The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot's peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father's medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy's quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything--providing medical aid to escaped workers even as danger closes in.
Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide--or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?
A renowned author of World War II fiction, Sundin showcases a compelling tale of loyalty and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling author of Mists over the Channel Islands (February 2026) Midnight on the Scottish Shore (2025), and Embers in the London Sky (2024). Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Until Leaves Fall in Paris received the 2022 Christy Award, The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award, The Sound of Light was a finalist for both the Christy Award and the Carol Award, and When Twilight Breaks and The Land Beneath Us were Christy Award finalists.
A mother of three, Sundin lives in Southern California and teaches Sunday school. She enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers' groups. Sarah serves as co-director of the West Coast Christian Writers Conference.
Sarah Sundin has so much knowledge about WWII. She has once again taken a piece of history and woven it into an engaging storyline.
Dr Ivy Picot is struggling to keep the family medical practice afloat after her father leaves for England and a number of clients flee not trusting a female physician.
Dutch engineer Gerrit van der Zee is part of the resistance that appears to everyone except his closest friend Bernardus as loyal to Germany.
When Ivy and Gerritt meet they are drawn to each other but Ivy is also repelled by Gerritt due to his affiliation with the Nazi party.
So many historical details in the pages such as which foods and medications were in short supply on Jersey.
Another winner in the WWII historical romance genre by the talented Sarah Sundin!
My gratitude to the author and publisher Revell for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
“We have to trust [God] for the results, and in the meantime keep doing what is good and right.”
If you’ve read Sarah Sundin’s Embers in the London Sky and Midnight On the Scottish Shore, then the surname of her newest novel’s hero will be familiar to you – and should fill you with a readerly thrill of anticipation. Gerrit van der Zee may look like a German soldier but he’s really a member of the Dutch Resistance, an engineer who volunteered to help the German military build fortifications so he could secretly send maps and diagrams of those strongholds back to the Allies. When he’s sent to the isolated British Channel Islands, he has to think outside the box if he’s going to still be of service to the Resistance, and I loved the layers this added to Gerrit’s covert work as well as to the relationships he begins developing on Jersey. I also loved Gerrit in general – he’s absolutely one of the good guys in this story, something which Dr. Ivy Picot recognizes at first sight… at least until his uniform clouds her opinion.
And speaking of goodness, Ivy struggles to keep seeing God’s goodness in the midst of the evil that has invaded her island and the hardships they’ve brought to her fellow Jerseymen. The combination of this faith journey and her personal growth in Mists Over the Channel Islands made Ivy a heroine I came to really admire and relate to as the novel progressed. She’s also exactly the kind of young woman I would want as a friend and ally in times such as those (times which no longer feel as distant as they used to), even if others don’t so readily see her true character. And one of those ‘others’ I’m still glaring at is her older sister Fern who… well… let’s just say I wanted to purse whomp Fern with Ivy’s medical bag on several occasions while Ivy was much more gracious. Their younger brother Charlie more than makes up for Fern’s difficult nature though and, even if I did want to shake him sometimes for his adolescent impetuousness, I adored him – and their aunts and uncles too!
Bottom Line: The new-to-me history, the sweet enemies-to-love romance, the high-stakes danger and intrigue of the Resistance, the relatable faith discussions, and the complex inter-character dynamics all combined to make Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin incredibly hard for me to put down. I loved watching Gerrit and Ivy’s relationship develop from initial attraction to necessary distrust and finally something deeper that gifts us with some delightful kisses too. (Including one scene that had me laughing, swooning, grinning big, and wiping away a few tears at the same time!) I also loved learning about the German occupation of the British Channel Islands (that aren’t actually British) and the people who made a difference there by quietly resisting where they could. And most of all, I loved the timeless themes illustrated in their story: choosing to believe in the goodness of God and His faithfulness even when it becomes difficult to see either one, and continuing to do the right thing even when evil seems to have the upper hand or the outcomes feel painfully out of our control. The perfect ‘next read’ for those who love stories that feature under-explored WW2 history and ordinary heroes!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
An engaging historical set on the island of Jersey during the German occupation of WWII. Ties of family, friendships and faith are tested amidst the growing dangers of war.
