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Falcon Point Historical #2
Roads of Resistance
The line between enemy and ally can shift in a heartbeat.
1940
After her father is murdered, fifteen-year-old Ingrid Lang flees her home in Austria only to become separated from her siblings and stranded in the Dutch city of Arnhem with a pair of broken legs. Her future would be bleak if not for the kindness of a local doctor and his daughter Anita van der Veen. But before Ingrid can finish her healing and continue her journey to find her brother and sister, the forces of Nazi Germany overrun the Netherlands, leaving her trapped in an enemy occupation.
Four years later, Gerrit Hendriks, wanted by the Gestapo for his work with the underground, flees to his grandfather’s home in Arnhem, where he finds Ingrid and the van der Veens deeply ensconced in the local resistance. But suspicion, prejudice, and conflicting beliefs soon leave Ingrid and Gerrit at odds with each other.
As Ingrid and Gerrit gather intelligence for the Allies, smuggle airmen and other refugees to safety, and plan acts of defiance against the Nazis, irritations soften and teamwork blossoms. They soon realize that if they want to have any hope of outsmarting a German intelligence officer with a tie to Ingrid’s past, they’ll have to work together. As Ingrid and Gerrit begin to recognize just how much they mean to each other, they find themselves in the middle of an enormous airborne operation, and the imminent battles have the potential to change everything—for Ingrid, for Gerrit, and for the Netherlands.
1940
After her father is murdered, fifteen-year-old Ingrid Lang flees her home in Austria only to become separated from her siblings and stranded in the Dutch city of Arnhem with a pair of broken legs. Her future would be bleak if not for the kindness of a local doctor and his daughter Anita van der Veen. But before Ingrid can finish her healing and continue her journey to find her brother and sister, the forces of Nazi Germany overrun the Netherlands, leaving her trapped in an enemy occupation.
Four years later, Gerrit Hendriks, wanted by the Gestapo for his work with the underground, flees to his grandfather’s home in Arnhem, where he finds Ingrid and the van der Veens deeply ensconced in the local resistance. But suspicion, prejudice, and conflicting beliefs soon leave Ingrid and Gerrit at odds with each other.
As Ingrid and Gerrit gather intelligence for the Allies, smuggle airmen and other refugees to safety, and plan acts of defiance against the Nazis, irritations soften and teamwork blossoms. They soon realize that if they want to have any hope of outsmarting a German intelligence officer with a tie to Ingrid’s past, they’ll have to work together. As Ingrid and Gerrit begin to recognize just how much they mean to each other, they find themselves in the middle of an enormous airborne operation, and the imminent battles have the potential to change everything—for Ingrid, for Gerrit, and for the Netherlands.
Unknown Binding
Published July 15, 2025
15 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Sowards
22 books1,232 followersI love books, so that makes Goodreads my favorite social media site. As a reader, I enjoy a variety of books. As a writer, I create historical novels with a wholesome mix of action, adventure, and romance. My stories have earned Whitney Awards, Foreword Indies Finalists positions, Readers’ Favorite Gold and Silver medals, a Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice Selection, and a Praiseworthy Award.
I'm a wife and a mother of three, and I've called Washington State, Utah, and Alaska home. I'm usually reading a couple books at once and working on multiple writing projects too. Other than that, my life is pretty ordinary. I'm grateful for that. I'll let the characters in my books have all the adventures.
Stay in Touch:
Newsletter sign up: https://alsowards.com/newsletter/
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About My Goodreads Ratings:
I joined Goodreads as a reader first, but since I’m an author too, I’ve made some changes to how I rate books. For fiction, I'll give a book 5 stars if I enjoyed every page. Otherwise, I'll leave the rating blank. For nonfiction, 5 star books are ones I enjoyed enough that I’d like to read them again. They’re books I connected with and highly recommend to others. 4 star books are good books that I thought were worth reading once, and they’re also recommended.
I'm a wife and a mother of three, and I've called Washington State, Utah, and Alaska home. I'm usually reading a couple books at once and working on multiple writing projects too. Other than that, my life is pretty ordinary. I'm grateful for that. I'll let the characters in my books have all the adventures.
Stay in Touch:
Newsletter sign up: https://alsowards.com/newsletter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.l.sowards/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALSowards/
About My Goodreads Ratings:
I joined Goodreads as a reader first, but since I’m an author too, I’ve made some changes to how I rate books. For fiction, I'll give a book 5 stars if I enjoyed every page. Otherwise, I'll leave the rating blank. For nonfiction, 5 star books are ones I enjoyed enough that I’d like to read them again. They’re books I connected with and highly recommend to others. 4 star books are good books that I thought were worth reading once, and they’re also recommended.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 12, 2025
I’ve had my eye on this author and her work for some time now and was waiting for one of her historical fiction books that was set in a period that I enjoyed reading. Somehow, I missed the fact that she’d started the Falcon Point Historicals! It wasn’t until I was finished this one that I realized I’d started the series late. I’ll have to go back and read the prequel and book 1. This benefits you because now you know that her books can be read as a stand alone!
I was initially intrigued by the cover and the Netherlands wartime setting, but I soon discovered the joy of a well-written story, superb character development and the added dimension that different perspectives bring to her story. I appreciated learning about ordinary citizens and their frustration surrounding the Dutch neutrality. I could feel their anger at the pointless time and effort spent on negotiations. I was reminded again of the kindness of strangers and what it must have felt like to survive in a strange country while being an orphan and a refugee. I can’t imagine not being able to communicate fear through my native tongue, nor trapped and hiding in plain sight in an occupied country all while being completely unable to help myself. Sowards showed me that fighting back in the way she could was inevitable. I was along for the ride, hook line and sinker!
Ingrid, Rupert and Gerrit brought living in the Netherlands during wartime alive for me and I can’t wait to go back and start their story from the beginning.
I was gifted this copy by Covenant Communications and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was initially intrigued by the cover and the Netherlands wartime setting, but I soon discovered the joy of a well-written story, superb character development and the added dimension that different perspectives bring to her story. I appreciated learning about ordinary citizens and their frustration surrounding the Dutch neutrality. I could feel their anger at the pointless time and effort spent on negotiations. I was reminded again of the kindness of strangers and what it must have felt like to survive in a strange country while being an orphan and a refugee. I can’t imagine not being able to communicate fear through my native tongue, nor trapped and hiding in plain sight in an occupied country all while being completely unable to help myself. Sowards showed me that fighting back in the way she could was inevitable. I was along for the ride, hook line and sinker!
Ingrid, Rupert and Gerrit brought living in the Netherlands during wartime alive for me and I can’t wait to go back and start their story from the beginning.
I was gifted this copy by Covenant Communications and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 12, 2025
This story is set during World War 2. I have really been enjoying this series. This book does work as a standalone but I do recommend reading the others as well. This is Ingrid’s story and boy does she have a rough time of things. She is separated from her family and injured. She stays with a doctor and his family. Years later, she grows up and is working with the Resistance against the Nazis. Gerrit returns home to find Ingrid and his family involved with working with the allies gathering information. He joins in. Along the way, romance blossoms between Ingrid and Gerrit but he isn’t the only one wanting Ingrid’s affection and that leads to danger.
I really loved this story! There was so much happening, which makes sense since it’s a long story, but so good! I loved Ingrid and Gerrit. They go through so much with danger, pain, starvation, death and more. Honestly it’s heartbreaking. This story is completely captivating. I did feel slightly bad for Rupert. But I loved the romance between Ingrid and Gerrit, their chemistry was fantastic. Overall, a great read and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: death, concentration camps, starvation, killings, infant death, sickness
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I really loved this story! There was so much happening, which makes sense since it’s a long story, but so good! I loved Ingrid and Gerrit. They go through so much with danger, pain, starvation, death and more. Honestly it’s heartbreaking. This story is completely captivating. I did feel slightly bad for Rupert. But I loved the romance between Ingrid and Gerrit, their chemistry was fantastic. Overall, a great read and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: death, concentration camps, starvation, killings, infant death, sickness
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
July 18, 2025
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy.
