[Thank you to @netgalley and Revell for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.]

Set in World War II Scotland, Cilla van der Zee is a young Dutch woman who is desperate to escape Nazi’s occupation of the Netherlands. In order to escape, Cilla decides to do something unconscionable: agree to become a spy for the Nazis in order to escape once they deliver her to Britain. When the time comes for Cilla to escape, she’s caught by a Scottish officer in the Royal Navy who immediately turns her in for being a Nazi spy.

I absolutely adore Sarah Sundin novels. I’ve been so excited for Midnight on the Scottish Shore since it was announced! World War II historical fiction, especially Christian historical fiction is one of my all-time favorites, and World War II espionage is always fascinating. I knew I would love this book!

Cilla and Lachlan were such a great slow burn romance, and I loved their characters together and individually. This book was full of biblical themes, redemption, particularly. The author takes the opportunity in this story to explore wrestling with the conscience, as well as what loyalty means and who and what is truly worthy of it. I love an excellent story with deep themes!

Towards the end this book really started to feel like a romantic suspense novel with a historical setting. I’m here for that! So good!

Highly recommend Midnight on the Scottish Shore.

Sarah Sundin has done it again, bringing WWII alive. This time we begin in the Netherlands, and through the eyes of Cilla van der Zee, as she personally witnesses the brutality of the German War Machine. She wants out and love the twist she develops, as she gets to Scotland, with the German's help.
Now Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie is out for a walk, he need to clear his head, when he finds a spy entering his beloved country. He can't believe his eyes, and has his pistol handy, and it doesn't take long that he realized the He he sees is a She.
Not what Cilla was hoping for, but boy now the she is in another predicament, and in another dangerous situation.
What a story the author weaves, spies, counter spies, espionage, and then the family drama. You will be quickly page turning for answers, and they do come, but with a lot of surprises.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

Wow. I can't believe that I am NOT giving five stars to a book set in Scotland... with a kilt-wearing, bagpipe-playing, red-headed hero... written by one of my all-time favorite authors... but this one just didn't do it for me. The beginning action in the Netherlands felt way too rushed, so that I never connected emotionally with Cilla or her plight for freedom from the Nazi occupation. And for a writer who is usually so meticulous with research and details to get something as basic as how to play the bagpipes wrong... well, I can't lie. That really killed the story for this piper. This book just missed the mark for me overall, I'm sorry to say.

When I first started reading this book, I really liked Cilla. She was smart, savvy, and she knew how things were coming down. She did have a bit of selfishness in looking for a way of escape for herself first. As the plot moved on, she became rather superficial and silly, to a degree. Usually I like the protagonists in Sarah Sundin's novels, but I found it hard to like Cilla. Lachlan, on the other hand, was completely likable and personable.

Normally Sarah's books strike a chord with me and they are easy to get into. This one just didn't hit the mark for me. Lachlan didn't trust Cilla at first and it took a while for her to build trust with Lachlan. She was guarded by two WRENS and an army officer while living in a lighthouse. She is utilized as a spy feeding false information to the Germans.

The setting is one of the saving graces of the book. It's a rugged, seashore area that would have been susceptible to German attacks but because of the armaments, stayed relatively safe.

This is a three-star book, simply because of Cilla's flibberty-gibbet personality.

Revell Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Sarah Sundin never disappoints! Midnight on the Scottish Shore has the wonderful writing style, character complexity and development, and thoroughly-researched detail that are Sundin's hallmarks, I loved Lachlan's integrity and Cilla's determination - including her playfulness in difficult circumstances. Though they both have to grow with God's help, Lachlan and Cilla are courageous, noble, and intelligent. And on that note, I was really impressed with Sundin's creation of very clever & complicated cover stories & spy plots.

The cast of supporting characters is also excellent. In fact, one of my favorite moments in the book is a conversation between Cilla and Lachlan's brother Neil in a pub. It was also so fun to get appearances from Hugh and Aleida Collingwood.

This book has action, excitement, and some wonderful moments of romance. Faith elements are woven into the story, but I think readers who aren't Christian can definitely still enjoy this book. Anyone who loves historical fiction will love Midnight on the Scottish Shore!

Thank you to Sarah Sundin and her team for the free advanced review copy. I was not required to leave a positive review; these are my honest opinions.

This review is cross-posted on Goodreads. It will be posted on my Instagram and on Amazon upon the book's publication.

Midnight on the Scottish Shore
A Novel of World War II
by Sarah Sundin
Publisher: Revell
Series: None
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “In a time of war, danger lurks beneath the water--and in the depths of the human heart
As the German war machine devours the Netherlands, the only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the occupation is to do the unthinkable--train to become a spy for the Nazis. Once dispatched to Britain, she plans to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. But her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.
Yet perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence employs her to radio misleading messages to Germany from the lighthouse at Dunnet Head in Scotland--messages filled with naval intelligence Lachlan must provide. If the war is to be won, Lachlan and Cilla must work together. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?”

