Anchor In The Storm (Waves of Freedom #2) by Sarah Sundin | Historical Romance Review

Anchor In The Storm

Waves of Freedom #2

Sarah Sundin

Historical Romance

IN A TIME OF SACRIFICE,

WHAT PRICE CAN ONE PUT ON TRUE LOVE?

Nothing slows Lillian Avery down--not her personal challenges and certainly not America's entry into World War II. She finally has a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The demands of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother's best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling?

As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

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My Thoughts

I was so excited to get my hands on Anchor in the Storm. I enjoyed Through Waters Deep which is book one in the Waves of Freedom series. In that first book we met the Avery family and the story focused on Jim Avery and Mary Stirling. This second book continues with a bit more of their story but the main characters are Jim's younger sister Lillian and his friend and fellow Navy man Archer Vandenberg.

Lillian was involved in an accident several years ago that caused the loss of one of her legs. She's a bit defensive about her impairment but she seldom lets it stop her. She has gone on to college and become a pharmacist. She's determined to make it in her chosen field even though the odds are stacked against her. Providence provides her with just the right opportunity and she steps out on faith and takes the job.

Archer is from a very privileged background but is determined to make it as a Navy officer. He wants it to be a career but his family wishes otherwise. Through the eyes of Archer and his fellow seamen we get to see just how grueling life can be aboard a ship during combat. Archer struggles with combat fatigue as does his shipmates. Unfortunately several of the men have turned to narcotics to feel better. Once Archer realizes what is going on he's under even more pressure to find the source of the drugs and put a stop to it.

Archer and Lillian are attracted to each other but as things heat up at their respective jobs they find themselves at odds.  I enjoyed their story even more than that of Jim and Mary. Sarah Sundin's stories always seem to have an added element of suspense but this one was especially intense. I'm once again thrilled with the story of a strong female that doesn't diminish the role of the man in order to advance the woman. 

My book club has enjoyed several of Sarah's books in the past and I am quite sure that we will add this novel to our reading list. If you are part of a book club and are interested in having some discussion questions to start the conversation I'm happy to say that she has included a set of thought provoking questions in the back.

Other Reviews For This Author

Through Waters Deep

Where Treetops Glisten

In Perfect Time

With Every Letter

Blue Skies Tomorrow

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Through Waters Deep (Waves of Freedom, Book 1) by Sarah Sundin {Book Review}

Through Waters Deep

Waves of Freedom, Book 1

Sarah Sundin

Historical Romance

WAR IS COMING. 

CAN LOVE CARRY THEM THROUGH THE ROUGH 

WATERS THAT LIE AHEAD?

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary.

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

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Here's a fun peek at the behind the scenes making of the cover:

My Thoughts
Sarah Sundin's newest book Through Waters Deep was a delightful surprise to me. It is another of her World War II stories set in the months just prior to the United States entering the war. The interesting part is that it is a completely new series but it contains some characters that we have met previously in another of her books.
At first I just kept thinking that I had read a similar story and then it hit me . . . I know these people and their families. Once I realized that the pages just flew by. Mary Stirling is the main female character and she is a complex mix of reserved behind the scenes worker and diligently bold detective. If you grew up reading the Nancy Drew series you are going to enjoy Mary.
Naval officer Ensign Jim Avery has known Mary since childhood but for the first time he is really noticing her. His dilemma is does he want to become involved with anyone who is so different from what he usually gravitates to? In the past he's always been drawn to bubbly blondes and a specific blonde at that. But in Mary's presence he feels a peace that has always been missing.
The story contains the many twists and turns that we have come to expect from Sundin's writing. I think what I enjoy most is that this isn't just a war story and it isn't just a romance. Instead it is a mix of mystery, intrigue, and romance filled with characters that will entertain you as well as strengthen your faith. 
I can almost guarantee that this will be a book that my reading group picks for a future read. There are a set of discussion questions in the back of the book that will help any book club get started. I look forward to reading the rest of this series and if you like historical romance I think you will too.
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Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman & Sarah Sundin ~ Christmas Gift Guide for Book Lovers

Where Treetops Glisten

Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman & Sarah Sundin

Historical Romance / Christmas

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime.

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, 

filled with the wonder of Christmas.

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman’s White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and His plan for a future?

My Thoughts

If you have an historical romance lover on your Christmas list, get them this book! It is three novellas that weave together the story of the Turner siblings during World War II. Sarah Sundin sets the stage for the whole book in her prologue entitled Winter Wonderland. You are introduced to Abigail, Pete and Meredith and given a bit of background on the whole family. I fell in love with them right from the start!

As you progress through each of the stories you not only experience what was going on during the war effort overseas, but what was going on in America in everyday lives. The story line takes place over a couple of different years and Christmas seasons so by the time you reach Tricia Goyer's portion you have a nice little wrap-up of what the rest of Abigail's story is.

These three authors did a marvelous job of carrying the characters' particular traits and nuances throughout the book. Each author of course has a distinct voice in their particular section but it blended well together, making the book feel whole and complete rather than jumbled. By the time you reach Cara Putman's Epilogue entitled Let It Snow, Let It Snow you will feel as if the Turner family is just a branch of yours.

