If you like historical fiction, dual timeline novels, and learning something as you read, this is the book for you! I’ve enjoyed previous books by this author, and was intrigued by the topic. I was somewhat puzzled by the first chapter and started to wonder if I had picked up the wrong book, but keep going, eventually the first chapter makes perfect sense. This book gives a different angle than most books dealing with WWII, which in itself makes it an attractive read. The in-depth information about the Ahnenerbe is incredibly interesting, but there are several other thought-provoking issues to take in. The historical part is told from the viewpoint of a young German woman who, as time goes on, starts to slowly change her view of the events surrounding her (trying to stay out of spoiler territory here.) The modern day story contains quite a few mysterious events and little teasers that make the reader wonder what in the world is going on and keep you reading non-stop because it’s so suspenseful! The story lines and characters are very well developed. The author has done a wonderful job integrating both storylines, digging deep into themes that are still very current today. The book has many layers and I applaud Melanie for successfully putting together a book as involved as this one and leading it to a very satisfying conclusion. I always thoroughly enjoy books written from a Christian perspective, and this one does not disappoint. It is filled with redemption, forgiveness and hope. In order to fully “digest” this book, I will probably be rereading it more than once because it is so rich that I’m certain I missed life lessons, links, and meanings the first time around. I highly recommend this superb read. Many thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I was not required to leave a (positive) review.

"Words will never penetrate a hardened heart, she said. The persecution won't end until people are willing to humble themselves and love their neighbors."

"Whoever owned the definitions, tweaking familiar words for their own use, could influence the morality of a people."

"What sounded good and right and true was really evil."

"The more people know about the past, the more we can work together to expose and end the cycle of hatred." "I'm afraid it will never end, Ember. Not if people continue to turn their backs on the love of God for all of His creation."

A timely, gut-wrenching, hope-filled, compelling, page-turning time-split novel set in WWII and the present, by award-winning novelist Melanie Dobson.

I highly recommend The Curator's Daughter!
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Hanna is an archaeologist intent on finding artifacts that prove Aryan mastery. When she is sent home to Nuremberg to work as a museum curator, she discovers her cousin Luisa and her husband Paul are missing. Paul, it turns out, is Jewish. Lots of people are disappearing, mostly Jews and those who help them. Hanna can’t control her life, but starts collecting their stories.
Eighty years in the future, Ember wants to find heroes who helped in Germany during the war. Her former teacher’s mother was “a friend to the Jews.” Ember grew up in the Aryan Council, a radical group intent on white supremacy. Her wounds go deep. She travels to Nuremberg to try to discover what happened to Hanna, and learns that Lily wasn’t really her daughter.
I found Hanna’s story captivating. She’s forced into marriage with an SS officer because they want to use her house in Nuremberg? Her confusion grew as artifacts were protected, but not people. Ember took longer to warm up to. As she knew from her dissertation studies, cycles of hatred are nothing new. The ending is confusing. Lukas, the grandson of Kolman, targeted for revenge Charlie Ward, who raised Lily as his supposed daughter, who had been the adopted daughter of Kolman and Hanna. That’s a big coincidence. The theme of hatred against other races make this a somber read.

Another wonderful dual timeline novel by Melanie Dobson! Resounding with themes of redemption, this book tackles heavy topics like racism both past and present, going back and forth between WWII Germany and modern day DC. The past timeline follows Hanna, an archaeologist under Heinrich Himmler, seeking out treasures for the Reich, until the point that her gender disqualifies her from continuing in that capacity. As she returns home, she sees things that cause her to question everything happening in her beloved country. In the modern timeline, Ember is doing her dissertation on anti-semitism and running away from a past of racism herself. Both timelines converge with both heroines looking to do what they can individually to stop the tide of racism plaguing their nations.

