When Twilight Breaks is a historical novel set in Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American working in Munich as a foreign correspondent. She faces daily challenges as a woman in a male dominated field. She worries about her safety in Munich because she has Jewish ancestry. Through her work, Evelyn meets an American graduate student, Peter Lang. They form an uneasy friendship/flirtation. When tensions build in the city, Evelyn and Peter must work together to protect their Jewish friends, to safely spread the word about what they are witnessing, and to try to remain safe.

I wanted to read this novel because I love Sarah Sundin's books. She is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I also found it appealing that this book is a standalone read.

I think of Sarah Sundin first when I think of 1940's/World War II historical fiction. The historical details in her books are so beautifully researched and she has such a gift at bringing this time period to life. For instance:

"Tuesday, May 10, 1938. The bells of the glockenspiel tinkled their tune from the balcony of the town hall as wooden figures jousted and rolled out beer barrels. Peter would never tire of the show at the Neues Rathaus or the wonder on the faces of those who filled the Marienplatz. Like the little towheaded boy tugging on his hurried mother’s hand and tripping over his feet trying to watch. The wooden rooster crowed three times, and the crowd went on its way. So did Peter. He always timed his walk to the Gärtnerplatz so he passed through the Marienplatz when the glockenspiel played" (eBook location 1196).

This was a fascinating story. Evelyn is such a strong, determined person. I cannot imagine the courage it took her on a daily basis to report from Munich on the cusp of World War I, especially as a woman with a Jewish background (three of her grandparents were Jewish but she was raised Christian).

Peter evolved a great deal as a character in this book. He also grew into a character with great bravery and determination. I loved his quiet strength and the way he always was supportive of Evelyn and her work, at a time when this often was not the case.

This is a very suspenseful novel! I flew through it in a weekend because I couldn't put it down. I cannot recommend When Twilight Breaks highly enough for fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone who is interested in the World War II period. This is sure to be one of my top 10 reads of the year.

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin – Mixed Feelings


I love reading Sarah Sundin’s historical fiction novels and that’s why I was excited to read her newest book When Twilight Breaks. This story starts before the beginning of World War II. Unlike her earlier WWII novels, this story is not focused on characters in the military.

Evelyn Brand is an American correspondent for American News Service based in Munich, Germany in 1938. She has a few strikes against her, she’s a woman, young, and will do whatever it takes to get a story. Evelyn wants to expose the truth of what’s she’s seeing no matter whose toes she’s stepping on. Denied the opportunity to go where the action is at, Evelyn was sent to do a softball story about American students and their experiences at the University of Munich. It’s there that Evelyn meets Peter Lang who is working on his Ph.D. in German. Evelyn and Peter couldn’t be much different. He appreciates what he sees in Germany, the changes that have happened since 1932 with prosperity, no unemployment, seemingly secure and very orderly. Peter takes a fancy to Evelyn, though it’s not mutual, he is not easily deterred.

I struggled a bit with this book. Evelyn’s character was rather off-putting. She came across as judgmental and a know-it-all. I felt like I was reading a story with a modern-day woman being put in the middle of a story in the 1930’s. Something that’s common in today’s movies and TV shows is to portray men as being inferior to women. I almost felt like that was what I was seeing and it surprised me in a book from an author who is Christian. Evelyn was shown to have the moral high ground in recognizing the wrong road Germany was headed down. Peter was depicted as someone who was somewhat blind to the changing atmosphere in Germany.

My favorite character was Peter. Though he was slow to start seeing the growing threat to Jewish people in Germany, once he recognized it, he didn’t hesitate to try to help people who were being victimized. He was kind, caring, patient, and ready to put his life on the line and risk everything he had worked for to help a friend in need.

I did like the secondary characters, Evelyn’s friend Elizabeth White, Herr Gold and Peter’s friends the Schreiber family, and Paul and Simone Aubrey. There were some heartwarming and good surprises about friends as well as vile words and behavior from so-called friends.

Regarding the Christian faith, there wasn’t a lot about faith included in When Twilight Breaks. It was “Christian lite” on the substance of faith and the Gospel was not shared. I think the book would have been richer if that element of the story had been developed.

The views of men and women in this book seem to reflect a more secular view from today’s culture. I was pleasantly surprised by the change in Evelyn. At first, she seemed selfish and ready to put people at risk for her cause, but later she learned the importance of being interdependent and putting others first.

It was somewhat eerie reading about the growing intolerance for people who were deemed inferior since we are beginning to see that in our own Country. A good warning to not go down that path.

