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The Butterfly and the Violin (A Hidden Masterpiece Novel)

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Description

Based on the real orchestra comprised of prisoners at Auschwitz, The Butterfly and the Violin shows how beauty and hope can penetrate even the darkest corners.Present day: Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl—a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover—the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul—who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting’s subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.1942: A darling of the Austrian aristocracy, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.Praise for The Butterfly and the Violin:"In her historical series debut, Cambron expertly weaves together multiple plotlines, timelines, and perspectives to produce a poignant tale of the power of love and faith in difficult circumstances. Those interested in stories of survival and the Holocaust, such as Eli Wiesel’s Night, will want to read." —Library Journal, starred reviewStand-alone World War II historical fictionFull-length novel, approximately 115,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Nelson


Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 15, 2014


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1401690599


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 95


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.88 x 8.38 inches


Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Hidden Masterpiece


Best Sellers Rank: #220,785 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #462 in Christian Historical Romance #1,041 in Christian Historical Fiction (Books) #1,091 in World War II Historical Fiction


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Must-Read Debut
Format: Paperback
Kristy Cambron's debut novel, The Butterfly and the Violin, has received a lot of *book buzz* this summer. When I read a blog sharing the story behind the book, I was instantly intrigued. Elie Wiesel's Night and Corrie ten Boom's The Hiding Place are two books that deeply impacted me because they highlight the juxtaposition of evil and hope. I've long been fascinated by stories of God gently pulling His creation from the darkness back into the light, often despite ourselves. The Butterfly and the Violin is this kind of story, and so much more. The story and characters settle deep inside the reader, gently pressing and molding our emotions like main character Adele stringing the bow across her violin. Set in present day and during World War II, The Butterfly and the Violin chronicles Austrian violinist Adele, a young woman of privilege who ends up playing for her life in Auschwitz after she's caught smuggling Jews out of Vienna, and Sera, a Manhattan art dealer desperate to uncover the story behind a mysterious painting of the beautiful, haunting violinist. Both present day and historical stories have romantic interests; the author created a heartfelt, tender relationship between Adele and fellow musician Vladimir, one that culminated in a particularly touching scene near the book's end. Author Cambron skillfully weaves the present day storyline with historically rich scenes from World War II, creating a fascinating plot that kept me turning pages. On multiple occasions I found myself walking around our house with the book in hand, unable to put it down despite busy life calling me away. I found the story to be the perfect mix of description, character interaction, and lyrical prose. The Butterfly and the Violin is a raw, beautiful story, engaging and heartbreaking all in one book. Yet the light always outshines the darkness. The author does a superb job showing us that God brings beauty from ashes and heals what has been torn through these characters and their lives, both present day and past. I highly recommend The Butterfly and the Violin. It's a wonderful read and a needed reminder of our history and God's faithful hand as He writes our life stories. I'm eagerly awaiting this author's next book. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2014 by Reading4Life

  • MUST READ
Format: Paperback
✨️ “I always thought I championed God in my heart, yet I’m ashamed that I question Him now. Where is He? Why does He not answer the prayers of the many here? “He answers,” Omara assured her. “He has heard your every cry, witnessed your every tear. He is a God of vengeance and they will learn this soon.” ✨️ 📖 The novel tells the story of Adele Von Bron, a young concert violinist who, after being involved in smuggling Jews out of Vienna, is taken to Auschwitz and becomes a member of the Women's Orchestra. The story also follows Sera James, an art dealer in present-day Manhattan, whose search for an original portrait of a Holocaust victim leads her to the same violin. This novel to me was WAAY more 🥹 it was a living testimony of how God will never abandon us that even though we trudge through high waters and feel ourselves weary & faint. He provides and makes a way better then we can ever imagine. He is always there we just need to stop thinking so loud so we can hear His soft whispers through the distractions. He will be carrying us throughout the difficulties and challenges we face. When we feel like giving up He is right there to pick us up as our provider, shield and strong foundation. I can't believe this was her DEBUT novel like whattt 👏THE AMOUNT OF TIMES I WAS SOBBING WAS NOT OK I don't think I got through 5 chapters without feeling remorse or love or every emotion in between👏 everything to the minute detail was just SO real and awe-inspiring and it truly just submerses you into the story. Kristen Cambron truly is one of those chosen few authors who are blessed and giifted by The Lord Yeshua Ha-Mashiach and what a joy it is to see her be able to honor and praise Adonai in her writing. A wonderful blessing to be apart of; from the moment I read the 1st 2 chapters I was immersed in the story. I felt the emotions and the challenges Adele was going through and my heart hurt for her, I could hear the melodies and screams she was feeling. THE VIOLIN IS JUST SO BEAUTIFUL it has to be my top instrument because there is just something so intimate and real in worshipping to Adonai in music and song 💝 This novel has changed me in such a powerful and poetic way 🥹 There is so much that could be said but letting the words pull you in to expirence the whole atmosphere is just TOP tier ✨️ It was just such a powerful lesson and story and oh my goshhh don't even get me started on those 2 men because THAT IS WHAT TRUE GOD FEARING MEN ACT LIKE 👏👏✨️ I fell in love with both stories. This book was truly a hidden masterpiece because how are more people not TALKING ABOUT ITT 🥹 This novel just gives you more adoration on fighting through those tough battles that we all have. It also wakes us up to the harsh realities & reminders that Jews had to face during WWII that nobody wants to talk about but it needs to be talked about. It was beautiful to see how Omara was clinging on to Yeshua; she had that peace that surpassed all understanding that could never be stolen or taken even in the midst of hell because Adonai's right hand was with her and for her and that my dear reader has been given freely to you 💝 In summary, words don't bring this masterpiece justice. What I have just read was Heavenly other worldly and Adele, Nicolai, Sera, William & Omara will stay in my heart as inspirations and reminders that even though there is pain in this accursed world and things don't always go as plan God will always change it for His pupose and Plan for you. May God bless you and give you His peace Hashem Yeshua Ha-Mashiach Amen👏🥹 AND THE AUTHORS NOTE WAS PHENOMENAL ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2025 by Layla_Reads

