This story hurt and was so beautiful.

I honestly sometimes don't know what to do with Sarah Sundin books. There is such a depth to them that I rarely find in fiction. With this story being about a mother searching for her son... I should have expected all the emotions.

The biggest thing I took away from this book was the question of motive for our actions. Aleida desperately wants to find her son, rightly so, but things happen during the search that lead to her having to make the hardest decision of her life. A mother's love is to want what is best for her child, regardless of what it means for her.

I liked Hugh and the group of friends in the pub who pull Aleida in. The mystery was also interesting, though definitely a side plot for me. And there were still light-hearted moments, which I always appreciate.

Two quotes that stood out to me:

"What we know and what we believe can be two separate matters. We know what we know, but we don't always know what we believe."

"Why do we celebrate weddings in wartime? Because weddings prove that love defeats hated, that light conquers darkness, and that life triumphs over death. Love glows in the midst of the flames, and new life - new life stirs amongst the embers."

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.

I enjoyed this latest entry in the Sarah Sundin catalogue of books. Her books have been set in WW2 but not one of them is the same, each taking characters and an aspect of the war, this time, refugee children. Like her other books, this one is well researched and comes off as authentic.

Hugh and Aleida are well written characters. This book is not only a love story between the main characters but also one of a mother's love for her son, mystery and murder. At the end of the book, a teaser was provided for the next one in the series - I'm holding out to see what happens next.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

This was such a well done historical novel, it had everything that I was looking for from the description. Sarah Sundin does a great job in creating the characters and keeping them realistically in the time-period. I was hooked from the first page and glad I got to read this.

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin is a great WWII-era historical fiction that I really loved.

I have read several books by Ms. Sundin, and I have to say I have enjoyed this one the most.

The characters of Hugh and Aleida were excellent, well-crafted, had chemistry, and were just likable and realistic characters all the way around. The alternate points of view within the same chapters was far better than alternating every other chapter.

There was mystery, suspense, action, a bit of romance, history, and an element of faith that I thought was wonderful. I loved following along with Hugh and his fellow radio correspondents during the raids on London in 1941.

Excellent.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Revell for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/6/24.

Oh goodness! What a great book! Sarah Sundlin did not disappoint! She created this beginning that made me sad, mad, and angry for Theo and Aleida. But as the story progress, you see so much growth in Aleida. She is so much more than a mother. She is a voice for the voiceless.

Hugh comes from a rather stuffy background. Unlike most of his peers, he's willing to put in hard work to do something that matters. He cares about his country and his countrymen. He doesn't want to hide behind a title or his medical condition. I have so much respect and admiration for people who want to do something worthy.

On paper, Aleida and Hugh are wrong for each other. Wrong backgrounds, different educations, cultures, etc. But when you put them in the same room, it doesn't take long to realize how good they are for each other and how well they work together.

I'm already looking forward to Sundlin's next book. If it's as good as this book, I'll be thrilled!

Another great book by Sarah Sundin!

The story follows Aleida as she flees the Netherlands as the Nazis invade and seeks refuge in London. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you’ll love this book!

Embers in the London Sky
by Sarah Sundin
Date: Feb.6, 2024
Revell
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read 8-10 of Siundin's historical fiction novels and this one is very different. It opens with a abusive situation which leads to an awesome, unique novel.
Sarah Sundin does a beautiful job of writing this story set in World War 2 without falling into redundancy. As a lover of historical fiction I have read many books set in this time period and it can oftentimes feel a little ho hum, as if the story has been told before. Not so with this book!
5 stars

Sarah Sundin does a beautiful job of writing this story set in World War 2 without falling into redundancy. As a lover of historical fiction I have read many books set in this time period and it can oftentimes feel a little ho hum, as if the story has been told before. Not so with this book!

