I love historical books by this author, because she not only makes me attached to the characters, but she portrays life in a way that is heartbreakingly real. She shows the good, and she shows the hard reality as well.

The theme of the book was a quote that kept coming up: “When the world had gone dark, don’t turn away from the light.”
Where is the light in the middle of a worn torn country? When hate, power, secrets and resistance put everyone in danger. When families are torn apart. When sorrow over loss are compounded again and again. War is ugly. It brings out the worst in humanity. Atrocious acts are rationalized by a larger vision or way of thinking.

While the evil and terrible realities of war are evident in the pages of this novel, the goodness of people is also shown. The goodness of a family who takes in our heroine after an accident that left her broken and separated from her family. The goodness of resistance workers. The goodness of God during the darkest times. Even the goodness found in those wrapped up in evil.

I loved every unexpected twist and turn of this novel. Amanda knows how to find the balance when writing about war. The balance between the heartbreaking reality of war and showing the humanity and goodness of people living through it. If you love historical fiction, this is for you.

Content warnings are tricky with this one. It is heavy. There is loss in many different situations. Violence is present, but not overly graphic. Spice level is just kissing. Feel free to reach out if you’re sensitive and have questions about content.

Once again Ms. Sowards delivers. Her World War Two novel, Roads of Resistance set in Netherlands is a brilliantly written, superbly researched novel, penned by one who excels at her craft, making it a joy to read despite the sombre subject.

With my fascination for World War Two novels, I've been reading a plethora of them and this is one of the best. The storyline follows resistance workers Gerrit, Ingrid, Anita and their Opa. Except that Ingrid is Austrian, fleeing the Reich and the murderer of her father: his best friend. She has lost touch with her siblings and ended up at the Van der Veen household.

All of them are involved with Resistance work and the novel lays out the different methods and ways employed to hinder the conquerors.

Gerrit at 19, is ripe for forced transport for forced labour in Germany, so he must work without being seen too much. Ingrid is pretty, with a former 'friend' now SD officer also stationed in Antwerp, where she is. If he knows where she is, her life is in danger. Anita's cover at the hospital enables her to direct the work of cell. Opa as a doctor and a good man turns a blind eye to all this, but treats all who come to him, friend or foe without reporting any.

As each live life on the edge, additional danger comes in the form of another Resistance leader. Who will crumble first under pressure, who will be discovered or betrayed? Will Opa end up imprisoned for his work? Or will it be Gerrit, Ingrid or Anita who fall first?

Undergirding their work is their faith and trust in Jesus. Not for all. As Gerrit says, "I may be lost spiritually, but I am looking for light,..." Does he find it?

The suspense and tension is finely honed, even in post war Europe, and while it's primarily a novel of overarching sacrificial love - the rarest of rare kinds, there's nothing wishy-washy, or weakly sentimental about it.

Read this superb novel of sacrificial love where each loved one, is willing to die for their beloved and indeed, risks all.

The book releases on July 15, 2025. Buy it.

I was given an ARC to read by @NetGalley and @CovenantCommunications, but all opinions expressed here are my own, expressed freely and without any coercion or pressure.

#FalconPoint #HistoricalFiction #A.L.Sowards #WorldWarTwoFiction #CovenantCommunications #DutchResistance #Rotterdam #HungerWinter1944

It wasn’t until the author’s acknowledgment I realized this is the third book in the series. Having no context of how the first two books tie in to Roads of Resistance, one certainly does not need to have read the books in order to enjoy this historical retelling of occupied Netherlands during WWII.

Many books have been written about the Second World War, but few I have read have been from the perspective of the neutral Dutch people, desperate to return their country to as it was before Germany invaded. A. L. Sowards does an amazing job addressing the impact of war often forgotten; the desire to maintain goodness in the face of darkness, grief mingled with celebration, lingering health issues after recovery and the gift of sacrifice when neither outcome is great.

I personally felt this story was written in such a way, that the readers emotional response intentionally aligned with the experiences of the characters. I felt this the most during the paratroopers drop/ failure. This moment is so climatic in the expectation of liberation and the story wrapping up, only to discover this is false as one is only halfway through and more perseverance through tragedy will ensue.

