On an atmospheric island with a ruined castle, a page-turning mystery unfolds. The Wings of Poppy Pendleton is a story of strength born of fragility, of joy born of despair, and hope born of brokenness. Melanie Dobson writes with a heart bent toward healing, and again she delivers an intriguing story of the bonds of family, the mystery of time and the power of love.

From the first page, I was hooked on this story of identities lost and found, of hearts broken and made new. I fell in love with the haunting setting, complex characters, and the ultimate redemption in The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. This captivating tale seamlessly weaves past and present for a layered tapestry you won't want to miss.

Mystery at every turn threads The Wings of Poppy Pendleton, Melanie Dobson's captivating family saga set amid the Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence River.  Through plot twists and the gradual unfolding of deeply buried secrets dawns the realization that our determinations are not always best, but that truth, seeking forgiveness and moving forward in faith in the sure light of God's love is the path to peace and greatest joy.  Absolutely fascinating and beautifully written—I could not put this book down!

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton is a hauntingly beautiful time-slip mystery overflowing with hidden secrets that impact multiple generations. Dobson's skillful artistry of words brings the Thousand Island setting to life, weaving both past and present with complex characters, page-turning intrigue, hints of romance, and inspiring faith-filled hope. Superb storytelling that will resonate long after you finish the last page.

A castle. A tragedy. And the majestic Thousand Islands. Melanie Dobson creates a timeless time-slip mystery that bounces from the stories of two little girls and two troubled women, two different historical periods, and the mysteries surrounding their lives. Intriguing. Powerful. A novel to experience, ponder, and share.

Absolutely brilliant. I have now read a handful of books by Melanie Dobson, but On the Wings of Poppy Pendleton has quickly risen to my favorite thus far. I have always been a huge fan of mysteries and was pleasantly surprised to find this novel fully falls into that category. My heart broke for Poppy’s mother when she discovered her daughter missing, and I wasn’t fully prepared for such a slew of emotions on my quest to discover “What on earth happened to Poppy?” Yet even my scheming brain didn’t even come close to predicting the actual outcome of Poppy’s story.

This novel is so well researched, Koster Isle so vividly described, characters so multifaceted that it is hard to believe this is a work of fiction. I think Dobson’s mind travels 100 miles a minute because she is so gifted at creating entire worlds of her own imagination and doesn’t slow down much to allow readers to hop on the imagination train, trusting us to have the intelligence to fill in the slight gaps of information with our own deductive reasoning. And of course, the way Dobson chooses to shape and string words together is enchanting; it’s art. I relished every word and never wanted the story to end.

Melanie Dobson’s multi-timeline novel The Wings of Poppy Pendleton is about the boundless beauty of a child’s hope. Weaving between timelines to focus on different people’s thoughts, the novel blends clues from Poppy’s past with Chloe’s present to lyrical effect. Poppy spends hours dreaming of flight in her mother, Amelia’s, aviary; Emma clutches a scrapbook covered with birds. This flight motif runs throughout, representing the longings of characters who feel caged by cruelty.

The cast is extensive, but time stamps and named chapters make the narrative easy to follow. Each person plays into the book’s overarching themes of courage, redemption, and love. Amelia, who is broken by Poppy’s loss, finds new purpose as a nun. Logan pushes Chloe to face the truth about her grandparents while also protecting her. And Chloe confronts her fears of motherhood in order to care for Emma. The story also addresses heavy topics like human trafficking and drugs, but its ultimate message is one of triumph. Both Emma and Poppy endure terrible childhood abuse but maintain faith in the potential goodness of others.

Telling the stories of two women separated by a century but connected by past secrets, The Wings of Poppy Pendleton is an enthralling novel.

Melanie Dobson has once again created a dual-time book that is unforgettable. The Wings of Poppy Pendleton is well-written and changes perspectives between multiple people in a way that keeps readers engaged and invested in the stories.  Dobson takes her story and weaves it into the fabric of history as though it could have actually happened. Some of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching events can be found on these pages.

