Wow! This book is incredible! I was hooked from the very beginning, and I could barely put the book down! Sarah Sundin provides a story with so many layers like a delicious cake! There's murders, air raids, suspense, and a sweet love story!

Hugh is an amazing character! His job as a BBC correspondent is fundamental to the war. Aleida's story broke my heart. She experiences one loss after another. She is full of determination and strength. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the reporters at the Hart and Swan pub!

This book might be hard for some readers. It brings up an abusive marriage, times of war, and murders. It also celebrates the resiliency of humans! It reminds the reader to fight the good fight. To be a voice for the voiceless and to extend love and friendship to all.

This book is well worth the time to read! It's historical fiction at its finest! I can't wait to read the next book by Sarah Sundin! I won a book via Library Thing via Netgalley.

An uplifting World War Two story unlike many I have read. This book takes place in London during earlier wartime and has a murder mystery element along with the heartbreak of living and loss during war. As a mother, this book resonates with me, and I find myself able to see myself in the fmc. A wonderful read for lovers of historical fiction.

All I could think of when reading this book was my grandmother’s expression, ‘from the frying pan into the fire.’

Life was unbearable in the Netherlands thanks to her overbearing husband, Sebastiaan, and the German invasion, but escaping to London didn’t make things much easier for Aleida van der Zee Martens. In the chaos of escaping, Sebastiaan does the unthinkable and Aleida is separated from her young son.

Serendipitously, a way is opened up for this distraught mother to make it to London and channel her energy into finding Theo. It’s at this point that she meets an angel in disguise - a BBC radio correspondent - who is also searching for answers. Hugh Collingwood and Aleida join forces and learn that communication is key to moving forward.

Although much of the historical fiction setting has been explored before, it was nice to be reminded that when we feel like we can’t control what’s happening around us, we can control our response. I enjoyed the thread of faith that was interwoven throughout this story and appreciated the message the author delivered. Resilience is still a fashionable trait to nurture and develop.

A perfect balance of love, loss, mystery and faith, this is one historical fiction readers will enjoy.

Embers in the London Sky is the first of three standalone novels featuring three Dutch cousins who come to the United Kingdom during WW2.

I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This is a Christian romance set in 1940, mostly in England. Aleida's abusive husband is ashamed that their son lacks fingers on one hand. As many rich families fled from the Netherlands, he sneaked his son away and gave him to an English family to take with them. Aleida escaped to England, but she didn't know who had her child. She agreed to work for the department handling sending children (including refuge children) into the country in hopes of finding her son. Hugh didn't have permission to tell her story, but he helped as he could. He also struggled to hide his asthma while reporting from areas burning from German bombs. He fought for the right to report on bad events, not just positive ones.

The main characters were complex, engaging, and I cared about what happened to them. Aleida and Hugh supported each other and built each other up. Then Hugh said something unthinking that triggered Aleida into feeling like he was controlling, like her dead husband. They both had to realize that they'd reacted wrongly to the situation. Concerning Theo, I thought it odd that Aleida didn't anticipate being asked and had trouble thinking of how to prove that she's Theo's mother.

Aleida learned to stop trying to control every detail of her life and trust that God loves her and is in control. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical.

This was a whirlwind of emotions, so much so that I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading. As in, reading while stirring dinner and walking around the house doing chores.

The book starts off with Aleida and her son Theo planning their escape from her abusive husband when unfortunately the war pushes them to evacuate together. While Aleida sleeps, her abusive husband gives away their son due to him being ‘too loud’.

Aleida uses her sorrow of losing her only child and pushes forward in her life. She never stops searching and finds a job helping other refugees and children. Through her work, she meets a BBC reporter named Hugh who helps her in her search. My heart did not stop hurting until they finally found Theo together and fought to be a family together.

Hugh and Aleida experience war and loss first hand, and hold nothing back in their stories. I appreciate the author not holding back and sharing the whole story, including children in hostels, murder of foreigners, and the fear of nightly air raids in London.

If you love historical fiction, a bit of a murder mystery, and found love, this is the perfect book for you!

Thank you for the opportunity of receiving an ARC, and I am leaving this review willingly.

SPECTACULAR!!

