🌙 Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin

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?

🐕 About This Book:
- Historical Fiction
- World War II Novel
- Scotland
- POV: Cilla and Lachlan
- Enemies to More Romance
- Espionage
- Mystery and Suspense
- Award-Winning Author
- Published in 2025
- Parents Guide: some violence and death, war violence

🌊 My Thoughts:
My book review might be slightly biased because I love Sarah Sundin’s books. I was so excited to read this one. World War II impacted so many people around the world. I am always fascinated by stories and perspectives from around the world. This story felt special because it takes place in this beautiful setting while in the midst of war. It took me a while to connect with Cilla, but I was immediately drawn to Lachlan’s character. The relationship between Lachlan and Cilla felt authentic and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them open up and learn to trust each other. There was a beautiful theme of forgiveness that both characters experienced. A reminder that you never really know what someone is going through or has gone through. While this book is filled with espionage and action it’s also filled with themes of family, forgiveness, trust and love. This was a page turner!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Sarah Sundin, Revell and NetGalley for letting me get my hands on this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

This was a great WWII novel. The protagonist spy for the Nazis, while really for the resistance, then spying for the Allies? Filled with a double agent working to keep it all straight and aid the Allies.

I really enjoyed it. Ever since watching Hogan’s Heroes I’ve enjoyed watching/reading about espionage during WWII, and enjoyed how it was included in this book. Cilla did a great job keeping up with everything on both sides - I can’t imagine how she was feeling through it all or how she kept it all straight!

Also, it had a sweet enemies to lovers clean romance. Even though I suspected how the book would end, I loved following the journey. It was so sweet, and I appreciated watching Lt. Lachlin’s feeling change gradually over time.

Overall, I thought it was a good book. A different perspective during WWII, which I appreciated.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the @sarahsundinauthor @revellbooks and @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

As a fan of historical fiction, especially books set in and around WWII era, I was super excited to read Midnight on the Scottish Shore and let me tell you, I am a fan of this author and book. I loved how original this story was and the fresh perspective it gave of life and happenings during the war, particularly for Dutch refugees, double agent spies, and those in Scotland.

Read this for:
*Forbidden romance/unexpected love
*Espionage during WWII and MI5
*Dual POV
*Incredible and fascinating historical details
*Scottish setting
*Clever, resourceful, optimistic heroine
*Loyal and true hero with a heart of gold
*Light Christian themes

I am officially addicted to the captivating way that Sarah Sundin writes WWII fiction and I am way excited to go read more of her books. I have been so impressed with the unique perspectives and historical details of her writing. I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Netgalley and the Austenprose tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Midnight on the Scottish Shore is a historical Christian fiction novel set during WWII. Cilla Van der Zee will do anything to escape the Nazi Regime, even when they have invaded her home country. Cilla gets a chance opportunity to run to Scotland, but in order to get there, Cilla must act and become a Nazi Spy. Once on the shores of Scotland, Cilla sees freedom is within reach until she is discovered by a Lieutenant in the Scottish Navy. Instead of sure execution after her capture, Cilla is placed on a secret team of the allied military, where they will use her German knowledge to help defeat the enemy. Unfortunately for her, she is stuck on the same mission as the one lieutenant that captured her in the first place.

I was pleasantly surprised with this story! Such a unique plotline with great history detail! A Dutch woman fakes her way as a German Spy, only to get captured and have to keep up her role on Allied soil. I loved the twists and turns with this storyline! I enjoyed reading a WWII read set mostly in Scotland. It is fun to see different sides of this war.

Christian themes throughout were well done. Romance was a good slow burn and very sweet. I loved the forbidden romance vibes. A lot of mystery and suspense in this story as well! The ending was fantastic!

Overall, very much enjoyed and I will for sure read this author's books in the future. WWII histfic lovers, this book is for you!

“Sometimes you have to find freedom inside the trap.”

It’s always a treat to read one of Sarah Sundin’s books. They are full of rich historical detail which shows her impeccable research. Sundin is also a master at creating realistic, engaging characters and plopping them down in imaginative settings and perilous situations. Such was the story of Cilla van der Zee and Lachlan Mackenzie set mostly in Scotland during World War II. I admired Cilla’s sunny, cheerful, positive attitude, and her courage and resourcefulness. In order to escape a perilous situation in the Netherlands during the war, Cilla volunteers to go to Scotland to be a German spy. Upon landing in Scotland, she is discovered by Lachlan Mackenzie who turns her in to the authorities. The authorities, in turn, train her to be a double agent, and assign her to work with none other than Lachlan. He is a rather serious, taciturn man who doesn’t trust Cilla. I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine trope with Cilla always being positive and trying to make friends with Lachlan.