I'm always so blown away by how much research clearly goes into an A.L. Sowards book, and you can definitely tell because you are absolutely immersed in the WWII setting of this book! The romance was sweet and I loved Ingrid and Gerrit together. The story was engaging and heartbreaking at times but I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was my first book in this series, and I didn't have any problems but I definitely want to go back to book 1!

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This story is set during World War 2. I have really been enjoying this series. This book does work as a standalone but I do recommend reading the others as well. This is Ingrid’s story and boy does she have a rough time of things. She is separated from her family and injured. She stays with a doctor and his family. Years later, she grows up and is working with the Resistance against the Nazis. Gerrit returns home to find Ingrid and his family involved with working with the allies gathering information. He joins in. Along the way, romance blossoms between Ingrid and Gerrit but he isn’t the only one wanting Ingrid’s affection and that leads to danger.
I really loved this story! There was so much happening, which makes sense since it’s a long story, but so good! I loved Ingrid and Gerrit. They go through so much with danger, pain, starvation, death and more. Honestly it’s heartbreaking. This story is completely captivating. I did feel slightly bad for Rupert. But I loved the romance between Ingrid and Gerrit, their chemistry was fantastic. Overall, a great read and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: death, concentration camps, starvation, killings, infant death, sickness

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

War is ugly. War is terrifying. War is heartbreaking. If you are in doubt or questioning just how deavastating it can be; open Roads of Resistance. The book will soon change your mind. The horrors of war are detailed. The suffering and death are illustrated with poignant words. Tears flowed. My stomach revolted. My heart shattered. We all know how World War Two ended. But it is the tragic journey we need to study, remember, and never, ever repeat.

Ingrid's story of war brings it all to life in the safety of your favorite reading place. Feel the tension as she and her brother flee the man that murdered their father. Wrong time, wrong place has her desperate to save herself. Any risk was better than death. When she is discovered injured she could only hope that she made the right decision. Throughout the war she would have to make decisions as she worked with the resistance. I was left speechless by what she did, knowing she represents so many brave people that did not sit still in war.

Gerrit's story is just as devastating. As bombs fell, his only goal was to save his brother and sister. He could not standby and watch his country crumble. Age didn't matter when the resistance could use his assistance. All changed when a member was arrested. Gerrit had no choice but to leave his siblings and flee to his grandfather's home. It is the same home that Ingrid lives, helping to save those fighting for a free world.

Experience the bravery of Gerrit and Ingrid as the grow closer while risking their lives. Tears would flow as they lost those around them. With every page they found themselves more and more at risk. Everyday could be their last or worse. I bawled when Gerrit was taken to Westerork. The conditions, the lack of humanity, left me speechless.

The fight didn't end with the end of the war. Years of suffering and ill treatment don't go away just because the Nazis surrendered. No one knew if family members survived. Weakened by years of starvation, illness, and horrid living conditions will make life challenging. Roads to Resistance brings the struggles to light.

The author's words brought the story to life. She transported me to in time to Austria and the Netherlands that changed everything. I experienced a bit, a smidge of what it was like for so many trying to survive. I closed the book with a heavy heart, but grateful to learn a little more about the German Occupation.

Thank you Covenant Communications for this arc.

I’ve grown accustomed to the fact that Sowards doesn’t stint on putting her characters in danger and at times people don’t survive to the end of the book. There are lots of books set during WWII that have descriptions such as “utterly heartbreaking,” “completely heartbreaking,” or to hit the point home harder, “utterly and completely heartbreaking.” I feel any of these could be used in marketing for this book. Though this is part of the Falcon Point series, I don’t think reading the first book, “Codes of Courage,” is necessary before starting this one though it will give spoilers for some major things in that book.

Most of the time is spent during the last year of the war. After four years of Nazi occupation, things are not good in Holland. Dutch collaborators and Nazis make life hell for the rest of the Dutch and many people are willing to work for the resistance or at least turn a blind eye. But danger is always lurking waiting for a slip-up and anxiety is constant. Then in late 1944, Operation Market-Garden gives some of Holland a brief taste of liberation before the intricate plan falls apart, the Nazis regroup, and those in Arnhem find themselves in even worse shape.

