Time to Choose by Dawn Kazmierzak and Hilda Gutwein

From the early, mostly idyllic days of her childhood through the tumultuous years of World War 2 and on throughout her eventful life as an American immigrant, Hilda Gutwein (through Dawn Kazmierzak) "connects the dots" of God's faithfulness in everything. More than just a memoir, A Time to Choose is both an admonition to learn from the atrocities and hardships of the past, and be vigilant lest they happen again. 

Hilda's story gives a perspective on World War 2 from a different point of view than is usually given, including that of her being member of a Hitler Youth.

At the end of each chapter is a "Time to Choose" with questions and points to ponder, covering everything from family life to forgiveness. 

This book is engaging and timely. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Book Description from the website:

Hilda Gutwein grew up in a warzone —the Balkan States. Hilda’s family lived under socialism, communism, and Hitler’s Third Reich. Eventually, they were caught between two totalitarian forms of government, and had to make a choice—stay and defend their homeland or leave everything behind.Dawn Kazmierzak, Hilda’s daughter, shares her mother’s incredible story of faith including “Connecting the Dots” sections for equipping those who recognize it is now, every family’s Time to Choose.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

I am nearly obsessed by all things WWII, so choosing this book to review was easy. My choice was made even easier by the rave reviews I'd already heard about it. 

The book was a bit difficult to get into, but I'm pretty sure that's because A Sparrow in Terezin is #2 in a series (The Hidden Masterpiece Series). So, while that made a bit of the book slightly confusing, I was still hooked, and it didn't make the plot too difficult to follow. It certainly didn't hinder my reading enjoyment! 

Kristy Cambron wrote a compelling tale of faith, love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and finding beauty in the middle of some of the darkest, blackest ugliness the world has ever seen. I'll admit: I found Sera and Will's story a bit distracting, but that could have been because I didn't read the 1st book in the series...or maybe because I preferred to stay in the middle of the WWII action. 

The Author's Note was especially interesting. Kristy Cambron has certainly done her research, and it shows in her work! So, if (when!) you read A Sparrow in Terezin, don't stop before you've read the Author's Note. 

I give A Sparrow in Terezin 5 out of 5 stars. 

More about A Sparrow in Terezin:

Book Description

Two women, one in the present day and one in 1942, each hope for a brighter future. But they'll both have to battle through their darkest days to reach it.

Today. With the grand opening of her new gallery and a fairytale wedding months away, Sera James appears to have a charmed life. But in an instant, the prospect of a devastating legal battle surrounding her fiancé threatens to tear her dreams apart. Sera and William rush to marry and are thrust into a world of doubt and fear as they defend charges that could separate them for life.

June 1942. After surviving the Blitz bombings that left many Londoners with shattered lives, Kája Makovsky prayed for the war to end so she could return home to Prague. But despite the horrors of war, the gifted journalist never expected to see a headline screaming the extermination of Jews in work camps. Half-Jewish with her family in danger, Kája has no choice but to risk everything to get her family out of Prague. But with the clutches of evil all around, her escape plan crumbles into deportation, and Kája finds herself in a new reality as the art teacher to the children of Terezin.

Bound by a story of hope and the survival of one little girl, both Sera and Kája will fight to protect all they hold dear.

About the Author

Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with WWII since hearing her grandfather's stories. She holds an Art History degree from Indiana University and has 15 years industry experience as a corporate learning facilitator and communications consultant. Kristy writes WWII and Regency fiction. She makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons. Website: www.kristycambron.com Twitter: @KCambronAuthor Facebook: Kristy-L-Cambron-Author

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”