I liked the way Cilla and Lachlan encouraged each other to become better people. Their spiritual growth was inspiring to see and added depth to the story.

“It’s good to acknowledge our faults. If we never see ourselves as wretched sinners, we never see the need for God’s mercy.”

With plenty of suspense, action, history, and a good dose of romance, this book has something for everyone. I loved learning more about this slice of history while enjoying a riveting story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This historical novel is set during World War II. In the Netherlands, Cilla van der Zee is at risk from the Nazis, who order her to go on a spy mission in Scotland. She travels to Scotland, with elaborate plans to actually aid the Allies instead. When she lands, she encounters Scotsman Lachlan MacKenzie, who turns her in to the authorities. The authorities keep Cilla locked up in the local lighthouse where she tends the lighthouse but also begins counter-spying for the Allied cause. As the situation grows more complex, the danger increases, and so does the slow building bond between Cilla and Lachlan.

I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction and Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite authors. This is a standalone novel, although some characters from the wonderful Embers in the London Sky appear in this book.

This is another beautifully written novel. I have read a number of World War II set novels, but this Scottish setting and the lighthouse make this one unique. I also found it fascinating about the messages and codes that Cilla translated back and forth.

There is a faith element in this novel and themes of flawed people growing and doing the right thing, working from their consciences, and thinking of others first. I highly recommend Midnight On the Scottish Shore for other fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone interested in the World War II time period.

What's a book that you wish you could experience for the first time again? I have so many favorites, but one would be Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Cilla van der Zee is a Dutch citizen living through the horrors of the Nazi occupation. She infiltrates the Dutch Nazis for the resistance movement. After witnessing them murdering one of her friends, she decides she needs to get out of the Netherlands. She volunteers to become a spy in England where she went to school and has an aunt. Once on the shores of Scotland, Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie immediately arrests her. To save her own life, she has to become a double cross agent. Will Lacklan and Cilla be able to work together to further the allied cause? Will Lacklan ever be able to trust Cilla?

My thoughts on this novel:
• Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin was an engaging novel that captured my attention right from the first chapter.

• I loved the spy story and how everyone worked together to make the double cross work. Espionage and suspense were rife in this novel.

• It really put WWII into perspective on how it was a life and death situation for so many people without any clear options to get out of the terrible situation they were in.

• I don’t know why, but I hadn’t really thought of submarines dropped off spies off the shores of Great Britain.

• I loved the characters, but especially Cilla and Lachlan. Cilla is in a tough situation and must figure out how to keep herself alive while wondering about her family and friends that are left back in the Netherlands. She is a strong woman. Lachlan is trying to protect his own country, while also wondering about his brother who is involved in a separatist group. He is a sensitive man who plays the bagpipes, wears a kilt, and loves poetry.

• The Scottish setting was wonderful. It was scenic as described on the page and I also loved the descriptions of the Scottish traditions.

• Cilla and Lachlan had a great enemies to lovers’ romance.

• Great questions at the end of the novel for a book club to use. This would make a great book club selection. It’s a riveting story with morally gray areas that could be explored.

• I also enjoyed the author’s note at the end which went through the real history that is in this novel. The Double Cross program is fascinating history.

Favorite quote: “Double cross is a game, Cilla. It’s the grandest of games.”

Overall, Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin is a very engaging espionage WWII historical fiction novel with great characters and a fascinating Scottish setting. I highly recommend it!

Book Source: Review copy from Revell Books as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cilla van der Zee is trapped. As a member of the Dutch resistance, her role is to infiltrate the Dutch Nazis and gather information for the underground newspaper. But the cost is too high and Cilla too headstrong to follow her cousin’s advice, which is how Cilla becomes a Nazi spy, and how she ends up in Scotland. The mythical creature washed up on the shore near Lachlan Mackenzie’s home is a threat to his sanity and his nation’s welfare, which is why he promptly turns her over to the authorities. When Cilla and Lachlan are forced to work together to advance the Allied mission, they must find a way toward a tentative trust for the greater good.

Sarah Sundin writes with a secretive urgency that one cannot resist when reading her work. The reader feels this and is tugged into the covert operations described within, hardly able to resist the need to churn ahead with the storyline as the characters develop and the reader develops feelings for the characters. It is not only Cilla and Lachlan slinking through the darkness to accomplish a great task for the greater good, but the reader is there in the moment, as well. I must also admit that the timing and Biblical theme of this novel coincides with my own study of the Beatitudes and packs a punch of truth with themes of mercy, forgiveness and freedom, which both increases my understanding of those themes and enjoyment of this invigorating novel.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

I have all of Sarah Sundin's books. Haven't read them all, but have read a number (reading her entire backlist is one of my goals for this year). To say that I love her books would be putting it lightly.