ABOUT TOOK ME OUT.
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A.L. Sowards continues to be one of my favorite historical authors and this was another book that took me on an intense journey. I love the way that A.L. pulls out these complex characters and getting to see many angles of the war and how it effected everyone for years to come.
I just loved Gerrit and Ingrid. There are so many nuanced things I could discuss about them independently and as a couple that I could fill pages with. The resilience and strength and the willpower each step took as the years stretched was empowering to read. I love their love.
A.L. never shies away from the intensity and brutality of war and that was once again present here. I liked the Netherlands setting because it’s one I don’t know as much about and only added to the story. Sowards knows how to craft an amazingly intricate and beautiful book and it wrenches my heart every dang time.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction
- Language: none
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high
- Content warnings: WW2 themes (starvation, mentions of concentration camps, work camps and more), loss of life, weapons violence, physical violence, loss of a baby, grief/depression depiction
ABOUT TOOK ME OUT.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
A.L. Sowards continues to be one of my favorite historical authors and this was another book that took me on an intense journey. I love the way that A.L. pulls out these complex characters and getting to see many angles of the war and how it effected everyone for years to come.
I just loved Gerrit and Ingrid. There are so many nuanced things I could discuss about them independently and as a couple that I could fill pages with. The resilience and strength and the willpower each step took as the years stretched was empowering to read. I love their love.
A.L. never shies away from the intensity and brutality of war and that was once again present here. I liked the Netherlands setting because it’s one I don’t know as much about and only added to the story. Sowards knows how to craft an amazingly intricate and beautiful book and it wrenches my heart every dang time.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction
- Language: none
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high
- Content warnings: WW2 themes (starvation, mentions of concentration camps, work camps and more), loss of life, weapons violence, physical violence, loss of a baby, grief/depression depiction
June 5, 2025
Wow what a captivating and immersive story. It was like living the character's experiences in real time during such a traumatic time in history. I highly recommend Roads of Resistance to lovers of historical fiction. A.L. Sowards is a very talented author who draws me in to every single story I read of hers!
After her father is murdered by a former friend for not joining the Reich, fifteen-year-old Ingrid Lang and her siblings flee their beautiful home in Austria only to become devastatingly separated. Ingrid ends up being stranded in the Dutch city of Arnhem with a pair of broken legs. If not for the kindness of local Doctor van der Veen and his daughter Anita, Ingrid may not have survived. Once she's healed, she plans to go to London, to a pre-arranged place to find her siblings. Just as they have a date to leave for London, the Netherlands are overrun by the German army, leaving them trapped in an enemy occupation for years, not knowing if her siblings are dead or alive.
Anita and Ingrid become involved in the resistance, and the readers are treated to scenes that depict all that entails. They helped saved so many allied airmen and others get to safety. What a stressful time with life and death consequences.
Anita's nephew, and the doctor's grandson Gerrit Hendriks is running from the Gestapo for his underground activity in another city. He ends up staying here and helping the women in the resistance. He and Ingrid get off to a bad start, first impressions are the worst in their case.
German Intelligence officer Rupert Altbauer, a former childhood friend of Ingrid's family, is on the other side of the war. His presence has a devastating effect on the resistance, and yet there are a few glimmers of his humanity. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle murdered Ingrid's father, but Ingrid knows.
A look at true and sacrificial love, devastating loss, starvation, work camps, doing as much as they can to help others. Moments of love, joy, family, and friendship. A good balance of beautiful moments amidst all the hardship.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. Historical fiction fans will love Roads of Resistance!
After her father is murdered by a former friend for not joining the Reich, fifteen-year-old Ingrid Lang and her siblings flee their beautiful home in Austria only to become devastatingly separated. Ingrid ends up being stranded in the Dutch city of Arnhem with a pair of broken legs. If not for the kindness of local Doctor van der Veen and his daughter Anita, Ingrid may not have survived. Once she's healed, she plans to go to London, to a pre-arranged place to find her siblings. Just as they have a date to leave for London, the Netherlands are overrun by the German army, leaving them trapped in an enemy occupation for years, not knowing if her siblings are dead or alive.
Anita and Ingrid become involved in the resistance, and the readers are treated to scenes that depict all that entails. They helped saved so many allied airmen and others get to safety. What a stressful time with life and death consequences.
Anita's nephew, and the doctor's grandson Gerrit Hendriks is running from the Gestapo for his underground activity in another city. He ends up staying here and helping the women in the resistance. He and Ingrid get off to a bad start, first impressions are the worst in their case.
German Intelligence officer Rupert Altbauer, a former childhood friend of Ingrid's family, is on the other side of the war. His presence has a devastating effect on the resistance, and yet there are a few glimmers of his humanity. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle murdered Ingrid's father, but Ingrid knows.
A look at true and sacrificial love, devastating loss, starvation, work camps, doing as much as they can to help others. Moments of love, joy, family, and friendship. A good balance of beautiful moments amidst all the hardship.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. Historical fiction fans will love Roads of Resistance!
June 19, 2025
Have you read Heirs of Falcon Point? Drop everything and go read it now if you haven't! It's an incredible book! Written by four authors who are all favorite authors of mine! There are branch off series for this initial book. A historical series (which is where this book falls into) and a contemporary series. They're all fantastic reads. The historical books follow the three children in the historical part of Heirs of Falcon Point. We get to follow their story to see what happens when they are separated from each other in fleeing their home during WWII. Then in the contemporary stories, we get to see their descendants' stories and glimpses of these three siblings.
Roads of Resistance follows the second sibling, Ingrid, and her escape that leads her into the Netherlands. I was on the edge of my seat reading this one. Not quite as much as the first historical book, Codes of Courage, but pretty close. I felt like I was there experiencing what Ingrid went through. Even though this is a fictional story, it is a historical fiction and portrays events that happened during WWII, and what many people went through. It was incredible to read about Ingrid and the many others around her finding ways to resist the enemy and find a way to help save and protect themselves and those who needed protection.
My grandfather and many great-uncles all served in the military during WWII. Reading books based on what they lived helps me understand to a small degree what horrors and struggles they witnessed and tried to fight against. I am in awe of those who fought for right and justice and for the lives of others.
Ingrid is rescued by Doctor van der Veen's daughter and grandson. He protects her and helps her during her healing. They take her in and they become family and experience many years of war together. I loved watching their relationships develop and the care they had for each other.
Gerrit is the doctor's grandson who helped rescue Ingrid but he's not sure about her and thinks she's a spy. But he was only visiting when she was found and they are separated for 4 years. When they meet again, it's pretty humorous. And watching them skirt around each other and not trusting each other until they finally make a connection and decide to be allies, then friends, then start to fall in love with each other. Of course there are many complications and a war happening and struggles that keep them apart in a sense. This book does have a sweet love story that spans the whole book, but it isn't necessarily the focus. So if sweet romance isn't your goal, but the historical aspects of the book, I think you'll really enjoy it. And if the sweet romance is your goal, it is a really sweet story that I loved watching unfold and separate and come back together.
I shed several tears and am still contemplating this time in history and those who experienced it. I spent the day with a dear friend a couple days ago. He is a WWII veteran and is 98 years old. We talked a little bit about him signing up for the war and those initial training moments and what he experienced. I'm so grateful for these servicemen and their families!
