The Land Beneath Us - A Review

Published: February 2020, Revell

Series: Sunrise at Normandy Book 3

Author: Sarah Sundin

Title: The Land Beneath Us

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About the book:

The Paxton brothers haven’t spoken to each other in years. In 1943, Private Clay Paxton is training with the Army Rangers in Tennessee. He’s determined to do his part to assist the Allied forces in France. Clay feels he has only one thing left to live for – fulfilling the dream of his death – especially since he blames his brothers for his future having been stolen. Civilian Leah Jones is working as a librarian at Camp Forrest when she meets Clay. She longs to rise above her upbringing as an orphan and belong to a community. When she’s brutally attacked, Clay saves her life and then marries her to save her reputation. When he ships out to Europe, the pair write each other and soon find themselves bound together over the distance. But is love between them possible?

My thoughts:

Oh how I loved this book! I literally read it in 2 and a half hours! It’s a great conclusion to the Normandy series. I loved how Clay and Leah both grew through the book. I also loved being able to catch up with the other Paxton brothers. This book had a story of hope in it. And a story of love overcoming. Every book I’ve read by this author has been a delight. They are well researched and full of complex characters. I look forward to seeing where the author takes us next with her next book.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of WWII, Sarah Sundin, Laura Frantz, Jody Hedlund

Rating: 5 stars

The Sky Above Us - A Review

Published - February 2019, Revell
Series - Sunrise at Normandy Book 2
Author - Sarah Sundin
Title - The Sky Above Us
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the book:
Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion. Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement. Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can't stay buried forever.


My Thoughts:
I don't think that there is a Sarah Sundin book that I haven't enjoyed. While there are some books I've liked more than others of hers, I've still enjoyed each of her books. This one was no exception.

In the first book, we met the Paxton brothers and learned what caused the rift between them. This one focuses on Adler, the middle brother. I enjoyed getting to know him. I also really enjoyed learning about D-Day through the air versus the ground. All of the stories I'd heard from my grandfather while growing up focused on the ground invasion at Normandy as that's what he was a part of. WWII books are ones that I do really enjoy. I'm looking forward to the third book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to share my opinion. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion.

Recommended to fans of WWII, Sarah Sundin, historical fiction

Rating - 4 stars

Sea Before Us - A Review

Published - February 2018, Revell
Series - Sunrise at Normandy Book 1
Author - Sarah Sundin
Title - The Sea Before Us
Format - ebook, paper
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About the Book:
It's 1944, and the world has been at war for a few years. Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London as part of the men involved in the planned Allied invasion of France. His job is to take maps and turn them in to bombardment plans. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a WREN. Dorothy spends hours piecing together maps of the French coastline based upon vacation photos from people across the nation. Her own family photos are among the submissions. Their friendship turns to love as the war escalates. Both are reluctant due to personal reasons.

My thoughts:
I loved this book! It's the start of a new series. I loved learning about how much effort went into D-Day. I had a grandfather who served in France during WWII and was part of the D-Day invasion.

Wyatt and Dorothy are both pretty complex. I loved how they were each able to see the other's struggle, but not their own. It made for a very real character. The other characters were fun to get to know as well. I hope to see some of the other WRENs in the other books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Revell Reads program. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion.

Recommended to fans of WWII, Sarah Sundin

Rating - 5 stars

Anchor in the Storm - A Review

Published - May 2016, Revell Books
Series - Waves of Freedom Book 2
Author - Sarah Sundin
Title - Anchor in the Storm
Format - ebook, paper
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Lillian Avery is thrilled to finally get a chance at being a pharmacist. With most of the young men signing up to fight, she knows that qualified pharmacists are in short supply and most don't want to take a chance on a woman let alone one who is crippled. As she settles into her job in Boston, she starts to notice something odd with specific prescriptions to be filled. It seems that the dosages are too high. Lt. Arch Vanderbilt is grateful to be alive after his ship sank. Yet he can't sleep. When he is prescribed a large dose of pills, he starts to wonder if there is a connection between the medication and his crew's performance. Comparing notes with Lillian, the two soon find themselves in the midst of something that is possibly  even more dangerous than the war. When Lillian  begins to fall for Arch, she tries to stop. But can a wartime mystery bring two lonely and hurting people together?

I have been looking forward to this book since I finished the first one in the series. I was anxious to see how Arch and Lillian would fall in love. I've  also enjoyed each book of Sarah Sundin's that I have read. But let me be honest. I struggled with this one. I'm not sure why.

The story was good, the characters were well developed, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't get into it. I did finally manage to finish the book, and I will read the third one next year.

