I have loved Sarah Sundin's books for a long time. She's a talented writer and her love for the WWII era shines in each book she writes. It's been interesting to see her foray into the Eruopean side of the war and I found the Swedish setting of this book to be charming. I love seeing intelligent women portrayed in fiction, and Else is the definition of such. Baron was her perfect match and their romance was charming. The looming danger of war is ever presents in these pages, though promise of lighter days ahead reassures the reader as the pages unfold. Another winner from a beloved voice in Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this WWII story, I can't remember ever reading one set in Denmark so it was a different side of the war than I've read before. I will say though that the romance was too much for me. I wish that would have been toned down a bit, other than that I really enjoyed the story!

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin is soooo good! I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, and hoping all the best for these sweet, sweet characters. This has honestly been my favorite novel of Sarah’s!

This novel reminds us to do all we can to help those around us—even in the face of danger. The Lord will see us through when we are walking in His will.

The Sound of Light has all the things—danger, romance, war, hatred, deceit, and (best of all) some incredibly sweet souls. If you’re a fan of WWII fiction, this is one novel you do not want to miss!

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

I've struggled to review this book, as I also struggled to read it. I usually love Ms. Sundin's novels and something about this one just didn't hold my attention. I didn't connect well with the characters and didn't find myself invested in their story. I really wonder if I just wasn't in the right frame of mind when reading it, because her books are always on my favorites list.
I'll definitely be looking forward to reading her next book, hoping my inattention to this one was just an anomaly.

As a huge fan of WWII historical fiction books, I was looking forward to reading this book. And the reviews may have had my expectations to be a bit inflated. Unfortunately, I did not particularly enjoy this book. The focus of Denmark during WWII was interesting and something I was not familiar with. In addition, the Merman legend and rowing Jews to safety was intriguing. I appreciated the Christian aspect and the fact that Else and Henrik both had faith in God. One thing I did not enjoy was the fact that the author would leave you hanging at the end of the chapter. But then when you started reading the next chapter, it seemed the issue was resolved. I didn’t like not traveling along to experience the resolution.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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This novel is definitely one of my favorites this year. It was beautiful and atmospheric and lovely. The characters were realistic and charming. I loved the unique setting of occupied Denmark. I hadn’t before read a WWII story in this setting, so this felt fresh and new to me. It was incredible how the sport of rowing came into play in the story, as a means of spying and resisting the occupation.

The science themes and female physicist were perfectly written. I loved how her work was pivotal to the plot. The theme of humility was superb. I especially adored the way the Danish legend of the Little Mermaid was woven into the plot. This was my favorite aspect, being such a huge Little Mermaid (original animated version) fan myself. The nods were mostly toward the Hans Christian Andersen version of the story, but there was some overlap with the Disney animation, as would be normal with such a feature. This thread of the novel was a true delight.

The romance was so sweet! It was particularly special because it revolved around the Danish Resistance. I’d not read about this resistance effort before, so it was fun to learn some history while I was reading. This is an author I trust to infuse accurate historical facts into her stories, so it really did feel like sitting in a fun history class and being told the best stories from characters who lived through such events.

This novel immediately went into my reread pile, though I have no clue when I’ll get to it. The full trilogy is wonderful, and I look forward to binge reading the trio in order sometime soon.

Content: alcohol, tobacco

Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite authors, and I always make sure to pick up her new books as she writes them. Once again, this amazing, and gifted writer did not disappoint. She again has masterfully woven this story that draws you in and does not let go. The characters are believable, and they become like cherished friends that you do not want to say goodbye to.
Don't miss this amazing book!

The Sound of Light

by Sarah Sudin

Through the fictional characters of Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt and Dr. Else Jensen, a physicist working in the lab of the famed Niels Bohr, Sarah Sudin tells the story of the German occupation of tiny Denmark. Initially, freedoms are not as restricted by the Nazis as in the rest of occupied Europe, but many Danes resist through sabotage, work slowdowns, and underground newspapers. Henrik assumes several identities and uses them to hide covert activities; he also uses his skills as an Olympic rower to transfer messages from Denmark to Britain. Else, while fighting her personal battles of discrimination as a female in a traditionally male field, becomes involved in helping the underground cause.