  • Better than I had hoped
Format: Kindle
I didn't expect to like The Butterfly and the Violin as much as I did. I am a fan of historical fiction, but, often, when romance is added to it, the novel becomes more of a bodice-ripper or a dull history lesson. This novel is neither. Cambron uses the backdrop of WWII and the systematic annihilation of European Jews to frame the love stories. She does not use these terrible events in a sensational or morbid manner; the events are an integral part of of the parallel love stories of Adele and Vladimir and Sera and William, who meet during a search for a painting of Adele. Adele is an Austrian violinist and the daughter of a prominent Austrian military officer, who is a Nazi. She is in love with Vladimir, a merchant's son who plays in the same orchestra. They are troubled by the events that happen after Hitler invades Poland in 1939 and the increasing antisemitism they find. Adele and Vladimir work to help victims of Hitler's Final Solution. They are caught, and both are sent to Auschwitz. It is there that they become members of the Men's Orchestra and the Women's Orchestra. It is also there that another inmate paints a portrait of Adele. This portrait becomes important to Sera and William, seventy years later. Through their search for the missing original of the painting, Sera and William meet, and their relationship broadens. Their search is resolved, but no spoilers here. I was taken by Cambron's attention to detail. Whether writing about Adele's triumph playing for Nazi dignitaries or her performances in the camp, as people were sent to work or to the gas chambers, she evokes the right tone and gives rich detail. She also rounds out the characters. Adele becomes more than just the spoiled only daughter of a rich military officer. I appreciate how she grows Adele from a naive, slightly spoiled, young lady into a strong, selfless woman. The transformation is believable and centers the other characters in the novel. Sera grows from being guarded, tentative, and hurt into a strong women. Vladimir is not a finely drawn as Adele, but his strong ethics and passion for Adele are detailed. William fares better; his character is also guarded, but for a different, and surprising, reason. This is one of the few books that I would like to read a sequel to, just to follow Sera and William as they continue their lives together. One last surprise for me--I didn't really look at the publisher when I bought this book. I just scanned the description and liked that it was about a piece of art and WWII. I suppose some would characterize this as "Christian" fiction. But to do so condescendingly would be a mistake. The faith of each of the characters is not the highlight of their personalities or life. They are Christians, and they each live out their faith. Unlike many Christian romances, this is not preachy, shallow, or unrealistic. The characters do not berate or push their faith on others, but it is their faith in God that ultimately leads them to make the decisions they do. I appreciate a book about Christians that is also just good fiction. Period. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2016 by Kindle Customer