While this hit a fairly heavy topic, the book didn't feel over-heavy in any part. The book was well written with well developed characters, a steady plot, strong character growth, a few mysteries thrown in, and a solid faith thread and redemption theme. If you're looking for a unique take on WWII with inspirational themes and strong characters, this is one I'd strongly recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Brilliant book i couldn'y put it down, though it was unclear what happened to Hanna in the end. Would recommend

This dual timed historical novel will have readers experiencing life in Nuremberg during WWII. It's hard to believe so many were fooled by the Nazis but this novel gives reasoning to why. This is a well researched book about a very hard topic. I felt it was a little confusing at the end, wrapping up all the loose ends and the conclusion lacking. Overall, it was a solid novel. Recommended.

My thanks to Melanie Dobson, Tyndale House Publishers, and Net Galley for the ARC of THE CURATOR'S DAUGHTER..
I had already read a book about the fine arts that the Nazi's 'catalogued' to be saved from the war, and The Curator's Daughter revealed the astonishing lengths they would go to, not only to take objects d'art from Jewish families, but also how far they would go to ensure the Aryan race by insisting that members of the party married under duress and had four children with each woman they married. The most heartbreaking revelation was the kidnapping of blonde children, ripped from their mothers arms and taken from their families in Poland and Czechoslovakia, about one and a half million in all. Melanie Dobson's telling of this story was beguiling, frightening and extremely readable, a timeslip novel, which as a trop is difficult to write, yet it is very successfully done here. I knew it would be a favourite.

Even in January, I know that The Curator's Daughter will be on my list of one my best reads for the year. It is probably the best time-split that I have read. Usually in a split-time book, one story line keeps me more interested than the other. Both the historical and contemporary storylines kept me wanting to read late into the night.
The historical story told the story of German archeologist Hanna Tillich who is told to return home to work in her hometown museum in Nuemberg. She is soon forced to marry and becomes the adoptive mom of Lilly, whose story also unfolds in the book. Hanna's loved ones are missing and she starts secretly recording their stories.
Ember is the contemporary heroine whose life is overshadowed by abuse from a time of living in a commune as a teen. She travels to her hometown on Nantucket and is quickly reunited with her high school crush that is also the grandson of Lilly. As a historian, she is seeking out stories of Germans who helped Jews during WW 2.
I received a copy of The Curator's Daughter via Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

The Curator's Daughter by Melanie Dobson captured my attention from the first chapter. I'm always surprised when I read another World War II novel and learn something new. I do read a lot in this genre, so there is always something new to learn. The writing was wonderful. The characters were honorable and a delight to spend time with. I love the plot twists and the duel time slips. They work well together to tell a complete story. I can't wait to own a paperback copy to add to her growing bookshelf. I highly recommend this novel to any fans of Cathy Gohlke or Sarah Sundin. This is a fabulous book. Even after putting it down, I thought about the struggles the characters had to endure and even shared the book with a friend. She said that it sounded interesting too.

I received a complimentary copy of The Curator's Daughter by Melanie Dobson from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

A very well written time slip book. Ms Dobson wove the two time periods effortlessly in her plot. I highly recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

What an amazing story of melding together the past with the present! The author did a good job at taking multiple generations of people, weaving a storyline into the timeframe and keeping the reader on their toes. I was still putting pieces together towards the end of the story. Reading about the Jewish persecution and Nazi reign can be difficult for some, and I’m sure it was also hard to write about it. This book is gentle enough for a teenager to read without any heavy or gruesome scenes. I was given a copy in exchange for my review.

Melanie Dobson's stories are always wonderful and this one is no exception.
I truly enjoyed this novel to the fullest and I loved that it took me away for the evening.
I think it's terrible how people treat others! Just because someone is different is no excuse!
Some events in this book I did not see coming and I know my mouth must've dropped open because of it.
Dobson is an excellent story teller in her own right. So much so that I didn't want the story to end!
I think that whenever you get a story from this author you will get a treat as it's not often a book from her comes out that often. When it does be sure to have lots of time! You'll not want to put this book down once you start!
Such a gorgeous story and one that will stay with me for a very long time!
5 stars for a well written book!!!!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

