1. Chateau Of Secrets
    Melanie Dobson
    Howard Books / 2014 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$13.49 Retail Price$17.99 Save 25% ($4.50)
    4.8 out of 5 stars for Chateau Of Secrets. View reviews of this product. 26 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW746114
4.8 Stars Out Of 5
4.8 out of 5
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  1. Chateau of Songs
    Tempe, AZ
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Come and learn the Chateau's secrets!
    July 13, 2014
    Chateau of Songs
    Tempe, AZ
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Chateau of Secrets is a gripping journey into the climax of the World War period mingled with a modern-day story that slowly untangles some mysteries from that time. In 1940s France, Gisele Duchant grapples with the Nazis' intrusive occupation of her historic home, while protecting her brother and his fellow Resistance workers, and caring for the infant daughter of her best friend who has disappeared. In the present day, Gisele's granddaughter Chloe Sauver copes with the sudden severing of her engagement while traveling to the family estate in France to prepare for its role in a documentary film on aspects of the war. During her time at the estate and the making of the film, Chloe uncovers facts about her family history that will forever change how she views it and the grandparents she loves. This story takes hold from the first page and will keep the reader flipping pages swiftly till its conclusion. The setting in the French countryside, the various issues impacting the heart of each woman, and the manner in which each clings to the promises of God throughout make for compelling reading. The storyline of CHATEAU OF SECRETS exposes readers to a little-known aspect of World War II and those who served in its fighting forces. Very highly recommended for aficionados of solid women's fiction, the WWII era, France, or all three!
  2. KGD history teacher
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A little known piece of WWII History
    May 23, 2014
    KGD history teacher
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Chateau of Secrets tells a tale of WWII. We see the resiliency of the French people under the harsh rule of the Nazis, some of the efforts of the French Underground, and an amazing tale of Jewish soldiers in the German army. Gisele has been left to take care of the family chateau. The Nazis decide to commandeer it for their headquarters in the town of Saint-Lo. She must cater to their whims while trying to protect some Jewish children and members of the French Underground.

    Chloe is Gisele's granddaughter. She has come to France to guide a documentary filmmaker through the her family's ancestral chateau. Little does Chloe know that there are family stories about which neither she nor her father knew. As Chloe becomes more familiar with the stories of her grandmother's heroism, she begins to examine her values and the plans that she has had for her life.

    This is a very interesting tale, going back and forth between Gisele's WWII story and Chloe's modern dilemmas. The story is loosely based on a factual one and the author has brought out some little known information about Jews serving in the German army. This is well worth your time reading if you have any interest in history, especially WWII.

    I received this from NetGalley for my honest opinion
  3. Jean
    Russell, PA
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Excellent Story Telling
    March 20, 2016
    Jean
    Russell, PA
    Age: Over 65
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I can't believe that someone only gave this book one star! Melanie Dobson did a fantastic piece of work here in writing of the past and a war we never personally had to endure. It's difficult for us to understand the hardships and sufferings one goes through in a war. Melanie painted a clear picture in my mind. At times I felt like I was one of the victims and felt their fear and stress. I think the person who gave only one star just hated the war and I agree it was terrible. The only way the human race will ever know peace is when the Prince of Peace (Yeshua--Jesus) returns to earth. I can't wait for His Return.
  4. Sufficient in Jesus
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A beautiful resolution!
    May 20, 2014
    Sufficient in Jesus
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I really don't want to admit this, but I put off reading Chateau of Secrets. I looked at the cover and the plot and I thought, Nope. Don't ask me why, I just didn't think I'd connect with this story. I was very wrong.

    I ended up soaking in this book over a period of time that was quite sad, with my Grammy in the hospital. I really needed a reminder that no matter how broken, tough, and dark the day might be, our own Author delights in good endings. (Not easy, bloodless, tearless, painless, but GOOD.)

    This novel reminded me of that.

    Basic Plot: Chloe Sauver is nine weeks away from marrying the man she's given her whole heart to. Other than a few small blips on the radar, everything seems just right. Then the offer/request comes out of the blue: Chloe, come to France, to your ancestral home, and tell us about your grandmother Gisele's involvement in WWII. Come to the Chateau L'Epines, and help us film a documentary.

    Through circumstances you'll just have to read about, Chloe ends up on that plane, with bags packed and life in a whirlwind.

    Her co-adventurer is Riley Holtz, the documentary filmmaker. He's a guy who looks like the last thing Chloe needs. When she looked him up online, she saw photos that suggested an inflated ego and a devotion only to partying. The Riley she meets has a whole different aura.

    Melanie, Riley's story tied so well into Chloe's, and you brought them both into a lovely resolution. It had me teary. His life story, and the way he revealed it, added so much more depth and transformation. Riley and Chloe are bound for a spot on my Favorite Characters 2014 List.

    Grandmother Gisele's life also comes into sharp focus- a brother in the French Resistance, a baby that needs loving arms and a new last name, and circumstances that force you to decide what you can lose and still live. I mean literally keep alive, and also live with yourself.

    As in all good past-meets-present novels, Chloe finds perspective and fresh courage when she encounters Gisele's life. Gisele was truly devoted to protecting her loved ones, and keeping true to God and country.

    Gisele and for Chloe both worked on something bigger than themselves, learning to make choices that will give tomorrow a chance for hope and as much healing as possible for themselves and others.

    I also loved the presence of the Church in this novel, both the old chapel and those who sought sanctuary there. Well done in crafting a story that handles faith in the best way possible. I'm proud of Howard Books for publishing novels that touch the ragged edges of life, and the ragged edges of Jesus robe, and reach for both reverently.

    Reading this story was like seeing a puzzle put together. At first, it was all tumbled in front of me, offering glimpses of beauty and lots of unanswered questions. As more of the picture developed I found myself leaning into the story, eagerly watching it come together.

    Thank you Howard Books for my review copy!
  5. BeccaRae
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Amazing Read!
    May 1, 2018
    BeccaRae
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I was recently introduced Melanie Dobson through her book Chasing the Wind. It was so gripping it left me wanting to read more, which led me to this novel. As with her other book, I was hooked right from the beginning. Melanie wove the two timelines together seamlessly and the chapters all ended at moments that left you incapable of putting the book down. The chapters were also short enough that you could tell yourself "just one more" and find yourself finishing the book.

    I can't imagine what life would have been like for Gisle as she was somehow able to help hide her brother along with other resisters, as well as house a fleet of German soldiers, all on the same property. She was even able to pass her friend's baby off as her own after she and her husband disappeared. A life of secrecy was a dangerous one during WWII, but Gisle endured despite the risk.

    My only complaint with the book stems from the fact that I am not Catholic, and so it feels odd to me to read about someone praying to saints instead of God. There were a lot of references to saints and their abilities to comfort and strengthen people in their hardships. It's just not something I'm used to. Other than that the Christian content was strong throughout, with Gisle leaning heavily on her faith to give her the strength she needed to endure.

    I loved how the book called on people from several different influences to rebel against the Nazis (including Nazi soldiers). The war led a lot of people to say and do things that they deeply regretted. It was a daily battle to persevere or give in to the fear. For some, they chose their missions out of cowardice, but for others they found ways to "fight for the good guys" even while being placed in the center of evil.

    This was a book that will easily stay with you long after you've read it. (yes, I JUST finished reading it, but I know it impacted me deeply). It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but I still wish there was a sequel. I felt so immersed in the story that I found myself wanting more. It was an amazingly powerful novel, and I highly recommend it!

Displaying items 1-5 of 26
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