Really well written and heartbreaking world war 2 story.

This tells the story of a woman who loses her 3 year old son and her search for him.

Both heartbreaking and beautiful. If you like historical fiction this is for you!

While fleeing from Nazi-occupied Germany, Aleida Martens is separated from her young son. Desperate to find him, knowing only that he was going to London, Aleida follows and begins working for the Ministry of Health, documenting the placement of children in the English countryside in order to escape the Blitz.

With bombs falling nightly on London, BBC correspondent Hugh Collingwood is charming the nation with his smooth voice and daring reporting. He feels like he must hide his life-threatening asthma in order to be allowed into dangerous scenes, and he faces pressure to step down from his disapproving aristocratic parents.

Hugh's uncle, a prominent MP, is murdered, and a string of other murders follows. Are they connected? Hugh and Aleida track down clues and continue to search for little Theo.

As usual, I enjoyed Sarah Sundin's well-drawn characters and immersive historical setting. My heart ached for Aleida, and I loved seeing her grow from her timid and beaten down beginning to a strong woman unafraid to face her foes by the end. Hugh also has a wonderful character arc, helped along by his growing care toward widowed Aleida.

The plight of Theo and the whodunit complement the character-driven story. I was caught off guard by the revelation of the murderer. If you enjoy WWII stories with strong romance and faith themes, I would recommend this book to you.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

“On this day, our illustrious government banned the spreading of rumors. Are we to fight censorship in occupied lands by practicing it here?”

Air raid sirens. Criss-crossing search beams looking for enemy warcraft. Bombs screaming through the night air, people crying out in terror and loss. Embers in the sky as fires burn. Sarah Sundin knows few, if any, of her readers were alive during WWII, so she brings the war to us. Against this backdrop she recounts the story of a young Dutch widow, Aleida Maartens, and a famous BBC radio announcer, Hugh Collingwood.

Aleida is in England. She is very forthright, in stark contrast to her British compatriots, and very humble. She volunteers for the government department that oversees Londoners and refugees sending their children to the country to “safety.”
Aleida volunteers to interview refugees in various areas, hoping to locate her lost 3-1/2 year old son.

Hugh is a daring correspondent who is hiding a secret, who sees the future of reporting being live broadcasting and sets up a live broadcast whenever possible. He makes enemies as he criticizes the English government’s censorship of honest news and pushes for being allowed to report live from the front, as others argue for pre-scripted news from a studio. Yes, some war secrets need to be kept, but how much control should the government of a free land exert over its people during war? “But also sobering was the thought of adopting fascism in order to fight it. Surely a better way could be found.”

Will Aleida and High survive the war between countries? The war between social classes and statuses? The fear the threatens to overtake from within, and the resistance from the fellow Allies with differing views? And will Aleida ever be reunited with her darling son, or is their relationship another casualty of the war?

Sarah Sundin is a new-to-me author and one I will def be following from now on!

I received a copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“What we know and what we believe can be two separate matters. We know what we know, but we don’t always know what we believe.”

“List your fears. Name those monsters, so you can fight them.”

Embers in the London Sky is a historical novel set during World War II. Aleida Martens lives in the Netherlands with her three year old son Theo and her controlling husband Sebastian. Sebastian gives Theo to a British couple who whisk him away to safety before Sebastian is killed on the roadside. Aleida travels to England, where her aunt and uncle live, and works tirelessly to find Theo. She is helped by an intrepid BBC reporter, Hugh Collingwood. They get closer as they participate in the war effort in England and search together for Theo. They also work to solve the mystery of some seemingly unrelated murders in their circle of friends.

I wanted to read Embers in the London Sky because I love Sarah Sundin's books. She is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and I have recommended her novels many times to friends. I love fiction set during World War II, so the time period was of interest to me.

I really liked the complexity of this novel. There is the story of Aleida's search for her son, Hugh and his struggles with asthma, their war work in England, and the mysteries they work to solve.