  • Brilliant Debut Novel Must Read
Format: Kindle
I'm thankful for the review copy of a book that introduced me to Kristy Cambron and her moving and brilliant debut novel. This book has two engaging story lines seamlessly interwoven creating a powerful read. I sure wish my history books in school were as riveting as this novel; I might have done better on my tests. This story and it's characters are unforgettable. The story opens with Sera James owner of a Manhattan art gallery. She is obsessed with finding an original Holocaust Era painting of a girl Sera had seen as a child in Paris. Sera and her assistant have been searching diligently for two years and have finally come across a lead. Sera says to Peggy, "Let me get this straight, we found a painting by chance, but it's not the original. And though it happens to be an image of our long-lost girl, it's not for sale. The owner won't take money for it?" Sera James asks her assistant to connect her with William Hanover, CEO of the family company. William flies Sera out to California to discuss the painting. Once she's there a family member tells Sera, "There's only one thing standing between my family and our inheritance, and that something is the painting.... You just happen to be searching for the painting whose owner is set to inherit the entire hundred million dollar Hanover estate." William wants to pay Sera a finder's fee for her help in locating the painting their family desperately wants to locate. William and Sera have more in common then they realize. Sparks start to fly as they begin their research but both hesitant to make any moves in the romance area until their mission's accomplished. I liked how William and Sera would uncover information and/or events leading them closer to the painting; then the author would show the reader the event played out in the past through Adele's young eyes. It was powerful. History happens to individuals everyone in the concentration camp has a story. This was Adele Von Bron's story of how her and Valdimir Nicolai helped Jews escape to freedom. It's also a story of how they were captured and sent to a camp. Both of these young people met at the Philharmonic; Adel played the violin and Valdimir the cello. They were both drafted to use their talents in the Orchestra in Auschwitz-Birk in 1943. The mystery William and Sera tried to uncover was why Adel was in the camp in the first place. She was Austria's sweetheart and shouldn't have been there. Another mystery was William's grandfather, Edward Hanover and why he had a copy of this Holocaust Era painting. He had never been in a camp. The characters past and present jumped off the pages and into my heart. I was captivated by young Adele and Valdmire's heroic love story. I was surprised just as they were at how quickly life changed for these young ones. I liked how the author blended both stories and how the mystery was solved. It connected the dots for everyone involved in a unique way. This novel shows how hope can sprout up in the most unexpected places (like in the middle of a concentration camp) and how it can thrive in darkness given a chance. This story showed me how using the gifts we've been given by God can be hard at times but must be used as an act of worship for our spirits to survive and thrive. The enemy has no place in our heart when we worship the one who created us and is the lover of our soul. Omara Kraus was the mother figure and mentor for the girls in the Orchestra. She helped the ladies survive life's challenges one day at a time. She told the girls and especially Adele that "the only thing we could do in this evil place is give our worship to God." She told Adele, "Beauty can rise above evil." Omara gave the girls and Adele this scripture to give them hope; something to hang on to, Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Adele thought about her mentor and how she helped her to face unbearable situations. Adele would stand tall and honor God with her gift. "For the first time in her life Adele felt beautiful in her weakness...feeling God's strength uplifting her from all sides." This author captured the essence of this very thing happening in the middle of the unimaginable. Reading about that moment touched the core of my being! It's a book I won't soon forget. I was first drawn in by the beautiful cover and then quickly hooked by the powerful story and it's characters. It's the first book in the Hidden Masterpiece series, the next book in this series A Sparrow in Terezin will be released April 2015. I'm looking forward to reading the next book by Kristin who has just made it to my favorite author list. She'll be on your list too! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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 www.bookfun.org The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2014 by Nora Stlaurent

  • One of the best books I have ever read and highly recommend that you read it too!
Format: Kindle
This is one of the best books I have ever read and I am a serious reader, reading up to7 hours a day and many books per week. Therefore I have a vast knowledge of books and know what makes a book an enjoyable read and some of those things are a well thought out plot with varying happening do good, bad, stressful, victory, hate, love, evil, good etc,Next is the characters and the depth they possess as it has to be enough to make you believe these are real people, people w pasts and hardships, love and broken hearts, victory over hardships, a good backstory of where they're from and their childhood, what makes them tick. Next, the involvement of the characters w one another has to be realistic with fun outings, things in common, but also disagreements, arguments and make ups always coming back to each other, what draws them together and what keep them together. Next and very importantly the time, era and place where the plot takes place. This plot took place in Europe during WW2. The author has to study the era and place very thoroughly when it's a plot that's happening during a well known historical event. It should have small cliff hangers throughout to keep the reader turning the pages, but should end w all the loose pieces wrapped up and questions answered. A well written book becomes a small part of your heart that you carry w you forever and you find yourself thinking about the story and the people in it as if they are your long lost friends and you wonder how they are and even miss them. Every book I open my heart to and give my time to affects me in some way, mostly good and wonderful ways and once in a while negatively, but regardless of those emotions a good book has me closing the book after the last sentence w a smile on my face, contentment in my heart, a more aware and learned person on the subject of the book and a better person all around, for reading books to me is more than a source of entertainment, reading books are adventures and events that I encounter through my imagination and with my heart invested those circumstances are real to me for the duration of the book and very often for the rest of my life for the ones I choose to carry w me always in my heart and mind! The Butterfly and the Violin accomplished all the aforementioned qualities that make a book great and it has impacted my life making me a better person, I learned more about WW2 from a historical view and deeply felt that the characters were friends and people in my life and this is one of the books I will forever carry w me in my heart and mind! It fulfilled all my criteria for a book to be not only a good book, but a great read and for that this book gets an A+! Buy it, Read it, Live it, Enjoy it! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2016 by Kimberly Best

