Intersection Column | The Story I Could Not Ignore
- mtlmagazine
- Dec 22, 2025
- 4 min read
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Can a book change your life before you’ve even written a word?
That probably sounds like a strange question, but it’s how I felt about my newest release, A Song in the Dark, for years. The idea of a piano prodigy who rises to fame concurrent with Hitler’s own rise in Germany—and then the world stage—wouldn’t leave me alone.
As A Song in the Dark finds its way into readers’ hands, I have looked back on the journey that led me to this book. The desire to write a World War II novel has been in my heart more than 20 years. However, at the time I wanted to write this story, World War II hadn’t yet had its moment in Christian fiction. And I was a new author at the time. So, I shelved Chaisley and her friends, and went on writing. I’ve been grateful for every single story God has given me to tell. Every bit of research, travel and brainstorming has helped me become a better storyteller for God’s glory.
Perhaps that’s why Chaisley and her unique story wouldn’t leave me alone. As I grew as a writer, more details and thoughts about Chaisley and her book came to fruition. Finally, the plot and characters were so loud in my mind, I had to pitch the story to my amazing editor at Bethany House Publishing. I was so nervous. But the day I got the green light to begin writing changed everything. I literally cried tears of joy—finally, this story was going to see the light of day!
Almost immediately, the doubts were overwhelming. As I began my research, I started questioning everything. How did one fit Hitler’s bad breath (which I did find comical) into a serious story? Was it the right time for this book? Could I do the story and these characters justice after thinking about them for so long?
My prayer is, as you read A Song in the Dark, the answer is yes.
To date, this has been one of my most heavily researched books. (Which if you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know that is saying something! I love research and spend months and months researching each book.) But looking into how Hitler and his evil regime slowly changed a culture and turned a nation against the Jews and others horrified me. Reading his propaganda was sickening. As I studied and read, a horrifying new thread began to come to light. One I knew a little about, but the depth of it horrified me: how Hitler treated those who were disabled, mentally ill, or suffering from addiction.
The abuse that many suffered at the hands of this evil man is well documented and difficult to read. However, I knew part of the heart of this story was to honor the history of those who were murdered, institutionalized, or taken from their homes because of their unique challenges or simply for the crime of being Jewish. Chaisley and several other characters in the story represent those who, though they may be differently-abled, are just as loved and valued by God even though Hitler tried to convince the world they were a drain on society or unworthy of life. Their lives hold infinite value. This is something we cannot forget. Every single person is valuable and loved by God. He sent His one and only Son for each and every one. Even Hitler.
Other characters such as Rick and Melanie were my homage to the many Christians, Jews, and others who stood up and spoke out against the heinous crimes being committed against these people groups. Though they were few, they were mighty. Though they were afraid, they still stood for what was right. They helped those who were in the greatest danger without thought for their own lives. They truly lived out John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends” (NASB).
Researching, writing, and editing this book has changed my life in profound ways. It caused me to examine my own life. In fact, there is a question I ask my readers at the beginning of A Song in the Dark and it’s a question I still ask myself. Are we willing to be one of the few?
The world is a dark place right now. There is so much fighting and hate. Yet in the midst of it all, as Christians, we have the best news: the Good News. Are we willing to live in such a way that the love and light of Jesus are evident in our lives? Are we willing to love our enemies, pray for people we don’t agree with, and stand up for the vulnerable in our society?
My prayer is when we are faced with the reality of these questions, though our knees may wobble and our voices might shake, we can answer with a resounding, “Yes.”
About the Author
Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 40 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandkids, and research all the history around them. You can connect with Kimberley on her website, KimberleyWoodhouse.com.
About the Book
Against the simmering backdrop of impending war, blind virtuoso pianist Chaisley Frappier embarks on a concert tour through a rapidly changing Europe. Unbeknownst to her, her assigned driver is British Secret Intelligence agent Rick Zimmerman. When Chaisley learns that Hitler is targeting other disabled people, she realizes she is in a prime position to help. As Chaisley and Rick confront evil at every turn, it will take every bit of faith and courage they possess to triumph over hate—and survive.