Content: Clean. Some moments of peril due to the historical time period. Some death. Some sweet kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Roads of Resistance follows the second sibling, Ingrid, and her escape that leads her into the Netherlands. I was on the edge of my seat reading this one. Not quite as much as the first historical book, Codes of Courage, but pretty close. I felt like I was there experiencing what Ingrid went through. Even though this is a fictional story, it is a historical fiction and portrays events that happened during WWII, and what many people went through. It was incredible to read about Ingrid and the many others around her finding ways to resist the enemy and find a way to help save and protect themselves and those who needed protection.
My grandfather and many great-uncles all served in the military during WWII. Reading books based on what they lived helps me understand to a small degree what horrors and struggles they witnessed and tried to fight against. I am in awe of those who fought for right and justice and for the lives of others.
Ingrid is rescued by Doctor van der Veen's daughter and grandson. He protects her and helps her during her healing. They take her in and they become family and experience many years of war together. I loved watching their relationships develop and the care they had for each other.
Gerrit is the doctor's grandson who helped rescue Ingrid but he's not sure about her and thinks she's a spy. But he was only visiting when she was found and they are separated for 4 years. When they meet again, it's pretty humorous. And watching them skirt around each other and not trusting each other until they finally make a connection and decide to be allies, then friends, then start to fall in love with each other. Of course there are many complications and a war happening and struggles that keep them apart in a sense. This book does have a sweet love story that spans the whole book, but it isn't necessarily the focus. So if sweet romance isn't your goal, but the historical aspects of the book, I think you'll really enjoy it. And if the sweet romance is your goal, it is a really sweet story that I loved watching unfold and separate and come back together.
I shed several tears and am still contemplating this time in history and those who experienced it. I spent the day with a dear friend a couple days ago. He is a WWII veteran and is 98 years old. We talked a little bit about him signing up for the war and those initial training moments and what he experienced. I'm so grateful for these servicemen and their families!
Content: Clean. Some moments of peril due to the historical time period. Some death. Some sweet kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
May 28, 2025
This book is a stay-up-all-night, bawl your eyes out, jump up and happy dance type of book! It really hit the spot for me as one of the most smoothly written and well-researched historical fiction books I’ve read. And it just made me love the entire Heirs of Falcon Point series all the more, including the suspense side series. It all comes together so beautifully and makes me want to own every last book! Whether you’re a fan of against-all-odds romance, lesser known WWII history, gripping suspense, or all of the above, you’ll find something in this story to appeal to your tastes.
To start off, the suspense and the historical context was top notch. If you’ve read Rules of Rome by Sowards, this one vaguely reminded me of that book, with high stakes, spies, and some complex moral questions about what’s okay to do during a war. But the content was also completely fresh and intriguing, especially considering I knew next to nothing about how the Dutch were affected by WWII. There were multiple well-developed characters that I was interested in following throughout the story. I enjoyed getting multiple points of view from Ingrid, Gerrit, and a Nazi soldier, as it really made me consider how we define “good guy” and “bad guy”, especially during a time of war.
I also adored the romance between Ingrid and Gerrit. This was definitely a more serious romance due to the backdrop of the war, but I felt like it created several beautiful “true love” moments. I love me a good lighthearted rom com, but I also adore when love equals intense sacrifice and devotion rather than smooth sailing.
Now if you’re curious if this can be a stand alone, it might work as such, but I highly recommend starting with Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage first. If you’ve read them before but it’s been a while, it’s nice to have them on hand to reference different parts since they’re interconnected. Take this as your sign to buy the whole series!
After reading the first two books, I’m incredibly intrigued to know what happened to Anna. Can’t wait to read that one!
To start off, the suspense and the historical context was top notch. If you’ve read Rules of Rome by Sowards, this one vaguely reminded me of that book, with high stakes, spies, and some complex moral questions about what’s okay to do during a war. But the content was also completely fresh and intriguing, especially considering I knew next to nothing about how the Dutch were affected by WWII. There were multiple well-developed characters that I was interested in following throughout the story. I enjoyed getting multiple points of view from Ingrid, Gerrit, and a Nazi soldier, as it really made me consider how we define “good guy” and “bad guy”, especially during a time of war.
I also adored the romance between Ingrid and Gerrit. This was definitely a more serious romance due to the backdrop of the war, but I felt like it created several beautiful “true love” moments. I love me a good lighthearted rom com, but I also adore when love equals intense sacrifice and devotion rather than smooth sailing.
Now if you’re curious if this can be a stand alone, it might work as such, but I highly recommend starting with Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage first. If you’ve read them before but it’s been a while, it’s nice to have them on hand to reference different parts since they’re interconnected. Take this as your sign to buy the whole series!
After reading the first two books, I’m incredibly intrigued to know what happened to Anna. Can’t wait to read that one!
July 20, 2025
“Trust must be rationed in wartime.”
A.L. Sowards is one of my very favorite historical fiction writers–especially in the WWII era. This second book in the Heirs of Falcon Point Historicals is phenomenal. I don’t feel these books need to necessarily be read in order, but they do build a beautiful family saga that is so full of emotion and reality, and each installment is not to be missed.
I’m drawn to this era in history because of my grandparents and it’s so easy to visualize the hopeless and desperate times that people experienced then. While life still moved on with its struggles, joys, up, downs, and everything in between, uncertainty and hardships were abundant and Sowards didn’t skimp on these feelings and situations. I loved every moment on every page, even while some had my heart aching and breaking, but that was the reality of the time. Beauty and hope rose through the ashes of despair and anguish, and I devoured it all.
This is the kind of book that leaves me consumed and ruminating over all I absorbed for days, weeks, months. This heart-wrenching and beautiful story is imprinted on my heart.
Content: war-time violence and dangers; mild romance; death
*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given* **I also listened to a purchased copy.**
A.L. Sowards is one of my very favorite historical fiction writers–especially in the WWII era. This second book in the Heirs of Falcon Point Historicals is phenomenal. I don’t feel these books need to necessarily be read in order, but they do build a beautiful family saga that is so full of emotion and reality, and each installment is not to be missed.
I’m drawn to this era in history because of my grandparents and it’s so easy to visualize the hopeless and desperate times that people experienced then. While life still moved on with its struggles, joys, up, downs, and everything in between, uncertainty and hardships were abundant and Sowards didn’t skimp on these feelings and situations. I loved every moment on every page, even while some had my heart aching and breaking, but that was the reality of the time. Beauty and hope rose through the ashes of despair and anguish, and I devoured it all.
This is the kind of book that leaves me consumed and ruminating over all I absorbed for days, weeks, months. This heart-wrenching and beautiful story is imprinted on my heart.
Content: war-time violence and dangers; mild romance; death
*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given* **I also listened to a purchased copy.**
September 8, 2025
Who is a unique historical fiction author you adore?
A L Sowards is not only a powerful writer but she’s also an amazing researcher. She always manages to put an incredible spin on a time period I’ve read much about or take me to a time period not many authors are stepping into.
Roads of Resistance is a wonderful and heartfelt journey about a young woman’s time in a foreign land and how she steps up to help fight the Nazi’s when the whole world seems to be burning down around her.
I had never read a WW2 book set in a seemingly neutral country like the Netherlands. It was interesting to see how fast they were overcome and all the little things they did to make a stand, however dangerous they might be.
Ingrid takes a horrible situation and turns it into an opportunity for survival, found family and ultimately an enduring love. This is not an easy book to read and is full of hardship, trauma and tragedy. At its core it is a realistic story that people in this time period would have experienced.
