When Twilight Breaks

Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. Two Americans meet in 1938 in the heart of Nazi Germany. Their efforts to expose oppression attract unwanted attention, pulling them deeper into danger as the world marches toward war.

User reviews

LibraryThing member CoverLoverBookReview

Sarah Sundin has her own style - and I love it. This is perhaps my favorite Sundin book...although it's nearly impossible to choose one. I love the historical aspects, the wonderful characters, and the feeling it leaves me with as I turn the last page.

I was blessed to receive a complimentary copy

from LibraryThing early reviewers.

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LibraryThing member eccl

When Twilight Breaks, by Sarah Sundin, takes place in Germany in 1938. Evelyn is an American foreign correspondent whose articles are getting severely edited so they no longer tell the true story. With the situation in Nazi Germany, she has to be very careful. Being a woman reporter at the time was

a hard position to be in as you worked under different rules than men reporters.

Peter is an American working working on his PHD in German and teaching at the college. He also is involved with a group where he gets information that he shares privately with Evelyn. When things go bad for them, they leave together and go to a friend of his. The only way they can safely get back to the U.S. is to get married, get on a ship and not leave their room, as danger follows them every where they turn.

This is such a good story. It is well written with good characters. The writing is so clear it is easy to envision the area and people lurking in the shadows. I enjoyed how the story gives just a minor glimpse into how it might have been for Americans working in Germany at the time. I appreciate the faith the characters have to get home to safety. The mystery and suspense are a nice addition to the romance story.

I received a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher, this is my honest review.

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LibraryThing member tealadytoo

This stand-alone novel is a bit of a departure from Ms. Sundin’s prior series dealing with GIs in WWII. This story is set in Munich just before the start of WWII, when the Nazis have solidified their power and are ready to proceed with their conquest of Europe and “Final Solution” for the

Jews. The protagonists are Evelyn Brand, an American report for a wire service who is fighting for recognition in a man’s field, and Peter Lang, a Harvard doctoral candidate in German Language studies who is finishing his final dissertation abroad. Evelyn is staunchly anti-Nazi, and learns in the course of the story that despite being raised Christian, much of her family background is Jewish. But she needs to proceed cautiously, lest the government expel her from the country. Peter has a longer ethical journey. Initially, he is attracted by the Germany he sees. His own father had been killed in the US as part of a Depression Era labor riot. Similar conditions had existed in Germany post-WWI, and he now sees civic pride and order, and economic prosperity, and hopes something similar could happen in the US. But gradually he sees the price paid for such order, and the danger to Jews and dissidents who do not fit into the Aryan vision. We also have the personal story. Peter and Evelyn are attracted to each other, but Evelyn is gun-shy, having been treated abusively in the past by domineering boyfriend and sworn off romantic attachments.

As the novel progresses, the suspense ratchets up, building to a tense bid for escape by Peter and Evelyn. It’s nail bitingly effective, and put me in mind of movies of the 1930s and 1940s dealing with the Nazi threat, such as “Watch on the Rhine” and “The Mortal Storm”.

Overall, an excellent read I would highly recommend, though not quite in her usual style.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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LibraryThing member caslater83

***Special Note: I apologize for not posting this ARC review right away as the book came later in December. This meant that I had to wait until the madness ended at work before I could finish this book. ARC reviews mean that this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. all opinions

are my own.***

I believe this is my third book by Sarah Sundin and I have enjoyed her writings. I'll admit that I'm not in love with this book because I see too many similarities between the present day's political environment and the National Socialism regime in 1930's Germany. (Example: Rioting and destruction of business properties.) Peter Lang's position as a profession of the German language is an interesting role as he is an American teaching at a German university during such a precarious time. He has access to both Nazi sympathizers and people who wish for the old Germany before the Nazis took over. I would imagine that it would be both exciting and terrifying to be in such a position where your loyalities may be in constant question and your life in constant danger. I found it interesting that some Americans living in Germany were not yet required to participate in the Nazi salute and other customs. I know that I would be on pins and needles if I was living in an oppressive environment. You truly don't know who your friends are until you are put to the test....as Evie and Peter learned. Peter's willing to hide another Jewish couple and take them to safety only made him more heroic in my eyes. He was willing to do that for them and not just for Evie and himself.

Evie Brand struggles with her job as a female reporter. Very few people realize her courage and her determination. The woman has serious grit and her male colleagues think she needs to go home and be a dormat housewife where she "belongs." Peter Lang and the Jewish baker are two of her strongest supporters who value her for her friendship and willingness to point out the truth. But when her life is in danger, it is Peter who comes to her aid.

