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Resistance Girl #6
The Crystal Butterfly
Join us as we dive deep into the heart of the Dutch Resistance during World War II in the sixth installment of ‘The Resistance Girl Series’, 'The Crystal Butterfly.'
Amsterdam, 1939
In a world on the brink of war, Edda Van der Valk, a talented prima ballerina, seeks refuge from a ruthless Russian rival at a Swiss finishing school. Meeting Lili, Océane, Esther, Sable, and Anna, she finds solace in friendship but faces a rising tide of Fascism back in Holland.
Edda's life takes a hopeful turn when she falls in love with Asher Hoffmann, a fellow dancer from a Jewish family. Yet, their love is tested as they're engulfed by betrayal and deportation, and she loses the precious crystal butterfly brooch he made for her.
Determined to resist, Edda joins the Dutch Resistance, risking all to protect Jewish families. But treachery lurks within their ranks, and she finds herself framed and sent to Camp Westerbork.
In this gripping historical fiction, Edda's unbreakable spirit shines as she battles the darkness of World War II, determined to find her lost symbol of love and hope. "The Crystal Butterfly" is a tale of resilience and love in the face of overwhelming odds.
Amsterdam, 1939
In a world on the brink of war, Edda Van der Valk, a talented prima ballerina, seeks refuge from a ruthless Russian rival at a Swiss finishing school. Meeting Lili, Océane, Esther, Sable, and Anna, she finds solace in friendship but faces a rising tide of Fascism back in Holland.
Edda's life takes a hopeful turn when she falls in love with Asher Hoffmann, a fellow dancer from a Jewish family. Yet, their love is tested as they're engulfed by betrayal and deportation, and she loses the precious crystal butterfly brooch he made for her.
Determined to resist, Edda joins the Dutch Resistance, risking all to protect Jewish families. But treachery lurks within their ranks, and she finds herself framed and sent to Camp Westerbork.
In this gripping historical fiction, Edda's unbreakable spirit shines as she battles the darkness of World War II, determined to find her lost symbol of love and hope. "The Crystal Butterfly" is a tale of resilience and love in the face of overwhelming odds.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2023
249 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Byron
37 books194 followersHannah Byron is an acclaimed author of historical fiction centered on WWII resistance women. Born in Paris in the mid-1950s to a British mother and a Dutch father, she grew up with strong ties to France, the UK, and Holland, which continue to inspire her work. Most of her novels are set in Western Europe, where history and culture run deep.
After decades of balancing life as a mother, university professor, and translator, Hannah is now a full-time author. She writes passionate novels about resistance and romance set in the 20th century—topics close to her heart. Readers often describe Byron’s work as gripping, deeply emotional, and impossible to put down.
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After decades of balancing life as a mother, university professor, and translator, Hannah is now a full-time author. She writes passionate novels about resistance and romance set in the 20th century—topics close to her heart. Readers often describe Byron’s work as gripping, deeply emotional, and impossible to put down.
Get a FREE WW2 Novella https://www.hannahbyron.com/newsletter
Follow Hannah on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hanna...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 6, 2023
This novel provided a kaleidoscopic and evocative look at pre-WWII and WWII life in Holland, Amsterdam and beyond, focussing on the young ballerina Eddaline Van der Valk and her family. Her father is a NSB mayor of Leiden and soon becomes a full-fledged Nazi supporter, entertaining Nazis routinely. He is therefore highly displeased when Edda falls in love with her Jewish dance partner, Asher Hoffman, son of a jeweler. As the story continues, the author portrays the gradual beginning of Dutch and Nazi actions against, and deportations of the Jewish population.
Though I had read The Diary of Anne Frank in school, little was discussed about Nazism in Holland nor the role of the NSB in supporting it. Much less discussed was the panorama of Nazi activities and conquests across Europe as they fit together. It was so interesting if disheartening to realize the Dutch as a whole did not realize the true nature of the evil as it was expanding. Of course, it was not as if the horrors of Nazi concentration camps were being broadcast; they were largely unknown.
The character of Tante Riet, Edda’s neighbor and part of the Resistance, was well-drawn, as was that of her brother Ome Jan and his family, who gradually replace Edda’s own family as her political distance from her parents grows. It is through Tante Riet that Edda begins small tasks for the Resistance.
