Title: Midnight on the Scottish Shore
Author: Sarah Sundin
Major Themes: Scotland, World War II, Spies, Espionage
Synopsis: When she has to choose whether to potentially blow her cover and risk death, or escape to England posing as a spy for Germany and risk capture by the English, Cilla van der Zee chooses the better of two evils—but when plans go awry, can her courage and fortitude sustain her?
I’ve enjoyed Sarah Sundin’s books for quite a while. My first introduction to her works was The Sound of Light, and more recently I enjoyed Embers in the London Sky. When I saw that Midnight on the Scottish Shore was available, I was really excited. I’ve been intrigued by the Scottish culture for quite a while, and seeing it in a World War II setting was fascinating. It took me a little while to pick up the book, but once I did, I got sucked into the story.
Publisher’s description:
In a time of war, danger lurks beneath the water—and in the depths of the human heart
As the German war machine devours the Netherlands, the only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the occupation is to do the unthinkable—train to become a spy for the Nazis. Once dispatched to Britain, she plans to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. But her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.
Yet perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence employs her to radio misleading messages to Germany from the lighthouse at Dunnet Head in Scotland—messages filled with naval intelligence Lachlan must provide. If the war is to be won, Lachlan and Cilla must work together. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy—a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?
My thoughts:
I’ve enjoyed spy stories for quite a few years, but reading this double spy story was especially fun. It reminded me somewhat of Mara, Daughter of the Nile, which is also a double spy story, but set in Ancient Egypt.
I love the way Sarah Sundin writes her characters. I instantly connected with Cilla, and watching her go through grief, hope, and determination to change things was a lot of fun. I also enjoyed Lachlan’s perspective, and the journey he had to go on (especially when it came to loving his brother!).
As far as the setting goes, this was excellently written. You get to feel what it’s like to be in Scotland, and there’s something about the family aspect and the close-knit community that just draws you in. I loved how Sarah Sundin did that. Getting a glimpse at the Orkney Islands was also quite interesting.
The plot itself was well done. I didn’t feel like it was quite as strong as perhaps some of Sundin’s other books, but it was still intriguing and kept me moving. Like I said earlier, the spy part of the story was especially interesting. I loved getting to see a little bit of how the M15 Double Cross program worked and also getting to see how communications back during World War II worked as well. Oh, and I loved getting a peek into the kind of work the Wrens—a women’s branch of the British army—did. That was fascinating!
If you enjoy stories that are intriguing and adventurous, contain some sweet romance, and also some fascinating historical facts, Midnight on the Scottish Shore would probably be a great choice for you. With a rich setting, intriguing characters, and a strong theme of learning to rely on God, this book was well done. I enjoyed this story, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else Sarah Sundin comes up with.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
WARNING: Heavens is used in ch. 4 and 21; thank goodness is used in ch. 4, 5, 11 (twice), 12, 13, 17, 22, 25 (twice), 26 (twice), 27, 29 (three times), 36, 37 (three times), 39, and 46; my goodness is used in ch. 6 (twice), 12, 21, and 46; and for heaven’s sake is used in ch. 15, 21, 31, and 45. Chapter 27: Cussed, infernal war (three times). There is lying throughout the book, generally as people try to help or protect others. Chapter 1: A fight, someone killed, someone drunk. Chapter 3: Man touches a woman’s arm. Chapter 5: Drinking. Chapter 8: Smoking. Chapter 21: Story of someone who got drunk and stole a car, telling of someone who drowned. Chapter 24: Dancing. Chapter 25: Seeing a boat blow up. Chapter 32: Unmarried couple holding each other’s arms. Chapter 37: Couple holding each other. Chapter 38: Hint at someone being indecently assaulted in the past. Chapter 40: A hug. Chapter 41: Lying, thank goodness. Chapter 43: An explosion. Chapter 44: People hurt, shooting, people killed (somewhat graphic). Chapter 45: People shot, someone killed, a kiss. Chapter 48: Several kisses. Author’s Note: Mention of someone who committed suicide.
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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