Again, this is a good book. I think, for me, it was just not the best time to be reading this. But I hope many other readers find enjoyment while reading Ms. Sundin's work.

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LibraryThing member bnbookgirl

Enjoyable story. I enjoyed Evelyn And Peter and their struggle to have a relationship. It was interesting making Peter’s character revolve around a school and teaching. It was a new twist on WWII stories for me. I can begin to imagine the struggles the foreign correspondents had during this

wartime. It always interesting to put yourself in characters shoes. I try to imagine if I would have been strong enough for that job. Here Gold’s character was also well written. The reader gets to glimpse his complete spiral down for being a Jew. It’s hard to imagine living in a time where,as a human being you have to give up your liberties. This book surely brings many of those feelings to life for the reader. I received this book as an early review copy.

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LibraryThing member mplantenga11

I received this book as an Early Reviewer free copy.

I really enjoyed the book, especially because I've been learning German so the parts when Peter talked about his way of teaching the language were very interesting. I enjoyed the characters but felt like the back of forth of "Do I love him? Does

he love me?" got to be a little old.

Overall the plot was interesting and kept my attention right up to the end. It really showed a good look into the beginnings of Nazi Germany before WW2.

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LibraryThing member alekee

This is a book that you never want to end, you become these characters, and will feel not only the danger and injustice, but all the helplessness.
Now I have read many books by this author, and she has never disappointed me, this one has to be one of the best. While we all know the outcome here, and

wish that we could stop and change history, we put names to those wanting to stop the mania.
We are given a young woman, Evelyn Branch, a reporter station in Munich when the world was going mad, and trying make her way in a man's world. Circumstances put Harvard grad and working on his doctorate Peter Lang and Evelyn together. I found it very interesting the work Peter is doing and how then enemy could utilize his skills.
We are gifted with seeing how these two form a tentative friendship, and how their lives touch so many others.
You don't want to miss this one, it will linger with you long after the last page is turned.
I received this book through LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.

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LibraryThing member Smits

Review of novel "When Twilight Breaks" for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
My understanding is that Revell books have a "Christian" slant to them. This novel does as well and I found it akward. References to the lord, prayer etc appear randomly and it felt to me as if the criteria is for so many

references per chapter so the author put them in where she could. I only noticed one error. At the butcher Evelyn ordered a half pound of meat when Europe uses kg.
There was a lot to like about "When Twilight Breaks". I learned a lot about pre war Germany and the conditions that allowed someone like Hitler to rise to power. I learned about the misinformation coming to the US from Germany in 1938. Through peter we are allowed to see what started out well in reform in Germany through his eyes. Peter thought Germany was on the right track "Freedom without order leads to chaos and violence but order without freedom, without kindness leads to chaos and violence".
Evelyn is a great character as well. Being a woman and a journalist showed us what life was like for a woman in a foreign country working. Her relationship with Peter was well developed even though somewhat in the vain of a romance novel towards the end of the novel. But the novel has it all, a great plot, excitement and mystery and romance. It's an enjoyable read but I'm not sure i want to read more " Revell" novels with the emphasis on being "Christian".

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LibraryThing member lamb521

Title: When Twilight Breaks
Author: Sarah Sundin
Pages: 384
Year: 2021
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 4-½ stars out of 5
Sarah Sundin is one of my “go to” authors. She writes a novel a year, and it is quite evident that she puts her best forward. When I first heard that this book was coming out, it

was added to my watch list immediately. If you aren’t familiar with her writings, her stories are placed in the WWII era and they include a lot of historical facts. Her previous series include: Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale, Wings of Glory and Sunrise at Normandy. Each book is rich with scenes that pull the reader in and grab the heart with characters the audience easily relates to no matter what situation.
Twilight Breaks is set in Germany where Americans prior to the war were there for commerce, education, and news. The two main characters are bound to collide when the world around them begins to collapse into violence and chaos. One is Evelyn Brand who works as a correspondent. She has passion for telling the story that sometimes overrides her common sense and places her in danger. The other is Peter Lang who is an American graduate student working on his doctoral thesis and teaching at a school in Munich.
Both of these characters have a past that includes known and unknown pieces. The author does a brilliant job of slowly revealing their experiences. Evelyn thinks she knows her family history and wants to be able to write stories that move people to action. Yet, when her true family ancestry in uncovered, it places her right in the crosshairs of those out to destroy a people. Peter is the third son of a successful businessman who witnessed his father’s death at the hands of a mob. That imprints on him a desire for order and strength and stirring up questions about his faith.
Overall, the book is another one to read, share and discuss with a group. I struggled some with the first part of the book as the author shared German geography, places and some of the conversation between characters was in the German language, which I don’t know. Perhaps if the author does another book like this, a map would be helpful as well as any words that are used repeatedly in whatever language is utilized in the story with its translation for easy reference. I eagerly await her next novel whenever it comes out and hope others enjoy her works as well.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

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LibraryThing member NadineC.Keels

As an American reporter in 1938 Germany, Evelyn Brand is determined to alert the US about the brutality of the Nazi regime. American graduate student Peter Lang, working on his PhD in Germany, has an inside position where he can feed sensitive information to Evelyn—a scheme that could prove

deadly in When Twilight Breaks by author Sarah Sundin.

My goodness. What an excellent piece of work.

It isn't so common these days for anything over 200 pages to keep me completely interested the whole time. But I was engrossed in this ChristFic novel, never once feeling like I'd run into dragging, redundant, or throwaway scenes.

It's also rare for me to enjoy the "romance" as much as the "historical" in historical romance, but both aspects are strong here. Sure, I could have done without some of Evelyn's and Peter's denial and hesitance after a while, but they're both natural and engaging characters that come alive on the page, and their chemistry is evident from the start. (And no, I don't mean "just so attracted to each other's perfect physical looks" kind of chemistry.)

Yes, this novel's gorgeous cover has a relative stillness to it, with a single airplane and a woman's slow walk on an empty street, but the story is full of suspense that leads to gut-wrenching action and a series of frightening twists.

Now, I do feel that one character's ideological change of heart is too quick and complete fairly early in the book. That kind of inner turnaround could have used another beat of wrestling or doubt. Also, at a few important points, I wish the author would have left certain details unsaid, rather than stating the obvious. On a more minor note, a novel's action scenes run the risk of feeling comic-bookish when the narrator begins to shout (!) the action at the reader with exclamation points.

Nevertheless, there's nuance at the heart of this story, and its messages are compelling and relevant. So worth the read.
________
Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

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LibraryThing member susan0316

I have read several books by Sarah Sundin and, as always, she gives her readers an exciting well-researched novel. This is a historical fiction with two people who gain the notice of the Nazis and need to run for their lives. There is a lot of excitement and a bit of romance and it's a real page

turner.

Elaine Brand is an American foreign correspondent in Munich in 1938. Her bosses want her to report on the light fluffy stories since she's just a woman and not capable of reporting the real news. Elaine wants to be in the middle of the issues and report on stories that can inform America about what is really happening in Germany. She has to be very careful because if she writes anything too negative, she'll be kicked out of Germany or worse. When she is sent to interview American students at a German college, she meets American graduate student Peter Lang who is working on his PhD in German. Peter admires the prosperity and order of the Germans so he and Elaine don't like each other much when they first meet. He pursues her but she wants nothing to do with him because politically she is appalled at the hate she sees in German society. As he begins to witness the cruelty of the German people and the Nazis, Peter begins to see the real Germany and what is being done to provide the country with their prosperity by their treatment of the Jewish people Before too long, both Peter and Elaine come to the attention of the police and have to escape the county to save their lives. Their escape will keep you on the edge of your seat as they keep running into roadblocks to their escape. Is someone that they thought was a friend betraying them? Just when you think they are finally safe, there is a surprise that I didn't see coming. Will they survive and get back to America?

This is a well researched look at Germany before the start of the war and of Americans who were not in tune with what the country was doing. It was a great novel -- a lot of scary scenes as they tried to escape, a bit of romance and a bit of faith. Sarah Sundin has become one of my favorite WWII writers

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review.

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LibraryThing member Virginia51

I really wasn’t too sure if I wanted to read this book at first since it is based around WWll and I was getting burned out by this era, but I am so glad I read it. I did not want to put the book down till I knew what was going to happen to Evelyn and Peter. These were fantastic characters. This

was a very tough time to live in especially during and right before the war started. Evelyn was brave to be a reporter in Germany. This book was so well written. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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LibraryThing member Gingersnap000

The reader of this historical fiction will be on the edge of their seat. I could not put this book down because it offered me a raw history lesson of Hilter's Germany, the treatment of women in the workforce before the 1970s, and how faith can make a difference.

Evelyn, the protagonist, prides

herself on her independence and being the only female reporter work Hilter's Germany. She feels that all men not to be trusted especially in Nazi Germany. She will not allow the one man, Peter Lang, a PhD candidate from Harvard help her. She believes that he is pro Nazi and not to be trusted until he saves her life.

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LibraryThing member gincam

Author Sarah Sundin's marvelous storytelling skills make for an enthralling read in the pre-WWII Era romantic suspense tale "When Twilight Breaks". In Munich, Germany of the late 1930's, the increasing dominance and brutality of the Nazi regime spreads its cruel grasp throughout the city and

beyond. Evelyn Brand, an American working as a foreign correspondent, is treading carefully in the tension-filled city. While longing to bring to light the injustices being wrought by the governing powers against innocent citizens, and wanting to prove her journalistic worth, she is well aware of the high personal cost she might face if she incurs the vengeful Nazi wrath. Peter Lang, an American graduate student, is there in Munich to complete his doctorate in German. At first, Peter is impressed with the seeming order and prosperity compared to rest of the world suffering through the Great Depression. Sparks fly when Evelyn and Peter meet, and they learn much about themselves as they learn about each other. As the attraction grows between them, so does a mutual awareness that they must work together to defeat a burgeoning evil. Will faith, love, and a sense of true moral purpose guide them through the darkness to a brighter future "when twilight breaks"? Highly recommended for lovers of inspirational romantic suspense.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books

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LibraryThing member Simmmba

"When Twilight Breaks" by Sarah Sundin is a historical novel set around the early days of Hitler's rise to power in Germany. The author skillfully weaves in a lot of information about historical events, daily life, and the mindset of various parts of society. I enjoyed the new things I learned, and

the book never felt like a history text. All of the information shared was a natural and easy-to-read part of the story. I particularly appreciated the viewpoint of Peter, a young man who sees some benefits to Hitler's early policies and actions. I've always wondered how everyday people allowed and accepted Hitler's later atrocities, and seeing this time in history through Peter's eyes helped me understand a bit more of what things were like for average citizens during this time.

The romance between Evelyn and Peter was handled beautifully. Their initial meeting was a truly delightful scene, and I enjoyed watching them get to know each other, and try to understand each other's viewpoints about the current events they were living through. I honestly believed what each person was thinking and feeling, and could understand their logic. The author wrote the entire relationship with empathy and beauty, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it.

Honestly, this is one of my favorite books of the year so far. The mix of fantastic characters, historical information, and romance is absolutely perfect.

Five out of five chunks of my favorite sharp cheddar!

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LibraryThing member polarmath

When Twilight Breaks takes place in 1938. It was interesting to read from the perspective of right before the war, knowing what would later take place. The two main characters are Americans in Germany right before the start of WW2. They both find themselves in a position to show what is going on in

the countries to those outside of Germany. I really enjoy getting to see history for this perspective.

I received a copy of the book, the review is mine.

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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger

l've read several historical fiction books set in Germany during WWII that dealt with the years of the Holocaust but this new book by Sarah Sundin is set in 1938 Germany, during the time leading up to the beginning of the war in 1939. There was a real-life event named Kristallnacht that I didn't

know about and Sundin shares powerful scenes based on this event that occurred November 9-10, 1938. Fictional characters Evelyn Brand and Peter Lang find themselves fleeing for their lives as German soldiers burn and destroy homes, businesses, and synagogues. As I read of their desperate attempt to escape, I experienced their terror and confusion. These vivid scenes reminded me of the atrocities that were soon to be suffered by all Jewish people.

Sundin once again demonstrates her ability to place relatable characters into believable storylines that combine both fictional and historical events. Historical fiction fans will find this book appealing, romance lovers will love the budding relationship between Evelyn and Peter, and there is a strong faith message that affirms God's power. I highly recommend When Twilight Breaks!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

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LibraryThing member Harley0326

The book centers on the time period when Hitler’s reign of power caused death, chaos and despair. The author lets us be witnesses to the terror that people faced and the destruction of life. It was a hard book to read at tines because the pain the people faced was unbearable. Can you imagine

having to watch what you say in order to not be taken away?

Evelyn was a woman who was determined to share the truth about what is really going on . Her life is in danger as she defies the government and writes about the truth of how power can overtake doing what is right.

I liked Peter and thought he had a good heart. His faith is strong but he continually struggles at times when he starts to lose hope. With Evelyn working with him, I found them to be a force that would break down doors and let the world know the truth. The author delivers a powerful story that shows danger, faith and a lesson on never giving up.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.

