Title: Embers in the London Sky
Author: Sarah Sundin

Ch: 49

Pg: 391

Genre: Christian Historical fiction Christian historical romance

Rating: 4 stars


Publisher: Revell


I love how this author with each WWII novel she writes can find a new bit of history to tell. Even though Sundin writes WWII for each of her storylines it feels like a new story each time. And she never disappoints. Though I d think Hugh Collingwood might be my new favorite hero of hers. And I think it’s because he doesn’t let having Asthma stop him from doing what needs to be done. And Aledia is proof of what a mother’s love can do.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This book started out really well. When the FMC is separated from her son, she is desperate to find him. When she finds a job placing children with safe houses, It seems like the perfect opportunity to find her son. However, I felt like she had a lot of distractions when trying to find him. Even the beginning of a relationship. I feel like the storyline took a shift, and I didn't feel like it fit well with the main plot of the story.

Sarah Sundin has become one of my favorites throughout the years. I know what to expect and she continues to deliver.

This story is based during WW II. Aleida escapes from the Netherlands to London. She is separated from all that she loves. Can she survive the loss? Will she ever trust again?

A beautiful friendship develops between Aleida and Hugh Collingwood, a BBC reporter. He is battling his own demons. But together they can accomplish anything.

I loved the story. It made me think of my family history. My mother lived in England during the war. She has told me many stories of the hardships they endured.

I have really enjoyed Sarah Sundin's WWII novels. Her meticulous research transports readers to London during the Blitz. While the market of WWII novels is saturated, Ms. Sundin provides an original plot that broadens readers' understanding of the era.
Through tragic circumstances, Aleida van der Zee Martens was separated from her son during the German invasion of the Netherlands. Upon her arrival in London, she begins her search for him amid the chaos of the evacuation of children to the countryside. I loved Aleida's growth, as she found an inner strength to not only search for her son, but to fight for a cause. She gains the help if a young correspondent with the BBC. I loved his desire to digress from family expectations and find a niche in which he could excel and serve his country. As they began to work together, danger loomed as they began to link a strand of murders.
I was engaged from the beginning to the end with this perfect blend of history, mystery and romance. With bombs falling from the sky and the unexplained murder count growing, I couldn't wait to see how Aleida and Hugh would find a happy ending.

****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book. The characters, the setting, the bits of history. From the beginning, I was hooked.

Hugh is a great hero, and I loved seeing his dedication to his work, even when his asthma tries to get the best of him. And I especially loved the gentle way he treats Aleida.

Aleida’s character arc is exceptional. I was completely invested in her search for little Theo. And I loved seeing her begin to heal from her first husband’s abuse.

I also liked the tidbits Sundin included about wartime London. She’s great at seamlessly weaving in details that give the reader more background without sounding like a school report.

Overall, Embers in the London Sky is a sweet historical romance with great characters and rich historical detail.

Before I get into why I loved this book so much, I want to start with a brief content note. The first chapter of this one starts with a young woman living with an abusive husband. While we aren't shown much and this only lasts about a chapter, I can see how it would turn people off from reading farther. If it's not a trigger for you, I do recommend continuing with the story because (in my opinion) the story is so worth it. However, I do understand why this topic is unsettling for some so I wanted to put the warning at the beginning of my review.

Now, on to the review.

I don't see many English books in WWII that feature a Dutch hero or heroine, are historically and culturally accurate, or whose authors aren't Dutch themselves. When I heard @sarahsundinauthor was writing a novel featuring a Dutch heroine, I right away had the thought that if anyone could do it well, Sarah could! And she most certainly did.

I loved how complex the storyline is, how well-researched it is, all the bits of academia sprinkled throughout, and overall I just loved the entire story itself. Additionally, Sarah has this ability to craft characters so true to life, it's honestly mind-boggling how accurately she can depict certain traits or mannerisms, without making them sound like caricatures or stereotypes. In one character, we see a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sarah takes us so deep into this character that you may not really recognize the condition right away and so you might have trouble relating to her. Maybe that doesn't sound like a positive, but to me it is because I love accuracy (much like this character :D) and it's such a skill to craft characters this way that I highly admire about Sarah.

