Monday, August 17, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Shetland Sunset by Linda Shenton Matchett

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.

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Christian Historical Romance is a favorite genre of mine. Shetland Sunset by Linda Shenton Matchett is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. I have been a fan of Linda Shenton Matchett for many years and I am always excited to read a new release.

The storyline captured my attention from the very beginning and never stopped. The setting is in Norway during World War II. The main characters of the story are Askel Westgard and Tonje Bondevik. Askel is from Minnesota and has been enjoying his time in Norway with his cousins. The War breaks out and Askel feels like he cannot escape to continue the fishing business. Askel finally devises a plan that will help the fishing business while also escaping to safety. He joins the Shetland Gang and will go from Norway to Shetland. He meets Tonje, a beautiful Norwegian Woman and tries to convince her to come to Shetland for safety with him. Tonje refuses to join him, although Askel continues to encourage her. I really LOVE that Askel was so kind and loving toward Tonje. Tonje truly seemed to be angry at things that happened in her past. Askel has a strong faith and it shows throughout the book. The friendship between the pair became stronger throughout the book. The book is one about Trust, Faith and Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!

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.