However, there was always the thread of hope woven into the fabric of each of these characters lives and how the love they had for each other propelled them forward each day. The romance in particular was so beautiful and sweet…it pulled me in and completely won me over.
Another beautiful book from Sowards and I will not hesitate to pick up whatever she writes next.
A L Sowards is not only a powerful writer but she’s also an amazing researcher. She always manages to put an incredible spin on a time period I’ve read much about or take me to a time period not many authors are stepping into.
Roads of Resistance is a wonderful and heartfelt journey about a young woman’s time in a foreign land and how she steps up to help fight the Nazi’s when the whole world seems to be burning down around her.
I had never read a WW2 book set in a seemingly neutral country like the Netherlands. It was interesting to see how fast they were overcome and all the little things they did to make a stand, however dangerous they might be.
Ingrid takes a horrible situation and turns it into an opportunity for survival, found family and ultimately an enduring love. This is not an easy book to read and is full of hardship, trauma and tragedy. At its core it is a realistic story that people in this time period would have experienced.
However, there was always the thread of hope woven into the fabric of each of these characters lives and how the love they had for each other propelled them forward each day. The romance in particular was so beautiful and sweet…it pulled me in and completely won me over.
Another beautiful book from Sowards and I will not hesitate to pick up whatever she writes next.
March 7, 2025
Wow, A.L. Sowards created the most perfect book to continue the Lang Family story.
So much information about the Lang family that tied together so beautifully with the other books. So many characters from Codes of Courage make appearances and it was fun to make the connections and follow the timeline.
It was told in 3 points of view, like Codes of Courage, and was again, so necessary to the story. It gave so many insights to what the war was like for each kind of person living it.
Reading Heirs of Falcon Point & Codes of Courage is necessary before reading Roads of Resistance. All 3 are so worth your time!
I received an advanced reader copy in an instagram giveaway from Covenant Communications and was not asked to give a review.
So much information about the Lang family that tied together so beautifully with the other books. So many characters from Codes of Courage make appearances and it was fun to make the connections and follow the timeline.
It was told in 3 points of view, like Codes of Courage, and was again, so necessary to the story. It gave so many insights to what the war was like for each kind of person living it.
Reading Heirs of Falcon Point & Codes of Courage is necessary before reading Roads of Resistance. All 3 are so worth your time!
I received an advanced reader copy in an instagram giveaway from Covenant Communications and was not asked to give a review.
August 14, 2025
There was SO much to love about this book!! I love this author. She knows her craft and executes it well. There is history, yes, and so much more. Bonds of loyalty, bravery, desperation, strength and sadness. All kinds of emotion that wraps me up and connects me to the characters so that I'm feeling right along with them. I love that.
I also love how the cover represents the story so well.
This story is part of the Heirs of Falcon Point series, written by multiple authors. Some contemporary and some historical. All so good.
I also love how the cover represents the story so well.
This story is part of the Heirs of Falcon Point series, written by multiple authors. Some contemporary and some historical. All so good.
July 15, 2025
ROADS OF RESISTANCE
(Falcon Point Historical #2)
by: A.L. Sowards
@a.l.sowards
@covenantcommunications
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~The line between enemy and ally can shift in a heartbeat...
"WHEN THE WORLD HAS GONE DARK, DON'T TURN AWAY FROM THE LIGHT."
ROADS OF RESISTANCE, is a gripping, heartbreakingly-beautiful, moving story set in World War 2, that immediately demanded my full attention and of course, led me on both a fast-paced thrilling and tender journey, that I could not put down or stop thinking about. From cover to cover, I was thoroughly invested with the endearing rich characters, impeccable research, and intricate plot lines. My emotions were completely torn apart and put back together precisely with dear hope, faith, love within! Despite hard, great loss, devastation, sacrifice, and grief, there is also beauty, success, tender miracles, and great joy within . I greatly recommend readers keeping more than one tissue near by for when those eyes are sweating it all out! Oh the depth and heart this story has, with its impactful beautiful themes of bravery, redemption and hope weaved throughout. This my friends, is a fascinating and thrilling story worth the unforgettable moving read!👌📚❤️💯
•Content: World War 2, loss, death, concentration camps, starvation, killings, infant death, sickness, very brief language, some kisses.
“Sometimes our memories and our griefs, like a piece of shrapnel or a tumor, have to be removed. It can be agony, but it’s a necessary step if you want to heal.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Hope of survival no longer seemed like a dormant seed but, instead, like a living plant sprouting and reaching for the sun.”
#roadsofresistance
#covenantcommunications
#alsowards
#allaboutthebestreads
“Do what was right regardless of anything else.”
(Falcon Point Historical #2)
by: A.L. Sowards
@a.l.sowards
@covenantcommunications
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~The line between enemy and ally can shift in a heartbeat...
"WHEN THE WORLD HAS GONE DARK, DON'T TURN AWAY FROM THE LIGHT."
ROADS OF RESISTANCE, is a gripping, heartbreakingly-beautiful, moving story set in World War 2, that immediately demanded my full attention and of course, led me on both a fast-paced thrilling and tender journey, that I could not put down or stop thinking about. From cover to cover, I was thoroughly invested with the endearing rich characters, impeccable research, and intricate plot lines. My emotions were completely torn apart and put back together precisely with dear hope, faith, love within! Despite hard, great loss, devastation, sacrifice, and grief, there is also beauty, success, tender miracles, and great joy within . I greatly recommend readers keeping more than one tissue near by for when those eyes are sweating it all out! Oh the depth and heart this story has, with its impactful beautiful themes of bravery, redemption and hope weaved throughout. This my friends, is a fascinating and thrilling story worth the unforgettable moving read!👌📚❤️💯
•Content: World War 2, loss, death, concentration camps, starvation, killings, infant death, sickness, very brief language, some kisses.
“Sometimes our memories and our griefs, like a piece of shrapnel or a tumor, have to be removed. It can be agony, but it’s a necessary step if you want to heal.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Hope of survival no longer seemed like a dormant seed but, instead, like a living plant sprouting and reaching for the sun.”
#roadsofresistance
#covenantcommunications
#alsowards
#allaboutthebestreads
“Do what was right regardless of anything else.”
October 22, 2025
I loved this book! A.L.Soward’s entire collection tell a beautiful story of faith, love, courage and sacrifice. I can’t wait to re-read the earlier novels!
June 4, 2025
This book exercised every emotional heart muscle I have. Books set during the German Occupation in WW2 can't be pure warm fuzzies. I think you go into them as a reader knowing you're about to face hard things in print, but you do it because our past deserves that kind of consideration and time. Roads of Resistance plopped me in the middle of the Netherlands right along with Ingrid Lang. Sowards has a way of bringing history to life through her rich characters, impeccable research, and intricate plot lines.
Having read all of the other Falcon Point books, I appreciated all that this story added to the Lang family saga. Without sharing any spoilers, I will say that this book helped heal some of the heartache from Codes of Courage, which is Ingrid's older brother's story.
I highly recommend this novel to fans of faith-filled WW2 fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, A.L. Sowards, and Covenant Communications for an advanced copy to review. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Having read all of the other Falcon Point books, I appreciated all that this story added to the Lang family saga. Without sharing any spoilers, I will say that this book helped heal some of the heartache from Codes of Courage, which is Ingrid's older brother's story.
I highly recommend this novel to fans of faith-filled WW2 fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, A.L. Sowards, and Covenant Communications for an advanced copy to review. I was not required to post a positive review and all opinions are my own.
July 20, 2025
This was the third book in the Falcon Point historical fiction series. It was a good book to read right after finishing its’ predecessors.