But the book is also one of deep commitment, staunch determination and courage. As Ingrid, Gerrit, and his family work to further the cause of Dutch liberation, they do so fully aware of the dangers and risks. These are things they’re willing to face in order to regain their country and their freedom as well as bring justice to those who have caused such grief and harm.

I’ll also be honest and say that at first Ingrid and Gerrit make me think of high schoolers in a snit with each other. Though they both have good reasons to initially distrust each other, at times I, like Gerrit’s aunt Anita, got frustrated with them. There’s a war on, you two, so straighten up. The gradual shift to trust, liking, and then something deeper gives time for their feelings to change and makes their actions to save each other more meaningful and believable.

The old saying “there are no atheists in a foxhole” gives not-so-religious Gerrit the needed push to rediscover his religion and pledge his faith to God. He has good reason to need something deeper to pin his spiritual faith on and by the time the war is over, he has committed himself but all along he has fought to avoid doing things that would stain his soul.

Given how much they’ve lost, the post war section is, I think, a good addition to show both Gerrit and Ingrid as well as all of Holland, putting themselves back together. Ingrid’s action to end two things threatening their futures is bold but in keeping with her already displayed courage. My heart hurts for Henry Bridger and I hope that he will get some happiness in the next book which I’m looking forward to. B

These Heirs of Falcon Point historical books are so amazing! I loved this one by A.L. Sowards. The historical setting seemed to jump off the page. I loved the characters so much.

This book is about Ingrid. Ingrid flees her home after her father is killed with her brother Karl. Only. Ingrid makes it onto the train and Karl is delayed. Leaving Ingrid on her own with no idea what happened to Karl. So many hard things happen to Ingrid.

Because right after she leaves and finds herself injured in The Netherlands, World War II starts there. I love the courage that Ingrid shows working with the resistance. She was one amazing character. I also love that when her past comes calling, she holds to her values and stays true to herself.

I loved Gerrit, too. He works hard to hopefully extract his country from the rule of the Germans. And to keep his own family safe.

This book touched me so much. I knew before starting it that there would be some hard things that happened in it. And there were, but I loved how it shows the courage of the people who would have lived during this time. I hope I would have as much courage as they did.

This book has my heart right now even after weeks of having read it for the first time. It's beautiful and compelling! A. L. Sowards brings to life the Netherlands during World War II. Her characters are so authentic and convincing in how people would react to the circumstances of their time.
Ingrid is only fifteen as she flees her home in Austria, and ends up stranded in Arnhem with broken legs. She isn't able to leave to find her siblings because Nazi Germany overtakes the Netherlands before she has fully healed. Gerrit is wanted by the Gestapo for working with the underground and so he flees to his grandfather's home in Arnhem, where Ingrid lives. They both help his family and friends with the resistance, but they start off on the wrong foot because of suspicion, prejudice, and differing beliefs. Over time they work together more and slowly grow a friendship/romance.
I like how realistic yet not too overwhelming Sowards described the dark situations the characters experienced. I felt like I was right there with them as both Ingrid and Gerrit come to depend on each other, but most importantly on God. This novel is all about the light and hope that can still be found in the bleakest and most desperate of times. I cried and cheered throughout this read. It is just that powerful and moving.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.

Wow! This book is an emotional roller coaster. The characters feel so real. Ingrid, Gerrit, Anita, Opa and so many others are complex and lovely characters. I felt their joys, pain, fear and love. There is a line in the book that says, "When the world has gone dark, don't turn away from the light." I feel like this quote sums up the overall feeling of this book. Even in, maybe especially in times of darkness look for and reach for the Light. This book is part of the Heirs of Falcon Point series. While not completely necessary to read the other books, I would highly recommend it. There are so many deep relationships that each book explores that all connect to the Lang family. I loved the history throughout the book. It is so tastefully written. I definitely recommend this book.

I loved reading Ingrid's story. She is so brave, faithful, kind, and strong. I loved the enemies to lovers trope. Gerrit is on the same side of the war as Ingrid, but they definitely don't see eye to eye in a lot of things. I loved the slow burn of their relationship. I learned so much about the Netherlands during WW2. I honor and applaud the brave men and women of the resistance who did their part to oppose the Nazis. It is inspiring to read their stories. This is a great addition to the Heirs of Falcon Point series.

