Dobsons 411

Hanging on for the ultimate ride--God's great adventure.

www.melaniedobson.com
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Location: Oregon

The author of fourteen contemporary and historical novels, Melanie Dobson lives with her family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Her latest novels are Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor and Chateau of Secrets. More info at www.melaniedobson.com

Friday, June 06, 2014

Welcome to the D-Day 70th Anniversary Blog Tour

 
This month ten authors of inspirational World War II novels are commemorating the brave men who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Thank you for joining us as we remember their heroism and sacrifice!

Our novels illuminate different aspects of the war from the Holocaust to the Pacific to the US Home Front. Each day we will share about our stories, our research, and our unique settings, and with each blog post, you'll have the opportunity to win that author's novel, plus a chance to win a packet of all ten featured novels!

Giveaway Details 

For a chance to win ALL TEN novels featured on our blog tour, please visit each blog listed below, collect the answers to the questions and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway on the BLOG TOUR PAGE. You have a new chance to enter each day of the tour! The contest opened June 2 and closes June 13, 2014 at 11 pm PST. The winners will be announced on Monday, June 15. Several of the titles will not be released until later in the year--these copies will be mailed to the winners after the release dates.

To win the prize of all ten books, you must collect all ten answers. The winner must be prepared to send all ten answers within 24 hours of notification by email or a new winner will be selected. 

You can enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway once each day! The more often you visit, the more entries you receive. To collect the ten answers, you may want to download the Word document answer sheet on the BLOG TOUR PAGE.

A huge thank you to two talented ladies--Sarah Sundin for all of her hard work organizing this tour and Kristy Cambron for gifting all of us with the beautiful artwork to accompany it. Here is a bit of my story:

The Soil of Normandy

As I stood on the shore of Utah Beach last spring, watching waves from the English Channel brush over the golden sand, I tried to imagine the more than twenty thousand troops storming this stretch in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944. Twenty thousand incredibly brave men, young and old, many of them seasick, cold and terrified.


I thought about the courage of Captain George Edick, the father of a friend, who arrived on this beach eight days after the surprise invasion in 1944 and helped push back the Germans through France. I thought about the strength of the French people who resisted the Germans from the inside of their country and protected Allied paratroopers from the enemy. And I thought about another friend's mother-in-law, a French noblewoman named Genevieve de Saint Pern who rescued downed Allied airmen even as the Germans occupied her family's home.

For a week, two girlfriends and I explored Normandy, and on our journey, we heard story after story of courageous men and women who stood up against evil and risked their life to save others. One elegant woman named Marie-Charlotte told us about her parents who led the local French resistance.

Afternoon with Serge and Marie-Charlotte
As a girl, Marie-Charlotte delivered the counterfeit ID cards for American pilots while her parents helped transfer Allied airmen and gather information for the Americans before D-Day.

Marie-Charlotte didn't speak much English but her husband Serge did.

The soil in Normandy is damp with American blood.

This is what Serge told us as they shared their memories. Then he brought out strips of soiled nylon he'd found nearby, pieces of a parachute used by an American trooper seventy years ago. He honored us, thanking my friends and I as Americans for what we had done to help save France.

My friends and I weren't there in 1944. I wasn't even born for another twenty-plus years. Thousands of Allied and French men and women died that June in Normandy, and in that moment with Serge and Marie-Charlotte, holding the nylon and other gifts they gave us, I felt guilty. I had done nothing to deserve this while Marie-Charlotte, her parents, and so many others had done so much.
"Chateau of Secrets" before the war

But then I realized that more than anything, our new friends honored us not just because of the past. They honored us because of what they desire for the future. They want Americans to remember the stories of the courageous men and women who fought for their country.

When I returned home, I sat down and wrote a story about the courage and tenacity of the French people during that occupation and about the Allied men who helped them. A story that I hope will help people remember some of the forgotten heroes of World War II.

Today, seventy years after the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, I want to honor Serge, Marie-Charlotte, George Edick, Genevieve de Saint Pern and every man and woman
who defied the evil that had overtaken France and
risked their life to save someone else.

Chateau of Secrets

"Amazing characters, deep family secrets, 
and an authentic French chateau make Dobson's story a delight."
RT Book Review (4 1/2 stars)

Overview: Chateau of Secrets is about a courageous French noblewoman who hides members of the French resistance in the tunnels under her father's chateau even as the Germans occupy her home. Seventy years later, her granddaughter Chloe Sauver returns to the chateau to work with a filmmaker to unravel her family's story, and the secrets they uncover will change both of their lives forever.



More information about Chateau of Secrets can be found here:

As well as giving away Chateau of Secrets at the end of this tour, I will be giving away a copy of this novel to readers here. If you would like to enter this giveaway, please leave a comment with your email address below or sign up for my newsletter at this link. Thank you for stopping by!

Blog Tour Question: The soil of Normandy is damp with what?
 

