As an editor and reviewer, I read A LOT! I've been an avid reader most of my life. Along the way, there have been a handful of books that I'd consider ones I "just couldn't put down." The most recent novel that fits the bill is "The Butterfly and the Violin" by Kristy Cambron.
Cambron's debut combines history, art, music, and romance in this tale set, in part, during World War II. I love the fact that it weaves the historical and modern story lines together so seamlessly. For me, that adds to the power of the message. Few people would associate anything good or beautiful with concentration camps. However, this book does just that. It's a poignant reminder that God can, and does, use evil for His good. The use of the butterfly is a wonderful example of something that goes through a period of darkness, yet comes out as something special on the other side. Something can be learned from every event in life. This story also demonstrates why it is important to never forget this period in history. The characters' faith is so strong that it made me reevaluate some of the times my own faith has wavered, and it helped me view things from a different perspective.
Music is another component in this story, and it, too, has always been a large part of my life. One of my favorite takeaways from this story is this reminder from one of the characters (Omara): "When we worship in the good times, it brings God joy. But worship in the midst of agony? That is authentic adoration of our Creator." True joy comes from within, and it is not based on the circumstances surrounding us. Cambron's characters embody that statement.
"The Butterfly and the Violin" is a moving tale that will stick with the reader long after the final page.
My review can be found on the RT Book Reviews website at the following link:
(I rated it 4.5/4.5 - TOP PICK!)
In celebration of this blog hop, I am giving away an Amazon gift card. Kristy Cambron has graciously agreed to give away an autographed copy of this wonderful book. You can enter to win by completing the tasks in the Rafflecopter box found below.
(This contest is open to US residents only.)
After entering my contest, be sure to visit the other blogs in this hop. You can find the list below the Rafflecopter box.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
ReplyDeleteI've never read that one. I'll have to check it out!
DeleteThanks for stopping by. Good luck in the drawing, and enjoy the hop!
To Kill A Mockingbird.
ReplyDeleteOoh, that's definitely a good one. What a classic.
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by!
Oh this is such a hard question! I think Pride and Prejudice really started my love of reading!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly can't go wrong by choosing such a classic book :-)
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and good luck in the contest!
I cannot choose an adult fiction title as my favorite, so I'm going with a favorite from childhood: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle.
ReplyDeleteIt really is hard to pick just one book, isn't it? I enjoy "A Wrinkle in Time", too :-)
DeleteGood luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Thanks for the giveaway! I have too many favorites; let just go with Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare for now. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome. Thanks for stopping by my blog :-) I have a number of favorites, too. It's certainly hard to pick just one. I've never read "Clockwork Angel". I will have to check it out.
DeleteGood luck!
I would love to win this book!! My all time favorite is "Gone With The Win". Even tho this is my favorite it's really not the only one! I have many Christian Fiction Books that are my favorite now cause that's about all I read nowadays .
ReplyDeleteThis really is a wonderful book! I don't blame you for having more than one favorite. It's nearly impossible to pick just one. Christian fiction is the majority of what I read, as well.
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and good luck in the contest!
The bible
ReplyDeleteGreat choice, Amanda!
DeleteGood luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
Anything by Sabrina Jeffries. I am a huge fan of her books.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I have read a couple of her books. They really are good :-)
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck in the contest!
Second only to the Holy Bible, I love To Kill a Mockingbird. It contains a beautiful compilation of themes--acceptance, morality, compassion, family, justice, and forgiveness. This story has moved me like no other, perhaps in part because I read it as a child and related and empathized so much with Scout Finch. I still do.
ReplyDeleteThe movie is a favorite too (which is a rarity to me.) Usually, I find books-to-movies slightly (or horribly) disappointing. ;)
Cheryl,
DeleteGreat choices! "To Kill a Mockingbird" is really in a class of its own in many ways. Thanks for explaining why it is your favorite.
I totally agree. I usually prefer the book much more than the movie. It is very rare that the movie even comes close.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Good luck in the contest!
Thank you, Leslie.
DeleteMy all-time favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
DeleteThat is a popular choice (and well deserved).
