A magic book. Evelyn Brand is a brilliant young woman. She is in Germany and plans to expose the tyranny of the government. However, in this era (the 30s), it is not easy. She has to find a way to do it without offending the government. Otherwise, she would have to leave the country immediately. Peter Lang is a Ph.D. student who is also in Germany. He is impressed by the prosperity and order that exists in German society. But then he realizes the dangerous direction that the country is taking. It is a story that captured my attention from the first page. I don't want to tell you more about the book because Evelyn's perseverance and Peter's intelligence make it unique. The author manages to describe Germany accurately. I like that she mentioned the social problems that happened during that time. I thank NetGalley and Revell for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved it. The writer did a fantastic research job of life in pre war Germany, France and USA..

Evelyn Brand is a journalist for the American News Service in Berlin, is very ambitious and will stop at nothing to get a good story. She meets Peter Lang an American lecturer at Munich University in 1938 working on his research and dissertation. He was very determined in his teaching and studies to achieve his doctorate.

Evelyn is convinced that she will stay single as she does not want to be tied down to a husband and children at the expense of losing her beloved career.

Things change when the situation in Germany forces Evelyn and Peter together to make a bid to flee to safety.

I was a bit slow getting into the book but it became clear that this was a very emotional, fact based account of how life was during this terrible times from 1938. There were such brave acts done by ordinary people in a bid to stay alive.

Thank you netgalley for this copy.

When Twilight Breaks
by Sarah Sundin
Revell
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 02 Feb 2021


I am reviewing a copy of When Twilight Breaks the/rough Revell and Netgalley:



The year is 1938 , the location is Munich Germany where Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. In order to do so Evelyn she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country or worse. But if she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed and wake up the folks back home.




American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German in another part of the city. He is disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But after 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.




In this electric stand alone novel, well loved author Sarah Sundin weaves a story of heart pounding suspense as well as heart-stopping romance.


I give When Twilight Breaks five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

My first Sarah Sundin book! Definitely not my last! When Twilight Breaks was a great read about World War II and the dangers posed to those in Germany who did not agree with the Reich. Evelyn Brand is a reporter who is stunned by the atrocities being committed against the Jews. She wants to report real news and make a difference. However, she is delegated to fluff stories about society and the like. Peter Lang is an American doctorate student working on his thesis at the University of Munich. Before war started, he thought Germany had the right idea: law and order and organization. However, he was appalled when he realized how far the Nazis were willing to go. He starts feeding information to Evelyn for her articles. As the two try to fight the Nazis, they must also fight their attraction to each other. When they have to escape Germany, everything changes as they learn to rely on each other and work together to survive.
Great book. Great characters. Can't wait to read more by her! Thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to read #WhenTwilightBreaks. All opinions are my own. #Bookstagram #all_the_pages

I have read books by Sarah Sundin before, but wow, this one is great! I loved the plot, characters, and descriptions. This book really hit home, as the reader explores the very beginning of the Nazi regime. I am sorry to say that there are parallels between then and our country now. It starts in such very small ways or is portrayed as for the greater good. And people don't stand up and say, "This is wrong!"

But back to the book. The main characters are Evelyn Brand, and Peter Lang. Evelyn is working hard as a reporter in Germany, and finding it difficult to compete in a man's profession. Peter is an American with German parents who is working on a new way to help people speak a foreign language more fluently and without an accent. Both Evelyn and Peter have their eyes opened to the corrupt German government as they take more and more freedoms away from its citizens. While at the same time, blaming Jews for everyday problems.

I felt the book was excellent and recommend anyone who enjoys historical fiction to read it.

I've never been a huge fan of romance novels centred around war, but Sarah Sundin just might change that. When Twilight Breaks is the kind of book that keeps your heart racing and pulls you to the edge of your seat, right up until the final page.

Evelyn Brand is working as an American foreign correspondent in far-off Germany when she meets Peter Lang, a an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Unlike Evelyn, Peter seems to agree with many of the same ideas as the Germans around him--or does he, really? In a land where it seems that nobody can be trusted, will they be able trust each other?

I loved seeing both Evelyn and Peter's characters grow and change throughout the book. I also really appreciated seeing a main character who wasn't afraid to admit it when they realized that everything they had believed in was wrong.

Sundin has an incredible talent for keeping the facts historically accurate while weaving in an exciting story of romance and intrigue. When Twilight Breaks is one of those novels you won't be able to put down. If you enjoy historical Christian romance, you'll want to grab this one!

