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To Sleep With Reindeer
Norwegian Kirsten Brun, a Nazi resister, has one mission: destroy the installation that produces the chemicals Germany needs for an atomic weapon. Unfortunately, her first attempt fails, leaving her injured and unconscious in the Arctic snow.
The Indigenous Sami people have tried to remain outside the conflict, but when Marrit Ragnar and the reindeer she herds discover Kristen and save her life, joining the battle is inevitable. A misfit in her own culture, Marrit participates in the second destruction attempt in order to avenge the killing of her family.
Kirsten’s and Marrit’s feelings for each other grow deeper, but each attack they join is costly in blood and conscience and nearly tears them apart. Should they carry on with the carnage for a questionable cause, or retreat north with the gentle reindeer?
The Indigenous Sami people have tried to remain outside the conflict, but when Marrit Ragnar and the reindeer she herds discover Kristen and save her life, joining the battle is inevitable. A misfit in her own culture, Marrit participates in the second destruction attempt in order to avenge the killing of her family.
Kirsten’s and Marrit’s feelings for each other grow deeper, but each attack they join is costly in blood and conscience and nearly tears them apart. Should they carry on with the carnage for a questionable cause, or retreat north with the gentle reindeer?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2020
14 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Justine Saracen
14 books34 followersFrom the author's website: How a mild-mannered academic went astray and began writing lesbian fiction:
A recovered academic, Justine Saracen started out producing dreary theses, dissertations and articles for esoteric literary journals. Writing fiction, it turned out, was way more fun. With seven historical thrillers now under her literary belt, she has moved from Ancient Egyptian theology (The 100th Generation) to the Crusades (2007 Lammy-nominated Vulture’s Kiss) to the Roman Renaissance.
Sistine Heresy, which conjures up a thoroughly blasphemic backstory to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes, won a 2009 Independent Publisher’s Award (IPPY) and was a finalist in the ForeWord Book of the Year Award.
A few centuries farther along, WWII thriller Mephisto Aria, was a finalist in the EPIC award competition, won Rainbow awards for Best Historical Novel and Best Writing Style, and took the 2011 Golden Crown first prize for best historical novel.
The Eddie Izzard inspired novel, Sarah, Son of God followed soon after. In the story within a story, a transgendered beauty takes us through Stonewall- rioting New York, Venice under the Inquisition, and Nero’s Rome. The novel won the Rainbow First Prize for Best Transgendered Novel.
Her second WWII thriller Tyger, Tyger, Burning Bright, which follows the lives of four homosexuals during the Third Reich, won the 2012 Rainbow First Prize for Historical Novel. Having lived in Germany and taught courses on 20th Century German history, Justine is deeply engaged in the moral issues of the ‘urge to war’ and the ease with which it infects.
Beloved Gomorrah, appearing March 2013, marks a return to her critique of Bible myths – in this case an LGBT version of Sodom and Gomorrah -- though it also involves a lot of Red Sea diving and the dangerous allure of a certain Hollywood actress.
Saracen lives on a “charming little winding street in Brussels.” Being an adopted European has brought her close to the memories of WWII and engendered a sort of obsession with the war years. Waiting for the Violins, her work in progress, tells of an English nurse, nearly killed while fleeing Dunkirk, who returns as a British spy and joins forces with the Belgian resistance. In a year of constant terror, she discovers both betrayal and heroism and learns how very costly love can be.
When dwelling in reality, Justine’s favorite pursuits are scuba diving and listening to opera.
A recovered academic, Justine Saracen started out producing dreary theses, dissertations and articles for esoteric literary journals. Writing fiction, it turned out, was way more fun. With seven historical thrillers now under her literary belt, she has moved from Ancient Egyptian theology (The 100th Generation) to the Crusades (2007 Lammy-nominated Vulture’s Kiss) to the Roman Renaissance.
Sistine Heresy, which conjures up a thoroughly blasphemic backstory to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes, won a 2009 Independent Publisher’s Award (IPPY) and was a finalist in the ForeWord Book of the Year Award.
A few centuries farther along, WWII thriller Mephisto Aria, was a finalist in the EPIC award competition, won Rainbow awards for Best Historical Novel and Best Writing Style, and took the 2011 Golden Crown first prize for best historical novel.
