What do you think?
Where Treasure Hides
Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life. Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?
416 pages, Paperback
First published December 28, 2012
About the author
Johnnie Alexander
48 books405 followersJohnnie Alexander is a wannabe vagabond with a heart for making memories. As a bestselling, award-winning novelist, she has written more than thirty works of fiction in a variety of genres.
She is a Mosaic Collection author, co-hosts a weekly online show called Writers Chat, serves on the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference Executive Board, and is a regular contributor to the HHHistory.com blog.
A fan of classic movies, stacks of books, and road trips, Johnnie shares a life of quiet adventure with Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Connect with her at JohnnieAlexander.com.
She is a Mosaic Collection author, co-hosts a weekly online show called Writers Chat, serves on the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference Executive Board, and is a regular contributor to the HHHistory.com blog.
A fan of classic movies, stacks of books, and road trips, Johnnie shares a life of quiet adventure with Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Connect with her at JohnnieAlexander.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 30, 2018
WARNING: much ranting and sarcasm ahead. Proceed at your own risk. YOU HATH BEEN WARNED.
DNF
Eheh . . . no. I didn't even bother trying to go past the first 35 pages.
I hesitate to mark this as "read" and assign it a rating . . . but I thought some other people might deserve a warning as to how ridiculous this romance is before they head into it blindly as I did. And to be honest, I'm being generous when I round it up to 2 stars.
I SHALL SUM IT UP FOR YOU:
Girl meets boy at train station. She talks to him for five minutes, notes how attractive he is, admits to herself that he's already captured her heart, and promptly divulges all her deep emotional burdens. The next day, they kiss and vow never to forget each other.
I mean, CLEARLY they were made for each other! How could this be anything but love? And so very logical, too. I just love when characters fall head-over-heels in love with someone after noticing their stunning jawline!
AHAHAHAHahahaha . . . no thanks. I honestly don't know whether to roll my eyes, tackle the characters onto the train tracks, or laugh over how ridiculous this is. (Or perhaps all three.)
It's a shame that such a nice cover, setting, and plotline had to be wasted on this laughably horrible "romance." Perhaps one day I'll pick this up again if I'm willing to endure all the cringing and see if the rest of the book is actually decent. But frankly? The only reason I can think to read this is to get a good chuckle. xD
1.5 stars
DNF
Eheh . . . no. I didn't even bother trying to go past the first 35 pages.
I hesitate to mark this as "read" and assign it a rating . . . but I thought some other people might deserve a warning as to how ridiculous this romance is before they head into it blindly as I did. And to be honest, I'm being generous when I round it up to 2 stars.
I SHALL SUM IT UP FOR YOU:
Girl meets boy at train station. She talks to him for five minutes, notes how attractive he is, admits to herself that he's already captured her heart, and promptly divulges all her deep emotional burdens. The next day, they kiss and vow never to forget each other.
I mean, CLEARLY they were made for each other! How could this be anything but love? And so very logical, too. I just love when characters fall head-over-heels in love with someone after noticing their stunning jawline!
AHAHAHAHahahaha . . . no thanks. I honestly don't know whether to roll my eyes, tackle the characters onto the train tracks, or laugh over how ridiculous this is. (Or perhaps all three.)
It's a shame that such a nice cover, setting, and plotline had to be wasted on this laughably horrible "romance." Perhaps one day I'll pick this up again if I'm willing to endure all the cringing and see if the rest of the book is actually decent. But frankly? The only reason I can think to read this is to get a good chuckle. xD
1.5 stars
March 23, 2015
Artist Allison Schuyler has spent her much of her life working in her family’s well-known art gallery, devoting her life to art in an effort to avoid the family curse. She is convinced that falling in love will only lead to tragedy as she has seen in her family. Her resolve is tested when she meets Ian Devlin in a chance encounter at Waterloo Station. The bold, compassionate British Army captain’s attraction to her causes her own resolve to waver. Their obligations take them separate ways, and as World War II breaks out, despite distance and danger, Allison questions her fear of love. While Ian fights for freedom and survival on the battlefield, Allison and her family work with the Dutch Underground, hiding priceless works of art, and more importantly, Jewish children who would otherwise be taken by the Nazi occupiers. Even when the war’s end is in sight, its consequences have lasting effects that threaten to keep Allison and Ian apart forever.
Johnnie’s debut is a solid entry into World War II based fiction. It is more of a romance set during history, than a historical story with romance. This isn’t a bad thing, but I do think something that potential readers might want to know going into the story. It is obvious from the outset that this is going to be a romantic story, and while I do like romance, I was a bit surprised at how quickly the romantic relationship begins – literally within the first chapter. I prefer more build-up in the romantic relationship than was provided here, but in the spirit of the story, I suspended my belief until the plot moved more toward what I consider the meat of the story.
Once the story passed the introductory stage, I was more drawn in by the details of art. Allison is an artist in her own right and very passionate about the artistic legacy of the Van Schuyler family. The theme of the “Mona Lisa question” that plagues her is well done – that hypothetical question being, as an art devotee, if she could only pick one, would she save the Mona Lisa or a child? Of course, she said the child, but her passionate reactions to protecting art lead her to be unsure of her ready answer to this philosophical debate.
Johnnie shows readers several different sides of the war – how it was toward the beginning, the Nazi stealing of artwork and life as an escaped prisoner of war. These glimpses of the war are fascinating, although some readers may find the big jumps in time a bit jarring, as I sometimes did. Another thing that might give readers pause is Allison’s belief in a family “curse” or fate. It seemed strange to me that a character who is a Christian would put such strong credence into a suppose curse. I know the point is for her to overcome her fear of it, but that didn’t always ring true to me. This is something that might not work for one reader, but then be totally fine for another.
Ian Devlin, the British Army lieutenant, faces a different kind of hardship throughout the war; he is an admirable male lead, and the scenes that feature him were the most suspenseful and riveting, yet also the most poignant, as he is forced to take life in order to save another and later come to terms with it. Johnnie doesn’t sugarcoat Ian’s experiences, and it adds a gritty, authentic feeling to the narrative.
Since the romantic aspect wasn’t what ended up drawing me into the story, as a couple, Allison and Ian are pleasant enough to me, but not fully engaging. I was more engrossed in their separate stories that I was when they were together. I admit to being a little lost toward the end of the story; Allison makes a decision that didn’t strike me as realistic, and once that happened, I was a bit less engaged in the story. Her behavior seems to contradict her spirit and behavior throughout the rest of the novel; I didn’t feel her despair but rather an acceptance of the situation. Ultimately, it does lead her to fully realize that art does not trump life, so for that reason, I found the climax of the story compelling.
Despite my few qualms with this story, overall, I did enjoy it. As a debut, Where Treasure Hides shows a great deal of promise for Johnnie’s future books. The ending is quite intriguing and leaves plenty of room for a sequel. I see that Johnnie has a contemporary romance releasing next, but since there are a few lose ends in this story that made my heart ache for Allison, I sincerely hope that there might be a follow-up in the future.
Johnnie’s debut is a solid entry into World War II based fiction. It is more of a romance set during history, than a historical story with romance. This isn’t a bad thing, but I do think something that potential readers might want to know going into the story. It is obvious from the outset that this is going to be a romantic story, and while I do like romance, I was a bit surprised at how quickly the romantic relationship begins – literally within the first chapter. I prefer more build-up in the romantic relationship than was provided here, but in the spirit of the story, I suspended my belief until the plot moved more toward what I consider the meat of the story.