I am in complete awe of Amanda’s meticulous and impeccable research and her ability to present that information without overwhelming the reader with facts and jargon, but create a compelling and moving masterpiece that leaves you an emotional wreck. Roads of Resistance was poignant and haunting story of love and loss, tragedy and triumph, and ultimate sacrifice. It was inspiring and heartbreaking.

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

So so good! I love the historical fiction this author writes. This one squeezed my heart. So, so good.
It’s wholesome, it’s endearing, it’s delightful.
A wonderful addition to this series of stories.

Romance, WW II, sweet, suspense; series, but stand alone read.
Ingrid Lang and Gerrit Hendriks story wouldn't have happened but the war brought them together unexpectedly when Ingrid and Gerrit escape Nazi Germany during the war. Gerrit escapes to his Grandfather's and Ingrid is rescued by his grandfather after breaking her legs escaping and is trapped in the Netherlands when the Netherlands is invaded. at first they are at odds with one another, Gerrit not fully trusting Ingrid's story (she is covering her real identity to hide from the Nazi's), but gradually they both realize they need to trust.
Full of the intensity of war, the courage of the Dutch to work and try to sabotage the German's war efforts, espionage, and subterfuge, along with the every day moments that make these stories come alive. The struggles for food, hiding allied soldiers who are recovering from injuries and hidden by the family, bombing, and just trying to keep up hope. The supporting characters are varied and strong, compelling story line, the setting in the war torn Netherlands, and of course the lovely hope of a couple finding each other in the midst of war. Perfect addition to this series, made for great world building. Can't wait to read more to find out more of the other sibling's stories and their children's as they discover the real story of their families escape from the horror of the Nazi's in WW II.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

ABOUT TOOK ME OUT.

A.L. Sowards continues to be one of my favorite historical authors and this was another book that took me on an intense journey. I love the way that A.L. pulls out these complex characters and getting to see many angles of the war and how it effected everyone for years to come.

I just loved Gerrit and Ingrid. There are so many nuanced things I could discuss about them independently and as a couple that I could fill pages with. The resilience and strength and the willpower each step took as the years stretched was empowering to read. I love their love.

A.L. never shies away from the intensity and brutality of war and that was once again present here. I liked the Netherlands setting because it’s one I don’t know as much about and only added to the story. Sowards knows how to craft an amazingly intricate and beautiful book and it wrenches my heart every dang time.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Fiction
Language: none
Romance: closed door
Violence: high
Content warnings: WW2 themes (starvation, mentions of concentration camps, work camps and more), loss of life, weapons violence, physical violence, loss of a baby, grief/depression depiction

“War doesn’t leave time for romance.” “I’m not so sure. Maybe when everything else is so dark, we need love more than ever.”

Oh my heart! That was an emotional roller coaster. Danger, friendship, close calls, loss, faith, and love. Reading this story was like watching a movie play! Fantastic!! I don’t even know what to say because I don’t want to share anything that would be a spoiler.

Ingrid is incredibly brave, strong, and intelligent. I very much enjoyed seeing her involvement in the resistance and her view of the battle in Arnhem, wow! I loved her friendship with Anita and Gerrit. I loved how she encouraged Gerrit to look for the light. Gerrit is determined, brave, and sacrificially protective. His struggle with being a “failure” was heartbreaking. I enjoyed his camaraderie with Lieutenant Bridger and their deep meaningful conversations. (If you’ve read Codes of Courage you will enjoy getting a little more insight into Bridger’s activities in the war.) I very much enjoyed Gerrit’s faith journey! Seeing Ingrid and Gerrit’s relationship grow from distrust to friendship to love was amazing. Their time hiding in the closet! 🫠

A few more quotes:
“But something about you . . . I think I felt it Friday, but I couldn’t name it. I’ve been lost for so long . . . except when you’re near me. Then I feel like I’ve found a home.” “I’ll happily be your home, Ingrid. I’ll be anything you need me to be.”

“Don’t you understand? You are my home. You are my everything, Gerrit. Without you, there is no place in this world where I won’t feel lost.”

This book is part of the Falcon Point Historical Series, while it can be enjoyed as a stand alone I highly recommend reading Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage as well.