The Eddie Izzard inspired novel, Sarah, Son of God followed soon after. In the story within a story, a transgendered beauty takes us through Stonewall- rioting New York, Venice under the Inquisition, and Nero’s Rome. The novel won the Rainbow First Prize for Best Transgendered Novel.
Her second WWII thriller Tyger, Tyger, Burning Bright, which follows the lives of four homosexuals during the Third Reich, won the 2012 Rainbow First Prize for Historical Novel. Having lived in Germany and taught courses on 20th Century German history, Justine is deeply engaged in the moral issues of the ‘urge to war’ and the ease with which it infects.
Beloved Gomorrah, appearing March 2013, marks a return to her critique of Bible myths – in this case an LGBT version of Sodom and Gomorrah -- though it also involves a lot of Red Sea diving and the dangerous allure of a certain Hollywood actress.
Saracen lives on a “charming little winding street in Brussels.” Being an adopted European has brought her close to the memories of WWII and engendered a sort of obsession with the war years. Waiting for the Violins, her work in progress, tells of an English nurse, nearly killed while fleeing Dunkirk, who returns as a British spy and joins forces with the Belgian resistance. In a year of constant terror, she discovers both betrayal and heroism and learns how very costly love can be.
When dwelling in reality, Justine’s favorite pursuits are scuba diving and listening to opera.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 4, 2020
This was another high quality historical-fiction book by Saracen. I’m actually pretty late to the Saracen party, only having read her last three new releases, but her good books have helped her to become an auto read author for me. I use to worry that because she wrote about tough subjects, like war, that her books might be too depressing for me. While yes there are some sad parts, but mostly her books are filled with women taking action, bits of hope, and even a little romance.
I think my favorite part of this book was learning about the Sami. I knew before that they were reindeer herders, but that is where my knowledge ended. Saracen writes so well that you learn new things while still reading a very entertaining story. I don’t feel like Saracen gets preachy or talks down to a reader, instead she is able to tell a great story while us readers learn bits of history we might not have ever learned.
There is a romance in this book but it is on the lighter side. In fact it started out very awkward. Once character tells the other that she wants to make love to her. What makes it weird is that it was almost out of the blue. I could tell that my cheeks heated in a blush since I was in slight embarrassment for the character that made the announcement. At the time I was not sensing much chemistry between them, besides a new friendship, so it felt out of place. Once the story continued the romance did feel better. I started to picture them as a couple and not just friends. There are some lightly explicit sex scenes that fade to black. And while the romance got deeper, overall it still stayed on the lighter side compared to everything else that was going on.
My one main complaint is that I felt that the book got a little long in the end. This is the second book in a row that I’ve read that started to fizzle on me and slow down a bit. I do understand that since the war dragged out that it made sense that this dragged out a bit too since it was following real events. I just wanted the main characters to go off with the reindeer and forget everything else but I didn’t get my wish.
Overall this was a really good book that I would recommend to any historic-fiction fans. There are some sad spots since this is about war, but the overall book is exciting with a lot of good action and of course reindeer. Saracen’s last few books have been about the war, it will be really interesting to see what she will write about next. Whatever it is I will be reading it.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
I think my favorite part of this book was learning about the Sami. I knew before that they were reindeer herders, but that is where my knowledge ended. Saracen writes so well that you learn new things while still reading a very entertaining story. I don’t feel like Saracen gets preachy or talks down to a reader, instead she is able to tell a great story while us readers learn bits of history we might not have ever learned.
There is a romance in this book but it is on the lighter side. In fact it started out very awkward. Once character tells the other that she wants to make love to her. What makes it weird is that it was almost out of the blue. I could tell that my cheeks heated in a blush since I was in slight embarrassment for the character that made the announcement. At the time I was not sensing much chemistry between them, besides a new friendship, so it felt out of place. Once the story continued the romance did feel better. I started to picture them as a couple and not just friends. There are some lightly explicit sex scenes that fade to black. And while the romance got deeper, overall it still stayed on the lighter side compared to everything else that was going on.
