“The truth needs to be told.”

This World War 2 read was AMAZING!!

Sometimes it's hard to find WW2 books that have a great writing style, lots of action, no foul language, and romance without the spicy or explicit scenes.

This was not the case with this book!
It checked every box for me, and was a very satisfying and clean read. This absolutely makes my "must buy in paperback" list, and is a story I'll want to re-read again and again.

Aleida and her son Theo were just so sweet together, and were the best of fictional characters. They endured so much during the war.

I also loved Hugh or "Collie" Collingwood's
POV watching the war unfold from the perspective of a BBC reporter. It was neat to see his character and the radio show "London After Dark" was based on real life BBC journalist Raymond Glendenning and his work reporting during air raids.

Embers In The London Sky was a tale that kept me hooked from page one to "The End", and is a must-read for any WW2 fiction reader!

Thank you to Revell Publishing for the complimentary Netgalley ARC I recieved to review through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review and the thoughts above are my own.

Sarah Sundin has been an author that I religiously follow because I fell in love with her earlier series that mixed romance, a little suspense, and military history. In Embers in the London Sky, Sundin provides a different view of London and the war effort, especially towards refugees. I enjoyed the history she weaved into the story as well as the murder mystery and hints of romance. It started of very intriguing but then slowed down in the middle to the point where I didn't think I was going to be able to finish it. I enjoyed the ending but as I mentioned, it took me a while to get there. I appreciate how much effort Sundin goes into researching and creating these novels. I just wished it kept my interest throughout the whole novel.

Searching for Theo

WII is raging, the city is on fire as the Nazi's invade the Netherlands. Aleida plans to escape her abusive husband with her young son Theo. Her plans are thwarted when her husband returns home early and tells her they are leaving to go to London.

Her husband's abuse continues as they attempt to leave the city he gives her son to another couple travelling to London while Aleida sleeps. When she awakes and finds Theo gone she is very upset and as she is fleeing her abusive husband he is killed in an air strike.

Aleida manages to make her way to London to her aunt's house. She searches diligently for Theo while working to help other children find their parents.

She has the help of a reporter that she befriends along the way and a budding romance as well. The reporter Hugh tries to help Aleida find Theo.

This is the story of a mother's heartbreak at being separated from her son and her determination to find him. I enjoyed reading the story and I loved the ending.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with a complimentary copy to read and review.

If you want a WW11 historical fictions with mystery, lots of suspense and a little bit of romance you will enjoy this one.

Germany and London in 1940

As Germany invades the Netherlands Aleida Martens escapes to London to wait out the occupation. In the confusion she has been separated from her three year old son, Theo, who was born with a congenial limb defect. In London Aleida finds a job at the ministry of health which brings her in contact with Hugh Collingwood, a BBC correspondent. Hugh is determined to tell the human stories of the Blitz and the heartbreaking search for the missing Theo. Thus a romance starts.....

With the war raging in the background, this story tells more about the life of two individuals trying to do their best under the harsh circumstances. Aleida does all that she can to locate her son. She knows he has been taken to London but where and how to find him takes most of this story. Her struggles and her disappointments are heartbreaking, very poignant. Crossing path with Hugh was what she needed. As a correspondent he had contacts and wanted to help and be with her. But he had his own story to say and does it with interest. With time they came closer even fell in love. The plot doesn’t leave us without having some of the characters murdered and looking for the killer also took a good part of this captivating story, the tension left me on the qui vive till everything wrapped up. The story is very well-said and well-done.

A lovely and uplifting story set during the Second World War. Aleida is a Dutch woman married to a nasty piece of work. She and their son Theo are trying to escape as the Nazis invade their country. Aleida makes it to Britain to her relatives, but is separated from Theo. She then begins the massive task of finding him in wartorn Britain, and making friends with the handsome Hugh Collingwood, radio reporter, at the same time.

The story could easily have been twee and predictable, but actually it is told in a gritty fashion, with murder and prejudice lining the pages. The result is a great read, both uplifting and heartwarming and takes the reader back to those dark days. I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was another masterful WWII story from Sarah Sundin. I’ve read all of her books, and while this one had a slightly different feel to it, I loved it just as much as her previous stories. In fact, I think it’s my new favorite.

I was completely immersed in this story and was transported back to London in the 1940s, feeling like I was right there alongside these characters. I love when an author can transport me back in time like that.

I really felt for Aleida. She was in a horrible situation at the beginning of the book, and then to be separated from her son? My goodness, my heart broke for her. But I loved her resiliency and straightforwardness. She had an inner strength that I really admired. I liked Hugh instantly. He was a charming guy with a heart of gold. I admired the way that he stuck to his principles and stood firm in his desire to do his job with integrity.