A captivating, thought-provoking read by Melanie Dobson - her best novel yet.
Be prepared to experience the heartbreak of the stories of the Jewish people during WW2 and the people who tried to help them. And don’t be surprised at how much our world hasn’t changed since then.
A young, ambitious archaeologist working for the Third Reich is eager to make a name for herself in a world where women are expected to abide by the 3Ks – kunchen, kirche and kinder (kitchen, church and children). When she’s pulled from the field and reassigned to curate treasures others have found, it’s only the beginning of a series of twists and unexpected turns neither Hanna, nor the reader anticipates.
A young, teenaged girl is caught in a modern cult, fighting for the same purity of the Aryan race. She will spend the rest of her life fighting the hate that dictated her early teens and left her with a trauma that haunts her dreams.
Both these women are intricately linked – but the connection is not easily seen by the reader. And once all is revealed, hang on to your page! It will leave your head spinning.
There are so many great things about this novel. I think what struck me the most about it, is that it’s a novel relevant to our time. Like, this month. With all the rioting and messages of hate that have been regularly reported on, The Curator’s Daughter is releasing at the right moment in our history. There was evil in the world back then, there is evil now.
A beautiful thread of hope, forgiveness, and second chances is sewn together through the end. It’s a story about discovering your roots, preserving the stories of those who have gone before us and overcoming the past.
Go buy the book! You won’t be sorry you did.
I received an ecopy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Loved, loved this dual-timeline book about choices, war atrocities, heartache, forgiveness, love and redemption with an incredibly remarkable twisty plots and sub plots. The characters are flawed which is believable. There are secrets and mysteries galore, all beautifully written. War stories are both horrific and sobering but we can learn so much from them, not just historically but about humankind's capacity for cruelty and kindness. The pursuit of creating the perfect Aryan race is a common theme here, a horrendous one.

During WWII Archaeologist Hanna Tillich has the job of a lifetime before being transferred to curating at a Nuremberg museum. She lives in an old rambling house with a wondrous attic. She is soon forced to marry an SS officer she doesn't love. Next comes the sudden adoption of a sweet and terrified little girl by her husband. Not only this but Hanna's actions are restricted and monitored. She has the brilliant idea and wherewithal to file away information.

In New England, Ember Ellis begins researching the Holocaust and seeks personal stories to include in her dissertation, eighty years later, when she goes to Nuremberg. She has secrets which weigh heavily which she learns to entrust to a friend and to God. Little does she know what she is about to find out. Really amazing where a little digging can lead. Though her life in ways is physically easier than that of Hanna, she is emotionally overwhelmed by her past.

The two women's stories are beautiful and crushing and the book takes us on a journey down their personal paths and where they intersect. The war is devastating and much of beautiful Nuremberg is destroyed, including records. Thankfully some were well hidden. The zoo information is a fascinating addition.

How glad I am that the author was inspired by her friend to write this brilliant and enthralling book! If you are a Historical Fiction, Christian and/or WWII reader, you will love this breathtaking book. Immerse yourself and allow yourself to feel a range of emotions.

My sincere thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this inspiring book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

This dual timeline historical fiction story is a totally gripping and emotional read. Beautifully written and well researched it is a story of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears and is a must read for readers wanting to understand more about the atrocities that were dealt to the Jewish community during the Second World War. A really poignant storyline. Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

This excellent Christian Fiction novel about World War II takes a very unique and effective approach. While concentration camps and persecution are definitely explored in this story, that is not its main focus. Rather the main focus is about overcoming hatred and the numerous ways it manifest itself.

The authors use of two points of view and two different time periods adds additional layers of intrigue to this amazing story. I also enjoyed learning things I never knew occurred in Germany during the war. I had never before heard that measurements were used to help identify those of the Aryan race. I also did not realize the interest of the Nazi Party in archeology. I also did not realize that children were stolen from other countries and adopted to German families to help enlarge and restore the German populace. Finally, I found it very refreshing to learn there were those who helped preserve the ancestral records and stories of those who “disappeared” from Germany, even in the face of their own demise should they be caught.

