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The Curator's Daughter: A Sweeping WWII Dual-Timeline Novel of Hope and Courage in the Face of Evil
A young girl, kidnapped on the eve of World War II, changes the lives of a German archaeologist forced into the Nazi Party and―decades later―a researcher trying to overcome her own trauma.
1940. Hanna Tillich cherishes her work as an archaeologist for the Third Reich, searching for the Holy Grail and other artifacts to bolster evidence of a master Aryan race. But when she is reassigned to work as a museum curator in Nuremberg, then forced to marry an SS officer and adopt a young girl, Hanna begins to see behind the Nazi facade. A prayer labyrinth becomes a storehouse for Hanna’s secrets, but as she comes to love Lilly as her own daughter, she fears that what she’s hiding―and what she begins to uncover―could put them both in mortal danger.
Eighty years later, Ember Ellis is a Holocaust researcher intent on confronting hatred toward the Jewish people and other minorities. She reconnects with a former teacher on Martha’s Vineyard after she learns that Mrs. Kiehl’s mother once worked with the Nazi Ahnenerbe . And yet, Mrs. Kiehl describes her mother as “a friend to the Jewish people.” Wondering how both could be true, Ember helps Mrs. Kiehl regain her fractured childhood memories of World War II while at the same time confronting the heartache of her own secret past―and the person who wants to silence Ember forever.
1940. Hanna Tillich cherishes her work as an archaeologist for the Third Reich, searching for the Holy Grail and other artifacts to bolster evidence of a master Aryan race. But when she is reassigned to work as a museum curator in Nuremberg, then forced to marry an SS officer and adopt a young girl, Hanna begins to see behind the Nazi facade. A prayer labyrinth becomes a storehouse for Hanna’s secrets, but as she comes to love Lilly as her own daughter, she fears that what she’s hiding―and what she begins to uncover―could put them both in mortal danger.
Eighty years later, Ember Ellis is a Holocaust researcher intent on confronting hatred toward the Jewish people and other minorities. She reconnects with a former teacher on Martha’s Vineyard after she learns that Mrs. Kiehl’s mother once worked with the Nazi Ahnenerbe . And yet, Mrs. Kiehl describes her mother as “a friend to the Jewish people.” Wondering how both could be true, Ember helps Mrs. Kiehl regain her fractured childhood memories of World War II while at the same time confronting the heartache of her own secret past―and the person who wants to silence Ember forever.
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2021
193 people are currently reading
3819 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Dobson
50 books1,747 followersWriting fiction is a fun excuse for Melanie to explore ghost towns and old houses, travel to unusual places, and spend hours reading dusty books and journals. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction with threads of romance and suspense.
Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.
More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.
Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.
More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
January 10, 2024
This is a well-written, entertaining, informative, dual timeline, WWII historical fiction novel. It is fast paced and inspiring, with likable and engaging female protagonists, heartbreak, loss, mystery, suspense, resilience, faith, and a satisfying conclusion. The author's note is interesting and insightful, and is truly appreciated. I won a copy of this wonderful novel from Ms. Dobson and Fresh Fiction, and this is my honest opinion.
June 23, 2021
1940. Hanna Tillich is a German archaeologist working for the Third Reich, she’s informed she’s being send home and to work as a museum curator in Nuremberg. Hanna’s job at the museum is to open boxes of stolen artifacts, list what’s inside, and wrap each item in cloth and pack them into crates. Not long after she moves back to Nuremberg she receives a letter informing her she’s to marry Kolman Strauss, it’s her duty to her country and she has no choice. Once married Kolman spends a lot of time working away, Hanna’s relieved and one day he arrives home with a little girl called Lilly, he’s adopted her and he informs Hanna she’s her new mother. Hanna is really concerned, by her husband’s trips away, she’s knows the property she unpacks has been taken from Jewish people and where did Kolman get a traumatized little girl from?
2020. Ember Ellis is a Holocaust researcher she returns to Martha’s Vineyard to meet with her former teacher Mrs. Kiehl and she discovers her mother Hanna worked for the Nazi Ahnenerbe. Mrs. Kiehl is suffering from PTSD, she doesn’t remember a lot of what happened to her as a child in Germany and Ember is determined to find out how she ended up living in America? This takes Ember out of her comfort zone, she doesn’t want to return to Martha’s Vineyard, as she doesn’t want to see Mrs. Kiehl’s grandson Dakota as she had a crush on him in high school and it ended badly.
The dual timeline story connects the past and present for Lilly and Ember and both women experienced terrible trauma. Ember has no idea she will also uncover a hidden story about the Nazi’s stealing art work from Jewish people, how they wanted to create a pure Aryan race, the lengths they went to achieve this and they stole Polish children from their families. The Curator’s Daughter is a story about discovering the devastating truth of what happened in Germany during WW II, combined with themes of faith and forgiveness. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and five stars from me.
2020. Ember Ellis is a Holocaust researcher she returns to Martha’s Vineyard to meet with her former teacher Mrs. Kiehl and she discovers her mother Hanna worked for the Nazi Ahnenerbe. Mrs. Kiehl is suffering from PTSD, she doesn’t remember a lot of what happened to her as a child in Germany and Ember is determined to find out how she ended up living in America? This takes Ember out of her comfort zone, she doesn’t want to return to Martha’s Vineyard, as she doesn’t want to see Mrs. Kiehl’s grandson Dakota as she had a crush on him in high school and it ended badly.