The author's impeccable research laces the story with authenticity, including some of the unique language, real people and historically accurate events. The main characters were well developed, and showed how people responded to the prolonged occupation; some rising in courage to help the Resistance, and risking their lives to assist others. Their faith was tested and grew as they faced increasing hardships and dangers throughout the story. Dilemmas caused by a sibling rivalry escalated the tension and polarized family loyalties.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Ivy and Gerrit, growing from a tentative friendship to something more. The older relatives and friends of Ivy were inspirational also as they helped others despite the cost. It made me think of Corrie ten Boom's family story and their involvement with the Dutch resistance. There were many unsung heroes whose faith and courage drove them to sacrificially help others at the time.
A satisfying read from start to finish, it is a stand alone, with some character connections from other books popping in at the end. Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational historical fiction set during WWII, with some action and a tender romance. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
I’ve been loving Sarah Sundin’s novels lately and this was no exception! I loved how characters from the first two books in the trilogy appeared towards the end. And the theme of trusting in God even when one’s work seems futile had a powerful ending. Loved the whole Picot family! Poor Fern. 😭 But yikes!! She was so blind. Hope to write more soon.
Fantastic and unique perspective of WW2 in Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. Each location the war touched was so unique but with the island being so small and cut off, it adds to the complicated nature of how the locals could resist and hide, as well as the added struggle of food and medical supplies available.
I loved Gerrit and Ivy, their very realistic and relatable struggles, and their friends and family. Their romance progression was lovely and hope-filled which was a nice change of pace over poor communication issues in a lot of books. And their friends/resistance group was well done. I actually liked the villain in this too because it felt real and complicated.
The wrap up and crossover of the cousins in the other books in the not-really-series was perfect at the end. Really enjoyed.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite Historical Christian Romance Fiction authors, particularly when she writes stories set during WWII. Sundin is masterful with her in-depth research and analysis, which enriches her plots and allows her to paint beautiful word pictures that make readers feel as though they are participants in the story rather than just readers. I highly recommend this novel!
In her latest release, Mists Over the Channel Islands, Sundin chose the setting of Jersey, in the Channel Islands. Jersey is a small, landlocked place, which presents a challenge for her to hold both her father’s medical practice and keep her family together while her parents are away for a while. Fern, her bossy older sister, whose husband is fighting for their freedom on foreign soil. She is taking on the responsibilities of the Receptionist and Bookkeeper for the practice while their Mother is gone, and thinks she is the boss of Ivy. Their much younger brother, Charlie, wants to prove he is the man of the house and constantly finds ways to earn money to contribute to the family fund.
With the Germans poised to invade at any moment, tensions are high. Soon, alliances will be made, and people will begin to realize that no one is above reproach, even beloved family members. As new people move to town, Ivy does her best to distinguish between friend and foe because she knows resistance groups are working in the background. One of these resistance members is a Dutch engineer, Gerrit van der Zee, who volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. It takes a while for Ivy to understand the truth about him, but when she does, she begins to open up a place in her heart for him. He had long had her in his heart! Ivy watches her sister consort with a German Officer, her heart breaks over what this will do to her husband and family. Her brother risks his life to aid the resistance. Ivy and Gerrit wonder if there is a future where they can share forever. Sundin has written another exceptional love story that will stay with you long after you have read the last sentence!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Sarah Sundin is an auto-buy author for me, and I’ve been so looking forward to this third book in the Allegiance Under Pressure series, “Mists Over the Channel Islands,” ever since it was announced. I’ve loved this whole series, but this last book just might be my favorite! And of course, you can read my reviews for the first two books of the series, “Embers in the London Sky” and “Midnight on a Scottish Shore,” here on my Goodreads account.
