I’ve been a long time fan of Sarah Sundin, WWII is my favorite time period and she writes it like no other. Sadly this book didn’t quite measure up to the quality we usually get from her. I still enjoyed the story overall but it was lacking the usual Sundin magic.
Else was extremely smart and talented but she also had a humility and kindness to her that was admirable. She was willing to take risks to help others with little thought to her own safety.
Henrik was a little bit of a puzzle, he had an attitude and persona before the war that seemed to just magically do a 180 when the story picked back up and it would have been nice to see the progression a little more. He also played his role as the simple minded worker a little too well and that’s kind of the impression he left in my brain overall rather than the educated aristocrat he was. I did like his character though and admired all that he did and gave up for the resistance.
I didn’t mind the romance between Else and Henrik but it wasn’t my favorite and felt a bit forced into the story at times.
It was interesting to see the war from the Danish perspective, which isn’t seen as much in WWII fiction (though all the Danish names, places, and terms were hard to pronounce and took me out of the story a bit) and was very fascinating to this history nerd.
So while this wasn’t my favorite Sundin novel I did still enjoy several aspects of it and I’m looking forward to reading what she writes next!

Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt sheds his nobility to hide in plain sight after the Nazi invasion of Denmark. At great risk, he rows resistance messages across the water to neutral Sweden. Dr. Else Jensen works in the physics institute in Copenhagen, forced to fight against sexism each step of the way. Working with the resistance, she prints clandestine newspapers. When a new man moves into the same rooming house, they strike up a friendship.

I really enjoyed this story and the characters. The characters were dynamic, interesting, and likeable. My only criticism is that I wanted more! I wish the epilogue had been a bit more detailed and provided more information about the characters. Overall, highly recommended!

American physicist Else Jensen is living in Denmark, working at a lab when the Germans invade the country. After several years of occupation, she is recruited by a local resistance group to help print an illegal newspaper. Inspired by the local legend of the Havmand—the merman—who is said to ferry news to and from neighboring, neutral Sweden, Else does what she can to help. Meanwhile, she has no idea that the Havmand himself lives at her boarding house and is the very man she has a crush on. Henrik is hiding many secrets and has never wanted to share them more than when he begins to fall for Else.

The third book in a sequence (not officially a series) about men and women in various parts of Europe who work to resist the Germans in their area, I’ve liked every book along the way, and this one is no exception. There were a few moments when I struggled to fully understand the main plot, times when an aspect of the plot seemed to be tied up, and I’d wonder what else was meant to happen in the time that was left in the book. I enjoyed the story enough that it didn’t bother me, maybe just confused me a little. I should have realized that the final goal was basically safety (and that’s as much as I’m saying).

I appreciated the development of the relationship between Else and Henrik and that it didn’t come across as the main point of the story. I prefer a subtle romance, not that this one was super subtle, but it was more to my liking. After reading several books in recent years written by people who were part of a resistance group in their country (the main ones being in Holland), I seriously questioned Henrik’s decisions about how he kept his secret, or rather when he revealed it. And for the same reason, I was bothered by how Else acted at one point when Henrik insisted on continuing his work, though that was more an intentional aspect of the character than a flaw in the characterization or plot. But that part of it didn’t quite have the same feel as the memoirs I’ve read, which caused a little dissonance in my mind. Still, it may not have made for the best fiction if it was too realistic. In the end, I enjoyed the overall story, and recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction from this time period in the Christian romance genre.

I love reading historical fiction novels that either focus on unfamiliar events, or familiar events from a different angle. The Sound of Light is the latter, focusing on Denmark during WWII. Do you know what the German occupation was like in Denmark? I didn't before reading the book.

Sudin did a nice job of giving each of the characters unique voices that fit their personalities. It was also fun to read a book with a physicist as the main character.

As the characters got further involved in the resistance work in Denmark, the pacing really picked up--though it never dragged prior. Sudin balanced the main plot and the subplots well, allowing the subplots to keep the pace moving while the characters learned about the resistance efforts. The events around the climax were a little predictable, but they didn't ruin anything for me.

Having been to Copenhagen, I really appreciated all the tidbits of Danish culture that Sudin wove in throughout the novel--I couldn't help but smile when the characters passed a landmark or ate smørrebrød.