*I received a complimentary copy of When Twilight Breaks through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Breathtaking. From the opening lines setting up the character of Evelyn Brand as a crack reporter (reminding me of a Cary Grant or Katherine Hepburn movie) to the depths of Munich in the monumental days of Nazi occupation, this book sweeps the reader into another time and place. You not only root for the characters, but you ache with the heart-wrenching pull of contradictory loyalties right along with them. Sundin has a definitive way of drafting a story that captures all the danger and romance amidst the deeper trials of faith and living.

When Twilight Breaks had me hooked right from the very first sentence. The only problem I have with Sarah Sundin’s books is that once I have started, I want to keep reading....but at the same time I don’t want to reach the end! This must have been a difficult book to write, in that we – as readers – have the benefit of hindsight, of knowing what was to come in that era of history. But to write as if without that knowledge, one would have to check oneself all the time. There have been so many books written about this period, but this one finds a different perspective. It made me think about what it would have been like to be a part of life in that time & in that place, & how I may have behaved when I had no idea of the horrors to come. This is more than just another novel – albeit a well-written one. It is a challenge to each of us : how far do we act on our conscience? Are we prepared to alter our mindset in the light of new information? How deep is our trust in God? When Twilight Breaks is well worth reading - & pondering on...

#When Twilight Breaks# by Sarah Sundin is a historical fiction book. Sarah is a best selling author. She likes to write about the World War II era. This story takes place in World War II in 1938 in Munich. Evelyn Brand is a foreign correspondent. She works among many men and wants to have a truthful account of what is going on in Nazi Germany. She wants people in the United States to know how unbelievable the World War II is in Germany especially with Hitler's approach. As a reporter it is very hard to tell the truth without being told you have to leave the country. I admire her courage and honesty in such a difficult situation. It is wonderful that she tried to work with honesty and integrity. This book is well written. It was hard to put down. The reader will feel like they are living during World War II. This book was given to me to read and review by the publisher Revell. I appreciate this opportunity to read and review this outstanding book.

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin is an engrossing historical fiction book which highlights life in pre-war Munich, Germany in 1938. The heroine, Evelyn Brand, is an American newspaper reporter who will go to great lengths to get her story. Unfortunately, she is in Germany where freedom of the press is non-existent so this tempers her quite a bit. We also meet Peter Lang, a PhD student, who is initially enamored with the sense of order that Germany possesses.

Detailed and thoughtful characterization is done expertly by Sundin. We learn the backstories of both Evelyn and Peter. The conflict they have with order vs. justice is made real. Their differing views lead them into what we hope will be a romance, but it is not a certainty. What is a certainty is the faith both have in God to lead them into making hard decisions.

The very real terror of this time period was made apparent. Evelyn and Peter are forced to make choices to survive under the Nazi Regime that fight against their intrinsic beliefs. Their private personas are admirable. The bravery exhibited with the secret activities to combat the Nazi’s by reporting the truth in the American newspaper service by Evelyn and attending Nazi rallies by Peter was full of peril.

The minor characters are also expertly woven throughout. We learn more about the German Jews who slowly lost their jobs and freedoms to this regime. We also get glimpses into how this regime gained power by providing a restoration of order, safety, and prosperity when most of the world was experiencing great hardships.

The mission of helping others and the struggle to give back at all costs was made real. These characters will become real to you, too. Despite their many challenges they found ways to defy the societal bounds and face their tormentors with courage. They were not looking for glory, just a chance to do something that was decent and worthwhile. What a legacy they left, you will be better after reading it. Their strength and determination should not be forgotten.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Revell in exchange for my honest review from Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

WHEN TWILIGHT BREAKS is the newest release by one of my very favorite historical writers. This book does start slow but then the threat and the tensions grow, the risk intensifies and if I were there I would be fleeing Germany ahead of the war.


I really loved WHEN TWILIGHT BREAKS and will be adding it too my homeschool shelf. If you like historical WWII romance you will love this book.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

WHEN TWILIGHT BREAKS...Sarah Sundin
Evelyn wrote the article when the tanks rolled in and people cries to Hitler, the little girl with flowers to hand, while the anti nazi signs was being scrubbed by elderly Jews. Before printing to.remember they were guests correspondence in Germany. In another words no freedom of speech. An uphill battle for this spunky woman at a time and in a job where men ruled. A time of WW II, she did a good job of weaving a story , the history and the setting of Germany at that time. The use of profanity and sexual innuendo was not necessary so less rating.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Revell for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

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.*

I just finished When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin, a new-to-me author. The premise: Evelyn Brand is a fiercely independent foreign correspondent stationed in Munich on the eve of World War II. Peter Lang is an American doctoral student studying the German language. The two join forces to overcome the Nazis and their own personal demons.

