When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.
American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research — her life’s dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement’s legendary Hammond — the merman — and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.
When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech…or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.
My Review:
Indescribably good. It’s going to be hard to write a review that does justice to this story. I hardly know where to start…
Well, first off, I’ll say that I was a bit hesitant about this latest Sundin offering — not because of the writing, but because I am about as un-sciencey and un-mathy as they come. 🙂 I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to connect with a ‘science nerd’ heroine or be able to understand the physics lingo. So, if that’s your fear too, have no worries. Else is an incredible heroine with a heart as big as her brain! And there’s so much more going on in the institute’s labs than the science-y bits. Though there is some foreshadowing about nuclear energy which made me nervous.
Now, this is where it gets tricky because I don’t want to give away any spoilers and there’s just so many layers in both plot and characterization. Henrik’s personal growth and his spiritual journey is phenomenal and there are so many things I want to say but I can’t because the plot twists start from the very first time we meet him. I will say that Sundin captured a multitude of emotional nuances that built over the course of the story. I choked up many times and was wracked with sobs when I reached the last part of the book. Definitely an ugly cry read for me (which is a good thing, in case you’re wondering.)
Once again, this author finds a new way to spin a WWII tale. The unusual Denmark setting was refreshing and the Danish resistance inspiring. A complicated history that I didn’t know much about before I read this book. And, oh my, the way she ties in that title in so many profound ways. Wowzers. I got goosebumps over some wonderful ‘aha’ moments.
Plus there’s a stunning (and very emotional, for me) romance in the midst of all the intrigue and danger. Again, I can’t say more without posting spoilers because there are so many elements to the love story that I can’t share…but you will absolutely adore when you read them for yourself. Also, be prepared for swoony toe-curls.
The kind of novel that makes me extremely happy to be a reader!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy — winner’s choice.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Sound of Light, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 25, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.
Kav's Best Reads 
This sounds like a must read!
mauback55 at gmail dot com
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Hi Melanie! Good to see you here. Good luck!
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So thrilled to be back!!!
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This is a fantastic story! I always love Sarah Sundin’s books. There’s so much history, and also a swoony romance! Don’t enter me in the drawing. I already have a copy.
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Thanks for sharing, Winnie. She’s such an amazing author! Happy Reading!
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I think that this is one of her best novels! I didn’t think she could top the last novel. I appreciate your review! I was blown away too!
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I do too…but it’s really hard to choose a best when it comes to Sarah Sundin. Happy Reading, Nora!
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This has been such a great series! I’m actually reading this book right now, but only six or seven chapters in. So don’t enter me in the drawing.
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Eeeeeppppp — I’m feeling a rush of jealousy because you’re getting to experience it anew….and just wait until you get to…and to….and to…Bwahahaha! Happy Reading, Patty!
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Thank you for your review on “The Sound of Light”. Love stories in this era as they give me a glimpse of events during my parent’s time. The way you worded your review – or maybe what you didn’t say but eluded to – makes this even more of a gotta read book for me. It’s already on my TBR list and I’m dying to read it.
Appreciate the chance to win a copy which would enable me to peek into that era through the fabulous telling of Henrik and Elsie’s story.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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The historical events add so much to WWII love stories…so emotional! Good luck, Kay!
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Kav, this one sounds amazing. I love reading stories about the resistance during WW2. And I don’t believe I’ve read one yet with a Danish setting. I’m definitely in! 🙂
ckbarker at gmail dot com
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Yes, the Danish setting is very unique. Good luck, Cheryl!
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I definitely have this one on my must read list. Thank you for the chance. Loved your review. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Thanks, Lucy. Good luck!
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I find most interesting and telling the many things you can’t say in your review. Great depths to the story would be my takeaway from your comments. I have always so appreciated her wonderful historical research. Thanks!
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Depth — yes!!! So many layers artfully arranged to keep a reader turning pages. Good luck, CC!
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I want to read this book too, it sounds so much like many others from WWII that I thoroughly enjoy.
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I really enjoy WWII novels as well. Glad there are so many great authors writing them. Good luck, Becky!
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Sarah Sundin is one of my MUST read authors!
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Exactly! She’s not to be missed! Good luck, Caryl!
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You can always count on Sarah Sundin, I have read many of her books and have yet to be disappointed. cenyatwoathotmaildotcom
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Yes, she is an amazing talent. Good luck, Marjorie!
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I have read her previous WWII series and enjoyed her characters. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
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She’s a fantastic writer! And her research is amazing. Good luck, Kathleen!
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I love a Sarah Sundin WWII novel! She always does an incredible job with her research and this time has chosen a Danish connection which I also know little about. It definitely sounds like my cup of tea!
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Yes, she’s a not to be missed author for me. Good luck, Perrianne!
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Not to be missed! Thank you!
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Sarah Sundin is just amazing, isn’t she!? And this cover just draws you in. Thank you!
dmandres5 at gmail dot com
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Yes she is! Good luck, Melissa!
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This looks like a good read. Thanks for the review!
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It’s fantastic! Good luck, Lilly!
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I’ve recently read a few Sarah Sundin books and this one is definitely a favorite. I love the tie in to the other books in the series as well, they are all excellent !
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Oooh, I forgot to mention a few cameos in my review! Yes, that was fun. Are you entering the draw, Sandy? If so, good luck!
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Yes, please enter me in the draw! I read my copy from the library but would love my own copy. Thanks, Sandy
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That’s what I figured but just wanted to make sure. Definitely a book for your keeper shelf. Good luck, Sandy!
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Sounds exactly like the kind of story I love….it certainly ticks a whole lot of boxes for me 😊
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
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It’s phenomenal! Good luck, Trixi!
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I have read a lot of WW II books and loved every one! The history in them always fascinates ne.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
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The history and the courage and conviction of ordinary people who made a difference. Good luck, Beth!
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