The Winter Rose is a powerful story of hope and healing in the midst of tragedy. The dual timelines connect a daring escape during World War II with the present day. Grace, a young Quaker woman, is dedicated to rescuing Jewish children from occupied France during the war. Her journey with the children kept me on the edge of my seat, hoping they would escape the Nazi’s grip. But that wasn’t the end of the danger for Elias and Marguerite, who came home to America with Grace. The trauma they faced during the war followed them and led to a betrayal that affected their family for generations to come.

In the present day, Addie, a young widow, is searching for healing for the man who rescued her. She thought that her search for the truth was for the benefit of her mentor, Charlie, but it turned out she needed the healing it brought as well. The two storylines were perfectly woven together in a beautiful, satisfying conclusion. With characters that steal your heart, vivid descriptions that transport you into the story, and powerful themes of redemption and forgiveness, this is a story that will stay with you long after the final page. I highly recommend this book for fans of historical fiction and authors like Sarah Sundin and Heidi Chiavaroli!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really struggled with this story for quite some time. I would say more then halfway through. I almost gave up, but for some reason trudged on. I am so happy I did. I really like other books from this author and was excited about a time slip story. Then when Charles was diagnosed with MSD syndrome, the same disease my father passed away from, I knew I had a connection with the story. For whatever reason I could not follow the storyline or characters, I could not put it down. When things started falling into place, I was spellbound, intrigued and captivated. Beautiful story, wonderful characters and spiritually uplifting. I would suggest setting aside some time when distractions are minimal to start this story, so you can immerse yourself fully into the depth of the storyline.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Jesus had loved with His whole life. To His death. But death didn’t stop it. His love spread like dandelions, she thought, the seeds scattering across grassy plains and forgotten weeds and rocky terrain, the healing blossoms growing in the hardest places. Like the winter rose in the mountains.”

Award-winning author Melanie Dobson’s latest time-slip novel is one that readers will not want to miss. The Winter Rose focuses on the Quakers’ role of helping rescue Jewish children during World War II and how the children’s experiences would affect the rest of their lives. I always learn something new when reading Melanie Dobson’s books, and this one is no different. The rich historical details incorporated into the storyline and the agony and emotions these individuals experienced was so profound and heart wrenching. Both the historical and contemporary storylines captured my interest equally, and the way the two storylines came together at the conclusion was a surprise.

The Winter Rose is a story of hope and redemption during even the darkest of times. With all the struggles our society is currently facing during these difficult times, the message of “God’s redemption in our broken world” is both relevant and appropriate. The beautiful spiritual truths throughout Melanie Dobson’s books always draw me deeper into my faith. The Winter Rose is highly recommended for fans of World War II fiction and readers who enjoy time-slip and women’s fiction novels.

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.

Dobson's stories have become must reads for me now. She writes with such depth in both the story and her characters and at times in The Winter Rose she took my breath away with her compelling and gripping story telling.

Grace Tonquin is a very special, character and one of the strongest demonstrations of Christ's love that I've read in recent times in Christian fiction. Her commitment to rescuing the Jewish refugee children in WW2 France is both courageous and sacrificial. However, this comes to typify her life as she matures into an adult and later in life. She lives a life of love even though her heart is broken many times as a result.

Addie Hoult, similarly, is courageous and sacrificial in her determination to find a bone marrow donor for her dear Papa C (aka Charlie), who rescued her from a wayward youth. I liked how Dobson gave her a few personality quirks and the slow build of her friendship with Caleb.

This isn't really a romance novel, more a story of family bonds, their drama and all the pain and delight that come from being in a family. Dobson's research into the WW2 refugee children, refugees in America, the bone marrow disease Charlie suffered with and the Pyrenees area in both WW2 and early 2000 time is extraordinary. How she then uses her story telling talents to weave such a compelling story of loss, forgiveness, redemption and healing across two time periods and connecting them is breathtaking.

I hope all my reads in 2022 will be as wonderful as this one.

I was extremely fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Tyndale via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

This is a beautifully written time-slip story that flows seamlessly from WWII to present day. It is full of emotions, and you can feel every one of them. This book will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. This is a *Must Read* book that you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Tyndale House for the gifted book!

Told in dual timelines of WWII and present day this story weaves together those timelines so beautifully. Sometimes I want a better connection between dual timelines stories and I wasn't left wanting that connection here. Each character takes physical and emotional journeys that have you wondering where they are going to land. I love a story that ends in a tidy but not perfect bow and this story fulfills that desire. The only thing I would change would be to actually make this a bit longer to dwell on some of the harder plot points more.

