The Sound of Light

Author: Sarah Sundin
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Publisher: Revell

Copenhagen, 1940

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--and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence.

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Reviewer: Monica Huyser

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin is another great read for those who enjoy World War 2 Historical Fiction.

The Sound of Light is set in Denmark. Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt decides to live a secret life and help the Danish Resistance. At the same time, American physicist Dr. Else Jensen works in Denmark. They both live at the same boarding house for a time. Henrik disguises who he is. Else learns lessons in courage. As the war goes on, the two start to come together. Can they get past the war? Can they be real with each other?

I enjoyed The Sound of Light and getting to know Henrik and all he is through his disguise and Else. The book moved quickly, and I thought the pacing was well done. I could understand the secrecy during the war. I liked the romance. I enjoyed how Sundin wove the mermaid fable into The Sound of Light. I liked the ending so very much and getting to see some of the characters from her previous two books.

I learned a lot of history about Denmark during the second world war that I did not know as I read through The Sound of Light. It was all quite interesting to me--these novels bring history to life for me. I am looking forward to the next World War 2 novel that Sundin previews at the end of this book.

I received a copy of this book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions within this review are my own.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

“Sometimes silence takes much courage.”

So many secrets that cannot be shared. Denmark under the German occupation in 1943 proved eventful for the Danish Resistance. Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt has several identities that would be dangerous to reveal. Dr. Else Jensen, a physicist at the Neils Bohr lab, has secrets too. When Else and Henrik meet at a boardinghouse, they only want to keep their secrets and help the Free Denmark movement and not let the other know.

The author plots the story perfectly with romance, friendships, and villains and lets us feel the tension of danger the characters experience. This was a glimpse into a different aspect of WWII, telling how unusually Denmark was treated by the Germans, although for some, it was dangerous indeed.

I learned so much about the spycraft of the Resistance and how hard it was for a female scientist to work in a lab where not all welcomed smart women. As usual, Ms. Sundin has done excellent research and added interesting details.

Highly recommended for those who love historical fiction with an underlying faith thread.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“You’re willing to do something wrong to do something right?” Else is asked in Sarah Sundin’s novel, The Sound of Light.

This three-hundred-and-eighty-four-page paperback targets those who enjoy historical romance in Denmark during World War II. With no profanity or overtly sexual scenes, topics of sabotage, torture, and war may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a teaser for another novel by the writer, a note to the reader, acknowledgments, a pronunciation guide/glossary, thirteen discussion questions, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

In this tale set mostly in Copenhagen, twenty-eight-year-old American Else Jensen loves her job as a physicist working abroad. But when the Germans overtake Denmark, she faces many dilemmas involving speaking out as a woman, confronting those who speak down to her, and participating in the dangerous underground resistance. When she meets Hemming, a mysterious man who hides his past so he can pass important papers between countries via rowing across the Sound, they unexpectedly find love and compassion while protecting others.

I love historical fiction where I learn something new, and this one truly hits the spot. Understanding how the Danes responded to the Nazis and Gestapo to protect Jews in their country was interesting and well-written. The references to the merman rumors, elitist living, and rowing ten miles undercover were engaging. Adding the tender and emotional liaison of the protagonists as they fell in love was heartwarming and realistic without being sappy. The story forces the reader to consider when to speak out or keep silent, standing up for oneself.

Those who do not like war stories may want to pass on this read, but it is not too graphic in its details of torture or death. Some may not care for the lies told to protect others. Others may wish there were more reliance on the Almighty, more trust in God, and the eternal plan of salvation included.

A simplistic map of the Danish town would be helpful. I wish all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

If you like a story that involves a smart woman who avoids conflict and confrontation, and a prodigal son who must forgive the past, this is excellent historical fiction where love shines in a Danish city during wartime.

I received a review copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

I don't know how Sarah Sundin does it, but I stand in awe of her writing talent. This incredible story will not let you go until the last page.

I loved the characters of Hendrik and Else. How they found each other, the truth of who they were and what they were hiding, was brilliant! Their love story was sweet, romantic and oh, so swoon-worthy.

I was utterly floored by the depth of research involved with Else's character since she is a physicist. And the historical research, in general, was top-notch. Sundin knows her stuff, and it shows. You always learn something about history and feel like you are right in the centre of the action when you read one of her books.

The theme of forgiveness was strong in this book. Letting go of hate to get to where you can forgive someone who has wronged you was beautifully done and brought me to tears. Every scene in this book played like a movie. It was so engaging. 

I stayed up until 2:00 am to finish this book. I could not put it down. Sarah, I think this is your best book yet. Well done! 

I received a review copy from Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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