My one main complaint is that I felt that the book got a little long in the end. This is the second book in a row that I’ve read that started to fizzle on me and slow down a bit. I do understand that since the war dragged out that it made sense that this dragged out a bit too since it was following real events. I just wanted the main characters to go off with the reindeer and forget everything else but I didn’t get my wish.
Overall this was a really good book that I would recommend to any historic-fiction fans. There are some sad spots since this is about war, but the overall book is exciting with a lot of good action and of course reindeer. Saracen’s last few books have been about the war, it will be really interesting to see what she will write about next. Whatever it is I will be reading it.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
May 22, 2022
4.25 stars. This book has been on my TBR for a long time. With an upcoming trip to Norway I felt the time was right to read this and I’m so glad I did. This book gives so much information about the history of Norway (WWII) and the Sami culture and it’s all wrapped up in a thrilling story about the resistance near the end of the war.
Saracen is clearly very knowledgeable on the subject and while it is obviously romanticized the story is largely based on real facts. What I liked is how the surroundings came to life, the cold hard life during the war, but also the hard life of the Sami being constantly rejected and trying to stay away from conflict. I’m extra looking forward now to visiting the places that are described in this book and learning more about the Sami in real life.
As said, this book is all about the war story, the resistance and the unexpected role two women play in it. There is also a romance but it is very light and a bit awkward at the beginning, I could perhaps have used a little bit more on the romance part, but considering the time period and type of story that is given it is not a strange choice.
The title is so very fitting and has multiple meanings that become clear during the story. Excellent choice. I’ll easily recommend this to fans of historical fiction
Saracen is clearly very knowledgeable on the subject and while it is obviously romanticized the story is largely based on real facts. What I liked is how the surroundings came to life, the cold hard life during the war, but also the hard life of the Sami being constantly rejected and trying to stay away from conflict. I’m extra looking forward now to visiting the places that are described in this book and learning more about the Sami in real life.
As said, this book is all about the war story, the resistance and the unexpected role two women play in it. There is also a romance but it is very light and a bit awkward at the beginning, I could perhaps have used a little bit more on the romance part, but considering the time period and type of story that is given it is not a strange choice.
The title is so very fitting and has multiple meanings that become clear during the story. Excellent choice. I’ll easily recommend this to fans of historical fiction
October 9, 2020
An enjoyable historical fiction romance set during World War II. It's centred around the Nazi occupation in Norway, which is not something I've read a lot about. Kirsten was a university chemistry student who fled to Britain and is now working with British intelligence with Norwegian resistance fighters. When the operation she's involved in crashes and her teammates killed or captured by Germans, she was heavily injured but able to escape. Marrit was a half-Sami medical student who had to stop studies because of Nazi racial policy. She's gone back to being a reindeer herder and she found Kirsten and nursed her back to health. Living with Marrit and her family, Kirsten learns to appreciate the Sami culture and way of life. Romance then blossoms, albeit awkwardly and tentatively at first. The romance though, is not the main focus of this book. Primarily, it shows us what it's like in Norway during the Nazi occupation. I imagine that other than in Norway, not a lot of history books talk about this place and period in history. It's fascinating also to explore Sami culture and beliefs. We see how they have adapted to living in the Arctic. Unfortunately, as with a lot of indigenous people, they suffer from discrimination and prejudice, then and now. For someone who is a history buff, especially of the world wars, this book is a wonderful, informative read.
**Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!**
**Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!**
November 5, 2020
Now this is my kind of story! I’ve always loved a good historical romance. I’ve also always been interested in the history of World War II, probably because so many of my family were a part of the war effort including my father and my aunt. To Sleep with Reindeer by Justine Saracen puts the reader right in the middle of the action, mostly in Norway during the German occupation there.
This book tells a fictional account of the Norwegian people’s plight under the Germans from 1942 until the end of the war. It also tells about the struggles of the resistance in this country through the eyes of two women who meet when one, Kirsten Brun, a Nazi resister is saved by an Indigenous Sami, Marrit Ragnar and the reindeer she and her family are herding. The two team up to help the resistance at the risk of their lives and the lives of those they love.