This author writes the absolute best WWII fiction. If you love WWII fiction, you simply must read all of Sarah Sundin’s books! This book takes us to the island of Jersey (one of the Channel Islands) and introduces us to an incredible cast of characters. There’s romance, there’s espionage, suspense, complex family dynamics, and SO much fascinating history. I loved learning about the history of Jersey during the German occupation through reading this story and the historical note at the end.
The suspense in this book was so great that I stayed up way too late, because I just HAD TO KNOW how it was going to end. I was so invested and cared so much for these characters.
You already know it, but I highly recommend “Mists Over the Channel Islands!” 🙂
Sarah Sundin consistently delivers weighty, well-researched World War II fiction. Every time I pick up one of her books, I am guaranteed to become engrossed in the history of a place through the fictional lives of her characters.
Mists over the Channel Islands takes readers to the island of Jersey during the German occupation. Before reading this book, I knew very little about this chapter of the war. Through Ivy Picot’s work as a doctor and her family’s struggles, Sundin gives readers a clear picture of daily life under occupation. Shortages of food and medicine, fear of informants, and the cruelty of forced labor camps all shape the choices her characters must make.
I admired Ivy’s competence, compassion, and courage. She works tirelessly for her patients while carrying the weight of her family’s survival. The romance between Ivy and Gerrit moves at a tentative pace, shaped by her early mistrust of the uniform he wears. Gerrit’s storyline is equally compelling. His decision to work for the Germans while secretly serving the Resistance places him in constant danger and forces him to wrestle with difficult moral questions.
Both Ivy and Gerrit struggle honestly with questions about God’s permissive will—why He allows such evil and suffering. Rather than offering easy answers, Sundin points readers back to God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.
The strained relationship between Ivy and her sister, Fern, undergirds the story. Fern’s choices create tension within the family and put others in peril. Watching their relationship fracture is not surprising in the context of war. What did surprise me was Ivy’s response in one particularly intense moment. Some readers may find themselves questioning whether such a reaction feels realistic under those circumstances.
This is the second novel I have read this year about sisters divided by war. Readers who enjoy that theme may also appreciate The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫
I received this book from the author for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
"Man's ugliness may destroy the beauty of creation, but we cannot destroy the beauty of God himself. Man's hatred can't destroy God's love. Man's wickedness can't destroy God's goodness. Seeing the Lord amidst all this evil isn't easy, but he's here and he's good."
If you haven’t read a Sarah Sundin book yet, you really need to! A lot of her books tie together with characters from previous books, but you can read the stand-alones in any order. Her writing has a way of pulling you right into the story. Her characters are full of depth and growth. Even the characters that you’re not supposed to like will have you thinking deeply about how you would react when life gets hard.
I adored Ivy and Gerrit. They were so good for each other. Ivy was doing her best to keep her family’s medical practice together and keep her family safe. Gerrit wanted to help the Allies defeat the Nazis. Their slow-burn romance was really sweet.
The faith message in this book was realistic and didn’t feel “preachy”. The characters questioned their faith at times. They had to remember ‘even if’ something bad happened that God was still faithful and wouldn’t abandon them.
The ending was perfect and everything I had hoped it would be.
DNFing at 100 pages. Nothing has happened and I’m 1/3 of the way into the book. No plot intrigue and characters I’m finding boring so better to DNF than force it.
Sarah Sundin always succeeds in finding new stories to tell of different experiences in WWII. In Mists over the Channel Islands, we go to the island of Jersey and learn that each of the Channel Islands had different experiences during the war. I appreciated the struggle of Gerrit as a member of the Dutch Resistance as the Netherlands becomes occupied and his options of effectively helping the Allies are severely limited...and then the consideration of how to ensure the Allies know he was on their side when the war ended, undercover, when all his efforts for them had been anonymous. I felt for Ivy, seeing her sister's true colors reveal themselves throughout the occupation until she became someone Ivy didn't recognize. The slippery slope and watching loved ones make questionable, then ultimately terrible choices was relatable, yet Ivy maintained her own character in a way that was impressive. For some reason, I had a hard time feeling the chemistry of the romance, but that could be me and my frame of mind at the time of reading.