The story of the modern character, Chloe Riddell, and her adventures as she learns about the past occupants of Poppy’s castle is intriguing and sad. Readers should be warned that it may be difficult to put this down as you try to untangle all of the intricacies of the tale. Be prepared to be swept up in the lives of the characters and emerge a bit wrung out on the other end. One will feel both deflated and uplifted by the journey.

The events that took place with Poppy and Amelia Pendleton are shrouded in mystery until Chloe and her friend, Landon, are able to fully uncover them. The journey and transition of Poppy and Amelia is almost ethereal.  They seem like fragile, delicate flowers that emerge from their crystalline states as strong and amazing people. Their characters are masterfully unfolded almost without notice until it becomes clear how they have conquered the struggles of their past experiences and their stories meld together to create a beautiful tapestry from the threads of their lives.

Melanie Dobson was one of the first multi-timeline authors I ever read, and she remains one of my very faves. The Wings of Poppy Pendleton immediately captivated me with its air of mystery – a missing child cold case from the Gilded Age that’s garnering new attention from a dogged reporter… and a child found under mysterious circumstances 85 years later on the same castle-inhabited New York island.

There’s lots of treasure here to find, even beyond the mysteries – cherished birds, cherished boats, smuggling, Gilded Age glamour, shipwrecks, family secrets, surprising twists, intriguing history, candy stores, loyal dogs, a Fraidy kitten, scrapbooks, newspaper articles, jelly beans, and so much more!

Bottom Line: A Gilded Age-era castle stands silent over the Thousand Islands in New York, holding more than one mystery close and the fate of two little girls – 85 years apart – in its hands. Hooked yet? Then get quickly to The Wings of Poppy Pendleton and let your imagination fly! Author Melanie Dobson masterfully provides readers with an atmospheric story rich in characters and possibilities, deeply layered and poignantly tender. A hint of romance and gentle notes of faith provide needed balance and levity to some of the book’s heavier themes (which are handled discreetly with lots of grace). And I have to give a special shout-out to Logan who has some of the best lines in the book and is just an all-around good guy. Another compelling story from a queen of multi-timeline fiction!

A magnificent novel set in the midst of WWII in France with ripples that continue to the present day. Dobson’s beautiful descriptions, well-drawn characters, and deep insights pull the reader into this story and won’t let go until long after the last page. Altogether brilliant and breathtaking.

Dobson (Memories of Glass) is quickly establishing herself as a new powerhouse in dual-timeline Christian fiction. This is a potent examination of redemption after scars, and, more simply, a good story, told well. Readers of Kristy Cambron, Rachel Hauck, and Heidi Chiavaroli will welcome this historical timeslip novel.

The Winter Rose is a blossom of hope in a broken and hurting world. From the snowy Pyrenees to the lush forests of Oregon, from the scars of war to the solace of family, Melanie Dobson weaves a story of how God can transform the pain of the past into a loving plan for the future. This book will remain in your heart long after you turn the final page.

Melanie Dobson is a master at time-slip stories, and The Winter Rose is no exception. With skillful prose, impeccable research, heart-tugging characters, and a plot full of intrigue, Dobson keeps readers turning pages until the very end.

Set in a world coming apart at the seams, this story will sweep you up in life-and-death struggles but ultimately fill you with love and hope. A haunting, totally immersive novel.

Melanie Dobson is a master. The Curator’s Daughter unravels an intricately woven web of secrets and shame, of courage and truth. With great insight into racism in the past and in the present, the novel brings up deep questions about what risks we would take to stand up for what’s right. Exceptional research shines on each page, but the intertwined stories of Hanna and Lilly and Ember are what kept me flipping those pages. A gem of a novel.

Intriguing, multilayered and suspenseful, The Curator’s Daughter winds through generations like the labyrinth it portrays, drawing characters through the chaos of Nazi Germany and their own love and loss until they come full circle to a satisfying and redemptive conclusion. I started this book late one morning and could not put it down, no matter that I read through the night. Melanie Dobson’s historical research alone is astounding. Brilliant, beautifully written and masterfully told, readers of time-split fiction will love this.

The Curator’s Daughter takes individual stories set in different eras, highlighting the best and the worst of humanity, and masterfully weaves them into an unforgettable saga. With her vivid description, well-crafted characters, and rich historical detail, Melanie Dobson transports readers to Nuremberg, Germany during World War II, telling what might seem at first a familiar tale of the Nazi regime, yet leaving us with a new, deeper understanding of the legacy of evil left in its wake decades later. The history at the heart of this story should never be forgotten.