This is a great adventure story, especially since a lot of the tale is based at least in part on true events. The characters, while mostly fictional, fit the tale perfectly. The setting is amazing, and the author did an exceptional job describing the extremely cold, harsh, but beautiful land. Even living in Northern Ontario, the thought of the extreme cold these folks lived and worked in makes me shiver. (In fact, I literally did that since I read a good bit of this novel during a power failure on a day when the temperature barely made it above freezing and the wind chill was way below that.) The story is beautiful, exciting, sad, and even romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all who love historical fiction/romance with women who love women as main characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This book tells a fictional account of the Norwegian people’s plight under the Germans from 1942 until the end of the war. It also tells about the struggles of the resistance in this country through the eyes of two women who meet when one, Kirsten Brun, a Nazi resister is saved by an Indigenous Sami, Marrit Ragnar and the reindeer she and her family are herding. The two team up to help the resistance at the risk of their lives and the lives of those they love.
This is a great adventure story, especially since a lot of the tale is based at least in part on true events. The characters, while mostly fictional, fit the tale perfectly. The setting is amazing, and the author did an exceptional job describing the extremely cold, harsh, but beautiful land. Even living in Northern Ontario, the thought of the extreme cold these folks lived and worked in makes me shiver. (In fact, I literally did that since I read a good bit of this novel during a power failure on a day when the temperature barely made it above freezing and the wind chill was way below that.) The story is beautiful, exciting, sad, and even romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all who love historical fiction/romance with women who love women as main characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
September 25, 2020
This is not the type of book I normally read, but I was ready for something different. A literary palette-cleanser, if you will.
I was sucked in by the second line, and by the end of the first paragraph, I knew I wasn't going to put this down willingly.
This book is the first thing I've ever read by Justine Saracen. What a great introduction to a wonderfully skilled author! A setting we don't see very often in lesfic, a time that we're seeing more of, and unique characters that I could almost hear breathing in the cold. (Although, I do admit to envisioning Peggy Carter in place of Kirsten Brun). The action scenes were as dramatic as I expected, and I was really rooting for most of the characters, including the little white reindeer calf. The writing was so skillful that I had a hard time fighting off an asthmatic claustrophobia attack while Kirsten & company crawled through an access tube. Usually, written words don't impact me quite that badly. But it was hard not to get emotionally involved. I cheered, I cried, I winced when it came time to round up the reindeer (read it and you'll see why), and I gnashed my teeth the longer the war-between-the-pages went on. But in the end, this is a gut-wrenching, hopeful novel set in a unique and challenging environment.
Every word is a gem!
I was sucked in by the second line, and by the end of the first paragraph, I knew I wasn't going to put this down willingly.
This book is the first thing I've ever read by Justine Saracen. What a great introduction to a wonderfully skilled author! A setting we don't see very often in lesfic, a time that we're seeing more of, and unique characters that I could almost hear breathing in the cold. (Although, I do admit to envisioning Peggy Carter in place of Kirsten Brun). The action scenes were as dramatic as I expected, and I was really rooting for most of the characters, including the little white reindeer calf. The writing was so skillful that I had a hard time fighting off an asthmatic claustrophobia attack while Kirsten & company crawled through an access tube. Usually, written words don't impact me quite that badly. But it was hard not to get emotionally involved. I cheered, I cried, I winced when it came time to round up the reindeer (read it and you'll see why), and I gnashed my teeth the longer the war-between-the-pages went on. But in the end, this is a gut-wrenching, hopeful novel set in a unique and challenging environment.
Every word is a gem!
November 6, 2025
Set in WWII, Kirsten Brun (half Norwegian/half English) is sent on a mission to destroy a facility in Norway which has been taken over by the Nazis. The mission is a failure and she is the only survivor in the freezing weather of northern Norway. She is rescue and nursed back to health by Marrit Ragnar, a Sami reindeer herder.
The best part of this book is what I learnt about a people I didn't even know existed. The Sámi are an indigenous people of Northern Europe inhabiting Sápmi, a region spanning northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. They are historically known for reindeer herding, which follows a yearly cycle of gathering, marking, and slaughtering reindeer. Like many first nations, the Sami people are still battling for political recognition and respect for their culture.
Through Kirsten and Marrit, we are taken on a journey through the Sami culture in a time fraught with danger to anybody resisting the Nazi onslaught. It is a nailbiting experience.