The dual timeline story connects the past and present for Lilly and Ember and both women experienced terrible trauma. Ember has no idea she will also uncover a hidden story about the Nazi’s stealing art work from Jewish people, how they wanted to create a pure Aryan race, the lengths they went to achieve this and they stole Polish children from their families. The Curator’s Daughter is a story about discovering the devastating truth of what happened in Germany during WW II, combined with themes of faith and forgiveness. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and five stars from me.
March 11, 2021
Melanie Dobson is a master. The Curator’s Daughter unravels an intricately woven web of secrets and shame, of courage and truth. With great insight into racism in the past and in the present, the novel brings up deep questions about what risks we would take to stand up for what’s right. Exceptional research shines on each page, but the intertwined stories of Hanna and Lilly and Ember are what kept me flipping those pages. A gem of a novel.
April 1, 2021
A fascinating look at the effect German Nazi control had on it's own citizens as well as a chilling reminder that history could very well repeat itself. Stunning storytelling bring past and present to life in equal portions of unputdownable glory.
This one is a marathon read, meaning you won't want to quit until the finish line. But be forewarned, once the reader's high wears off, you'll be in the post-read doldrums as you replay portions of the story over in your mind. At least that's what happened to me.
Dobson knows how to piece together dual timelines in a comprehensive and riveting way. I was equally invested in both Hanna and Ember's stories and I absolutely love the way the author draws out the suspense of intricate details and backstory.
There are so many talking points in The Curator's Daughter that are best left to book club discussions for fear of posting spoilers in a review. Let me just say that this is one memorable, thought-provoking read and leave it at that. :-)
This one is a marathon read, meaning you won't want to quit until the finish line. But be forewarned, once the reader's high wears off, you'll be in the post-read doldrums as you replay portions of the story over in your mind. At least that's what happened to me.
Dobson knows how to piece together dual timelines in a comprehensive and riveting way. I was equally invested in both Hanna and Ember's stories and I absolutely love the way the author draws out the suspense of intricate details and backstory.
There are so many talking points in The Curator's Daughter that are best left to book club discussions for fear of posting spoilers in a review. Let me just say that this is one memorable, thought-provoking read and leave it at that. :-)
September 4, 2023
Wow! What an excellent story. This was my first book by this author and I'm ready to devour the rest of her books. She reminds me of Cathy Gohlke.
The history is rich in this story and I had never heard about children being adopted and passed as Aryan. The story of Lily was a powerful one.
It was also interesting about how Ember's life crossed over with Hannah and Lily's story. Ember is in present time and is a Holocaust researcher. She escaped the life of growing up in a present day Aryan group, but someone is trying to find her.
Everything that Hannah went through trying to compile the stories of Jewish families and keeping Lily safe was incredibly powerful.
The pieces all begin to fall into place as Ember digs into the past of Dakota's grandmother, Mrs. Kiehl. As Ember peels away the layers of the past, Hannah's story really comes to life.
This was a deep story about the atrocities of WWII, but also how God redeems the past!
*I received this book as part of a book tour. This is my personal opinion.
The history is rich in this story and I had never heard about children being adopted and passed as Aryan. The story of Lily was a powerful one.
It was also interesting about how Ember's life crossed over with Hannah and Lily's story. Ember is in present time and is a Holocaust researcher. She escaped the life of growing up in a present day Aryan group, but someone is trying to find her.
Everything that Hannah went through trying to compile the stories of Jewish families and keeping Lily safe was incredibly powerful.
The pieces all begin to fall into place as Ember digs into the past of Dakota's grandmother, Mrs. Kiehl. As Ember peels away the layers of the past, Hannah's story really comes to life.
This was a deep story about the atrocities of WWII, but also how God redeems the past!
*I received this book as part of a book tour. This is my personal opinion.
November 15, 2022
++
I love Melanie Dobson's books the excellent research makes for a riveting story.
The author goes back and forth between the time periods, and it ends up seamlessly blending perfectly.
The author drew me into both time periods as both were equally fascinating.
A time split novel that has us alternating between Hannah and Ember.
Each time period is well represented with believable characters and vivid descriptions. The historical detail is accurate for both past and present times.
I was very immersed in the story as it brings out many emotions.
Heartbreaking yet inspirational this is one that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
Pub Date: 09 Mar 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I love Melanie Dobson's books the excellent research makes for a riveting story.
The author goes back and forth between the time periods, and it ends up seamlessly blending perfectly.
The author drew me into both time periods as both were equally fascinating.
A time split novel that has us alternating between Hannah and Ember.
Each time period is well represented with believable characters and vivid descriptions. The historical detail is accurate for both past and present times.
I was very immersed in the story as it brings out many emotions.
Heartbreaking yet inspirational this is one that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
Pub Date: 09 Mar 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 18, 2021
Intriguing, multilayered and suspenseful, The Curator’s Daughter winds through generations like the labyrinth it portrays, drawing characters through the chaos of Nazi Germany and their own love and loss until they come full circle to a satisfying and redemptive conclusion. I started this book late one morning and could not put it down, no matter that I read through the night. Melanie Dobson’s historical research alone is astounding. Beautifully written and masterfully told, readers of time-split fiction will love this.
August 14, 2021
1940-45 Germany & present day Germany and United States
Engaging time slip novel that highlights Nuremberg during WWII and white supremacy in current times. The novel starts off very strong and then I got a little lost for a few chapters, but quickly became engrossed in the stories of Hanna and Ember.
A favorite about reading historical fiction is learning new things. The Curator's Daughter delivered on that front. Sharing what was learned would include spoilers so I'll refrain.
Recommended! So many wonderful characters in the pages.
Engaging time slip novel that highlights Nuremberg during WWII and white supremacy in current times. The novel starts off very strong and then I got a little lost for a few chapters, but quickly became engrossed in the stories of Hanna and Ember.