From the first chapter I was lulled into the beauty of the storyline and telling, falling in love with each of the characters. The story develops as Aleida searches for her son, a mystery in itself, while a separate murder mystery unfolds. I loved how the main characters brought the best out in one another, as iron sharpening iron. The gospel and the theme of forgiveness is woven subtly and yet undoubtedly throughout the book, which ministered to me over and over. Every time I picked this book up I didn't want to put it down!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Historical fiction set during WWII can seem quite like every other book in the genre, but not so with this book. Sarah Sundin has managed a unique story that is serious, but not maudlin. She has shown us a loving mother who chooses her son’s wellbeing over her own. And she brings the novel to a satisfying end that is believable without sentimentality. Definitely a five-star book. I read an ARC from NetGalley and offer my own opinions.

From the beginning, this felt different from Sundin's other works. I figure I've read about 8-10 of her books at this point. It opens with an abusive marriage situation that rather than capturing me, very nearly made me stop reading. Thankfully, it was only at the very beginning of the book, which I had no way of knowing at the time and was not a great opener for readers like me. As a mom, the main storyline wasn't something I "enjoyed;" it was harrowing, and the main character lacked understanding of her place as the mother in her child's life. There was also a plot of murders of various characters you came to know throughout the book.
With that aside, there was a lot that was good about this book- Hugh, for one, was an interesting, layered lead. I really did like him and his story. I learned a lot of fascinating history (which being all totally new to me, was a lot to follow and figure out). There was a nice faith message, albeit nothing totally earth shattering. And the romance was decently written. I didn't dislike the book, but it won't go down as my favorite by the author.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy to read for honest review. All opinions are my own!

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin features a Dutch speaking woman who lost her son as her and her abusive husband try to leave the lower part of Europe to London. Once in London, she tries to survive the Blitz, but also, tries to uncover her missing son. With the hurt of her past marriage, she has a hard time allowing love to enter her heart. She is a brave and determined mother who will do anything to find her missing son. On the other hand, Hugh, a BBC correspondent, interviews and captures the story of the London Blitz for firsthand accounts. His voice is recognized all across London. I really liked the BBC War correspondent element to Hughes’ character. Readers, of course, are familiar with the radio broadcasts that were familiar during this time period. It was nice to see the reporter’s viewpoint and how Sundin brought that to life through Hugh. When their two lives intersect, then the sparks begin to fly. The plot has an element of a murder mystery as bodies start to end up dead in different parts of the city. I enjoyed the murder element to the plot. Love World War II stories and suspense, so this was nice to see together in one novel. Sundin does a wonderful job at bringing the readers into the setting and time period that readers will forget that they are sitting somewhere in 2024 instead of 1941. She invites readers to experience the horror of the bombing from the Germans, love of the characters, and well-crafted plot. I can’t wait to own this book in my library.

I received a complimentary copy of Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Sarah Sundin has written another great novel set during WWII. Her plot lines and attention to detail set her books above the rest!

In Embers in the London Sky, Aleida and her family are escaping the German occupation of their home country, the Netherlands. Aleida's abusive husband is killed in an attack but only after he hands off their disabled son to another fleeing family while she slept. Aleida manages to escape to an aunt and uncle in England and begins to search for her son. Aleida asks everyone and every agency she can find if they have seen a little blonde boy with stubs for fingers on his right hand.
Hugh Collingwood was born to wealth and privilege and hides his disability well. I guess in the past asthma was considered a disability and those with it were treated like invalids. But Hugh had a teacher who didn't agree with this mentality and encouraged his adventurous nature. He now works as a radio correspondent for the BBC and the people love listening to his voice and encouragements. He is fascinated by Aleida's beauty and spirit and wants to help her find her son. With the back drop of German bombs exploding and danger on every side, two desperate people can find happiness when they let go and let God take control of their lives.

I thought this book was a great read and finished in two days. It is exciting and heartbreaking. The conclusion is satisfying and will appeal to anyone who likes Inspirational Historical fiction.

No one writes World War II era historical fiction like Sarah Sundin. Her newest release, Embers in the London Sky, is now my new favorite I have read by her. I loved it. Five stars.

