The Sound of Light - by Sarah Sundin

The Sound of Light is a delicious slow-burn romance set during World War 2. I loved the characters, the setting and vivid imagery. The story was well-written, the style was great, and the pacing was good. Here's one of my favorite quotes from a book that Else read to Hemming: ‘We can be deceived by believing what is untrue, but we certainly are also deceived by not believing what is true. We can be deceived by appearances, but we certainly are also deceived by the sagacious appearance, by the flattering conceit that considers itself absolutely secure against being deceived. Which deception is more dangerous? . . . What is more difficult— to awaken someone who is sleeping or to awaken someone who , awake, is dreaming that he is awake?’” This quote is so deep, and highly relevant to life today. In short, this book was great, and I can't wait to see what Mrs. Sundin writes next! I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher through Netgalley, and was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts above are my own.

1940 Denmark. Exquisite. So hard to put down. Never doubt, Sarah Sundin can write. You know you're engrossed when you start praying for the characters. Who lived 83 years ago. Amazing story of Else, a physicist, and Hemming, who is disguised as a shipworker. They both end up doing resistance work and it's all so beautifully entwined and interesting. And dangerous. And meltingly romantic. Gosh I hate to leave them, wish to hear more as their lives go on. The rescue of the Danish Jews is one of the most astonishing and inspiring stories to come out of World War II. The Danes outspokenly refused to allow the oppression of other human beings— and acted on that principle. Neither Else nor Hemming are Jews, but they both sacrifice to save all whom they can. Their resistance must be kept secret for their safety and that of friends and family. Definitely a must read. And leave extra time. Always beautiful covers too. I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #NetGalley #TheSoundOfLight #SarahSundin #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel

This story begins in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1940 during the time of the German occupation of Denmark and World War II. It was a time of the Danish Resistance and this book's main characters are both caught up in the Resistance, risking their lives to stand for their country and what they believe in. I thought the story had a slow build and the Danish language used and talk of physics, was often a bit confusing, but as I got into the middle of the book the story seemed to escalate and swiftly carried me along, immersing me in its suspense and leaving me not wanting it to end. I did appreciate learning the history of this time and the events of World War II in Denmark, as I was not very familiar with the Danish Resistance. If you enjoy reading historical romance fiction filled with intrigue and true to life characters that embody those that actually lived during this time, you will enjoy this story. I received a copy of this book from Revell, a division of Baker Book Publishing, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin is a stand-alone novel centered in Copenhagen in the 1940’s. Dr. Else Jensen feels the call to help her fellow countrymen. Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt feels that joining the Resistance is his way of getting the ultimate revenge. The danger is real. Will they both succeed or lose everything? This was a very well-written story. You felt the struggles of the characters. The suspense kept you turning the pages. I enjoyed the history being brought to life in such an exciting way. Even though Else was terrified she still had the courage to do what was right. May we learn from her! I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

'm a fan of World War II novels but this book's subject is a new area for me. The Sound of Light begins in 1940, at the beginning of the German occupation of Denmark, but the plotline quickly progresses to 1943. Author Sarah Sundin shares the absorbing tale of two brave people: one is a Danish baron who assumes another identity and the other is an American physicist doing research in Denmark. Two unlikely comrades determined to help with the Danish resistance! There are so many inspiring themes woven throughout this story. Bravery and courage that were the foundation of the resistance efforts, along with the many sacrifices that were made. A love for one's country and the desire to protect its freedom. And then there's the romance! I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Henrik/Hemming and Else progressed from respect to friendship to something much deeper. War is always ugly but Sundin buffers her story by showing the power of hope, faith, and love! I recommend The Sound of Light to all who enjoy historical romantic fiction. I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

It is 1943 in Denmark, during WWII. Germany has control of Denmark, but gives it more freedom than other countries they are occupying. There is more food, the Jewish people are not forced to wear stars and there is no curfew. Else is an American physicist and a working scientist in Denmark. She has been pulled into doing dangerous resistance work. Henrik is famous for what he has done for the resistance, and has managed to keep his identity a secret. But the landlady at his boardinghouse is suspicious of him--will she turn him in? He has also gotten involved with Else who lives at the same boardinghouse, will this relationship backfire on one or both of them? As things heat up with the Occupation adding more rules to follow, along with more Danes turning in their fellow countrymen, the resistance work becomes even more dangerous. Then it is discovered that all the Jewish people are going to be rounded up. Their only hope is to escape across the heavily patrolled waters to Sweden. Will Else and Henrik be able to help hide and move hundreds of people without any of them being caught? Should they attempt such dangerous work when the odds of succeeding are so low? Can this possibly be done without Henrik's identity being exposed? This tale was set against the backdrop of the constant danger the Danish people faced from the German Occupation. I had trouble connecting with this story, but it is a clean thriller told from a Christian viewpoint. It is interesting to know that many things in this story really happened. Fans of WWII, and historic reads will enjoy this four-star book Thank you, Revell Publishing, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

