Friday, August 14, 2026

Shetland Sunset Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Shetland Sunset

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release Date: January 18, 2026

Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war?

After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fishermen who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again?

Distraught when the Germans overrun her beloved Norway, Tonje Bondevik refuses to take the occupation sitting down. She joins the fledgling resistance movement, deriving great satisfaction distributing the underground newspaper and performing acts of sabotage…until the day the Nazis come looking for her, and she must flee for her life. Perhaps she should have listened to the handsome Norwegian American when he offered to take her to Shetland.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state, immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors, and drinks copious amounts of tea.

More from Linda

Shetland, also called the Shetland Islands, is an archipelago of about one hundred islands, with fewer than twenty being inhabited. Originally a base for Norwegian Vikings, Shetland came under Scottish rule when King Christian I pledged the island as part of his daughter’s dowry when she was betrothed to James III of Scotland. The island continues to feature an intriguing mix of Norwegian and Scottish heritage in customs, language, and celebrations. Interestingly, Shetland is geographically closer to Norway than Scotland.

The Shetland Bus is the nickname for a World War II clandestine operation during which fishermen smuggled supplies, weapons, radio operators, and agents into occupied Norway and ferried refugees out of Norway to Shetland and England. From 1941-1945, two hundred missions were carried in winter because of the nearly twenty-four hours of darkness that occurred during those months, but that meant crossing in rough, unforgiving seas. Additionally, the risk of being caught by German aircraft or patrol boats was high, and forty-four members lost their lives.

Authors get their ideas and inspiration from many sources, and I learned about the Shetland Bus from an episode of Shetland, a modern-day BBC mystery show that featured a fictional cold case associated with the “bus.” I was able to read multiple memoirs and autobiographies and watch oral history interviews with Shetland Bus participants. It is my hope that Shetland Sunset honors the brave ordinary men who did extraordinary things.

MY REVIEW

As an avid reader I have read many books. I’m very familiar with this author and know that her books are filled with faith. I appreciate how she uses scriptures and Biblical figures from the Bible to illustrate her story by beautiful words. The story was especially moving because it shows how people will help others even when it may be dangerous.

I can’t begin to imagine the pain that so many people have suffered during the war that brought Germans into threat to others. Many people were captured and put in camps where hope was slowly fading. Soldiers would come to homes and take away families with little explanation. The author has gifted readers with a look at what some may have encountered and witnessed God’s protection as they prayed for safety.

Tonje is a woman who faces danger as she tries to help people escape the Germans. Her fierce determination to help those in need was so inspiring. I came to think of her as a woman who looked danger in the eye and found Jesus giving her strength to face the enemy. Her heart is so pure and I loved how she began to grow in her faith and began to trust God. She can be a bit stubborn but as she continues her journey she seeks guidance from God.

Askel is a man who knows God and relies on His voice to direct his path. He helps transport people to safety posing as a fisherman. I can’t say enough good things about this character . His compassion for others shows in everything he does. He puts others before himself and his faith is unshakable. Being out at sea with people hiding from the Germans, Askel risks his own life to help others.

I enjoyed following our two main characters as they began to build a friendship. They found a common bond of helping others and along the way discovered they have feelings for each other. I like how the author allows the characters to slowly build their relationship with God at the center.

Thank you to the author for writing a story that reminds us that, “His plans are greater than ours.” We need to listen to His voice and trust Him with everything. This story will stay with me forever because it reminds me that each of us can make a difference. We need to follow His direction and do it with our whole heart.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.