I enjoyed many things about this book. The setting was interesting, reading about pre-war Germany gave me a different perspective. The author did a wonderful job showing how easily people succumbed to Hitler’s rhetoric and how the rest of the world turned a blind eye. The chemistry between Evelyn and Peter was well developed. Each character felt conviction about their shortcomings and they overcame them with the help of God and each other. Both characters were believers from the beginning who grew deeper in their faith, which I really enjoyed. The only part that gave me pause was their journey out of Germany. It felt a little too Sound of Music to me! But overall, the story and characters were really strong! I give this book 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.

My first reading encounter with Sarah Sundin was The Land Beneath Us, which I liked well enough to consider reading more of her work. My next opportunity was her newest, When Twilight Breaks -- a standalone so impressive that, in my eyes, Sundin's future releases have been promoted from might-reads to must-reads!

The events of the novel take place over a period of roughly nine months during 1938, in Berlin, and more heavily, in Munich. It's the lead up to WWII, and antisemitism is rising as Adolph Hitler's power and influence grows.

Our heroine, Evelyn Brand, is an American news reporter. Our hero, Peter Lang, also American, is in Munich working on his Ph.D. and teaching German to American exchange students. The two cross paths when Evelyn is assigned to interview Peter. Sundin takes the time to thoughtfully develop both characters. From the scene of their meeting, which is entertaining for its witty repartee, the two are established as foils to one another. Evelyn is an emboldened, determined woman fighting for equal treatment and respect in a male dominated profession. Peter is a more deliberate, methodical man. While he values order and admires the new prosperity that Germany has gained since the first World War, Evelyn sees the country through a more measured, critical lens.

Some romantic historical fiction lacks detail, dropping the characters into a time period and location without convincingly setting the scene or giving attention to authenticity. Happily, When Twilight Breaks is not that kind of novel. Sundin's research is impeccable. Germany comes alive as she uses Evelyn's professional work to relate notable events and developments in a way that lends interest, immediacy, and emotional investment. Indeed, Sundin brings a healthy amount of detail and information to her readers without ever resorting to info dumping.

If When Twilight Breaks has a weakness, I didn't find it. The novel shines in all facets. Alongside the historical element, both the romantic and the faith elements are strong. The relationship between Evelyn and Peter develops naturally and convincingly; neither character is perfect, and each grows as the story progresses. The theme of faith, including reflections on Micah 6:8, fits neatly into the story without feeling forced or jarring. Finally, Sundin's prose is skillful with some beautiful, thoughtful, and ultimately memorable phrases. Indeed, Sundin's story shows hope never dies. As she writes: "Even in the darkest night, the stars always shine."

Verdict: 5 stars -- A Well-Researched and Consuming Historical Romance!

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

This book would have been guzzled in a scant number of days if I hadn’t had broken water pipes to deal with in my house.

What a zinger! I adored this story overall. Once again, Mrs. Sarah Sundin melded history with fiction in a seamless way that brought the past to life for me. Her treatment of a female reporter when men ruled the newspaper business was superb. It touched on women’s rights issues yet respected the men in the book at the same time. That’s a delicate touch on a tough subject, if you ask me.

Evelyn Brand was a heroine I could root for. She was spunky and brave, but she had flaws and fears that sometimes got in her way. As a reporter, she knew her stuff and dared to be different. She was courage on display.

The professor-teaching-accents angle was very reminiscent of My Fair Lady (Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn), one of my favorite vintage films (of which there are many). Peter Lang, the lead in this book, was definitely his own man, though. He was strong and capable and well educated. He treated women with respect and chivalry and didn’t overstep the boundaries they set before him. He cared about his students and friends and country, and it was wonderful seeing him take risks that had potential to make a difference in the coming war.

The plot was fantastic. I don’t often read books set just prior to World War II – usually they’re set right in the thick of it. WWII fiction is my favorite genre, and it’s great to have a book show the lead-up into the Second Great War. I rather liked the approach, as it broadened my mental picture of the Second World War overall, and the pre-war tensions in particular.

As usual, Mrs. Sundin’s author voice drew me into the story directly and tugged me along for the duration. My emotions were evoked and involved, which helped in making the book feel personal. The danger and tension were palpable. The storyline was well thought out and excellently delivered.

The cover is absolutely stunning and one of my favorites of 2021. The stars, the handwritten letter in the background, the German architecture, the plane, and the woman walking away from the reader… They all work in conjunction to make an interesting snapshot of what might have really and truly taken place on the streets of Munich just prior to and during the war. (I’m not sure why there was a plane on the cover, though, because I don’t recall one being featured in the story.)