Have I set the stage enough for what I'm about to say?

This book is my new favorite Sarah Sundin book.

My review itself will be very short, as I don't want to give anything away that isn't on the back cover. But there is action, espionage, suspense, family, backstories, baggage, Nazis, war, and all the stuff that makes for a really great novel.

I. Love. This. Book.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

I was so excited to get to dive into this book! Having enjoyed Sundin’s last two releases, I knew I’d likely enjoy this book, too, and sure enough—I did. I’ve always loved books that involve double spies, and getting to have one set in Scotland? Even more fun! The history in this story was fascinating; I’ve never read a book set close to the Orkney Islands before, and it was interesting to read about the restrictions they had in place as to who could and couldn’t access the islands during the war. I also enjoyed getting a peek into the M15 Double Cross program and the Wrens—both of which I’ve heard about before, but getting to know about them in this context was intriguing. Then there’s the sweet romance, and the dash of adventure…I found this to be a fun, engaging, easy read. If you’ve read any of Sundin’s other works, or enjoy authors like Lynn Austin or Roseanna M. White, you’d likely enjoy this story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

“This year I have found walls like never before, but I have found freedom.“

I always love Sarah Sundin’s books, but I think that her newest WW2 novel – Midnight on the Scottish Shore – is my favorite so far! I mean, what’s not to love about a slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-love romance between a burly Scottish naval officer (swoon!!!) and an endearing Dutch double agent set in 1941 Scotland with intrigue and kilts and tough decisions… and some really great kisses.

Cilla van der Zee is a truly delightful heroine whose ready wit and earnest heart made me smile. Her decision to train as a Nazi spy as a way to escape the untenable situation in which she finds herself in the Germany-occupied Netherlands and find refuge in England appears to backfire when she’s caught shortly after washing ashore in Scotland. Caught by that swoony Scottish naval lieutenant I mentioned earlier – Lachlan Mackenzie. Blissful sigh. I adored Lachlan, even if he does get Cilla arrested and even if he does struggle to trust her once she partners with British intelligence. I found his grumpiness to be endearing, and watching him fall hard for Cilla had me breaking out my fan and grinning like a besotted fool. (Much like when he starts dancing… whew.) The way Cilla teases him was lots of fun to read, too, and I really appreciated the complex layers to his character, particularly when it comes to the broken relationship with his brother. Cilla’s spiritual journey is equally touching, and so is her character arc as a double agent and what she learns about true freedom along the way.

Which brings me to the fascinating history Sundin includes in Midnight on the Scottish Shore. For starters, not many World War 2 books take place in Scotland, which is really a shame given the intriguingly complex dynamics that were in play at the time. Between the fringe groups that are still upset that Scotland and England are under a ‘United Kingdom’ umbrella, including in military service, to the unique landscape and coastal vulnerabilities, the Scottish setting gives us a different perspective than we typically see. Add in their legends and their culture (and their accents!), and it makes for a delightful place to visit on the pages of fiction, even during a war. Another element of history I loved learning more about in this book was MI5’s Double Cross program where they took the poorly-trained Nazi spies (something that surprised me) and turned them into double agents working for the Allied cause. I enjoyed learning about the codework, the ‘chicken feed’ intelligence they passed along, the restrictions on Cilla, and what MI5 did allow her to do to prove to the Germans that she was still on their side. This all culminates in some heart-in-my-throat moments where I wasn’t entirely sure how things were going to work out in terms of Cilla’s safety and her love for Lachlan.

Bottom Line: Midnight on the Scottish Shore is Sarah Sundin at her best! The seamless merging of wartime espionage with meaningful individual character growth, swoony romance, and endearing wit gives readers the ‘best of both worlds’ between the drama of the world stage and the personal relatability of joys & struggles common to us all, no matter when or where we’ve lived. I fell head over heels for Cilla and Lachlan as individual characters and delighted in watching them – the selkie and the warrior – fall in love with each other. It was also fun to be reunited with a couple of familiar characters from Sundin’s previous books and to be given what I hope are hints for her next book, too. (If I’m right, I’m already hooked and NEED to read it ASAP!) If you’re looking for a story that will put a smile (and a swoon or two) in your heart while also teaching you little-known history and pointing you to a deeper walk with God, then Midnight on the Scottish Shore should be your next read!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

The first part of a new year usually means it’s time for Sarah Sundin’s newest book. It’s something I look forward to each year.