Good luck in the contest. Thanks for stopping by my blog :-)
Sorry if I double post (something weird happened). I have so many, but the two that are at the forefront of my mind are: "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers and "Heretic Queen" by Michelle Moran
ReplyDeleteOh...I loved Redeeming Love!
DeleteNo problem about the double posting. I do that myself. I'm not sure what happens with it.
DeleteI've never read any books by Michelle Moran, but Francine Rivers is definitely a great author. I'll have to look up "Heretic Queen."
Things are stopping by, and good luck in the contest!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHOT HEAD by Damon Suede
ReplyDelete--Trix
Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the contest!
DeleteGone With the Wind.
ReplyDeleteThe classic books definitely seem to be popular choices :)
DeleteGood luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
I honestly don't have a favorite, I can't possibly narrow it down to just one author and especially not a single book. Some recent favorites include: Taken by Dee Henderson, The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton, Summer's List by Anita Higman, Unplanned by Alana Terry, Shadows Of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson, Exiles by R.J. Larson, and The Rook by Steven James. Thanks for hosting this great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, and thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI agree. I read way too many books to narrow it down to just one favorite book. Your list includes a lot of great books. Dee Henderson is one I have enjoyed for years. I have recently read a book by Melanie Dobson, and I will certainly be reading more books by her :)
Good luck!
Anything with paper pages and ink, lol!! I love Harry Potter, IN DEATH series, Trinkets and cupcakes, Dragonland.....
ReplyDeleteLOL! I love your response :) I I thought about using Harry Potter for my blog post, but decided to go with a more recent book. Plus, I couldn't choose just ONE Harry Potter book :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by. Good luck!
I'm going to try posting this again. If it double posts? Oops. Ha. Now for naming a favorite book. Yeah, I have so many! How can I pick a favorite out of my sagging bookcases? The fave changes all the time. Does this make me fickle or a voracious reader? I don't know but the current fave is Regarding Anna by Florence Osmund. (Sorry about the rambling answer.)
ReplyDeleteIt's only showing up once, so no worries. I've posted duplicate responses myself.
DeleteI understand your dilemma. I read so many books a year that it's difficult to just choose one book. Like you, my favorite changes regularly. I do have a few that I go back to when time allows, however. I think it just makes us voracious readers :-)
Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog! I feature a number of books each month, including giveaways with some of them. I hope you continue to stop back by. You can possibly find more books to add to those sagging bookcases :-)
The Hunger games.
ReplyDeleteGood choice, Sara!
DeleteGood luck in the drawing, and thanks for visiting my blog.
I truly don't have a favorite book. I like to read series like Lee Child's Jack Reacher & J A Jance's Joanna Brady.
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Totally understandable. There are too many great books out there :) You listed some great books,though!
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck in the contest.
My favorite book is "Illusions" by Richard Bach. Something about it touched my soul and I continue to read it every couple years to renew the wonder of life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Kelly. I've never read that book. I'll have to check it out.
DeleteGood luck :)
My favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird and The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.
ReplyDelete"To Kill A Mockingbird" is very popular, and I can understand why :) Good choices!
DeleteGood luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
my favorite is breathing underwater by alex flinn
ReplyDeleteSamantha,
DeleteI've never heard of that book, but I just looked it up and it sounds good. I will have to check it out.
Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the contest!
Mine would be The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!
ReplyDeleteGreat choice! I love Sherlock Holmes :)
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Mine would be The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!
ReplyDeleteMine would be The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!
ReplyDeleteWow, too hard to pick just one book! I have two favorite series right now: the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs which starts with Moon Called, and Seanan McGuire's Toby Daye series, set in San Francisco!
ReplyDeleteI agree that it's hard to pick just one book :-) I will have to check out those series that you mentioned.
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck!
The Hunger Games
ReplyDeleteGood choice, Amy!
DeleteThanks for stopping by,and good luck in the contest.
My favorite book changes with time., Right now it's The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (pen name of JK Rowling). :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI understand, as mine changes as well.
DeleteI did not know that JK Rowling wrote that. I love her other books. I will definitely have to check that out!
