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.
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.
MY THOUGHTS
This was another masterful WWII story from Sarah Sundin. I’ve read all of her books, and while this one had a slightly different feel to it, I loved it just as much as her previous stories. In fact, I think it’s my new favorite.
I was completely immersed in this story and was transported back to London in the 1940s, feeling like I was right there alongside these characters. I love when an author can transport me back in time like that.
I really felt for Aleida. She was in a horrible situation at the beginning of the book, and then to be separated from her son? My goodness, my heart broke for her. But I loved her resiliency and straightforwardness. She had an inner strength that I really admired. I liked Hugh instantly. He was a charming guy with a heart of gold. I admired the way that he stuck to his principles and stood firm in his desire to do his job with integrity.
I enjoyed getting to see behind the scenes at the BBC. It was very interesting! And I appreciated the talk about censorship in the media. It was very thought-provoking and is always a timely topic.
I really enjoyed the fact that there was a mystery. It added another layer of intrigue to the story.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. If you’re a fan of WWII fiction, this is a must read! I highly recommend it!
I received an early copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
FIVE STARS
I love when a book transports you back in time, too. And I can't imagine losing your little boy like that. How scary!
ReplyDeleteRight? That's gotta be every parent's worst nightmare!
DeleteLove your review.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarita. It was such a good book. :)
Delete