What an exciting story based on true information regarding the Nazi Occupation of Denmark in WWII! Sarah Sundin develops her characters expertly. Hemming, real name Henrik, a baron, exchanges his privileged lifestyle and title for the role of a lowly worker at his father's shipyard to hide his involvement in the Resistance and in ferrying intelligence and people from Denmark to Sweden. Else, or Dr. Jensen, is a PhD physicist who helps print pages of the Resistance newspapers. I love how these two main characters brought out the best in each other and hid and provided safe transportation to hundreds of Jews before the Nazis could round them up and take them to concentration camps. What an exciting and inspiring novel!

In April 1940, everyone in Denmark had a decision to make. Within 2 hours of the Germans marching in, they defeated Denmark. Under surrender terms, they allowed Parliament and King Christian to remain in place and the Danish government asked the people to behave, obey the law, and treat the Germans correctly.

The 2 main characters, Danish aristocrat Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt and American physicist Dr. Else Jensen, look closely at what is important to each of them and choose opposite paths: Henrik must disappear from Denmark, and Else stays to continue her research. Yet each faces challenges that spring ceaselessly from their work. As time passes, pressure increases and their undercover activities become more difficult to keep secret. When a romance blossoms between the two, the consequences of each decision multiples.

Sundin peppers the story with fascinating historical details as she weaves an ever-tightening net of intrigue. A net both Henrik and Else could have avoided if they had left Denmark before the German occupation. Indeed, both still could leave. But their choices to remain and work in Occupied Denmark are clear and understandable. And the costs of the increasing sacrifices they are called on to make become much higher, more agonizing. And more risky. The cast of secondary characters is rich and well-drawn.

I enjoy learning new things from a good story, and this one abounds in interesting new information about Denmark and The Danish Resistance. And I love being immersed in a good story. THE SOUND OF LIGHT drew me in immediately and kept me turning pages. The main characters evoked caring. As the German net tightens, readers will be surprised at the completely believable plot twists. Even the title holds intrigue. I thought perhaps it referred to some fact from the work of a physicist about light also carrying sound. But another surprise awaited me as to what The Sound of Light referenced. I highly recommend this book to readers who like inspirational historical fiction.

Once again Sarah Sundin has penned a World War II novel that takes a peek into a not so well known part of the war. Set in Denmark, a country that intended to remain neutral until Germany took it over in 1939. Most of the Danish people were against the Nazis and friends with the many Jewish people that had escaped to or were living in their country. The resistance effort was strong and thanks to their resistance people some 7200 Jews were ferried across the sea to Sweden.

Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt gave up his identity and became a ship builder in order to help the Danish resistance. He became the epitome of a man of everyday work and little knowledge. He lived in a boarding house and became friends with Dr. Else Jensen, a physicist, who also boarded there. Both are passionate about helping the Jews. Will the roles they play in the resistance lead them to trouble, a heartwarming ending, or both?

Sundin does an amazing job of creating wonderfully believable characters, an interwoven plot that pulls every character into a special part be it either hero or villain, and a christian thread that can't help but inspire the reader. Built on a foundation of incredible research, she brought this particular segment of the war and placed me right there in its midst. If you love World War II historical fiction, this is a definite do not miss!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

The character development in this book is wonderful. The author truly explores what it means to become a new creation. The parallels between light and sound and the analogy of life as a prism make Sundin's point so beautifully. The deep themes of The Sound of Light don't bog the reader down or dim the enjoyment of this exciting World War II story set in Denmark. I knew less of the events in this country than in nearby England, France, and Poland. I enjoyed learning more about the Danes' evolving response to their occupation. The Sound of Light demonstrates the heart behind those who responded unselfishly and those seeking only their own personal safety and well-being. It makes readers wonder the state of their own hearts, and to consider who in their personal sphere of influence might benefit from receiving the sacrificial giving of time, money, or talent.

I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of this well-researched, well-written novel from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Sound of Light is an excellent book. I've read many books set during World War II in the occupied countries but not in Denmark. It was interesting to learn how much freedom the Danish people had under German occupation since they were considered a "model protectorate." Even so, there were active resistance groups. Dr. Else Jensen is an American physicist at the Institute for Theoretical Physics in Copenhagen, having to prove herself to some of her male colleagues. She lives in a boarding house with her best friend, Laila, who is Jewish. Else becomes intrigued with a new boarder, Hemming Andersen. Her first impression of him is that he is a Viking, tall and bearded. Though he is slow of speech and roughly clothed for his work in a shipyard, his kindness wins over Else. Hemming is a very fascinating character that to say much more about would be spoilers for the reader. Sarah Sundin's books are always well-written and researched. I recommend The Sound of Light to readers who enjoy historical fiction.