There are a lot of subplots and threads that are woven into this story. Henrik is working as a laborer in his estranged father’s shipyard. Henrik portrays himself as barely literate instead of the well-educated nobleman he is. He and Else live in the same boarding house but are unable to share their identities or secrets with each other because of the confidential nature of the underground. The final straw for the Danes is when the Germans begin to round up Jews for deportation. Many Danish citizens quickly rise up to protect their Jewish friends and neighbors. I will leave it to the author to share what happens to the Jews and to Henrik and Else as they grapple with the question of whether it is “right to do wrong (i.e. to break the law) to do right.”

I highly recommend The Sound of Light. I didn’t feel like I needed to be an expert on Danish history to appreciate the story. I did learn a lot about Denmark’s wartime experiences. The book is fast-paced, and there is good character development. It contains a good plot, scenes tense with intrigue, and a Christian viewpoint on good versus evil.

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

Rating: 5/5

Category: Historical Fiction, Christian, Romance

Notes: Includes historical notes by the author, pronunciation guide and glossary, and discussion questions.

Publication: February 7, 2023—Revell

Memorable Lines:

Henrik, on the other hand, hadn’t endured Far’s anger. He’d absorbed it, every biting word. For fourteen years, he’d absorbed the anger, and it had fermented inside, loathsome and noxious, until at last, in one moment of clarity, he’d turned from his father and all he stood for.

She was one small individual in a sea of people. But if each person did just one thing to help, a lot of good could be done.

On the deck, the captain sprinkled powder, a mixture of dried blood and cocaine, developed by a Swedish scientist. If the Germans brought police dogs on board, the compound would deaden the dogs’ sense of smell so they couldn’t detect the passengers below.

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. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

This book is fabulous. Sundin's The Sound of Light focuses on the resistance in Denmark during World War II. It's packed with historical detail and I felt completely immersed in it, to the point I was continually trying to find another five minutes during my day to read a little more. Sundin is a compelling, thoughtful writer and I look very forward to her next one. I plan to recommend this to pretty much everyone I know.

One note: I would not classify this book as Christian fiction. It really felt like fiction about being good/redeemed and humanistic; there's not much focus on conventional prayer and the trappings of the church. I didn't actually know it was Christian until I saw the classification here, because the level of observance in the text seems true to the characters..

Title: The Sound of Light


Author: Sarah Sundin


Ch: 51


Pg: 371

Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical romance


Rating: 5 stars


Publisher: Revell


With The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin I feel like my reading WWII fiction has come full circle. As the first book I read at 10 set during WWII was also set in Denmark. Even at 10 Number the Stars by Lois Lowry show me how the Danish people stood up to the Nazis in a way kids could understand.


In The Sound of Light Sarah Sundin tells the story of Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt who gives up everything to make a difference for the resistance. And American Dr Else Jensen who at one point wants nothing more than to be a physicist makes the choice to risk it all to help her Jewish friends and Neighbors. Else’s Faith is strong throughout the novel and Henrik’s is still there it’s just taken a bit of a beating.


The Sound of light shows that every day people can make a difference and even though the characters are fictional it does tell what real-life Danes did to defeat the Nazis.

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.

I loved The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin. That’s not a shock since she is a favorite of mine. But this historical novel set in Denmark during WWII was a surprise. I had no idea the role that Denmark played in the course of WWII, especially in the lives of its Jewish citizens. I admit to Googling quite a bit. Really, the whole history in this time and place was fascinating. As was the folklore and storytelling of the nation. You can tell that Sundin really did her homework — the book is richly detailed. Inspired by the heroics of the Danish people, many historical figures make their appearance (be sure to read the Author’s Note). Main characters Hemming/Henrik and Else struggle with doubts that are common to all making them relatable to a modern-day reader. Their relationship is a sweet friendship that develops into much more — loved that too! 😉 There’s suspense and intrigue surrounding the increasing crackdown of freedoms by the Nazis, something that came later on in the war than in most other countries under Nazi occupation. I loved how the Danish people met the challenges. Fiercely loyal to their country and countrymen (regardless of ethnicity), they were not afraid to fight injustice. There is one very surprising element to the story that made me proud of the Danes. There is also a wonderful reconciliation and restoration that made this book a highly recommended read.

