Embers in the London Sky

By: Sarah Sundin

Narrated by: Lisa Larsen

Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the Occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.

©2024 D & S Enterprises (P)2024 Tantor

Wonderful WWII Historical Novel

This was a very thought provoking and interesting historical novel that also weaves in mystery and crime elements and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

A bit disappointing

Not her best. Narrator's accents weren't good, inconsistent. Story convoluted. Needed editing. Still like her.

Excellent!

I love the way Sarah Sundin builds a wonderful story with characters we love, and teaches us about bits of WWII that aren’t widely known (Anderson Shelters, for one). She plunges us into the midst of the war and makes us feel we are there. Embers in the London Sky is especially good. I loved this story so much!

Another triumph for Sarah Sundin

I appreciate Ms. Sundin's ability to immerse her readers in the World War 2 era. The story was well crafted with a focus on problems that were particularly troubling during WW2 and continue to be debated now.

Great story set in WWII

I’ve previously enjoyed several of the author’s book. I enjoyed this one. The aspect on the evacuation of children in London in 1940 added an interesting element along with Aleida’s personal story. There is also an element of suspense and mystery.

For readers who enjoy historical fiction set during this time period and desire a clean romance, I’d recommend this book,

Endearing

So uniquely inspiring. Struggles to learn from. Such adorably human characters. True to the spirit of Christ in the progression of the unfolding story. Blessings that follow surrender to his will. A delight.
Always love Sarah Sundin’s creations.

It was okay

It was okay. Not my favorite of Sarah Sundin’s books but it wasn’t a bad listen either. It didn’t keep my attention anywhere near her others.

A unique perspective on the WWII homefront

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 greatly enjoyed the audiobook production, especially the drama the narrator lended and the specific voices she used expressively.

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.

Excellent!

I love Sarah Sundin's writing and this book did not disappoint! Excellent narration by Lisa Larsen!