I enjoyed getting to see behind the scenes at the BBC. It was very interesting! And I appreciated the talk about censorship in the media. It was very thought-provoking and is always a timely topic.

I really enjoyed the fact that there was a mystery. It added another layer of intrigue to the story.

I can’t say enough good things about this book. If you’re a fan of WWII fiction, this is a must read! I highly recommend it!

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

I love everything Sarah Sundin writes and this book was no exception. It has been a bit since I have read historical fiction and this book brought me back to my original love for books set in WWII.

I will say there is a bit of a triggering beginning to this book - it delves into an abusive marriage. I do believe it is important to the story line, but some may find it triggering. Other than this one scene, there is nothing in the book that I wouldn't want my young teens to read.

This is a very complex story line with multiple character arcs woven into the story.
I love Hugh's character in the book, but struggled a bit with the MFC and some of her decisions.

Even though I have read many novels set in the World War II era, I still learned a lot of fascinating information from this book, which I really appreciated.


Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in advance of release!

Ember in the London Sky by Sarah. Sarah Sundin writes about a mother’s journey to find her son.The story is well written and researched about the places.

A WW2 story that starts with a ‘toff’ war correspondent on the beaches of Dunkirk as the British evacuate. The story moves to London & the blitz; a mother’s search for her son; four murders…it’s gritty & raw. A murder mystery that grows. The Allies in Norway, the Scottish involvement, the plight of refugee children, & the BBC news. It’s a very compelling read. And a romance!
Deeply moving & interesting

Embers in the London Sky is an enjoyable WW2 novel with several interesting historical angles – behind the scenes for the agency in the Ministry of Health overseeing the evacuation of children, Air Raid Precaution posts, and the BBC news services operations. I enjoyed reading and the story kept me engaged but something about the main character Aleida felt off to me. I couldn’t fit together the way she is described with the independent and decisive actions that she takes. I had similar feelings for one of the side characters that I can’t explain without spoilers. Life in London during the blitz is portrayed quite differently than most WW2 novels as they socialize regularly in the evening at a local hangout right up until time for the night bombings and sometimes go to the roof to watch rather than a shelter. I enjoyed the role that a cat plays and appreciate the way the main plot point is tied up at the end. I received an advanced copy from Revell Publishing through NetGalley; I am leaving this review voluntarily as my honest opinion. 3 stars out 5 for me.

I love historical fiction, and this book did not disappoint! This book contains a mystery, lovely friendships, and the sweetest romance!

And the happy ending ending had me literally weeping!

I also really appreciated that this book was clean (language and content) and I would feel perfectly comfortable recommending it to my daughter or my grandma!

I received an arc via NetGalley, but all enthusiastic opinions are my own!

With a bit more grit than her usual fare, EMBERS IN THE LONDON SKY, by Sarah Sundin, is something different in WW2 fiction.

This is a complex storyline with multiple arcs that Sundin has woven together brilliantly. She uses the themes of faith and hope to bridge the storylines and unite characters with each other and God, doing so without being preachy.

Character development is very good both for the main couple and the secondary folks both protagonists and antagonists. Some of the baddies are so subtle, I venture to guess you’ll have a tough time figuring out “who done it.”, much before the lead characters do.

Sundin gives readers a close look at a part of history that’s not often featured. Following the plight of young children and their parents who fled to England from the Nazi invasion of many countries, is an emotional, engaging story. She includes real historical figures and events that add to the story’s veracity. Make sure to read the author’s note at the end of the book. You might want to read it before starting the book.

Safely read by your mature 14 year olds, EMBERS IN THE LONDON SKY, is free from foul language and descriptive sexual content; hugs, kisses and hand holding only. There is a short, but impactful, abuse scene in the first chapter that does affect the female main character. It might trigger sensitive folks. War scenes are moderately described, nothing gratuitous or medically, morbidly detailed.

Excellent mysteries, well researched history and an inspirational storyline that will encourage readers of many different genres; highly recommended 📚

Read & Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC with thanks

During World War II, Aleida van der Zee Martens and family flees German-occupied Netherlands, her husband gives their son to an English couple during their flight.Tragically, he is killed before revealing the English couple's address. In England, Aleida joins the agency evacuating children from war-torn cities. As she navigates evacuation centers, she clings to hope of finding her son.
Simultaneously, young and unfit for duty, news correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the war in London while contending with censorship. A mysterious murderer targets those empathetic to refugees. Aleida and Hugh join forces, igniting a powerful alliance. As they face challenges, the story unfolds with cinematic scenes, meticulous research, and deeply developed characters, making it a beautifully written narrative.
Gratitude to Netgalley for providing the opportunity to read and review this ebook.

