The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin ~ Book Review

 

About the Book 

Book: The Sound of Light

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: February 7, 2023

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.

My Thoughts

Wow! This was such a good book!! Last year I read When Twilight Breaks for book club. It was my first Sarah Sundin book and I was instantly hooked. This book was no different I absolutely loved it. Set in Denmark in the middle of the Nazi occupation. 

Immediately we meet Henrik Ashlefeldt who is a former Olympian and has turned his back as an aristocat in order to help out the resistance as the "Havmand" - merman- because he is a water courier between Denmark and Sweden. He disguises himself as a Polish man working on the shipyard to blend in. Else is a woman physicist from America who is treated with disdain by one of the men in the department she is working in. They both are such great characters and so very well written. You couldn't help cheering for them throughout the story. Their love story was sweet but there were moments where it is hard and heartbreaking.

There are some characters that you will absolutely loathe. The characters where you want to scream and throw the book against something. Yes, you will definitely experience that here in this book. I think its great that authors can do both types of characters so well and have us go on a rollercoaster of emotions. 

The side character of Laila in this story was an absolute love! I need a story on her... she was Else's friend and part of the resistance to help Jews. Being Jewish herself she helps those that need to escape  to safety. The best part about her is that she along with Hemming/Henrik guides Else to be brave and not stay silent. 

Overall I really enjoyed this story. Mrs. Sundin definitely has a great talent for writing Historical Fiction, especially when it comes to the War specifics. The faith thread was light but the themes of hope, faith and being the light remained strong throughout the storyline.

My Rating: 5 Stars/Absolutely Loved it

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. 

 

About the Author

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling author of The Sound of Light (February 2023), Until Leaves Fall in Paris (2022), When Twilight Breaks (2021), and four WWII series. Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Until Leaves Fall in Paris, received the 2022 Christy Award, When Twilight Breaks and The Land Beneath Us were Christy Award finalists, and The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award.

A mother of three, Sundin lives in Southern California and teaches Sunday school and women's Bible studies. She enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers' groups. Sarah serves as Co-Director for the West Coast Christian Writers Conference.