But I've  come to the realization that I won't love every book by my favorite authors. And you know what? That's ok.

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion.

Recommend to fans of WWII fiction, Sarah Sundin, Cathy Gohkle, Kristy Cameron.

Rating: 3 stars

Through Waters Deep - A Review

Published - August 2015, Revell Books
Series - Waves of Freedom Book 1
Author - Sarah Sundin
Title - Through Waters Deep
Format - ebook, paper
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With the nation teetering on the brink of war, a sailor and a secretary renew an old acquaintance and work together to stop sabotage. Mary Stirling is good at her job. She's a secretary in Boston's Navy Yard. She tries hard not to draw attention herself, but she's concerned about the little things. That's what makes her such a great secretary. Ensign Jim Avery has been assigned to the USS Atwood. When he happens to run into Mary on the Boston docks, he's delighted to renew their high school acquaintance. Mary's changed since high school. While she's still quiet and reserved, she's not the girl she was then. Jim finds himself drawn to the pretty, quiet woman she is now. Jim's changed too. He's a Navy officer and is determined to be the best that he can. When suspicious accidents begin occurring at the Navy Yard, both Jim and Mary begin to investigate. Especially once a bomb is discovered on board the USS Atwood. But tensions are running high. And it appears that the country is heading on a fast track into the war. With Jim at sea and Mary on the shore, how can they stop who ever is causing the damage before something else happens? Will boldness be the answer for this pair who is afraid to speak what is in their hearts? Or will they allow circumstances keep them from discovering the love that is blossoming?

I've read most of Sarah Sundin's books and I was delighted when I say she was starting a new series. This time she's writing about the Navy and the cover alone on this book had me hooked. And I hadn't even opened it up yet! This one has been on my radar since last summer and is one of my top three highly anticipated books of the year. (The others being Rachel Hauck's How to Catch a Prince and Robin Jones Gunn's One More Wish).

I've discovered that I like books set in WWII. Really like them. While this one starts in the months prior to the US actually entering the war, the action starts immediately. One thing I absolutely loved about this book was that it's a bit different than Sarah's usual. This one has all the elements of a mystery to it. Maybe it's because the heroine is a huge Nancy Drew fan. I don't know. But that difference made me love it.

There were so many times that I wanted to shake both Jim and Mary! It wasn't that they didn't communicate, they did, just not about their feelings. It was more along the lines of both of them expecting the other to act just like he/she did in high school when they have both grown up and matured. I wanted Mary to fight for what she wanted and to be persistent like she was with her sleuthing. And Jim! I wanted him to realize that he needed to let her know his feelings. One thing I did love though was that both of them learned some hard lessons. Mary learned how to step into the limelight and to use her gifts. Jim learned that sometimes being bold and making a harsh decision was the right thing to do. I'm trying not to give to much away here, but I loved that part of the book.

When this one ended, it left me longing for the next book in the series. Because it'll be about Jim's sister Lillian and his buddy Arch. I'm excited to read their story because I developed a soft spot for Arch in this book and I can't wait to see how his story is fleshed out.

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Laura Frantz, Julie Lessman, WWII, Cathy Gohlke, Kate Breslin

Rating - 5 stars

Where Treetops Glisten - A Review

Published - September 2014, Waterbrook Press
Author - Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin, & Tricia Goyer
Title - Where Treetops Glisten
Format - paper, ebook
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Three siblings find hope and love at Christmas during a war torn world.

White Christmas by Cara Putman - It's been a year since Pearl Harbor and Abigail Turner tries to heal her grieving heart at the loss of her high school sweetheart in Pearl by staying busy as a college student and working at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. She doesn't feel ready for any sort of romantic relationships, at least not until she meets Jackson Lucas, a young man with a big problem. As Abigail and Jackson find their paths crossing over and over, she begins to fall for this gentle man. Can love truly heal all wounds?

My thoughts: This was a sweet story. I loved the interactions of Abigail and Jackson. I loved how he was determined to provide for his family and that Abigail's father was willing to help with his problem. Overall, this story was sweet and made me go "awe." Rating - 4 stars.

I'll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin - Pete Turner is a fighter pilot returned from the European front in December of 1943. He's hoping to find the hope and peace his time overseas has stolen from him. When he meets a little girl in desperate need of a friend, Pete finds his heart melting a little. Yet can he convince her widowed mother that he's not the same bully of a boy she once knew? And will Grace allow herself to love another man whose dangerous Army job may cost him his life?

