Tangled Ashes

In Tangled Ashes, her debut novel, Michele Phoenix blends historical and modern fiction with romance and intrigue. Set in a castle in Lamorlaye, France, this tale of hope and love arises from two storylines that eventually converge. At the beginning of the 21st Century, this Renaissance-era castle is undergoing a renovation to restore its splendor and convert it to a hotel after it has suffered from fire-damage, abandonment, and vandalism. Sixty years earlier, it had served as the headquarters for the Nazi's Labensborn program during the time of German occupation during World War II.

When I reflect on this novel, I must say that I enjoyed the author's skillful use of the English language and the general storyline. However, the story progressed slowly and sometimes tediously. Although it is a common format, I find books that force the reader to jump between disparate eras or locations discordant. It took a while for me to get drawn in to the story, but I persisted because I was intrigued by the WWII-era story line. Unlike the many books and movies that recount the atrocities of the Nazis, this unique story reveals the challenges faced by two French teenaged girls who are employed as maids by the Nazis, especially when their loyalties are questioned. While it is central to the plot, I found myself wishing that this component would have more pages devoted to it.

I disliked the main character, Marshall 'Beck' Becker, which is proof that the characters were well developed with vibrant personalities and captivating interactions. (I just cannot develop feelings toward two-dimensional characters.) Throughout the story the reader is aware of the raging battle in his mind and his struggle with alcohol-dependence, but is not privy to the reasons for his anguish and anger. I found this wearisome, but halfway through the book Beck reveals another dimension of himself during an impulsive daytrip to Paris. In my favorite scene in the book, he finds himself drawn to La Cathédrale Notre-Dame, one of the "architectural wonders of the ancient city." (148) As a skilled craftsman he has an appreciation for the grand architecture and intricate details, but his visit to the church also touches him on a deeper level. 

"He stopped occasionally merely to absorb the atmosphere of serenity and security, emotions that were so unfamiliar to him that they made him mildly uncomfortable. … [H]is spirit somehow soothed by the darkness and the intimate aura of grace that permeated the church." (147)

This book contains many elements that I appreciate in novels—flawed (aka "real") characters, historical background, mysterious occurrences, captivating setting/situation, and a satisfying conclusion. Christian beliefs and values were worked into the storyline without being "preachy." So I feel like I should just love this book, but for subtle/intangible reasons I did not. I still recommend it heartily for those who enjoy this/these genres, and I will look for Phoenix's other work in the future.

Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers via Handlebar Publishing provided me a complementary copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.