Heart-wrenching history combines with gripping characters and Melanie Dobson’s signature gorgeous writing to create a tale you won’t be able to put down—and won’t want to. Memories of Glass is an amazing, intricately woven story of finding light in the least likely of places.

With WWII-era and present-day storylines equally enthralling and skillfully entwined, I couldn’t stop turning the pages of Melanie Dobson’s Memories of Glass. Drawn from history to highlight the Dutch resistance to Hitler’s Nazi regime, the story is sweeping in its scope of setting, each vividly alive on the page, and its pace felt like a snowball rolling downhill, gaining in suspense as the life-and-death stakes mounted. Peopled with characters heroic, flawed, and unforgettable, Memories of Glass is sure to please longtime fans of Melanie Dobson’s books as well as readers new to her novels.

Memories of Glass is a remarkable, multi-layered novel that weaves stories of friendship and faith in wartime Holland together with a modern-day orphanage in Africa. Memorable characters portray the complexity of human relationships and reveal the lasting consequences of our choices, whether cowardly or courageous, and the mysteries kept me turning pages, leaving me with much to ponder.

Like colored shards in sunlight, Melanie Dobson once again shines her light of truth in this elegantly complex and gripping tale of the hidden terrors of the Netherlands during WWII. Memories of Glass is a remarkable story, and one that will linger in the hearts of readers long after the last page.

Breathtaking, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, Memories of Glass shows the beauty of helping others, the ugliness of people helping only themselves, and the destructive power of secrets through the generations. Melanie Dobson’s memorable characters and fine eye for detail bring the danger of the Netherlands under Nazi occupation to life. This novel will stay with you.

Hidden among the pages of Melanie Dobson’s Hidden Among the Stars are treasured bits of everyday life, ephemera which, like those found in the books in her heroine’s bookstore, hide meaningful clues that unravel a stunning family mystery. Dobson’s master craftsmanship breathes life into her characters as she builds the plot and wields words in such a way as to remind readers that yes, there are still beautifully written novels. A silver thread of the love-of-others entwines with a golden thread of the love-of-God, tying past and present storylines. This novel is poignant, resonant, and with a breathtaking twist that—long after the last page—will have you asking yourself, ‘What would I have done?'

Hidden Among the Stars, by Melanie Dobson, is a compelling novel from the first page to the last. Once started, it is difficult to put this book down! Events of present day blend together effortlessly with events of eighty years ago to create a dual timeline story that is simply riveting. Elements of mystery, courage, and faith are thoughtfully intertwined in this well-researched novel. With excellent pacing that never tarries, important details are carefully revealed and hidden truths are uncovered as the story reaches its dramatic and satisfying conclusion.

When a current-day Ohio bookstore owner acquires an unusual copy of Bambi, her search for its original owner starts a chain of events that will change her life—and several others’—forever. Flashbacks to Nazi-occupied Austria tell of hidden treasures, a tragic love triangle, and Hitler’s evil plan to exterminate Jewish lives. Dobson expertly weaves together past and present to produce a fascinating connection between them. This lyrical story—poignant, yet hopeful—shows that, even though we don’t understand God’s whole plan, we each have our assigned part in His perfect design.

Star-crossed, forbidden love and the disappearance of family members and hidden treasure make a compelling World War II story and set the stage for modern-day detective work in Dobson’s latest time-slip novel. Exquisitely penned, with strong faith elements, Hidden Among the Stars is Dobson at her best.

Hidden Among the Stars is a glorious treasure hunt, uniting past and present with each delightful revelation. Dobson celebrates faith and the strength of human spirit in immersive settings, high-stakes decisions, and heart-gripping characters. It’s must-read historical fiction that left me pondering well-crafted twists for days.