Sarah Sundin is an absolute master at creating WWII stories that are rich in history and captivating to read. This one is absolutely no exception.

From the start, it drew me in. We meet Aleida as she's planning to escape with her son from her abusive husband, only to have her plans thrown when they ALL have to escape due to the occupation. In the midst of this, she is separated from her son and sets out to find him. In and of itself, this would have made it a compelling story. But it's just one aspect of the book. Along the way there is also a murder mystery, some romance and some great lessons too. Honestly, there really was so much going on in this story that it very easily could have been TOO much... but it was weaved together so beautifully that it didn't feel that way at all. As a mother, the idea of being separated like this from a child is absolutely heartbreaking. With that and the realities of war, I cannot say this was always the most enjoyable of stories... but it was a beautifully told one! It's certainly one that is going to stick with me for a long time!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Readers who like historical fiction set in London during WWII will enjoy this book. With the German invasion, thousands of mothers and children were sent to safe places throughout the country as told in this moving story. This story features like mother and her desperate search for her son who was given away by her husband. Also, the BBC and the broadcasting efforts made was an interesting aspect. Although an interesting story, this was not one of my favorites by this author.

This is maybe my third or fourth Sarah Sundin novel, and although they’ve all been good, this one dragged a bit for me for some reason. The story and characters were good, but somehow it just didn’t grab me like, for example, Until the Leaves .fall in Paris did. A sweet love story is a part along with the Blitz bombings of London and ARP wardens.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Three stars.

Embers in the London Sky is a stand-alone novel by Sarah Sundin set in London during WWII. Aleida van der Zee Martens's life has been turned upside down as her husband recently died and her three year son is missing. Hoping to find clues to her son's disappearance, she takes a job at a child evacuation agency and tries to enlist the help of BBC reporter Hugh Collinswood. Sundin has masterfully created a must-read historical fiction novel complete with action, suspense, and a dash of romance.

This historical World War 2 Book is by a new to me author. I can't believe I have never read a book by her before. I have truly been missing out. This book featured a lot of historical detail of the war that I really enjoyed learning. The story shows how the BBC and radio broadcasting played a huge role during the war. The hero, Hugh, was a charming aristocrat who fell romantically for Aleida. A Dutch lady who was desperately searching for her son. It's a bit gritty at the start, but historically, so many children were lost during the war. The book also shined a light on how refugees and children of refugees were placed in homes to keep them safe. There were murders and mysteries as well that culminated into a page turning novel that ended on a happily ever after note.
*I was given a book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars

I just finished Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin, which I received from NetGalley in return for my honest review. Well I loved this story! It had a little bit of everything including mystery, intrigue, romance, kidnapping, murder, all of which was set during WWII. This story grabbed me from the get go, as it dealt with real issues that happened during that time, beginning in the Netherlands, and then taking us to England. The author included this in the author's notes at the end, "Writing this novel gave me greater appreciation and a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by the British in World War II, and I hope you enjoyed this peek into how these exceptional people endured a great trial." That is exactly what happened for me as I read this incredible story of heartache, betrayal, manipulation, but also of courage, integrity, love, teamwork, a willingness of never giving up, a mother's s love and devotion, all set within the backdrop of all that was going in the early 1940's when WWII.and was in full motion. Reading this amazing story, even though it was fiction, gave me a front row view of many of the struggles many faced in the countries occupied by Germany during that time, and how the allies, led by England, who was not only at war in Europe, but had so many struggles at home like bombings, lack of basic necessities, and safety from those bombings! I felt like I now have a better picture of what happened through Aleida's story, and her search for her beloved son, and also through Hugh, an aristocrat who decided to step away from the role he was born to, to follow his dream of being a reporter for the BBC. What a great story! It was well-written, the plot kept me turning the pages, the ending shocked me, and the characters flowed nicely together! A 5 star review for a 5 star book!!!!

Sarah Sudin has done it again! Embers in the London Sky was a 5 star read for me. I love the pace of her books and the way she lays out a story. She started out with a bang that sucks you into the story right away. Then she slowly and deeply develops her characters, no rushed insta-love romance here. Then prepare to read the last third of the boom straight through because she takes you on a high suspense ride at the end. Her writing is deeply researched and I appreciate the author's note at the end. If you like historical, romance, and a little bit of action, Embers in the London Sky is a book for you!

I received an ARC copy through netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review.