A favorite about reading historical fiction is learning new things. The Curator's Daughter delivered on that front. Sharing what was learned would include spoilers so I'll refrain.
Recommended! So many wonderful characters in the pages.
March 19, 2021
Hanna is an archaeologist in Germany during World War 2; but because she's a woman, the SS sends her back to Nuremberg to be a curator logging in the many items they are confiscating from Jewish homes. Ember is a student working on her PhD, and her dissertation will be on people who helped the Jews during World War 2. Her research leads her to Nuremberg and Hanna's story.
Dobson did an excellent job of flowing between the dual timelines without losing the plot in either one. She gives an excellent depiction of what it must have been like for those who disagreed with Hitler's ideas and cared for their Jewish friends. The many ways they used to keep track of information that could be used after the war was quite interesting as well as the bravery of those involved in doing it. Also her descriptions of Nuremberg created a vivid picture of the city during these times. Hanna was an incredible young woman to go through all that she did, and Ember's determination to connect the dots between her elderly friend and Hanna was much to be admired.
Masterful writing, two intriguing plot lines, and wonderful characters combined to make this a wonderful read.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Dobson did an excellent job of flowing between the dual timelines without losing the plot in either one. She gives an excellent depiction of what it must have been like for those who disagreed with Hitler's ideas and cared for their Jewish friends. The many ways they used to keep track of information that could be used after the war was quite interesting as well as the bravery of those involved in doing it. Also her descriptions of Nuremberg created a vivid picture of the city during these times. Hanna was an incredible young woman to go through all that she did, and Ember's determination to connect the dots between her elderly friend and Hanna was much to be admired.
Masterful writing, two intriguing plot lines, and wonderful characters combined to make this a wonderful read.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
March 9, 2021
'What sounded good and right was really evil.'
Sometimes you finish a book and you just sit there, unable to allow anything else to penetrate your mind. Because that book was so compellingly powerful.
Melanie Dobson brings readers a time slip novel set in WWII and the present that carries numerous mysteries that propel the reader forward. I was completely caught up in this story and felt every heartache these characters faced. And their joy at times.
Set in Nuremberg in the 1940s and in the eastern US in the present, this story will resound in my mind and heart for a long time.
'Words will never penetrate a hardened heart.'
Dobson does a masterful job of unraveling long-buried mysteries and secrets, probing the depths of her characters' hearts and portraying vividly one of the most horrific times in history. I do not exaggerate when I say I was captivated throughout. Absolutely outstanding, this one will be on my top reads for the year. Well done!
My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the thoughts in this review are expressly my own.
Sometimes you finish a book and you just sit there, unable to allow anything else to penetrate your mind. Because that book was so compellingly powerful.
Melanie Dobson brings readers a time slip novel set in WWII and the present that carries numerous mysteries that propel the reader forward. I was completely caught up in this story and felt every heartache these characters faced. And their joy at times.
Set in Nuremberg in the 1940s and in the eastern US in the present, this story will resound in my mind and heart for a long time.
'Words will never penetrate a hardened heart.'
Dobson does a masterful job of unraveling long-buried mysteries and secrets, probing the depths of her characters' hearts and portraying vividly one of the most horrific times in history. I do not exaggerate when I say I was captivated throughout. Absolutely outstanding, this one will be on my top reads for the year. Well done!
My thanks to Tyndale House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the thoughts in this review are expressly my own.
September 7, 2021
Locations, dates and characters:
Eagle Lake Idaho — 1999 (Sarah, Lukas, Elsie and the Aryan Council)
Martha’s Vineyard — current day (Ember, Lily Kiel, Dakota, Brook and Elsie and Titus)
Nuremberg — 1940-1945 (Hannah, Lily, Kolman, Charlie, Himmler and Grete Cohn)
“No matter what she'd done, what anyone had done, it wasn’t beyond the width across Christ’s arms. The two nails that staked boundaries from the east to west, a giant crevice between them that dropped into the endless depth of His love.”
This was a time slip novel involving three female characters: Ember, Hannah and Lily.
Lily was the daughter in the title. Hannah was the mother and a curator for Germany’s National Museum who Lily remembered fondly, the mother whose fate she'd never known. Some memories came back to her in nightmares when she was separated from her mother in her youth in Nuremberg. But there were huge gaps in what she remembered and what she'd never been told.
One of her past students (Ember) who was greatly influenced by Lily (aka: "Mrs. Kiel") was doing a dissertation on anti-Semitism and the pattern of persecution in Nuremberg. Interviewing Mrs Kiel was important to her process. The problem was, the only way Ember could find Mrs. Kiel was to go through her grandson, Dakota, who had wounded her terribly in high school, and was the last person she’d ever want to see again.
The years involving these three main characters were filled with the hardships of the Nazi regime, a strange Aryan cult in Idaho and many personal and historic discoveries in Martha's Vinyard and more in Nuremberg.
This is one of those stories that when it’s over, the reader just wants to sit and ponder…and sigh. Yes this is sigh-worthy. What a wonderful book…probably my favorite in the last few months. Such beautiful writing, such rich and detailed history, such depth of story.
A book that will stay with me for quite a while.
Eagle Lake Idaho — 1999 (Sarah, Lukas, Elsie and the Aryan Council)
Martha’s Vineyard — current day (Ember, Lily Kiel, Dakota, Brook and Elsie and Titus)
Nuremberg — 1940-1945 (Hannah, Lily, Kolman, Charlie, Himmler and Grete Cohn)
“No matter what she'd done, what anyone had done, it wasn’t beyond the width across Christ’s arms. The two nails that staked boundaries from the east to west, a giant crevice between them that dropped into the endless depth of His love.”