In my opinion, this is the strongest book of the Resistance series written by the author. An important book, it is not a happy book, and how could it be? Yet there are elements of joy relating to the art of ballet, love between main characters, and depiction of the heroes of the Resistance. My only minor criticism is that after liberation, when the ballet school re-begins, too many loose story ends seem wrapped up a bit too quickly. Still, this is a wonderful book, highly recommended.
Though I had read The Diary of Anne Frank in school, little was discussed about Nazism in Holland nor the role of the NSB in supporting it. Much less discussed was the panorama of Nazi activities and conquests across Europe as they fit together. It was so interesting if disheartening to realize the Dutch as a whole did not realize the true nature of the evil as it was expanding. Of course, it was not as if the horrors of Nazi concentration camps were being broadcast; they were largely unknown.
The character of Tante Riet, Edda’s neighbor and part of the Resistance, was well-drawn, as was that of her brother Ome Jan and his family, who gradually replace Edda’s own family as her political distance from her parents grows. It is through Tante Riet that Edda begins small tasks for the Resistance.
In my opinion, this is the strongest book of the Resistance series written by the author. An important book, it is not a happy book, and how could it be? Yet there are elements of joy relating to the art of ballet, love between main characters, and depiction of the heroes of the Resistance. My only minor criticism is that after liberation, when the ballet school re-begins, too many loose story ends seem wrapped up a bit too quickly. Still, this is a wonderful book, highly recommended.
August 20, 2025
The Crystal Butterfly is Eddaline Van der Valk’s story in this sixth book of the Resistance Girls series and set in Holland of the 1930s and 40s.
Edda is a gifted ballerina whose only wish is to dance. Her father, the mayor of Leiden, is a strong supporter of the Nazi party and does not approve of Edda’s choice to make a ‘career’ for herself as a ballerina. When Edda falls in love with her Jewish dance partner, Asher Hoffman, her father is outraged and forbids her to have contact with Asher. Edda, who does not approve of her father’s political beliefs disassociates herself from her family.
As Europe becomes torn apart by war, Edda and Asher are also torn apart and Edda joins the Dutch Resistance, working to protect Jewish families.
Edda is a gifted ballerina whose only wish is to dance. Her father, the mayor of Leiden, is a strong supporter of the Nazi party and does not approve of Edda’s choice to make a ‘career’ for herself as a ballerina. When Edda falls in love with her Jewish dance partner, Asher Hoffman, her father is outraged and forbids her to have contact with Asher. Edda, who does not approve of her father’s political beliefs disassociates herself from her family.
As Europe becomes torn apart by war, Edda and Asher are also torn apart and Edda joins the Dutch Resistance, working to protect Jewish families.
August 28, 2023
This is an amazing read. A completely different WW2 novel to others that I’ve read. I was so interested in her being a ballerina in Amsterdam. The novel details (about the first third of the book) how her life was in the 1930s, before the war in Holland, as the Nazis seized power in Germany & beyond. Then we find out how she was still able to dance during the war itself. Normally you only get the resistance story in WW2 books. It was so much richer knowing Edda & her life before the war, during the build-up in the 1930s. And the story being about the Dutch, not set in France or Italy. The conflict with her family is explored. Her father chooses the Nazis & has a public role. Meanwhile Edda’s dance partner is an Austrian Jew, now living in Amsterdam. The relationship with her resistance family is strong. And she’s brave. The ending is so very amazing. The bonus episode is a really wonderful fairytale.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary honest review
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary honest review
July 8, 2023
Butterflies mean Strength, Hope, & Courage9
This book in Hannah Byron's resistance series takes place in the Netherlands during World War 2. It revolves around the Dutch Resistance & the world of ballet. It is about good vs evil. It is a love story. I have read all of Byron's wonderful resistance novels. To me, The Crystal Butterfly is the best one in the series.
This book in Hannah Byron's resistance series takes place in the Netherlands during World War 2. It revolves around the Dutch Resistance & the world of ballet. It is about good vs evil. It is a love story. I have read all of Byron's wonderful resistance novels. To me, The Crystal Butterfly is the best one in the series.
July 17, 2023
This series of books has taught me so much about life in Amsterdam during WWII. Hated to come to the end. You will become invested in the lives of each of the characters, and hate to say goodbye.