Good luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by :-)
Wow. It is so hard to choose a favorite book. It is usally whatever I am currently reading. I just finished After a Fashion by Jen Turano. Looooved it!! I would highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteLol, I totally understand :-) I haven't read that one yet, but I just featured the follow-up book, "In Good Company", on my blog. After reading that, I went and purchased "After a Fashion". It's on my TBR list!
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck!
My favorite is Pride and Prejudice.
ReplyDeleteA great classic :-)
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!
My love for reading came through Laura Ingalls Wilder and later Grace Livingston Hill saw me through my teen-age years and I've been a avid reader since then.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your love of reading started at an early age, just like mine. I, too, loved Laura Ingalls Wilder.
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!
My favorite book is Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
ReplyDeleteThat is on my TBR list. Maybe I need to bump it up :-)
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
My all time fav book is Gone with the Wind - Margaret Mitchell
ReplyDeleteAnother great classic :-)
DeleteThanks for stopping by. Good luck in the contest!
Still to this day the love comes softly series holds a special place in my heart. Would love to win this book. I have been wanting to read it since I read a sparrow in terezin. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a great series, Rachel.
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed "A Sparrow in Terezin." You will love this one :-) You are very welcome. Thank you for stopping by my blog, and good luck in the contest!
I don't have a favorite as I love to read all fiction books.
ReplyDeleteTotally understandable! There are so many great books out there :-)
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by.
Anne of Green Gables!
ReplyDeleteAh, yes. That's a great one!
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck in the contest.
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of that one. I just looked it up, and it looks good. Thanks for mentioning it!
DeleteGood luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
My favorite book is Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers.
ReplyDeleteWhile I haven't read that particular book, I have read other books by Dorothy. I enjoyed them.
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!
Uncle Tom's Cabin. Talk about heartbreaking countered by people loving because Jesus first loved them!
ReplyDeleteDanielle,
DeleteSo true! It's such a wonderful book, and you're spot-on with your comment.
Good luck, and thanks for visiting my blog.
I have too many "favorite" books to list, lol. My most recently read books that I just couldn't put down have to be To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, and The Young Elites by Marie Lu. <3
ReplyDeleteCindy,
DeleteYou've given me a few more books to add to my TBR pile :-)
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!
My favorite book is Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I always read it at least once a year~~
ReplyDeleteA great classic :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and good luck!
Great author!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!
I couldn't put down A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas :D
ReplyDeleteAllie L
That sounds good!
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck.
Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, and good luck!
DeleteI can't think of "one" favorite! One of my favorites so far this year is The Closer You Come by Gena Showalter.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book!
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck :)
(Alisha Sienkiel in rafflecopter)
ReplyDeleteA recent favorite is A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas!!
A good choice :)
DeleteGood luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by!
It really depends on when you ask me! Sorry, not a great answer I know. I'll just go with Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck. Also that cover for The Butterfly and the Violin is breathtaking. I may just need to check it out soon! :)
ReplyDeleteMine varies as well, so I understand :)
DeleteIt certainly IS a great cover. If you're not the lucky winner, I certainly hope you check out the book. It's wonderful!
Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!
Seems to me that any book I happen to be reading is my favorite! I love a good Christian fiction & have several authors I enjoy. The one that sticks out to me that I've recently read is "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. What a fantastic book! And I've read such good things about Christine Cambron's books! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of "The Butterfly and the Violin"!
ReplyDeleteGood answer! It's so hard to pick just one :) Many of the books I feature or review on my blog are Christian fiction/inspirational/clean reads, so you may be able to find many new books to check out.
Delete"Redeeming Love" is a very good book!
All of the comments about Kristy's book are well-deserved:) Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!
Its hard to choose just on favorite book. I do like Nicholas Sparks. But love so many different genres. Charlaine Harris, Harry Potter, Twilight, etc.
ReplyDeleteYou list some great books, Heather. I enjoy those, too. It really is difficult to pick just one :)
DeleteGood luck in the contest, and thanks for stopping by!
I do not have just one favorite book.
ReplyDeleteI understand, as it's hard to narrow things down!
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck in the contest.