Once the story passed the introductory stage, I was more drawn in by the details of art. Allison is an artist in her own right and very passionate about the artistic legacy of the Van Schuyler family. The theme of the “Mona Lisa question” that plagues her is well done – that hypothetical question being, as an art devotee, if she could only pick one, would she save the Mona Lisa or a child? Of course, she said the child, but her passionate reactions to protecting art lead her to be unsure of her ready answer to this philosophical debate.
Johnnie shows readers several different sides of the war – how it was toward the beginning, the Nazi stealing of artwork and life as an escaped prisoner of war. These glimpses of the war are fascinating, although some readers may find the big jumps in time a bit jarring, as I sometimes did. Another thing that might give readers pause is Allison’s belief in a family “curse” or fate. It seemed strange to me that a character who is a Christian would put such strong credence into a suppose curse. I know the point is for her to overcome her fear of it, but that didn’t always ring true to me. This is something that might not work for one reader, but then be totally fine for another.
Ian Devlin, the British Army lieutenant, faces a different kind of hardship throughout the war; he is an admirable male lead, and the scenes that feature him were the most suspenseful and riveting, yet also the most poignant, as he is forced to take life in order to save another and later come to terms with it. Johnnie doesn’t sugarcoat Ian’s experiences, and it adds a gritty, authentic feeling to the narrative.
Since the romantic aspect wasn’t what ended up drawing me into the story, as a couple, Allison and Ian are pleasant enough to me, but not fully engaging. I was more engrossed in their separate stories that I was when they were together. I admit to being a little lost toward the end of the story; Allison makes a decision that didn’t strike me as realistic, and once that happened, I was a bit less engaged in the story. Her behavior seems to contradict her spirit and behavior throughout the rest of the novel; I didn’t feel her despair but rather an acceptance of the situation. Ultimately, it does lead her to fully realize that art does not trump life, so for that reason, I found the climax of the story compelling.
Despite my few qualms with this story, overall, I did enjoy it. As a debut, Where Treasure Hides shows a great deal of promise for Johnnie’s future books. The ending is quite intriguing and leaves plenty of room for a sequel. I see that Johnnie has a contemporary romance releasing next, but since there are a few lose ends in this story that made my heart ache for Allison, I sincerely hope that there might be a follow-up in the future.
July 22, 2015
My Take in 3 Parts
The Theme
Alison is a very passionate young woman regarding art. It is her sole pursuit, her one true love apart from Ian, and she is constantly faced with a question throughout Where Treasure Hides, something known as the Mona Lisa question. In other words, is art worth dying for?
If you were to ask my sister, she would likely say yes. An impassioned young woman herself, she lives and breathes art and holds the Monuments Men in very high esteem for their courageous protection of the great masterpieces from Nazi Germany during World War II. However, my sister also loves people, and if it came down to a choice between a painting or a person, she would pick the person hand's down. For myself, not really an art connoisseur, I wouldn't hesitate. Let the painting, no matter what it is, meet an ugly end if it means saving a human life.
Alison struggles with this concept and it bothers her that she struggles. Even though she spent a great deal of Holland's occupation safe-guarding Jewish children and delivering them into the arms of families who would take them in, the same niggling doubt still oppresses her. Which does she love more? Art or people?
The finale of this story is revelatory for her, a necessary moment where she realizes what she values most cannot be a work of art. It's a timeless theme of choosing life, and Ms. Alexander spun her tale around that theme very solidly. I applaud her for it.
I will say, though, that the whole Van Schuyler family "fate" thing, where no one in Alison's family life had a happily-ever-after was absurd. That's an unrealistic reason to not marry, especially if you're a Christian. Are you going to believe in a "curse" or put your faith in your Heavenly Father?
The Characters
Ian I loved as soon as he was separated from Alison and became a POW in Germany. He faced some truly ugly ordeals during his time there, and it toughened him in ways that I can respect, ways other than being so ardently in love with Alison. Just as Alison traverses her journey, so does Ian also traverse his own. Part of this means coming to terms with his anger and the violence he will enact on others in a righteous rage. He kills a Nazi with a farming implement and a rock because the man was taking advantage of a young woman. It's an unpleasant scene, but one indicative of life. I've known many men who struggle with anger, and so to have an upstanding Christian man also experience the same struggle made him more real for me.
Alison is one of those artistic types who can so easily lose herself in her work that she forgets everything else. I appreciate her attempts at loving, but I disliked her recklessness and unwillingness to listen to sound advice at first from her grandfather, father, and every other male authority figure in her life. Stubbornness is becoming a "thing" in Christian fiction heroines, and I'm not inclined to like it very much. Near the end of the book, her behavior is also so completely contradictory to what my own would have been, that I almost took a disliking her. I'm a Peggy Carter type and not one to simply assimilate into a bad situation and develop Stockholm Syndrome. I would have literally tried every possible means of escape until they had to truss me up like a chicken to keep from getting out. No such behavior from her, and I just wasn't buying it.
As a couple, Ian and Alison were likeable. I never fully connected to them as a whole, probably because they spend far more time apart than they ever did together within the pages of Where Treasure Hides. That style of timing doesn't allow for a whole lot of relational growth.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog, Bookshelves and Daydreams.
The Theme
Alison is a very passionate young woman regarding art. It is her sole pursuit, her one true love apart from Ian, and she is constantly faced with a question throughout Where Treasure Hides, something known as the Mona Lisa question. In other words, is art worth dying for?
If you were to ask my sister, she would likely say yes. An impassioned young woman herself, she lives and breathes art and holds the Monuments Men in very high esteem for their courageous protection of the great masterpieces from Nazi Germany during World War II. However, my sister also loves people, and if it came down to a choice between a painting or a person, she would pick the person hand's down. For myself, not really an art connoisseur, I wouldn't hesitate. Let the painting, no matter what it is, meet an ugly end if it means saving a human life.
Alison struggles with this concept and it bothers her that she struggles. Even though she spent a great deal of Holland's occupation safe-guarding Jewish children and delivering them into the arms of families who would take them in, the same niggling doubt still oppresses her. Which does she love more? Art or people?
The finale of this story is revelatory for her, a necessary moment where she realizes what she values most cannot be a work of art. It's a timeless theme of choosing life, and Ms. Alexander spun her tale around that theme very solidly. I applaud her for it.
I will say, though, that the whole Van Schuyler family "fate" thing, where no one in Alison's family life had a happily-ever-after was absurd. That's an unrealistic reason to not marry, especially if you're a Christian. Are you going to believe in a "curse" or put your faith in your Heavenly Father?
The Characters
Ian I loved as soon as he was separated from Alison and became a POW in Germany. He faced some truly ugly ordeals during his time there, and it toughened him in ways that I can respect, ways other than being so ardently in love with Alison. Just as Alison traverses her journey, so does Ian also traverse his own. Part of this means coming to terms with his anger and the violence he will enact on others in a righteous rage. He kills a Nazi with a farming implement and a rock because the man was taking advantage of a young woman. It's an unpleasant scene, but one indicative of life. I've known many men who struggle with anger, and so to have an upstanding Christian man also experience the same struggle made him more real for me.