I immediately liked Cilla. Her devising a plan to leave her homeland to spy for the Germans and then abandon those plans immediately had me hooked. I was invested in how she was going to accomplish all of this.

Her capture on English soil not only brought her plans to an end, but it also set the stage for the interactions between Cilla and Lachlan throughout the story.

There are so many different things going on in this story and Sundin masterfully ties them all together. I loved seeing Lachlan and Cilla get to know each other and learning that sometimes what we see isn’t at all the whole story.

I really enjoyed the resolution of some of the other story lines and the way the reader is pointed back to God, his goodness and provision, and the importance of faith.

Thank you to Revell for the copy of this book. All views are my own.

This was an interesting story. I struggled a bit at the beginning, it was a bit slower than I like. The premise is good, a Dutch girl trying to get away from the Nazi's by becoming a spy and disappearing in England.

Things don't quite work out how Cilla planned and she becomes a double agent, rather than be hanged. She lands in Scotland and loves the landscape and learns to love the people, even those who have her "trapped" in this double identity. she learns alot about her self during this journey.

Lachlan is a Scottish native, serving in the British army. He has some baggage with some sibling issues and is a serious guy. When he has to interact with Cilla weekly in her double espinoge, he starts to change some of his opinons on how to heal himself and his family.

All in all, this was enjoyable. This is the first time I have read this author, I will look for her again.

Sarah Sundin, Author of “Midnight on the Scottish Shore” has written an intense and intriguing novel. The timeline for this novel takes place during World War Two and describes espionage, betrayals and secrets. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex, complicated, and determined. Cilla van Der Zee survives the German occupation in the Netherlands by becoming a spy for the Nazis in Britain. Cilla’s goals are to be able to work for the Allies. The location for this story takes place in Scotland.Naval Officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds Cilla on the shore and turns her in as a spy for Germany to be executed.

The British decide that Cilla will provide the Germans with the wrong information. Cilla is carefully watched by the British, and somehow has to work with Lachlan. The genres for this story are Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance and Historical World War Two. I appreciate the vivid details that the author provides about the Scottish landscape and scenery. This is an intense and intriguing read that I highly recommend.

When staying in the Netherlands becomes too dangerous for Cilla van der Zee, due to her connections with the Dutch resistance, she sees a way out in becoming a spy for the Nazis, who will send her to Britain, where she can disappear. But in these dangerous times, nothing is as simple or safe as she hopes, and she's captured upon landing. Naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie believes her to be the German spy she's portraying and turns her into the proper authorities. As thanks for his actions, Lachlan is forced to work alongside the spy when she becomes a double agent for Britain's MI5.

There was a lot for me to like about this book. The uncommon setting of the Scottish shore during WWII was brought to life well; the storyline about double agents was exciting and well-researched; and I genuinely liked both of the main characters, their personalities, backgrounds, and dynamics. So many heroines in books like this are demure, self-conscious, uncomfortable, etc., which is the exact opposite of Cilla. Not that the other type is bad, it just seems so common. Cilla may be a bit on the silly side, but given her situation and that of the world around her, that silliness is often just what was needed. And her transformation was one of the things I loved most about the book. Lachlan has his own journey, which I also loved.

Even though the connection between Cilla and Lachlan is inevitable, given the genre, I felt that the obstacles they had to overcome were greater than usual and found the progression (mostly) natural and enjoyable. I appreciated that it wasn't the main focus of the story. Though they're not technically in a series, this book does connect to Sundin's previous book, Embers in the London Sky, but you really don't need to read the other (which I liked but not quite as much as this one) before reading Midnight on the Scottish Shore. I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction from this time period in the Christian romance genre.

Sarah Sundin is amazing when it comes to WWII historical fiction and having her latest set in Scotland really hit it out of the ballpark for me!

Cilla van der Zee wants out of the Netherlands because of the Nazi occupation but she really doesn't think it through when she decides to become a spy! Lachlan Mackenzie finds her and turns her in but that takes her on a new path to being a double agent. I absolutely loved the setting and the whole story/romance was just perfect! Midnight on the Scottish Shore will sweep you away to the past that would be both scary and wonderful to visit!

