading material.

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

This story is about the struggles of two brothers who have been separated from their parents, and the journey through war times to find them. It takes them through many counties, and in and out of many families lives and homes. As with most historical fiction from WW2 I am encouraged by the hope and determination of the children. Their stories are ones that need to be told. Of all of the historical fiction in this period I have read, this one is pretty tame and on the lighter side - there isn't any language or much violence - some of the situations are unrealistic and "too good to be true" but overall it's still a good story.

Children of the Stars is the epic journey of two brothers being hunted by the Nazis in Paris to their parents in Argentina. Jacob and Moses find themselves picked up by the gendarme and taken to the velodrome in July 1942. These boys along with a friend escape the trip to the German camps to find out that their aunt has died and their parents are at the other end of the country. They head out to find their parents and along the way are smuggled through a resistance network, imprisoned in a collaborators home, jump trains, and spend time with a pastor whose mission is to save persecuted children. After over a year of traveling Jacob and Moses finally reach the end of their journey.

So many of the WWII novels are about the adults fighting the Nazis and the spies who get caught but this was refreshing to be a story about two very young boys who are able to survive this horrible time through the kindness of others. It was great to have something a little different to read.

Children of the Stars is a lighter read that didn't really pull me into the story and I struggled with keeping my focus while reading this. I had a hard time connecting with the characters here. I think would make a great read for someone looking for a lighter hopeful read.

This was a heartbreaking and heartwarming book all at the same time! It follows two brothers as they travel across the world to find their parents during WWII while hiding from the Germans. I like how it's not the typical WWII story of concentration camps, and I loved the message of hope and love from all of the people that helped them when they didn't have to. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

Book review: Children Of The Stars
Author: Mario Escobar
Rating: 3/5
++++++++++++++++
Review:
A tale of young brothers Jacob & Moses, told from the perspective of the oldest brother as they escape from France to Spain during WWII on a quest to be reunited with their parents. Children of the Stars is a story of bravery, love of family, and the endurance of human spirit.

I enjoyed reading this story, getting different perspective in time of the Holocaust, even though Jacob and Moses are fictional characters they represent the real children who had to travel across Europe as refugees. Some parts are happy, some are not, we meet a lot of characters, some who the brothers may never forget and some they may never hear of again. I am truly glad I got to read this book.

Civil resistance may often be the only way to hold out against tyranny and oppression.

Every generation nurses the hope that the world will begin anew - Moses’ father, at the train station.

The author has written the most incredible story of survival during times when going with the flow would have been so much easier. It’s 1941 and young Jacob Stein and little brother Moses are left with a relative as the parents seek a way to escape war-torn Paris and hopefully the continent. Unexpectedly their world turns upside down, and the boys are left to survive on their own. What follows is the almost unbelievable story of perseverance against all odds.

I must admit, it was impossible to set this novel aside until I knew what the end result would be. Even though it is a fictional story, this testament to those who held out against tyranny and oppression is one not t0 be missed. Hope, courage and sacrifice were found in the least likely places and in the most unassuming people. It renewed my faith in mankind to read of such bold resistance to the evil around them.

This digital copy was received through NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review. However, it certainly made me consider my reaction, if tyranny was on my doorstep...

...."life isn't the sum of our expectations. It's the outcome of our decisions"

And so this novel is the recounting of decisions made, chance encounters and the kindness of strangers. "Children of the Stars" takes us on the journey of Jacob and Moses Stein, across war-torn Europe. The brothers are left by their parents to live with their aunt in Paris in August 1942. But this safe place quickly becomes over run by Nazi Germany who, assisted by the local gendarme, round up the jewish population.
Based largely on true events, the brothers are captured and taken to the Velodromo de Invierno, which holds more than 4,000 children, 5,000 women, and 3,000 men, They are the lucky ones and manage to flee starting to search for parents. Believing their parents may still be in France the task didn't seem to hard but we then find that Eleazar and Jana have fled to Argentina.
Jacob and Moses take refuge in the French village of Le-Chambon-sur-Lignon, awaiting a possible escape route. Mario Escobar skillfully blends facts with fiction. Several authentic historical characters are written in, including Andre Trocme, Daniel Trome, and Edouard Theis.