Alison is one of those artistic types who can so easily lose herself in her work that she forgets everything else. I appreciate her attempts at loving, but I disliked her recklessness and unwillingness to listen to sound advice at first from her grandfather, father, and every other male authority figure in her life. Stubbornness is becoming a "thing" in Christian fiction heroines, and I'm not inclined to like it very much. Near the end of the book, her behavior is also so completely contradictory to what my own would have been, that I almost took a disliking her. I'm a Peggy Carter type and not one to simply assimilate into a bad situation and develop Stockholm Syndrome. I would have literally tried every possible means of escape until they had to truss me up like a chicken to keep from getting out. No such behavior from her, and I just wasn't buying it.
As a couple, Ian and Alison were likeable. I never fully connected to them as a whole, probably because they spend far more time apart than they ever did together within the pages of Where Treasure Hides. That style of timing doesn't allow for a whole lot of relational growth.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog, Bookshelves and Daydreams.
July 11, 2020
I’m not really sure how I feel about this book. The first 30% of the book was just meh. Literally like five seconds into the book they’re in love. Which was kind of annoying. Around 40% into the book it started getting more interesting, but after a little it was getting kind of just meh. The ending was okay. It annoyed me how all Alison cared about was her art. The cover is pretty, and some parts I did enjoy, but overall it was just okay.
July 13, 2013
Wow, I'm so tired this morning but I just had to finish this book before I went to sleep last night. It was good from the beginning, but I work full time and am an author myself, so it took me longer to read due to my own deadlines. The tension kept building and building, just the way I like them. I cared about the characters so much my heart ached at times. I would love to see this book in print. It's long, but very good. I enjoyed the entire ride!
The story felt real to me and the characters were complex. I often got so lost in the story I forgot I was reading. The plot was emotional and compelling. My heart pounded more than a few times. And the ending... OH MY! If that doesn't make you want and jump up and shout, "Yes!" nothing will. Very well done!
I'm a big fan of fiction written about Europe during the war anyway, and this story had just the right amount of tension, romance, and setting. I must have read upwards of fifty books or more during this time period and this was one of the better ones. There were so many compelling twists and turns in this story. I'm telling you, that last quarter of the book was NOT going to let me rest until I finished the last word. Great debut!
The story felt real to me and the characters were complex. I often got so lost in the story I forgot I was reading. The plot was emotional and compelling. My heart pounded more than a few times. And the ending... OH MY! If that doesn't make you want and jump up and shout, "Yes!" nothing will. Very well done!
I'm a big fan of fiction written about Europe during the war anyway, and this story had just the right amount of tension, romance, and setting. I must have read upwards of fifty books or more during this time period and this was one of the better ones. There were so many compelling twists and turns in this story. I'm telling you, that last quarter of the book was NOT going to let me rest until I finished the last word. Great debut!
January 4, 2013
This book captured me from page one. I read the entire thing in a day. The characters are brilliant and well-rounded, the scenes are beautifully descriptive. Made me feel like I was right there with Ian and Allison. Donley doesn't pull punches with some of the horrors of war, but doesn't go too into detail, allowing the reader's imagination to fill in some pieces as the strength of the words hits your heart.
Even the villain, Theodor, is likable in a strange way. Even though we disapprove of his methods, we understand his rationale. Ian, the hero, is fanstastic, and the love between him and Alison makes your heart tingle.
It's a must read. I'm going to read it again. LOVED it and recommend it to everyone who loves historic romance.
I'm ready for the sequel.
Even the villain, Theodor, is likable in a strange way. Even though we disapprove of his methods, we understand his rationale. Ian, the hero, is fanstastic, and the love between him and Alison makes your heart tingle.
It's a must read. I'm going to read it again. LOVED it and recommend it to everyone who loves historic romance.
I'm ready for the sequel.
August 12, 2015
In this debut novel by Johnnie Alexander, the author combined a love story with the backdrop of WWII and saving treasures, both human and artistic.
The main characters, Alison and Ian, fall in love "at first sight" very early in the novel, which some may find a bit difficult to believe.
What I enjoyed about the novel is the way the author used aspects of the war and wove them into Alison and Ian's story. Alison was Dutch and Ian English. The war impacted them and their countries in different ways.
Some of the story shifts were a bit abrupt and a few aspects not fully believable. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would read other works by the author.
The main characters, Alison and Ian, fall in love "at first sight" very early in the novel, which some may find a bit difficult to believe.
What I enjoyed about the novel is the way the author used aspects of the war and wove them into Alison and Ian's story. Alison was Dutch and Ian English. The war impacted them and their countries in different ways.
Some of the story shifts were a bit abrupt and a few aspects not fully believable. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and would read other works by the author.
June 29, 2013
With Europe on the brink of war, artist Alison Schuyler never expected to have her life changed while waiting for her train at Waterloo Station. Returning to her home in the Netherlands following an exploratory trip to Wales -- where, at the behest of her grandfather she gathered intelligence on how to protect their beloved nation's national art treasures from the coming conflict -- she is arrested by the sight of a British officer defending a young Jewish child from the recently-arrived Kindertransport. Lieutenant Ian Devlin is equally captivated by the beautiful artist, and puzzled by her determination to deny the obvious attraction between them. Though she spends just a few unforgettable hours in Ian's company, Alison is sure the family fate -- and the coming war -- means their fledgling relationship is destined to fail. When she returns to the Rotterdam and her family's renowned gallery, Alison throws herself into her work, determined to forget Ian's kind eyes and their ill-fated attraction, even going so far as to entertain the attentions of a persistent German count who seems to value winning her affections as much as the art treasures she so cherishes. But all is not as it seems with the count, and when war comes Alison must decide where her true treasure lies -- in her own efforts, in protecting the art that is her life, or in taking a leap of faith on a love she can't forget and a God who knows her heart's deepest desire?
It's no secret that I LOVE World War II-era fiction, so when Donley's debut was released earlier this year I fell in love with the gorgeous cover and knew I had to read it. The opening is promising -- I loved the romance of Alison and Ian's "meet cute" at the train station. It's reminiscent of two of my favorite classic wartime dramas -- Waterloo Bridge, a World War I-set drama featuring a gorgeously-told, ill-fated romance between Robert Taylor and Vivien Leigh, and the poignant wartime romance The Clock featuring Judy Garland and Robert Walker. There is a fairy tale-like quality to the novel's opening pages, from Ian's gallant defense of the refugee boy, even to Alison's insistence that love is out of reach due to a family "curse." Donley succeeds in imbuing the opening of her novel with an old Hollywood atmosphere and charm, with the promise of a romance laced with the bittersweet poignancy and uncertainty of wartime.
I applaud Donley for focusing her storyline on elements of World War II history that -- in my experience, at any rate -- have not received a great deal of attention in similarly-themed fiction. I loved the Rotterdam setting, and the passion Alison and her grandfather have to see their national treasures protected from potential Nazi looters. It reminded me a bit of the Masterpiece Contemporary film Framed, which -- though set in the present day -- took its cues from the historical evacuation of the National Gallery's treasures from London to Wales during the war, and similarly touches on the power of art to inspire and foster a sense of national identity and pride.
