When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: Standalone, but connected to Until Leaves Fall in Paris and The Sound of Light
• Length: 365 pages (Paperback)
• Publication Date: February 2, 2021

Tropes

• Opposites attract
• Marriage of convenience
• Forced proximity

My Rating

Book Description

“Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country — or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she’ll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home. 

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party — to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can’t get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Reporter Evelyn Brand strives to write the truth, but offending the Nazi government risks both her career and her life. Aspiring professor Peter Lang, initially impressed by the order and prosperity he sees in 1930s Germany, soon learns the dangers lurking beneath that surface.

For most of the book, I was on the edge of my seat! There was such a strong sense of brewing trouble — that any minute things would escalate (and did they ever!)

This is my first time reading a book by Sarah Sundin, but it definitely won’t be my last!

I enjoyed Evelyn and Peter disagreeing with each other while still remaining civil and open to hearing the other’s opinion. (One of the main themes is order vs freedom. Peter leans toward order. Evelyn more toward freedom.) And while they eventually do see the merit in each other’s point of view, they don’t completely abandon their previous stances. Rather, both of them recognize the need for balance.

Both characters had their misguided beliefs. Although a little frustrating at times, because I understood why they thought that way, it never made either character unlikable.

Peter and Evelyn’s romance is my favorite so far this year. Though they do have contrasting personalities, they complement each other well. It was a delight to watch their initial interest slowly blossom into true love. 

When Twilight Breaks is a truly riveting story where courage and selflessness shine brightly, even during dark times.

Favorite Moments

🌟 first meeting
🌟 hiking in Partnach Gorge
🌟 Peter telling Evelyn about the synagogue 
🌟 Forstner party
🌟 journey to France
🌟 love confession in a sick bay

Favorite Quotes

“‘She will not be easily won.’

Peter’s mouth drifted open. Was he that transparent? Of course, he was.

Herr Gold pointed a finger and a smile at Peter. ‘Those are the women most worth winning.’“

Sarah Sundin

“Libby’s metronome ticked away, and notes from Bach’s suite tumbled out. Evelyn added her own music in time to the metronome, the music of her typewriter keys, the music of her words, of truth.“

Sarah Sundin

“That old longing for influence tugged at [Peter], but now he tugged back and in new directions. Like exercising a weak muscle, he did so carefully but diligently, knowing the discomfort would make him stronger.“

Sarah Sundin

“Both order and mercy were required for a harmonious society. When one was chosen over the other, only suffering resulted.“

Sarah Sundin

“I shall introduce him around so others may enjoy his charm.’ Evelyn plucked her hand from Peter’s, tucked it into the crook of his arm, and led him away.

‘Be careful,’ Peter said, ‘or my head will swell with pride.’

‘Not to worry. I’ll throw an insult or two your way.’“

Sarah Sundin

“Peter leaned back. ‘You still don’t trust me.’

‘I trust you.’ She cocked her head to the side. ‘Your tips have checked out.’

‘You check up on me?’ He had to smile.It’s my job. I check up on all my sources, especially the…the annoying ones.’

Peter laughed. ‘Now you only have one insult left.’

Evelyn stood and smiled down at him. ‘I’ll have to make it a doozy.’“

Sarah Sundin

“Freedom without limits was as dangerous as order without limits.“

Sarah Sundin

“Evelyn leaned against [Peter’s] arm. For warmth, she told herself. Out of habit, she reasoned. Out of the sheer pleasure of it, she had to admit. “

Sarah Sundin

“‘Ready ?’ Peter asked by her side….

‘I’m ready.’

Peter found an empty seat. ‘I’m here if you need me.’

Evelyn packed a lot of gratitude into her smile. He trusted her to take care of herself, but he’d step in if she couldn’t.“

Sarah Sundin

“‘You want to kiss me?’

…’Yes, I want to kiss you, because I love you, and I want to hold you till death us do part. And I’ll follow you to Timbuktu, or you can follow me to Podunk Falls. I don’t care as long as we’re together.“

Sarah Sundin

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