The character development in this book is wonderful. The author truly explores what it means to become a new creation. The parallels between light and sound and the analogy of life as a prism make Sundin's point so beautifully. The deep themes of The Sound of Light don't bog the reader down or dim the enjoyment of this exciting World War II story set in Denmark. I knew less of the events in this country than in nearby England, France, and Poland. I enjoyed learning more about the Danes' evolving response to their occupation. The Sound of Light demonstrates the heart behind those who responded unselfishly and those seeking only their own personal safety and well-being. It makes readers wonder the state of their own hearts, and to consider who in their personal sphere of influence might benefit from receiving the sacrificial giving of time, money, or talent. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of this well-researched, well-written novel from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

“You’re willing to do something wrong to do something right?” Else is asked in Sarah Sundin’s novel, The Sound of Light. ~ What ~ This three-hundred-and-eighty-four-page paperback targets those who enjoy historical romance in Denmark during World War II. The topics of sabotage, torture, and war may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a teaser for another novel by the writer, a note to the reader, acknowledgments, a pronunciation guide/glossary, thirteen discussion questions, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this tale set mostly in Copenhagen, twenty-eight-year-old American Else Jensen loves her job as a physicist working abroad. But when the Germans overtake Denmark, she faces many dilemmas involving speaking out as a woman, confronting those who speak down to her, and participating in the dangerous underground resistance. When she meets Hemming, a mysterious man who hides his past so he can pass important papers between countries via rowing across the Sound, they unexpectedly find love and compassion while protecting others. ~ Why ~ I love historical fiction where I learn something new, and this one truly hits the spot. Understanding how the Danes protected the Jews in their country was interesting and well-written. The references to the merman rumors, elitist living, and rowing ten miles undercover were engaging. Adding the tender and emotional liaison of the protagonists as they fell in love was heartwarming and realistic without being sappy. The story forces the reader to consider when to speak out or keep silent standing up for oneself. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not like stories of war may want to pass on this read. Some may not care for the lies told to protect others. Others may wish there were more reliance on the Almighty, more trust in God, and the eternal plan of salvation included. ~ Wish ~ A simplistic map of the Danish town would be helpful. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. ~ Want ~ If you like a story that involves a smart woman who avoids conflict and confrontation and a prodigal son who must forgive the past, this is excellent historical fiction where love shines in a Danish city during wartime. I received a review copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

OMG! What an Epic and Amazing WWII Novel! Author Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite authors and I read all of her novels, and I think this might be my new favorite story of hers! This was an amazing story, totally Epic! I couldn’t put the book down because my heart was so immersed in the story that I needed to know how things would fare for the main characters and their friends. It was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least! This story has a lot of action has a lot of twists and turns that will keep you guessing at what will happen next or if Else and Henrik will get caught by the Gestapo. The story felt very realistic and very informative as I did know little about the Danish resistance. The characters were the best. I loved Henrik -or Hemming or Henning- in his false identities, I fell completely in love with him. It was clear that he had the biggest heart concealed under those fake identities. I loved his character development and growth and how he learned how to forgive and love and avoid hatred. And how generous and bold he was when he was rowing back and forth information for the resistance. And Else was such an admirable character too. I loved her sweet nature, her goodness, and how she went out of her comfort zone to speak up and defend what was right. And her courage to print the resistance flyers. Her friendship with Laila was beautiful too. So many things to learn from the characters and they were all so inspiring. And the romance, oh sigh! It was so swooning, my heart melted. Really sweet and very clean, yet with a great spark. I have to say, Hemming is my new book boyfriend, he’s that awesome. The story was so full of historical details that it felt so realistic. And it was so faith inspiring as well. The message about trusting God in the direst of circumstances, the willingness to sacrifice even their own lives for others was so humbling. An inspiring story about the Danish resistance that I’m sure many people are not aware of. Most of the Jews in Denmark were able to escape thanks to the aid of many. And the generosity of the Swedish in receiving them also inspiring. All in all, a wonderful Historical WWII Romance that I won’t soon forget and will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it!