That said, where the novel begins to falter is in pacing and characterization issues that surface as the story progresses. First and foremost, the whole idea of a Schuyler family curse simply doesn't work. Frankly, it feels incredibly immature for Alison to continue to rebuff Ian in order to "save" him -- I'd have much preferred her to simply acknowledge that she has trust issues, scarred by her father's abandonment (instead of chalking up his behavior as a result of the "curse" playing out in his own life). SPOILERS: And the final fifth of the novel, where Alison leaves the safety of London on a stranger's word, and then develops a tolerance for her captor indicative of the Stockholm Syndrome is, quite frankly, beyond the scope of believability or sense. There is good drama and then there is just idiotic behavior, and unfortunately for Alison her actions in the novel's final act fall firmly into the latter camp. Pacing-wise, the novel possesses an ambitious scope by covering the entire war period -- I think this book would've been stronger and her characters better served if she'd had the chance to flesh out her storyline over two volumes instead of one, making time jumps less jarring and Alison's character more grounded and mature (especially given her complete disregard for her physical health when she leaves England).
Despite my issues with Alison and the story's pacing, I think Donley has the potential to be an author to watch. She has knack for imbuing her writing with period detail and a welcome willingness to explore lesser-examined aspects of wartime history. The beginning of Alison and Ian's romance has the charm of a fairy tale, and I loved the latter's sense of honor and duty, particularly as it plays out during his flight to freedom from the Germans. There is a lot of potential here, and should Donley release a sequel I'll definitely check it out.
It's no secret that I LOVE World War II-era fiction, so when Donley's debut was released earlier this year I fell in love with the gorgeous cover and knew I had to read it. The opening is promising -- I loved the romance of Alison and Ian's "meet cute" at the train station. It's reminiscent of two of my favorite classic wartime dramas -- Waterloo Bridge, a World War I-set drama featuring a gorgeously-told, ill-fated romance between Robert Taylor and Vivien Leigh, and the poignant wartime romance The Clock featuring Judy Garland and Robert Walker. There is a fairy tale-like quality to the novel's opening pages, from Ian's gallant defense of the refugee boy, even to Alison's insistence that love is out of reach due to a family "curse." Donley succeeds in imbuing the opening of her novel with an old Hollywood atmosphere and charm, with the promise of a romance laced with the bittersweet poignancy and uncertainty of wartime.
I applaud Donley for focusing her storyline on elements of World War II history that -- in my experience, at any rate -- have not received a great deal of attention in similarly-themed fiction. I loved the Rotterdam setting, and the passion Alison and her grandfather have to see their national treasures protected from potential Nazi looters. It reminded me a bit of the Masterpiece Contemporary film Framed, which -- though set in the present day -- took its cues from the historical evacuation of the National Gallery's treasures from London to Wales during the war, and similarly touches on the power of art to inspire and foster a sense of national identity and pride.
That said, where the novel begins to falter is in pacing and characterization issues that surface as the story progresses. First and foremost, the whole idea of a Schuyler family curse simply doesn't work. Frankly, it feels incredibly immature for Alison to continue to rebuff Ian in order to "save" him -- I'd have much preferred her to simply acknowledge that she has trust issues, scarred by her father's abandonment (instead of chalking up his behavior as a result of the "curse" playing out in his own life). SPOILERS: And the final fifth of the novel, where Alison leaves the safety of London on a stranger's word, and then develops a tolerance for her captor indicative of the Stockholm Syndrome is, quite frankly, beyond the scope of believability or sense. There is good drama and then there is just idiotic behavior, and unfortunately for Alison her actions in the novel's final act fall firmly into the latter camp. Pacing-wise, the novel possesses an ambitious scope by covering the entire war period -- I think this book would've been stronger and her characters better served if she'd had the chance to flesh out her storyline over two volumes instead of one, making time jumps less jarring and Alison's character more grounded and mature (especially given her complete disregard for her physical health when she leaves England).
Despite my issues with Alison and the story's pacing, I think Donley has the potential to be an author to watch. She has knack for imbuing her writing with period detail and a welcome willingness to explore lesser-examined aspects of wartime history. The beginning of Alison and Ian's romance has the charm of a fairy tale, and I loved the latter's sense of honor and duty, particularly as it plays out during his flight to freedom from the Germans. There is a lot of potential here, and should Donley release a sequel I'll definitely check it out.
January 7, 2013
Where the Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander Donley is a treasure of history that we need to be aware of right now. We do not want history to repeat itself and through well written fiction like Where the Treasure Hides perhaps we will be more aware of what is happening around us.
The story line involves artist Allison Schuyler, sent back to Holland by her grief stricken father to live with her grandfather and aunt. The family owns a well-known art gallery.
Allison loves art more than anything until she meets Ian Devlin on a trip to England. The war around them is escalating and Alison doesn't want to love any one. She believes the family is cursed. If she marries Ian he will die. and with the war the possibility of that occurring is even greater.
As the story title implies there is treasure--the paintings created by the Masters. They must be hidden and protected but at what cost? Is it more important than a human life? These are decisions Alison must make.
Where the Treasure Hides is an excellent read and while there is a healthy dose of history it does not over-ride the story, which I found pleasant.
The story line involves artist Allison Schuyler, sent back to Holland by her grief stricken father to live with her grandfather and aunt. The family owns a well-known art gallery.
Allison loves art more than anything until she meets Ian Devlin on a trip to England. The war around them is escalating and Alison doesn't want to love any one. She believes the family is cursed. If she marries Ian he will die. and with the war the possibility of that occurring is even greater.
As the story title implies there is treasure--the paintings created by the Masters. They must be hidden and protected but at what cost? Is it more important than a human life? These are decisions Alison must make.
Where the Treasure Hides is an excellent read and while there is a healthy dose of history it does not over-ride the story, which I found pleasant.
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December 7, 2016I don't know what to rate Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander. I loved a lot of it! But there were two happenings that were really hard to handle. One of them was so shocking and horrific that I almost stopped reading the book then and there. It's beyond words. WHO would do that?
I didn't like that the villain got away without facing the consequences of his wicked actions. I didn't like that a mother was never reunited with the baby she thought she lost. I don't like the debate: "Would you save a child OR the Mona Lisa?" And what conclusion did our POV character come to? To save the child ... if it's a child you love?? I'm not sure what exactly her conclusion was; but it was never spelled out. And that bothered me.
Ah. There were beautiful and dreamy and heartfelt moments. But it also was a very harsh, hard book in many ways. I don't like to see so much evil not dealt with.
If you're a fan of WWII novels, and can handle really harsh scenes, Where Treasure Hides might be the book for you.
I didn't like that the villain got away without facing the consequences of his wicked actions. I didn't like that a mother was never reunited with the baby she thought she lost. I don't like the debate: "Would you save a child OR the Mona Lisa?" And what conclusion did our POV character come to? To save the child ... if it's a child you love?? I'm not sure what exactly her conclusion was; but it was never spelled out. And that bothered me.
Ah. There were beautiful and dreamy and heartfelt moments. But it also was a very harsh, hard book in many ways. I don't like to see so much evil not dealt with.
If you're a fan of WWII novels, and can handle really harsh scenes, Where Treasure Hides might be the book for you.
