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- Title: Where Treasure Hides
- Author: Johnnie Alexander Donley
- Publisher: Tyndale
- Release Date: January 2013
- Genre: Historical Romance
Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life.
Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike.
But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?
Imagining Alison
“My name is Alison Schuyler,” begins the undated entry, “a fitting name for me and my forbearers. It's Dutch, like my ancestors, and has the connotation of hiding and of shelter.”
On that spring day, I’m sitting on my screened porch as the Florida sun glints off the smooth waters of the pond behind our house. The words flow from my pen, filling several pages in the blank book, and revealing details about Alison I didn't know before.
I learn that she lives in Rotterdam, Holland, with her grandfather and great-aunt, and she believes in a strange family curse. The Van Schuylers are “a prominent and artistic and ill-fated family, the owners of a highly respectable art establishment that never reached its full potential because of the propensity for death to inconveniently appear and leave turmoil in its wake.”
In Alison’s words, “This lack of longevity gave rise to what we affectionately, perhaps fearfully, referred to as the family fate. The hearts and lives of the Van Schuylers blazed high and fast. We were known to love deeply and to die young.”
This revelation created possibilities and challenges in the storyline.
I had a reason for Alison to fall in love quickly and to be fearful of that love. But I also had to somehow reconcile her superstition with her Christian faith. It took several rewrites and help from my editor to figure out the best way to do that was to address it head on. Alison’s great-aunt, who never married, confronts the superstition by trusting in God. Alison insists she trusts in God, too, but she can’t let go of her fears.
“She shall rejoice in time to come.” The ending of her Proverbs 31 verse slid into her mind, but she dismissed it. Weighed down with the tragic knowledge of her family tree, Alison couldn’t take the chance that she might be a rare exception. Not with Ian. For reasons beyond her understanding, he had entered her heart, and he’d always be there. But a life with him would only bring sorrow. She brushed an errant tear from her cheek.
It’s not giving away too much of the ending to say that Alison eventually learns, despite her heartaches, to trust her future to God.
Alison’s journey took months of writing and rewriting and rewriting again.
But it all began with a blank book and a simple line. My name is Alison Schuyler . . .
Where to find this book:
Join the Conversation
Alison’s favorite Scripture is Proverbs 31:25, “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come” (KJV).
Share the Scripture you rely on when your trust in God wavers.
What’s the strangest or craziest thing you’ve ever been afraid of?
Johnnie is giving away a free eBook copy of Where Treasure Hides to one of my blog readers. To enter, all you have to do is answer one of the questions above and include your contact information—usually your eMail address (i.e. you at yourisp dot com/net/org..etc) because that’s the way you will be notified if you win.
BONUS: If you answer BOTH questions above, you will get two (2) chances to win.
Giveaway runs from Friday, January 18, through Saturday, January 26. Winner will be drawn at random.org on Sunday, January 27.
Thank you, Johnnie, for being part of BookBtes Friday on Whispers in Purple.
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ReplyDeleteWhen my trust wavers I turn to Psalm 61:2 "From the end of the earth I will cry unto thee; when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
ReplyDeleteThe craziest thing I sill fear at times is going to the dentist. I had a terrible experience as a child and still fight that fear today as a grandma. Of course, it's never as bad as I expect but I stll get all stirred up.
I 'd love to be entered fof Where Treasure Hides, thanks.
Worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Merry, thanks so much for sharing your Psalm. I know I've read all the Psalms, but this verse has never stood out for me. I love the phrase "when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
DeleteI don't like to go the dentist either, but he is so nice and so is his staff. That makes up for the unpleasantness. At least a little. :)
My all time verse to fall back on is "Great is His faithfulness. His lovingkindness begins AFRESH each day." Lamentations 3:23 Living Bible. I don't have to wonder because there is nothing left over at the end of the day but a whole new beginning at the start of the new day!!!
ReplyDeleteThe strangest or craziest thing I've ben afraid of--hmmm-- maybe going to the dentist for the first time [and even years later] Thank goodness I have one now that I could probably go to sleep in his chair. :D Blessings! Darlene
spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com
Darlene, that verse is in my Scripture memorization app AND was in the devo I read yesterday. It's so comforting, isn't it?