Overall, it was a tender read, well done, informative, and thought-provoking.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy and write an honest review.
Pretend that it's a time of war and you're called to help someone, putting yourself in danger. Would you do it? What if helping that person meant harm-or worse-to your family? Would you do it then?
I hate to admit it, but I don't know if I would, knowing it could put my children in danger. Lord forgive me, but I don't know.
Reading Mists over the Channel Islands brought to light so many deeds that, while I may have known about them before, "living" it through this book made real. Isn't that the beauty of fiction? This book made me appreciate the unsung heroes. We will never know the names of all the people who aided the Allies. We'll never know all the ways the Allies were aided. But oh! To have that courage.
We'll also never know all the levels of betrayal.
I appreciate the way Sarah Sundin brings a story to life. She just wraps you up in her words and you're off to, in this case, Jersey (that I had never even heard of!). If WWII fiction is something you enjoy, then you certainly need to pick up this book!
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
Sarah Sundin is a master of WWII fiction, and Mists Over the Channel Islands sheds light on a part of the era’s history I knew very little about. Covering five years, the strength, perseverance, and bravery of the island of Jersey and its people are thoughtfully conveyed, yet the story never drags. Ivy and Gerritt are both well-developed and inspiring characters; I was deeply invested in their story. There are side characters I loved and others I wanted to strangle, and Sundin does a great job of portraying the tension and instability of wartime and how that affects people.
I always look forward to Sundin’s books, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting her next one! 4/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I squealed when I received this book in the mail! A story with relatable characters, daring escape, and a historical-rich setting/plot.
Ivy Picot was thoughtful, artistic, and had a heart for her patients and her island. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with her brother, her desire to relieve suffering through practicing medicine, and her willingness to sacrifice for the good of others.
Gerrit van Dee Zee (connecting through his last name this book to Midnight on the Scottish Shores and Embers in the London Sky) was smart, dedicated, and loyal. I enjoyed reading about his resistance work making maps on silk with invisible ink. Very intriguing!
Their romance was sudden, love at first sight with one obstacle. But once the confusion was cleared, and after one hiccup, they went back to strong attraction that they had from the beginning.
My favorite side characters are Charlie Picot and Bernadus. They made rash decisions without solid plans that often led to consequences. However, they achieved much, with them as the gas, and Gerrit as the brakes and logic.
There were two deaths at the midpoint that put a damper on the storyline. Ivy‘s relationship with her sister, Fern, also left me wishing there was some more reconciliation at the end. Since this book covered quite a few years of time (allowing it more room for historical details) it occasionally felt a bit choppy in some ways.
Overall, this book was a story of courage and bravery, believing God is good even in hard times, and standing up for what is right. I’m thrilled to add this book to my WW2 collection!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I truly love stories of the resistance. There’s just something so touching about people coming together to fight against the enemy and risk their lives. The faith in this story is just so encouraging, and the love story was heart warming.
4.5 Stars! Lovers of historical fiction will be captivated by this compelling WWII story set on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. I knew nothing about the island or the German captivity there during the war. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the scenery, the people, the extended family, and those who risked their own safety by helping others. I loved how the main characters grew in their faith despite the grim circumstances.
"In times of peace, we choose amongst many good and pleasant paths, but in times of war..." "Ivy's throat tightened. "No path is good or pleasant." "He aimed his one finger at Ivy. 'But you can still choose the good. You must.'" Wise parting words from her father.
Dr Ivy Picot takes over for her father in his medical practice, as he and her mother head to England for the duration of the war. Ivy's sister Fern, and her brother Charlie remain on the Island, while Fern's husband is off fighting for England, her parents take her two sons with them to England.