April 28, 2021
A WWII novel that compels, and then holds you until the end! One of Johnnie Alexander's best!
May 15, 2021
One of the best historical novels I’ve read in a long while. Stellar research, multi-dimensional and highly motivated characters, strong themes and an unpredictable plot.
This story involves characters on both sides of the second world war. Of course, there is mention of some truly heinous historical persons, but the antagonist tends to draw the reader into his reasoning, and is not the proverbial villain. However, choices are made that affect many lives along the way.
The lead characters share a deep love that endeavors to overcome the trials and the difficult times that challenge them. But will love be enough to transcend doubt and fear?
I especially appreciated the subplot of the “lost children” who were taken in by people who believed in God and basic humanity and decency.
A gripping read, with many takeaways to consider long after the story is done.
This story involves characters on both sides of the second world war. Of course, there is mention of some truly heinous historical persons, but the antagonist tends to draw the reader into his reasoning, and is not the proverbial villain. However, choices are made that affect many lives along the way.
The lead characters share a deep love that endeavors to overcome the trials and the difficult times that challenge them. But will love be enough to transcend doubt and fear?
I especially appreciated the subplot of the “lost children” who were taken in by people who believed in God and basic humanity and decency.
A gripping read, with many takeaways to consider long after the story is done.
October 15, 2015
Before you begin this brilliant-breath-taking book here are a few tips.
1). DO NOT READ THIS WHILE CAMPING.
2). Do not read this book in public period.
3). Prepare to have your heart shredded.
Coming into Where Treasure Hides I was expecting some sad thematic tragedies but I was not prepared for that.
The plot alone was fascinating.
You know that point in the book when you realize what the title means or the moment you kind of figure out where the plot is heading?
That point or moment happened after Alison's Opa (means grandfather) asks her the "Mona Lisa" question.
"The Louvre is on fire and only the Mona Lisa or the child standing beside it can be saved. Which would you choose?"
During the time the Nazis were scouting for precious art from famous galleries across Europe. Alison Schuyler has always cherished art even before she herself started drawing. So when the Schuylers try to hide these precious art pieces, Alison has to answer the "Mona Lisa" question herself. Between the choice of saving some of the world's grand masterpieces or innocent lives.
Alison was one of those characters that you loved yet you just wanted to shake her and tell her what to do. She wasn't necessarily stupid but sometimes her actions (or her inactivity) were.
Ian was my favorite. Through him we get a cruel perspective of the War between the Allies and the Axis. Throughout difficult situations Ian's decisions made my heart do somersaults.
I loved that Alison and Ian both relied on God, that was a highlight for me.
But I do wish Alison and Ian's romance was a bit more described. You almost had to imagine their love story yourself. I'm not sure if that was done purposefully, but I did want more than what we were given.
I won't go into anymore characters because if I do I'm afraid I might spoil it for you. But rest assure, they're all fantastic. Even the villain.
Johnnie Alexander does an excellent job at taking you to places you've never imagined. I honestly felt as if I were there.
You know a book is good when you can't place it down, especially when a book has such an interesting theme that you emotionally get attached.
If you enjoy reading Historical fiction, a bit of romance with a twist of suspense, and a tragic fate, you need to read this.
Now to my semi-sad, yet funny spoiler.
1). DO NOT READ THIS WHILE CAMPING.
2). Do not read this book in public period.
3). Prepare to have your heart shredded.
Coming into Where Treasure Hides I was expecting some sad thematic tragedies but I was not prepared for that.
The plot alone was fascinating.
You know that point in the book when you realize what the title means or the moment you kind of figure out where the plot is heading?
That point or moment happened after Alison's Opa (means grandfather) asks her the "Mona Lisa" question.
"The Louvre is on fire and only the Mona Lisa or the child standing beside it can be saved. Which would you choose?"
During the time the Nazis were scouting for precious art from famous galleries across Europe. Alison Schuyler has always cherished art even before she herself started drawing. So when the Schuylers try to hide these precious art pieces, Alison has to answer the "Mona Lisa" question herself. Between the choice of saving some of the world's grand masterpieces or innocent lives.
Alison was one of those characters that you loved yet you just wanted to shake her and tell her what to do. She wasn't necessarily stupid but sometimes her actions (or her inactivity) were.
Ian was my favorite. Through him we get a cruel perspective of the War between the Allies and the Axis. Throughout difficult situations Ian's decisions made my heart do somersaults.
I loved that Alison and Ian both relied on God, that was a highlight for me.
But I do wish Alison and Ian's romance was a bit more described. You almost had to imagine their love story yourself. I'm not sure if that was done purposefully, but I did want more than what we were given.
I won't go into anymore characters because if I do I'm afraid I might spoil it for you. But rest assure, they're all fantastic. Even the villain.
Johnnie Alexander does an excellent job at taking you to places you've never imagined. I honestly felt as if I were there.
You know a book is good when you can't place it down, especially when a book has such an interesting theme that you emotionally get attached.
If you enjoy reading Historical fiction, a bit of romance with a twist of suspense, and a tragic fate, you need to read this.
Now to my semi-sad, yet funny spoiler.
July 24, 2015
Alison Schuyler knows that as the recipient of the Van Schuyler curse she can never marry. Instead she contents herself with art and by working in the family’s old art gallery in Rotterdam. But when World War II strikes her world begins to unravel with devastating effects. Her life is soon consumed with protecting living and inanimate treasure from barbaric Nazi rule. Before long war strikes closer to home. The world has gone over the edge.
Well. Let’s put it like this. If Johnnie Alexander turns out anything as engrossing as Where Treasure Hides she will be a new favorite author. I’ve got my fingers crossed for a sequel in fact. This story took so many twists and turns I was being forever amazed. It’s a good story and very well written. I loved the many sides of human nature that was displayed and how both the good and evil were multifaceted. Highly recommend!
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a hardcopy of “Where Treasure Hides” provided by Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
Well. Let’s put it like this. If Johnnie Alexander turns out anything as engrossing as Where Treasure Hides she will be a new favorite author. I’ve got my fingers crossed for a sequel in fact. This story took so many twists and turns I was being forever amazed. It’s a good story and very well written. I loved the many sides of human nature that was displayed and how both the good and evil were multifaceted. Highly recommend!
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a hardcopy of “Where Treasure Hides” provided by Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
January 19, 2013
This was a decent historical novel for the first half of the story. The main characters were mildly interesting and I was growing to like them, but it was the art gallery and the paintings referred to in the book that stole the show. To be honest, I was more concerned about the paintings surviving the war than the characters themselves.
I also felt the story went on too long and could have been resolved nicely around 150 pages before the ebook's actual end. The author's chosen plot resolution, when it finally came, didn't satisfy.
I also felt the story went on too long and could have been resolved nicely around 150 pages before the ebook's actual end. The author's chosen plot resolution, when it finally came, didn't satisfy.
November 1, 2018
What do I even say about this book?
The plot twists were what kept me reading - seriously, I had no clue what to expect moment to moment. It never happened like I thought it would. (Well, hardly ever, anyway.)
But then the narrative itself? Guys, it skipped. We'd see one scene here, and then next thing we heard it would be eight months later and we'd have a paragraph of dialog where we'd catch up on what was going on. That, my friends, is what creates a low rating for me. I'm sure there are some people who delight in that kind of storytelling, but my brain couldn't handle it.