I found the romance side of the novel lacking. It was stilted and I didn't feel the emotion or attraction of Kirsten and Marrit to each other. Fortunately the history and adventure compensated for this.
The best part of this book is what I learnt about a people I didn't even know existed. The Sámi are an indigenous people of Northern Europe inhabiting Sápmi, a region spanning northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. They are historically known for reindeer herding, which follows a yearly cycle of gathering, marking, and slaughtering reindeer. Like many first nations, the Sami people are still battling for political recognition and respect for their culture.
Through Kirsten and Marrit, we are taken on a journey through the Sami culture in a time fraught with danger to anybody resisting the Nazi onslaught. It is a nailbiting experience.
I found the romance side of the novel lacking. It was stilted and I didn't feel the emotion or attraction of Kirsten and Marrit to each other. Fortunately the history and adventure compensated for this.
September 15, 2020
Kristen is resistor Nazi she doesn’t believe what going on shouldn’t be happening she takes a stand by trying to destroy the chemicals that the Nazi needs to make atomic weapons. When she fails at the attempt to destroy it she winds up getting hurt and falling unconscious in the snow.
Marrit and her reindeers stumble upon Kristen and save her life. Marrit and Sami people tries remain outside the conflict but they inevitable get involved.
When they team up to do another attack and with each attack they starts to wonder if what their doing is working because all it’s doing is ending in blood.
This was a good read I like the reindeers. Kristen and Marrit chemistry flow easily as they debate what their doing is helping or causing more conflicts or if there’s a better way.
The author did a great job researching what was going on in Germany.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Marrit and her reindeers stumble upon Kristen and save her life. Marrit and Sami people tries remain outside the conflict but they inevitable get involved.
When they team up to do another attack and with each attack they starts to wonder if what their doing is working because all it’s doing is ending in blood.
This was a good read I like the reindeers. Kristen and Marrit chemistry flow easily as they debate what their doing is helping or causing more conflicts or if there’s a better way.
The author did a great job researching what was going on in Germany.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
May 26, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Yes I liked this one very much. I like historical fiction, action and adventure stories. And add some romance and it’s the perfect book for me.
Both MCs were like able and I’m glad the author gave us both points of view. I enjoyed reading about the Sami people and their culture. Also the Norwegian background gave us a new and different place to learn about.
Yes I liked this one very much. I like historical fiction, action and adventure stories. And add some romance and it’s the perfect book for me.
Both MCs were like able and I’m glad the author gave us both points of view. I enjoyed reading about the Sami people and their culture. Also the Norwegian background gave us a new and different place to learn about.
September 29, 2020
Kirsten Bruan, once a chemistry student at university, now finds herself working for Britain with the Norwegian resistance to the Nazi occupation during WWII. A failed mission leaves her injured and alone in the wilderness in Norway. She is found by Marrit, born to a Sami mother and Norwegian father, and her family's reindeer herd. Kirsten plans only to heal and continue on her mission, but Marrit gets swept into her plans. The two women struggle with their feelings for each other, their loyalty to their family, and the grey line of right and wrong, as they fight for the freedom of their country and their people.
Justine Saracen writes the most excellent historical fiction. I love learning about aspects of history I've never heard of before with the benefit of romance in times of turmoil. The author really painted such a vivid picture of this time in Norway with the people working for the resistance and the Sami people and the reindeer. Oh, and the cold! A lot happens in this book but the pacing is really well done - really picking up during the action scenes but slowing down at points for Marrit and Kirsten to connect. This book spans many years but the tension and chemistry between the two women is very strong and is a strong link through the whole book. In spite of everything going on the little moments they got together were all the more special.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Justine Saracen writes the most excellent historical fiction. I love learning about aspects of history I've never heard of before with the benefit of romance in times of turmoil. The author really painted such a vivid picture of this time in Norway with the people working for the resistance and the Sami people and the reindeer. Oh, and the cold! A lot happens in this book but the pacing is really well done - really picking up during the action scenes but slowing down at points for Marrit and Kirsten to connect. This book spans many years but the tension and chemistry between the two women is very strong and is a strong link through the whole book. In spite of everything going on the little moments they got together were all the more special.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2021
I'm not a fan of historical romances, but there I was amazed.