Gerrit van der Zee and his friend Bernardus Koon had been involved in the resistance movement in the Netherlands, but had stopped when there were too many arrests. Bernardus shows up at Gerrit's apartment to see if he can entice him back to the resistance movement in a different way. They end up volunteering with a firm contracted by the German 'Organisation Todt' to build gun emplacements and defensive works along the coast. They go into it knowing they have to wear the German uniform, but wanting to help by secretly get maps of the fortifications to the resistance movement to pass along to the Allies.
I could not put it down. I read until 3 in the morning to finish it! I highly recommend this wonderful work of historical fiction.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Happy Publish Day to Sarah Sundin's newest book Mists Over the Channel Islands!
This story follows the German Occupation of the Channel Islands, specifically Jersey. I was fascinated by the details of the occupation. Ivy is a doctor alongside her father, but he leaves to go serve in the war and she struggles to keep the medical practice afloat because people are hesitant to trust a female doctor. Her strong love for Jersey leads her to find some creative ways to help her neighbors and thwart the Germans.
Gerrit is a member of the Dutch resistance, and he uses his engineering background to join a German work group to find opportunities to spy for the resistance.
This story kept me interested the whole time! The thing with WWII novels is you know when the war ends, so I always cheer on the characters as I read these novels, hoping they can just endure a little longer until the end of the war. This book has action, betrayal, intrigue, love, sacrifice, and faith.
I really appreciated the realistic portrayal of both losing and gaining faith during such horrible circumstances. I've never endured such horrible times, but I think we can all relate to those times in our life where we both question out faith AND rely on our faith to get through.
If you enjoy historical fiction and WWII novels, I definitely recommend this one. (It does mention characters from the other books in this series, it was so fun to see some familiar faces!)
A big thank you to @sarahsundinauthor, @revellfiction, and @greatreadsbookpromo for sending this captivating read, along with the wonderful #gifted audiobook from Tantor Media.
Set against the backdrop of WWII on the Channel Islands, this historical fiction blends suspense, mystery, and romance in a compelling way.
The author's vivid descriptions immerse the reader in the emotional depths of the characters. Ivy stands out as strong, compassionate, and fearless, working not only as a doctor on the island but risking everything to aid forced laborers and help them escape.
Her slow-burn relationship with Gerrit, a Dutch engineer turned secret informant for the Allies, adds a powerful layer to the story. Their connection feels authentic and heartfelt.
The meticulous research into Jersey’s occupation shines through, and the author’s insightful note offers a touching glimpse into her creative process.
Kate Walsh’s narration brought these characters vividly to life. Her skill in capturing the different languages, accents, and emotional nuances greatly enhanced the storytelling.
If you’re passionate about WWII-era historical fiction, this book is a must-read, available now.
This book is amazing! A future reread and a favorite read of not only 2026, but of all time.
The history of the Jersey Island under the German occupation in the book is worth a separate review - it is hard to believe a small island had so much war activity going on.
The plot is just brilliant. I found myself asking alongside the main characters, Now what? Their answer circled always back to trusting God, trusting His goodness and His faithfulness. And always choosing the good even when it hurts.
Truly, I have enjoyed many Sundin's books before, but in my eyes, this story is the best one yet. ❤️
Sooooo I liked it Buuuuuuut I didn’t drop dead love it either Yeah The best parts were with Fern’s character and when the tension rose near the end. But the romance cringed me out a few times. I can handle cheesy, but there is such a thing as a good balance of it. I squirmed at times lol. Personally, I want to see more books like Embers in the London Sky or When Twilight Breaks because those are my favorite books by this author. So yes, I did get excited when I saw Hugh Collingwood. 3.75 stars
This review by librarian Christine Barth first appeared in the 2025 issue of Library Journal.
Known as places of remote beauty and neighborly people, Britain's Channel Islands were also one of the most heavily occupied and fortified places during the Nazi occupation in World War II. Dr. Ivy Picot finds herself both prematurely in charge of the family's medical practice and, due to her sister Fern's increasingly erratic actions, suspected of being a Nazi collaborator.
