A Fabulous Debut
Where Treasure Hides by Johnnie Alexander is a powerful Christian historical novel that I just could not put down. It is the author’s debut novel, and the good news is … she has written many more.
The action is set during World War II in Britain and Holland. We witness both countries preparing for war. As the novel opens, the leading characters are witnessing a Kindertransport arriving in London. This prepares both their hearts to rescue and hide children throughout the war. God knows that the innocents will be safe in their care.
We witness the greed of the Nazis as they plunder Europe of their paintings and artefacts. “It’s greed that destroys us.” The worth of a painting is not just in monetary terms but in what it means to hearts. Characters bond over paintings – whether it is the drawing of a child or a masterpiece.
Feared reigned in hearts during the war but God asks us to trust Hm despite our circumstances. “You mustn’t let fear rule your life.” A heart is willing to trust God. “She wanted to trust God.” When we stumble in the darkness – literally or figuratively – we must look to the guiding light of God.
Characters who fear past events repeating need to realise that their futures are not in the fates but in the hands of God. “Lifting her heart to God when the right words were impossible to find.” God knows just what we need and when.
Prayer is important. “God was not deaf to their prayers.” God hears our prayers even when all around us is chaos. No one is ever too far from the love of God. “He only hoped God still listened to his prayers after what he’d done.” In times of war, morality alters. God understands. He listens to all our prayers.
All the characters were wonderfully drawn and realistic. Some elicited feelings of warmth, others were definitely manipulating and evil.
We meet the innocence of children who are trusting, even of strangers. They recognize intrinsically good hearts.
I thoroughly enjoyed Where Treasure Hides. Now that it is over, I am really hoping for a second book. The ending leaves the reader perfectly poised to hear more.
JULIA WILSON