July 7, 2023
Welcome to Amsterdam in 1939 Germany is tightening its grip on Edda's homeland but the young woman is a born and bred ballerina who is putting everything into her dancing, With the German influence pushing its weight in her country Edda heads to a finishing school in Switzerland. As she recoups from her accident while dancing she makes some good friends but all she wants to do is dance. When she heads back she has to come to terms with her families ties with Germany and the pressure they are putting on her and her family. There is a glimmer of hope when she meets Asher Hoffman a dancer who is also Jewish. When they dance there is no war or pain but like everything else their love is torn apart when Asher and his family are taken away and Edda doesn't know what to do . She joins the resistance and starts helping the Jewish communities but is that enough. After being framed and put in prison the only thing that can help Edda get through it is the beautiful crystal brooch that Asher gave her and hold on to the love that they have.
Ok I am first going to let you know that the characters in this book will absolutely break your heart. Edda is a proper young lady is very disciplined in her passion as a dancer. She is one of the best in the ballet world. She is tough as nails and it seems like things don't get to her but deep down inside of her is a sadness. She tries to hide the fact that she has lost everything including her family to the Germans. She is stronger and more determined to help those out and to dance again. Asher is well he is kind of a tough cookie to crack he is strong but deep down inside he is scared about what could happen to him and his family cause of his religion. Like Edda he wants this war over and to continue dancing with the woman who stole his heart. Tante Riet is like a surrogate mother to Edda but I will tell you there is more to this woman then meets the eye. She is the part of the resistance and really keeps Edda together through out, when they start doing tasks for the resistance they really do bond together and become a family. Each of these characters are very well written and complex .
This may be book 6 in the series it reads like it could be read as a stand alone . The author takes us on such an emotional ride. I have never felt so many emotions while reading a book. The tolls of what people have gone through you can't imagine, and the happiness of being freed from the camps is infectious. The story will have you on the edge of your seat, sighing softly for the love between the two main characters and you will be shedding a tear or two as the trials of the past come back to haunt you . This is one of those books that you will want to devour and savor . Check out this author and her historical romance books that will give you all the feels.
Ok I am first going to let you know that the characters in this book will absolutely break your heart. Edda is a proper young lady is very disciplined in her passion as a dancer. She is one of the best in the ballet world. She is tough as nails and it seems like things don't get to her but deep down inside of her is a sadness. She tries to hide the fact that she has lost everything including her family to the Germans. She is stronger and more determined to help those out and to dance again. Asher is well he is kind of a tough cookie to crack he is strong but deep down inside he is scared about what could happen to him and his family cause of his religion. Like Edda he wants this war over and to continue dancing with the woman who stole his heart. Tante Riet is like a surrogate mother to Edda but I will tell you there is more to this woman then meets the eye. She is the part of the resistance and really keeps Edda together through out, when they start doing tasks for the resistance they really do bond together and become a family. Each of these characters are very well written and complex .
This may be book 6 in the series it reads like it could be read as a stand alone . The author takes us on such an emotional ride. I have never felt so many emotions while reading a book. The tolls of what people have gone through you can't imagine, and the happiness of being freed from the camps is infectious. The story will have you on the edge of your seat, sighing softly for the love between the two main characters and you will be shedding a tear or two as the trials of the past come back to haunt you . This is one of those books that you will want to devour and savor . Check out this author and her historical romance books that will give you all the feels.
July 12, 2023
Look at World War 2 in Netherlands through the eyes of a ballerina
I related to this book so much! The protagonist is a ballerina, she has lived through dance since she was a kid. Her parents don't support her dancing so much yet come to each of her performances. A Russian ballerina ends up crushing her dreams and she ends up in a finishing school in Switzerland. When she returns during the war, she's so disappointed to find out that her parents are supporting Hitler and very actively working towards his goals in Netherlands. She struggles through the war, especially because she's in love with a Jewish dancer, Asher. Their love is symbolised by the crystal butterfly he gifts her. Alas! The butterfly gets lost when the ballerina is deported to camp Westerbok for being part of the resistance!! Omg firstly, Indian girls like me would totally relate to loving dance but parents wanting them to do something more serious. Secondly, omg the love between Edda and Asher is so precious. Third, I related so much to her struggle with her parents' political opinions and disapproval of her chosen lover. Lastly, it's admiring how she perseveres through the war after having lost her lover AND her crystal butterfly, and how she decides to join the resistance and do her bit. But will their love survive the war??