My only criticism is about the length. I understand that the author, a learned historian, wanted to include many things about WW2 in the Netherlands. She succeeded; her writing style makes her novels hard to put down, with all the action and historical details. It’s actually too much to take in; brain overload would occur and I’d have to quit on the book for awhile. This happened a lot, so it took me much, much longer to finish than is normal for me. Perhaps the novel could have been broken into two parts. I will be recommending it to historical fiction lovers, but with a warning about the extensive length.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
My only criticism is about the length. I understand that the author, a learned historian, wanted to include many things about WW2 in the Netherlands. She succeeded; her writing style makes her novels hard to put down, with all the action and historical details. It’s actually too much to take in; brain overload would occur and I’d have to quit on the book for awhile. This happened a lot, so it took me much, much longer to finish than is normal for me. Perhaps the novel could have been broken into two parts. I will be recommending it to historical fiction lovers, but with a warning about the extensive length.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
July 15, 2025
I love historical books by this author, because she not only makes me attached to the characters, but she portrays life in a way that is heartbreakingly real. She shows the good, and she shows the hard reality as well.
The theme of the book was a quote that kept coming up: “When the world had gone dark, don’t turn away from the light.”
Where is the light in the middle of a worn torn country? When hate, power, secrets and resistance put everyone in danger. When families are torn apart. When sorrow over loss are compounded again and again. War is ugly. It brings out the worst in humanity. Atrocious acts are rationalized by a larger vision or way of thinking.
While the evil and terrible realities of war are evident in the pages of this novel, the goodness of people is also shown. The goodness of a family who takes in our heroine after an accident that left her broken and separated from her family. The goodness of resistance workers. The goodness of God during the darkest times. Even the goodness found in those wrapped up in evil.
I loved every unexpected twist and turn of this novel. Amanda knows how to find the balance when writing about war. The balance between the heartbreaking reality of war and showing the humanity and goodness of people living through it. If you love historical fiction, this is for you.
Content warnings are tricky with this one. It is heavy. There is loss in many different situations. Violence is present, but not overly graphic. Spice level is just kissing. Feel free to reach out if you’re sensitive and have questions about content.
The theme of the book was a quote that kept coming up: “When the world had gone dark, don’t turn away from the light.”
Where is the light in the middle of a worn torn country? When hate, power, secrets and resistance put everyone in danger. When families are torn apart. When sorrow over loss are compounded again and again. War is ugly. It brings out the worst in humanity. Atrocious acts are rationalized by a larger vision or way of thinking.
While the evil and terrible realities of war are evident in the pages of this novel, the goodness of people is also shown. The goodness of a family who takes in our heroine after an accident that left her broken and separated from her family. The goodness of resistance workers. The goodness of God during the darkest times. Even the goodness found in those wrapped up in evil.
I loved every unexpected twist and turn of this novel. Amanda knows how to find the balance when writing about war. The balance between the heartbreaking reality of war and showing the humanity and goodness of people living through it. If you love historical fiction, this is for you.
Content warnings are tricky with this one. It is heavy. There is loss in many different situations. Violence is present, but not overly graphic. Spice level is just kissing. Feel free to reach out if you’re sensitive and have questions about content.
July 11, 2025
Roads of Resistance is the latest historical installment of the Heirs of Falcon Point series. And if you haven’t taken a step into this world yet what are you even doing with your life!
After Codes of Courage, I couldn’t fathom A.L. telling a more compelling or heart wrenching story than Karl had, but boy was I wrong. World War II was a devastating and horrendous time in our history, and while the most heinous crimes were not presented in depth, we still get a closer look at those caught in the crosshairs of military advancement on the ground, as Germany invades neutral territories. The losses are staggering. And surviving is a game of roulette.
Ingrid’s story begins with her separation from Karl at the train station. From there we follow Ingrid on her harrowing journey. Her strength and resilience is inspiring, and although her story is fictitious I have no doubt it echos that of the countless survivors of the war.
I am always in awe of the author’s ability to completely immerse the reader in the setting of her stories. And her attention to detail is impeccable when it comes to authenticity of the language, customs, and culture. It is evident the amount of painstaking research she brings to each book.
While this book, along with all the others (historical and contemporary suspense) can be read as standalones, do yourself a favor and read them all. I recommend Heirs first as it sets up the background and helps to prepare you for the heart ache that you will experience along your journey with the Lang family heirs.
I highly recommend this series and suggest you have your tissues at the ready!
Thank you NetGalley and Covent Communications for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
#alsowards #roadsofresistance #heirsoffalconpoint #fiction #bookstagram
After Codes of Courage, I couldn’t fathom A.L. telling a more compelling or heart wrenching story than Karl had, but boy was I wrong. World War II was a devastating and horrendous time in our history, and while the most heinous crimes were not presented in depth, we still get a closer look at those caught in the crosshairs of military advancement on the ground, as Germany invades neutral territories. The losses are staggering. And surviving is a game of roulette.
Ingrid’s story begins with her separation from Karl at the train station. From there we follow Ingrid on her harrowing journey. Her strength and resilience is inspiring, and although her story is fictitious I have no doubt it echos that of the countless survivors of the war.
I am always in awe of the author’s ability to completely immerse the reader in the setting of her stories. And her attention to detail is impeccable when it comes to authenticity of the language, customs, and culture. It is evident the amount of painstaking research she brings to each book.
While this book, along with all the others (historical and contemporary suspense) can be read as standalones, do yourself a favor and read them all. I recommend Heirs first as it sets up the background and helps to prepare you for the heart ache that you will experience along your journey with the Lang family heirs.
I highly recommend this series and suggest you have your tissues at the ready!
Thank you NetGalley and Covent Communications for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
#alsowards #roadsofresistance #heirsoffalconpoint #fiction #bookstagram
July 8, 2025
I loved this book; it had me gripped and emotionally invested throughout.
Ingrid flees Austria after her father’s murder, and then becomes trapped in the occupied Netherlands with broken legs.
The story then jumps four years later, when she has transformed from a refugee who has fled to a brave resistance fighter.
I loved reading about her transformation.
We read a bit about Gerrit's past. When he meets Ingrid, he becomes immediately suspicious, and there's an apparent tension between them.
As they begin to work together, their animosity slowly begins to melt, and mutual respect and more start to build…
The workings of these resistance fighters were enthralling. At times, my heart was in my mouth. Utterly gripping!!!
Ingrid flees Austria after her father’s murder, and then becomes trapped in the occupied Netherlands with broken legs.
The story then jumps four years later, when she has transformed from a refugee who has fled to a brave resistance fighter.
I loved reading about her transformation.
We read a bit about Gerrit's past. When he meets Ingrid, he becomes immediately suspicious, and there's an apparent tension between them.
As they begin to work together, their animosity slowly begins to melt, and mutual respect and more start to build…
The workings of these resistance fighters were enthralling. At times, my heart was in my mouth. Utterly gripping!!!
June 1, 2025
This was so very rich in content, history, characters, landscape, and heart. I’ve enjoyed each book in the series and this was no exception.
On the historical side, the setting of The Netherlands during WW2 was packed with immersive detail - the resistance, the battles, and everything in between. It showed the various needs the Dutch Resistance filled from “small” things like stealing ration cards to surveillance and sabotage, to hiding and ferrying downed soldiers and paratroopers. I had no idea the liberation of the Netherlands was so back and forth. The book did an excellent job at showing the emotional toll that took on the people.
I loved Gerrit and Ingrid, as well as their family. They had such good chemistry, both in the initial animosity and then later their friendship and love story. Their struggles and loyalty towards each other was beautiful, as was Gerrit’s faith journey. The description of their grief later on was so devastating and emotional, it was well done and realistic.