This was a time slip novel involving three female characters: Ember, Hannah and Lily.
Lily was the daughter in the title. Hannah was the mother and a curator for Germany’s National Museum who Lily remembered fondly, the mother whose fate she'd never known. Some memories came back to her in nightmares when she was separated from her mother in her youth in Nuremberg. But there were huge gaps in what she remembered and what she'd never been told.
One of her past students (Ember) who was greatly influenced by Lily (aka: "Mrs. Kiel") was doing a dissertation on anti-Semitism and the pattern of persecution in Nuremberg. Interviewing Mrs Kiel was important to her process. The problem was, the only way Ember could find Mrs. Kiel was to go through her grandson, Dakota, who had wounded her terribly in high school, and was the last person she’d ever want to see again.
The years involving these three main characters were filled with the hardships of the Nazi regime, a strange Aryan cult in Idaho and many personal and historic discoveries in Martha's Vinyard and more in Nuremberg.
This is one of those stories that when it’s over, the reader just wants to sit and ponder…and sigh. Yes this is sigh-worthy. What a wonderful book…probably my favorite in the last few months. Such beautiful writing, such rich and detailed history, such depth of story.
A book that will stay with me for quite a while.
December 16, 2020
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.
This book was immersive and atmospheric. It’s always a pleasure to be drawn in to such a wonderful story from the very first page and to not be let go until the book has been finished. It’s a joy to weep over such a lovely, heart-wrenching story.
One complaint: I wish the leading lady would have held on to her virginity until marriage. This backstory has been overdone and felt out of place in this particular story. It served as shock value more than anything.
I liked that remembrance and memories of the past played such significant roles in the plot. It was lovely to see a heroine who wanted to preserve the past so that the aim of avoiding repeating negative history could be reached. This was written well and caught my emotions right away.
“Help me forget what’s in my past, Lord. Help me to press on. The truth—that’s what she needed to focus on.” I adored that this shift in focus was shown and explained. It felt proactive and decisive, and precisely when it needed to be both.
There was melodrama in Ember’s thread, but Hannah’s and Lilly’s threads were so strong that I didn’t even mind too much that the drama was over the top in Ember’s portion of the story.
Poor Lilly! My achy heart caused me to weep a few times over her troubles. I adored her thread more than anyone’s.
This was a wonderful book, and I can’t wait to get a paperback copy to reread and keep in my collection of novels.
Content: teen mom, alcohol, pre-marital sex, marital affairs, tobacco, one expletive
This book was immersive and atmospheric. It’s always a pleasure to be drawn in to such a wonderful story from the very first page and to not be let go until the book has been finished. It’s a joy to weep over such a lovely, heart-wrenching story.
One complaint: I wish the leading lady would have held on to her virginity until marriage. This backstory has been overdone and felt out of place in this particular story. It served as shock value more than anything.
I liked that remembrance and memories of the past played such significant roles in the plot. It was lovely to see a heroine who wanted to preserve the past so that the aim of avoiding repeating negative history could be reached. This was written well and caught my emotions right away.
“Help me forget what’s in my past, Lord. Help me to press on. The truth—that’s what she needed to focus on.” I adored that this shift in focus was shown and explained. It felt proactive and decisive, and precisely when it needed to be both.
There was melodrama in Ember’s thread, but Hannah’s and Lilly’s threads were so strong that I didn’t even mind too much that the drama was over the top in Ember’s portion of the story.
Poor Lilly! My achy heart caused me to weep a few times over her troubles. I adored her thread more than anyone’s.
This was a wonderful book, and I can’t wait to get a paperback copy to reread and keep in my collection of novels.
Content: teen mom, alcohol, pre-marital sex, marital affairs, tobacco, one expletive
January 9, 2022
A beautifully-written inspirational story from one of my favorite historical fiction authors, Melanie Dobson. It took me a while to get to this dual timeline saga, but it was perfect as one of my first listens of 2022. This story has thorough research, sympathetic characters, and beautiful examples of courage, bravery & forgiveness based on real-life examples. 5 Stars!
January 1, 2021
Award-winning author Melanie Dobson creates another extraordinary time-slip novel that is sure to become a new favorite among her readers. The Curator’s Daughter weaves the historical and contemporary storylines together as Ember Ellis’ present-day work as a Holocaust researcher prompts her to seek out her former teacher Mrs. Kiehl, whose mother had a connection to the Nazi Ahnenerbe. The past and present of both women intersect as the search for answers changes their lives in a way that no one could predict. The Curator’s Daughter focuses on the Nazis’ extreme interest in archaeology and other occurrences not widely known about during WWII.
Melanie Dobson’s novels are always a beautiful and heart-wrenching glimpse into our world’s history and filled with hope for the future. The Curator’s Daughter is a story of forgiveness, resilience, and love. With so much hatred still prevalent in our society today, this novel shares the powerful message of “the hope of God’s redemption and love for all.” The Curator’s Daughter is highly recommended for fans of World War II fiction and readers who enjoy time-slip and women’s fiction novels. This book will definitely be on my Top 10 List of 2021.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Melanie Dobson’s novels are always a beautiful and heart-wrenching glimpse into our world’s history and filled with hope for the future. The Curator’s Daughter is a story of forgiveness, resilience, and love. With so much hatred still prevalent in our society today, this novel shares the powerful message of “the hope of God’s redemption and love for all.” The Curator’s Daughter is highly recommended for fans of World War II fiction and readers who enjoy time-slip and women’s fiction novels. This book will definitely be on my Top 10 List of 2021.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
November 10, 2021
This dual timeline story was fascinating, and I especially loved how the author wrote on some lesser- known parts of WWII history! It was hard to put this book down. While it wasn’t my favourite Melanie Dobson novel, I have yet to be disappointed by one of her books. 4 stars!