Author Sarah Sundin has, in my opinion, written another spectacular WWII Historical Fiction novel that will leave an indelible impression on anyone who reads it. Embers in the London Sky is the story of heartbreak, separation, death, lies, deceit, and malice. But it is so much more! It is a beautifully told story of ordinary people who choose to live extraordinarily in the worst of times to make a difference in their corner of the world. It is the story of resilience, of bonds formed by common objectives, friends, and alliances found in unlikely places, seeking to do your heart’s calling against all odds amid war, finding the one who can not only be your best friend but your soulmate, and the depth and breadth of a Mother’s love for her child.

This novel will touch you and make you think. If you do not read but one novel this year, let this be the one!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

This story hurt and was so beautiful.

I honestly sometimes don't know what to do with Sarah Sundin books. There is such a depth to them that I rarely find in fiction. With this story being about a mother searching for her son... I should have expected all the emotions.

The biggest thing I took away from this book was the question of motive for our actions. Aleida desperately wants to find her son, rightly so, but things happen during the search that lead to her having to make the hardest decision of her life. A mother's love is to want what is best for her child, regardless of what it means for her.

I liked Hugh and the group of friends in the pub who pull Aleida in. The mystery was also interesting, though definitely a side plot for me. And there were still light-hearted moments, which I always appreciate.

Two quotes that stood out to me:

"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."

"Why do we celebrate weddings in wartime? Because weddings prove that love defeats hated, that light conquers darkness, and that life triumphs over death. Love glows in the midst of the flames, and new life - new life stirs amongst the embers."

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required.

I enjoyed this latest entry in the Sarah Sundin catalogue of books. Her books have been set in WW2 but not one of them is the same, each taking characters and an aspect of the war, this time, refugee children. Like her other books, this one is well researched and comes off as authentic.

Hugh and Aleida are well written characters. This book is not only a love story between the main characters but also one of a mother's love for her son, mystery and murder. At the end of the book, a teaser was provided for the next one in the series - I'm holding out to see what happens next.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin is a great WWII-era historical fiction that I really loved.

I have read several books by Ms. Sundin, and I have to say I have enjoyed this one the most.

The characters of Hugh and Aleida were excellent, well-crafted, had chemistry, and were just likable and realistic characters all the way around. The alternate points of view within the same chapters was far better than alternating every other chapter.

There was mystery, suspense, action, a bit of romance, history, and an element of faith that I thought was wonderful. I loved following along with Hugh and his fellow radio correspondents during the raids on London in 1941.

Excellent.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Revell for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/6/24.

Oh goodness! What a great book! Sarah Sundlin did not disappoint! She created this beginning that made me sad, mad, and angry for Theo and Aleida. But as the story progress, you see so much growth in Aleida. She is so much more than a mother. She is a voice for the voiceless.

Hugh comes from a rather stuffy background. Unlike most of his peers, he's willing to put in hard work to do something that matters. He cares about his country and his countrymen. He doesn't want to hide behind a title or his medical condition. I have so much respect and admiration for people who want to do something worthy.

On paper, Aleida and Hugh are wrong for each other. Wrong backgrounds, different educations, cultures, etc. But when you put them in the same room, it doesn't take long to realize how good they are for each other and how well they work together.

I'm already looking forward to Sundlin's next book. If it's as good as this book, I'll be thrilled!

Another great book by Sarah Sundin!

The story follows Aleida as she flees the Netherlands as the Nazis invade and seeks refuge in London. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you’ll love this book!

Embers in the London Sky
by Sarah Sundin
Date: Feb.6, 2024
Revell
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read 8-10 of Siundin's historical fiction novels and this one is very different. It opens with a abusive situation which leads to an awesome, unique novel.
Sarah Sundin does a beautiful job of writing this story set in World War 2 without falling into redundancy. As a lover of historical fiction I have read many books set in this time period and it can oftentimes feel a little ho hum, as if the story has been told before. Not so with this book!
5 stars

Sarah Sundin does a beautiful job of writing this story set in World War 2 without falling into redundancy. As a lover of historical fiction I have read many books set in this time period and it can oftentimes feel a little ho hum, as if the story has been told before. Not so with this book!