If a story with spies, science, and some romance sounds like your cup of tea, you'll probably enjoy The Sound of Light.

Cautions: brief, non-graphic interrogation violence; moderate romance; several kisses

Excellent WWII historical fiction about little known true history of what happened in Denmark under Nazi occupation. From the first line...The sun rose on the first day of another year in the wasted life of Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt.... to the last line, The Sound of Light absolutely captivated me!

The story of Hans Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid as well as her statue on a rock in Copenhagen play a role in the changing of Baron Henrik. He becomes both Hemming Andersen, and "The Havmand." "Moving and speaking slowly helped him avoid refined mannerisms and vocabulary, and it kept people's expectations of him low." Henrik/Hemming eventually embraces his mother's faith and faces battles to become a better person. He is truly a lovable and noble character, as he risks himself in the resistance by secretly becoming the legendary merman "the Havmand."

Dr. Elsebeth Jensen from California, has dual citizenship in the United States and Denmark. She is an American physicist working at the Institute for Theoretical Physics in Copenhagen, not far from her grandparents. She meets and befriends Hemming at her boardinghouse. He helps her on her journey of courage. Not only does she learn to stand up for herself at work with courage and kindness, she learns to stand up for what is right at that moment in history.

A perfect historical romance! I loved learning actual history, and I so enjoyed the story! The journey both characters are on in this historical setting, as well as their friendship and sweet romance is captivating.

Thank you to Net Galley and Revell for allowing me to read an early copy. I highly recommend The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin. All opinions are my own.

Sarah Sundin has done it again! Her newest book, The Sound of Light, was a fantastic read that I couldn't put down! I wish it didn't have to end.

Dr. Else Jensen has a brilliant mind that no one in her man-dominated field appreciates. Most of them ignore her, some tolerate her, but some are downright insulting. They believe a woman has no place outside of the home. Despite all of the push back, Else is determined to make her mark in the field of science, and show that woman can be smart too.

When the Germans invade Denmark and begin to persecute the Jews, Else desires to do more than just stand by and watch. She begins to aid a resistance group by printing anti-German papers for them to distribute to the local population.

Henrik is a baron of the Danish aristocracy. He, too, wants to aid the resistance. The powers that be decide he would be most helpful in rowing information back and forth from Denmark to Sweden. Henrik gives up his name, title, position, home, and comfort to become the "Merman," the legendary spy hero of Denmark.

Eventually, Henrik and Else become partners in a much more important scheme: helping Jews escape German-occupied Denmark and travel to safety in Sweden.

I enjoyed The Sound of Light very much. The characters are likable, the plot is exciting, and the setting is very descriptive. I would recommend anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction to read this book!

The Sound of Light was another stellar WWII romance from Sarah Sundin. I was glued to the pages and reading as fast as possible. I didn't want it to end. This is right up there near the top as one of my favorites from her. I wasn't very familiar with the history surrounding Denmark during the war, so I found all that fascinating.

Henrik and Else were such great characters. So likable and easy to root for. Henrik was a Baron who goes undercover as a manual laborer at a shipyard to help the resistance. He also had another secret, and I loved the tie-in to the Little Mermaid. There were a lot of mentions to that story that I really enjoyed. Else's work as a physicist was fascinating. And it was really cool that she worked with Niels Bohr. It was so inspiring watching her courage grow, and I loved how she learned to speak up for herself.

This story gets a huge recommendation from me. I loved it so much. Anyone who enjoys historical romance is sure to love it too.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

The Sound of Light was an exciting but heart-wrenching read. The storyline set in Denmark in 1940 covers Germany's occupation and the rounding up of Jewish people.

Herick Ahlefedt plays a crucial part in the resistance and has an alias to cover his actions. His growth throughout the story amazed me. Sacrificies, courage, and the unknown take him to places he could not have imagined. Elsa Jenson, physicist working in the Physics lab in Copenhagen, fights to hold her job as a woman and gets wrapped up in the resistance.

