 Author: Sarah Sundin Genre: Historical Fiction Pages: 368 Release Date: February 3, 2026 Publisher: Revell Behind enemy lines, adversary and ally become impossible to distinguish. The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot's peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father's medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy's quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything by providing medical aid to escaped workers--even as danger closes in. Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide--or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?
 Reviewer: Winnie Thomas Sarah Sundin’s historical fiction novels are always a treat to read. Filled with rich historical detail and showcasing Sundin’s obvious deep and careful research, Mists Over the Channel Islands is beautifully written and brings to life what the residents of the Channel Islands had to endure during World War II. The setting on the island of Jersey, where most of the action took place, was richly painted, and I could easily visualize the action of the story. The map included at the front of the book helped immensely to follow where the events took place. It was also interesting to read additional information about the island posted at the end of the story. The characters are very well-drawn and interesting, and the plot follows the history of actual happenings during the German occupation. I enjoyed learning more about this piece of history, although it was heart-breaking to see what the Jersey residents had to endure. Dr. Ivy Picot stays on the island during the occupation, where she treats patients and also risks her life to treat injured labor camp escapees. When she encounters Dutch engineer Gerrit van der Zee, she is initially is suspicious of him but ends up working with him in resisting the Germans. With plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, and a dash of romance, this book kept me turning the pages. The messages of inspiration, hope, and faith added depth to the story. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Mindy Houng “Man’s ugliness may destroy the beauty of creation, but we cannot destroy the beauty of God himself.” It’s another thought-provoking and heart-stirring WWII historical fiction set in Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. I live in New Jersey but did not know anything about the original Jersey, so it was fascinating to learn about the history, culture, and life on the island, especially during the war. Gerrit was a lovable and relatable hero. He was a civil engineer with a calm and logical mind, loyal, and tender. He definitely was not a trained soldier or spy, but his passion to make a difference in the war gave him strength, ingenuity and perseverance. Ivy was absolutely delightful, and I loved seeing a woman doctor thrive in the 1940s. If you enjoy WWII historical romance, you will definitely enjoy this well-written novel by Sarah Sundin. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin is a gripping WWII fiction novel that realistically portrays the dangers and deprivation the people faced during that time at the hands of an invading force. Through the eyes of Dr. Ivy Picot, we learn what it was like for a physician on an occupied island that was totally cut off from Britain. As she struggles to care for her patients, she meets Gerrit van der Zee, whom she takes an instant liking to, until she sees his German uniform. But in reality, he is part of the Resistance. The author excels in her research, and I was enthralled with how these islanders endured the brutality of the Germans and at their resilience to defeat them in minor acts of defiance (like hiding escaped prisoners and owning a wireless). I love the faith element in this book and the romance. But it was the details of the Resistance and what dangers they went through that kept me intrigued. If you like WWII fiction, you cannot go wrong with a Sarah Sundin novel. I highly recommend Mists Over the Channel Islands. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest review. Reviewer: Monica Huyser Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin is her latest World War 2 historical novel. I always enjoy Sarah’s books as she shares interesting aspects of World War 2 within her story. I enjoy the story itself, but I also learn some history I previously didn’t know. In 1944, the Germans invaded the British Channel Islands. I didn’t know where these islands were, but the author has a map at the front of the novel to help readers understand their location. Within this aspect of the story, Dr. Ivy Picot is working hard to keep her family’s medical practice afloat amidst the challenges and changes from the war. Meanwhile, Dutch engineer Gerrit van der Zee goes to the Channel Islands as part of the resistance along with his friend Bernard. Together, they pretend to work for the Germans while smuggling information back to the Allies. Before long they meet Ivy’s brother, Charlie, who joins them in their work, unbeknownst to Ivy. Gerrit and Ivy meet, but Ivy believes Gerrit to be a German supporter, so she does not like him. As time goes on and their lives continue to change, the real reasons each supports the Allies are shown to each other. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change. In Mists over the Channel Islands, I did not care for Ivy’s sister, Fern, at all. She starts out working for Ivy and her family and does a lot of unkind things through the story. I enjoyed many of the other side characters, though. There is a solid theme of Christian faith running through the book, and God is revealed to some characters as the book goes on. I like how we see characters from previous books as part of the story as that is always fun to see. I think the author clearly showed the challenges of the war through the story. That part was honestly difficult for me to read this time as I have concerns about where my country and the world are headed today. At the back of Mists over the Channel Islands, Sarah shares the real history behind the story. She also shares how her family members were involved in the war on the author page, and I can see why she has this interest. The best part about the back of the book after the story is a preview of her next book, which will be a Christmas World War 2 story coming in September 2026. I’m looking forward to that one. I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Lori Parrish This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat since page one! What I loved about this story was the setting featuring Channel Islands. A place I’ve never read or heard about. “Sigh” loved every minute. I felt like I was there. Sundin does an excellent job as always in her research and then turning it into stories. This is my favorite book. The wonderful, faith-filled themes along with the many quotes thrown in—I just couldn’t stop reading. A thought that I wanted to share: “Trust in God’s good plans.” My mum always told me that. She says His plans are ultimately good. Temporarily they may not seem good, but ultimately they are. From Charlie to Gerrit. A reminder that God’s always working. I learned much throughout this beautiful and heartfelt story. Wonderful characters that I enjoyed getting to know, especially Ivy and Charlie. There were a few that I didn’t like, and I felt they had no business being there on the Channel Islands. I’m giving this story 5 stars for a job well done! Be sure to read the excerpt from the author at the end. Very interesting too. Loved this! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin This is an amazing book about fascinating people living on Jersey Island during WWII! It's a story of resilience, faith and trust. Ivy is an incredible woman and doctor. She's perceptive, compassionate and considerate. Gerrit is steadfast. He thinks quickly and can be counted on in times of trouble. He is good, kind and a protector. Bernardus is someone who finds trouble even when he isn't looking for it. He makes friends easily and is loyal to them. My favorite character is Charlie! He desperately wants to help the Allies in any way possible. He is courageous and perceptive. It's amazing to me how sometimes ordinary people can become extraordinary people in times of war. By implementing and using invisible ink, code words, hidden identities and agendas. During oppression and fear some people gain capability and faith. Most of the characters in this book did rise above their own difficulties to help others in worse circumstances. I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Revell via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Reviewer: Conny Withay
“Will their covert efforts turn the tide–or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?” the online description states regarding Ivy and Gerrit in Sarah Sundin’s novel, Mists over the Channel Islands. This 368-page advanced reader copy targets those who enjoy historical romance in the British Channel Islands during World War II. With no profanity or overtly sexual scenes, topics of espionage, abuse, death, and war may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, fifteen discussion questions, a teaser for another novel by the writer, the author’s biography, and advertisements. Set in the 1940s on the island of Jersey between England and France, Dr. Ivy Picot watches her parents leave for England while she, her older sister, and younger brother agree to keep the family’s doctor’s office open when the Nazis take over. She meets Dutch engineer Gerrit at church and resents his assisting the Germans in building fortifications. As those on the island are forced to choose sides in the war, Ivy and Gerrit must learn to have faith and trust God for His goodness to survive. I love WWII historical fiction where I learn something, and this was no exception, as it told how an island was invaded by the Germans and its residents had to make sacrifices to protect their land. I found the extremes people went to save others interesting, knowing their own lives would be in danger for doing so. The relationships between Ivy, her siblings, and Gerrit were tender and well-written. Those who do not like stories of war may want to pass on this read, but it is more about espionage and defiance. Some may not care for the many characters. Although the story focuses on relying and trusting in God, others may wish the eternal plan of salvation were included. While I appreciate having a map at the beginning of the book, a list of characters would be helpful, too. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence. If you enjoy historical fiction that blends the dangerous decisions of war with standing up for what is right, even while doubting God, this is a heartwarming story. Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Leave a Reply. |
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