This book covers a different perspective on WWII since it takes place in Germany before the war started. It details the rise of the Nazis from the perspective of an American journalist working in Germany.

I received an advance e-copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review and the thoughts contained here are my own.

Sarah Sundin, the author of When Twilight Breaks, has penned an enjoyable standalone novel that focuses more on the historical setting of her story than on the emotional drama of her characters. This is something of a relief, because her previous series was focused on the emotional angst more then on the historical setting. Don't misunderstand, the stories were good, but this story has a different feel.

The leading lady is trying to prove herself as a reporter in a male dominated industry. This does present problems, but the story does not get lost in her struggles with this. Evelyn Brand is an interesting character that has some fundamental character flaws that make one wonder how she ever made it this far. As an example, she is frequently flapping her gums to people in public settings in Nazi Germany. Her topics would very obviously have gotten her and those listening into trouble. Discretion should have been something she learned early on it seems.

Other than that most glaring issue, the story itself was enjoyable to read. The character of Peter Lang is an obvious typecast of those who at first failed to recognize how truly dangerous and wrong the Nazi ideals were. His ideological transformation does summarize what must have happened to many during the pre-World War II days.

This story has some intense scenes, some mostly carefree young romance scenes, and some historically painful moments. Get ready to laugh, cry and agonize with Evelyn and Peter as they navigate the days of Hitler in Nazi Germany.

When Twilight Breaks
By Sarah Sundin
5 stars

*Book Blurb: Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed--and wake up the folks back home.
In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.
This electric standalone novel from fan-favorite Sarah Sundin puts you right at the intersection of pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping romance.*


Miss Sarah is the queen of World War II inspirational fiction. This is her first standalone and her first novel set before war breaks out. Evelyn and Peter are in the throes of Nazi Germany. On the brink of something they weren’t prepared for. As Germany becomes more controlling and commanding, the lengths that Evelyn and Peter must go to survive will have you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath. I liked the naturalness of their relationship. They had a mutual attraction that was blossoming into something more that was sweet. I was rooting for them the whole time. I definitely recommend this book! 5 Stars! I received a complimentary copy from Net galley. All opinions are my own.

The year leading up to World War II could hardly be classified as uneventful, but most individuals are unaware of the significant historic events occurring in Germany and the world in 1938. In When Twilight Breaks , Sarah Sundin gives her readers a ticket to experience the unrest, political pressure, and outright violence experienced on the brink of World War II. Although not part of a series, which is atypical for Ms. Sundin, When Twilight Breaks leaves a huge impact on its readers. I absolutely enjoyed this stand alone novel by Ms. Sundin and would highly recommend it! I honestly believe that the history in which this novel is placed is often overlooked by the general public and needs to be more commonly read, disseminated, and understood. The horrors and absolute evil displayed throughout World War II must be remembered in order that we not repeat the same travesties.
Before I get carried away into the historic context of this book, I must state that Ms. Sundin portrayed the struggles of a career-driven woman in a predominantly male controlled profession in a very honest and touching way. I am a huge fan of Ms. Sundin's works and I always appreciate how well developed and relatable her characters are. Ms. Sundin brings her characters through struggles that may be specific to the historic context, but are certainly applicable to readers of today's era. I appreciate the care that Ms. Sundin uses to portray the historic context as well as the sweet relationship development throughout the book. I was absolutely captivated by the struggles that the characters endured in this book as well as their fight for truth and justice. I appreciated the honest self doubts and criticisms that the main characters had to overcome as well as their fears and past sorrows. From start to finish, I completely enjoyed this work and would highly recommend it! Evelyn Brand also known as "firebrand" has recently become one of my favorite characters. I appreciate her drive, courage, boldness for truth and justice, as well as her love and compassion for others. Evelyn works as a foreign correspondent for America in Germany. Although stationed away from the major political events, Evelyn can't help but search out the stories that truly tug at the heartstrings of the readers. She uses means that may be unconventional, but bring out the truth of the situation, not afraid to break the rules.
Evelyn is used to being discounted amongst her peers, but she is determined to make her voice heard as she discovers more and more evidence of the growing injustice of Nazi controlled Germany. Evelyn must be cautious with her investigations and reporting. If the content of her articles are too negative towards Germany she runs the risk of offending the Nazi government which rules the land in which she is living. Would the Nazi government actually resort to threats, intimidation, or even expel Evelyn from the country if she writes the truth? Evelyn must decide if she will compromise on the truth and fail to give the oppressed a voice and alert the American public to the great oppression occurring in Germany or speak up and not only risk her career but also her very safety.
In an attempt to silence Evelyn's bold reporting, Evelyn's boss gives her an assignment that leads her to meet an American graduate student studying the German language, Peter Lang. Peter has already experienced great loss in his young life and has seen the depths and disorder that the Great Depression brought, leaving him craving order and possibly even prosperity and success. Peter has recently returned to Germany and is thrilled with the organization and wealth that the Nazi controlled government exudes. However, Peter is unaware of the brutally oppressive side of that same "progressive" group.
As Evelyn and Peter become friends, Peter's eyes are slowly opened to the oppression occurring all around him and spark his fight against this great injustice. Peter has a unique opportunity to be respected and trusted by many Germans in the Nazi party along with his newly developed friendship with Evelyn he decides to do something about the injustices before him. Peter starts to feed Evelyn insider information, becoming one of her most reliable sources on the true actions and plans of the Nazi party. Both Peter and Evelyn would be in grave danger if their true motives were discovered by those in power. Can they bring the truth to light? Can they awaken more in America and even in Germany to the darkness encroaching on the entire world? Will they be discovered and persecuted or even attacked? Can they survive this impossible situation? Read When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin to find out for yourself!
Disclaimer: Revell graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Americans living in Germany in the late 1930s had front-row seats as the country sped toward war. Evelyn Brand is a foreign war correspondent living in Munich, her hands tied as a woman in a man's world. Or maybe there's more than just her gender causing her boss to edit her stories to death. Peter Lang is a graduate student working on his dissertation and teaching American students how to speak the German language more fluently. He sees the benefits of the current German regime, as he values the order it brings to a country once chaotic and destitute. But he soon learns the price that this order demands.

I really wanted to give this book 5 stars while I was reading it. For the story alone, it's worth 5--the characters are engaging, the romance well-done, and the suspense is pulse-pounding. I sped through the book compared to my normal speed, wanting to see what the outcome would be. And the ending did not disappoint, wrapping up all storylines satisfactorily. But I had a few issues while reading it, and I felt they were worth a point detraction and that others should know about some of them.

The book made me a little uncomfortable or caused me to blush a few times in the second half with descriptions of physical or visual contact between the main characters. Nothing graphic by normal standards, really just skirting the line of what I am okay with in a Christian book, but I think there are some who would prefer to be aware of this in advance. The romance was overall well done and while certainly a big part of the story, not so in-your-face like most with the tag of romance. I liked it, but it was just a little descriptive here and there.

There were a few issues with perspective--in a book like this that has established the alternating perspectives between two characters, only changing when there is a scene or chapter break, a couple of times the perspective changed from one to the other mid-scene, which was jarring. Also, characters were speaking German, while we were reading it in English, yet the author continually sprinkled German phrases into the dialog. They were never more than I could understand from my years of German in high school and a little in college (except a few times that were also basically translated for us), but they were unnecessary given the context. Maybe they were just supposed to remind us that the characters were speaking German without having to constantly state it in the narration, but I personally would have preferred the simple reminder now and then.

Back to the positives, because I so loved the characters and story, I found Peter's starting viewpoint about the Nazi regime enlightening, as it shows how it's possible for intelligent, moral people to be pulled in by a bad ideology. His history, both personal and as it relates to Germany, as well as his position in the country at this time, allow him to see the positives...at least for a while. I also loved some of the side characters, the way the Americans' lives overlapped with the Germans', and the fact that the bad guys weren't only the Germans.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even with the few issues that I noted, I kept coming back to it in the last half, unable to put it down more than necessary. I'd previously read the Sunrise at Normandy trilogy by Sarah Sundin and loved it, so I'd say Sundin is effectively on my instant-read list. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction from this time period in the Christian romance genre.

I’ve reread Sarah Sundin’s first novel (A Distant Melody) so often that there are parts of it I could quote by heart. What I love about that story, and many of her books since, is that they remind me of the 1950s era WWII movies my parent’s loved. They are sweet, innocent, romantic and revolve around a simple, unabashed patriotism that is a soothing balm in these troubled times. When Twilight Breaks captures the spirit of some of the more adventurous of those films, highlighting that patriotism which puts the state before God is a dangerous form of idolatry.

It’s 1938 and Evelyn Brand is in Munich writing stories for the American News Service. As a woman in a man’s field she finds herself constantly fighting both offensive and defensive battles. She endlessly defends her right to be a correspondent and battles tirelessly to be given decent assignments and not just fluff pieces about how wonderful Germany is. Still, she makes the most of the opportunities she is given, and one of those opportunities is to interview Peter Lang, a grad student working on his PhD in German, for an article about Americans studying abroad.

Peter has been impressed with what he has seen in the first few months he has been in Germany. The streets are clean and orderly, the economy is thriving, the people are encouraged to be lean, strong and healthy (a personal passion of his) and best of all, the government has dealt harshly with the communist problem. Peter’s own father was killed by communists in Chicago and he can’t help but think that Germany’s devotion to law and order would have prevented such a tragedy from happening. He is delighted to meet with Evelyn, speak to her of his love of the country and ask the cute, feisty reporter on a date.

Evelyn likes Peter as a person but after a few outings, realizes that his view of Germany and hers not only don’t align, but are polar opposites. She sees what lies below the surface of Germany’s so-called law and order - repressed people, silenced dissidents and persecution of minorities. While she is determined not to date Peter, she does introduce him  to Herr Gold, a Jewish café owner whose baked goods are little slices of heaven. It is Herr Gold who is slowly able to awaken Peter to the tragedies happening right under his nose.

Once Peter is aware of what is occurring, he begins to pass information to Evelyn about issues being discussed at Nazi Party meetings and student union gatherings. He has been invited to attend these events since the people at the university appreciated his initial approval of their culture. But Peter and Evelyn are now involved in a dangerous game. It is important to Hitler that America not know about the cruelty of his regime - and it is important to Peter and Evelyn that everyone back home knows to fight against this horrible new power.

The tale breaks down into two different portions. Prior to Kristallnacht, it revolves around Peter and Evelyn getting to know each other as they live out their lives in the Germany of 1938. For Evelyn, that means fighting to receive decent assignments and also over how her boss edits her work. When he is called away unexpectedly and a different man temporarily fills his spot, Evelyn finally gets to write the kind of articles she wants. It makes her a rising star in the American journalistic world but the Gestapo takes a new and frightening interest in her work. It also means spending time with Peter, although she keeps him firmly in the friend zone. It’s not just because of their differing opinions about the Nazis. The men she’s dated in the past have all encouraged her to quit her job and be more “feminine” and she’s fought too hard and come too far in her career to give it all up for love. Peter hasn’t intimated that’s what he would want but she’s convinced  it’s just a matter of time.

For his part, Peter spends his time spying on ‘friends' he increasingly finds repugnant. The author does a nice job of using these characters to show the multifaceted nature of the Nazis. They were kind to each other, cordial and welcoming to folks like them, and had a deep love of and loyalty to their families and country. It wasn’t until you heard about how they treated the Jewish people or people that disagreed with them that you learned about the ugliness that lay beneath their polished exteriors. At first Peter also spends a lot of his time gently pursuing Evelyn. He isn’t pushy but he is persistent, letting her know he’s available if she ever changes her mind. Once he begins passing her information, they are careful to spend less and less time together since her pieces contain information he has provided and they want to keep the Gestapo guessing as to her possible source. All that changes after Kristallnacht, when the story becomes an adventure tale as our intrepid hero and heroine try to outwit their enemies and escape the nightmare Germany has become.

This is an inspirational novel, so God and faith are interwoven into the text. For Evelyn this subject is explored through her grappling with her deep desire to be independent and her need to learn to depend upon and trust in God. Peter has to come to terms with God’s mercy and how that supersedes law and order. Their growth in their faith plays an important part of their growth as people and as a couple.

Evelyn’s background contains what might be a hot button issue for some - in order to escape persecution her Jewish grandparents had converted to Christianity. The family moved to America from Germany, where it seemed they only tepidly followed their new faith. Her heritage was a non-issue in Evelyn’s life until she found herself in Germany, observing first-hand the consequences of the Nuremberg Race Laws, which concentrated not on belief but lineage. The book does deal with numerous other Jewish people - namely the Golds and members of their synagogue - without any mention of them converting to Christianity or Evelyn or Peter trying to evangelize them in any way.

This novel revolves around the relationship between Peter and Evelyn; all the action, and most of the conversations impact how these two relate to each other. That should have led to a rather romantic tale, but  thinking back on the book, I couldn’t remember any truly swoony moments. Their connection lacked romantic spark, and given how the book was about them falling in love, that was a pretty big glitch for an otherwise fascinating novel.

Quibbles aside, When Twilight Breaks is an enjoyable, fast paced read that captures an important moment in WWII history. This richly detailed historical adventure romance will be sure to thrill fans of Sundin’s work and be a hit with any fan of Inspirational WWII novels.

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A fascinating story set in Germany leading up to WWII. Two Americans demonstrate the different foreigner’s reactions to Hitler’s Germany before the war and end up learning together and changing each other in order to survive.

Peter is spending the year in Germany as a part of his research towards completing his PhD. He has a history of violence at the hands of communists and so he sees Hitler’s Germany with unity and no unemployment as the solution to America’s problems. Evelyn is a journalist, horrified by the new laws and the persecution that Peter doesn’t seem to notice. Fighting not only the limitations placed on her by her gender but the rewriting of her articles by her seemingly Nazi-sympathising editor, she also has a history of suitors trying to force her to fit the mould of the perfect housewife and subservient woman.

This story is not only unique in its perspective in the historical fiction genre, it’s also quite thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat. I only meant to start this book before bed and somehow have finished it in one sitting instead. The writing felt a bit awkward at times and there’s a whole lot of religion and discussion about God and church and prayer, but the story and the characters more than made up for it. I tried to keep in mind the time period in which this book was set and it helped make the bible-speak less grating. I was impressed with how wide the scope of this book was for less than 400 pages, the story covered a lot of important information and a lot happened within these pages.

I would definitely recommend this book to any historical fiction fans, any lovers of progressive (for the time period) romance novels, or anyone interested in the perspectives of Germans and foreigners in the years before WWII began. This book is full of small kindnesses making all the difference, acts of bravery in the face of overwhelming evil, and, of course, time for romance in the midst of running for your life.

Sarah Sundin has given us another amazing World War II novel.
Two very interesting characters make up a great storyline.
Evelyn is fighting her way through the “mans” world of being a woman news correspondence in the early days of Hitler’s rise to power. Her Jewish blood puts her in more danger as Jews are targeted, jobs taken, and they are sent to concentration camps.
Peter, has German relatives and grew up in the United States speaking both English and German. He is working on his PhD in Germany. Now he conducts studies teaching English speaking students how to speak German with a German accent and Germans to speak English with an English accent.
Thrown together, Peter and Evelyn are targeted and must leave Germany. Follow their harrowing journey. You won’t be disappointed.
The hard part was trying to enjoy this story. So much of what happened in WWII is happening now in America. Power of the press and media to censor the truth. Our liberty being taken under the guise of “for the good of the nation”. We are repeating history and so many don’t see it.

Sarah Sundin takes us to pre-war Germany to experience the life of female foreign correspondent Evelyn Brand in her gripping book, When Twilight Breaks. Evelyn is determined to cover the momentous events that are happening in Germany in spite of the "softball" articles she is usually assigned. There's nothing easy or fair about the way the American News Service bosses treat Evelyn as opposed to her male counterparts, but they don't call her "Firebrand" without good reason. When her truthful articles draw too much heat, Evelyn's American passport disappears, replaced by a German version stamped with a J, and she knows the Gestapo is after her. Desperate, Evelyn turns to German American compatriot, Professor Peter Lang. Is he just another man who wants to control her and keep her in her place, or is he a partner she can't afford to lose?

What an excellent book from Sarah Sundin! This was fascinating on so many levels. The characters are terrific and multifaceted. I loved how Evelyn and Peter both had strengths and weaknesses and experienced growth throughout the book, with Peter revising his political opinions and Evelyn learning to open her heart to both Peter and God. I also liked reading about both of their jobs; the details were so interesting! The plot was equally engaging and I couldn't wait to see how each scene would play out and how things would ultimately work out. Sundin also did a great job with the setting, showing so many details as the Nazis enacted more and more anti-Semitic laws and actions. There were so many things about the story that could relate to today's political climate, which could make for some particularly interesting book club discussions.
Really, really well done. I'm marking this as one of my best books of the year!
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for an ARC of this novel.
When Twilight Breaks is set in Germany just before the World War II is about to begin. This novel is about an American female journalist and an American professor and how their worlds collide during this unsettled time. Their ideology is very different but how the changing times bring them together essentially forms the crux of this novel. I have read many novels set during WWII but this one is set just before the war when journalists were still reporting from Germany. This novel is fascinating to read with plenty of suspense and is at the same time heart wrenching to read some incidents which changed the world. Definitely read it if you are a fan of faith and historical fiction.

This book follows our "heroin" as she deals with unfair treatment in the workplace and then on to escaping Nazi Germany to get back to America.

Evelyn Brand works at the ANS and is based out of Munich. She is sent to do a "softball" assignment and while following this story she is set up to interview Peter Lang. While interviewing Peter and getting everything needs from him for her work assignment, Evelyn learns that Peter is not the type of man that she thinks he is.

On their own path's, each believing in peace, justice, fairness, and law and order, Evelyn believes that the Nazi's are wrong, She is trying to bring this info to America when she phones in her stories each day. Her articles keep being edited to portray a happy and pleasing environment, when in fact she was writing of the struggles and problems. Peter see the Nazi's as keeping the peace and upholding the law. He is naïve and thinks that the system is working in a fair and equivalent manner. One day, he sees an arrest and learns the man was beaten and arrested for simply stating his opinion of Hitler.

As he grows to see wrong in the Nazi invasion and realizes how wrong he was about it all, she is learning how to prove herself and to get the real story printed. They are brought together to help one another bring the truth to light. Each believe in God to help them escape to the safety of America's shores so they may bring with them the truth of the invasion on Germany.

What an amazing book! I am completely blown away by Sarah Sundin’s newest novel, When Twilight Breaks. Set in 1938 Munich, Germany, right on the cusp of WWII, readers are engulfed in not only the political battle between Nazism and Democracy, but also for morality and justice. With beautifully complex characters, intense moral struggles, and a plot full of desperation amid a world gone mad, the book is utterly captivating.

Thought provoking and relevant to our world today, the pages are filled with truth and courage in the face of abso-lute injustice. Sundin has outdone herself with this book. In fact, I think it might be her best yet!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

EPIC. ELECTRIC. EXPOSE. This is not a book to be taken lightly. Sarah Sundin has once again proven herself a meticulous researcher and she has penned an epic, electric, expose set in 1938 Munich. This novel is intense and will leave you breathless on more than one occasion! She provides readers with two of her best developed characters in any of her series. Evelyn “Firebrand” Brand, and American foreign correspondent trying to prove her her worth in a male-dominated profession. It is her goal to report truthfully on the major stories and not just on “fluff stories” and she constantly puts herself in danger chasing her stories. Peter Lang, is an American Grad Student working on his PhD in German. He has witnessed the chaos caused by the Great Depression and thinks there may be some merit with the order and prosperity of German society until he witnesses brutality like he saw happen to his own father. These two complex characters meet and are quite intrigued with one another. They seem to cross paths often. Is it because Peter wants Evelyn to succeed? Before long they both find themselves at odds with and in danger from all that is going on in the city around them. Is there a way to escape? I have read all of Sundin’s novels and this may be favorite! I think it is different from her other works but I could not read it fast enough! One of my favorite aspects of this fantastic novel is the way that Sundin wound the heart-stopping romance throughout this very intense, literally run-for-your-life story! It is a love story for the ages! I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

WWII is a fascinating era to read and learn about. I like when authors mention the brutalities and repercussions of war as that it how it was...reality. But in addition to this the author focuses on love, trust and redemption. There is always hope.

Evelyn Brand, a young American news correspondent in Munich in 1938, is itching to prove to her boss and colleagues she is every bit as good as her male counterparts but is usually given the tamer stories to follow, though she does witness and write about the awful sights she encounters. She attempts to write unbiased articles about the goings on in Germany but finds her work "edited". As an American she need not follow German regulations...at least to begin with. Evelyn meets Peter Lang, a young PhD student studying German, also American. They are involved in their own work and (mis)adventures and harbour secrets and must decide whom to trust. We see glimpses of the treatment of the Jews and necessary caution in every step.

The story is beautifully written and moving and the Scripture inclusions done well. In my opinion parts of the story are quite predictable but I have been devouring WWII book after book like crazy! And I like unexpected twists. Still, this is a lovely book with a wonderful endearing message.

My sincere thank you to Revell and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

Sarah Sundin has done it again! When Twilight Breaks is an utter masterpiece, enthrallingly written and tantalizingly illuminating. This story kept my heart pumping and captivated me as very few other stories have been able to do.

Sundin’s characters are always expertly crafted, and When Twilight Breaks is an impeccable example of her talent. Evelyn and Peter both captured my heart, and their stories provided me countless opportunities for introspection. I was thoroughly invested in their struggles and devastations and hopes and dreams. The dangers they faced throughout the story and the reasons behind it often made me feel sick, but that is exactly how I was supposed to feel. Sundin has a uniquely refined talent for writing stories that inspire, educate, and keep the reader utterly riveted.

At times, When Twilight Breaks was quite difficult to read, with its parallels to our world today and the reminder of the horrific violence and injustices that targeted innocent people in Nazi Germany. However challenging it was to get through, I was deeply moved by Sundin’s masterful storytelling abilities and greatly encouraged in faith. The heart-stopping suspense and danger kept me on the edge of my seat, and treasures are found in every moment of the story.

Readers will absolutely not want to miss this unparalleled tale of love, faith, and danger in pre-WWII Nazi Germany. When Twilight Breaks will definitely be one of my top reads of the year, and I cannot wait for Sundin’s next novel! 5/5 stars

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

4.5*  Sarah Sundin has written a captivating tale that follows the challenges of a young female reporter trying to shed light on the rising problem of the Nazi party in 1938 Germany.  The plights of specific Jewish members of the community are highlighted in the narrative, as well as the challenges of getting accurate information safely from informants and then sending it out of the country without being censored.  The respect between the main characters is inspiring and their slow burn romance is a beacon in the story.  This clean romance highlighted the history from a fresh angle and was memorable.  I enjoyed the nuggets of wisdom, the symbolism and imagery throughout.

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

Fans of WW2 novels will want to grab this terrific read! Full of history, drama, action and a tender romance, set in turbulent 1938 pre-war Germany. It was hard to put down, as the tension gets tighter when the Nazi regime grows in strength, casting its net across Europe.

This book had me spellbound as the events leading up to war unfolded in the main characters' lives. The character development through it all was well done, changing both Evelyn's and Peter's outlooks. Their friendship grew into something strong and true, as they learned to lean on their faith and each other more through increasing peril around them. I liked how Evelyn realizes that she judges all men badly because of her past relationships. Leaning on God made her stronger, not weaker, and her prayers for help are answered in part through the provision of friends.
"God didn't create us to be completely independent, but interdependent. That's why he gave us friends."

What a scary place Germany must have been at that time! It was eye opening to read about the line of thinking, blaming Jewish people for society's problems, justifying violence, and Nazism. The mob violence reminded me of something out of today's news. The mini discussions about freedom versus order, and the need for balance, were thought provoking.

Highly recommend! Great read for fans of historical fiction with faith and a bit of romance. 5 stars!

I had a hard time putting When Twilight Breaks down. From start to finish this book was a gripping story set just as Nazi Germany was about to pounce on the rest of the world. Intrigue was at its highest and the pure hate deeply embedded within, showed its ugly head like a snake slithering into the very lives of the vulnerable. Sarah Sundin has done it again with her standalone novel When Twilight Breaks. Impeccable research with the gift of masterful writing, this reader was captivated by the story of Evelyn and Peter.

Unlikely as suitors, Peter and Evelyn are thrown into a whirlwind as danger escalates in Germany. Evelyn lived by a code she established as a woman correspondent trying to succeed in a world with doors open to men only. She was highly motivated to get the best stories and was very aware of the danger posed in Munich in 1938.

Peter was engaged in groundbreaking work in language studies at the university while pursuing his PhD. He fit into society, and was immune to the threat posed by the Nazi regime. After all, the overall country appeared to be doing so well since he visited as a youth. Nothing impeded his work and he enjoyed the freedoms he was accustomed to at home in America. However, once his eyes were opened to what lay beneath the prosperous land, he and Evelyn embarked on quite a gripping journey together. It was full of suspense that kept me turning pages to see how far they could go to escape the clutches of those who wanted to stop them.

What an amazing story. I recommend this to all who enjoy historical fiction mixed with a bit of suspense and romance. A five star book that is destined to become a bestseller.

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin's cover is one of my favorite covers so far for 2021. I LOVE this cover. It is a delight for my eyes and makes me want to dive into the story, which I truly did. Peter and Evelyn were strong vocal American characters stuck in the war-torn Germany with nothing to hold them back. They were trying to make a difference through writing and their teaching of the German versus English language. While the world around them changes and supports Hitler, they both realize the horrors of what is happening, and try to expose the weakness and horrors of Germany. The first half of the novel is getting to know these characters as they interact with Germany as Americans who really serve no loyalty to Germany. The second half is a predictable and overdone run for their lives story. This has happened in a number of World War II novel. Where the author shows the characters on the run from the horrors that are happening in Germany. They have to do whatever it takes to survive, and they fall in love in the process. Not that I don't enjoy Sundin's writing. Trust me. She is one of my favorite World War II writers, but the second half has been done, so I knew exactly where the story was headed before it arrived there. Sundin's writing and research is well done. Trust me. This won't make me pick up another Sundin novel. I'll keep reading them. Overall, Sarah Sundin crafted a World War II novel with action that has been seen and written before, but fans of Sundin will still enjoy the novel. At least, I did.

I received a complimentary copy of When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin by Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.