This book gives a detailed picture of the happenings of the war on the Dutch side. At the same time, I was touched by how the author handles the feelings of everyone involved. You might cry but you'll be happy afterwards.
I liked the ebook so much, I also got a paperback hehe!
I related to this book so much! The protagonist is a ballerina, she has lived through dance since she was a kid. Her parents don't support her dancing so much yet come to each of her performances. A Russian ballerina ends up crushing her dreams and she ends up in a finishing school in Switzerland. When she returns during the war, she's so disappointed to find out that her parents are supporting Hitler and very actively working towards his goals in Netherlands. She struggles through the war, especially because she's in love with a Jewish dancer, Asher. Their love is symbolised by the crystal butterfly he gifts her. Alas! The butterfly gets lost when the ballerina is deported to camp Westerbok for being part of the resistance!! Omg firstly, Indian girls like me would totally relate to loving dance but parents wanting them to do something more serious. Secondly, omg the love between Edda and Asher is so precious. Third, I related so much to her struggle with her parents' political opinions and disapproval of her chosen lover. Lastly, it's admiring how she perseveres through the war after having lost her lover AND her crystal butterfly, and how she decides to join the resistance and do her bit. But will their love survive the war??
This book gives a detailed picture of the happenings of the war on the Dutch side. At the same time, I was touched by how the author handles the feelings of everyone involved. You might cry but you'll be happy afterwards.
I liked the ebook so much, I also got a paperback hehe!
July 10, 2023
Hannah Byron has once again proven that she completes the historical homework needed to create characters that appeal to the reader, and can captivate the reader's interest. As a former professional dancer, this story was realistic in terminology as well as actual "feelings" expressed by the dancers.
Although it's been many years since I was "on stage", while reading this story, I could feel the pull of the dance world, including the desire/need to practice, the backstage rivalries, the politics, the attitudes toward dancing as a career, the overall hunger for dancing, and how the movement of dance is felt throughout the body and deep within the soul.
This attribute of dance throughout the book is incredibly strong and quite well woven into this story of resistance fighters. I found it difficult to put the book down without thinking about the characters and the story line created by this author. These resistance fighters are inspirational, endearing, sometimes unpredictable, and lend a "behind the scenes" account of the way in which people fought the Nazis in WWII, which adds to the excitement of the story.
The author gives researched information, after the ending of the story, that is meant to assist in the comprehension of true facts pertaining to this story and WWII. All-in-all, an excellent book to read and contemplate what it means to live in a war-torn country, where one must be careful with words and deeds, associations, and plans to survive.
Although it's been many years since I was "on stage", while reading this story, I could feel the pull of the dance world, including the desire/need to practice, the backstage rivalries, the politics, the attitudes toward dancing as a career, the overall hunger for dancing, and how the movement of dance is felt throughout the body and deep within the soul.
This attribute of dance throughout the book is incredibly strong and quite well woven into this story of resistance fighters. I found it difficult to put the book down without thinking about the characters and the story line created by this author. These resistance fighters are inspirational, endearing, sometimes unpredictable, and lend a "behind the scenes" account of the way in which people fought the Nazis in WWII, which adds to the excitement of the story.
The author gives researched information, after the ending of the story, that is meant to assist in the comprehension of true facts pertaining to this story and WWII. All-in-all, an excellent book to read and contemplate what it means to live in a war-torn country, where one must be careful with words and deeds, associations, and plans to survive.
July 30, 2023
This had a very interesting storyline, a mother who was torn in her alliance and a father who was high in the government and did not have much of a choice for alliance if he wanted to live. Edda is torn between her love of dance, the one she has fallen for and her family. Her dance has never really been looked at as a career and after a tragic injury sidelines her most favorite thing in life, she needs to find something else to keep her occupied and positive. Meanwhile war is breaking out across Europe and Edda struggles with what is happening within her own family. The only one who seems to be able to keep things stable, Edda has a lot on her shoulders and once she recovers, she is determined to get back into dance but the war has other decisions. As the Nazi's come into Holland, Edda has some hard decisions to bare as her family splits apart in alliance and some in death, her love interest has been taken and with dance no longer an option she joins the resistance with the help of her neighbor and puts her life on the line until one day that line is crossed and she now finds herself behind camp walls. Is it worth using her last name and father's power to be released and what of those she has lost, would that all be in vain? I really enjoyed Edda's story and loved the notes after the book to indicate true and fiction throughout the novel. I look forward to reading others in this series. Thank you to the author for the free novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
June 30, 2023
The Dancer
The heartbreaking wartime story of two ballet dancers, the Nazi's and the resistance in war torn Amsterdam.