The meager local resistance finds Ivy's situation the perfect cover to involve the young doctor in hiding escaped prisoners and downed airmen. Meanwhile, Dutch resistance worker Gerrit van der Zee volunteers his engineering expertise to help the Nazis, hoping to join spy networks in France and secretly undermine Axis powers. When instead he is sent to Jersey, where basic supplies like food and insulin cannot even reach them, he despairs of ever making a difference in the war.
VERDICT: Sundin (Midnight on the Scottish Shore) continues her fascinating dep dive into little-known areas of World War II history in which small choices can be extraordinarily brave. Readers will enjoy the rich characterization and historical detail, along with the cameos by figures from Sundin's other stand-alone novels.
I went in expecting excellent historical fiction, Sarah Sundin always delivers that, but what I didn’t expect was how intimate this story would feel. The island of Jersey is small, isolated, and slowly suffocating under occupation, and that closeness intensifies everything: family tensions, moral dilemmas, quiet acts of defiance, and the cost of compassion.
Dr. Ivy Picot is a heroine I deeply admired. She carries the weight of her father’s medical practice, her fractured family, and an island full of suffering people, while constantly weighing what helping others might cost those she loves most. Her courage isn’t loud or flashy. It’s steady. Exhausting. Human.
Gerrit van der Zee’s storyline adds a fascinating layer of complexity. Wearing the uniform of the enemy while secretly serving the Resistance puts him in constant danger, and Ivy’s initial mistrust of him feels completely justified. Watching their relationship grow, from suspicion to reluctant understanding to something tender and hard-won, felt organic and earned. There’s no rushing past the reality of war here. Love exists, but it exists under pressure.
What stood out most to me was the way this story handles faith. It doesn’t offer easy answers or neat resolutions. Instead, it asks hard questions about God’s goodness in the midst of suffering, and then gently reminds us that faith often looks like choosing to do good even when the outcome is uncertain.
This is a story about unsung heroes. About quiet resistance. About choosing mercy when fear would be easier. And long after I turned the final page, I found myself still thinking about Ivy, Gerrit, and the island that shaped them both.
Having read Midnight on the Scottish Shore, I just about screamed in delight when I started recognizing names and events being mentioned that greatly connect the characters of these two books.
This is an amazing piece of historical fiction. I didn’t even know the Channel Islands existed until I heard about this book and I was fascinated with all of the historical aspects of war and the resistance and the rations and more that are found in these pages. This book spans multiple years and we see all of the seasons through German occupation and beyond. This WW2 romance was unique as Ivy and Gerrit appeared to be on opposite sides since he was a spy in the German organization. When Ivy’s family gets involved, things get hairy and very dangerous. This book had me captivated and I loved every minute of it (even when I hated it and was extremely cross at some characters). This Christian historical romance was amazing with its focus on an aspect of World War 2 that I’ve haven’t heard of before. This book had faith, family, friends, war, tension, danger, and so much more. I highly recommend it. The romance is just kisses, intimacy clever 1.
Content warnings: war time, mistreatment, deaths due to illness and execution
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Mists over the Channel Islands is a historical novel set on the Channel Islands during World War II. Ivy Picot is a doctor working in her family's small medical practice. Gerrit van der Zee is Dutch and working on the Channel Islands, ostensibly for the Germans, but actually he is sending plans and drawings to the Resistance. They both become involved with working in a small Resistance circle - and slowly become involved with each other. When Ivy's younger brother joins the resistance and her sister becomes a collaborator involved with a German officer, the danger increases. This fascinating story spans several years.
I wanted to read this novel because I love World War II historical settings, and especially enjoy Sarah Sundin's novels. She is so good at nuanced characterizations and historical details. This book is part of the Allegiance Under Pressure series. The three books in that series have some recurring characters, but this novel would also work as a standalone read. I have read that whole trilogy now, and this was by far my favorite of the series.
I highly recommend Mists Over the Channel Island for other fans of historical fiction, and especially for other readers who have an interest in World War II. This is such a well written, engrossing novel!