May 11, 2021
Really enjoyed this dual time-line novel, part set in present day, part in WW2 Germany. Both storylines very compelling and definitely kept me turning pages. One of the themes of the book addresses the dangers of racism and it makes it such a timely read for our nation right now. Highly recommend for historical fiction lovers.
April 29, 2021
This author pens an incredibly fascinating story as she seamlessly weaves present and past heart-racing events together creating a spellbinding novel I could not put down. The novel starts off with Hannah Tillch on an archeological dig in hopes of uncovering the holy grail. Just when she thinks she has found it she is pulled off the dig and sent back home to work in a museum. In current time Ember Ellis, a Holocaust researcher is intent on finding people who helped Jewish families before and during these horrific holocaust times. She is in search of an unsung hero.
Emma is chasing demons of her own as she grew up in the Aryan Council, a radical group intent on white supremacy. She was young when her world was shattered , and separated from her family. This story touches on situations I had never heard before. In author notes she says, “Sometimes you just know when you have stumbled upon a story that will transport you far beyond the limits of mere words on a page, creating space for you to wonder what is priceless. Who is worthy of worship? What must be said? What the cost of silence might be. What is human life worth? Should that kind of value be buried? Forgotten? Ignored? Re-defined. Destroyed. These are questions that every society must answer.”
I agree with the author as I feel like I’ve, “stumbled upon a story that transported me far beyond the limits of mere words on a page, creating space for you to wonder what is priceless. Who is worthy of worship?”
Wow, you do not want to miss reading this one. It will also be a great pick for your next book club meeting, it’s a rich story you won’t soon forget!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
Emma is chasing demons of her own as she grew up in the Aryan Council, a radical group intent on white supremacy. She was young when her world was shattered , and separated from her family. This story touches on situations I had never heard before. In author notes she says, “Sometimes you just know when you have stumbled upon a story that will transport you far beyond the limits of mere words on a page, creating space for you to wonder what is priceless. Who is worthy of worship? What must be said? What the cost of silence might be. What is human life worth? Should that kind of value be buried? Forgotten? Ignored? Re-defined. Destroyed. These are questions that every society must answer.”
I agree with the author as I feel like I’ve, “stumbled upon a story that transported me far beyond the limits of mere words on a page, creating space for you to wonder what is priceless. Who is worthy of worship?”
Wow, you do not want to miss reading this one. It will also be a great pick for your next book club meeting, it’s a rich story you won’t soon forget!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
July 21, 2025
This is a book I wish I physically read to get all of the plot and story. I listened to it on audiobooks and missed some key points but still was a very interesting book. Following an archologist in WW2 time she is forced to marry man in the German army, she is given a child to raise but who is this child? Was she taken from Poland? How can this woman save this child and how can she protect her when the war is lost and she has key information about how the Jews were treated in the war. Can she save this child and save herself? Told in dual timeline, I was very entertained. I knew Hilter was into archology and have the main protagonist a woman made this book one I couldn't put down. I enjoyed both timelines and it showed what hatred can produce at any time. This book I wish I could have read but the audiobook was very well done! I learned a lot and will definitely give this book a 4 star rating!!! Melanie Dobson is a Christian Historical author I can read time and time again and never be disappointed!!!
November 26, 2021
Hanna Tillich loves her work as an archaeologist for the Third Reich, but it isn't until she is abruptly ordered to return to home, and she can't find her cousin and friend Luisa that she realizes things are not as they seem with The Third Reich.
The Curator's Daughter was an engaging read for me. The slip time novel moved seamlessly between two time periods, and there was also a third one that wasn't focused on as much but it wasn't confusing at all. Enjoyable.
The Curator's Daughter was an engaging read for me. The slip time novel moved seamlessly between two time periods, and there was also a third one that wasn't focused on as much but it wasn't confusing at all. Enjoyable.
August 23, 2021
Unfortunately, I was really disappointed in this one as I have loved all of Melanie Dobson’s other novels and expected the same. The plot was quite interesting as always but there were some points that were so unrealistic that they literally made me laugh. For example, it mentioned that her father made toys to comfort children who were afraid of prospective war. 😂I’m sorry, I just can’t. That’s too far fetched. In my experience, most children (excepting those who are traumatized) are pretty naive and unlike adults, usually don’t get emotionally affected by talk of war until it really hits home, say their parents are taken from them. And the back story of the nun and her romance was too much. Can we please get over the whole postulant falls in love trope? I found the spirituality of the nuns and the labyrinth (which, by the way, labyrinths actually being used for prayer in the Middle Ages really has no historical evidence: it’s really used to promote New Age spirituality) really quite annoying and cringe. Another thing that really made me cringe is the outdated narrative about the Cathars (mostly in the beginning). Once again, the Cathari are erroneously presented as innocent Christians persecuted by the hateful Catholics simply for what they believe. This is a total misrepresentation of history (usually promoted by anti-Catholics, including Protestants). If you want to learn more about who the Cathars actually were and what the Church actually did, I recommend Matthew Arnold’s “Fire and Sword” and “The Characters of the Inquisition” by William Thomas Walsh.