Jacob and Moses pass through the hands of many interesting strangers. Enduring narrow escapes, making sacrifices of friends and possessions, and all the time trying to keep hope alive amid the perils of the second World War, in the quest to be reunited with their parents in Argentina. I was enthralled by the tender and touching love between the 2 brothers, who grow from boys to young men on their perilous and exhausting journey. Their hope does falter but the kindness of and sacrifices made by strangers pulls them on.

The title Children of the Stars comes form the fact that Jews were forced to wear yellow stars on their clothes to identify them as Jewish under the Nazi regime.

Thanks to #NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Mario Escobar for my copy of #ChildrenOfTheStars.

Set in France during the Holocaust of World War 2, starring Jacob and Moses Stein, young Jewish brothers age 12 and 8. They are unforgettable protagonists in this incredibly well written story. Living with their aunt in Paris after their parents move to Vichy France to avoid the round up of Jewish adults, they are left as orphans when their aunt commits suicide during her capture by the Nazis. Narrowly escaping, the boys immediately set off in search of their parents with an address found on the last letter their aunt had received. Their journey takes them throughout France, across to Spain, and finally across the Atlantic to Argentina.

The trials and tribulations these boys underwent along with the heroic and amazing heroes and heroines they encountered along their trek that kept them safe, provided food and money, and transport when needed could only bring tears to my eyes. Based on factual historical records with immense research, Escobar creates a story that vividly paints the horrors and atrocities that young children were exposed to in Europe throughout World War 2. This is a novel that will warm your heart at the same time that it breaks it.

Top notch World War 2 fiction.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review

When I saw Children of the Stars last year would be published soon, I was excited to read it. I had previously read a couple World War II books and enjoyed the genre. If you like World War II novels, you are likely going to love this one! I am impressed with the beauty of the writing, vivid imagery, and raw emotions that captured my attention and these beautiful elements exist in a translation.

This book begins with Jacob and Mose’s parents leaving on a train to find a safe place for all of them to live. The boys remain with their aunt in Paris because it is safer there for the children in the meanwhile.

I enjoyed reading about the harrowing journey Jacob and Moses went on after the French police rounded up all the Jews in Paris. Ordinary citizens of France hated the cruel treatment of the Jews by the weak French government and the Nazis but many were afraid to stand up for the Jews. Yet there were some who defied the government to help as many as possible.

I think that is what I really liked the most about Children of the Stars. It renewed my hope in the goodness of humanity.

The people Jacob and Moses met were from varying circumstances and religious opinions. An aetheist helped them a bit. Several priests, nuns, wealthy and poor people helped too.

I loved that it didn’t matter to most of these people that the boys held different religious views than they did. They still saw them as human beings in need of comfort. I like to believe we can still work together in society that way—loving each other because of our shared humanity and giving aid when needed despite differences.

“Ah, you religious types are all hedonists,” said Laduc. “Eat, sleep, enjoy. Real pleasure is contemplating the big absolute truths: beauty, love, friendship—”

“I couldn’t agree more,” interrupted the priest, “but these boys need to sleep. The back room is empty. It’s nice and quiet and cool.”

Leduc nodded to the boys. “We’ll head out at dawn.”

Another WWII novel also extremely well written is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. While I enjoyed the beauty of his writing and his creativity, I was shocked by the occasional profanity in what is termed a children’s book. It has a somewhat dismal aura. I was pleasantly surprised to find no profanity in Children of the Stars and loved the vibe that whispers of hope even in horrifying circumstances.

I was thrilled to read about the historical elements at the back of the book. It helped give context to the story. I was especially impressed learning which of the courageous characters were historical figures. The documentary listed would be an excellent additional choice for learning more about the events.

The importance of being together as a family over issues of security and wealth were shown throughout this novel. The boys had several opportunities to receive a safe new home with people to take care of them. But they needed their parents. That is a fundamental need I believe.

Do get Children of the Stars. This is a classic!

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.