Embers in the London Sky
Sarah Sundin places the reader immediately in the center of a tale filled with tension, loss, and romance. Hearing rumors that German troops are at the Dutch border, Aleida van der Zee Martens finalizes her plans on May 10, 1940, to leave her home with her three-year-old son. To her dismay, Aleida’s detailed plans are altered when her husband, Sebastiaan, hears that the German tanks have already crossed the border and are invading the Low Countries. Sebastiaan insists they immediately pack their car and leave for London together. In the chaos of their escape into Belgium, Aleida loses her son, Theo, and is unable to find him. At the same time, Sebastiaan is killed in a German attack.
The story follows Aleida’s search for Theo as she navigates her new life in London. She engages the help of Hugh Collingwood, a BBC radio correspondent known for his personal charm and talent. Aleida hopes he will air her ordeal on the radio. A driving force in this historical novel is whether their romance can grow and flourish in the midst of the horror and destruction of the London Blitz.
The story moves forward at a fast pace. The author creates scenes that invite the reader into emotional conflicts, building suspense as well as good character development. The author’s metaphors conjure up the scenes by enhancing the reader’s understanding of characters and plot at a deeper level. The major characters in this inspirational story do struggle to make ethical decisions in their lives. They show compassion, hope, and faith as they face personal challenges. Embers in the London Sky is a pleasure to read.