Hidden Among the Stars is yet another fabulous book by Melanie Dobson. It gives me another reason why she is among my favorite list of must read authors. She has the talent of keeping a reader engaged, want to keep turning the pages and have a hard time putting a book down. I love time slip novels and she has definitely mastered on how to write them. Like always, there is an element of mystery and suspense where the reader does not find out how it is solved until the last few pages. I could not have predicted how it all worked out in the end. Hidden Among the Stars gets a well deserved 5 plus stars from me. I would give it 100 stars if I could. It is one of the favorite books I have read for the year.

With great skill and grace, Melanie Dobson weaves the past and present together in a beautiful story of love that goes far beyond the superficial. Genuine to the core, Hidden Among the Stars captures the painful plight of Austrian individuals beneath the Nazi regime and blends them seamlessly with equally-compelling present day characters, who, amidst their own turmoil, seek answers from the past. A master at storytelling, Melanie leaves readers with an unpredictable and completely satisfying ending. This may be my favorite book of hers so far!

Rarely do I fall in love with a novel on the first page but this novel stole my heart…

Thus, begins a story of faith that captures Hitler’s reign of Austrian terror and heartache with a story that highlights the cost of loyalty, friendship and love. But, it’s also a romantic tale of castles, lost dreams and hidden treasures wrapped inside a captivating and suspenseful mystery complete with an unpredictable, unforeseen and unexpected ending. Not a book to miss!

Melanie Dobson weaves a tale of intrigue cloaked in secrets yet threaded with elements of grace. Put The Silent Order on your must-have list.

What a wonderful book by an amazing author! In Dobson’s latest offering, readers will find mystery, love and values that have withstood the test of time. The characters are a delight and readers get a fascinating glimpse into the underworld of gangsters during the era of Prohibition and the dangers police faced in keeping law and order.

The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson is proof that bonnet lit is branching out into other genres. Rollin Wells is a detective working to bring down the gangster family the Cardanos in 1928 Ohio. When his partner is killed while they investigate a lead out in Amish country, Rollin is forced to seek help from Katie Lehman, a local girl with a secret. He has to try and bring down the Cardano family before they destroy him, and Katie, who is beginning to claim his heart. Dobson’s writing is always very smart with three-dimensional characters and complicated and intelligent plots. There is a sense of darkness around Rollin’s quest to bring down the Cardanos, as well as Katie’s secret. The chemistry between Rollin and Katie is both immediate and very real….As the tension grows, the pages fly by until the reader finally remembers to breathe again.

The instant pull into the story is absolutely amazing. The plot line is different, though. Very different. Melanie Dobson is a seasonally talented author who truly knows what her fans will love. She took two extremely different worlds and blended them in a way that would seem unthinkably impossible. But, she did it and it was WONDERFUL! Rollin Wells, a 1920’s detective, was the depth of the story. Dobson chiseled his character into one that instantly grabs you and pulls you by his side to solve the case. The mysterious air around him really makes the story one that it’s hard to put down (literally! I did NOT want to put the book down!.)

Folks, Melanie Dobson writes a VERY GOOD story!! She takes you into the darkness of the mob boss and his family, the lives of the detectives trying to uncover the mob’s secrets, and the life of a woman and her son who are trying to forget their past. I never did figure out what the connections were for these three very different groups of people, and when the connections came to light…my jaw hit the floor! All of the sudden everything took on new meaning and the urgency and suspense of the story line sky-rocketed in my heart!

What a touching, lovely romance! I adored Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa. Dobson's compelling, vivid storytelling took me to an unforgettable Amana community that I didn't want to leave. Highly recommended!

From the peace and faith of the Amana Colony to the confusion and conflict of the Civil War, Melanie Dobson paints a spellbinding picture of a peaceful people struggling to mend a country that has torn itself apart. This is a fascinating and well-researched book written by a master storyteller. I couldn't put it down.
 

More a historical tale with a romantic subplot, this book will have readers feeling like they are part of the harrowing wagon train heading west on an exciting, amazing journey that they won’t want to end.
 

I devoured every word of Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Dobson has written another page-turner, and this one moved me to tears more than once. The complex relationships, historical setting, and suspenseful plot all create a gripping story. I couldn't put it down!
 

I have to say that when I read the prologue it was so beautifully written (I read it with tears streaming down my face) that I just knew the rest of the book couldn’t measure up to the high standards I had already set. I was so very wrong and so thoroughly pleased. This was a beautiful story of love and loss, hope and strength, devestation and yet, beauty... It will take you on an emotional journey that you will never forget.
 