From the first chapter I was lulled into the beauty of the storyline and telling, falling in love with each of the characters. The story develops as Aleida searches for her son, a mystery in itself, while a separate murder mystery unfolds. I loved how the main characters brought the best out in one another, as iron sharpening iron. The gospel and the theme of forgiveness is woven subtly and yet undoubtedly throughout the book, which ministered to me over and over. Every time I picked this book up I didn't want to put it down!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Historical fiction set during WWII can seem quite like every other book in the genre, but not so with this book. Sarah Sundin has managed a unique story that is serious, but not maudlin. She has shown us a loving mother who chooses her son’s wellbeing over her own. And she brings the novel to a satisfying end that is believable without sentimentality. Definitely a five-star book. I read an ARC from NetGalley and offer my own opinions.

From the beginning, this felt different from Sundin's other works. I figure I've read about 8-10 of her books at this point. It opens with an abusive marriage situation that rather than capturing me, very nearly made me stop reading. Thankfully, it was only at the very beginning of the book, which I had no way of knowing at the time and was not a great opener for readers like me. As a mom, the main storyline wasn't something I "enjoyed;" it was harrowing, and the main character lacked understanding of her place as the mother in her child's life. There was also a plot of murders of various characters you came to know throughout the book.
With that aside, there was a lot that was good about this book- Hugh, for one, was an interesting, layered lead. I really did like him and his story. I learned a lot of fascinating history (which being all totally new to me, was a lot to follow and figure out). There was a nice faith message, albeit nothing totally earth shattering. And the romance was decently written. I didn't dislike the book, but it won't go down as my favorite by the author.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy to read for honest review. All opinions are my own!

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin features a Dutch speaking woman who lost her son as her and her abusive husband try to leave the lower part of Europe to London. Once in London, she tries to survive the Blitz, but also, tries to uncover her missing son. With the hurt of her past marriage, she has a hard time allowing love to enter her heart. She is a brave and determined mother who will do anything to find her missing son. On the other hand, Hugh, a BBC correspondent, interviews and captures the story of the London Blitz for firsthand accounts. His voice is recognized all across London. I really liked the BBC War correspondent element to Hughes’ character. Readers, of course, are familiar with the radio broadcasts that were familiar during this time period. It was nice to see the reporter’s viewpoint and how Sundin brought that to life through Hugh. When their two lives intersect, then the sparks begin to fly. The plot has an element of a murder mystery as bodies start to end up dead in different parts of the city. I enjoyed the murder element to the plot. Love World War II stories and suspense, so this was nice to see together in one novel. Sundin does a wonderful job at bringing the readers into the setting and time period that readers will forget that they are sitting somewhere in 2024 instead of 1941. She invites readers to experience the horror of the bombing from the Germans, love of the characters, and well-crafted plot. I can’t wait to own this book in my library.

I received a complimentary copy of Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Sarah Sundin has written another great novel set during WWII. Her plot lines and attention to detail set her books above the rest!

In Embers in the London Sky, Aleida and her family are escaping the German occupation of their home country, the Netherlands. Aleida's abusive husband is killed in an attack but only after he hands off their disabled son to another fleeing family while she slept. Aleida manages to escape to an aunt and uncle in England and begins to search for her son. Aleida asks everyone and every agency she can find if they have seen a little blonde boy with stubs for fingers on his right hand.
Hugh Collingwood was born to wealth and privilege and hides his disability well. I guess in the past asthma was considered a disability and those with it were treated like invalids. But Hugh had a teacher who didn't agree with this mentality and encouraged his adventurous nature. He now works as a radio correspondent for the BBC and the people love listening to his voice and encouragements. He is fascinated by Aleida's beauty and spirit and wants to help her find her son. With the back drop of German bombs exploding and danger on every side, two desperate people can find happiness when they let go and let God take control of their lives.

I thought this book was a great read and finished in two days. It is exciting and heartbreaking. The conclusion is satisfying and will appeal to anyone who likes Inspirational Historical fiction.

No one writes World War II era historical fiction like Sarah Sundin. Her newest release, Embers in the London Sky, is now my new favorite I have read by her. I loved it. Five stars.

This was an exceptional read! I loved the intrigue, the way I had to keep reading. I can’t imagine what people..parents..went through during the war. Hard choices were made and some were made for them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I absolutely loved this book! Placed in the 1940’s. A young woman is forced to flee from her home because of the Germans invading. Sudden Aleida finds herself a widow and her her 3 year old son is missing. Aleida is now in London searching for her lost son with the help of a radio correspondent who she befriends. Will the two find answers and the child before time runs out?
I loved this novel! The story is very emotional and tugs at your heart strings. I would absolutely recommend this book to any friends and family!