To cap off the delightful story, the authors have included delicious sounding recipes for a yummy cookie exchange from some of the characters featured in the story. There is also a reader's guide in the back which would make this an awesome selection for your book club.

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In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin ~ An Historical Romance Review

In Perfect Time

Wings of the Nightengale, Book 3

Sarah Sundin

Historical Romance

Back of the book:

TWO HEARTS ARE ABOUT 

to LEARN THE RHYTHM of LOVE 

Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?

Sarah Sundin seamlessly weaves together emotion, action, and sweet romance into a tale that transcends time and calls us to believe in the power of love.

READ AN EXCERPT!

My thoughts:

In the third installment of the Wings of the Nightengale series Sarah Sundin has once again brought a fabulous World War II story to life. I enjoyed the first two books in the series, but I think that this one is my favorite. In Perfect Time is the story of Lt. Kay Jobson and Lt. Roger Cooper. If you've read the previous books in the series you are already acquainted with these two.

Kay is a flight nurse that has a fast reputation. Roger is a pilot and seems to go out of his way to avoid the lovely and vivacious Kay. The tension between the two just adds to the delicious build up of the blossoming romance. Roger has big regrets in his life, but he has found Jesus and is clinging to that saving faith with everything he has. He originally sees Kay as a stumbling block to be avoided at all costs. In truth Kay herself needs to meet Jesus on a personal level. When she does, just grab the Kleenex box because you'll need it.

Another lovely thing about this book is that we get to catch up with some wonderful people from the former books. If you've read the first two books you'll be delighted to find out what Tom, Mellie, Hutch, and Georgie have been up to. It's always bittersweet to come to the ending of a series but I have not only been entertained by these books but I've also come away from them feeling like I learned just a bit more about this time in history. Sarah does a great job of mixing in facts about the events without boring you to tears. 

If you enjoy historical fiction with a twist of romance I think you'll enjoy this series and particularly this book. My recommendation would be to indulge yourself by reading the series in order, With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and finally In Perfect Time. Each of the books in the series were designed to be either read as a stand alone or in the series . . . I say go for the series! 

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Book Review ~ With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin @SarahSundin

With Every Letter

Sarah Sundin

Wings of the Nightingale, Book 1

Fiction /Historical Romance

Buy the book 

Back of the book:

They know everything about each other—except their real names.

Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met—even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence—he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.

As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?

Combing a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing—and true love.

About the author:

Website: www.SarahSundin.com

Facebook Page 

Twitter: @SarahSundin

My thoughts:

After finishing With Every Letter I got to thinking that if history textbook authors had the skills that Sarah Sundin does we’d all know our history better. She has a way of describing the scene in detail without losing your interest even if you aren’t a history buff. Am I suggesting that Sarah quit writing historical romances and switch to textbooks? I shout an emphatic NO! Keep writing what you do best…you are educating an unsuspecting group of us.

Do you remember writing letters? Or better yet, receiving letters in the mail? There is just something about holding a missive from someone dear in your hand. You can see their personality in the handwriting (not to mention the doodles along the sidelines). Maybe even get a whiff of their scent. I love the instant communication in our day but I miss the personal touch of correspondence by mail.

I really think that my favorite part of this book is the letters that go back and forth between “Annie” and “Ernest”. It was quite enjoyable to read about their budding friendship. They were able to reveal so much more about themselves through their correspondence than they ever would have if they had immediately met in person.

By the time they met in person I was just on pins and needles cheering them on! You are going to love the way this friendship turned romance builds to a dynamic ending. I am eagerly waiting for book two in this series. If it is anything like this one it is going to be amazing.

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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance

With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Win a Kindle or Nook from @SarahSundin and RSVP for “With Every Letter” Facebook Party on 9/27!

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See what folks are saying about With Every Letter!

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But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 26th. Winner will be announced at the “With Every Letter” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/27. Connect with Sarah, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of With Every Letter and join Sarah on the evening of the September 27th for a chance to connect with Sarah and make some new friends. 

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Blue Skies Tomorrow (Wings of Glory #3) by Sarah Sundin | Historical Romance Review

This was the first book I have read by Sarah Sundin and I really enjoyed. I was also thrilled to find the topic of the book was the WWII era. I have not found many Christian fiction authors writing on WWII and Sundin is an excellent story teller. Blue Skies Tomorrow is book three in The Wings of Glory series. I have not read book one or two and read book three just fine. Now I am going to go back and read those two after finding Sundin such a good author.

I really enjoyed every aspect of this book. It was full of romance, drama, hardships, and just everyday life. I was completely caught up in this story and didn’t want it to end. One of my favorite topics discussed in this book was courage. I loved how both Ray and Helen felt less then adequate in life but really they had a lot of courage. I really feel that a lot of times I believe Satan’s lies that I am useless instead of having courage to be what God has called me to be in life. I felt as though Sundin covered this topic very well. Psalm 139:14

I would recommend this book and I think it would make great discussion for a book club. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I am also happy to say I have found a new author to love!