The romance is minimal, the faith is distinct, and of course there's a few mysteries tossed in that surprised me as Sarah took a new direction with this WWII novel that had me reading nonstop nearly from start to finish.

On that note, this book does read different from some of her other books; if you've come from her trilogies, the tone of this one may surprise you. But her vivid writing and exploration of deep themes remain true in Embers in the London Sky.

While fleeing the Netherlands that has just been invaded by the German army, Aleida's abusive husband sends their son with strangers, shortly before losing his own life to the Germans. Once in London, she starts a long, difficult search for her son. There, she meets Hugh Collingwood, a BBC radio correspondent trying to inform the public and boost morale while reporting on the Blitz. When his uncle and friend are murdered, it looks like the bombs falling on the city every night aren't the only danger.

In a way, this book almost seems like two different stories. The first is a combination of Aleida searching for her son while also trying to shine light on the way some of the kids are treated as they're evacuated out of London during the Blitz and Hugh trying to maintain integrity in his reporting while struggling against the threat of censorship. This main part of the story kept me engaged, and I liked seeing these different sides of London during this part of history. Then the book turns into a murder mystery as Aleida and Hugh, both apart and separately, try to solve a series of murders. I'm a fan of mystery, and the rest of the story was interesting enough that I didn't need the mystery angle to be expanded on. Still the pacing of the mystery being in the background for a long time to then suddenly jump into the foreground threw me off just a little.

I appreciated the development of the relationship between Aleida and Hugh and that it didn’t come across as the main point of the story. I prefer a subtle romance, and Aleida and Hugh developed a great foundation of friendship first. Though some of the drama involving their relationship felt too much like it was thrown in there just to prolong the inevitable declarations of love. I look forward to the next book, which appears to be about Aleida's sister, who is still in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands, and I recommend this one to anyone who likes historical fiction from this time period in the Christian romance genre.

Good historical fiction with mystery and romance. Nice to read a book that delivers all 3.

We hear about immigrants every time we watch the news. But I had never thought about immigrants in England during WWII. This is not a war book that describes fighting in much detail. It is about the war in London after Hitler started dropping bombs on the city. Night after night bombs were dropped so that people did not get sleep but had to go to bomb shelters.

Embers in the London Sky is about what to do with children to keep them safe. Do people send their children to live with strangers in the country or keep them close and risk losing them in a bombing? How and who keeps track of the children going to the country?

Should immigrants get the same amount of rationed food as English citizens?How do you house and care for people that came to England with nothing? All these questions and more are topics in this book.

This mom got in trouble for not doing her jobs because she couldn't put this book down. So amazing! Courage, self love, trauma, romance, WWII, it's got it all!

Sarah Sundin has written a compelling story in her novel, Embers in the London Sky. In a WWII setting readers find a mother desperate to find her missing child. Tension was kept high which kept my pages turning. Characters and their actions and emotions were realistic and relatable. Romance, murders, and mysteries blend with historical details of the WWII era to bring readers a wonderful story that is not soon forgotten. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

Sarah Sundin has written an intriguing WWII novel worth reading.
I may not be in a position to classify Embers in the London Sky as Sarah Sundin’s masterpiece owing to having read only two of her works, but I am convinced that this will be shelved as one of her greatest works.
Sarah Sundin’s Embers in the London Sky, an historical novel, begins in 1940 at Tilburg, Netherlands, where Aleida Van der Zee Martens is forced to evacuate with her family to London, United Kingdom, following the invasion of the Nazis in her home country. Aleida enters her new country, widowed and in search of her beloved son, Theodoor. Her determination to find her son causes her to cross paths with Hugh Collingswood, an aristocratic BBC war correspondent. With a common denominator of being plunged into war and the loss of loved ones, the two begin a friendship that blossoms into love.
I loved this novel’s plot. It was totally different from other WWII novels that I have read. The author’s addition of a murder mystery to a WWII novel was different but beautifully executed. I was kept in suspense throughout the novel. The creation of awareness of unpopular incidents during WWII, specifically xenophobia, is very commendable on the author’s part.
The main characters were great. It was as if I were there, reporting with Hugh during the London air raids and assisting Aleida in the search of Theodoor. The main characters were relatable in terms of their struggles during such a difficult period. The minor characters, Lennox, the cat, Lousia, Gilbert, and Jouveau, the journalists who met up at the Hart and Swan, all left a good mark on my mind.
If you are a fan of Sarah Sundin, make sure to grab her latest novel. For those yet to read any of this author’s novels, may this one usher you into her works.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion."

