Embers in the London Sky

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 374 ratings

Price: 18.8

Last update: 12-07-2024


About this item

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.


Top reviews from the United States

Kayt Southworth
5.0 out of 5 stars One cannot read this book without experiencing an entire plethora of emotions!
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
This book had everything! Intrigue. Excitement. Suspense. Romance. Poignancy. Wit. Banter. Injustice. Abuse. Heartbreak. Disillusionment. Sacrifice. Fulfillment… I could go on all day! The story follows Aleida, a Dutch refugee, who through no fault of her own, was cruelly seperated from her young son. It chronicles her search for him and the depth of love only a mother can feel. Hugh is the BBC radio correspondent who longs for approval from his family but is unwilling to sacrifice the job he loves to get it. The friendship between Hugh and Aleida soon blossoms into something more and it is very precious to watch these two fall in love – until Aleida’s overreaction to a suggestion he makes causes heartbreak for both of them, but never fear – they make up in the end and the new romance is yet sweeter than the first! A family member is murdered and more deaths enter the fray. Police are stumped and seem determined to convict the innocent, but Hugh and Aleida persist despite the danger until the murder is solved and justice is served. All this plus such vivid descriptions of war that you can almost hear the bombs falling around you as you read. Prepare for your heart to be ripped out and put back together again. To be fearful, excited, angry and nervous. One cannot read this book without experiencing an entire plethora of emotions! As always, Sarah’s research was impeccable and learning about the surprisingly advanced technology in the 1940s was truly fascinating, as was discovering the plight of the refugee children. Truly this book is a treasure that should be read again and again and again as Sarah once more takes the crown for queen of historical fiction and solidifies her place as an author well-deserving of the awards she regularly receives!
Deborah G.
4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable read.
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2024
First half was good, but second half was a page turner that had you hooked to keep reading. Enjoyable book with romance, mystery, interesting characters, and history without offensive language or scenes. Loved it and anxious to read more by this author.
Gale -
5.0 out of 5 stars She is very good writer ????
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
Keeps you entertained ????
NP4Christ
5.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful book by Sarah Sundin!
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024
You won't be able to put it down. This book is so good. Suspense, unexpected twists and turns,the horrors of war, and the heartbreak so many parents suffered. You will love all her books, but so far, this is one of my favorites.
Mrs. Tina Rice
5.0 out of 5 stars Embers in the London Ski by Sarah Sundin
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2024
Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

The Netherlands and London 1940.
After escaping to London, Widow Aleida van der Zee Martens begins working for an agency responsible for evacuating children to safety as she desperately searches for her three-year-old son, Theo. BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. Aleida and Hugh join forces following clues looking for Theo and grow closer. Will they find Theo, or is he forever lost to Aleida?

There is one person who will do anything in order to carry out their own plans – targeting those sensitive to the refugees - in an already turbulent time. I figured out who that was by the end of the story and was hoping that they would be stopped in time. The author created a story that deals with a sensitive time in history with compassion and sensitivity. War, mystery, danger, asthma attacks at crucial moments, heartrending scenes had me in tears, love, hope and faith.
Sarah Sundin weaves a compelling story with historical events woven within the fictional storyline. The author’s note at the end of the book is filled with historical facts included in the story.

~I bought the paperback book and I received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain was exchanged), this is my honest review~
Pam Koppe
4.0 out of 5 stars not her best
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2024
I love Sarah Sunden’s novels and have read all of them. This one was a little slow moving. The repetition of caramel got a little annoying. However I still enjoyed it
Katie M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Masterpiece by Sarah Sundin
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024
As with all of Sarah Sundin's books, this proved to be a wonderfully researched and beautifully written delight of a book to read! Sarah has a way of writing characters that feel so real and so authentic. She writes in a way that makes the reader feel like he or she has actually been there, living these events right alongside the characters. When finished, it feels like saying goodbye to a friend. This was no different! I feel like Aleida and Hugh are dear friends who I'd love to catch up with again.

What a beautiful story! Thanks for another fantastic read, Sarah Sundin!
Suzanne J. Sellner
5.0 out of 5 stars An Exciting Read
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024
I love Sarah Sundin's historical fiction books! This one had so many obstacles to overcome--an abusive husband, an escape from The Netherlands upon Hitler's invasion, Aleida's son's physical handicap, Hugh's asthma, murders of relatives/friends, disagreements with co-workers, the bombing of London, the search for Aleida's son Theo, and more. Several major plot threads intertwined to make the story exciting--the search for Aleida's son, solving the murders, and the romantic relationship between Aleida and Hugh. All these threads were resolved by the end of the book leaving the reader satisfied after a roller coaster of emotions. This was an exciting read!

Best Sellers in

 
 

2 Lies, 2 Thrones: The Bad Guys, Book 11

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1044
15.3
 
 

Freedom's Fire Box Set, Books 1-6: The Complete Military Space Opera Series

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 3607
19.53
 
 

Annie Bot: A Novel

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 1899
22.04
 
 

The Summer Book Club

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2384
22.04
 
 

My Brilliant Friend: The Neapolitan Novels, Book 1

4 4 out of 5 stars 30526
13.62
 
 

Murder by Lamplight

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 413
15.04
 
 

The Perfect Couple

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 30486
21.83
 
 

The Summer Pact: A Novel

4 4 out of 5 stars 3337
19.69