A WWII/modern era split-time novel, The Winter Rose looks at a Quaker woman who is part of a network rescuing French Jewish children and what life was like after the war as well. There seem to be a ton of WWII books set in France right now, but I appreciated how this one dealt with the way the experience affected people after the danger of the war had passed.

First Of all i am a huge fan Of melanie dobson writing. And I believe this book is based on actual events, that i did not know anything about. This book made me cry, this book made me angry, this book Made me smile. And i learnt New things. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

The Winter Rose is a multi-timeline story about courage, perseverance, redemption, healing and hope. Much of the story is about a young Quaker woman, Grace Tonquin, who risks her life to rescue Jewish children from the Nazis in occupied France during WWII and life thereafter. The harrowing rescue and arduous journey through Spain to freedom is beautifully documented and based on true events. Grace marries and she and her husband love rescued children as their own. Siblings Elias and Marguerite have suffered unspeakable horrors during the war and choose different roads as they become adults. But Grace does not give up and her unshakeable faith in her Heavenly Father shines in even the darkest of circumstances. There is always, always hope.

Several decades later, Addie Hoult is in Oregon seeking a relative of her friend Charlie who is in dire need of a kidney transplant. She only has a matter of days to find a bone marrow donor. She peels back layers of history in her search and makes discoveries she would never have imagined.

One of my favourite aspects of the book was learning more about Quaker rescues during the war. I will now read what I can on this topic. The book is moving and lovely and the two stories link seamlessly. Melanie Dobson's heart is in her words and gorgeous descriptions. The cover and title are brilliant.

My sincere thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fabulous book!

Beautifully written dual time story! Grace, a devoted Quaker spent five years working with American Friends Service Committees to help Jewish children to escape France into Spain during WWII. Her story of compassion and love for the children, along with her deep faith is heartwarming. Addy is desperate to find a bone marrow donor for her beloved Papa C so he might continue his ministry of helping teen girls. These two stories intertwined in a remarkable way that will encourage readers in their own faith journey. Highly recommended!

The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson takes readers to France in WWII and Tonquin Lake in the Pacific Northwest to experience the world alongside spirited characters in past and present timelines.

This book was full of surprises, but the one that stood out to me the most was how Tintin stories inspired one of the characters. Just today, at the library, I was asking someone whether they’d like to look through the Tintin books, and a girl popped into our row and eagerly asked where they were. Tintin has a cross-generational appeal, as that encounter beautifully shows, but I had yet to see that intrepid reporter and his dog mentioned within a book, until now. That deserves a standing ovation or something.

I loved how Grace’s determination, with her desire to save the children from the Nazis and her attempts to escape the negative influence of her mother, came through. It was a team effort, for all of them, and she did her part the way only she could.

The part of the story that dealt with the parents and children, and the suffering there, ended up disrupting my reading experience. The individual in question (trying to avoid spoilers here) was allowed to do pretty much whatever he liked without being shown the right way or disciplined by his parents, so it wasn’t a surprise that he caused so much damage. But that aspect of it wasn’t addressed, and the parents were left very hurt and confused without identifying the deeper issues. It left that story on a discordant note as the author moved on to the next timeline, though I think I can decipher the author’s reasons.

With the modern timeline, Addie was probably my favorite character to follow as she worked to protect the person who gave her a home and a future when she had none. Her motivations were real to me, and the ways she cared for others added much to her character.

The relationship between Addie and the LI didn’t measure up for me, nonetheless, because I felt as though their exchanges were intended to be short and quote-worthy, without giving the reader something to chew on and without giving deeper insight into the characters and how they related to each other. I did like how the author fused together the timelines and brought together the characters, but I would have liked to have had more depth there.

As a whole, the book shows the strength and fragility of familial bonds and offers hope through the path of reconciliation. Recommended for those with a penchant for wartime historical fiction, split-time narratives, and spirited characters.

I received a complimentary of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley for review purposes. A positive review was not required.

This was an amazing story. I love when a story comes full circle. Longer review will appear at www.novelpastimes close to the release date.

What a beautiful story. Often when I read dual timeline stories one of the story lines pulls me in more readily. I was immediately immersed in both time lines of this story. Interesting historical facts, beautiful, intriguing characters who walk through heartache and joy, loss and redemption. The timelines flow seamlessly back and forth until they merge together in a satisfying end. Another great Melanie Dobson book.
Thank you to Net Galley and Tyndale for the opportunity to read and review.

This read will constantly tug at your heart, there are so many emotions, and shinning brightly is Love. There is foremost a love of God, and then of their fellowman. This is a story that spans decades, and then back again. Showing the part the Quaker's played in rescuing the children that were slated to die at the hands of the evil regime.

