The story opens in April of 1940 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt is not happy with who he has become. He is a playboy, and he has no purpose. The Germans have occupied Denmark. When his friend offers him a chance to help his country he takes it and as a result he changes. He takes on a new identity as a laborer and it is this version of himself that Dr. Elsebeth, ""Else", Jensen meets in 1943. He is attracted to her but cannot reveal who he really is and that he is part of the Resistance. Else finds him to be a simple, shy, uneducated and kind man. Despite what she thinks are their status differences are, she is attracted to him, too, but sees no future for them. When she unexpectedly becomes part of the Resistance, too, their lives and relationship changes.
The author brings alive a little-known part of history. Impeccably researched and vividly rendered, this is an immersive novel. This is a serious story that focuses on the fragility and wonder of unlikely relationships especially during the most difficult of times. The protagonists undergo major changes as they realize the unique resources they have within themselves. In spite of ever-present danger, they strive to do what is necessary for the greater good no matter the personal risks.
I found this to be an impactful work of historical fiction. Highly recommended.

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

Sarah Sundin never ceases to amaze me with her World War 2 knowledge. Just when you think she must have run out of ideas she comes up with a completely unique storyline set in Denmark during the war.
Elsa is a brilliant scientist. Hemming just a sweet simple man she falls for. Henrik...
Lila is a Jew and you can guess some of the story. Except most of the twists and turns are impossible to guess. It's so exciting and the ending is very satisfying where we get to see the couples from the other three in the trilogy. I loved this trilogy so much!

The Sound of Light is right up my alley. I really enjoy historical fiction about lesser known aspects or events. The book is set in Denmark during WWII. The Danish government cooperated with Nazi Germany while occupied in order to prevent suffering for its people. Its people, however, were not willing to stand by and do nothing.

Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt is an olympic rower and a disgraced son of a noble. He is thought to have run off to Sweden. Dr. Else Jensen is an educated Danish-American physicist working at a prestigious research institute. Our protagonists live at the same boarding house and are involved in different aspects of the resistance movement. Henrik is posing as Hemming, a working class man. Else knows nothing of who Hemming really is. One day Else and Hemming cross paths at a small town church while visiting family at the coast. Their secrets start to unravel as their affection grows.

The plot was well paced and interesting. The main focus was really on relationships and characters. I love how the Christian faith is handled. Both Else and Henrik grow in their faith and their walk with the Lord while facing some really challenging moral dilemmas. While not perfect, they come off as real and genuine and trying to do the right things.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already recommended it to friends. I will be seeking out more Sarah Sundin books to enjoy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for providing this ebook for review.

Sarah Sundin is a favorite historical fiction author of mine and her newest book, The Sound of Light did not disappoint. What a wonderful story of the German occupation of Denmark during WWII. Sundin gives her readers vibrant characters, poignant history and a gentle romance. With a masterful pen and elegant characterization, the reader is ushered into the wartime efforts of resistance the Danes exhibited as the author seemingly effortlessly created intricate word-pictures. The story evokes deep-set emotions through the lives of these characters and their setting. I don't think I've ever read a WWII story set in Denmark and was completely drawn into Else and Henrik's story. Readers who enjoy historic romance will not want to miss Sound of Light. I read a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

The Sound of Light is a beautiful and inspirational story of WWII. It takes place in Denmark, and features the stories of the brave men and women who risked their lives to save the Jewish population of Denmark.

Here are some of the things I loved most about this book:
- The main characters and their growth throughout the story. They discovered the strength they had within to lead, serve, and love.
- The people of Denmark were amazing. They saved thousands of lives with the quick, brave actions.
- The connection to The Little Mermaid fairy tale. This important part of Danish culture was beautifully tied in to the story
- I even enjoyed the scientific aspects of the story. I am not a scientific person at all, but it was fascinating to see how refugee scientists were still trying to advance their work during wartime.

I highly recommend this inspirational story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction! It is now one of my favorite WWII novels!

Thank you to NetGalley, Revell Publishing, and Sarah Sundin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions!

4.5 stars

The Sound of Light was a great WWII historical novel. I had a difficult time getting into the book (restarted it a couple times) and finally listened to the audio book (along with a combination of reading/listening), which helped me quite a bit. I think it was the Danish words that made it difficult to get into initially.

However, once I got partway into the book, I was hooked! I loved the characters and how brave they were. I felt for them and the danger they were facing. The romance was really good and I loved how it slowly progressed.

All in all, after a bumpy start, I ended up loving The Sound of Light and recommend it to fans of the genre. The teaser for Sundin's next book has me REALLY intrigued and I cannot wait to read it.

*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.*

Sarah Sundin has long been my favorite WWII author and she is still going strong.

This new book The Sound of Light is an edge of your seat romance that will keep you up all night long. I found myself very invested in Henrick and Else love story. In Denmark the underground is going strong but these two seem destined to find each other but when the gestapo come knocking will their love survive?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

I love reading historical fiction involving WWII. This book takes place in Denmark during that time. Not knowing anything about Denmark in the war, it was interesting to read what Germany did to the people of the country and how the people responded to attempt to thwart Germany’s efforts. This story focusses on the resistance efforts of some of the characters and how those efforts affected both their lives and the lives of those they helped.

I received an advance e-copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin is a WW2 story that is beautifully told. The setting is Denmark which was supposed to be a neutral country. Germany invaded Denmark to gain entry to Norway. There were two friends who were against the occupation of their country. One chose to escape to Sweden while Henrik who rowed him to Sweden, remained behind and assumed a false identity as a simple laborer, while secretly working for the resistance. He transferred intelligence from Denmark to a church in Sweden. Hemming previously known as Henrik found lodging at a boarding house where he met two young ladies. Dr Else Jennings an American was a Physics assistant. Her friend Laila was a Jewish young girl who was printing a newspaper for the resistance. When Germany declared martial law they wanted to round up the Jews to put in concentration camps. Several Danish families hid the Jews while Hemming rowed as many as possible to. Sweden. Meanwhile the friendship deepens between Hemming and Else. I don't want to spoil the story so this book was released February 7,2023
Please give this wonderful, rich book a read. I received this book from NetGalley.

This was a great read. I took this book on vacation with my family recently, and loved having something both interesting and gripping to read while I was away. I’ve been an avid history fan for many years now, and it turns out I haven’t read many books set in Denmark—and even fewer set during World War II! Some of the customs described here were fascinating, as well as the general overall details of what Denmark may have been like back at that time. As has happened every time I’ve read about people in the resistance, I came away marveling at the courage and determination of different ones who did their best to stand up against evil and protect innocent people.

The history side of this book was excellent. I also enjoyed the physics that was part of the story, and the romance was very sweet. This was a gripping read, one I thoroughly enjoyed. If you like well-written books that involve a lot of history, some adventure and danger, and romance, this would likely appeal to you.

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

I really enjoyed the characters of Hemming and Else. Hemming portrays himself as someone illiterate and a dock worker in order to aid the resistance movement. This is not who he is really he, but he knows he can’t continue rowing messages between Sweden and Demark if his true identity is known. Else is a physicist working at the university in Denmark and battles with deciding whether or not to work with the resistance group. She asks herself, ‘was it right to do wrong to do right?’ Hemming and Else meet at the boarding house they are living at and a friendship develops between them. I loved how Hemming was able to encourage Else to speak up for herself when she had an issue with a co-worker. Once she embraced the courage needed for this particular confrontation she was able to discover more courage within herself and able to do much more than she ever thought she could. I loved watching Else fall in love with Hemming by seeing his true character rather than for who he appeared to be or what he had. She loved him for him, not because of his possessions. I really enjoyed seeing the courage and bravery shown by Hemming, Else and the fellow Danes to stand up against the Germans. So many people risked their lives to save the lives of the Jewish people. Some of the scenes in the last half of the book were a little bit hard to read and had me wincing with pain, but I loved the way things turned out. I do wish we could have spent a little more time in Sweden and America though. There is a moment at the very end that made me smile, I said to myself that’s so cool.

The Sound of Light is Sarah Sundin’s eighteenth WWII-set novel and her experience, and historical knowledge is abundantly evident in this tale, one that highlights how love can give us the courage to shine in even the darkest times.

The night the Germans arrive in Denmark, Henrik Ahlefeldt is celebrating his birthday with friends. Once a champion rower and Olympic hopeful, he has fallen into the rather dissolute playboy lifestyle so common among wealthy young men of his time. The sound of the Nazis’ marching boots proves to be his wake-up call. That very night he sheds his previous identity to become shipyard worker Hemming Andersen. In this guise, he rows intelligence and messages from occupied Copenhagen to his contacts across the water in Sweden.

Dr. Else Jensen is an American physicist with Danish roots. She refuses to leave Copenhagen when the Nazis arrive, determined not to abandon either her research or her grandparents. She enjoys what she does, even if she doesn’t love the sexism she faces from the men she works for, and she loves hanging out with her friend Laila at their boarding house. Mostly a place for students and researchers, their after-work conversations during dinner and later, in the parlor sitting near the fireplace, are lively and educated.

It surprises everyone when their landlady allows shipyard worker Hemming Andersen to move into the attic room. A quiet man with gentle manners that belie his huge, gruff exterior, he blends surprisingly well into the tenant’s little clique, silently whittling during the others’ animated discussions about science. It isn’t long before Else comes to consider him a friend, albeit one very different from the others in her circle.

As the days of occupation turn into months and then years, Else notices a growing frustration in Laila. It doesn’t surprise Else when that frustration turns to action, and Laila starts to distribute resistance newspapers, and Else surprises herself by becoming involved in the project. Using the mimeograph machine at the lab, Else does the printing for one of the periodicals, reveling in this chance to strike back against the oppressive forces sweeping across Europe. Her own clandestine behaviors lead her to see Hemming in a new light. Is his silence actually a cover? And could his burly physique and ease on the water mean he is, in fact, the heroic operative known as Havmand, the legendary link between the freedom fighters in Denmark and the allies in Sweden?

One of the major themes of this novel is courage, and I like how the author works that through in her characters. Else is initially a very timid young lady who accepts the abuse heaped on her by the senior physicist she serves as an assistant for. Hemming encourages her to speak out and make allies in confronting the man’s sexism, and Else does. Ms. Sundin uses this initial moment beautifully, showcasing both how it fits into Else’s growth into someone who will eventually be a resistance fighter and how it impacts Else’s relationship with Hemming. I also appreciated that Else has other traits needed by a physicist: patience, a willingness to think through and around problems, and an open mind toward new ideas.

Henrik/Hemming has never lacked courage, but he doesn’t have much faith in his ability to be a team player. Living with a demanding, verbally abusive father has left him reluctant to trust himself around others, fearing those same traits lurk within him. The Havmand has been the perfect role, allowing him to serve his country in an independent manner. Part of his journey is learning to forgive the past, and another part is gaining the courage to believe he is capable of interacting with loved ones without hurting them. Both his faith and Else play a large role in his ability to do this.

So as a couple, Henrik and Else bring out the best in each other. Theirs is a friends-to-lovers story, with a lot of necessary secrets keeping them from achieving real intimacy for the first half of the tale – Hemming understandably can’t explain any portion of who he is to Else. The Germans are looking for a champion rower who could be serving as the conduit between Denmark and Sweden and in his identity as Henrik, he fits that bill. They are also looking for someone who has the contacts within the Danish government and Sweden to pass the kind of information the Havmand is famous for, and again, as Henrik, he fits that bill. Being Hemming, a seemingly slow-witted, low-born factory worker has kept the Germans from even considering him as a suspect, and it is vital the situation stays that way. For a good chunk of the story, he has to deceive Else, which is naturally detrimental to their relationship when she finds out.

This means that Else is initially drawn to a very different person than the one she winds up with. The physical attraction remains the same but a lot of who Henrik/Hemming is changes between hix personas. Hemming is a quiet man, Henrik is quite sociable and friendly. Hemming is poor, Henrik wealthy. Hemming is subservient, Henrik is the heir to considerable power. Most importantly, Hemming presents as virtually illiterate. Many who work with him consider him simple. This is something Else really grapples with when she first finds him attractive. I liked the way the story challenges whether Else needs to find her mental equal to be happy or if the fact that Hemming is a kind, sweet-tempered man who is always considerate of her as well as supportive of her career is more important than any of his mental deficits. In the end, it doesn’t matter because Henrik is very bright and well-educated. As Hemming, Else loved him but feared there would be an awkwardness in trying to fit into each other’s worlds. That’s not a problem with Henrik.

For the bulk of the novel, the author does a fabulous job with the tale’s pacing, giving us plenty to be interested in without resorting to non-stop action that would keep our characters from having time to develop the relationship.

My only major quibble is that at about the eighty percent mark, Hemming makes some choices in the name of love, which are eye-roll-inducing and rather TSTL. It is a mercifully brief, if incredibly annoying, section.

This is an inspirational romance with faith playing a role in both how Else finds her courage and how Hemming learns to control his temper, forgive his father and move forward as a leader. I would rate the religious level at moderate, with the author doing a lovely job of presenting her characters’ beliefs organically.

While this is listed as a standalone novel, the couples from Ms. Sundin’s two most recent books make an appearance in the epilogue. However, you don’t need to have read their tales to enjoy this one.

Fans of the author will be pleased with The Sound of Light as will any reader of Inspirational romances who likes this time period or books with sweet, character-driven love stories. I am happy to recommend it to that audience.

My thoughts: SOUND OF LIGHT might have started a bit slow, but it didn't take long to pick up speed and become a page turner. I didn't want to put the book down to do my job, chores, and other necessities like sleep, I just wanted to read and see what happened next. I fell in love with Else, and of course, Henrik. My heart broke for him. If you love historical romance, especially WWII stories, you will definitely want to read SOUND OF LIGHT. Highly recommended! I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

This was such a good book--just as I expected it to be! :)

It does feel a more character-driven read than other Sundin books, but I didn't mind. It made for interesting reading as characters grappled with moral challenges and faced their pasts, and got me wondering what I would do in similar experiences.

Also as expected, I learned more about aspects of WWII I'd not known before--especially of happenings in Scandinavia. I now want to visit Denmark and Sweden! Hah! (The travel list grows ever longer ...) :D I seriously don't know how Sundin keeps coming up with new material/plots/characters--but I love it!

While the book is not officially part of a series, readers will see some familiar characters from _When Twilight Breaks_ and _Until Leaves Fall in Paris_ appear late in the read. Squee!

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

This book is stunning. I’ve always loved everything Sarah writes, but this may be my new favorite. I really loved reading about WWII from a different perspective. I haven’t read a lot about Scandinavia during the war, so I learned a lot. It made me want to learn more. As always, the book was beautifully researched and historically accurate.

There are many, many authors that write WWII fiction but when I want to read the best researched facts in a book, I read Sarah Sundin. Her books are the most realistic of any of this type I've read.
A very compelling read, I could not put it down. The characters draw you in, some make you root for them, some really fooled me with their actions and some, well they are the perfect villains.
A Baron trades his nobility for several different identities to avoid being detected as the one rowing messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.
This is a love story, an intense love story between a baron and an American physicist, Dr. Else Jensen.
Henrik and Else know how dangerous the work the other one does and if they get caught it could involve death. It was heartwarming seeing how protective they are of each other.
The story is full of courageous characters and loyalty, you can just feel the tension in the book and the lengths they go to to stay one step ahead of danger.
Though the book is full of dangerous circumstances you can still feel the strength and perseverance these characters have as they look forward to a brighter future they know is coming.
I highly recommend this book to you!