With a unique setting for a WWII novel and a story perhaps unknown to many, The Sound of Light is another winner from Sarah Sundin.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

I received a free copy of The sound of Light and this review is entirely my own.
It captivated me because it is set in WW2 era and is about the resistance in Denmark with the Nazi's.
it was enthralling and the characters were well written and seemed like actual people during that time!

Sundin adds the country of Denmark in this book which gave me insight into how the Danes reacted to the war. Sweden also enters as they aid those resisting the Occupation. Love, sacrifice, and perseverance are sewn throughout. The American, Else, and Danish Baron Henrik fight inward battles as they face the obstacles to end the atrocities around them. You will be surprised at who opposes them and those who support them as they unite against the enemy. I recommend The Sound of Light.

My journey to read every book Sarah Sundin has written continues! I fell in love with her historical romances through her trilogies as it heavily focused on the history of the time period with elements of romance and mystery. I would like to say that I believe her writing and stories have gotten stronger. In the past it was pretty easy to see what would be coming. Man and woman meet, start falling in love, something traumatic happens or someone says the wrong thing and they break it off, but in the end come together because their love for each other is so strong. In these past three she has written I didn't out rightly see this formula. It was refreshing to see something different and more elements of thrill/mystery as well as more focus on historical events with slight romance.

This one was a little hard to get into but I truly loved the characters and the story. Well done! Looking forward to the next project.

The Sound of Light is a WWII historical fiction set in Denmark. It follows Else, a physicist and her friend and Hemming, a rich aristocratic now undercover as a tradesman with the resistance. I loved the character development of Hemming and how he grew in his understanding of forgiveness. The romance between him and Else was a great slow build that I enjoyed reading. If you like historical fiction this is a great one!
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. I was not required to post a positive review.

The Sound of Light


World War II was not a good time for a pretty, young, female, American physicist to be living in Denmark, especially after the German army started to occupy the country. Not only is Else Jensen extremely involved with her academic research she takes a small part in the resistance movement against the Nazis. On a more personal note, she is also intrigued by a shipyard worker at her boarding house and by rumors of a mysterious resistance participant who crosses large bodies of water to carry messages. Meanwhile, young Baron Ahlefeldt goes into anonymity to join the resistance, and coincidentally loses his heart…

This is an exciting romance, mixed with a war resistance story, taking place in a beautiful setting. What more could a reader ask for?

I was so excited to read and review a book by this author, as the history is always so fascinating. I did enjoy the history but I did struggle through reading this with all of the foreign names and towns, etc. If I can't say something easily in my head while reading, I mumble it, and it does take away from how I enjoy the story. I also struggled a little with the main character, I felt she came off as thinking she was so much smarter than others, and while it was explained in a positive way, it did rub me wrong a bit. But the research and history is very well researched and always woven into the storyline so well. I received an ecopy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

The Sound of Light is a delicious slow-burn romance set during World War 2. I loved the characters, the setting and vivid imagery. The story was well-written, the style was great, and the pacing was good. Here's one of my favorite quotes from a book that Else read to Hemming:

‘We can be deceived by believing what is untrue, but we certainly are also deceived by not believing what is true. We can be deceived by appearances, but we certainly are also deceived by the sagacious appearance, by the flattering conceit that considers itself absolutely secure against being deceived. Which deception is more dangerous? . . . What is more difficult— to awaken someone who is sleeping or to awaken someone who , awake, is dreaming that he is awake?’”

This quote is so deep, and highly relevant to life today.

In short, this book was great, and I can't wait to see what Mrs. Sundin writes next!

I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher through Netgalley, and was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts above are my own.

I enjoyed this book as it had a fresh perspective of the war; told from someone in Denmark. I liked how it wove romance, trust, resistance and female empowerment into the story without any one of them overpowering any other. An excellent read! It kept me turning the pages with anticipation from beginning to end.