This was an exceptional read! I loved the intrigue, the way I had to keep reading. I can’t imagine what people..parents..went through during the war. Hard choices were made and some were made for them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I absolutely loved this book! Placed in the 1940’s. A young woman is forced to flee from her home because of the Germans invading. Sudden Aleida finds herself a widow and her her 3 year old son is missing. Aleida is now in London searching for her lost son with the help of a radio correspondent who she befriends. Will the two find answers and the child before time runs out?
I loved this novel! The story is very emotional and tugs at your heart strings. I would absolutely recommend this book to any friends and family!

I think this is my favourite book by Sarah Sundin!
Fabulous characters and a really enjoyable story! Really enjoyed this!

This read did pull on my heartstrings, such cruelty, and at a time when people are fleeing for their lives as the evil was spreading over Europe.

I really can't comprehend how Aledia moved on, but she gets a job in London trying to help children, and all the while she is looking for her son. She is put in the path of BBC radio correspondent Hugh, and there is some sweet romance here.

We don't only have bombings going on, but sadly murders, and while ducking the bombs, you never know if your safe.

Sarah Sundin gives us a in-debth look at London during this time, along with visits to the countryside, and what is happening with the children that are being sent there for their safety.

This is a real page turner for answers and I kept changing my mind as to was committing the murders, and in the end I was wrong!

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

I love Sarah's novels, but this one was even better than my favorites from the past! Set amid World War 2, this book begins in Denmark and moves to England, both London and the countryside. It's early WW2, before and during the Battle of Britain, and revolves heavily around child evacuees and the politicization of that movement. There's a little bit of romance, but largely two separate yet intertwined mysteries that must be solved...and the ending will surprise you!

I have read almost everything that Sarah Sundin has written. Her newest book is a bit different from her other offerings, but still every bit as intriguing.

Aleida is planning her escape with her son, Theo, from her abusive husband Sebastiaan. When Sebastiaan comes home early and tells Aleida to pack, they are leaving the Netherlands, Aleida feels she has lost her opportunity to escape him. On the trip to the coast where they will be picked up by boat and transported to Great Britain, Sebastiaan steals Theo from Aleida and gives him to a couple to take on ahead to London without finding out who they were or where they lived. While Aleida is trying to find out where Theo was, a German air attack passes over where they were and their strafing bullets hit Sebastiaan and kill him.

Now Aleida has to make her way to London on her own, but when she checks the back of the car, she finds a suitcase full of gold which will provide her a way to get to London. Once in London, she begins searching for her son. As she works for the Ministry of Health, she begins compiling lists of children who have been evacuated from London to the countryside, in hopes that she will find her beloved Theo. Her supervisor is not enamored with her desire to compile the lists of children who have been evacuated and the people who are billeting the children.

In addition to working for the Ministry of Health, she is also an air raid warden for her neighborhood, making sure blackout conditions are kept and everyone gets to shelters in a timely fashion during air raids. It is in carrying out these duties that she meets Hugh Collingswood. He supports her search for Theo and even helps her out in her quest, at the same time on a quest of his own to find out who murdered his uncle.

There is mystery and intrigue worked into this novel, and it's got murder and mayhem as well. There are characters the reader will love and empathize with, and there are characters the reader will love to hate because of their actions and attitudes. Sarah hones and improves her craft with every book she writes. This book is no exception to that assumption. It is hard to put down and easy to lose sleep over.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and an Oli the Elephant stuffed toy.

So far this may be my favorite book by Sarah Sundin!
Wonderful characters and an excellent plot.
I cried when I found out what Aleida's husband did! I wanted to strangle him myself!
I'm not finished yet but wanted to write my thoughts before I forget them.
I loved Theo! He was such a sweetheart! It wasn't his fault he's the way he is.
Sundin is wonderful in this genre. I always enjoy what she writes. This novel is very engaging.
I already know I'm giving this novel 5 stars for the wonderful flawless characters Hugh and Aleida are.
I liked Hugh's occupation. It made for an interesting but dangerous job. I was sad for him at first but grew to love him as time went on.