I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked the character Peter and grew to appreciate Evelyn’s passion to get the truth out about what was happening in Germany. It made me think about what it must have been like for the people living in Germany, both the Jewish people who were being persecuted and the German citizens who saw what was going on. I found it both sobering and terrifying.

I wasn’t keen on the feminist aspects of this book, especially in light of it being written by a Christian author and published by a company that publishes Christian books and authors.

Would I recommend When Twilight Breaks? I like Sarah Sundin’s writing, she’s a good storyteller. However, I think this book was not as good as some of her other books because of what felt like a feminist agenda as opposed to telling a story. It was informative, disturbing, and interesting to see the progression of Germany going down the wrong road.

I would like to thank Revell Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Sarah Sundin has long been my go-to author for Christian fiction set during or around WWII. "When Twilight Breaks" is no exception, and--in my very humble opinion--is one of her best works yet. She has created a compelling read with fascinating, complex characters, and really delves into the psychology of the times even more than in her other works. I was so intrigued by the characters' thoughts and beliefs--and how some of those changed over the course of the read. Sundin doesn't shy away from tough topics, that's for sure!

This was also interesting to read right now, frankly, as our present-day world is undergoing changes of its own. "When Twilight Breaks" reminds me of God's power, trustworthiness, and omniscience even as things shift around each of us--whether politically, relationally, or pandemically (is that a word? Can it be a word?).

Fantastic and highly recommended.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Sarah Sundin has once again penned a magnificent historical fiction story, this time set in Munich, Germany right before the start of WWII. Rich in historical detail and populated with colorful, realistic characters, this book grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go.

I admired Evelyn’s tenacity and drive as she attempted to get material for her job as an American newspaper correspondent. Spurned and thwarted by some of the male journalists, she had to work twice as hard to show her worth. Peter Lang, an American graduate student working on his PhD in German, was kind and friendly. It was interesting to see his attitude toward the German regime change when he saw increasing brutality against the Jews. I enjoyed also seeing Evelyn’s changing attitude toward Peter.

Sundin is a master at making history come alive, and her obvious deep historical research and background always show in her portrayals of life during these slices of history. Uplifting messages of hope, courage, and standing for the right are intricately woven into the tale.

“Even in the darkest night, the stars always shine.”

With plenty of suspense, intrigue, and a dash of romance, this book will appeal to those who enjoy magnificent historical fiction. I’m looking forward to more from this talented author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

From the first line through to the end, this book is a beautiful weaving of what it was like in Munich as tensions mounted. The characters are the best with real internal conflict that propels the story forward. And the romance is sweet, realistic, and ends with one of the best tropes ever -- I don't want to tell you which one, because I don't want to spoil this beautiful book for you.

Sarah Sundin has a new standalone novel and it was an intriguing read!

An American writer in Germany at the start of World War II, Evelyn Brand is looking to make her way in a male-dominated profession. Also in Munich is American Peter Lang, working on his PhD in German, studying the transfer to American accents when speaking German and German accents when speaking English. As their paths meet and cross and tensions with the war heat up, the two Americans get into more danger than they realize.

I enjoyed the two storylines in this book between the main characters; it reminded me a little of the PBS show “World on Fire” and I would be interested in watching this book made into a movie or TV show as well. While it wasn’t my favorite plot, the characters were so interesting that I kept reading for their sakes’. Overall, it was a good read for anyone looking for a historical romance set in World War II.

Thank you to Revell and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*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.*

When Twilight Breaks is a compelling tale of freedom filled with suspense and intrigue.

This is by far my favorite Sarah Sundin novel. A bit different from her usual novels featuring military men and their sweethearts, When Twilight Breaks still has her signature characterization and compelling narrative that pulls you into the story.

In her other novels, a lot of the action comes from battle scenes. This novel, however, does not have your typical battlefield. Instead, you have two Americans engaged in espionage as they try to expose the Nazi regime. And that comes with plenty of suspense and intrigue.

I enjoyed watching Evelyn and Paul’s relationship develop as they worked together. They’re both fun characters by themselves, but together, they’re incredible. Such great banter and chemistry. I loved Evelyn’s spiritual arc about her need for God. And Paul has this great arc as he comes to terms with his father’s death.

Perhaps what I enjoyed much was how this novel makes you think. Evelyn and Paul have great discussions about freedom and law and order. Not only do they discuss this when comparing America to Nazi Germany but also in relation to God.

I’d be remiss, however, if I didn’t mention the extraordinary detail Sundin includes. I can always tell when reading her novels that she’s done an incredible amount of research. And she uses it well by crafting rich settings and detailed imagery.

Overall, When Twilight Breaks is an engaging tale perfect for romance fans and history buffs alike.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

I love WWII era books so I was excited to read this new Sundin.