Aleida and Hugh are both wonderful protagonists - both with very human struggles (his asthma and what appeared to be her OCD) but both strengthened by their personal faith and their desire to do the right thing and make a difference. I loved their connection, initially based on friendship and a slowly developing romance. And of course I wanted Aleida to find Theo and be reunited with him.

There were several surprising twists in this novel. It was more of a mystery than Sarah Sundin's other books, but I enjoyed it very much. I recommend Embers in the London Sky to fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone interested in a 1940's setting.

When I think of WWII books this is the author I think of. Her books are amazing, and she is an auto read author for me.
She has a new and interesting take on WWII that I’ve not seen presented before.


As the Nazi’s invade the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens is on her way to London with her husband and son to escape. Her son is separated from her without her permission and the young widow heartbrokenly makes it her mission to find him.

In a city as huge as London it may be next to impossible. It was interesting to read about the reporting the BBC did, how they had to give information but not too much so as to aid the enemies.


As she and BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood draw closer, he vows to do whatever it takes to find her son. I could feel their frustration as they visit many children’s homes where refugee children have been taken, they are so close but yet so far away.


As the search continues you can feel the danger surrounding them with the London Blitz. There are so many twists and turns with events happening while the search continues: multiple murders and a mother’s unwavering love for her son leading to the most heartrending decision of her life.

Pub Date: 06 Feb 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this wonderful WWll novel. I loved that this story is different than other WWll novels that I have read. I enjoyed learning a bit of how the BBC ran during the war. I loved learning about how the children were treated that were removed to the countryside. I loved the romance between Aleida and Hugh. I loved that there was a bit of action in the story also. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

The latest release from Sarah Sundin is a gift to this generation of readers, as if the embers of the Second Great Fire of London singed onto the pages an homage to the refugees who flocked to her and those who toiled to care for them. We who are now generations removed from that war only know of the everyday greatness of these people by way of the stories left behind and the works of fiction taken from those stories, wrapped in a tidy bow, and offered up to us by authors who strive to honor them. Sundin takes the plight of the refugee and entwines it with the struggle of news correspondents who must find a way to report on reality without giving information to the enemy or damaging the morale of the citizens. Together those storylines converge to give us Embers in the London Sky.

Sundin is a thoroughly immersive storyteller. In a way that does not beleaguer the storyline, the setting comes alive around the reader. Engaging characters beckon the reader to bond, and it feels as though one is sitting around the table at the Hart and Swan with Aleida, Hugh, Lou, Jouveau, and a host of other corespondents from various countries. It does not take much to become enmeshed in Aleida’s search for her missing son and Hugh’s for his uncle’s murderer, or in the flame of attraction between the two. Embers in the London Sky is a full novel with fully developed players and storylines, but it will be a quick read when you realize you simply cannot walk away until the thoroughly satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin offers a unique perspective on WWII homefront happenings as Aleida Martens, a Dutch refugee, and Hugh Collingwood, a BBC reporter unite in friendship. Their match soon grows into attraction and more as their personal lives and careers complicate their connection — as does a series of murders of people acquainted with them both.

I particularly enjoyed the element of radio broadcasting technology and a glimpse of how live broadcasting worked in this era through Hugh’s observant eyes. His attractive caramel voice (!! that was a cute descriptor) lends gravitas to many causes, including those of immigrant refugees, a point where Aleida’s life intersects. Her story of searching for her son and bravely finding a new life path in London incites both empathy and a sense of bravery.

A mystery plot creates urgency in the story’s momentum, as does the continued threat of German air raids and personal obstacles of both Hugh and Aleida. These combined with small details to love like Lennox the (grumpy) cat, quite the romantic train moment, and a grand romantic gesture, all make for a story highlighting persistence, restoration, and faith during a real-life historical period.

Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. I voluntarily purchased an audiobook copy. This is my honest review.

Sarah Sundin always transports me to the era of the Second world war in a way that makes it so vivid through the eyes of the characters.

This book was no exception. You can feel the events and experiences.