Edda is a ballerina, her life is the ballet. She fights her fascist parents to have a career as a ballerina. She exists in a relationship with her family until she meets a young ballet star Ash Hoffman. As the Nazi's tighten their reign and war happens her father says that she is forbidden to dance with Ash Hoffman as he is Jewish.
Edda breaks ties with her family and along with her neighbor and her ballet instructor joins forces with the resistance and does what she can to help the Jewish hide from the Nazi's and some to escape from Amsterdam to safety.
One day she watches Ash and his family arrested by the Nazi's and is more determined than ever to help the resistance in any way she can. As the Nazi's tighten their grip both Edda and her neighbor are arrested by the Nazi's.
Will they ever see each other again? Will she ever see Ash again, and is he even alive. Will she survive the war or will she be shot as a resistance worker? Will she ever reconcile with her family when the war is over if she survives?
I loved the love story between Edda and Ash and her friendship with her neighbor and her rival Maria. Her relationship with her mentor and ballet instructor was very special. The relationship with her sister even while they were on different terms with the war was remarkable.
This was another great resistance girl book and I loved every page.
The heartbreaking wartime story of two ballet dancers, the Nazi's and the resistance in war torn Amsterdam.
Edda is a ballerina, her life is the ballet. She fights her fascist parents to have a career as a ballerina. She exists in a relationship with her family until she meets a young ballet star Ash Hoffman. As the Nazi's tighten their reign and war happens her father says that she is forbidden to dance with Ash Hoffman as he is Jewish.
Edda breaks ties with her family and along with her neighbor and her ballet instructor joins forces with the resistance and does what she can to help the Jewish hide from the Nazi's and some to escape from Amsterdam to safety.
One day she watches Ash and his family arrested by the Nazi's and is more determined than ever to help the resistance in any way she can. As the Nazi's tighten their grip both Edda and her neighbor are arrested by the Nazi's.
Will they ever see each other again? Will she ever see Ash again, and is he even alive. Will she survive the war or will she be shot as a resistance worker? Will she ever reconcile with her family when the war is over if she survives?
I loved the love story between Edda and Ash and her friendship with her neighbor and her rival Maria. Her relationship with her mentor and ballet instructor was very special. The relationship with her sister even while they were on different terms with the war was remarkable.
This was another great resistance girl book and I loved every page.
June 25, 2023
Hannah Byron brings us another wonderful novel describing life before, during, and after World War 2. Edda, our heroine in this book, is a wealthy young woman who lives for ballet. Her parents become supporters of Hitler and the family relationship is difficult. When she falls in love with a fellow dancer, whose family members are refugee jewelers, her relationship with her family becomes even more estranged.
Edda becomes involved with the Dutch resistance and does things she never thought she could do. And yet she perseveres. As in the other novels in this series, the reader learns about the hardships that the everyday people faced, the starvation, the loss of liberty, and the fear of the occupiers in their country. Edda has, not only her beloved, but friends and relatives who are Jewish, so she fears for their safety. And she has many friends in the resistance, with whom and for whom, she feels love and terror.
Some of the chapters brought me to tears. There are no entirely happy endings, but the author brings the story to an appropriate closing. Hannah Byron thoroughly researches the background for her novels and skillfully weaves the real history in with her fictionalized story. This book is well worth reading.
Edda becomes involved with the Dutch resistance and does things she never thought she could do. And yet she perseveres. As in the other novels in this series, the reader learns about the hardships that the everyday people faced, the starvation, the loss of liberty, and the fear of the occupiers in their country. Edda has, not only her beloved, but friends and relatives who are Jewish, so she fears for their safety. And she has many friends in the resistance, with whom and for whom, she feels love and terror.
Some of the chapters brought me to tears. There are no entirely happy endings, but the author brings the story to an appropriate closing. Hannah Byron thoroughly researches the background for her novels and skillfully weaves the real history in with her fictionalized story. This book is well worth reading.
June 15, 2023
The Crystal Butterfly by Hannah Byron
This story starts out with Edda and she is studying at a ballet school. When the Russian ballet dancer joins the troop events occur that caused a medical emergency for Edda. She has to recuperate at home with her family. She is bored so bored that she persuades her mother to go to Switzerland to the finishing school where she had gone. She eats, drinks and sleeps ballet dancing.