I am an avid fan of WWII Holocaust era books -- and I can't wait to read this one. I've heard so much about the wonderful writing and depth of the story. Thanks for this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI, too, love WWII Holocaust era books. I'm sure you'll love this one, too. The rave reviews are well-deserved!
DeleteYou're very welcome. Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck in the contest.
Oops -- I entered a comment before I read the rafflecopter -- honestly I can't give you a favorite, but one that has really left an impression on me is Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green. It totally changed my perspective on the history of the Civil War.
ReplyDeleteNot a problem, Susan. Thanks for leaving another post. I haven't read that book, but I'll have to check it out. It sounds like it much contain a pretty powerful message.
DeletePersuasion by Jane Austen. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAnn S
Good choice!
DeleteYou're very welcome, and thanks for stopping by my blog. Good luck!
The Great Lenore by J.M. Tohline.
ReplyDeleteI've never read that book, but it sounds interesting.
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck in the contest!
My all-time favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck! Thanks so much for the amazing giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGreat choice, Monica :)
DeleteYou're welcome, and thanks for visiting my blog.
Good luck!
That is like asking which child is my favorite and I am a Mom of 5.Little Women is the first book that I read in school that started my reading obsession
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteI understand what you're saying about picking just one book :-) You chose a great classic!
Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck.
The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen e. Woodiwiss is my all time favorite book.
ReplyDeleteTara Woods
Tara,
DeleteI haven't read that one, but it does look good.
Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!
I don't really have one favorite book.
ReplyDeleteThere's certainly nothing wrong with that, as there are TONS of fabulous books out there!
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
I have so many! It's so hard to just pick one! I guess I'll have to go with the Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay or Slammed by Colleen Hoover.
ReplyDeleteThey sound good! I'll have to check those out, Ariel. I'm enjoying these comments,as they're giving me some great books to add to my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!
Jane Eyre is my favorite book of all time.
ReplyDeleteDanielle,
DeleteGreat choice. You can't go wrong with such a classic :)
Good luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
I've seen good things about this book. Going to add it to my TBR list now. Thanks for the giveaway! :-D
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome!
DeleteOh, and my favorite book is hard decide. I do like Jen Turano's books, a lot, though. :-D
ReplyDeleteI've only read a couple of Jen's books, but I loved them! I'll be checking out her others soon.
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog :)
Kristy Cambron's books are magnificent! It is so hard to pick just one favorite book, but I really enjoy Laura Feagan Frantz' writing.
ReplyDeleteThey sure are!
DeleteLaura has some great books, too. Good choice!
Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!
My all time favorite is the Notebook!
ReplyDeleteA good choice! Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!
DeleteA Wrinkle in Time by L'Engle.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
You're very welcome. A great classic choice :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and good luck!
My two go-tos that I re-read frequently; E Red Tent and Pride & Prejudice
ReplyDeleteTwo great choices! Thanks for stopping by, and good luck, Emily!
DeleteThe Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank. I've lost count of how many times I've read it! :)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful book! I've read that numerous times, too.
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!
I really loved Karma Road! it was the last book I read!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that one. I'll have to check it out.
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and good luck!
The Pillars of the Earth is my favorite
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of that one, but I'll be sure to check it out.
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for visiting!
My favorite book is the one I'm reading at the moment!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Great answer :)
DeleteGood luck!
So many to choose from! My favorite classic literature is also Jane Eyre.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite can't put it down selection I've read this year would have to be the Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey!
You choose some great books. You certainly can't go wrong with Jane Eyre. I've read a couple books by Dani, and I really enjoyed them.
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by!
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is my favorite book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that yet, but I've heard nothing but good things about it.
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for visiting my blog!
hello! have the winners been chosen? I'm guessing you contact them but thought I would check. some blogs require winners watch for a post to contact them to claim the prize!
ReplyDeleteYes, the winner has been chosen. Thanks for checking back though.
DeleteUnfortunately, someone else was the winner. However, I do have some other contests going on this month, and one just started today. I hope you check things out and enter to win some of the other great books I will be giving away. The current contest is for a medical thriller by Richard L. Mabry entitled "Rx Murder." There will be four more opportunities to win later this month.
Leslie