Unfortunately the first half moved super slow for me. I got really bogged down by all the details and so many events and characters.

But once the tension picked up and the adventure started I got more into the story and more invested in the characters.

I loved all the linguistic parts of the book. I was intrigued with how he trained people to speak without accents. As a language teacher I really related to him. I also really enjoyed how Peter pursued Evelynin his own way.

Evelyn really annoyed me in the first half, but as I got to know her and some of her background I liked her more. I did relate to her independent side

There were a couple really good twists in this book that I wasn't expecting.

Overall it was a good read once I got into the story.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review

“If a man hunts down a lead, he’s called bold. I’m called pushy. If a man finds an unconventional way to get a story, he’s called clever. I’m scolded for breaking the rules.”

Evelyn Brand is a foreign correspondent for American News Service working in 1938 Munich. Peter Lang is a PhD student from Harvard teaching German to American exchange students in the same city. When their paths cross, Evelyn takes an instant dislike to Peter, despite how attractive she finds him. He seems to have a positive opinion on Nazi policies, admiring the order and prosperity Hitler has brought to German society.

At the beginning of the book, Evelyn is struggling to make a name for herself despite the sexism embedded in the foreign correspondence scene. Peter is struggling to have his dissertation topic accepted by his supervisor in Munich. As their lives intertwine, they find themselves with much larger issues.

As Hitler’s anti-semitic policies ramp up, Peter realizes he was completely wrong about this new regime. He decides to use his personal relationships with Nazi supporters for good, at his own risk. Evelyn finds out she is three quarters Jewish—contrary to what she had previously been told by her grandmother—and begins to worry for her safety.

I read this book in two days because it was impossible to put down. It got pretty intense at times. I fell in love with the characters, so seeing them in danger was difficult! Definitely recommend this to all historical fiction lovers, especially those who loved The Berlin Girl and are looking for more like it.

I’ve been meaning to read a Sarah Sundin book for a while, and I’m happy that I finally got around to it with her newest release, When Twilight Breaks. The book follows Evelyn, a reporter, and Peter, a grad student, both Americans in Munich a few years before war breaks out. The novel includes such events as the Munich Conference and Kristallnacht.

The story is somewhere in the middle of historical fiction and historical romance. The book is skillfully written and the characters were likeable and clever and went through satisfying changes throughout the course of the story. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy Christian Fiction set during WWII with a mix of romance and history.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the copy I read.

Title: When Twilight Breaks
Author: Sarah Sundin

Ch: 47

Pg: 384

Genre: Christian Historical fiction with a hint of romance , war-omance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell



Wow. Now that that’s out of the way let’s get to the review. When Twilight Breaks is Sarah Sundin’s newest novel. That is slightly out of her WWII wheel house. But I loved that this one was set in Germany prior to WWII. Evelyn Brand is an American news reporter who just wants to write the truth. Peter Lang is a German PhD student from the US studying in Munich.


I will say that while I loved this one it’s not an easy read as it deals with a horrible time in history. What makes the story come alive is that one of the main characters is three quarters Jewish and they live in fear of the German anti-Semitic laws. Have tissues handy.


Pete Lang is my kind of historical hero who knows that the heroine can handle herself but he just wants to support and help her not take it away from her. And the fact that he’s a little nerdy doesn’t hurt.


Evelyn’s personality and the cover the woman in the blue coat and red hat gives this marvel nerd slight Agent Carter vibes and I loved this.


When I got to 60% of the book i ended up staying up in order to finish because I had to know what happened. It made me a happy reader but not a happy worker at work the next morning but it was worth it.


What When Twilight Breaks gave me was something I didn’t know I need as a book trope a marriage of necessity not convenience . Which I guess is something she also have us in The Land Beneath Us. Even though I’ve only read four of Sarah’s books this is one of my favorites and it’s easy to say she is indeed the queen of war-mance. I can’t wait for Sarah’s next book to release but I also still have her back list to get through to hold me over.



I received a complimentary copy When Twilight Breaks from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.



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.

nyone that has read any of Sarah Sundin’s books knows she is a gifted wwll writer. She has an almost magical way of weaving stories together and blurring the lines, making you feel like you’re not reading about it, but living it. Living history. Living countless untold stories of everyday heros.

Peter and Evelyn are some of the best characters I have encountered. I loved how real and open they were, everyday people with big struggles and doubts. Peter’s desire to make his mark on the world and his battle with forgiving those who have wronged him. Evelyn’s will to be her own person and overcome the hurdles women faced in a man’s field...realizing she could depend on God always and not just in the especially hard times. Their growth throughout the story was steady and believable, a slow softening of the heart as many of us can relate to and one of the sweetest relationships to watch unfold. Nothing about this story was rushed or hurried, yet I still didn’t want it to end.