The plot twists were what kept me reading - seriously, I had no clue what to expect moment to moment. It never happened like I thought it would. (Well, hardly ever, anyway.)
But then the narrative itself? Guys, it skipped. We'd see one scene here, and then next thing we heard it would be eight months later and we'd have a paragraph of dialog where we'd catch up on what was going on. That, my friends, is what creates a low rating for me. I'm sure there are some people who delight in that kind of storytelling, but my brain couldn't handle it.
November 19, 2018
I highly recommend everyone read When Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander. This is my new favorite “Book of the Year” and my favorite era! The author has set a riveting story in Europe during the beginning of WWII and the following years.
I’ve always found this author’s novellas very good, but this is her first long fiction I have read. I was blown away by the details she weaves into the story so naturally. I learned things I never knew about the war years, and about writing a historical novel! Ms. Alexander ties the whole thing up by using many of the details and characters from hundreds of pages earlier. This book is just shy of four hundred pages, but she definitely held my attention for the whole journey. I kept reading just one more chapter after another! And she keeps ramping up the suspense even until the very last page! The last sentence of the Epilogue makes me hope she will do a follow-up book for Where Treasure Hides to fill in this new information.
So, if you like historical fiction especially about World War Two, I hope you will order and read Where Treasure Hides. Also, I love the double-meaning of the word treasure for both the art and her family. You will find a treasure in this read!
Bio: Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides (Tyndale), is a CBA bestseller. She writes contemporaries, historicals, and cozy mysteries, serves on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Johnnie lives in Oklahoma with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.
June 20, 2019
I have a deep love for World War II novels, and this book is no exception. I couldn't believe how quickly I read through this book, and I am a huge fan of the fast yet intricate plot the author had going on. I was deeply invested in all the characters, and it just made me love the book even more. While there were some flaws I noticed, the over-all effect was marvelous.
This is such an underrated book, and I highly recommend everyone to relieve this! Romance in WWII books are my absolute favorite.
BUT I NEED ANSWERS FOR THAT FREAKING EPILOGUE!!!!
This is such an underrated book, and I highly recommend everyone to relieve this! Romance in WWII books are my absolute favorite.
BUT I NEED ANSWERS FOR THAT FREAKING EPILOGUE!!!!
June 9, 2021
As with many fictional stories from this time in history the atrocities of war really stood out. But in the midst of the valleys was the hope of love and better days. Alison and Ian meet early in the story and their love story was developed throughout the several years of war.
Note: I received this book complimentary in a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
Note: I received this book complimentary in a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
February 25, 2019
They kept finding their way back to each other. Such a lovely read. With God all things are possible & that was a constant reminder in this story.
May 19, 2019
3.5 stars. I found some areas slow and I really couldn’t connect with the saving art vs saving a life struggle. I was also not fond of the insta love. However, I loved the war setting and that their love have them something to hold on to.
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September 9, 2015Artist Allison Schuyler has spent her much of her life working in her family’s well-known art gallery, devoting her life to art in an effort to avoid the family curse. She is convinced that falling in love will only lead to tragedy as she has seen in her family. Her resolve is tested when she meets Ian Devlin in a chance encounter at Waterloo Station. The bold, compassionate British Army captain’s attraction to her causes her own resolve to waver. Their obligations take them separate ways, and as World War II breaks out, despite distance and danger, Allison questions her fear of love. While Ian fights for freedom and survival on the battlefield, Allison and her family work with the Dutch Underground, hiding priceless works of art, and more importantly, Jewish children who would otherwise be taken by the Nazi occupiers. Even when the war’s end is in sight, its consequences have lasting effects that threaten to keep Allison and Ian apart forever.
Johnnie’s debut is a solid entry into World War II based fiction. It is more of a romance set during history, than a historical story with romance. This isn’t a bad thing, but I do think something that potential readers might want to know going into the story. It is obvious from the outset that this is going to be a romantic story, and while I do like romance, I was a bit surprised at how quickly the romantic relationship begins – literally within the first chapter. I prefer more build-up in the romantic relationship than was provided here, but in the spirit of the story, I suspended my belief until the plot moved more toward what I consider the meat of the story.
Once the story passed the introductory stage, I was more drawn in by the details of art. Allison is an artist in her own right and very passionate about the artistic legacy of the Van Schuyler family. The theme of the “Mona Lisa question” that plagues her is well done – that hypothetical question being, as an art devotee, if she could only pick one, would she save the Mona Lisa or a child? Of course, she said the child, but her passionate reactions to protecting art lead her to be unsure of her ready answer to this philosophical debate.
Johnnie shows readers several different sides of the war – how it was toward the beginning, the Nazi stealing of artwork and life as an escaped prisoner of war. These glimpses of the war are fascinating, although some readers may find the big jumps in time a bit jarring, as I sometimes did. Another thing that might give readers pause is Allison’s belief in a family “curse” or fate. It seemed strange to me that a character who is a Christian would put such strong credence into a suppose curse. I know the point is for her to overcome her fear of it, but that didn’t always ring true to me. This is something that might not work for one reader, but then be totally fine for another.
Ian Devlin, the British Army lieutenant, faces a different kind of hardship throughout the war; he is an admirable male lead, and the scenes that feature him were the most suspenseful and riveting, yet also the most poignant, as he is forced to take life in order to save another and later come to terms with it. Johnnie doesn’t sugarcoat Ian’s experiences, and it adds a gritty, authentic feeling to the narrative.
Since the romantic aspect wasn’t what ended up drawing me into the story, as a couple, Allison and Ian are pleasant enough to me, but not fully engaging. I was more engrossed in their separate stories that I was when they were together. I admit to being a little lost toward the end of the story; Allison makes a decision that didn’t strike me as realistic, and once that happened, I was a bit less engaged in the story. Her behavior seems to contradict her spirit and behavior throughout the rest of the novel; I didn’t feel her despair but rather an acceptance of the situation. Ultimately, it does lead her to fully realize that art does not trump life, so for that reason, I found the climax of the story compelling.
Despite my few qualms with this story, overall, I did enjoy it. As a debut, Where Treasure Hides shows a great deal of promise for Johnnie’s future books. The ending is quite intriguing and leaves plenty of room for a sequel. I see that Johnnie has a contemporary romance releasing next, but since there are a few lose ends in this story that made my heart ache for Allison, I sincerely hope that there might be a follow-up in the future.
Johnnie’s debut is a solid entry into World War II based fiction. It is more of a romance set during history, than a historical story with romance. This isn’t a bad thing, but I do think something that potential readers might want to know going into the story. It is obvious from the outset that this is going to be a romantic story, and while I do like romance, I was a bit surprised at how quickly the romantic relationship begins – literally within the first chapter. I prefer more build-up in the romantic relationship than was provided here, but in the spirit of the story, I suspended my belief until the plot moved more toward what I consider the meat of the story.
Once the story passed the introductory stage, I was more drawn in by the details of art. Allison is an artist in her own right and very passionate about the artistic legacy of the Van Schuyler family. The theme of the “Mona Lisa question” that plagues her is well done – that hypothetical question being, as an art devotee, if she could only pick one, would she save the Mona Lisa or a child? Of course, she said the child, but her passionate reactions to protecting art lead her to be unsure of her ready answer to this philosophical debate.