These characters go through struggles as they face personal battles all the while you are caught up in the battle that rages around them as well.
Sarah Sundin did a great job of exploring some of the social issues of the time.
I didn't feel hugely connected to the characters. I don't know if I could put my finger on the exact “why” of it, it could just have been that my personality didn't connect.
Still it was an enjoyable read and Sarah always delivers an ending that makes you feel so satisfied and filled with hope.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

Thank you, Netgalley and Revell, for an ARC of this book! The opinions in this review are entirely my own!

Wow, that is the Sarah Sundin I know and love! She writes some great books, but I prefer those where she sprinkles the romance in here and there and doesn't make it the story's focus. This one was the perfect mix of mystery/suspense, historical, and romance! I love how Sarah Sundin was able to turn this World War II story (among a million other historical fiction books already published about this historical event by various authors) into a drama and murder mystery romance story! Great job! I want more! This book and When Twilight Breaks are my favorite by the author; two fantastic books!

One of my favorite authors, Sarah Sundin, has again written a blockbuster of a novel. Embers in the London Sky has every emotion written in the storyline. I have all of her books and can honestly say that every one of them is a keeper for me.

The novel starts in 1940 as the Nazis invade The Netherlands. Aleida van der Zee Martens, her abusive husband, and their son try to escape to London. Her husband hands their son, Theo, over to a couple to take because he doesn’t like the child’s crying. Aleida makes it to London and immediately starts looking for her lost son. She finds a journalist who has witnessed the atrocities that the fleeing refugees have undergone. He tries to help her find her son, which is almost impossible in the big city of London.

Along the way the novel gives us espionage, murder, spies, romance and all of that keeps the reader intrigued throughout the novel. I’m sure that readers will fall in love with Ms. Sundin’s writing and will line up to purchase all of her books.

Embers in the London Sky is a delightful blend of World War 2 history, sweet romance, and intriguing mystery. The characters are each so compelling, and there are several subplots that all weave seamlessly together into one cohesive plot that kept me turning the pages, eager to see how it all resolved. I loved Aleida and Hugh’s sweet friendship and subsequent slow burn romance, as well as the moving faith journeys that the events of this book take them through.

The story opens with our heroine Aleida van der Zee Martens fleeing the German invasion of the Netherlands with her controlling husband and precious three-year-old son Theo. When a series of tragic circumstances leave her arriving in London widowed and without her son, she begins a desperate search for Theo, made all the more complicated by the chaos of wartime London and the evacuation of children to the countryside. I so admired her quiet strength and fierce love for her son, and I wanted to hug her tightly many times through all the highs and lows of the search. We meet BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood on a tragic day in his life too, but I was instantly drawn to his charm and his passion for his job. He struggles against family expectations that would suffocate him as well as restrictive parameters as to what he can & can’t report. I haven’t read many WW2 novels that focus on a radio correspondent so I also found that aspect of his story quite intriguing.

Along with following Hugh and Aleida’s growth as individuals and as a team, we are also treated to a series of murder mysteries – maybe connected, maybe not – that need to be solved. Hugh’s role in the solving makes perfect sense, given his natural gift at following a story to report, and I thought the way that Sundin set up Aleida’s involvement (via relationships not only with Hugh but with some of the victims too) worked perfectly for her character as well. I enjoyed following the clues along with their investigation, and as the body count continued to rise I couldn’t tear myself away from the growing questions. I also thought it was an interesting reminder that life during this time period wasn’t just about how war affected the world – that people continue to be people, that evil continues to be evil, and that good continues to shine a light in the darkness.

