Sarah Sundin Adds Mystery and Suspense to Her Popular WWII Romances [Review & GIVEAWAY]
In the Waves of Freedom trilogy, Sarah Sundin adds a dash of mystery and suspense to her popular World War II era romances! Read on for my review of Anchor in the Storm and a chance to win a nautical-themed prize pack including an autographed book, plus a mini swag giveaway!
Title: Anchor in the Storm [Waves of Freedom Trilogy #2]
Author: Sarah Sundin
Published: 2016 by Revell
About the Book:
One plucky female pharmacist + one high-society naval officer = romance—and danger!The Artist Librarian Review:
For Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges 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 for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin is definitely the reigning queen of World War II historical fiction in the Christian/Inspirational market. Her writing immerses you into the era with historical details, lively plots, and memorable characters. In the Waves of Freedom trilogy, Sundin adds a dash of mystery and suspense to her popular historical romances ...
The first Sarah Sundin novel I read, With Every Letter, featured a half-Filipino protagonist. As an Asian American, this was very neat to see and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Sundin had continued incorporating diverse characters not commonly seen in Christian fiction with her heroine Lillian Avery, who wears a prosthesis leg after a childhood accident. Despite her physical "disability," Lillian rises to the challenge and forges her way in her pharmaceutical career as a college graduate and working girl. However, the loss of her leg has exposed her to prejudice and an unfortunate encounter that leaves her wary of those outside her close circle of friends and family.
I adored this novel. My favorite types of romance start from friendship, so seeing Lillian and Archer's relationship slowly evolve into friendship and eventually love was so satisfying: especially since they both have to deal with preconceived notions and trust issues (Lillian due to her leg and Archer after others have tried to take advantage of his wealth and connections). The spiritual thread also felt natural and since it's appropriate for the time period, I think it could have a general market crossover appeal for historical fiction fans. Finally, Sundin deftly incorporated the suspense/mystery angle into the storyline and I was left guessing until the very end!
Anchor in the Storm can easily be read as a stand alone, though there are small spoilers since they refer to events in Through Waters Deep (the previous novel in the trilogy). However, I don't think this will hamper my enjoyment of book 1 at all. I look forward to next year's finale to the Waves of Freedom trilogy and plan on catching up by reading Jim and Mary's story very soon. Anchor in the Storm is a part entertaining, sobering, and unique look at life at the start of America's entry into World War II.
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes with participation in this blog tour via Litfuse.]
About the Author:
Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including 'Anchor in the Storm.' Her novel 'Through Waters Deep' was named to Booklist’s '101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,' and her novella 'I’ll Be Home for Christmas' in 'Where Treetops Glisten' was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school.Learn more at www.sarahsundin.com
Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
- Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
- Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
- 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
- Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
- "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
- Set of two nautical tea towels
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.
[Disclaimer: The giveaway above is run by Litfuse, not The Artist Librarian.]
BUT, I'm also running a small little giveaway on this blog since I have some extra Sarah Sundin book swag (see the picture below)!
Just leave a comment that includes your email in an anti-spambot format such as youremail[at]emailprovider[dot]com before 11:00pm PST on June 5, 2016 . I'll randomly draw a winner on June 6, 2016! Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before I draw an alternate.
Have you read any of Sarah Sundin's books? Which is your favorite (or which novel sounds the most interesting to you) and why? What's your favorite WWII set story (book, tv show, film, etc.)?
Have you read any of Sarah Sundin's books? Which is your favorite (or which novel sounds the most interesting to you) and why? What's your favorite WWII set story (book, tv show, film, etc.)?
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9 comments
Thank you so much for the lovely review! I'm glad you enjoyed Arch & Lillian's story!
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure! I think Anchor in the Storm is one of my top reads of the year thus far! I'm very much looking forward to When Tides Turn in 2017. ^_^
DeleteI haven't read any of Sarah's books yet but definitely need to start! I love reading historical fiction and WWII is one of favorite eras. I think I would probably like to start with her first series: Wings of Glory...but all her books sound marvelous! My favorite WWII books are the Winter Passing Trilogy by Cindy McCormick. They are wonderful- full of non-stop suspense, romance and intrigue. They held me spell-bound through the entire series. I highly recommend them. My favorite WWII movie is: Shining Through starring Michael Douglas, Melanie Griffith and Liam Neeson (it is rated R but I have the TV edited version that cuts out all the unnecessary stuff). Thanks for the awesome interview and the opportunity of this giveaway! ~Alison Boss
ReplyDeletenj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Alison!
DeleteOh man, what an awesome cast! I just looked up the trailer for Shining Through on youtube and wow! I gotta keep an eye out for it on tv or something --my library system doesn't have it, unfortunately.
If I had to chose a favorite WWII film, I might go with Captain America: The First Avenger ... Yeah, a superhero movie, but it also felt like a historical/costume drama a bit, which I loved. =)
I agree, Sarah's Wings of Glory trilogy is what I'm on the lookout for next as well. The Winter Passing trilogy sounds good too --thanks for the suggestions! Hope you stop by again soon. =)
Congrats Alison! You were selected by random.org as the winner of this giveaway. I've just sent you an email. =)
DeleteI love historical fiction. Torihoffert(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHistorical fiction is one of my favorite genres too! =)
DeleteWhen I think of WWII I always think of The Hiding Place and Corrie ten Boom. She was such an inspiring Christian!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Corrie ten Boom was the first person I remember ever reading a biography about as a girl. She was an amazing woman of faith!
DeleteThank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Comments are always welcomed and appreciated.