This is my first reading of a book by Justine Saracen, and I can't wait to read more.
The story is set during World War II, and the Nazi occupation. Being an European citizen, we were severely affected by this war, which we, moreover, studied at school.
The story was very educational, as to the history, habits and customs of the indigenous population, well researched and beautifully written.
This is my first reading of a book by Justine Saracen, and I can't wait to read more.
The story is set during World War II, and the Nazi occupation. Being an European citizen, we were severely affected by this war, which we, moreover, studied at school.
The story was very educational, as to the history, habits and customs of the indigenous population, well researched and beautifully written.
October 20, 2020
I have read a couple of Saracen's books and heard her speak about why she writes what she writes and I have to say, her comments encourage me to continue to follow her and read what she writes. Saracen does a wonderful job laying out the scene by educating the reader about what they will read and why it is important. Detail is provided but not so much that it drags the story down.
Marrit Ragnar, herder of reindeer, sadden with the unfortunate death of her family. Kristen Brun, Nazi resister, looking to help any way she can, even if it means repeatedly putting her life in danger. As the war rages on, Marrit and Kristen work together to fight for their country. The women also find courage and strength in each other as well as a growing fondness for each other. This read is also a reminder that war has expected and unexpected consequences. I wish that Marrit and Kristen had more time together.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
Marrit Ragnar, herder of reindeer, sadden with the unfortunate death of her family. Kristen Brun, Nazi resister, looking to help any way she can, even if it means repeatedly putting her life in danger. As the war rages on, Marrit and Kristen work together to fight for their country. The women also find courage and strength in each other as well as a growing fondness for each other. This read is also a reminder that war has expected and unexpected consequences. I wish that Marrit and Kristen had more time together.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
October 10, 2020
I was in the biggest book slump before I began this story. I hummed and I hawed about picking it up as everything was disappointing me and I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for another unrealistic historical love story.
By gosh darn golly! I am so happy I decided to give it a try. This book truly surprised me. The writing style was exactly what I needed. It flowed well and was alluring. It was the perfect balance of descriptions and storyline. The action was great, and I was so fascinated with the historical information. As noted by the author, it wasn’t completely accurate, but I felt like the fictional aspects really made this story shine. The story telling itself had me looking up the events described and the landscapes to go with it. I was so interested in it.
The romance was a nice slow burn and felt natural.
I loved learning about the Sami people and their cultures.
I did find myself confused at times with the secondary characters. Their names were all so similar. We were reminded that we’d met them in the past at some point, but besides the Sami characters there was nothing memorable to keep track of who was who, so I stopped trying.
I also found the end a little anticlimactic after all the exciting resistance shenanigans.
Other that that, this was a solid read for me. It tugged on my heartstrings. It made me anxious and antsy as I impatiently waited to find out what was going to happen. It was great.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to read this story. All thoughts are my own.
By gosh darn golly! I am so happy I decided to give it a try. This book truly surprised me. The writing style was exactly what I needed. It flowed well and was alluring. It was the perfect balance of descriptions and storyline. The action was great, and I was so fascinated with the historical information. As noted by the author, it wasn’t completely accurate, but I felt like the fictional aspects really made this story shine. The story telling itself had me looking up the events described and the landscapes to go with it. I was so interested in it.
The romance was a nice slow burn and felt natural.
I loved learning about the Sami people and their cultures.
I did find myself confused at times with the secondary characters. Their names were all so similar. We were reminded that we’d met them in the past at some point, but besides the Sami characters there was nothing memorable to keep track of who was who, so I stopped trying.
I also found the end a little anticlimactic after all the exciting resistance shenanigans.
Other that that, this was a solid read for me. It tugged on my heartstrings. It made me anxious and antsy as I impatiently waited to find out what was going to happen. It was great.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to read this story. All thoughts are my own.
April 6, 2021
Very enjoyable World War II historical fiction novel, set in Norway. If you like historical fiction but want a different angle on the conflict, try this book out. Super slow-burn, lots of political intrigue, action and sabotage. Tough women doing their part to try to stop the Nazi war machine.
