Review: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Copenhagen, 1940

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream--and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. 

My rating:
4.5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

The Sound of Light was a great WWII historical novel. I had a difficult time getting into the book (restarted it a couple times) and finally listened to the audio book (along with a combination of reading/listening), which helped me quite a bit. I think it was the Danish words that made it difficult to get into initially. 

However, once I got partway into the book, I was hooked! I loved the characters and how brave they were. I felt for them and the danger they were facing. The romance was really good and I loved how it slowly progressed. 

All in all, after a bumpy start, I ended up loving The Sound of Light and recommend it to fans of the genre. The teaser for Sundin's next book has me REALLY intrigued and I cannot wait to read it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Paris, 1940

When the Nazis march toward Paris, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. The Germans make it difficult for her to keep Green Leaf Books afloat. And she must keep the store open if she is to continue aiding the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. But in order to carry out his mission, he must appear to support the occupation--which does not win him any sympathy when he meets Lucie in the bookstore.

In a world turned upside down, will love or duty prevail?

My rating:

5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Until Leaves Fall in Paris is one of those stories that starts off slowly and I wasn't really invested in it until I read a good chunk of the book...but once I was hooked, I had trouble putting the book down. 

The characters were great. I felt for Paul the most as he had to deal with his friends/community turning their backs on him. The romance was very good and I just loved the book.

All in all, Until Leaves Fall in Paris was an amazing story and I recommend it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy, #3) by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

In the midst of a global war, two forsaken souls search for personal peace

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for--fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family--the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true?

My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

The Land Beneath Us is the third and final book in Sundin's Sunrise at Normandy series and it was the best possible finale to an unbelievably amazing series. I've read many Sarah Sundin books and this series has been by far my favorite. I loved each book and couldn't read them fast enough. :)

This book was Clay's story and it features a marriage of convenience (did NOT expect that!). I loved Clay and how he was protective of Leah. Their romance was so sweet and I loved seeing Clay grow throughout the story.

Something I loved about this series was how each book features prominent themes of forgiveness, grace, faith, etc. Such moving stories and I definitely consider this series a favorite.

All in all, The Land Beneath Us was amazing and I definitely recommend it. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: The Sky Above Us (Sunrise at Normandy, #2) by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Facing the past may be the most fearsome battle of his life.

Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

Violet Lindstrom wants to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, arranging entertainment for the men of the 357th and setting up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near . . . and secrets can't stay buried forever.

My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

The Sky Above Us is the second book in Sundin's Sunrise at Normandy series and it was SO good. After finishing the first book I couldn't wait to start this one and continue the brothers' journey - this time through Adler's perspective.

I thought I knew all the details on a certain event from the first book, but I was wrong. The Sky Above Us showcased there was more to that day than first thought. The book told a powerful story of redemption and grace. I absolutely loved that aspect. I also loved the transformation in both Adler AND Violet.

All in all, The Sky Above Us was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it...just be sure to read the series in order. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: The Sea Before Us (Sunrise at Normandy, #1) by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Nothing but love could heal the wounds of war

In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service, who pieces together reconnaissance photographs with holiday snapshots of France--including those of her family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt turns into naval bombardment plans for D-day.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn into something more. But both of them have too much to lose to give in to love . . .

My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

I've had this book on my tbr pile for years and it was an even better read than I had anticipated. The story started out with such an emotional and gripping scene, so my attention was definitely hooked right away.

I didn't realize going in that this series was about a group of brothers that had a falling out. I love stories about families and this one was SO good. I loved reading Wyatt's story and I cannot wait to start the next book.

All in all, The Sea Before Us was an amazing read and I definitely recommend it. Written very well with great characters, a believable storyline, and rich with history. I loved it! 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Munich, 1938

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she'll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

It's been four years since I've read a Sarah Sundin novel, so I was excited to dive into When Twilight Breaks. I felt like this book was slightly different from her other stories, but it was still amazing. 

I loved the story and found it so intriguing to read this point in history from the setting of Germany. I thought the story was believable and written in a way that made me feel like I was really there. 

There were points in this book where I was on the edge of my seat in suspense. I didn't know what was going to happen and there was so much danger. 

All in all, When Twilight Breaks was a great read. I highly recommend it. Now I must make a point to read my backlist of Sundin novels. ;)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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Review: When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

In a time of war, sometimes battles take place in the heart.