I loved the historical aspects of the story and simply couldn't put it down. There are a lot of gut-wrenching edge of your seat moments as well as moments of tenderness and love. The characters were well-developed with many layers and I enjoyed all of them. I highly recommend this engaging and inspirational story where faith in God shines through.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley and Revell Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

World War II fiction set in Denmark following a member of the nobility and an American doctor as they both become involved in the Danish Resistance and with each other.

I read this in one sitting and liked both Henrik(Hemming) and Dr. Else as they took turns unraveling the tale. Although there were parts that teetered on romantic melodrama, this didn't deter from a fairly solid storyline.

The novel includes a pronunciation glossary and a detailed author's note.

One thing I found baffling was the author stating that many people are not aware of Denmark's history during the war. Do you mean not everyone ordered Lois Lowry's Number the Stars and Carol Matas's Lisa's War or Jesper from Scholastic as a kid? Haha!


#TheSoundofLight #NetGalley

Expected Publication Date 07/02/23
Goodreads review published 25/01/23

This was my first Sarah Sundin book, but it will not be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed the way she crafted her characters and story within the very real setting of Denmark in WW2, a setting that has always fascinated me! I loved how her characters were so relatable -- flawed yet heroic. When I finished the book, I felt inspired, challenged, and encouraged. Everything about it was just right!

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Denmark amidst the German occupation. She won’t abandon her research and she finds a way to help the resistance. But she’s getting distracted by one of the shipyard workers living in her boardinghouse. He seems like he might be hiding something. Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanged his nobility for an anonymous, quiet life that helps him go unnoticed as he rows resistance correspondence across the waters to Sweden. But he’s also getting a little distracted by the lovely physicist that treats him so kindly. As these two navigate the worsening Occupation, they must find out if there is more power in speech or silence.

Sarah Sundin knows how to write an amazing WWII novel. She flawlessly weaves a story of war, faith, romance, and history. This book gripped me from the start, and I wanted to rush through to see what happens but also didn’t want it to end. This book was full of history that I had never known about the German occupation of Denmark. Every detail was interesting and fit into the story well. Else and Henrik are both passionate, fully rounded main characters. And they live out a Christian faith that feels realistic and relatable. The romance between Else and Henrik was lovely. So many sweet, romantic moments amid war and secrecy. The writing was beautiful. The pacing was great. I can’t think of any moments that felt slow. All the way through I was engaged and interested in everything going on. I absolutely loved this book!

If you’re looking for a WWII novel with history, romance, and a dash of faith, then pick this book up when it comes out February 7th.

Thank you Netgalley and Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Really enjoyed this story and the character. Not sure if it was intended, but I felt that the pacing mirrored the action in the story, which I felt added to the story. I really enjoyed this book!

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

I very much enjoyed this book. It was well done, fast paced, intriguing and enjoyable. The historical research was impeccable. I would recommend others to read and enjoy it for themselves.

The Havmand

The story unfolds in the WWII years of the 1940's against the background of Denmark. It is a story of resistance against the Nazi's, the saving of Jewish lives, and a wartime romance.

All the resistance has heard of the Havmand (the mermaid) a man who is high in the resistance but it is unknown who this man really is.

Else is a physicist and refuses to leave her work in Denmark behind because of the Nazi's. She is falling for the young boarder at her boarding house named Hemming. She wonders about him and if he has something to hide.

When she is printing a resistance newspaper her friend brings her information which has great consequences for the Jewish in Denmark. Else must do what she can to help...will it be enough?

A story of courage and love and the strength and pride of the people of Denmark. The incredible story of the Danish resistance, the Swedish state and their great acts of compassion.

This was a wonderful read and I enjoyed reading it. I recommend this book.

Thanks to Sarah Sundin for writing a great story, to Revell publishing for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

I've read other books by Sundin, and I've enjoyed them. However, some things about this book just didn't quite work for me. Foreign terminology and names were somewhat confusing. There wasn't enough backstory on the Baron, and his transformation seemed to come out of nowhere. There is a faith angle, but it's not overpowering. I haven't read a lot of books that pertain to Denmark during this period of history, so I did enjoy that. There's a nice blend of strength, resistance, and romance.

Two of my favorite quotes:

- ’Being courageous doesn’t have to mean being foolish.’”
- “’Sometimes silence takes much courage...Sometimes silence is nothing but cowardice.’”