A compelling historical romance intricately woven with suspense, page-turning tension, and tender glimpses into a passionate young heroine’s heart. Melanie Dobson’s strong storytelling skills will have you glued to the pages of this intensely satisfying book.
 

Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan whisks you away to a beautiful time and place, and you’ll never want to leave the Island. You won’t be able to put this one down.
 

Join Jenny and Adrian’s carousel of second chances; soaring to new heights in order to gain a better understanding of God’s immutable capacity to make all things new. What a creative story!

Melanie Dobson has placed within the pages of the fairy tale-like story of England’s Lake District a frightful bit of terror on a roller coaster, carousel magic, pots of gold, gems of exquisite brilliance, and a carnival of characters developed to the level of Wonderland’s Alice and the Hatter. This story is set in the late 50s, but carries a timeless charm, as good fairy tales tend. It’s one of Melanie Dobson’s best of her best.

I quickly became a fan of Melanie Dobson’s after reading a couple of her wonderful time-split novels. Enchanted Isle was a delight to read, filled with Melanie Dobson’s trademark attention to historical detail, multi-faceted characters, and rich descriptions of English life. Enchanted Isle is definitely an enchanted story and if you enjoy this author’s stories as much as I do this is one book to put on your Must Read list!

I absolutely loved Enchanted Isle. It’s an amazing spellbinding story.

Dobson invites readers into the magical world of old-fashioned amusement parks in Enchanted Isle! The childlike awe inspired by the setting contrasts nicely with the dark reasons behind the demise of the now defunct park. The reader will be surprised by how the park’s mysterious past links with Adrian’s family, local legend, and other characters integral to the plot. Of special interest to me was Adrian’s validation of who Jenny was as an individual. His admiration and encouragement for her to embrace the person she was created to be was appreciated and served as a good reminder that God has created each of us as special individuals with unique personalities, talents, and aspirations.

Another captivating weave of great characters, superb storytelling, and rich, historical detail from talented wordsmith Melanie Dobson. A story to remind us all that resilience springs from hope, and hope from love.

Catching the Wind is a sweeping and beautifully written historical novel that showcases Melanie Dobson’s ability to tell a complex and enduring tale—one that will captivate readers with how love transcends the ravages of war.

A beautiful and captivating novel with compelling characters, intriguing mystery and true friendship. The story slips flawlessly between present day and WWII, the author’s sense of timing and place contributing to the reader’s urge to devour the book in one sitting yet simultaneously savor its poignancy.

My heart raced and at times broke as I read Catching the Wind. Melanie Dobson soulfully captures the ache of being separated from those you love…the ache that journeys with refugees past and present. As I’ve interviewed refugees in the Middle East and Europe they’ve shared story after story of being ripped away from family, from home, from country. They’ve also told me stories of hope and redemption. And ultimately that is the story of this book, one that reminds us grace comes to take us further than we can imagine…to a place our hearts feel at home.

A childhood bond, never forgotten, leads to a journey of secrets revealed and lifelong devotion rewarded. Readers will delight in traveling along with Quenby as she discovers that the past can change the present.

Dobson creates a labyrinth of intrigue, expertly weaving a World War II drama with a present-day mystery to create an unforgettable story…. Dobson takes readers on an amazing journey through the British-German underground alliances of World War II. Melding past and present in unpredictable ways, this is a must-read for fans of historical time slip fiction.

Carol Award-winning author Dobson (Chateau of Secrets) skillfully interweaves three separate lives as she joins the past and present in an uplifting tale of courage, love, and enduring hope. A strong choice for historical fiction fans who appreciate well-developed characters and settings

Intricate and lyrical, Catching the Wind tells intertwining stories of lost souls and faithful hearts. Once again, Melanie Dobson pens a novel full of fascinating historical detail and characters as real as your best friends – and worst enemies. Engrossing, beautiful, and thoughtful, this is a novel to be savored.

