Embers in the London Sky + Giveaway

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.

My Review:

I have read every book Sarah Sundin has written and after each read I think, ‘that was so good, she can’t possibly top this!’ And then she does. Over and over again with each new release. So, for the moment, I’m saying that ‘Embers in the London Sky’ is her best ever and my ultimate favourite…but that is likely to change when I read her next book, or even a previous book I’ve already enjoyed. I’m fickle when it comes to Sarah Sundin’s books, I guess. 🙂

But this one…oh…mercy! I ugly cried at the end. Great heaving sobs, hail-sized tears, I just couldn’t hold all the emotions back! Which was kind of embarrassing since I listened to the audio book and I was walking outside at the time. Thankfully it was raining so there’s hope that passersby assumed those drops rolling down my face were from the cloudy sky, not my eyes!

And, oh, the journey to that emotional climax. Utter perfection! Impeccable pacing — the plot never lagged though sometimes I thought I’d burst if I didn’t get the full story on…well, so many things. But the author pulls backstories and plot threads together at just the right time…keeping me in rapturous bibliophile tenterhooks all the way through! And…eeeeppp…there’s even a murder mystery too!

Again, I’m amazed at the way authors can approach a World War II novel from so many different angles. I was particularly captivated by Hugh’s work as a war correspondent. The significance the war had on changes to news coverage was a surprise to me…and utterly fascinating. And the clashes over censorship ran true to our 21st century media struggles so that was really eye-opening too. Who knew we didn’t create fake news?! 🙂

The romance is deeply emotional and not without pitfalls, but it’s clear that Hugh and Aleida are better together than apart — even if they don’t always see things that way! Oh, the shivery delight of a well fought marathon to a happily ever after! Rich and satisfying and full of hope!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Lisa Larsen who did an amazing job with the various accents. Her performance brought these characters to life in a memorable way and I highly recommend the audio edition of ‘Embers in the London Sky’ if you’re a ‘listening reader’ like I am.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Embers in the London Sky , 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 16 2024.

38 thoughts on “Embers in the London Sky + Giveaway”

  1. This sounds so good. And I love the cover. I saw it advertised before the book came out, and that alone makes you want to read it.

    And now your review makes me want to read it even more.

    Though if I read it, it sounds like I’d better do it where no one can see me😎

    marcus802001(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  4. I was instantly drawn in by the cover. I’m with you every time I read a book by this author I’m so captivated and surprised by the story I think this is her best, where does she go from here? This one had a mystery to solve which hasn’t happened in the others. Loved the kitty in the story too! Loved this story!

    Nora

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  5. Oh my goodness! Not only is this book beautiful on the outside, but it sounds amazing on the inside! I agree, everything Sarah Sundin writes is magic! 

    dmandres5 at gmail dot com

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  6. Whenever I read your review I love how you bring the story to life without really telling us the details. I’ve tried a time or two to write a review so I know it’s a challenge. Thank you for this one. l agree that all of Sandra’s books pull you with their covers and I can’t wait to read this one now.

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    1. Thanks, Becky, I work hard not to give out spoilers in my review though sometimes I just want to gush about so many aspects of a novel. This one would make a fabulous book club selection for all the talking points. Good luck!

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  10. Good morning, Kav. How is your weather up there? We’ve made it almost to mid-March–my least favorite month–without snow, so I think I’m safe in saying we made it through the winter without a blizzard! Yay! Your review is enough to entice me to buy this one, though it is already on my WL. So, I will try for the win 😉

    Blessings,

    may_dayzee AT yahoo DOT com

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    1. We’re having yo-yoing weather here — snow on Sunday, freezing rain on Monday and sunny and warmish today. Will Mother Nature ever make up her mind?! I’m eagerly starting seedlings indoors in anticipation of spring. This is a wonderful novel, Kay, definitely a must read. Good luck!

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  11. Knew that “Embers in the London Sky” was going to be an amazing read, but your review has notched up my desire 100 fold. Now I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy myself. Love everything about this story including the time period. I will be prepared now with tissue at hand and ready to keep reading this can’t put down story.

    Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  12. I read my library copy immediately after this book released and as you said, every new book is my new favorite! I’m still making my way through her backlist and have loved them all, so many great stories.

    Sandyavery at comcast dot net

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  13. I have read almost everyone of her books. The storyline sounds so exciting.

    Thanks for the review and the chance to win this novel.

    cenyatwoathotmaildotcom

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  15. I so want to read this as you know WWII is my favorite era to read about. Thank you for sharing. Blessings leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  18. I am quite envious that you’ve read ALL of Sarah Sundin’s books. I’m not there yet, but that’s an awesome goal! I enjoyed your review and you nailed it with your description: “rich, satisfying and full of hope.” You can’t get any better than that and she always delivers a such fantastic novel. I also agree that each one is better than the last. She is incredibly talented!

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    1. She is such an amazing author! The way she ‘grows’ her characters realistically is so good. And her research! It’s like she has a time machine and travels back to the 1940s to get things right. 🙂 Good luck, Perrianne!

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  19. Sarah Sundin is the best of the best in WWII fiction… Maybe even romance! I need to read this one soon. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

    readreviewrejoice AT gmail DOT com

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