As the war comes to the area things do change. As you discover how and who takes in the Jews to help save them or pass them from house-to-house to safety.
There are many things I really love about this book one is the information about the history another is Ballet. Mix those together with a bit of romance and the war and you have got a story for everyone to enjoy. Super love Ash and his family business.
Such emotion tragedies fear, travel, fashion, the ballet, relationships, struggles, strategy to overcome death. Really appreciate the ending and the epilogs because the author tells you what she changed with the time frame and links to find out more about other subjects that took a small part in this book.
This story starts out with Edda and she is studying at a ballet school. When the Russian ballet dancer joins the troop events occur that caused a medical emergency for Edda. She has to recuperate at home with her family. She is bored so bored that she persuades her mother to go to Switzerland to the finishing school where she had gone. She eats, drinks and sleeps ballet dancing.
As the war comes to the area things do change. As you discover how and who takes in the Jews to help save them or pass them from house-to-house to safety.
There are many things I really love about this book one is the information about the history another is Ballet. Mix those together with a bit of romance and the war and you have got a story for everyone to enjoy. Super love Ash and his family business.
Such emotion tragedies fear, travel, fashion, the ballet, relationships, struggles, strategy to overcome death. Really appreciate the ending and the epilogs because the author tells you what she changed with the time frame and links to find out more about other subjects that took a small part in this book.
July 12, 2023
The Crystal Butterfly
It is 1939 in Amsterdam , Eddas life dream is to be an accomplished ballerina, fall in love with her Jewish dance partner and live contently with her dance, however with the impending approach of WW2 and the Nazi invasion in Holland ,Eddas dreams will be placed on hold
Edda comes from a wealthy, loving family, who, against Eddas beliefs, supports the Nazi effort and Hitlers ideals. As the war progresses, the rift between Edda her family grows wider as Edda joins the Resistance to take a stand against the war.
The 6th book in the Resistance girl series is a well written story that tells the tale of Hitlers rise and fall, and. shows that love,family, strength ,when standing together can win!
If you like historical fiction , strong women standing up for their beliefs , a twist of a love story, all during war time, you will love the the entire Resistance Girl series by Hannah Byron!
It is 1939 in Amsterdam , Eddas life dream is to be an accomplished ballerina, fall in love with her Jewish dance partner and live contently with her dance, however with the impending approach of WW2 and the Nazi invasion in Holland ,Eddas dreams will be placed on hold
Edda comes from a wealthy, loving family, who, against Eddas beliefs, supports the Nazi effort and Hitlers ideals. As the war progresses, the rift between Edda her family grows wider as Edda joins the Resistance to take a stand against the war.
The 6th book in the Resistance girl series is a well written story that tells the tale of Hitlers rise and fall, and. shows that love,family, strength ,when standing together can win!
If you like historical fiction , strong women standing up for their beliefs , a twist of a love story, all during war time, you will love the the entire Resistance Girl series by Hannah Byron!
June 26, 2023
I have read all the books in this series and number 6 does not disappoint.
It is very different in pace than the previous book much more about Edda and her dancing as well as her relationships with her partner in ballet - who is Jewish, and her parents who have an affinity to the ideology of Nazism.
It carefully explores life under the Germans in Holland and the the horrors that entailed for the Jewish and other minority peoples of the land.
It is a carefully researched book that, at times, brought tears to my eyes. It is well written.
It might not be as action packed as the previous books but of course shows how the Resistance movement worked in Holland.
I look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you Hannah
It is very different in pace than the previous book much more about Edda and her dancing as well as her relationships with her partner in ballet - who is Jewish, and her parents who have an affinity to the ideology of Nazism.
It carefully explores life under the Germans in Holland and the the horrors that entailed for the Jewish and other minority peoples of the land.
It is a carefully researched book that, at times, brought tears to my eyes. It is well written.
It might not be as action packed as the previous books but of course shows how the Resistance movement worked in Holland.
I look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you Hannah
January 9, 2024
I would give it 10 stars if I could.
The beauty of ballet contrasting the darkness of war and evil of Hitler. Courage. Stamina. Dedication of common people. All bring the reality of the world war to light to educate those of us too young to have experienced it ourselves. This author's writing also brings to light the importance of true friendship and love and how those positives win the day. This is the first book by this author that I've read, but it certainly won't be the last.