Beneath a Golden Veil captivated me from the beginning, from the brave souls in Virginia who dared to escape slavery to those who embraced freedom along the dusty streets of promise in Sacramento City. Once again, Melanie Dobson has taken me on a journey that touched my heart. I could not put it down…it’s that good!

This book is AMAZING! There are so many twists and turns, along with surprises that will keep you riveted to the pages of this book. Melanie Dobson has written a spell-binding story that will keep you up long into the night!

An old, cherished house is like the human heart, we keep treasures safely tucked within: some conquests we proudly display, some treasures we put behind glass, some secrets we hide from sight, our own and others’. In Shadows of Ladenbrook Manor, Ms. Dobson skillfully plaits the complex strands of life: golden and dark, truth and deception, love and loss into an engaging, multi-generational story of heartache and ultimate, unexpected redemption. Any reader might both lose and find herself between the covers of this compelling novel.

Dobson, author of 13 novels ((Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana), has written in historical, suspense, and contemporary genres, and her newest blends all three in a tale that shifts from the 1950s, to the 1970s, and to the present. Dobson does a masterly job weaving the disparate tales: art restorer Heather Toulson must return to the English town she fled 25 years ago after Christopher Westcott broke her heart; Maggie Emerson hid a terrible tragedy, then did all she could to prevent it from happening again to her daughter; Libby Doyle, Maggie’s daughter, is an unusual and sensitive girl who is loved by Oliver Croft, the wealthy boy who lives next door in Ladenbrooke Manor; and Walter Doyle is the figure whose story is woven through generations of families and secrets. Dobson handles sensitive issues with tact, careful to avoid too much detail but remaining honest. Mysteries are solved, truths revealed, and loves rekindled in a book sure to draw new fans to Dobson’s already large base.

Melanie Dobson’s new book skillfully weaves together past and present as she takes the reader on a fascinating journey to a shocking secret held for generations. A book about choices, consequences, and ultimately redemption, this beautiful story highlights the love of family, and the sacrifices we make and secrets we keep for better or for worse.

For the second year in a row, Melanie Dobson has penned my absolute favorite novel of the year. In 2014, Chateau of Secrets blew me away, and in 2015, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor did the same. Maggie, Walter, Libby, and Heather are fascinating characters, and the intricate web of secrets is slowly unraveled. With writing as lovely as Libby’s butterfly paintings, I was swept into the world of English gardens and intertwined families. Do not miss this novel, my friends!

How far do patterns of behavior echo through generations? Are they passed down through a family’s DNA — or through choices subtly modeled by one parent after another? ‘Armchair psychologists’ will love how Dobson tackles these intriguing questions in this past-meets-present page-turner, and Anglophiles will find the manor, cottage and butterfly garden settings irresistible. Perfect with a pot of English tea!

Dobson’s latest is a splendid combination of the past and the present, skillfully woven together with an interesting mystery. The fascinating British setting, exploration of family secrets and hopeful ending create an engaging reading experience.

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson is a beautiful and touching novel filled with family drama, mystery, and romance. You’ll be swept away to the English countryside as you follow the interwoven stories of three women in one family who discover the healing power of love and forgiveness. Engaging from beginning to end!

Mystery, intrigue and grace . . . these are the hallmarks of Dobson’s time-split novels. Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is meticulously researched amid England’s lovely Cotswolds. Beautifully written by this master storyteller and not to be missed.

Intriguing and suspenseful, rich in secrets, hidden tunnels and heroic deeds–Melanie Dobson’s Chateau of Secrets weaves a compelling tale of a family’s sacrifice for those in need, and their determination to resist Nazi domination in the France they remember and love. A compelling and beautiful story .

With emotion and intrigue, Melanie Dobson brings World War II France to life in this beautiful novel about war, family, sacrifice, and the secrets of the past

Seldom do I read an entire book in one day, but I did with Château of Secrets. I was entranced by the beautifully researched setting and the complex web of characters. Melanie Dobson has written a masterful novel!

Amazing characters, deep family secrets, and an authentic French chateau make Dobson’s story a delight.

Chateau of Secrets is the heart-wrenching tale of two women who must uncover the truth of their past in order to find peace and–in one case–true love in their future. The secrets the characters have kept and the lies they have told drive a story that is filled with suspense and romance.