The author has gifted us with some characters, you will fall in love with, that give it all for others. Then there are those that seem to have to hit rock bottom, or further and we are there through the words of the author to savor this read.

This quickly became a page turner for me, and when it was finished, I didn't want to leave.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Winter Rose is such a beautiful expression of love and redemption and perseverance. The characters are memorable; their stories will tug on your heart. Add on vivid settings and the anticipation of trying to figure out how all the pieces of the story fit together, and I found myself turning pages well into the night.

After avoiding WWII fiction due to the heaviness of the topic and the number of stories out there, this is the first of the genre I’ve read in several months. Melanie Dobson did not disappoint and created a powerful story that still addresses the tragedies of that era and yet is somehow filled with peace, mystery, and a meaningful gospel message.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Melanie Dobson’s newest five-star historical time-slip fiction novel was inspired by the American Quaker women who left their homes in the 1930s to care for refugees during the Spanish Civil War and then remained in France to help Jewish children escape the clutches of the Nazis. Dobson explores the courage of one of these heroines.

1940s: Grace Tonquin is an American Quaker who’s been in Vichy France rescuing Jewish children from the Nazis. After a harrowing escape, she walks to safety and after the war returns all but a couple of the children to their families. Providing a loving home for two siblings in Oregon, Grace loves them as if they were her own. However, surviving war comes with a price and it continues to haunt her and the children, eventually affecting her new family.

2003: Addie Hoult is on a quest for her mentor Charlie. He’s battling a genetic disease and is searching for a donor. Addie believes that the Tonquin family can help save Charlie and attempts to find this elusive family who’ve ‘disappeared’ for 50 years. Can she find them in time to help Charlie?

“How did one explain the importance of truth to a child who'd had to deceive in order to survive? To lie in order to live?”

Dobson chose to focus on the effect of war on children, making it an emotional read. Each of her characters has lost someone close to them because of the war. They are all broken souls, yet they choose to continue to love and choose to be useful. I loved how the title reflected the characters; a winter rose booms despite the chill and snow and the characters bloomed in the place they were planted despite their circumstances. When trouble arises, I was brought to tears at how graciously it was handled by Grace and her husband. I loved the strong redemptive message about second chances and forgiveness and appreciated the warning about how choices made in the direst of circumstances have extreme potential to affect our future.

This is my first novel by this author and now I’ll willingly read anything she publishes. It’s refreshing to read a clean novel with references to characters who rely on their faith and their relationship with God.

Congratulations to the graphic designer for a stunning cover – one of the best I’ve seen!

I was gifted this advance copy by Melanie Dobson, Tyndale House Publishers, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This is a historical fiction written in a dual timeline. The earlier part is from World War II when Grace is working to rescue Jewish children from the Nazis. It was an amazing and treacherous journey over the Pyrenees to Spain and then the United States. Fifty years later, Addie is trying to find any remaining members of Charlie’s family. This story held me captive! So many twists, some happy times, some sad times, so many emotions! A story I won’t forget!
I received an advance copy from the author and Tyndale House Publishers. I am voluntarily writing a review. All opinions are strictly my own.

An interesting story that I had not yet come across, asked on actual events. That’s what I love about historical Fiction. There’s truth, but room for the author to stretch the story and make it bend in ways that fit creative outliers. WWII historical fiction continues to be red hot. Make sure to pick this one up and learn about Quakers who rescued children.

'She could endure, with God's help, for twenty-four hours.'

How do I begin a review for this book? Melanie Dobson's books always take me away to a different time and place, places filled with danger, great pain and heartache, populated with wonderful and heroic characters whose hearts shine through the dread darkness in which they live.

'How did one explain the importance of truth to a child who'd had to deceive in order to survive? To lie in order to live?'

Dobson's split time novels have brought me many hours of reading entertainment, great sadness, but redeemed with great joy as I watch her bring her characters through some of the darkest times imaginable. This time was no different. When I see a new book by Melanie Dobson, it's an automatic read. I don't even need to read the synopsis. I can without reservation highly recommend this author. Her stories are based on actual history that brings them so alive and she brings incredibly deep emotion for them that will remain with the reader a very long time after the book is finished. Well done!

My thanks to Tyndale House for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is expressly my own.

This book is told in dual timelines which is always my favorite! Addie is trying to find a match for Charlie to help with his illness. She travels to Oregon to try to piece the puzzle of Charlie’s life together. It was a good story, I did think the present day story was more interesting.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy