Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (When Twilight Breaks) through Nuts About Books.
I have developed a love of reading about WW2 from a variety of perspectives. The perspectives of Americans living in Germany just as WW2 was breaking out was the focus of this tome by Sarah Sundin. When Twilight Breaks is a light read, but introduces the reader to key facts about WW2 history.
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About When Twilight Breaks
Sarah Sundin tells the story of American correspondent Evelyn Brand and graduate student Peter Lang in When Twilight Breaks. Over 384 pages, Ms. Sundin brings us back to Munich, in 1938. Germany is joining with Austria, running the communists out, and has just started persecuting the Jews. Feeling about Germany were very mixed, and we are transported into those seething emotions of the time. In When Twilight Breaks you not only read the history of these early war years, but also get to watch a romance unfold.
Sarah Sundin has written several books about WW2. This is the first of her books that I have read. This particular book has been published by Revell which is a division of Baker Publishing Group. A historical romance, this book is geared toward adult readers, though I could see teens enjoying it as well.
This is by no means a difficult book to read. The style is interesting and the characters are real. I appreciated how determined Evelyn was to get to the story behind what she heard. Such a determined lady, yet, with a heart to consider the people behind the stories she was after. Even though there is romance there is nothing to be alarmed about, it’s actually mostly just sweet.
I love when historical romance fiction does not make the romance central to the whole story. Evelyn and Peter have their ups and downs, but it’s the story behind it all that is most important. It makes for a much better read when the story is most important.
Should you get it?
When Twilight Breaks is written from a lite Christian perspective. Even though faith wasn’t a huge part of this read, their growth in their Christian beliefs was evident. Peter learned to forgive, Evelyn learned that dependence on God was a good thing. Faith inspired good action.
Part of me was a bit hung up on Peter’s adoration of Evelyn from the get go. It’s like… he loved her before he even knew her and I don’t like that message being portrayed.
I did like the story itself, the learning more of the thoughts and feelings in this pre-war time, of the danger people people were in for simply expressing an opinion. Sometimes, we don’t really understand when we think of WW2. I know I tend to think.. Germany bad, killed Jews, and that’s the end of it. But really there’s so much more to it. And the perspective of When Twilight Breaks gave me a deeper understanding. For that it’s well worth reading.
I have read a couple of her books and enjoyed them. Her research seems to stand up well. I have also enjoyed reading about the wars from multiple viewpoints. You learn a lot that way and learn a lot that isn’t covered in typical history books.
this one causes me to see if I can find more of her books.