Pub Date 07 Feb 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A thrilling story of courage, faith and loyalty set during the German occupation of Denmark.

As the tension grows in Denmark a playboy baron and a compassionate scientist find themselves working with the resistance to save innocent lives. Henrik is a man with a past full of regrets, admirable and selflessly he works to counter the German advances. I admired the ways that he had changed from his previous ways, becoming measured and unassuming, yet compassionate and noble even as a man of few words.

Dr. Else Jensen is a gifted scientist fighting to make her mark in a man's world that would delegate her to secretarial tasks. I admired her self-control, loyalty, and could relate to her dilemma of when to stand up and when to stay silent. Else is a faithful friend, and courageous woman, I loved her friendship with Hemming, seeing him open her eyes to a while new side of life.

This is a gripping historical read. realistically bringing to the plight of the Danish people fighting for their country. I loved the little details like the mimeograph, that made this story shine. A well written read that swept me up, and I didn't want to put it down. I really enjoyed learning more about a side of the war that isn't written about as frequently, as well as the rich Danish history. A compelling novel of faith, courage and love, you won't want to miss it!

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

Sarah Sundin once again writes a fabulous World War II era novel in her newest release The Sound of Light. I thought it was a great book to read. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy historical fiction. Five plus stars.

In The Sound of Light, author Sundin takes us to Denmark during World War 2 and the invasion of Germany, even though Denmark said they were neutral. This is a story of secrets and danger, and most of all about the times when we should stay silent and when we should speak up.

Henrik is a Baron, but he has left that all behind as he poses as an illiterate shipyard worker to pass secret missives and information to the British. He also is doing it in a way for vengeance against his father who owns the shipyard. But as Henrik goes about his clandestine work and gets to know others, he finds himself at a crossroads about his father. Maybe some of the memories and things he has been told are not all cut and dry, but maybe there is something more.

Elise is a woman physicist and also an American who decides to ride out the war and continue her research in Denmark. She was quite a remarkable woman, I liked her a lot, and when she learned to stand up for herself, she did so with kindness. She is also faced with some difficult decisions on when to stay silent and when to speak out.

These two meet one another while they are living in the same boarding house. Both Henrik and Elise are also working for the resistance, yet it is so secretive no one knows anyone. Both have their secrets they must bear. I really like the title and all the implications it has with the theme of this story that even has a little fairy tale theme woven in it.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

The Sound of Light is a historical novel set in Copenhagen during World War II. It is the story of two different (but surprisingly similar) people - Else Jensen, an American physicist working at a research lab and quietly also working to help with a resistance newspaper, and Hemming, the assumed name of Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt, a formerly dissolute playboy and Olympic rower turned resistance hero.

I wanted to read this novel because I love Sarah Sundin's books - she is my favorite author in this genre, and I have recommended her writing so many times over to friends. I particularly enjoy historical fiction set during World War II and was curious about the Danish setting; I knew very little about life in Denmark during the war.

This is a beautifully told story about people finding courage they didn't know they had and banding together to do good even at great personal risk. Hemming, the Havmand (merman) rows back and forth at night with messages. Else spreads the truth about the war through underground newspapers, becoming even more involved when her best friend Laila, who is Jewish, is in jeopardy.

Hemming and Laila live in the same boarding house and slowly connect, as friends first, and then there is a spark between them that they can't ignore. Their resistance to the war is also a powerful bond.

The descriptions and writing is, as always with Sarah Sundin's books, beautiful. For example, this is a description of the Tivoli Gardens:

"They emerged from the gardens. Beside a shimmering lake, the Chinese Tower rose in red and black magnificence. Before the war, Tivoli glowed at night, with light bulbs outlining each building, strung between trees, and reflecting in the lake, topped by fireworks shows in the summer. Although the park remained open during the occupation, the lights had been extinguished" (eBook location 920).

I highly recommend The Sound of Light for fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone who is interested in World War II.