A Song in the Dark

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Genre: WWII Historical Fiction
Pages: 336
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Her music captivates crowds. His mission exposes secrets. Their courage defies a dictator.

Against the simmering backdrop of impending war, blind virtuoso pianist Chaisley Frappier embarks on a concert tour through a rapidly changing Europe. When she learns that Hitler's regime of injustice is targeting other disabled people, Chaisley realizes she is in a prime position to help those who are threatened reach safety. But the Führer's growing fascination with the celebrated musician endangers her undercover mission and forces her to walk a tightrope between her fame and her calling.

When Rick Zimmerman receives his next assignment from the British Secret Intelligence Service, he is surprised to learn he'll be acting as the personal driver of a world-renowned pianist as she tours Europe. The role gives him the perfect cover to complete missions of sabotage and intelligence-gathering, but he soon suspects the brilliant, alluring pianist has secrets of her own. As Chaisley and Rick confront evil at every turn, it will take every bit of faith and courage they possess to triumph over hate--and survive.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

Wow! More than 5 stars for this book. It touched my heart in so many ways. It’s about perseverance, overcoming adversity, and being a light to those in darkness.

The characters are written brilliantly! Chaisley is an amazing young woman! Not only is she a gifted pianist, but her heart is compassionate to those with “ailments” like hers. She’s been put through the fire more than once, but in those times she learns to trust God again. 

Rick is dedicated, compassionate, and a protector. He’s passionate about stopping the Nazis and Hitler. Melanie is the best friend that everyone wishes they had. She’s loyal, patient, kind, and willing to go the extra mile. Celestia is my favorite! Her compassionate heart provides safe places for those in harm’s way. She’s faithful to God’s call on her life.

Every time I read a book that’s set during WWII, my first question is always why. My second question is, would I step up and help save those being persecuted? I’d like to think that I would. In my heart I say, “I long to be one of the few.”

I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

A Song in the Dark by Kimberley Woodhouse is an exceptional WWII Fiction novel that will keep you engrossed from the first page.

Chaisley Frappier is our main character. She is a child prodigy on the piano. Unfortunately, she was blinded at the age of 10 in an automobile accident. But music fills her heart and head, and she continues to amaze people who hear her play.

As her fame grows, and her concerts are well attended, no one knows she is blind. She embarks on a European tour that takes her into the heart of evil. A madman has risen to power, and his mission to rid the world of Jews and people who are disabled forces Chaisley to come clean and announce to the world that she is blind. She is hoping that Hitler will not have her exterminated because the entire world is watching.

Her protector on the tour is also an undercover agent for England. While he is to protect Chaisley and her companion, Melanie, he also must carry out covert missions without getting caught. All while falling more and more in love with the blind pianist.

I loved this story. However, it made me sad and angry. I see Hitler in Donald Trump and his regime, so this hit close to home. I understood how completely helpless the Jews and the disabled felt as they were being hunted down. Much like any immigrant in the States right now. Being disabled myself, really had me emotional while I was reading this.

If you enjoy WWII fiction with danger and romance that is well-researched, you will love A Song in the Dark.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“As Chaisley and Rick confront evil at every turn, it will take every bit of faith and courage they possess to triumph over hate–and survive,” the back jacket states in Kimberley Woodhouse’s novel, A Song in the Dark.

A novel of World War II, this 336-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance involving a blind virtuoso pianist who wants to help during the war effort. With no profanity, topics of physical injury, death, and war may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending of this advanced reader copy includes a note to the reader, discussion questions, acknowledgments, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

In this tale, Chaisely has been blind since age ten due to an accident that killed both her parents. Determined to overcome her disability, she becomes a well-known pianist who performs concerts throughout Europe until Hitler demands she play for him. As she learns Germany’s leader is targeting all Jews and imperfect people, she works with her friend and a British spy to rescue the needy.

How some Jewish and disadvantaged people survived Hitler through others coming to their rescue has always been a touching, tragic topic, and this tale tenderly shows how sacrifice and love drove individuals to aid those who were in desperate situations. I liked that Biblical characters, verses, and prayers were mentioned.

Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ might not like this story of how God is always in control, even during war. A few readers may not care for some of the stereotypical characters and the protagonist’s knack for constant perfection.

Adding the eternal plan of salvation in this book would have been ideal. A map of the countries involved in the story would help.

If you like a story about a woman’s path of feeling music and joy through her blindness by seeing the truth of World War II, this would be an engaging read.

Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

There are lots of secrets in this book that will keep you spellbound and on the edge of your seat. In my opinion, this is Kimberley Woodhouse’s best yet! I couldn’t put it down.

Chaisley is an amazing woman. I truly enjoyed getting to know her, Melanie, and Rick. I liked Chaisley because she knew what needed to be done and did it.

This book is the epitome of faith, love and hope. Most of all, courage. Chaisley had plenty of that.

Music, in my opinion, soothes the soul. Often it lifts up others in the darkness.

There were some places in this book that made me angry. Some parts in there made me smile.

In the way the author describes Chaisley playing the piano, I felt like I could hear her. I loved the awesome melodies that came from these pages. I just loved every minute of this book.

5 stars from me for a job well done! I highly recommend this story.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley.

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