One of the very few disappointments for me was the faith thread. There were pockets of depth of faith in the story; I cherished those moments, which felt very much like the rich faith threads of this author’s previous books. However, the vast majority of the book found the leads relying on each other or themselves rather than God, which made the faith aspect of this book – when it showed up – feel quite shallow and unimportant at times. What really irritated me was the profanity toward the end. Shock is no excuse for using “Lord” in a disrespectful way, as a person is still able to control their tongue even when emotions run high, if they’ve properly tamed it (with the Lord’s help), as the Bible instructs. This portion of the book, as well as the sexual innuendo that cropped up off and on, dropped my rating from five stars to three, unfortunately. I hope the faith thread is much richer in Mrs. Sundin’s next book, as it has been in the vast majority of her collection of stories.

The finale made me cry tears of joy. When my heart get that involved, the rating bumps up another star, if one’s available.

Oh, how I wish the profanity and innuendo were omitted! I so wanted to give this book five stars.

Content: gambling, tobacco, alcohol, an expletive, profanity, sexual innuendo

To say I was deeply moved seems so inadequate to describe my experience reading When Twilight Breaks. The characters and the events were fully captivating. Past pains that had shaped Peter's and Evelyn's characters and worldview threatened to drive them apart.

Peter and Evelyn saw the events occurring in Germany very differently. Peter saw hope and a strong economy in a time most countries were still struggling to pull themselves out of the Great Depression. Evelyn saw a nation where people feared sharing any opinion contrary to those in power. I loved being able to see why each of them embraced the position they did and felt like I have a clearer understanding of potential reasons the German people were so quick to embrace the ideology of a man I was raised to consider to be the embodiment of evil.

In a time of hope and terror, financial prosperity and bankruptcy of soul, Sundin's portrayal of the events leading up to Kristallnacht, as she described the atrocities without incorporating gore was riveting. I was on the edge of my seat, wanting to read more while dreading what was likely to come. There was a great balance of suspense and romance.

I really appreciated seeing what it could have been like for a female in the male-dominated field of journalism, specifically foreign correspondents. The things Evelyn had to put up with were atrocious. And yet her female perspective allowed her to make connections and find stories the men were oblivious to. Yay for Evelyn!

When Twilight Breaks is a must-read for all who enjoy Christian fiction.

WWII historical fiction novels never seem to fail to engage me, and Christian author Sarah Sundin’s When Twilight Breaks is no different.

Evelyn Brand is a foreign correspondent for the American News Service based in Munich, where she is the only female reporter in a male dominated industry. Careful to not push too hard against the Nazi regime in her reporting, she finds her editor George Norwood, edits her articles even further, removing her voice from her articles to the point of entirely changing the tone she intends, mocking her in the process.

Peter Lang is pursuing his doctorate in the German language. After leaving America still suffering the after effects of the Great Depression, he is impressed by the order and prosperity in Germany, though his rose-colored glasses eventually come off as more and more antisemitic laws are passed. In a clandestine relationship with Evelyn, he passes off information from those who initially believed were his friends when arriving in Germany, who turned out to be cruel Nazis and Nazi sympathizers.

This book was very fast paced and engrossing. Released on Tuesday, if you are a fan of WWII fiction and need a read you will be pulled into right away, this is your pick!

How is it possible that this is the first Sarah Sundin book I've read?! I've heard SO many good things about her stories and this one certainly lived up to my expectations. The plot effortlessly kept me turning pages! I loved the hero and heroine, and I especially enjoyed seeing the hero's gradual change in perspective about events in Germany as they happened. Though set during World War II, so many of the themes in When Twilight Breaks feel relevant today. I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end and it definitely won't be my last Sarah Sundin read!

Sarah Sundin is one of those authors of historical fiction that I always look forward to reading her work. This one is no exception. Set in the days of the 1930s....those times leading up to WWII.

Evelyn Brand is a reporter, an American working abroad in Germany. Because she’s a female, this is a difficult position, and she constantly finds herself at odds with her boss and even some her fellow news correspondents. She is determined to write articles showing the truth of what is happening in Germany, but is frustrated when that is not allowed.
She is sympathetic to the Jewish cause and becomes even more so when she learns she is three-quarters Jewish. The only thing protecting her from the antisemitic laws is her American birth and citizenship.
This story brings to life in vivid detail what it just have been like to live in those dangerous days. Sadly, some of the wording about German laws and what the people believed sounded just a bit too much like the way our own country is heading.

If you enjoy historical fiction, especially the era of the thirties or WWII, I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255