This is a review for "The Sound of Light" by Sarah Sundin that will be coming out on Feb. 7, 2023.  This book was really good!! It is set during WWII, but unlike most WII books, it is set in Denmark.  I didn't really know much about what happened in Denmark during that time but through this awesome book, I learned some of what the people from there went through during that time.

In 1940, Hitler's army comes uninvited to Denmark, and Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt sets aside his name as well as his nobility, to defend his countrymen from their unwanted guests, but he must do this incognito!  He assumes a few names, but the name Hemming is what he is most known amongst his coworkers at the docks where he takes a job at his father's shipbuilding factory without his father knowing, and decides to use his rowing skills under another secret identity, as well as other skills, to help save his country.

Dr. Else Jensen, an American physicist, is working in Denmark when Denmark is invaded, and she decides she can't abandon her vital research, so she decides to stay, and ends up helping the Danish resistance.

At first, the Germans allow the Danish government to mostly rule, but eventually they assume more power, and decide to intern the Jewish population.  Both Else and Hemming meet at a boarding house they are both staying at, are drawn together, and both are separately working for the Resistance against the Germans, but neither know that about each other. They become friends, and eventually their paths also converge in their resistance work, and they find that they are drawn to each other more than just in their fight for freedom, but you have to read the book to find out what happens to them!

Here's a quote from the book as a teaser, "Light . . . light . . . “So tell me, my pretty little physicist, what sound does light make?”
“I think,” Else had said as she leaned against him. “I think light sounds like silence.” With all his life, all his light, Henrik would stay silent."

This book was so good!  The story was very interesting, and as a historical fiction fan, I have read so many WWII stories and they all seemed to be the same story, but not this one!  As I said before, I didn't know the impact the the war had on Demark, but I learned about the Danish resistance, and found out those were some brave people, as were all the resistance workers who fought against Hitler and his ideals!  Else and Hemming were both willing to risk all, even their lives, for this country, and Else was an American, but loved the people Denmark as if they were her country.  It really made me think about they must have gone through, and also what my great uncles, and grandfather must have gone through fighting to free countries that weren't theirs.  It was eye opening, and it made me proud of my ancestors, and all those who served in WWII and other wars to stop people like Hitler, and so we can enjoy freedom today!!

But I really enjoyed this stories. I thought the story was interesting and exciting, and the  characters all flowed nicely together, and it brought awareness about a real event in history, even though it was fiction, and all rolled into an awesome story!! We need more books like this, so I give this one 5 out of 5 stars because it kept me turning the pages, made my heart thump at the end, and not a lot of books do that! So Sarah Sundin does it again in my opinion!!!!

The Sound of Light is a delightful peak into Denmark’s resistance against the Nazi regime during WWII. I enjoyed Else’s work with Neil Bohr as a physicist, but felt like the scientific history could have been expanded to include more of the Allies work towards the nuclear war. The romance is sweet and the suspense, though predictable towards the climax, has a satisfying ending!

I absolutely loved everything about this novel. Ww2 fiction set in Denmark & Sweden a refreshing change from the typical France/Germany/Poland that dominates this genre. The characters were fantastic. Hemming’s growth was perfect, I was rooting for him right from the start. The story seemed well researched and the mix of language wasn’t overpowering. I like Else as well and the ending leaves room to wonder if there will be another novel following her physics work further through the end of the war(I hope there is). This is my first novel by Sarah Sundin and I now need to get her others off my TBR list. Thank you so much to her, Revell Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.

I always enjoy Sundin’s books!This one is set in Denmark. A self centered, want to be Olympic gold winner, aristocrat, must make some serious decisions when the Germans march into his home land.
Then there is an American physicist who is trying to further her career at the university in Denmark where one set of grandparents live.
For a while, the Germans occupy but don’t outright oppress the people of Denmark. But soon there are spies, resistance efforts, and collaborators everywhere. And Jews must leave or be arrested.
Follow the clandestine activities of all who secretly fight against the Nazi regime.

Normally I’m a big fan of sarah’s books but I just couldn’t get into this one. Too many science concepts I wasn’t familiar with. Too many german/dutch words and phrases i didn’t understand. Words & names i couldn’t pronounce made it harder to follow than usual. Sadly, only 3 stars this time.