Schedule for the D-Day 70th Anniversary Blog Tour 

(Links below will go live on the post date)

June 2: SARAH SUNDIN, author of In Perfect Time
June 3: LIZ TOLSMA, author of Daisies Are Forever
June 4: MURRAY PURA, author of London Dawn
June 5: CARA PUTMAN, author of Shadowed by Grace
June 6: MELANIE DOBSON, author of Chateau of Secrets
June 7: KRISTY CAMBRON, author of The Butterfly and the Violin
June 9: TRICIA GOYER, author of Chasing Mona Lisa
June 10: PATTY SMITH HALL, author of Hearts Rekindled
June 11: CATHY GOHLKE, author of Saving Amelie
June 12: SIGMUND BROUWER, author of Thief of Glory

49 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

What a great post! So inspiring. I can't wait to read your latest! I'm already signed up, but for reference, my email is booksandbeverages (at) gmail.com

7:58 AM  
Blogger Cara Putman said...

What an important story! Thanks for sharing the history behind the post. Can't wait to read this story!

7:59 AM  
Blogger Hutt-Write Voice said...

Enjoyed reading about your visit to Normandy. Looking forward to reading your book, and yes, would be delighted to win it! Thanks for the offer!

8:12 AM  
Blogger Lynda E. said...

I loved this post--the soiled parachute scrap was especially poignant. I look forward to reading your new novel and seeing how your trip and the story came together. Thanks for participating in the blog tour and for the giveaway! danandlyndaedwards (at) msn (dot) com.

8:13 AM  
Blogger Sarah Sundin said...

What a touching post. Standing on the beaches of Normandy is such a moving experience - but to meet members of the French Resistance and hear their stories...! Thank you for sharing.

8:17 AM  
Blogger Betti said...

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences in Normandy. We are so grateful for the sacrifice of all those who changed the course of history!

8:21 AM  
Blogger Quiltedchicken said...

What an amazing opportunity you had! I'm awed by the wonderful French couple. Thank you for sharing this. I cannot wait to read your book!

8:35 AM  
Anonymous Elyssa said...

What a great post! Thanks so much for sharing!

lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

8:36 AM  
Blogger Andrea said...

All stories and books from this time period inspire me. For all the bad in the world there are still many good people whose stories need told. Thanks for the interesting post.

andrea2russia@hotmail.com

8:42 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

A very touching story. Thanks for sharing.

8:45 AM  
Blogger Vickie Sue said...

Amazing, I visted Normandy in 1990 it was amazing, can't wait to read and hopefully win your book.

8:57 AM  
Blogger Jen L said...

I'm looking forward to reading your book!! :)

8:58 AM  
Blogger traveler said...

What a wonderful post. So important and meaningful. Thanks for this great feature. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

9:25 AM  
Blogger traveler said...

What a wonderful post. So important and meaningful. Thanks for this great feature. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

9:30 AM  
Blogger Heidi Reads... said...

What an amazing experience. A man from my church congregation recently passed away and he was a soldier at Normandy who survived D-Day. He was 98 years old, and told the best stories filled with humor, courage, and faith.

colorvibrant at gmail dot com

9:48 AM  
Blogger Chris B said...

I can't wait to read it. Thank you for sharing your journey and the stories of these very brave people. Praying what God wants me to do with my day today. Listening and studying so when I hear, I will do it! Thank you.

9:49 AM  
Blogger Elisabeth B. said...

Very interesting! I'm always interested in learning about the resistance during WW2 especially since I had relatives in the Netherlands who were part of the Dutch resistance. Looking forward to reading your book! (elis.bouma@gmail.com)

11:45 AM  
Blogger Lane Hill House said...

How interesting and memorable the experience you had in interviewing those that were there! What a blessing, and thank you for passing history on to new generations. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

12:12 PM  
Blogger Liz Tolsma said...

Wonderful post, Melanie. It brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing experience that was for you.

1:23 PM  
Blogger Lane Hill House said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

1:29 PM  
Blogger Lane Hill House said...

(deleted duplicate posting)

1:30 PM  
Blogger Susan Johnson said...

Wow. What a powerful story. Thank you for sharing it.
susanmsj at msn dot com

1:54 PM  
Blogger 18thcenturydreamerAWR1776 said...

Damp with American blood????
Woah! That is a little creepy. I guess it goes to show how many men died there for liberty.
It is sad that it is now a tourist beach. That beach should be roped off and held sacred.

4:05 PM  
Blogger Cathy Gohlke said...

Such amazing research for such a powerful story! Thank you for sharing your story behind "Chateau of Secrets," Melanie. It's a wonderful book and knowing of the real life people you met makes it even more so!

4:22 PM  
Blogger Ann Mettert said...

This is all so interesting, and timely.

pmettert@yahoo.com

5:38 PM  
Anonymous Linda Cox said...

Loved your post. And can hardly wait to read your book. Blessings always. Linda

6:18 PM  
Anonymous Pam K. said...