Johnnie shows readers several different sides of the war – how it was toward the beginning, the Nazi stealing of artwork and life as an escaped prisoner of war. These glimpses of the war are fascinating, although some readers may find the big jumps in time a bit jarring, as I sometimes did. Another thing that might give readers pause is Allison’s belief in a family “curse” or fate. It seemed strange to me that a character who is a Christian would put such strong credence into a suppose curse. I know the point is for her to overcome her fear of it, but that didn’t always ring true to me. This is something that might not work for one reader, but then be totally fine for another.
Ian Devlin, the British Army lieutenant, faces a different kind of hardship throughout the war; he is an admirable male lead, and the scenes that feature him were the most suspenseful and riveting, yet also the most poignant, as he is forced to take life in order to save another and later come to terms with it. Johnnie doesn’t sugarcoat Ian’s experiences, and it adds a gritty, authentic feeling to the narrative.
Since the romantic aspect wasn’t what ended up drawing me into the story, as a couple, Allison and Ian are pleasant enough to me, but not fully engaging. I was more engrossed in their separate stories that I was when they were together. I admit to being a little lost toward the end of the story; Allison makes a decision that didn’t strike me as realistic, and once that happened, I was a bit less engaged in the story. Her behavior seems to contradict her spirit and behavior throughout the rest of the novel; I didn’t feel her despair but rather an acceptance of the situation. Ultimately, it does lead her to fully realize that art does not trump life, so for that reason, I found the climax of the story compelling.
Despite my few qualms with this story, overall, I did enjoy it. As a debut, Where Treasure Hides shows a great deal of promise for Johnnie’s future books. The ending is quite intriguing and leaves plenty of room for a sequel. I see that Johnnie has a contemporary romance releasing next, but since there are a few lose ends in this story that made my heart ache for Allison, I sincerely hope that there might be a follow-up in the future.
March 5, 2017
Alison Schuyler knows that as the recipient of the Van Schuyler curse she can never marry. Instead she contents herself with art and by working in the family’s old art gallery in Rotterdam. But when World War II strikes her world begins to unravel with devastating effects. Her life is soon consumed with protecting living and inanimate treasure from barbaric Nazi rule. Before long war strikes closer to home. The world has gone over the edge.
Well. Let’s put it like this. If Johnnie Alexander turn
s out anything as engrossing as Where Treasure Hides she will be a new favorite author. I’ve got my fingers crossed for a sequel in fact. This story took so many twists and turns I was being forever amazed. It’s a good story and very well written. I loved the many sides of human nature that was displayed and how both the good and evil were multifaceted. Highly recommend!
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a hardcopy of “Where Treasure Hides” provided by Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
Well. Let’s put it like this. If Johnnie Alexander turn
s out anything as engrossing as Where Treasure Hides she will be a new favorite author. I’ve got my fingers crossed for a sequel in fact. This story took so many twists and turns I was being forever amazed. It’s a good story and very well written. I loved the many sides of human nature that was displayed and how both the good and evil were multifaceted. Highly recommend!
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a hardcopy of “Where Treasure Hides” provided by Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
May 19, 2015
I have lately been on a binge reading historical romances set during World War II. I love everything by Sarah Sundin, Cara Putnam, Liz Tolsma, and others. When I saw the beautiful cover for Johnnie Alexander’s new book, Where Treasure Hides, I knew I had to get a copy and read it. Alexander’s novel fits right into the genre with the budding romance, the historical timeframe, and the conflict ripped from the pages of history.
The first thing that stands out to me is the setting and Alexander’s research into World War II era. Alexander did a good job at inviting the readers into the story right at the cusp of war, then trails the story through the entire process, and ending a year after the war. Even though she covers a lot of time, the story does move quite rapidly along, not fully allowing me to grasp the horror of the situation. Alexander mentions a couple of times that Jews were being taken away, but she never strays enough to cover what was going on. The story is written with dueling plotlines: first, Alison, then Ian. As the plot is told from a variety of narrators, when a certain character speaks, the dialogue fits their behavior, and the prose mimics their movements.
As for the main characters of Alison Schuyler and Ian Devlin, Alexander breathes life into them, making them memorable. Alison inherited the love of art and drawing from her father. Alexander does a great job at showing how all encompassing the viewpoint of an artist’s perspective of the world is. We view the world through different lenses and ideas for new projects appear all the time. Alison is a determined and brave woman who misses her father and mother terribly and eludes capture a number of times. As for Ian, he is a strong and heroic man who seeks out the preyed on weak and helps take them to safety without any concern of what would happen to him.
Right from the first page, Alexander introduces the romance tension and the conflict. For my taste, Ian and Alison claiming to have given their heart away at the first encounter was way too rushed. I would have liked to see it take longer to advance. I shook my head in disbelief a number of times in the early chapters. Like I mentioned early, the story doesn’t really focus on the horrible incidents occurring during World War II, so the tension revolved around Alison’s and Ian’s struggle to be together and save Alison’s family legacy with the paintings. There was really no questionable content with the violence that occurred during World War II. A pretty tame novel.
This completely original and predictable story, Where Treasure Hides, will definitely appeal to fans of Liz Tolsma and Cathy Gohlke’s book, Saving Amelie. It has the similar feel, even though Tolsma and Gohlke are more visual in their display of the horror taking place around the characters. The book was a quick read that I enjoyed, but not going to be listed as one of my favorite World War II novels. Where Treasure Hides really did not touch on the topic of God, so non-fans of CBA books could enjoy the fast moving plot.
In short, Johnnie Alexander’s unique story Where Treasure Hides features likeable characters even though the romance was much too unbelievable for me and all of the tension occurred between Ian and Alison. Not too much focus on the World War II events happening in the subplot.
I received a complimentary copy of Where Treasure Hides from Tyndale Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
The first thing that stands out to me is the setting and Alexander’s research into World War II era. Alexander did a good job at inviting the readers into the story right at the cusp of war, then trails the story through the entire process, and ending a year after the war. Even though she covers a lot of time, the story does move quite rapidly along, not fully allowing me to grasp the horror of the situation. Alexander mentions a couple of times that Jews were being taken away, but she never strays enough to cover what was going on. The story is written with dueling plotlines: first, Alison, then Ian. As the plot is told from a variety of narrators, when a certain character speaks, the dialogue fits their behavior, and the prose mimics their movements.
As for the main characters of Alison Schuyler and Ian Devlin, Alexander breathes life into them, making them memorable. Alison inherited the love of art and drawing from her father. Alexander does a great job at showing how all encompassing the viewpoint of an artist’s perspective of the world is. We view the world through different lenses and ideas for new projects appear all the time. Alison is a determined and brave woman who misses her father and mother terribly and eludes capture a number of times. As for Ian, he is a strong and heroic man who seeks out the preyed on weak and helps take them to safety without any concern of what would happen to him.
Right from the first page, Alexander introduces the romance tension and the conflict. For my taste, Ian and Alison claiming to have given their heart away at the first encounter was way too rushed. I would have liked to see it take longer to advance. I shook my head in disbelief a number of times in the early chapters. Like I mentioned early, the story doesn’t really focus on the horrible incidents occurring during World War II, so the tension revolved around Alison’s and Ian’s struggle to be together and save Alison’s family legacy with the paintings. There was really no questionable content with the violence that occurred during World War II. A pretty tame novel.