The beauty of ballet contrasting the darkness of war and evil of Hitler. Courage. Stamina. Dedication of common people. All bring the reality of the world war to light to educate those of us too young to have experienced it ourselves. This author's writing also brings to light the importance of true friendship and love and how those positives win the day. This is the first book by this author that I've read, but it certainly won't be the last.
May 3, 2025
I am slowly coming to the end of this series with only 2 book left to go. I have loved all the books but I still think that the first book "In Picardy Fields" was my favorite because it started it all. All the characters are believable and the stories move right along. Many of the character you feel that you would really like to meet and talk with them. I felt that the love between Edda and Ash was portrayed a bit too "mushy." You do see Edda transformed from a somewhat spoiled ballerina to a first class resistance fighter and beyond. A sad ending in many respects but in others -life goes on.
July 9, 2023
I am a big fan of this series and this latest book was no exception. It is the story of Edda, a Dutch ballerina who as at the height of her young career when WWII breaks out. She falls in love with a Jewish dancer and their love is tested as the war rages and the knot tightens around the Jewish population. Edda joins the Resistance and her story is one of love, heartache and courage. Excellent read!
March 28, 2025
In the long line of WW2 Historical Fiction that I’ve read, I found THE CRYSTAL BUTTERFLY quite forgettable. Nothing remarkable stood out in the plot. The pacing was slow- I feel at least half of what was written should have been edited out as it added nothing to the story nor the characters. The main characters were forgettable, and their relationship felt forced. Kind of wish I would have DNF this one.
November 1, 2023
It was an ok read. The characters were similar to other books Locations similar and I had to check whether I had already read this book. In saying that the bravery of those people who gave their all for their country and those that were persecuted should never be de valued. I have read a great deal of WW11 and the bravery of women and am still in awe of them.
May 31, 2024
Although lengthy, this was a well written and very interesting World War II story. The main female character is a Dutch Ballerina who becomes involved in the Resistance move in the Netherlands. The story is a combination of her letters and narrative writing. It is very eye-opening and one of the few books that I have read that tells the story of World War II from the perspective of the Dutch.
April 15, 2025
Excellent book from an interesting point of view on the war - Holland. I have never read much about how the war affected Holland.
I really enjoyed the dancing in the story and it was something I could relate to.
This was my first book by this author and I would definitely read another of her books.
I really enjoyed the dancing in the story and it was something I could relate to.
This was my first book by this author and I would definitely read another of her books.
July 6, 2023
an emotional heart pounding story that captured me on the very first page! Wonderful interesting complex characters and an intense story makes this a real page turner and a must must read! I could not put this book down!
August 5, 2024
Beautifully written
A fast moving detailed chronology of wartime in London and Europe seen through the eyes of a Dutch ballet dancer.Outstanding details of the horrors and yet triumphs of war .
A fast moving detailed chronology of wartime in London and Europe seen through the eyes of a Dutch ballet dancer.Outstanding details of the horrors and yet triumphs of war .
August 15, 2025
slow to get started, but picked up a little when the main character joined the resistance, although the author didn't spend a lot of time dwelling on that. The book seemed to be mostly about ballet, something I'm not really into.
September 13, 2023
I have read all 6 books. The Crystal Butterfly was by far the best. It held me tight and left teary eyed. I am so glad it ended as it. Highly recommend this book
October 7, 2023
Gripping!
I could not put this book down! It seemed to be very authentic! To sum up, I would read it again!
I could not put this book down! It seemed to be very authentic! To sum up, I would read it again!
January 14, 2024
Such a heartbreaking story it felt like you were there fighting the cause with them don’t know about 5 stars I would give it 10.
The Jews went through so much.
The Jews went through so much.
January 23, 2024
another good one
The continuation of young women during the war. Three more to go. Interesting how all the women seem to interconnect.
The continuation of young women during the war. Three more to go. Interesting how all the women seem to interconnect.
February 18, 2024
Gritty, softly beautiful, tragically devistsfing
I couldn't sleep til I could find what was happening each character!
I shivered, wept,gritted my teeth with each page!
I couldn't sleep til I could find what was happening each character!
I shivered, wept,gritted my teeth with each page!
March 25, 2024
A great book. I had a few tears.
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