“In Dutch, we have a word—rechtdoorzee. It translates as ‘right through the sea’—direct and straightforward.”

Soo… new favorite author alert. I’m totally going to be reading more of Sarah Sundin’s works. And soon.

So many times reading this book, I found myself immersed in the story. I was watching the bombs falling over the city. I was running alongside Aleida through the streets of London. I was at the table at the Hart and Swan with Hugh and his fellow journalists. I was pulled in by each one’s fears and struggles.
It was so so well written.

Sarah Sundin was “rechtdoorzee” with the pains and faults of the characters. There was no beating around the bush or glossing over of perfect plastic characters. They struggled. And hard. Their difficulties weren’t quick fixes. They were real and relatable and tangible. There were mental issues and health issues and relationship issues and Sundin handled them in such a great way. I love love love how she digs past these problems to reach the heart of the matter and brings them back to what God is calling them to be.

I also love that they weren’t the regular old problems. Although they each had very relatable issues like struggling with acceptance or dealing with trauma, they dealt with things that were unique and different. There were things that they could control and things that they couldn’t and it made the characters really come to life.

It’s so hard to read a Christian fiction book that’s over the top and preachy. That’s not what this was. This was real, and raw and tangible. The flaws that we can’t seem to get over are many times the ways God reaches through to us and grows us closer to Him. This book just painted that so beautifully.

Also, the romance in this one! It has set a completely new standard for me in literature. The romance is a side plot. The relationship takes center stage. Their friendship and conversations and arguments! Absolute perfection. Because it wasn’t a neat package in a tidy bow. It was (if I say ‘real' one more time …) authentic, and “rechtdoorzee”. They encouraged each other to follow their dreams and passions and helped one another to achieve them. They focused on growth and encouraged their relationship with Christ. It was just so good!

Also, Hugh is officially on my list of fictional men I would date.

Lastly, the ending. Again, honest and genuine. It wasn’t over the top. It was simple and realistic. I really loved it. I kinda really want a sequel.

So, thank you Sarah for such a lovely read! And thanks to NetGalley for an ebook copy in return for my honest opinion!

So much is said on just the first page – without even putting it into words; the reader is drawn straight in.
Sarah Sundin is one of my top writers, so I had high expectations – which were definitely met.
I have read a large number of books about the World Wars, many of them set in London, but this author has managed to find two fresh viewpoints to present : a refugee mother desperately seeking her young son, & a reporter based in the UK (rather than those working on the war’s frontline.)
This is not a glib story, rather be prepared for it to be harrowing at times (moreso than her previous books.)
A timely reminder of those facing war in other countries today, & how we need to be understanding & generous rather than self-serving.
This book is not overtly Christian, but it is a ‘clean’ story. 4 1/2 stars

I love this author's stories set in WWII and this one was amazing!

As if having to leave her home on the heels of the Nazi invasion wasn't bad enough, Aleida is also separated from her young son. She ends up in London where she believes he was taken too and soon is working to help families relocate their children to the countryside. She then meets Hugh, who's a BBC radio correspondent, and he starts helping her with finding her son.

So many emotions in this book! Aleida and Hugh were incredible main characters, and their selflessness was really inspiring.

You can never go wrong with this author!

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

A mom, a missing son and a war make for another amazing story by this author. The way she developes her characters is always so well done. I know if I pick up a book by this author I am going to learn something and enjoy the story.
Thanks for the advanced copy.

This was a murder mystery/historical fiction during WWII read & it did not disappoint. Aleida van der Zee Martens flees Netherlands & loses her son, Theo, in the process. Knowing Theo is somewhere in England, she goes to London & begins her search. While searching for her son, she meets Hugh Collingwood, a reporter for the BBC. A friendship, then eventually more, naturally occurs while they work together to find Theo & also solve a string of murders. This book is full of strength, perseverance, love, & ultimately sacrifice.