Kirsten Brun is half Norwegian, half English. And joins the UK-based anti-Nazi Norwegian resistance. Her mission... part of the resistance's plan to thwart Nazi heavy-water, nuclear weapons project housed in Norway. Maarit is half Norwegian, half Sami. After the Nazis take over and she is booted from medical school, Maarit returns north to help her elderly family and community with the yearly caribou migration.
When Kirsten's mission goes wildly wrong, she is rescued from the freezing tundra by Maarit's family who keep her safe while she heals. But the war is still ongoing, and Kirsten feels a responsibility to see her mission through. She and Maarit find themselves entangled in a web of espionage and Nazi violence; each hoping to make it to the end so that they can give what may be growing between them a chance.
**I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Kirsten Brun is half Norwegian, half English. And joins the UK-based anti-Nazi Norwegian resistance. Her mission... part of the resistance's plan to thwart Nazi heavy-water, nuclear weapons project housed in Norway. Maarit is half Norwegian, half Sami. After the Nazis take over and she is booted from medical school, Maarit returns north to help her elderly family and community with the yearly caribou migration.
When Kirsten's mission goes wildly wrong, she is rescued from the freezing tundra by Maarit's family who keep her safe while she heals. But the war is still ongoing, and Kirsten feels a responsibility to see her mission through. She and Maarit find themselves entangled in a web of espionage and Nazi violence; each hoping to make it to the end so that they can give what may be growing between them a chance.
**I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
July 7, 2021
The cover art and the setting are what pulled me into this book. Having some very light lesbian love in the background was a great bonus for me. I will read anything Northern/polar/Arctic, and so I have a good amount of reading for comparison.
"The Mercies" by Kiran Millwood Hargrave was the first novel I learned about the Sami people, and it also included lesbian love! I have to recommend that book to anyone who really got into To Sleep With Reindeer.
Generally I'm not pulled into WW2 stories anymore BUT I appreciated reading about the impact of the Nazis in Norway. That specific history was a first for me.
This book is great for anyone who likes WW2 stories, Norwegian history, and/or Sami culture.
SPOILER ALERT****
I admit that I wanted more about the reindeer than the war. I skimmed some of the details of the sabotages. I don't ever read those specific war details because they just aren't for me. I did really like both Marit and Kirsten, and that's important to me to like the main characters. There were some very likable side characters as well (grandma, grandpa, Birgit). The rescue mission pulling through the snow was so interesting.
My complaint was how hard it was to get into this for the first 50 or more pages. I had to read out loud to keep it going. Had I not purchased the paperback brand new, I honestly would have not continued. However, I am glad I did. To me, the writing can get pretty choppy. I would have loved a smoother read. The writer's voice has room to grow. I will probably recommend this book to the right audience but will advise not to brace for writing that will knock your socks off. It's a cool story and I do respect the amount of research required to tell the story. As an American lesbian pandemic nurse, I did not appreciate the jab at the U.S. in the postscript.
"The Mercies" by Kiran Millwood Hargrave was the first novel I learned about the Sami people, and it also included lesbian love! I have to recommend that book to anyone who really got into To Sleep With Reindeer.
Generally I'm not pulled into WW2 stories anymore BUT I appreciated reading about the impact of the Nazis in Norway. That specific history was a first for me.
This book is great for anyone who likes WW2 stories, Norwegian history, and/or Sami culture.
SPOILER ALERT****
I admit that I wanted more about the reindeer than the war. I skimmed some of the details of the sabotages. I don't ever read those specific war details because they just aren't for me. I did really like both Marit and Kirsten, and that's important to me to like the main characters. There were some very likable side characters as well (grandma, grandpa, Birgit). The rescue mission pulling through the snow was so interesting.
My complaint was how hard it was to get into this for the first 50 or more pages. I had to read out loud to keep it going. Had I not purchased the paperback brand new, I honestly would have not continued. However, I am glad I did. To me, the writing can get pretty choppy. I would have loved a smoother read. The writer's voice has room to grow. I will probably recommend this book to the right audience but will advise not to brace for writing that will knock your socks off. It's a cool story and I do respect the amount of research required to tell the story. As an American lesbian pandemic nurse, I did not appreciate the jab at the U.S. in the postscript.
