Dual timeline stories… yea or nay?

I’ve read a few, now, and I find that I’m a fan! This novel goes back and forth between WW2 England and contemporary England. A wealthy, elderly man, Daniel Knight, hires an American journalist working in London, Quenby Vaughn, to help him find Brigitte Berthold - the little girl he was separated from as they escaped to London from Nazi Germany during WW2, when they were children. He promised to find her after the war and has been looking for her for decades. He feels investigative journalist Quenby is his last hope. Daniel’s attorney, Lucas, teams up with Quenby, whether she likes it or not, and a little something more than just the missing person case begins to draw them together. I have to admit, at the beginning, Brigitte’s WW2 timeline was more intriguing to me, but then things started to get really interesting in Quenby’s story as she searches for Brigitte and simultaneously investigates a related possible wartime spy story in the British countryside… a story, it seems, someone does not want her to finish. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will say that I ( )

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This was the perfect blend of mystery and adventure, with the search for someone lost decades earlier overshadowing both narratives. This is what glues the reader to the page.
I shy away from romance, but the focus here is on unfolding the past, right where it should be. The potential couple actually start off disliking each other because they misjudged each other's character, and their relationship then transitions into a very close resemblance of a brother-sister relationship while on this assignment they were given. This was probably my favorite aspect of the book, because I love a good like-siblings relationship.
While you have nothing to worry about from this couple, there is infidelity and immorality that plays a part in the book, so read through it if you are planning to give this to a younger reader.

Available at Tyndale: https://www.tyndale.com//p/catching-the-wind/9781496417282 ( )

This was the perfect blend of mystery and adventure, with the search for someone lost decades earlier overshadowing both narratives. This is what glues the reader to the page.
I shy away from romance, but the focus here is on unfolding the past, right where it should be. The potential couple actually start off disliking each other because they misjudged each other's character, and their relationship then transitions into a very close resemblance of a brother-sister relationship while on this assignment they were given. This was probably my favorite aspect of the book, because I love a good like-siblings relationship.
While you have nothing to worry about from this couple, there is infidelity and immorality that plays a part in the book, so read through it if you are planning to give this to a younger reader. ( )

Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson is a well-written time-slip novel. Unlike other time-slips I have read, I had no confusion as to the time period or how much time had passed. The time was clearly noted as needed and the narrative explained event progression in both time periods. The novel captured my attention from the beginning. A natural coupling of mystery, mild suspense, and a few plot twists carried my interest until the end.

I loved the theme of redemption that is woven into this story. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that Quenby must dig up the past (in more than one aspect), search for and learn the truth, decide to make healthy choices, and step boldly into God-given opportunities. Quenby, Daniel, Brigette, and Hannah all experience a degree of redemption of their personal pasts. As Quenby says on page 370: “It's not about exhuming [the past]. It's about redeeming what has been lost.” I also appreciated the subtle messages about the power of friendship and the necessity of forgiveness, both of which support the magnificent theme of redemption.

Catching the Wind is the first novel I've read by Melanie Dobson. I probably would not have chosen to read it on my own, but the local book club I attend picked it for our March reading. It made an excellent selection as we discussed it's themes, the character's perspectives, and modern-day heroes. I liked it much more than I expected and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with an engaging mystery, modest suspense, and gentle romance. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy through the My Reader Rewards 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." ( )