I love these historical books that are based on fact. It's a wonderful way to learn more about history. Thanks for giving us the story behind the story. It's fun to see the photos as well. I'd love to win Chateau of Secrets. Thanks for the chance.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

6:38 PM  
Blogger Amy said...

American blood, and doesn't that make you think?

Yours was the first book in a long time in which I couldn't sleep after finishing it until I wrote down my thoughts. Absolutely loved it! Posting my review next week.

amybradsher@gmail.com

6:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your blog post touched my heart. Your book sounds like just the kind of story I like to read. I'm looking forward to it.

8:26 PM  
Blogger Ellen Gray said...

Wow, what a great story. I can't imagine what it would be like to get to meet and talk with people who were there during WWII and helped the Allied Forces. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can't wait to read your book now.
Ellen Gray steveandellengray@yahoo.com

8:57 PM  
Anonymous Marsha Graham said...

What an awesome post it really gives a voice to the brave men and women who fought for freedom. We should never forget the Nationals who sacrificed their own safety to to protect our U.S. soldiers. There is nothing like a great story to bring to life those historic times. I would like to enter the drawing for the book.Thanks for your sharing your amazing God given talent. marshagraha@yahoo.com

8:19 AM  
Blogger Amy Putney said...

What an amazing story. Thanks for sharing! Hoping to get a chance to read Chateau of Secrets soon!

8:48 AM  
Blogger Colleen Turner said...

I cannot wait to read your novel!!! I have read nothing but wonderful reviews about it! To be honest seeing your book was part of the giveaway is why I started entering every day and now I so excited to read ALL the novels! Thank you for sharing your story!

PS-I am signing up for your newsletter as well!

candc320@gmail.com

10:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This sounds like a totally fantastic story. It is going on my Amazon wish list immediately.

Blessings,
Patti

1:49 PM  
Anonymous bn100 said...

Nice post

Signed up for newsletter

bn100candg at hotmail dot com

6:17 PM  
Blogger Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

what a stunning opportunity to make connxns of worth and first hand presence - beautiful! and ty for sharing your journey of discoveries with us !
faithhopecherrytea[at gmail dot]com

7:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...


Melanie, thanks for this post. This is such a touching story and memory. Such courageous people. And, so many men serving to save this place from being destroyed by Hitler. My brother , now 9, served in this war. Also, brother-in-laws and others we knew served here also. I would love to read your book.
Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

5:14 PM  
Anonymous Raechel said...

Thank you for this giveaway! This book is definitely on my 'to read' list!

godspeculiartreasurerae(at)gmail(dot)com

12:03 PM  
Blogger Stacy said...

How exciting. History and Mystery. Sounds like a great combination. Adding this to the top of my Books Worth Reading List. swellsmom2@aol.com

2:33 PM  
Blogger cheralyn said...

I would love to win Chateau of Secrets. It sounds like a very interesting book.
cheryllynne(at)rocketmail(dot)com

4:45 PM  
Blogger Connie Porter Saunders said...

Thank you for a wonderful post.
Connie
cps1950@gmail.com

5:14 PM  
Blogger Cyndi said...

What a great way to honor their memory! Looking forward to reading your book! Thanks for the giveaway!

cyndilou83(at)gmail(dot)com

9:28 AM  
Anonymous sm said...

The soil of Normandy is damp with AMERICAN BLOOD. Thanks for the contest and your fabulous books. sharon wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

6:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can hardly wait to read this book. I am a huge fan of WWII era novels. Have had many military folks, including my mom and dad, my stepdad, and me, in the Armed Forces during that time. I was a WAC during Vietnam.

7:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...


Melanie, I goofed in my comment. Where it says 9 it should have said my brother is now 89. Of course I knew you wouldn't know he served at 9, but wanted to let you know he's 89 as the 6th of this mo.
Maxie Anderson

5:42 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

What an amazing story.....I just can't imagine twenty thousand incredibly brave men, young and old, many of them seasick, cold and terrified stepping off that ship into those cold waters. This has been the best tour ever. I have learned so much about the war, and all so much that has never been known before! Thanks for the opportunity to win the books. I would be more than delighted to be among the winners. All the books that I have reviewed so far, sound absolutely AWESOME.
ratsmith140(at)gmail(dot)com

3:18 AM  
Blogger Mallori Norris said...

Thank you for this post. I recently watched a PBS D-Day special that told the story of twin brothers who were part of the invasion at Omaha Beach. Unfortunately only one of the brothers survived. It is so hard to listen to some of these stories of that time period and imagine not only what the Allied troops were going through but also the civilians. I look forward to reading your book!

chillirosen@hotmail.com

9:57 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thank you for the giveaway. Your book sounds so intriguing! We don't always think of the civilians who did everything possible to win the war.

9:45 PM  
Blogger Melanie Dobson said...

Thank all of you so much for your comments and for signing up for the newsletter! I'm pleased to announce that Raechel has won a copy of Chateau of Secrets. Sarah Sundin will notify the blog tour winner tomorrow.

11:18 AM  

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