October 30, 2020
As a fan of Justine's books I was really looking forward to this book and read it in a day. I love that this author takes historical events and then shows them to you through the eyes of citizens forced to live through them. This book is no exception and I now feel like I know a little bit about WWII from the perspective of the Norwegian people's subjected to German invasion and the extraordinary indigenous culture of the region.
In this book we meet a Sami family who save and look after a Norwegian freedom fighter injured when a plan goes spectacularly wrong and she is the only survivor of her group. The two MCs then go on to play crucial roles as saboteurs against the Germans. The book is filled with tension and intrigue as well as questions about when does the greater good really out way harming the innocent. This was a grim time for Norwegians and the author reflects that in her novel.
This is a thought provoking novel that I enjoyed very much. My only minor criticism there are some continuity issues with time frames for minor character appearances seeming out of alignment at times.
In this book we meet a Sami family who save and look after a Norwegian freedom fighter injured when a plan goes spectacularly wrong and she is the only survivor of her group. The two MCs then go on to play crucial roles as saboteurs against the Germans. The book is filled with tension and intrigue as well as questions about when does the greater good really out way harming the innocent. This was a grim time for Norwegians and the author reflects that in her novel.
This is a thought provoking novel that I enjoyed very much. My only minor criticism there are some continuity issues with time frames for minor character appearances seeming out of alignment at times.
October 13, 2020
Not A Historical Fiction fan... However, Wow!! I wonderful change from my regular books.
This was my introduction To Justine Saracen and oh boy! she didn't disappoint. A beautiful crafted, well written historical fiction. The main character Kirsten, the chemist was found badly wounded after a fail mission by Marrit a medical student and Reindeer herder. Throughout the story the bond and chemistry between both women was very strong. It was nice to see two women trying to fight for change in that era . The story was also very educational and well researched. A learning curve... I strongly recommend. I will definitely be reading more of Justine books.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, Bold Stroke Books and Justine Saracen, To Sleep With Reindeer
This was my introduction To Justine Saracen and oh boy! she didn't disappoint. A beautiful crafted, well written historical fiction. The main character Kirsten, the chemist was found badly wounded after a fail mission by Marrit a medical student and Reindeer herder. Throughout the story the bond and chemistry between both women was very strong. It was nice to see two women trying to fight for change in that era . The story was also very educational and well researched. A learning curve... I strongly recommend. I will definitely be reading more of Justine books.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, Bold Stroke Books and Justine Saracen, To Sleep With Reindeer
September 17, 2021
What I love about Justine Saracen's books is that I always learn something, or a lot. To Sleep with Reindeer was absolutely no exception and a truly enjoyable book.
Saracen doesn't sugarcoat life in World War II and the characters have an air of pain throughout the story, even in the happiest moments.
In this book we are drawn into the lives of two exceptional women, drawn into the resistance for different but similar reasons. The story is completely balanced with pace and showcasing time for character development.
Saracen doesn't sugarcoat life in World War II and the characters have an air of pain throughout the story, even in the happiest moments.
In this book we are drawn into the lives of two exceptional women, drawn into the resistance for different but similar reasons. The story is completely balanced with pace and showcasing time for character development.
November 11, 2020
Oh. just wow, this was a wonderful, great and very well written historical fiction book. set during World War II - so I really, really had to read this one and it was great.
I never learned something about Norway under the Nazi Regime, so this book was not only entertaining, it teached me something new - and this is another aspect I really liked about this book.
I also liked to learn new things about the Sami culture and how they live in the arctic cold.
I never learned something about Norway under the Nazi Regime, so this book was not only entertaining, it teached me something new - and this is another aspect I really liked about this book.
I also liked to learn new things about the Sami culture and how they live in the arctic cold.
October 26, 2022
Such an interesting read. I particularly loved learning about the Sami and my favorite parts are all set in Udsek. I just couldn't get into the pacing pre-. It feels like it could've done with cutting a few of the scenes (maybe even remove some of them) and lengthening the more important ones. Before I could get into them, they just abruptly end.
October 16, 2020
A great story of love and resistance!
January 25, 2021
Incredible story set in an historic time. I’m definitely looking forward to more from this aspiring BSB author.
March 2, 2021
Really enjoyable book. Loved learning about the Sami people and more about what happened in Norway during the war.
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