Hatred is the ultimate form of evil. It absolutely terrifies me to know that there are facets in our own country at this time who seek to destroy those who are different from them. This evil has always existed and will likely continue to exist until such a time as we live in the presence of pure love. Until then, we must model and show love to keep this evil from becoming all encompassing and destining a repeat of history. Thank you Melanie Dobson for bringing this subject to light with such creativity and passion.

While parts of this book are hard to read because of the subject matter, it needs to be read. The author does a great job presenting the horrors of this time period in a non-graphic manner. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

'What sounded good and right was really evil.'

Sometimes you finish a book and you just sit there, unable to allow anything else to penetrate your mind. Because that book was so compellingly powerful.

Melanie Dobson brings readers a time slip novel set in WWII and the present that carries numerous mysteries that propel the reader forward. I was completely caught up in this story and felt every heartache these characters faced. And their joy at times.

Set in Nuremberg in the 1940s and in the eastern US in the present, this story will resound in my mind and heart for a long time.

'Words will never penetrate a hardened heart.'

Dobson does a masterful job of unraveling long-buried mysteries and secrets, probing the depths of her characters' hearts and portraying vividly one of the most horrific times in history. I do not exaggerate when I say I was captivated throughout. Absolutely outstanding, this one will be on my top reads for the year. Well done!

My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the thoughts in this review are expressly my own.

Award-winning author Melanie Dobson creates another extraordinary time-slip novel that is sure to become a new favorite among her readers. The Curator’s Daughter weaves the historical and contemporary storylines together as Ember Ellis’ present-day work as a Holocaust researcher prompts her to seek out her former teacher Mrs. Kiehl, whose mother had a connection to the Nazi Ahnenerbe. The past and present of both women intersect as the search for answers changes their lives in a way that no one could predict. The Curator’s Daughter focuses on the Nazis’ extreme interest in archaeology and other occurrences not widely known about during WWII.

Melanie Dobson’s novels are always a beautiful and heart-wrenching glimpse into our world’s history and filled with hope for the future. The Curator’s Daughter is a story of forgiveness, resilience, and love. With so much hatred still prevalent in our society today, this novel shares the powerful message of “the hope of God’s redemption and love for all.” The Curator’s Daughter is highly recommended for fans of World War II fiction and readers who enjoy time-slip and women’s fiction novels. This book will definitely be on my Top 10 List of 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This is a dual timeline story that takes place in 1940 Germany and the present day. It was a little hard fkr me to keep up with the characters and how they related to each other but what a fascinating story this was.

The atrocities that were committed in World war II are so difficult to read about but then to think that it still happens today is even more difficult to understand. The author definitely gave me a lot to think about.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

This book was immersive and atmospheric. It’s always a pleasure to be drawn in to such a wonderful story from the very first page and to not be let go until the book has been finished. It’s a joy to weep over such a lovely, heart-wrenching story.

One complaint: I wish the leading lady would have held on to her virginity until marriage. This backstory has been overdone and felt out of place in this particular story. It served as shock value more than anything.

I liked that remembrance and memories of the past played such significant roles in the plot. It was lovely to see a heroine who wanted to preserve the past so that the aim of avoiding repeating negative history could be reached. This was written well and caught my emotions right away.

“Help me forget what’s in my past, Lord. Help me to press on. The truth—that’s what she needed to focus on.” I adored that this shift in focus was shown and explained. It felt proactive and decisive, and precisely when it needed to be both.

There was melodrama in Ember’s thread, but Hannah’s and Lilly’s threads were so strong that I didn’t even mind too much that the drama was over the top in Ember’s portion of the story.

Poor Lilly! My achy heart caused me to weep a few times over her troubles. I adored her thread more than anyone’s.

This was a wonderful book, and I can’t wait to get a paperback copy to reread and keep in my collection of novels.