The last thing I will mention is that I found the narrative that “history is repeating itself” to be quite intriguing. I myself agree with that statement in that in the last few years we have found ourselves pressured more than ever to go along with the popular narratives. I’m thinking particularly of this last year with so much communism and oh so much Tonypandy. And what intrigued me about this book was that she didn’t make the connection between the overtaking of Nazism and Communism in the 40s and the many narratives we are pressured to go along with today (especially with Covid, CRT, etc). I mean just think about it: if enough people had not gone along with it there is no way that Hitler could have taken hold (likewise with lockdowns, etc.). But he was oh so sneaky and presented everything in such a tame light. “It’s just a yellow star”. “It’s just a mask, it’s just a vaccine...”
Instead, how she presented it was an extremely vague “racism” and you never knew whether she was actually promoting CRT or not. Regardless, I don’t recommend this one. And sorry for the rant, I just had to get it out of my system.
The last thing I will mention is that I found the narrative that “history is repeating itself” to be quite intriguing. I myself agree with that statement in that in the last few years we have found ourselves pressured more than ever to go along with the popular narratives. I’m thinking particularly of this last year with so much communism and oh so much Tonypandy. And what intrigued me about this book was that she didn’t make the connection between the overtaking of Nazism and Communism in the 40s and the many narratives we are pressured to go along with today (especially with Covid, CRT, etc). I mean just think about it: if enough people had not gone along with it there is no way that Hitler could have taken hold (likewise with lockdowns, etc.). But he was oh so sneaky and presented everything in such a tame light. “It’s just a yellow star”. “It’s just a mask, it’s just a vaccine...”
Instead, how she presented it was an extremely vague “racism” and you never knew whether she was actually promoting CRT or not. Regardless, I don’t recommend this one. And sorry for the rant, I just had to get it out of my system.
May 18, 2021
"Whoever owned the definitions, tweaking familiar words for their own use, could influence the morality of a people . . . Twisting their language. Writing fiction instead of fact. Re-creating their past and eliminating the hard truths for their future."
Sometimes you just know. You know when you have stumbled upon a story that will transport you far beyond the limits of mere words on a page, creating space for you to wonder what is priceless, Who is worthy of worship, what must be said, what the cost of silence might become. What is human life worth? Should that kind of value be buried? Forgotten. Ignored. Re-defined. Destroyed. These are questions that every society must answer.
German archeologist Hanna Tillich is a treasure hunter, of sorts. Sifting through through rocks and rubble along the French border, she considers her work for the Third Reich as valuable . . . until she is ordered back to Nuremburg to begin work as a museum curator, following a hasty union with an SS officer, for whom she carries no love or affection. Hanna begins to notice discrepancies, both with the objects that she is carefully cataloguing and with the disappearances of those she holds dear. Valuing the power of "story", Hanna carefully begins to script her own set of records, burying them beneath the stones of an historical prayer labyrinth above her childhood home, often taking her adopted daughter along with her, hoping and praying that one day those very stones might speak the truth.
Decades later, after surviving an horrific childhood, Ember Ellis is nearing the completion of valuable research towards her doctoral thesis, prior to travelling to Nuremberg, Germany. Fascinated with deciphering what created such vitriol towards the Jewish people, and desperate to find a hero or heroine among the German nationals who realized what was happening and decided to take a stand against it, Ember is slightly alarmed when veiled threats begin arriving at her office. Forced into confronting the one person whom she swore to forget, she opens up the door to remembering another, who has never been forgotten.
Enjoy this exceptional novel with its indelible characters and eternal spirit of redemptive restoration.
Sometimes you just know. You know when you have stumbled upon a story that will transport you far beyond the limits of mere words on a page, creating space for you to wonder what is priceless, Who is worthy of worship, what must be said, what the cost of silence might become. What is human life worth? Should that kind of value be buried? Forgotten. Ignored. Re-defined. Destroyed. These are questions that every society must answer.
German archeologist Hanna Tillich is a treasure hunter, of sorts. Sifting through through rocks and rubble along the French border, she considers her work for the Third Reich as valuable . . . until she is ordered back to Nuremburg to begin work as a museum curator, following a hasty union with an SS officer, for whom she carries no love or affection. Hanna begins to notice discrepancies, both with the objects that she is carefully cataloguing and with the disappearances of those she holds dear. Valuing the power of "story", Hanna carefully begins to script her own set of records, burying them beneath the stones of an historical prayer labyrinth above her childhood home, often taking her adopted daughter along with her, hoping and praying that one day those very stones might speak the truth.
Decades later, after surviving an horrific childhood, Ember Ellis is nearing the completion of valuable research towards her doctoral thesis, prior to travelling to Nuremberg, Germany. Fascinated with deciphering what created such vitriol towards the Jewish people, and desperate to find a hero or heroine among the German nationals who realized what was happening and decided to take a stand against it, Ember is slightly alarmed when veiled threats begin arriving at her office. Forced into confronting the one person whom she swore to forget, she opens up the door to remembering another, who has never been forgotten.
Enjoy this exceptional novel with its indelible characters and eternal spirit of redemptive restoration.
March 8, 2021
This read quickly became a riveting page turner, as we live in the time of great evil in Europe, to the present day life in America
Hanna Tillich rather naively works for the Third Reich as an archeologist, and she loved her job and felt she was helping her country.
The evil government has other ideas and she is soon married to someone she didn't want to marry, and a mother to a young adopted child, but throughout all that is playing out around her, we see she does her best to help to tell the story of what is really happening here.
We also meet Ember Ellis, current day, whose life has now become entwined with Hanna's, in a way that you will never see coming, or expect to hear about in the USA!
What a wonderful job Melanie Dobson has done with this story, and we need to never forget what happened here, the hate of a religion so deep that they stop at nothing, and remember those that selflessly gave what they could to thwart!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.
Hanna Tillich rather naively works for the Third Reich as an archeologist, and she loved her job and felt she was helping her country.