Bottom Line: If you’ve never read a book by Sarah Sundin, then Embers in the London Sky is the perfect place to start. But then do go back and catch up on her backlist because she’s one of the best when it comes to compelling stories that combine history, romance, and a little intrigue and/or mystery as well. Set during the Blitz, this novel follows two layered characters as they each search for answers to several questions – where is Aleida’s son? will Hugh get to keep the career he loves? will anyone speak up for the refugee children? who is behind all these murders? and (my favorite) can there be a happily-ever-after for the two of them? Along the way, we also meet a gaggle of vibrant supporting characters who breathe even more life into the story… including a cantankerously-endearing cat named Lennox. I found each of the subplots and characters intriguing, and I appreciated the subtle faith thread, too. Such a good read!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

My thoughts: EMBERS IN THE LONDON SKY is the most recent book by Sarah Sundin and its a winner. I absolutely loved the msin characters and didn't want to put the book down. There was war and all the violence, murders, and a lost little boy with a mama desperate to find him. I had fun trying to figure out who-dun-it. you will love this book. recommended. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

All I can say after reading this one is..."Wow". Sarah Sundin delivers again with "Embers in the London Sky". This book grips the reader from beginning to end. The descriptions of the main character, Aleida leaving the Netherlands, the terror and grief over losing her son and how she went about trying to reunite with him along with the backdrop of London during the Blitz just felt so real. Hugh also was a great, well developed character as well as the love interest.

In this book you'll find romance and a murder mystery with danger and intrigue throughout. There are twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. It is very well written and worth the read.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley and Revell publishing in exchange for an honest review, but this is one that I went and bought to also keep on my bookshelf to read again...it's that good!

War era books are typically not my favorite, but the journey of the main character to find her son, the hunt for a murderer, and the hope of a happy ending had me stuck to this book. I enjoyed reading it.

3.75 stars. I have thoroughly enjoyed previous books by the author, and this one was good, but not my favorite by her. Although I was drawn into the story right away, I struggled a little to stay invested about halfway through. The murder mystery plot line kept me guessing, but I thought the main plot line was just a little drawn out. The ending was satisfying, but an epilogue would have been welcome.

Something that's important to me when I read historical fiction is that I learn something, and I can definitely say I learned from this story. I was intrigued by the details concerning the London Blitz, some Londoners' viewpoint regarding refugee children, and experiences of a BBC correspondent.

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

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the romance and the mystery. I also loved how the author gave us a glimpse into what life would have been like for people living in the UK during WWII and especially what refugees would have gone through. I thought the author captured what these people felt. I loved the characters and couldn’t wait to read about what happened to them. I thought the story was well written and was very enjoyable. I will definitely check out more books by this author.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This is a historical fiction story told from the perspective of the 2 main characters, Aleida and Hugh. Aleida is fleeing from the German army invasion and got separated from her young son. She spends months searching for him in and around London, where many children have been sent to safety. Hugh is a BBC radio reporter who is trying to get a good story about the war. He’s conflicted between telling the whole truth and what he’s told to report. The two meet and their connection grows as they help each other through their individual struggles. During their time together several murders occur and they work together to help find the murderer. It was a multilayered, emotional story that kept my interest until the very end. The characters were believable and real. I never thought I’d be a fan of historical fiction, but books like this are turning me into one. Thank you for the ARC.

What an emotional story of World War II! I admired the young Norwegian, Alieda, whose husband gave their three year old child away while they were attempting to evacuate to England. Alieda finds a job in London tracking children who are evacuated to the countryside. Hugh Collingwood is an excellent male protagonist as he works as a radio correspondent for BBC Radio, a job his mother feels is beneath him. You will feel you are right there in London with bombs falling. You will be amazed at the love Alieda shows when her son is located. I recommend Embers in the London Sky not only because of the excellent storyline but because it is so educational. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Embers in the London Sky is Sarah Sundin's latest WWII novel, set during the blitz of London. Aleida is a refugee from the Netherlands and Hugh is a BBC radio correspondent. Aleida is searching for her son, who was lost on her way to London. Hugh is doing his best to help her, while also trying to discover who murdered both his uncle and his good friend. As the two dodge bombs and search for the truth, their attraction for each other mounts as well. Can they survive the war and find the truth? Another great book by Sundin, as always. You won't want to miss this one.
#NetGalley #EmbersintheLondonSky