Also loved the crossover of Henry Bridger and the backstory with him and Anita. All the little pieces that tied the characters together in the other books were so great. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
On the historical side, the setting of The Netherlands during WW2 was packed with immersive detail - the resistance, the battles, and everything in between. It showed the various needs the Dutch Resistance filled from “small” things like stealing ration cards to surveillance and sabotage, to hiding and ferrying downed soldiers and paratroopers. I had no idea the liberation of the Netherlands was so back and forth. The book did an excellent job at showing the emotional toll that took on the people.
I loved Gerrit and Ingrid, as well as their family. They had such good chemistry, both in the initial animosity and then later their friendship and love story. Their struggles and loyalty towards each other was beautiful, as was Gerrit’s faith journey. The description of their grief later on was so devastating and emotional, it was well done and realistic.
Also loved the crossover of Henry Bridger and the backstory with him and Anita. All the little pieces that tied the characters together in the other books were so great. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
July 15, 2025
The Netherlands in WWII is a part of the war that isn't written about as much. Being neutral, they didn't think it likely that Hitler and the Nazi's would invade, but they were wrong. Very wrong. Sowards writes such intense stories with amazing detail and research you feel as if you are living through it with the characters. I feel like I've been to a master level history class. To add to it, the characters are so real, and their growth and strength comes through on every page.
Ingrid who grew up in a wealthy family in Austria, has to flee for her life. She isn't sure where to go- just that she must get away- she will continue searching for her siblings once she is out of danger. She ends up in a field with severely injured legs and unconscious. She is found and nurtured back to health by a kind family and is ready to resume her search when the Nazi's overtake the Netherlands and she in trapped in enemy territory.
Garrett, who is in trouble for helping the resistance in his hometown, escapes to stay with his grandfather in the Holland. When he finds a strange girl who has made herself at home in HIS Grandfathers home, he is less than happy. They have a mutual distrust and animosity toward each other. They are both heavily involved in the resistance there and are going to have to find a way to work together and be civil. It is dangerous work and they can't afford to let personal feelings get in the way and put those who they are helping in more danger. "Trust must be rationed in wartime."
The danger, suspense, joy, grief, devastation, absolute horror, love, and the depth of the characters is astounding. You will go through every emotion and feel genuinely worried about the people you come to care about and love. You know it's fiction, but also based on completely true events, which makes you realize that real people lived through the very scenarios you're reading about.
It is told in multiple POV's and it makes it feel like surround sound- feeling and hearing it from all sides. It really completes the entire experience.
"When the world has gone dark, don't turn away from the light.
"Sometimes our memories and our griefs, like a piece of shrapnel or a tumor, have to be removed. It can be agony, but it's a necessary step if you want to heal."
"Hope of survival no longer seemed like a dormant seed but, instead, like a living plant sprouting and reaching for the sun."
This is part of the Falcon Point series. I would suggest reading The Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage before this one. There are several other books in the series that tie together but are independently enjoyable as well. Any book she has written is well researched and enjoyable while you are learning. Not easy to do. I wish I'd have had professors who knew their topic as well as she does.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of the story.
Ingrid who grew up in a wealthy family in Austria, has to flee for her life. She isn't sure where to go- just that she must get away- she will continue searching for her siblings once she is out of danger. She ends up in a field with severely injured legs and unconscious. She is found and nurtured back to health by a kind family and is ready to resume her search when the Nazi's overtake the Netherlands and she in trapped in enemy territory.
Garrett, who is in trouble for helping the resistance in his hometown, escapes to stay with his grandfather in the Holland. When he finds a strange girl who has made herself at home in HIS Grandfathers home, he is less than happy. They have a mutual distrust and animosity toward each other. They are both heavily involved in the resistance there and are going to have to find a way to work together and be civil. It is dangerous work and they can't afford to let personal feelings get in the way and put those who they are helping in more danger. "Trust must be rationed in wartime."
The danger, suspense, joy, grief, devastation, absolute horror, love, and the depth of the characters is astounding. You will go through every emotion and feel genuinely worried about the people you come to care about and love. You know it's fiction, but also based on completely true events, which makes you realize that real people lived through the very scenarios you're reading about.
It is told in multiple POV's and it makes it feel like surround sound- feeling and hearing it from all sides. It really completes the entire experience.
"When the world has gone dark, don't turn away from the light.
"Sometimes our memories and our griefs, like a piece of shrapnel or a tumor, have to be removed. It can be agony, but it's a necessary step if you want to heal."
"Hope of survival no longer seemed like a dormant seed but, instead, like a living plant sprouting and reaching for the sun."
This is part of the Falcon Point series. I would suggest reading The Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage before this one. There are several other books in the series that tie together but are independently enjoyable as well. Any book she has written is well researched and enjoyable while you are learning. Not easy to do. I wish I'd have had professors who knew their topic as well as she does.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of the story.
July 10, 2025
War is ugly. War is terrifying. War is heartbreaking. If you are in doubt or questioning just how deavastating it can be; open Roads of Resistance. The book will soon change your mind. The horrors of war are detailed. The suffering and death are illustrated with poignant words. Tears flowed. My stomach revolted. My heart shattered. We all know how World War Two ended. But it is the tragic journey we need to study, remember, and never, ever repeat.
Ingrid's story of war brings it all to life in the safety of your favorite reading place. Feel the tension as she and her brother flee the man that murdered their father. Wrong time, wrong place has her desperate to save herself. Any risk was better than death. When she is discovered injured she could only hope that she made the right decision. Throughout the war she would have to make decisions as she worked with the resistance. I was left speechless by what she did, knowing she represents so many brave people that did not sit still in war.
Gerrit's story is just as devastating. As bombs fell, his only goal was to save his brother and sister. He could not standby and watch his country crumble. Age didn't matter when the resistance could use his assistance. All changed when a member was arrested. Gerrit had no choice but to leave his siblings and flee to his grandfather's home. It is the same home that Ingrid lives, helping to save those fighting for a free world.
Experience the bravery of Gerrit and Ingrid as the grow closer while risking their lives. Tears would flow as they lost those around them. With every page they found themselves more and more at risk. Everyday could be their last or worse. I bawled when Gerrit was taken to Westerork. The conditions, the lack of humanity, left me speechless.
The fight didn't end with the end of the war. Years of suffering and ill treatment don't go away just because the Nazis surrendered. No one knew if family members survived. Weakened by years of starvation, illness, and horrid living conditions will make life challenging. Roads to Resistance brings the struggles to light.
The author's words brought the story to life. She transported me to in time to Austria and the Netherlands that changed everything. I experienced a bit, a smidge of what it was like for so many trying to survive. I closed the book with a heavy heart, but grateful to learn a little more about the German Occupation.
Ingrid's story of war brings it all to life in the safety of your favorite reading place. Feel the tension as she and her brother flee the man that murdered their father. Wrong time, wrong place has her desperate to save herself. Any risk was better than death. When she is discovered injured she could only hope that she made the right decision. Throughout the war she would have to make decisions as she worked with the resistance. I was left speechless by what she did, knowing she represents so many brave people that did not sit still in war.
Gerrit's story is just as devastating. As bombs fell, his only goal was to save his brother and sister. He could not standby and watch his country crumble. Age didn't matter when the resistance could use his assistance. All changed when a member was arrested. Gerrit had no choice but to leave his siblings and flee to his grandfather's home. It is the same home that Ingrid lives, helping to save those fighting for a free world.
Experience the bravery of Gerrit and Ingrid as the grow closer while risking their lives. Tears would flow as they lost those around them. With every page they found themselves more and more at risk. Everyday could be their last or worse. I bawled when Gerrit was taken to Westerork. The conditions, the lack of humanity, left me speechless.
