Chateau of Secrets: A Novel

“Amazing characters, deep family secrets, and an authentic French chateau make Dobson’s story a delight.” ― RT Book Review “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 not to be missed.” -- Cathy Gohlke, Christy Award winning author of Saving Amelie and“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!” -- Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of On Distant Shores“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.” -- Anna Schmidt, author of All God's Children, Simple Faith, and Safe Haven, The Peacemaker Series A Conversation with Melanie Dobson 1. How did you first come to know of the story of Vicomtesse Genevieve Marie Josephe de Saint Pern Menke on whom this story is loosely based? How do her children and grandchildren describe her? After Genevieve passed away in 2010, her granddaughter shared Genevieve's stories of courage and faith with me. I was captivated by Genevieve's bravery in standing up against the Nazis when they could easily have killed her, and by the stories of hiding the French resistance underneath the family's château while the Germans occupied it. The Menke family partnered with me as I wrote this novel, and Ann Menke, Genevieve's daughter-in-law, graciously invited me to their family's manoir and former château in Normandy. Genevieve left a beautiful legacy as an elegant, courageous, feisty Norman woman who was strong in character and devout in her faith. Her husband, children, and grandchildren adored her, and I hope readers are inspired by her story as well. 2. Do you always visit the places where your books are set? Why is it helpful? What did you love most about your trip for this book? I always visit the main setting of my books to discover what makes the place unique. The Internet is fantastic for accumulating general details about a location, but good sensory description--the local sights, smells, sounds--breathe life into a novel. And once I can see the setting in my mind's eye, I no longer get stuck on the details. My brain is freed to focus on the story. I enjoyed everything about my trip to France--eating the crusty bread and local cheese, biking through the villages, staying in a medieval château with three dear friends. Also I loved spending time with Genevieve's family and visiting with new friends in Normandy who welcomed us into their homes. 3. This novel is steeped in the historic detail of World War II and the battle of Saint-Lô. What was your research process like? Before I started writing Château of Secrets , I read through a stack of resources about the war as well as a number of interviews with Jewish men who fought in the German army. To help me visualize the details, I obtained photographs of the battle of Saint-Lô along with film footage of French men resisting the Germans. My time in Normandy was the most important step in the research process. I learned a tremendous amount by exploring the Utah Beach D-Day Museum, visiting Saint-Lô, and drinking tea with men and women who shared their memories of the occupation and war. 4. Many of the main characters in this novel make great sacrifices for freedom, be it tangible or emotional. What does freedom mean to you? Years ago a friend asked what I valued most in life, and my quick response was freedom. In hindsight, what I really meant was independence--the selfish freedom to do what I wanted, whenever I wanted. Much has happened since I answered that question, and the freedom I value now is more internal--freedom from anxiety and bitterness and fear. Instead of striving for things that deplete me or allowing my thoughts to whirl with anger and frustration, I try to focus on what God has called me to do and rely on Him for provision, direction, and peace. I don't always succeed at letting go, but this renewed faith in Christ has given me great freedom on the inside. 5. What would you describe as the main theme(s) in Château of Secrets ? The heart of this novel is about sacrifice--what happens to those willing to risk their life to rescue others and what happens to those who betray innocent people in an attempt to save themselves. Some of the characters lost their life in this story while others found healing in their later years. In the Book of John, Jesus said these beautiful words, "Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." 6. What do you want readers to experience or take away from this novel? Château of Secrets is about seemingly ordinary people who stood against evil, often working in secret as they fought against the Nazis and protected innocent people marked for death. As I wrote this story, I was reminded that we have many opportunities today to stand against evil and protect those who are suffering. We may not be risking our life, but it is always extraordinary to sacrifice finances, time, and even our pride to help someone in need. 7. With which character do you relate the most? Why? I'd like to say that I relate to Gisèle's heroic choices to rescue Adeline and other orphaned children, but since I've never been in her situation, I can't honestly say what I would do. I do identify deeply with the mixed emotions of many of the characters--Gisèle's faith and fear, Chloe's anger and relief, Michel's optimism in spite of the circumstances, the conflict in Josef's heart over his terrible dilemma, and both Lisette and Riley in their regrets and ultimately redemption. 8. Michel tells Gisèle "Courage doesn't mean you stop being afraid . . . It means you continue to fight when you're terrified" (page 298). How do you personally strive to live this out? Fear is the personal dragon that I fight daily. Sometimes it's fear of failure or the unknown. Sometimes it's fear for my children or my husband. Sometimes it's ridiculous things that others might find amusing that keep me up at night. Last year my family spent Christmas serving orphans in Uganda. I was afraid of countless things before and during that trip, but I knew we were supposed to go in spite of my fears and the experience changed our lives. God, in his faithfulness, continues to help me fight against this dragon, and I'm incredibly grateful that He never leaves nor forsakes us. 9. How does your degree and background in journalism influence your writing of fiction? I pursued a career in journalism because I love to learn. Writing was and still is a fun outlet for me to dig deep as I research both historical events and contemporary people and places. I approach the writing of each new book as a journalist, delving into the time period and details of the events and location first. After a few weeks of research, my characters and plot begin to emerge from the factual accounts of the past. 10. A line from your website highlights your gift as a writer: "My issue is not about finding time to write. It's about finding time to live around my writing." With a passion for writing, what are the things that can stifle your creativity? What or who inspires and energizes you again? Faux busyness stifles my creativity. Often when I'm on deadline, I'll lose myself to all sorts of seemingly urgent tasks like vacuuming the house or cleaning out the garage. In order to eliminate distraction, I like to escape to a coffee shop with a steady buzz of noise or a quiet hotel where I can immerse myself in my imaginary world. As a family, we also try to keep the Sabbath. After a day of rest, I'm rejuvenated and ready to write first thing Monday morning. 12. When you are not writing, what do you do for fun? I love exploring new places, hiking in the mountains, playing Settlers of Catan with friends, line dancing, working in my garden, taking yoga classes, reading novels with surprise endings, and most of all, laughing with my family while we dance, hike, or explore together. 13. What will you be working on next? My next novel is called Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, and it's about a woman named Heather who returns to England to prepare her childhood home for sale. As she and her daughter work together, Heather discovers that her parents hid a terrible secret from her and their village when she was a girl. In spite of the risks to her heart and her future, Heather decides to pursue the truth about what happened in the beautiful gardens behind her family's cottage and in the gardens of the manor next door. Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of fifteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Three of her novels, including Chateau of Secrets , have won Carol Awards, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010. Melanie lives with her husband Jon and two daughters near Portland, Oregon. Visit her online at MelanieDobson.com. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Chateau of Secrets Read more