It’s history, mystery, and treasure hunt wrapped up in one suspenseful adventure! You’ll want to keep the lights on while you read Dobson’s plot-driven story. She so skillfully sets the scene in this memory-haunting house that you’ll hear the creaks and footsteps. And whether lost or redeemed, her believable characters ring true with their genuine faults, all-too-human mistakes, and realistic ‘skeletons in the closet.'

I have finally had a chance to read Refuge on Crescent Hill, and …wow! What a multi-layered story! Initially, I thought the mystery would be kind of obvious, and as far as the physical aspect of it, I was right. However, Melanie Dobson weaves a much more complex story in and around the search for physical wealth, and thus she gives the story a much deeper meaning and adds a greater urgency and element of suspense to the ongoing search for treasure. Bottom line, this story has a sort of down-home Southern feel to it with an element of suspense thrown in that keeps you moving forward—never certain what will turn up next! Refuge on Crescent Hill will make an excellent Summer read!

I’ve been wanting to read a Melanie Dobson book because everything I’ve heard about her is fantastic, this book didn’t let me down. Tight storyline with some great characters (good and bad), excellent plot twists with a mystery unraveling from the past as well as in the present and enough suspense to keep me up really late reading until I was done. This book was wonderful and it let me know that I will be adding more of Melanie’s books to my keeper shelf!

Mixing romance, a modern day mystery, rumors of ghosts and other paranormal activity, and an alleged hidden treasure, Melanie Dobson provides readers with a wonderful contemporary tale.

History afictionados as well as contemporary fans will enjoy Melanie Dobson’s Refuge on Crescent Hill. This book is big on suspense, with two intertwined plots occurring at once and coming together with a big bang at the end. Ms. Dobson manages to incorporate historical facts and tidbits from the pre-American Revolution era up through the post-Civil War period yet keep this contemporary read very much in the now. In Refuge on Crescent Hill, things are not what they seem, not to the characters in the story nor to the reader. There are plot twists and red herrings that keep one guessing almost to the very satisfying conclusion.

What a story! From the moment I opened up to the first page of The Black Cloister, I was hooked. This intense, well-crafted story about a modern day cult will have you wondering long into the night. I look forward to more Melanie Dobson books.

The deeper the darkness, the brighter God’s light can shine—as Melanie Dobson so ably proves in The Black Cloister. A stunning book.

The Black Cloister grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go until I reached the very last page. A week later, Elise Friedman’s story is still with me. I think about her, shiver at the horror she faced. Every now and then I find myself wanting to breathe a prayer for her . . . This book is good. Very good. I wish I had written it.

Dobson weaves a powerful and emotionally gripping tale that at times was so suspenseful that I would rather read the story than eat or sleep. The conclusion is also satisfying as it shows the power of true Godly love and how truth is more powerful than evil when you cling to His promises and minister to His children.

I couldn’t stop reading Melanie Dobson’s The Black Cloister. Dobson does it all in this book: she creates breathtaking suspense, characters you care about and addresses an important issue you won’t easily forget. The Black Cloister is a winner—you won’t go wrong with this book.

I have been forever changed as a result of reading Melanie’s book, and you will be, as well. The action and suspense that usually keep me turning the pages of a book were there in full force, but they were also overshadowed by a larger story. The story of God’s love for His creation, His goodness despite the evil darkness this world can hold, and His tenacity in pursuing the one lamb that was lost.

In tightly written, beautiful prose, Dobson manages to combine intrigue with cultural issues, such as prostitution and cultic abuse. Time spent walking the cobbled streets of Germany enabled this strong writer to paint a picture of winding, picturesque roads, majestic castles, hushed cathedrals, lush meadows, deep forests, and bustling European markets.

Intriguing and enlightening, The Black Cloister is an emotionally engaging and enjoyable novel that will leave you wishing you didn’t have to say good-bye to the two women who are sure to capture your heart as they journey toward freedom.

ForeWord Book of the Year

Going for Broke is a fast-paced read and an addiction of its own. Melanie brilliantly captures the allure of one more try and the slippery slope that leads from entertainment to destruction. Take a gamble on this book—you’re sure to promise yourself, Just one more page…

In Going for Broke, Melanie Dobson artistically paints the secret life of the compulsive gambler and then shines the bright light of help and hope. Bravo!