The fight didn't end with the end of the war. Years of suffering and ill treatment don't go away just because the Nazis surrendered. No one knew if family members survived. Weakened by years of starvation, illness, and horrid living conditions will make life challenging. Roads to Resistance brings the struggles to light.
The author's words brought the story to life. She transported me to in time to Austria and the Netherlands that changed everything. I experienced a bit, a smidge of what it was like for so many trying to survive. I closed the book with a heavy heart, but grateful to learn a little more about the German Occupation.
August 6, 2025
I love the Falcon Point series!! I'm thoroughly invested in finding out what happened to the Lang siblings after they became separated on their way to London while fleeing Austria. Were they reunited? Roads of Resistance is one of those historical novels that pulls you in from the start and keeps you emotionally invested the whole way through. It's set during one of the darkest times in history—Nazi-occupied Europe, and tells a story of courage, resilience, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
The story begins in 1940 with fifteen-year-old Ingrid Lang, who’s just lost her father and is fleeing Austria with her younger siblings. Things quickly go from bad to worse when Ingrid is separated from them and ends up in the Netherlands with two broken legs. She's taken in by a local doctor and his daughter, Anita van der Veen, who take her in and care for her.
Fast forward four years. Ingrid is still in Arnhem, but now she’s part of the Dutch resistance, working behind the scenes to fight back against the Nazis. Gerrit Hendriks, grandson of Dr. van der Veen and a wanted resistance courier returns to Arnhem to hide from the Gestapo. They’re both suspicious of each other at first. There's tension, trust issues, cultural misunderstandings, and strong personalities to deal with. But as they start working together—gathering intel, sneaking airmen to safety, and standing up to the enemy—the walls start to come down. What begins as an uneasy partnership slowly turns into something more.
One of the things I really liked about this book was how real and grounded it felt. The characters are ordinary people—they’re scared, brave, and determined. The romance between Ingrid and Gerrit is subtle and slow-burning. It's built on trust and shared goals and it never overshadows the story of the resistance.
The historical details are vivid without being overwhelming, and you can tell the author did her research. Whether it’s the day-to-day life in an occupied city or the intensity of resistance missions, everything feels authentic. The book also does a great job showing just how risky it was to resist the Nazis—and how much people were willing to sacrifice for freedom, even when the odds were against them.
This is a story that will stay with you for quite awhile. This is part of the Falcon Point series, and I highly recommend you read Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage before reading this one. I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley but bought an ebook for my personal library. I also listened to the audiobook on Deseret Bookshelf and loved the narrator. She really brought the story to life. All opinions in this review are my own.
The story begins in 1940 with fifteen-year-old Ingrid Lang, who’s just lost her father and is fleeing Austria with her younger siblings. Things quickly go from bad to worse when Ingrid is separated from them and ends up in the Netherlands with two broken legs. She's taken in by a local doctor and his daughter, Anita van der Veen, who take her in and care for her.
Fast forward four years. Ingrid is still in Arnhem, but now she’s part of the Dutch resistance, working behind the scenes to fight back against the Nazis. Gerrit Hendriks, grandson of Dr. van der Veen and a wanted resistance courier returns to Arnhem to hide from the Gestapo. They’re both suspicious of each other at first. There's tension, trust issues, cultural misunderstandings, and strong personalities to deal with. But as they start working together—gathering intel, sneaking airmen to safety, and standing up to the enemy—the walls start to come down. What begins as an uneasy partnership slowly turns into something more.
One of the things I really liked about this book was how real and grounded it felt. The characters are ordinary people—they’re scared, brave, and determined. The romance between Ingrid and Gerrit is subtle and slow-burning. It's built on trust and shared goals and it never overshadows the story of the resistance.
The historical details are vivid without being overwhelming, and you can tell the author did her research. Whether it’s the day-to-day life in an occupied city or the intensity of resistance missions, everything feels authentic. The book also does a great job showing just how risky it was to resist the Nazis—and how much people were willing to sacrifice for freedom, even when the odds were against them.
This is a story that will stay with you for quite awhile. This is part of the Falcon Point series, and I highly recommend you read Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage before reading this one. I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley but bought an ebook for my personal library. I also listened to the audiobook on Deseret Bookshelf and loved the narrator. She really brought the story to life. All opinions in this review are my own.
August 5, 2025
This continues to be my very favorite series from A.L. Sowards! The pairing of the Lang siblings’ stories and the rich research base makes for both an enjoyable and educational read (which happens to be my very favorite type of read!).
I loved the setting for Roads of Resistance being the Netherlands. WWII novels infrequently address the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, and it was absolutely fascinating learning more about what this time period in this exact place was like. I learned so much about the Dutch resistance, the hunger winter, and the struggle to free the Netherlands from occupation.
The storyline of this book was so satisfying to me as a reader. I’d wondered how Ingrid ended up where she did after reading earlier books in the series, and why she stayed the way she did. Soward’s unfolded the plot at precisely the right speed to show exactly how Ingrid ended up in the Netherlands and why she was never able to find her siblings. Her connection to the Van der Veens and Gerrit is beautiful and the very best kind of found family. The little bit of ‘enemies to lovers’ that Ingrid and Gerrit had was perfectly written, too; it is so plausible for wartime to create enemy-like situations without either party truly being bad.
While I suppose you could read this as a standalone in many ways, I highly recommend the series on the whole. Reading Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage before Roads of Resistance definitely enhances the reading experience! (There are additional Falcon Point novels that follow the Lang descendants; those can be read before or after the ones following the Lang siblings as those are in some ways like a separate series).
The narration was excellent - it was clear and understandable, and seamlessly delivered the story. I loved hearing all the pronunciations for various cities and names I would have otherwise struggled to pronounce!
Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook; all opinions are my own.
I loved the setting for Roads of Resistance being the Netherlands. WWII novels infrequently address the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, and it was absolutely fascinating learning more about what this time period in this exact place was like. I learned so much about the Dutch resistance, the hunger winter, and the struggle to free the Netherlands from occupation.
The storyline of this book was so satisfying to me as a reader. I’d wondered how Ingrid ended up where she did after reading earlier books in the series, and why she stayed the way she did. Soward’s unfolded the plot at precisely the right speed to show exactly how Ingrid ended up in the Netherlands and why she was never able to find her siblings. Her connection to the Van der Veens and Gerrit is beautiful and the very best kind of found family. The little bit of ‘enemies to lovers’ that Ingrid and Gerrit had was perfectly written, too; it is so plausible for wartime to create enemy-like situations without either party truly being bad.
While I suppose you could read this as a standalone in many ways, I highly recommend the series on the whole. Reading Heirs of Falcon Point and Codes of Courage before Roads of Resistance definitely enhances the reading experience! (There are additional Falcon Point novels that follow the Lang descendants; those can be read before or after the ones following the Lang siblings as those are in some ways like a separate series).
The narration was excellent - it was clear and understandable, and seamlessly delivered the story. I loved hearing all the pronunciations for various cities and names I would have otherwise struggled to pronounce!
Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook; all opinions are my own.
August 10, 2025
‘When the world had gone dark, don’t turn away from the light.’
This is a book that will rip you to pieces — and still leave you holding onto hope in such a beautiful way.
If you’ve read an A.L. Sowards book before, you know exactly what you’re in for: impeccable historical research, unmatched knowledge of her subject, and an ability to place you so deeply in her characters’ shoes that you feel every heartbreak, every flicker of courage, and every tiny victory right alongside them.