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LibraryThing member PDianeB

Sarah Sundin’s newest book When Twilight Breaks is a suspenseful and gripping read that takes place in Nazi Germany on the cusp of World War II. You can read the summary of the book in other reviews, but I wanted to tell you that it’s a good book and worth reading. At one point in the book, I

got a little anxious and had to set it aside for a bit. But the book kept calling me and I’m glad I finished it. Such a satisfying ending! There’s a little something in here for everyone – history, romance, intrigue… Get the book!

I received a free e-book from Revell Books (a division of Baker Publishing Group) through LibraryThing in exchange for an unbiased review.

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LibraryThing member Lindz2012

Are you looking for a book about German society before America entered World War Two? This book shows that through the eyes of an American reporter and an American student-professor studying languages. We are brought together with these two with Germany and its antisemitic laws.

Hitler is doing

something that I genuinely hope the US will not allow happening in today's world. We see what is happening with the Jews in Germany. The book starts to get more interesting when Evelyn finds a false passport and needs to escape Germany.

This book takes the two of them on an adventure through Germany and into France. Will they get home and safe? Who wants Peter and Evelyn dead? Why? We see what happens to the citizens of Germany and how the laws are denoting restricted under Hitler?

Will Peter and Evelyn's friends help them out by hiding them. Why is Evelyn so afraid to be with Peter and possibly be with him. There a surprise how this ends. The story plot is excellent and enjoyable.

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LibraryThing member MandaT

I enjoyed reading this book! I thought the historical information was so interesting and the story really made the history come alive. It really was amazing how the German government could spin stories about one group of people in order to lead others to hate them.

I enjoyed the characters and all

the different layers that were peeled back as time went on throughout the novel. Evelyn is a tough lady trying to make it in a man's world. She seems to hold her own pretty well. I like her spunk! On the other hand, Peter was taken in by all that seemed so good about Germany only to find out things were not as they seemed. I loved that this story was full of spying and action. There were definitely some tense situations.

If you're looking for a book that will bring the past to life and keep you up to find out what happens next, then pick up Sarah Sundin's newest book! It's definitely a keeper!

*** I received this complimentary copy of the book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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LibraryThing member KimPotter

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin is a stand-alone pre-World War 2 novel. Evelyn Brand, an American foreign correspondent, and Peter Lang, an American graduate student working on his PhD, meet in Munich in 1938. Evelyn sees thru the Nazi propaganda but she has to be very careful of what she

writes or risk being expelled from the country. Peter is impressed with the order in Germany. When Peter finally sees things as they are, he and Evelyn team up, but with danger around every corner will they be able to expose the evil or be the next victims? Evelyn was such a likable character. Feminine, yet strong. Their romance developed slowly but solidly. The suspense was intense. It was as if you were watching a war-era movie. From the beginning to the end, you were drawn in and held on the edge of your seat, waiting for that other shoe to drop and the danger to increase. This was one of those stay-up-too-late-so-I-can-finish books. Another winner for Ms. Sundin.

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LibraryThing member erinclark

This book was quite good. It's the story of an American female reporter, Evelyn Brand, reporting in Germany during the rise of Hitler and all his evil in 1938 right before war broke out. It is tough to be a professional woman during these times and the disrespect is real. When she finds out from

her grandmother that she is three quarters Jewish her life becomes fraught with danger. A jealous rival male reporter leaks this knowledge and her life becomes at risk as the Gestapo are out to get her. In the mean time she has fallen for a handsome American German university instructor Peter Lang, and he for her, but both are too proud and fearful to profess their love. As the nazis grip tightens on Germany they must trust each other to escape. Some parts of the story are really fraught with high action, danger and excitement. The only thing I did not particularly care for was the repeated talk of religion and Christianity. Other than that it is a great read and I would highly recommend it.

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LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35

Overall, this novel was very compelling and well-worth the read, but it did strain my ability to suspend disbelief a few times. Evelyn Brand is a pushy journalist in 1938 Germany, hoping for a bigger story and not afraid to call out the injustice she sees building in country, even when it gets her

in trouble. Peter Lang is an American grad student who really enjoys German culture and appreciates the orderly society he thinks Germany is. Due to their different viewpoints, Evelyn and Peter make for an unlikely couple, yet they do have chemistry. Peter slowly starts to see the Nazis for what they are and decides to take some very dangerous steps towards resistance. It makes for a good novel, but a few scenes did make me roll my eyes and wonder how some of the characters were communicating so quickly in era before cell phones. Still, a fun read nonetheless and certainly one that would be of interest to those who enjoy WWII-era historical fiction.

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LibraryThing member tealadytoo

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