The evil government has other ideas and she is soon married to someone she didn't want to marry, and a mother to a young adopted child, but throughout all that is playing out around her, we see she does her best to help to tell the story of what is really happening here.
We also meet Ember Ellis, current day, whose life has now become entwined with Hanna's, in a way that you will never see coming, or expect to hear about in the USA!
What a wonderful job Melanie Dobson has done with this story, and we need to never forget what happened here, the hate of a religion so deep that they stop at nothing, and remember those that selflessly gave what they could to thwart!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 28, 2020
This is a dual timeline story that takes place in 1940 Germany and the present day. It was a little hard fkr me to keep up with the characters and how they related to each other but what a fascinating story this was.
The atrocities that were committed in World war II are so difficult to read about but then to think that it still happens today is even more difficult to understand. The author definitely gave me a lot to think about.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
The atrocities that were committed in World war II are so difficult to read about but then to think that it still happens today is even more difficult to understand. The author definitely gave me a lot to think about.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
October 7, 2022
3.5 stars :)
November 23, 2020
The Curator’s Daughter by Melanie Dobson is an excellent dual timeline historical fiction that alters between Europe WWII and current day US. This novel is gripping, fascinating, meaningful, and horrifying all at the same time. One is left with the overarching feeling of sadness, but yet there are glimmers of hope sprinkled throughout.
We get to follow two different women, two different generations, two different situations, yet both similar in several common themes. Both Hanna and Ember are inherently good women. Both are strong and intelligent, however both end up initially being a part of something not of their choosing. Both find their own hidden strengths, draw upon their moral compasses, and choose the right, and not necessarily the easy by any means, path to help take control of what they can and try to leave their worlds better then when they came forth in their own ways.
The fundamental concept of history repeating itself and that we as individuals have a choice as to whether we follow along blindly and allow it all to happen again or choose the new path, the better path. Atrocities unfortunately continue to happen, but what we choose to do in response is what helps define us a person, and collectively as a generation.
It was interesting to learn even more about Lebensborn from a different perspective and the Author’s note added more to the story as well. I am great full for the Author of adding this in.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Tyndale House Publishers for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/9/21.
We get to follow two different women, two different generations, two different situations, yet both similar in several common themes. Both Hanna and Ember are inherently good women. Both are strong and intelligent, however both end up initially being a part of something not of their choosing. Both find their own hidden strengths, draw upon their moral compasses, and choose the right, and not necessarily the easy by any means, path to help take control of what they can and try to leave their worlds better then when they came forth in their own ways.
The fundamental concept of history repeating itself and that we as individuals have a choice as to whether we follow along blindly and allow it all to happen again or choose the new path, the better path. Atrocities unfortunately continue to happen, but what we choose to do in response is what helps define us a person, and collectively as a generation.
It was interesting to learn even more about Lebensborn from a different perspective and the Author’s note added more to the story as well. I am great full for the Author of adding this in.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Tyndale House Publishers for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/9/21.
April 14, 2021
Fantastic read! Melane's stories always hit a different level of reading pleasure. The stories she weaves are beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking and hope inspiring. This is one of her best. I loved the storylines and they way the wove together. The characters steal your heart and the mystery within the pages is compelling. I could not put this one down! Highly recommended.
March 29, 2021
Wow, the author did a lot of research for this book. I learned a lot about how Hitler's Regime treated the Jewish people. It was a very difficult time for God's chosen people.
I also learned there were good and bad individuals in Germany. Some would not let fear of death detract from them aiding the Jewish people. It is so good that they did and it really brings home the point that "God is a God of Hope!"
The story went back and forth beginning in 1999 in Idaho with a woman who got married at a very young age and also had a child to a man who believed only in the Aryan Race. There was a fire and this woman and young child needed to escape. In the confusion and terror the woman lost her child. She believed that her husband was taking care of the little girl.
Next the story talked about Hanna Tillich in 1940. She, her team of archaeologists and Herr Kolman were searching for the Holy Grail. Heinrich Himmler was in charge of this expedition.
It was a bit difficult to keep up with the main characters because of the many facets in their personalities and their names. The woman first mentioned became Ember Ellis - a new name she took after the fire and loss of her child. Her husband is now in jail. Ember still does not know what happened to her little girl.
Hanna was forced to marry the SS Officer Kolman. Himmler wanted each Aryan couple to bear 4 children so that the Aryan population would increase. After Hanna was married, she could not go on digs anymore. She was given a job in a museum to inventory stolen Jewish merchandise. Oh, how badly the Jewish people were treated. Their property and goods were confiscated and they were moved to live in a Ghetto. Then they were taken to concentration camps and many were murdered.
Even though Hanna is married to an SS officer she wants to help the Jewish people by telling their stories. She is able to hide these stories from her husband. Her husband is very suspicious of her.
There is much intrigue and mystery in this book. Not everyone is able to stay alive, but thankfully some of the characters are determined to do the right thing.
If you want to learn more about the city of Nuremberg, Germany and how it played a large part in World War II and the history of the people who lived there, please read this book. You will be amazed at what happened there.
I also learned there were good and bad individuals in Germany. Some would not let fear of death detract from them aiding the Jewish people. It is so good that they did and it really brings home the point that "God is a God of Hope!"
The story went back and forth beginning in 1999 in Idaho with a woman who got married at a very young age and also had a child to a man who believed only in the Aryan Race. There was a fire and this woman and young child needed to escape. In the confusion and terror the woman lost her child. She believed that her husband was taking care of the little girl.
Next the story talked about Hanna Tillich in 1940. She, her team of archaeologists and Herr Kolman were searching for the Holy Grail. Heinrich Himmler was in charge of this expedition.