I read/listened to the audio version and the narrator, Kimberly M. Wetherell, was top-notch!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 4 February 2025

Wow this is an amazing story. Based a lot of fact. WW2. Cilla, a Dutch girl who escaped to English controlled Scotland by using the Germans, got caught as she reached shore. Who wouldn't mind being captured by a brawny Scot in a kilt? Lots of danger, spycraft and love. The depth of espionage and subterfuge thinking between them is enthralling the way it's handled, and they fight together against the Germans on more than one front. Incredible chess game. Thoroughly engrossing and believable to where I wanted to pray for them. I didn't want to finish the book, if only to keep spending time with them a little longer.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#MidnightontheScottishShore #NetGalley #SarahSundin #ChristianHistoricalFiction #Revell #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

“Midnight on the Scottish Shore” by Sarah Sundin is a gripping, heartfelt story that I will not soon forget! It is a novel about World War II featuring Scotland, lighthouses, the Double Agent program, and memorable characters. I was immediately drawn to the Scottish setting and the beautiful cover with the lighthouse. The setting did not disappoint, as I felt like I traveled to the windswept, rugged coast of the Orkney Islands and walked and bicycled with the characters across the lonely, haunting moors. I loved learning about the rich Scottish traditions. I now want to visit the Orkney Islands myself!

Our main male character, Lachlan Mackenzie, wears a kilt, has an accent, plays the bagpipes overlooking the sea, dances traditional Scottish dances, and recites poetry! What is not to love? Lachlan also is noble, honorable and wants to do the right thing. When faced with having to purposefully sabotage his own naval base to help the Double Cross program, what will he do?

Cilla van der Zee is a smart, lovable, whipper-snapper of a heroine who brings joy to Lachlan’s life. Through a series of events, she becomes a spy in the Double Cross program. I learned so much about MI5’s Double Cross program and loved reading about spies, double agents, and sabotage. The book was not too heavy or sad like some World War II books can be. The novel was obviously well researched and contained so much wonderful history as well as an emotionally moving story. There are wonderful lessons of duty versus mercy, forgiveness, family, finding freedom inside and outside of the trap and the truth that sets us free. Faith is also woven wonderfully into the story! This has been one of my favorite books of the year so far and I highly recommend it!

Content: I give this book a PG to low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: someone smells of alcohol; a character works in a bar; characters drink alcohol; a character drank (and got drunk) and stole things in his past; someone jokes that they’ll have a lover; someone is bullied; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide in the author’s note.
TW: bullying; drowning in the past; abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide; su*cide mission.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Midnight on the Scottish Shore
By Sarah Sundin

This was such an intriguing, World War II novel. Rich, with history, espionage, double agents, and even a bit of romance. The setting of this one alone made my heart sore. I love any and all things Scotland. The Shores of the Orkney islands and Dunnett head our places I would love to visit.

Sarah Sunden truly brought history to life with this one. The amount of research that had to have gone into this one is unreal.

The FMC Celia becomes a spy for the Nazis. Well dispatched she abandoned her mission and AIDS the allies… Lachlan the MMC finds her and turns her in to be executed. These two must learn to work together, but this brooding Scotsman is one hard egg to crack.

I enjoyed this World War II historical fiction. The enemies to lovers, elements of faith, espionage and one incredible setting or some of my favorite parts.

Thank you to @sarahsundinauthor @revellbooks @austenprose for the #gifted book.

This captivating WWII historical fiction novel set in the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland is truly a must-read.

Cilla, desperate to escape the clutches of Nazi occupation in the Netherlands, boldly agrees to serve as a spy for the Germans, all while plotting her escape to Britain. However, her plan takes an unexpected turn when she is intercepted by a Scottish naval officer, Lachlan Mackenzie, who turns her over to British Intelligence. Faced with a choice, Cilla puts her life on the line as she becomes a double agent who has to work with Lachlan to outsmart the Germans.

What I found particularly unique about this book is its rich portrayal of Scotland's role during WWII and the intricacies of British Intelligence. The author’s vivid descriptions of Dunnet Head and the Orkney Islands leave a lasting impression, immersing readers in the stunning Scottish landscape and history.

Cilla and Lachlan are brilliantly crafted characters who embody contrasting traits yet discover profound commonalities as their journey unfolds. Cilla is fiercely determined, consistently striving to prove her loyalty. Meanwhile, the poignant relationship between Lachlan and his brother adds depth to the narrative, showcasing themes of heartbreak, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The spiritual elements woven throughout enhance the story’s message of redemption, making it truly poignant.

If you have a passion for historical fiction infused with romance and intrigue, this book will undoubtedly resonate with you. Don't miss the chance to dive into this extraordinary tale!