DeletePoor dentists! Seems like they strike fear in just about everyone! Glad you found a good one.
Thanks, Johnnie, for taking part in BookBites.
ReplyDeleteMy greatest fear is of dark basements, especially if there's no light switch at the top of the stairs. If I have to go down those stairs into a dark basement to turn on the light . . . well, as a child I wouldn't do it. Period. And turning OFF that same light before going back up? Oy . . . I was so terrified of the dark behind me I'd scamper up those steps so fast! As an adult, I still don't like that, and that same childhood fear seizes me.
Peggy, thanks so much for hosting me and helping me to spread the news about Where Treasure Hides. Your fear of the dark story reminds me of when I would jump from my doorway onto my bed at night -- a respectable leap -- because I was afraid to have my bare toes near the underside of the bed. There were monsters under there, you know!
DeleteI bought a bicycle last summer, determined to break up my boring elliptical routine. I rode it a few times...almost killed myself....between me and the dog! :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I started working full time at home, I thought, now is the perfect time to ride the bicycle several times a week, but now I'm afraid I'll fall and break a wrist or an arm and my hands are my livelihood. I must be brave!!!
And... I'm 3/4 of the way through Where Treasure Hides, and people, it is SO good!!! Johnnie digs deeper and deeper into all the characters lives, but especially Alison and Ian's. It's a stellar debut novel that I heartily recommend.
Ps...of course, don't enter me, Peg. I've already got the book. :)
Pam, thanks so much for your praise. I so appreciate it. I'm away from home right now but planned on getting a bike when I returned. Hmm. Maybe I should try one out first and see how it goes.
DeleteMy scripture is Nahum 1:7: "The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And he knows those who trust in Him."
ReplyDeleteOne of my foolish scary moments occurred when I was a young teen walking to church at night. A man, obviously drunk as he stumbled about on the sidewalk, headed toward me in the darkness. I told myself to sneak by him as quietly as possible and maybe he wouldn't notice me. When he started to pass, suddenly he yelled, "Boo!"
I shot down the street like a dog after a cat, to the echo of laughter among the trees.
Omigosh, Ada! How terrifying!
DeleteI had a similar incident one late afternoon after school--high school Junior year--while walking through the park to meet my dad who always picked me up after school.
A man jumped out from behind a bush in front of me and started to grab my arm. For one frozen moment I could do nothing. Then I let out a scream I didn't know I had in me.
He bolted . . . and so did I! Others in the park took off after him but never caught him. I was unable to identify or describe him. Too terrified and incoherent.
Nothing ever came of it, but I never walked through that park alone again, believe me!
Ada and Peggy, those are frightening experiences. I'm shivering just thinking about them.
DeleteAda, thanks for highlighting the Nahum verse. I am fascinated by the old Testament, and it's fun to see a favorite taken from one of the minor prophets.
Verse: Phil 4:6 "Do not be anxious for anything but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
ReplyDeleteStrangest thing ive ever been afraid of: I used to be afraid of trains. For some reason I had dreams that I would be right next to one going super fast and it was scary!
Verse: Phil 4:6 "Do not be anxious for anything but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
ReplyDeleteStrangest thing ive ever been afraid of: I used to be afraid of trains. For some reason I had dreams that I would be right next to one going super fast and it was scary!
Verse: Phil 4:6 "Do not be anxious for anything but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
ReplyDeleteStrangest thing ive ever been afraid of: I used to be afraid of trains. For some reason I had dreams that I would be right next to one going super fast and it was scary!
Aly, that's a favorite verse of mine, too. Trains? The opening scene of Where Treasure Hides is at the Waterloo Station in London. I hope that won't keep you from reading the novel! :) Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteOne of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord. Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
ReplyDeleteMy crazy fear is escalators.
Oh, I love that verse, too, beemama. I call that "blessed assurance" :)
DeleteEscalators?
BTW, you didn't leave an email contact. Hope you come back and do that so you'll be qualified for the drawing.
Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite of mine, too, and one I often pray.
DeleteI kind of like going up and down escalators. I'm sorry they scare you :)