  • Different take on the horror of the Holocaust
Format: Kindle
I have mixed feelings about this book. 3.5 i keep changing my rating. I liked the premise of this story. And i honestly appreciate Christian writing, but the way this writer included it in conversations felt unnatural as most people wouldnt talk that way. Spoiler alert! I am also a fan of happy endings but we are talking Holocaust here. As bad as Adele had it, she was one of the very lucky ones. The book was good. I loved the combination with the painting, there was just a bit i found to light for a book on this topic ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2022 by Kindle Customer

  • Please, Do NOT miss this magnificent tale of faith and love! One of the best this year!
Format: Kindle
This is a beautiful masterpiece of a read. The story of the beautiful violinist,Adele, who risks her privileged life to rescue a Jewish family, is breathtaking, heart wrenching yet inspiring and beautiful all at the same time. This novel truly touched my heart, as she leaves her lovely home for a camp to work as punishment, she can't possibly know all the evil that awaits. Despite all she is put through, she is determined to live and do each moment what God would have her to do at times she doesn't know what that is, and at other times her faith is strongly tested and she doesn't want to care. Sera has a passion to find a painting that she saw as a child. The eyes of the woman are what she remembers most. Her passion in finding the painting takes her on her own journey of faith, love and trust. God will heal her heart in his time and place. He will help her learn to trust and open her heart when she doesn't think it possible. Two magnificently written stories one of long ago and one of today are intertwined into one of the best novels I have ever read. A scene that I replay in my mind, she steps out on stage to play for these evil Nazis...and her head has been shaved. ( I will share nothing else here so as to not spoil anything for those who have yet to read this novel) This scene in particular ripped my emotions raw. It made me wonder what I would do if ever faced with the many horrors those in concentration camps lived with every day. Perhaps more now, because I read it every day. We are surrounded by unspeakable acts and evil against people just because of their race or religion. This scene in particular, touched deeply. The Bible does say that a woman's hair is her glory. I had brain surgery, and I remember melting into my husband's strong arms, in tears, at the first site of no hair. Those in the concentration camps didn't have that kind of support....or did they? Adele's strength to do all that she did came from her faith in an amazing God. That faith is what kept so many in those camps alive each day....knowing that though there was no understanding it...it was God's journey for them. What a faith they had! This book and it's lessons are still running through my mind and tugging at my heart. One reason I love historical novels so much is that much of what is written is true. The horror and evil that occurred in those concentration camps is real. Do not miss this wonderful read of faith and love in the midst of horror and evil. It will touch your heart. A truly wondrous and unforgettable read that I highly recommend! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2014 by Rach'sRamblings

  • Great dual timeline novel
Format: Kindle
This was my first novel by Kristy Cambron and won't be my last. This was a great dual timeline novel. In the historical, we follow the story of Adele, daughter of third reich general and violinist extraordinnaire. Deep down, she wants to do something to make a difference and in doing so, ends up finding herself a prisoner in Auschwitz. The historical story was absolutely captivating and provided a unique perspective to WWII as she was a non-Jewish prisoner. The historical details were heart-breaking and riveting at the same time. I was not as big of a fan of the present-day timeline - in large part because the romance in that timeline felt rushed and unnatural. In present day, art gallery owner Sera James is seeking a painting that she'd seen once as a child that has haunted her - of a woman in Auschwitz. When she finds a replica of it, she believes herself one step closer to finding the original only to find out that the owner of the copy is also seeking the original - with much bigger stakes. I liked how the author tied the timelines together with the painting and I found it interesting in the author's note that vast amounts of artwork were found at the concentration camps - and that was what had prompted this story. I feel like there was one loose end that was not quite tied up, but overall, the ending brought a satisfying conclusion to both timelines. I look forward to book 2! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2020 by Erin L

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