Tess Beaumont is tired of being thought of as just a pretty face. Eager to do her part for the war effort, she joins the Navy's newly established WAVES program for women. Perhaps there she can convince people that there is more to her than meets the eye.

Lt. Dan Avery has been using his skills in the fight against German U-boats and hoping to make admiral. The last thing he wants to see on his radar is a girl like Tess. Convinced that romance will interfere with his goals, Dan is determined to stay the course, no matter how intriguing a distraction Tess is.

But love, like war, is unpredictable. When Dan is shipped out at the peak of the Battle of the Atlantic, he finds himself torn between his lifelong career goals and his desire to help the beguiling Tess root out a possible spy on shore. Could this fun-loving glamour girl really be the one?

My rating:

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My thoughts:

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Review: Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love?

Nothing slows Lillian Avery down--not her personal challenges and certainly not America's entry into World War II. She finally has a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The demands of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother's best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling?

As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

My rating:

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My thoughts:

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Review: Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary.

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

My rating:
 
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My thoughts:

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Review: Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin

About the book:

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Three siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In White Christmas by Cara Putman, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theatre in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and God’s plan for a future?

My rating:

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My thoughts:

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Thursday Giveaway! In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Two hearts are about to learn the rhythm of love
Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?

Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.

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Review: In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin

About the book:

Two hearts are about to learn the rhythm of love
Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?

Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.

My rating:


 
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My thoughts:

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3-Year Blogoversary Party ~ Interview with Sarah Sundin and Giveaway!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Sarah! Thanks for celebrating my blog's 3-Year Blogoversary with us! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

I live in northern California, and I’m a mother of three, on-call hospital pharmacist, Sunday school teacher, and an author of historical fiction.

How many books have you written/published and which one was the toughest to write?

My fifth published novel, On Distant Shores, was released in August. The most difficult was probably With Every Letter, the first book in my second series. After spending almost ten years with my first series (it took me a long time to get published!), it felt strange to shift to new characters and a new focus.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?

I used to sew before I started writing—I made a lot of my daughter’s little girl dresses and even made my own wedding gown. Once I started writing, I lost all interest in sewing. It’s as if the tiny creative bit in my brain can only handle one outlet.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I wrote my first three novels longhand (with pencil on binder paper!), but now I write straight into the computer.

Where do you like to write?

I now have a desk in a home office, but I didn’t use to. I started writing when my children were little, so I learned to write wherever I could—on the sidelines at soccer games, in karate studios, during gymnastics classes, while waiting at the DMV…and I can still do that if I need to.

When you are writing a book, do you just write as you go or do you have a set outline for the novel?

I can’t write without an outline. I just can’t. But in general, I’m a list-maker and schedule-setter and map-maker. That’s how I work best. For some authors, an outline stifles all creativity, but for me, it releases my creativity.

I’m sure you do a lot of research for your novels, what is one of the most interesting facts you’ve come across?

Oh yes. Tons of research. In my latest novel, On Distant Shores, the hero serves as an Army pharmacist in WWII. As a pharmacist myself, I was fascinated by the many changes in my profession. A lot of the medications we depend on nowadays weren’t available back then—whole classes of medications. Other meds, like penicillin, were brand-new, and they were still experimenting on how to best use it.

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

The best part is getting to write stories! And actually getting paid to do so!! The worst part is keeping up with publicity and marketing and all the technological and social media changes. It’s time-consuming and exhausting. But it’s vital—and I absolutely love interacting with readers—so I do it.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I’m sure this question refers to free time and hobbies…but I don’t really have either! I’m either writing, chauffeuring kids, volunteering, or working in the hospital. At least writing is very relaxing for me, so it still feels like a hobby.

What is your favorite genre to read and why?

I love all sorts of genres. The classics, historicals, women’s fiction, fun contemporary romances, thrillers, suspense, an occasional fantasy book. But absolutely no horror. Ever.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet? 

I’ve been blessed. My husband traveled for many years on business, so I benefitted from the frequent flier miles—England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Australia. I’ve been horribly spoiled. But I would love to go back someday.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Always, but it changes constantly, depending on what I’m going through or what the Lord is teaching me. The Scripture my pastor used in today’s sermon really spoke to me. It’s a lifelong favorite but addresses me where I’m at right now: Philippians 3:13-14: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

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