This ARC was provided by the author and NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

I so love historical fiction because I learn so much about certain events. My father flew bombers in WWII so this timeframe is fascinating to me, and I knew very little about the Dutch resistance prior to reading this. The story of Ingrid and Gerritt is so heartbreaking, yet hopeful and encouraging, and shows the goodness of humankind in spite of atrocities happening around them. I can’t imagine surviving such loss, and it makes me grateful to be alive with all of the blessings of our world today. I also enjoyed the Heirs of Falcon Point, and Codes of Courage, so I was delighted to learn more of Ingrid’s story. Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communication I received a complimentary ARC copy without obligation to post a review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have you read Heirs of Falcon Point? Drop everything and go read it now if you haven't! It's an incredible book! Written by four authors who are all favorite authors of mine! There are branch off series for this initial book. A historical series (which is where this book falls into) and a contemporary series. They're all fantastic reads. The historical books follow the three children in the historical part of Heirs of Falcon Point. We get to follow their story to see what happens when they are separated from each other in fleeing their home during WWII. Then in the contemporary stories, we get to see their descendants' stories and glimpses of these three siblings.

Roads of Resistance follows the second sibling, Ingrid, and her escape that leads her into the Netherlands. I was on the edge of my seat reading this one. Not quite as much as the first historical book, Codes of Courage, but pretty close. I felt like I was there experiencing what Ingrid went through. Even though this is a fictional story, it is a historical fiction and portrays events that happened during WWII, and what many people went through. It was incredible to read about Ingrid and the many others around her finding ways to resist the enemy and find a way to help save and protect themselves and those who needed protection.

My grandfather and many great-uncles all served in the military during WWII. Reading books based on what they lived helps me understand to a small degree what horrors and struggles they witnessed and tried to fight against. I am in awe of those who fought for right and justice and for the lives of others.

Ingrid is rescued by Doctor van der Veen's daughter and grandson. He protects her and helps her during her healing. They take her in and they become family and experience many years of war together. I loved watching their relationships develop and the care they had for each other.

Gerrit is the doctor's grandson who helped rescue Ingrid but he's not sure about her and thinks she's a spy. But he was only visiting when she was found and they are separated for 4 years. When they meet again, it's pretty humorous. And watching them skirt around each other and not trusting each other until they finally make a connection and decide to be allies, then friends, then start to fall in love with each other. Of course there are many complications and a war happening and struggles that keep them apart in a sense. This book does have a sweet love story that spans the whole book, but it isn't necessarily the focus. So if sweet romance isn't your goal, but the historical aspects of the book, I think you'll really enjoy it. And if the sweet romance is your goal, it is a really sweet story that I loved watching unfold and separate and come back together.

I shed several tears and am still contemplating this time in history and those who experienced it. I spent the day with a dear friend a couple days ago. He is a WWII veteran and is 98 years old. We talked a little bit about him signing up for the war and those initial training moments and what he experienced. I'm so grateful for these servicemen and their families!

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril due to the historical time period. Some death. Some sweet kisses and nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Wow! There is so much in this book, that I honestly have no idea where to start.

If you have read any of the Falcon Point books, you will know that this books is about Ingrid, the eldest sister that was sent on an unknown train with the Gestapo following her during WW2. She has been stripped of he family and her home and is on her own. She ends up in the Netherlands and is ultimately taken in by a family. She heals from broken legs, changes her name, and works to help in her environment. She begins to help with the Resistance. She becomes an integral worker with other Resistance groups, with many consequences, good and bad.

This story covers much of the Resistance events in the Netherlands, the push and then fall back of Allies in the fall of 1844, the Hunger Winter when many. many people died, and ultimately freedom from the Nazi's. Like I siad, there is so much!

Ingid is a great character, she never stops trying, she is always vigilant in caring for those she loves. The side characters are alos great, Anita and Opa especially, who love her unconditionally, even though she isn't theirs. And then there is Gerritt, a grandson who comes to stay with them, as he is running from other Resitance activity. There is a lot of change in his character as the book progresses, and a lot of love for his family.

The theme of redemption and hope rings out throughout the book.

Wow! I am loving this series, and the historical side is blowing me away. There is so much detail in the relationships built, describing living through war time and explaining some of the trials of the time. There are so many heart wrenching moments, and yet they keep going because they have no other choice. I am so excited for the next book and to be able to follow this families story!