I absolutely loved this book. A beautifully written story of love, survival, resistance and faith. Set on the island of Jersey during WW2 Sundin describes life under German occupation and how there were ordinary people like Ivy and her family who who’s bravery shone through, resisting against the Germans and helping the escaped POW knowing they were risking their lives doing so. I fell in love with the characters especially Ivy and Gerrit, the descriptions of the characters really brought them to life. What I loved most about this story is the characters faith, I found it so inspiring to read about they found hope in God even in the darkest times, knowing that He is in control. It is clear when reading this book that the author has done a lot of research, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the authors note at the end and was amazed at how much of the story is based on real events. I couldn’t put this book down and it is definitely one I would definitely recommend especially if you love historical fiction
Sarah Sundin has a very special way of bringing World War II fiction to life in all of the novels she writes! I will say I fall in love with each book she writes and this newest novel has indeed won a very special place in my heart. World War II was a very dark period in history but Sarah manages to bring forth a story that shows that light can be found in the darkest of times.
In this book we follow the adventures of Dr. Ivy who is working very hard to make a difference. We are also introduced to an engineer Gerrit who is doing work for the Germans. Him and Ivy butt heads at first but as time goes on the two start to really care for each other. However, with so many differences going on in the current situation will they be able to move forward?
Overall this novel is an excellent addition to the World War II fiction stories!
“Behind enemy lines, adversary and ally become impossible to distinguish.”
🌿 About the book: Set on the Channel Islands after the German invasion, this story follows Dr. Ivy Picot as she tries to hold together her father's medical practice and her unraveling family. As Jersey's conditions worsen with the arrival of forced laborers, Ivy risks everything to provide medical care for escaped workers.
Meanwhile, Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee hopes his covert work with the Germans will help him gather intel for the Allies. When Gerrit and Ivy cross paths, initial disdain due to his uniform turns into a complex connection, forcing them to confront the cost of standing up for what’s right.
🌿 My Thoughts: This is a truly captivating enemies-to-more story! Sarah masterfully brings history to life, vividly showing the impact of the occupation on Jersey. We get to see how the tensions between opposing sides would unravel a family and heighten the stakes for Ivy and Gerrits’ relationship. I love WWII stories with espionage elements, so I enjoyed reading about Gerrits’ resistance efforts and deeply admired Ivy and Charlie’s bravery and sacrifices to help others and quietly fight for freedom. I also loved the character connections and cameos from previous books!
This story is inspiring and gripping, woven with gentle faith themes about trusting God even when hope seems lost and choosing courage in the face of adversity. Highly recommended! 😍
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have really enjoyed learning more about WW2. To be honest I don't even remember learning about Jersey in school and that's actually sad! It was interesting to read about Gerrit and his undercover work. It was handled very well and had me on the edge of my seat! So dangerous! Ivy was a sweetheart. Her love for her patients was clear and I absolutely loved her passion and work. Fern though ..... no spoilers but the sister relationship definitely was well thought out. I am glad to see that dynamic explored. And expertly handled. The romance😍 eek like how seriously cute can a couple be? They were so perfect for each other!
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and was not required to leave a positive review.
What a great historical fiction. Nothing beats a well written WWII historical fiction. However, with so many of them out there now it gets harder and harder to read really well written ones. Mists over the Channel Islands was one that hooked me from the beginning. Ivy and Gerrit are the main characters who have to learn to trust the sovereignty of God. That God is good no matter what, even if... What a beautiful theme and one that should be repeated for its true beauty! I would recommend this to any historical fiction readers, and christian fiction with good clean romance. I'm super picky about romance novels (not a huge fan!) but Sarah Sundin does a great job with this story! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I am a longtime Sarah Sundin fan. I have read every single one of her books and this was one of my favorites! I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of Jersey Island, the drama of the family relationships, the World War Two elements and the way this story ties in to some of Sarah's earlier releases. Sarah is my go-to for a great World War 2 story!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.