Addiction is a difficult thing, and Going for Broke is a fabulous glimpse into the life of a decent person who develops a compulsion to gamble until she no longer recognizes herself. Much like cocaine or heroine, the compulsion will eventually take over and swallow the person whole. The author does a wonderful job of accurately portraying how someone can sink so low and go so far as to being willing to do just about anything for their ‘fix.’ The rationalizing thoughts, the desire to be secretive, the withdrawal from friendships and support systems…it’s all there… What I liked best about the story was the honesty. There were no quick fixes, and while God holds people accountable for their mistakes, He will redeem anything and will meet us where we are if we would only trust in Him and not ourselves. I love edgy stories that illustrate how God even uses the muck in our lives to create something beautiful that will glorify Him. Going for Broke did that, and then some.

I just finished reading Going For Broke. It was great. I finished in one day. Thank you for writing about a topic that is a huge problem, but no one wants to talk about it.

I was amazed at the insight Melanie Dobson had regarding this hidden addiction. Her sensitivity, yet witty portrayal of the main character captures the reality of what many female gamblers experience. Going for Broke is a must read for anyone who has a friend or family member with a gambling problem.

The novel had a way of drawing me in, of slowly reeling me closer and closer to the end that I hoped all along wouldn’t happen. It both thrilled and frightened. It introduced me to characters whom I wanted to reach out to and help. Ultimately, the book educated me, something of which I believe the author would be proud. Going for Broke isn’t a gamble at all as far as books are concerned – it’s an absolute winner.

I just finished reading Going For Broke. Thank you for writing about a topic that is a huge problem, but no one wants to talk about it. I look forward to reading your future books.

In Going For Broke, Melanie Dobson pens a tale that is both touching and devastating. Through each page-turning chapter, the tension builds, pulling the reader into the very core of the heroine’s struggle with the addiction of gambling. A very powerful, compelling read that had me cheering at the end.

Going for Broke was a real eye-opener into the gambling world. You are right…it really could happen to anyone. I could have been Leia. Anyone could.

Melanie has taken the age-old truth that God can be trusted with what we value most and created a lovely story that reveals what can happen when we let go and believe it.

Melanie Dobson’s got a story for you. In this straw-to-gold tale, Dobson shows that she can both spin a yarn and turn a phrase. The tapestry that is Together for Good will warm your heart like only a gift stitched with love can do.

Together for Good is a beautifully written story of God’s love and redemption for us all. In the midst of our pain, we often fail to seeany good in the situation and are blinded to the overall picture God has painted regarding our lives. In her debut novel, Melanie Dobson has illustrated Romans 8:28 with tenderness and very real characters. Whether you have been touched by adoption or not, you don’t want to miss this novel with its heart-warming characters and beautiful scenery.

I had a warm fuzzy along with my clogged throat when I reached the end of the story. the kind that makes you want to sigh with satisfaction. The story didn’t have a tidy, unrealistic ending, but one that glorified God! I loved this book and highly recommend it!

I was a women obsessed-obsessed with finishing your book! Immediately the story drew me in, and each ‘hook’ at the end of the chapters kept me turning pages. The book came yesterday. Today I finished it! (admittedly it was tempting to skip Sunday School and church, but I resisted!) Your character pictures were so vivid-I can picture each person in my mind. What a wonderful weekend escape! God’s path for your creative handwork is in my prayers.

Together for Good is an awesome read. It has a great plot with several unique twists and subplots. Instead of the same-old same-old, this time the story focuses on a woman who wanted a child and the birthmother reclaimed the child before relinquishing her rights. Now twenty years later, Abby needs to know if her almost-son was safe and doing well.

Melanie Dobson delivers a gripping story of adoption, of loss and of restoration with a fresh twist—one I hadn’t read before. Free of clichéd writing, this unique story echoed in my heart long after I turned the last page. Excellent writing, coupled with unforeseen plot twists, this is a story you’ll not forget. I found the way Dobson weaves in the characters’ faith journeys refreshing and natural. A haunting story, Together for Good is highly recommended.