WWII Historical Fiction with Mystery, Suspense, and Clean Romance
PAULA'S REVIEW:
Putting myself into this story was very easy. I could sympathize with Dutch refugee Aleida as she desperately searches for her missing son, Theo. Aleida is determined enough to get a job that aids in that search and may get discouraged but doggedly soldiers on. When she meets BBC correspondent Hugh Collingwood, she gets a friend. Although he is charming, witty and helpful, he is mindful of her recent widowhood. They also find a connection in their shared faith.
In this layered story, we have a slow romance, family drama and a murder mystery that brings danger to Hugh and Aleida. Add to that a look at what the BBC did to boost morale of the British citizens during the nightly bombing of London and you have a highly fascinating and entertaining story. A welcome counterpoint was the arrival of Lennox the cat and the banter as Hugh tries to adjust to his cantankerous guest.
This had the perfect blend of history, romance, faith, mystery, and humor. Another winner in my estimation. With more to come from Aleida’s cousins Cilla and Gerit in subsequent books, I look forward to more WWII action.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread
WINNIE'S REVIEW:
This story illustrates once again why talented author Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. Her obvious impeccable research, richly painted settings, and well-developed, multi-layered, characters are showcased in this poignant, heart-wrenching tale set in London against the backdrop of WWII.
When Aleida Martens escapes from the Netherlands, she is separated from her young son, and searches desperately for him in London and the surrounding countryside. When she meets BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood, he agrees to help her, but they are soon enmeshed in a rash of mysterious murders.
With plenty of danger, suspense, and action, this tale is one of courage and hope in the face of great adversity and trial. The author’s notes gave some interesting added history and insight into the BBC and the efforts to evacuate young children from London during the bombing by the Germans.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.
BackCover Blurb:
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.
Sarah Sundin's books are so riveting and fantastic! I love learning about historical events while reading an immersing story.
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