I started reading Embers in the London Sky on my way to Africa and was quickly pulled into the story. A story of a mother’s heartache, war, murder and a lot of sacrifice. How does a mom move forward when her child is taken and doesn’t know where he went? Aleida and Theo, her son are fleeing an abusive relationship from her husband.

Once she arrives in Britain, she is hired as an agent helping refugee children while looking for her son. She meets Hugh, a BBC radio correspondent, and a friendship develops. Throw in murders that are taking place with no clear answers. They both set out to not only search for Theo, but also try to figure out who is behind the murders.

A definite page turner searching for answers as to who the murderer was, oh boy was I wrong on my guess.

A perfect balance of love, loss, mystery, and faith, this is one historical fiction readers will enjoy. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Aleida's young son is wrenched from her care while her family is fleeing the German occupation of the Netherlands. She makes it her mission to be reunited with her son, Theo, befriending BBC correspondent Hugh Collingsworth as they unravel a string of murders.

Riveting and historically rich, this story brought to life the plights of many separated from their children during the war. Aleida is a devoted mother, I admired her selflessness and care for her son. Hugh is a dedicated correspondent, with a passion to help others with the stories that he reports on.

A compelling story of faith, determination, and new beginnings in the midst of chaos. Hard to put down, with memorable characters that will steal your heart away. Highly recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Embers in the London Sky takes place during World War 2. Aleida Martens escapes the Netherlands as the Nazis are invading, and she makes it safely to London. But during the evacuation, she is separated from her young son, Theodoor. She has reason to believe that he, too, made it to England, but she has no idea where he ended up. She manages to find employment with the Ministry of Health in hopes that her position will allow her the opportunity to search for Theo. Hugh Collingwood is a reporter for the BBC, well-known for his on-the-ground, dynamic reports. When Hugh goes to the Ministry of Health to conduct interviews, he is introduced to Aleida, and she has the chance to tell him her plight. Although he can’t report on it, Hugh does take an interest in helping Aleida search for her son. But along the way, they find themselves also searching for clues in a series of murders. Will Aleida find her son, and will they manage to escape murder themselves?

I was drawn to this book, as I really enjoy historical fiction. This book sheds light on the plight of refugees in London during World War 2 and on England’s mission to protect children by sending them to live in the country, far away from the bombings. Starting off, I was drawn into the story, but a few chapters in, it seemed to slow down, and I struggled for several chapters. But it picked back up and became quite exciting. Hugh and Aleida were both likable characters, each having weaknesses and struggles that make them relatable. The story is a clean romance which is important to me, and it does involve the main characters’ faith and trust in God. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I’ll be looking to read more by this author.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A big Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my review.

I honestly wanted to love this book. It seemed like something right up my alley and it started out so good.The book alternates chapters between Aleida, a dutch woman is separated from her child as she escapes to London when the German army invades the Netherlands, and Hugh Collingwood, a reporter for the BBC struggling to report the truth of what is happening vs what his boss wants to to report. What started out as a page turner quickly lulled after the first few chapters. I honestly found it so hard to continue reading. It picked back up around 60% of the way, but I had to skim over paragraphs to make it through.

The main characters are nice but they lack depth and are almost TOO perfect. Aleida is far too calm & rational for someone who has lost her child. Hugh is the perfect gentleman. And on the other end of the spectrum, the antagonists are almost TOO over the top & cartoon like. The romance was like a hallmark movie... sweet, but also cheesy and unrealistic.

There is so much going on in this book as well. A lost child, Nazi Germany, London bombings, budding romance, serial killer murder mystery, domestic abuse, Censorship reporting, etc.... It's doing too much and instead of focusing on a couple of things and really delving into those plot lines we have a story that consist of many things but only at a surface level which makes me feel like the story is lacking.

With all of that being said, I do think it was a nice story. It could have been a lot shorter and the writing was long winded & drawn out. There were lots of unnecessary paragraphs that lacked substance. BUT it was a nice story and the ending did tug at my heart strings which is why I give it 3/5 stars .