Munich, 1938...this is definitely a plot line more suspenseful than Sarah’s previous stories. Misguided people, hatred driven plots, unsuspecting victims...I often found myself either at the edge of my seat or at the edge of tears. As always, this story was well thought out and researched, artfully woven together to form a breathtaking story.

When Twilight Breaks is a treasure that should be savored and is, in my opinion, one of Sarah’s very best works. This is one novel on my bookshelf that I know will be read again and again!

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own.

Another good book by Sarah Sundin.
I wasn’t sure at first but the more I read, the more I didn’t want to put it down. There is so much for us to learn about WWII and what the Jewish people went through. Thank you Ms. Sundin for another viewpoint.

While this is clearly a Christian romance novel and it somewhat fits within the WWII historical fiction genre's tendency to have one-dimensional villains, Sundin adds a lot of historical detail and a certain amount of psychological complexity with a main character who doesn't realize the evil around him at first.
Limited a bit by the subgenre, but goes as far as it can go within those limitations to create a compelling story.

I rate this book 5 stars.

The author does a wonderful job of describing the events that happened in Germany in 1938. I have read other books by Sarah Sundin and she is tremendously talented and dedicated to her research.

Evelyn Brand is a foreign correspondent for The American News Service. She does not shirk from tough assignments, but her supervisor, George Norwood, likes to give her superficial and easy assignments because she is a woman in a man's world. Evelyn wants to prove to George and her coworkers that she is just as tough and formidable as those men. Evelyn likes to wear red to stand out in a crowd. She is very independent and has been burned in romance in the past by three men. These men tried to tame her and she would not bend to them! It is very hard for Evelyn to get past these relationships and therefore, she really doesn't trust men to love her.

Peter Lang is a dedicated teacher of how to speak the German language properly. This is very hard for an American to conquer especially because of umlauts. Peter doggedly works and records his advancements with his students at the university. Peter is enamored with the progress that Germans have made in overcoming the depression.

Peter tries over and over to win Evelyn's love. Evelyn keeps Peter at a distance. They enjoy the banter that they have with each other, but that is all Evelyn is able to offer Peter. Peter is haunted by the cruel death of his father. Evelyn and Peter need to overcome the past and move on to the present.

So much history of this time period is mentioned and a person who likes to read historical events will be fascinated and shocked by the endless attempts of Hitler to get more and more power. What a sad time for the Jewish people and this is just the beginning of the hatred that Hitler has against the Jews.

There is a lot of betrayal mentioned in this book. It must have been very hard to trust because you never knew who would betray you. There is a lot of drama and danger and it builds throughout the story. Wow! Thank you Sarah Sundin for a great book. I will remember the events mentioned and the characters you created in this novel.

"This book was provided courtesy of Revell and NetGalley, through Interviews & Reviews."

The story opens in Germany in 1938. Evelyn Brand is working as a foreign correspondent for an American news service. She is very good at what she does, but her supervisor is editing her work so much that she almost doesn't recognize her work. Assignments of substance are given to male coworkers. Even though she is frustrated, she continues to try to make her voice heard during this tumultuous time in Europe. She wants to write about what is truly happening in Germany. Peter Lang, also an American, is working as a teacher in a German university. He has found much to his liking in Germany. The order appeals to him. When the two meet, Peter finds Evelyn to be interesting. Evelyn is not in the market for a relationship and she decides early on that Peter is not for her because of their differing views. Even though a romantic relationship does not appear to be in their future, dramatic and terrifying events throw them together.

The author has created a fascinating story of intrigue, danger and love in the back drop of pre WWII. Even though the story is set over the course of less than a year, it is filled with a lifetime of occurrences. History is brought alive as the characters find themselves in situations that force them to take a deeper look at who they are and who they want to be. The author has created fascinating protagonists who in the face of great danger take huge personal risks in order survive and to help others. The plotting is excellent and the narrative is tense and action packed. There are surprises, deceptions and change. All the components of the story come together to form a compulsively readable page turner. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my

Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite WWII authors. I have read most every book that she has written, “The Land Beneath Us” being my favorite. However, after reading “When Twilight Breaks,” I may have a new favorite! This book opens in Berlin, Germany, March 15, 1938. 26-year-old Evelyn Brand, journalist at the American News Service (ANS), is tired of receiving mediocre assignments just because she is a woman. She is an accomplished, self-reliant writer and has much to give if only her boss would give her a chance.
Her boss gives her the “prestigious” assignment of writing a feature on the American students at the University of Munich and their experiences in Germany thus far. But she can only portray Germany in a good light, all the while knowing that something much darker and more sinister lies beneath the façade of German nationalism and pride of country. Hitler is in charge and things are about to go from bad to worse.
27-year-old Peter Lang is a graduate student at the University of Munich working on his PhD. in German linguistics. He is an American who is proud of how Germany has come back from the effects of WW I and is rebounding in their economy and strength while America is struggling through the Great Depression.
Evelyn and Peter meet for an interview and there is a spark between them, yet Evelyn is upset by how Peter is blinded by what he believes Germany is and sees so very little of what is really going on. The Jewish people are losing more and more rights every day and the voice of the people is disappearing.
Through a series of events, Peter finally sees what is happening in the Germany that he loves.
Evelyn learns a secret that puts her life in danger.
Evelyn must learn to lean on Peter and vice versa as they realize how much danger they are in and can’t get out of Germany. Things spiral out of control and head to an unforgettable climax.
I couldn’t put this book down! I was hooked from the opening chapter until the final word. Ms. Sundin has such a way with words that it made me feel as though I were right there in the thick of things- feeling every emotion, seeing every event happen. Danger, courage, love, betrayal, and forgiveness were at the heart of this book. I look forward to Ms. Sundin’s next book with great anticipation and excitement! Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for giving me an ARC of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

When Twilight Breaks is the first book that I have read by Sarah Sundin, but I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Sundin has written several series, but When Twilight Breaks is a stand-alone novel. I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, so I am very picky about which books I read, but this one was extremely well-written and interesting.

Evelyn Brand is a strong female character, as seen from this line, "Evelyn Brand had done a crack bit of journalism, and she hadn't even had to dress like a man to do so." Evelyn is a female journalist, in the late 1930s, which is a male-dominated career path. She is a foreign correspondent stationed in Munich, Germany, and determined to tell the truth about the Nazi situation in Germany. Evelyn has been hurt by men in her past and has serious trust issues. Most men want her to be silenced, and even in her field of work, her voice gets silenced and the men make cracks about how she should be at home. Evelyn is extremely brave and resilient, working hard to uncover and report the truth.

Peter Lang is also in Germany, working on his Ph.D. in German, by teaching American students how to sound fluent in German. He is working on his dissertation, but he is also discouraged from continuing in the direction he is going. Peter is enchanted about how orderly Germany is and wants more places to be run like Germany is run. In a series of eye-opening events, Peter comes to terms with what he thought he knew and reality. Peter is a great character with lots of depth.

Peter and Evelyn meet when Evelyn is assigned a "softball" assignment and Peter's job is to essentially babysit her. While they are drawn to each other on their first meeting, neither one is looking for a relationship. Plus, Evelyn has issues with Peter's enchantment of the Nazis.

I loved this story. I enjoyed the witty banter between Evelyn and Peter. It was refreshing that they did not immediately fall in love but instead developed a beautiful friendship. Their friendship has quite a few rocky moments but seems to come out stronger after each test. Eventually, it is put to the ultimate test and Evelyn has to decide if she can trust Peter or if he is like every other man that has hurt her.

When Twilight Breaks is masterfully crafted, with love, intrigue, mystery, and danger woven throughout its pages. It has something for everyone! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading Historical fiction, suspense novels, books with light romance, or just a great novel! I cannot say enough good things about When Twilight Breaks. The only downside for me was having to read it over multiple days because real life kept getting in the way of my reading! This is one that you will want to devour in one sitting.

Thank you to Revell and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review, but am more than happy to do so. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The leading voice in WWII books has done it again. When you think of reading this genre of book Sarah Sundin is the author you think of.
Her meticulous research makes for an authentically WWII era placed book.
Brilliant writing style had me immersed from the start in this atmospheric historical brought grandly to life by the author.
Just the right amount of danger is woven into this romantic suspense taking place in Munich,Germany in 1938.
I eagerly look forward to whatever she publishes next..

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

When Twilight Breaks is the latest tale from Sarah Sundin. The year is 1938 and WWII is about to begin. When Evelyn Brand is shut down for trying to do some hard reporting on Hitler's activity in Germany, she is instead given a less serious assignment about student life at German universities!

Once Evelyn arrives in Munich, she begins by interviewing American professor, Peter Lang, a man who is trying to complete his PhD in German. These two could not be more opposite!

After Evelyn learns that three of her grandparents are Jewish, almost immediately her life becomes full of danger and fear. Watch as Evelyn and Peter search to find a safe exit from the violence-filled land!