Roads of Resistance is beautifully tender. Even as it delves into some of history’s darkest days, it shines a light on the unimaginable hope and quiet heroism of those who refused to look away. The characters — especially Ingrid and Gerrit — are endearing, lovable, and so real you can’t help but root for them through every bump in the road.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, tender love stories, and a bumpy emotional ride that’s worth every page, this is a 5-star read. I highly recommend reading the Heirs of Falcon Point series first — at least the first book — to fully appreciate this story’s depth.
Roads of Resistance by @a.l.sowards is available now — add it to your TBR today.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/trigger: War themes, mentions of concentration camps, death, weapons, violence, infant loss, grief, romance-kisses only.
This is a book that will rip you to pieces — and still leave you holding onto hope in such a beautiful way.
If you’ve read an A.L. Sowards book before, you know exactly what you’re in for: impeccable historical research, unmatched knowledge of her subject, and an ability to place you so deeply in her characters’ shoes that you feel every heartbreak, every flicker of courage, and every tiny victory right alongside them.
Roads of Resistance is beautifully tender. Even as it delves into some of history’s darkest days, it shines a light on the unimaginable hope and quiet heroism of those who refused to look away. The characters — especially Ingrid and Gerrit — are endearing, lovable, and so real you can’t help but root for them through every bump in the road.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, tender love stories, and a bumpy emotional ride that’s worth every page, this is a 5-star read. I highly recommend reading the Heirs of Falcon Point series first — at least the first book — to fully appreciate this story’s depth.
Roads of Resistance by @a.l.sowards is available now — add it to your TBR today.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/trigger: War themes, mentions of concentration camps, death, weapons, violence, infant loss, grief, romance-kisses only.
January 7, 2026
4. 5 stars
Outstanding story! This is my first book I have read in the Falcon Point series. It can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone, yet I definitely want to go back and read the previous books. It is truly an epic series in every way, combining a historical as well as contemporary series. Roads of Resistance follows the second sibling in the Lang family as she flees their family home in occupied Austria, getting separated from her other siblings.
Ingrid arrives in the Netherlands, injured and alone. Taken in by the van der Veen family, she finds a home as well as purpose during the war years. A. L. Sowards' historical research is skillfully woven through the story, bringing to life the dark years of the war. A time of hardship and sacrifice, a time of resistance and hunger. As Ingrid grows into a young woman, she finds friendship and love in the dark years of war.
The only reason why I couldn't give 5 stars is that the pacing felt a little slow and repetitive at times. Yet it is probably an accurate portrayal of the daily life of those who lived through these events.
I definitely intend to go back and read the stories I have missed, looking forward to those to come in what promises to be a favorite series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Outstanding story! This is my first book I have read in the Falcon Point series. It can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone, yet I definitely want to go back and read the previous books. It is truly an epic series in every way, combining a historical as well as contemporary series. Roads of Resistance follows the second sibling in the Lang family as she flees their family home in occupied Austria, getting separated from her other siblings.
Ingrid arrives in the Netherlands, injured and alone. Taken in by the van der Veen family, she finds a home as well as purpose during the war years. A. L. Sowards' historical research is skillfully woven through the story, bringing to life the dark years of the war. A time of hardship and sacrifice, a time of resistance and hunger. As Ingrid grows into a young woman, she finds friendship and love in the dark years of war.
The only reason why I couldn't give 5 stars is that the pacing felt a little slow and repetitive at times. Yet it is probably an accurate portrayal of the daily life of those who lived through these events.
I definitely intend to go back and read the stories I have missed, looking forward to those to come in what promises to be a favorite series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 14, 2025
Oh my… what a story… I have loved this series and spinoffs, anything that is tied to Falcon Point. Roads of Resistance was a longer than average book, but I could not put it down. The intrigue and suspense, cruelty of war and sweetness of romance, the loss of faith to redemption in the Savior, pulled the story into a work of perfection. This book follows Ingrid one of the heirs of the magnificent Austrian Manor of Falcon Point. It takes place during World War II when the Germans invaded the Netherlands. A. L. Sowards can craft a story that is fascinating to read and feel as if you are living the trauma, sacrifice, horror that these people went through. But also to explore the deep feelings of compassion, love and commitment to humanity. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone that is intrigued by history and compassion. This could be read as a standalone story but I highly recommend reading all of them. They are so good.The only downside to this book is that I fear it may be the last of the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 1, 2025
This is a hard book to review. I rated it high on the basis of being well written and captivating. I had a hard time putting it down and it is a bit of a longer than usual book. If I would have rated it based on how much I liked some parts of the story itself, it would have been lower. I am always so leery when I read this authors books that are set in war time. The author is more realistic in her war time sagas than I like. Often favorite characters don’t survive. That realism is something I have to mentally prepare for when I start books like this, but I still struggle as I read. There was more than one time when I thought there was no way anything bad could happen to this or that character and next thing I know something bad would happen. This book is filled with heartbreak and suffering. It was interesting to read about the Netherlands during this terrible time of war. There were so many heroes from that time period. I am amazed by the resilience of those who lived through that time. They had to be resilient to be able to survive and to rebuild. The selflessness of the allied soldiers was also amazing. I am grateful that there was a resistance to fight the evil of the Nazi’s and admire those who were part of that movement. I give the a cautious recommendation. It is not a light or easy read but I am glad I read it and will read the next in the series when it comes out next year.
July 22, 2025
I started writing this review through tears, overwhelmed by the emotion in this story. This story touched me more deeply than most books. War is gritty and ugly, and this novel reflects that realism perfectly. It doesn’t matter which country the author writes about during WWII, it’s all profoundly heartbreaking. This story takes place in the Netherlands from 1940-1945. A.L. Sowards crafts characters that quickly find a place in your heart. Ingrid and Gerrit are remarkably brave and show what true courage, loyalty, empathy, and selflessness look like. My grandmother used to call people like them the “Salt of the Earth,” honest, hardworking, and kind in all they do. Roads of Resistance is part of The Heirs of Falcon Point series, and Sowards has the challenging task of telling the historical stories within it. She excels at capturing history with precise details, backed by thorough research. Her notes at the end, where she shares more about real events, are especially impressive.
Since I’ve already read about the modern-day family in earlier books, I gained a deep respect for the ancestors who faced war’s worst horrors. Nothing is spared—resistance dangers, war wounds, espionage, battles, death, hunger, and torture all make an appearance. Sadly, not all the characters survive the war. I found myself crying often and felt their pain and sorrows.
You should read Codes of Courage first. It ties the family story and the larger historical background together perfectly. I didn’t share many details about the plot, and that was intentional. It’s best to go into this book knowing as little as possible so your experience remains fresh. I stayed up past midnight,{3:30 a.m.} finishing Roads of Resistance. It’s a clear five-star read and exactly what you’d expect from this author: a powerful and emotional story.
Since I’ve already read about the modern-day family in earlier books, I gained a deep respect for the ancestors who faced war’s worst horrors. Nothing is spared—resistance dangers, war wounds, espionage, battles, death, hunger, and torture all make an appearance. Sadly, not all the characters survive the war. I found myself crying often and felt their pain and sorrows.
You should read Codes of Courage first. It ties the family story and the larger historical background together perfectly. I didn’t share many details about the plot, and that was intentional. It’s best to go into this book knowing as little as possible so your experience remains fresh. I stayed up past midnight,{3:30 a.m.} finishing Roads of Resistance. It’s a clear five-star read and exactly what you’d expect from this author: a powerful and emotional story.
August 4, 2025
This was a beautiful read. A little long and very heavy. But I loved the characters and the growth they had. But man they went through it. Definitely check trigger warnings. But a great historical fiction read.
Content: violence, death, infant loss, war violence, prison camp
Content: violence, death, infant loss, war violence, prison camp
November 30, 2025
great book!
August 11, 2025
This book is absolutely amazing!! Full review to come
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