This completely original and predictable story, Where Treasure Hides, will definitely appeal to fans of Liz Tolsma and Cathy Gohlke’s book, Saving Amelie. It has the similar feel, even though Tolsma and Gohlke are more visual in their display of the horror taking place around the characters. The book was a quick read that I enjoyed, but not going to be listed as one of my favorite World War II novels. Where Treasure Hides really did not touch on the topic of God, so non-fans of CBA books could enjoy the fast moving plot.
In short, Johnnie Alexander’s unique story Where Treasure Hides features likeable characters even though the romance was much too unbelievable for me and all of the tension occurred between Ian and Alison. Not too much focus on the World War II events happening in the subplot.
I received a complimentary copy of Where Treasure Hides from Tyndale Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
July 22, 2016
New authors interest me, especially when they are writing in a time period that I love to read—there is always room for another good writer, and Johnnie Alexander is definitely that. Her writing is realistic, emotional and incredibly powerful. The multiple story threads combine expertly to create a novel that is compelling and complex, rich in detail and populated by developed characters. With this as her first novel, I am sure to be seeking her work out in the future!
One of the overarching themes in this book is the place of heartache in our lives. Do we allow it to determine how we treat others? What about the decisions we make—are they merely to protect us from further pain or do we reach for something more? The characters wrestle with these things from both sides of the issue, both as the one trying to shield him or herself and as the person who knows this isn’t really enough to call living.
And that leads into the tension between faith in God and superstition. While most of us say we trust God, we also aren’t willing to take chances on our happiness if we can help it. That is the situation Allison finds herself in, though hers is more stark than most of us face. Reading as it plays out is fascinating and I loved how the author doesn’t condemn the conflicting emotions she feels even as she struggles to trust the future to God.
The characters that populate this novel have amazing depth, including the secondary and minor characters. It would be far too easy to turn the Nazis and even the everyday German people into caricatures of the evil that was Hitler's regime, lumping all of them into one group and thereby making a judgement about everyone at once. But in this book, we see complex characters that, even though they are still the enemy, are human beings caught in an irresistible machinery that holds them as trapped as those whom they hold prisoner. Neither are all of the “good guys” necessarily doing the right things for altruistic motives—some strike me as more malevolent than those within the Nazi ranks.
This story made me cry in several places: it's hard to imagine living in these situations and facing the difficult choices that have to be made, sometimes in a mere moment. To feel so conflicted, to feel like a traitor even as those you love plead with you to save yourself, or to determine the future for another person because of a decision they have no input in is incomprehensible in our relatively safe world. The dilemmas presented in this novel almost have no right answer, but we get to follow the characters down the path they have chosen and see the realistic consequences play out.
The historical content is outstanding; the intense research and extensive knowledge of the author is evident, but this is a novel about a brutal time. Horrific episodes in history are brought to light in scenes that, while not necessarily graphic, are still disturbing. I would suggest this book only for mature readers, at least older teens, on up. It is a completely worthwhile read that I would highly recommend for those with an interest in WWII and those who enjoy historical romance with a dramatic storyline.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) to facilitate this review. All of the opinions expressed are my honest thoughts.
One of the overarching themes in this book is the place of heartache in our lives. Do we allow it to determine how we treat others? What about the decisions we make—are they merely to protect us from further pain or do we reach for something more? The characters wrestle with these things from both sides of the issue, both as the one trying to shield him or herself and as the person who knows this isn’t really enough to call living.
And that leads into the tension between faith in God and superstition. While most of us say we trust God, we also aren’t willing to take chances on our happiness if we can help it. That is the situation Allison finds herself in, though hers is more stark than most of us face. Reading as it plays out is fascinating and I loved how the author doesn’t condemn the conflicting emotions she feels even as she struggles to trust the future to God.
The characters that populate this novel have amazing depth, including the secondary and minor characters. It would be far too easy to turn the Nazis and even the everyday German people into caricatures of the evil that was Hitler's regime, lumping all of them into one group and thereby making a judgement about everyone at once. But in this book, we see complex characters that, even though they are still the enemy, are human beings caught in an irresistible machinery that holds them as trapped as those whom they hold prisoner. Neither are all of the “good guys” necessarily doing the right things for altruistic motives—some strike me as more malevolent than those within the Nazi ranks.
This story made me cry in several places: it's hard to imagine living in these situations and facing the difficult choices that have to be made, sometimes in a mere moment. To feel so conflicted, to feel like a traitor even as those you love plead with you to save yourself, or to determine the future for another person because of a decision they have no input in is incomprehensible in our relatively safe world. The dilemmas presented in this novel almost have no right answer, but we get to follow the characters down the path they have chosen and see the realistic consequences play out.
The historical content is outstanding; the intense research and extensive knowledge of the author is evident, but this is a novel about a brutal time. Horrific episodes in history are brought to light in scenes that, while not necessarily graphic, are still disturbing. I would suggest this book only for mature readers, at least older teens, on up. It is a completely worthwhile read that I would highly recommend for those with an interest in WWII and those who enjoy historical romance with a dramatic storyline.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) to facilitate this review. All of the opinions expressed are my honest thoughts.
February 19, 2016
Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander is an unforgettable story set in WWII Europe. Combining romance, intrigue, and adventure, Alexander weaves an emotional journey through the perils of war. Her book is filled with events and dangers of the time period, all brought to life in a page turning novel. From cover to cover, her characters take you through a time riddled with danger and a quest of justice amid chaos.
The book features the story of Alison and Ian as they each struggle with different aspects of the war. For Alison, it is rescuing children and art from the Nazis. For Ian, it is fighting on the front lines and enduring POW camps. And through it all Alexander blends in the emotion of losing loved ones, the fear of battle, and the fight to preserve treasure in the face of Nazi destruction.
I really enjoyed this story. The plot moved swiftly and engaged me all the way through. I appreciated the continuing suspense and variety of characters who were both endearing and abhorrent. I hope Alexander has a sequel planned, because she ended the book with a perfect lead-in to one!
July 22, 2015
I think the cover is beautiful and there were many things about this book I liked. After chapter 3 and right up until the last 50 pages I thought the story was very interesting; nothing like I had ever read. The hiding of the art and the children I could have read more and more of that. I enjoyed Allison and Ian the most when they were apart. I loved the feel of the book in my hands; and I can't quite describe it but some books are awkward to hold and touch but this one was just right. The real loss for me was the way out there in another world ending. Allison and her most ridiculous choices; they just didn't seem real to me. They seemed so out of character but still some-what accurate for this selfish woman. The writing was excellent just some of the story-line was too romanticized and the shake I wanted to give Allison was hard to over-come. I would read another historical from this author though.
October 8, 2015
This story has more twists than a pine tree has needles. And they're not simply corners and curves in the plot--the heartfelt love story evolves through drastic character transformations. From hesitation to commitment, from safety to danger, from loss to gain, and even from supposed death back to life.
For readers addicted to gripping WWII tales, this is one to delve into and enjoy.
For readers addicted to gripping WWII tales, this is one to delve into and enjoy.
September 8, 2015
This World War II book had it all: romance, valor, daring escapes, and beautiful writing.
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