Impressions: This was an interesting novel. I’ve not really thought of Scotland's involvement in WW2, and this enlightened me about their service. Cilla was introduced as being burdened with justice as well as being the responsible, protective sister. The ramifications of being a double-crossing spy would have scared me silly. I can’t imagine the Nazi training was subtle or gentle; especially after seeing them kill an innocent person. Rather than being compliant and serious once captured she was sarcastic and playful. Her lighthearted and cheerful demeanor was confusing considering how she was introduced. I suppose I was just confused with her constant reasoning for her actions as they didn’t match her beginning character. It was engaging and interesting to read though. I liked the spy element.

Quotes: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy...blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God...For a dozen years, he’d been waiting to show mercy until Neil apologized. Waiting for Neil to make peace. Lachlan had it reversed. He needed to show Neil mercy and strive for peace, regardless of Neil’s actions.”

“’ Boredom sparks creativity.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

In Midnight on the Scottish Shore, Sarah Sundin delivers a captivating tale set against the backdrop of World War II. The story follows Cilla van der Zee, a Dutch resistance fighter turned reluctant spy, and Lachlan Mackenzie, a naval officer navigating the burdens of his past. From their first tense encounter to their reluctant partnership, Sundin expertly crafts a slow-burn relationship built on mutual respect, shared struggles, and the hope of redemption.

Sundin’s attention to historical detail is unparalleled. From the covert operations of MI5’s Double Cross program to the moral complexity of life, the story captures the era with authenticity and precision. The author skillfully balances the high stakes of espionage with intimate character moments, giving readers a glimpse into both the broader conflict and the personal battles of her protagonists. Themes of faith and freedom permeate the story, offering a refreshing perspective on the complexities of war.

What sets Midnight on the Scottish Shore apart is its moral depth. Both Cilla and Lachlan wrestle with their consciences, grappling with questions of loyalty, deception, and the cost of doing what is right. The biblical underpinnings of their decisions add layers of meaning to the narrative, making it as thought-provoking as it is compelling.

For fans of historical fiction, romantic suspense, or stories of redemption, this novel delivers on every front. Sundin’s evocative prose, richly developed characters, and expertly plotted twists make Midnight on the Scottish Shore an unforgettable read. Whether you’re new to Sarah Sundin’s work or a longtime admirer, this book is a standout addition to her repertoire.

Perfect for book clubs and readers who appreciate thought-provoking fiction with heart.

I received a digital advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

I've been reading Sarah Sundin books for well over a decade now, and each time I learn something new about WWII. I thought by now I would've been introduced to most of the different players and storylines, but she's always amazes me by bringing something new to the table! She does a fantastic job of researching and introducing enough fact and historic characters into her fiction that it feels like you're really there living it. This time we're in Scotland, a region that I imagine I realized was marginally involved in the war, but not to the extent that I've learned about now. It had all the elements...mystery, intrigue, romance, faith, and history...woven together beautifully.

So. Good.

That's about all the words penetrating my Scottish-spy-WWII-induced brain fog. I LOVED Midnight on the Scottish Shore. I discovered Sarah Sundin's books about a year ago and I quickly added her to the books I will be looking forward to every year! I devoured this book in a day; I loved the characters and it was very believable and well-thought out, but not too complex for my lil brain.

I love a good Scottish accent, and Cilla was a wonderfully humorous character. I was cackling through some scenes, much to my family's confusion.

Overall, five stars!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I'll probably say this every time I read/review a Sarah Sundin book--how are there more things to write/read/learn about WWII?! There are so many books on the market, and certainly Sundin has written a vast number of them herself--and yet, each has a unique storyline, fascinating and complex characters, and tons of history--including _Midnight on the Scottish Shore_.

Sundin does a particularly good job in this book exploring character motivations and the nuances and gray areas of war. Historical figures, agencies (MI5--James Bond meets WWII?), and events make quite a few appearances; be sure to read the author's note at the end for details. I for one learned so much, and was sad to see the book end.

I am mildly obsessive over the UK, and especially enjoyed that side of this book--in fact, I jumped on reading it as much for the location as the author! As evidenced by the title, it's primarily set in Scotland, and also includes a handful of scenes in London (including St. James's Park, which I visited on one of my last trips!) and elsewhere. I'm more than ready to visit again.

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

This was a beautifully done historical romance novel, it had that element that I was expecting and hoping for from the first page. It uses the danger element to it's advantage and was invested in what was going on. The characters were realistic and worked with what I wanted from them. Sarah Sundin does a fantastic job in writing this and am glad I got to read this.