It was a bit difficult to keep up with the main characters because of the many facets in their personalities and their names. The woman first mentioned became Ember Ellis - a new name she took after the fire and loss of her child. Her husband is now in jail. Ember still does not know what happened to her little girl.
Hanna was forced to marry the SS Officer Kolman. Himmler wanted each Aryan couple to bear 4 children so that the Aryan population would increase. After Hanna was married, she could not go on digs anymore. She was given a job in a museum to inventory stolen Jewish merchandise. Oh, how badly the Jewish people were treated. Their property and goods were confiscated and they were moved to live in a Ghetto. Then they were taken to concentration camps and many were murdered.
Even though Hanna is married to an SS officer she wants to help the Jewish people by telling their stories. She is able to hide these stories from her husband. Her husband is very suspicious of her.
There is much intrigue and mystery in this book. Not everyone is able to stay alive, but thankfully some of the characters are determined to do the right thing.
If you want to learn more about the city of Nuremberg, Germany and how it played a large part in World War II and the history of the people who lived there, please read this book. You will be amazed at what happened there.
February 18, 2021
"Words will never penetrate a hardened heart, she said. The persecution won't end until people are willing to humble themselves and love their neighbors."
"Whoever owned the definitions, tweaking familiar words for their own use, could influence the morality of a people."
"What sounded good and right and true was really evil."
"The more people know about the past, the more we can work together to expose and end the cycle of hatred." "I'm afraid it will never end, Ember. Not if people continue to turn their backs on the love of God for all of His creation."
A timely, gut-wrenching, hope-filled, compelling, page-turning time-split novel set in WWII and the present, by award-winning novelist Melanie Dobson.
I highly recommend The Curator's Daughter!
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
"Whoever owned the definitions, tweaking familiar words for their own use, could influence the morality of a people."
"What sounded good and right and true was really evil."
"The more people know about the past, the more we can work together to expose and end the cycle of hatred." "I'm afraid it will never end, Ember. Not if people continue to turn their backs on the love of God for all of His creation."
A timely, gut-wrenching, hope-filled, compelling, page-turning time-split novel set in WWII and the present, by award-winning novelist Melanie Dobson.
I highly recommend The Curator's Daughter!
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2021
The Curator's Daughter by Melanie Dobson.
I really enjoyed this multipoint of view book. The plot was tightly constructed, and the characters were well-drawn. Before America joined the allies in WWII, it was raging on the European continent. The Nazi Party is looking for ways to expand its population while reducing the Jewish numbers. Hanna Tillich is an archaeologist for the Third Reich and is searching for the Holy Grail and other artifacts to bolster evidence of a master Aryan race. I loved this completely different view of the war. I do believe there were Germans who did not support the Nazi policies, but it is difficult to separate and excuse them completely. Hanna will have to confront her part of the Nazi actions and probably feels more complicit than she was. She is a museum curator in Nuremberg. She is also forced to marry an SS officer and adopt a young girl.
The second POV is that of Ember Ellis who is a researcher who is studying the Holocaust. She has a past that is squarely settled on racial hatred but has left that life. She contacts a former teacher and learns more about the woman's mother who once worked with the Nazis. There is an old boyfriend and his poor actions when he was in high school.
The story includes a trip to Europe and a reconnection with an old flame. All in all it was a very interesting read that I really enjoyed.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
I really enjoyed this multipoint of view book. The plot was tightly constructed, and the characters were well-drawn. Before America joined the allies in WWII, it was raging on the European continent. The Nazi Party is looking for ways to expand its population while reducing the Jewish numbers. Hanna Tillich is an archaeologist for the Third Reich and is searching for the Holy Grail and other artifacts to bolster evidence of a master Aryan race. I loved this completely different view of the war. I do believe there were Germans who did not support the Nazi policies, but it is difficult to separate and excuse them completely. Hanna will have to confront her part of the Nazi actions and probably feels more complicit than she was. She is a museum curator in Nuremberg. She is also forced to marry an SS officer and adopt a young girl.
The second POV is that of Ember Ellis who is a researcher who is studying the Holocaust. She has a past that is squarely settled on racial hatred but has left that life. She contacts a former teacher and learns more about the woman's mother who once worked with the Nazis. There is an old boyfriend and his poor actions when he was in high school.
The story includes a trip to Europe and a reconnection with an old flame. All in all it was a very interesting read that I really enjoyed.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
February 12, 2021
Another wonderful dual timeline novel by Melanie Dobson! Resounding with themes of redemption, this book tackles heavy topics like racism both past and present, going back and forth between WWII Germany and modern day DC. The past timeline follows Hanna, an archaeologist under Heinrich Himmler, seeking out treasures for the Reich, until the point that her gender disqualifies her from continuing in that capacity. As she returns home, she sees things that cause her to question everything happening in her beloved country. In the modern timeline, Ember is doing her dissertation on anti-semitism and running away from a past of racism herself. Both timelines converge with both heroines looking to do what they can individually to stop the tide of racism plaguing their nations.
While this hit a fairly heavy topic, the book didn't feel over-heavy in any part. The book was well written with well developed characters, a steady plot, strong character growth, a few mysteries thrown in, and a solid faith thread and redemption theme. If you're looking for a unique take on WWII with inspirational themes and strong characters, this is one I'd strongly recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
While this hit a fairly heavy topic, the book didn't feel over-heavy in any part. The book was well written with well developed characters, a steady plot, strong character growth, a few mysteries thrown in, and a solid faith thread and redemption theme. If you're looking for a unique take on WWII with inspirational themes and strong characters, this is one I'd strongly recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
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