My thoughts: This was probably my favorite of all three stories. I loved Linnie, the little girl. I loved how she just waltzed in and stole the hearts of everyone. I also loved how Pete was determined to not be the boy Grace remembered. Rating - 4.5 stars

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Tricia Goyer - In December 1944, Meredith "Merry" Turner in an Army nurse in the Netherlands. She's had her heart broken once and is wary of trusting another man. Yet when she comes into contact with the one man who broker her heart, will she listen to him or run away?

My thoughts: Of the three novellas, this is the only one set on the front lines. I loved how Merry kept trying to forget David but couldn't. I also loved how when she finally meets up with him, that they both realize how much wasn't shared that could have prevented a big misunderstanding. And the villagers in the town were pretty sweet in all that they provided for the Americans. Rating - 4 stars.

Overall thoughts: I loved how this book takes you through the entire war beginning with Christmas 1941 in the prologue and ending with Christmas 1945 in the epilogue. I think next to the Civil War period, WWII is my favorite time period to read about. I loved how all three authors tied their stories together.

I received the Kindle copy as well as a paper copy for free from Blogging for Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of WWII fiction, Sarah Sundin, Tricia Goyer, and Cara Putman.

Rating - 4 stars

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten (Or Twenty) Books Read in 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly theme hosted by The Broke & The Bookish. Feel free to join in.

This week's topic is one that I usually do on New Year's Eve. But it works for this week. This week, the topic is the top 10 books I've read in 2014. This is probably one of the hardest posts I've written. I mean, how can I narrow my list down to just 10?! I've read so many books this year that it was so hard to decide. My initial list contained over 50 titles.

So after cutting some out, here is what I came up with though.... Each title links to the review on my blog and purchase links are listed too.

Beginning with the Women's Fiction/Contemporary Category

1. Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers - this is probably the BEST book I've read this year. It was simply amazing. Buy it here.

2. The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate - Another amazing book. Buy it here.

Now for the WWII books....

3. In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin - By far, my favorite of the series. I couldn't get enough of Kay & Roger. Buy it here.

4. Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohkle - I was impressed with her book Promise Me This a couple years ago. This one was just as impressive. Buy it here.

5. For Such a Time by Kate Breslin - A beautiful retelling of Esther set against Nazi Germany. I need a copy of this! Buy it here.

Moving on to the general historical...

6. Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz - This family saga is amazing! Most of these are amazing. But I'm serious, this book, and the others in the series are well worth the time and money on these. Buy it here.

7. Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund - Probably my favorite of Jody's books. Such a gripping story. Buy it here.

8. Pelican Bride by Beth White - This was a surprise for me. I don't usually read early American history, but I really loved this book. Buy it here.

Now to the romance (both contemporary and historical)...

9. Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade - I adored this book. Absolutely adored it! I loved everything about it - the cover, the characters, the story - everything. Buy it here.

10. When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren - It's the Christiansen Family. Need I say more? I"m so excited to read the next one (soon). Buy it here.

11. A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert - I've come to expect quality from Katie. And I was not disappointed. Such a beautiful story of discovering true beauty. Buy it here.

12. Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg - Melissa's books always make me giggle. This was no exception. Buy it here.

13. Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck - I love princesses, fairy tales, happy endings. Pure fluff. Buy it here.

14. Tried & True by Mary Connealy - Probably my favorite of hers so far. I laughed all the way through it. Buy it here.

Finally, the Young Adult & Suspense books.

15. Silenced by Dani Pettery - Book 4 in the Alaskan Courage Series, Kayden finally gets her turn. And this McKenna's sister's story of love is filled with danger. But she and Jake figure it all out. Buy it here.

16. Deceived by Irene Hannon - My favorite in the series and favorite by Irene. Can Connor be any more dreamy? Buy it here.

17. The Lunar Chronicles of Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress  by Marissa Meyer - Should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. Especially lately. I've pretty much been gushing about them.  Buy them here.

 

18. Worth the Wait by Laura Jackson - Laura's debut reminded me a lot of the Christy Miller books. Buy it here.

and speaking of the Christy Miller Books,

19. Forever With You by Robin Jones Gunn - I literally squealed when I learned that Robin was writing a series about Christy & Todd and their married life. Literally squealed. Buy it here.

and finally,

20. The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson - a young adult retelling of Snow White. I still have to wonder how I missed her all this time. Buy it here.

So I couldn't cut my list to just ten. Though I did try. I left off wonderful ones of Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman, In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews, With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden, Stuck Together by Mary Connealy, Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan, Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan, Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer, and March Bride by Rachel Hauck. Seriously, there were so many delightful ones I read this year, that I couldn't list them all.

So how did you come out? What books were your favorites this year? Maybe you have a hidden gem I need to discover. Tell me in the comments.

In Perfect Time - A Review

Published - August, 2014, Revell Books a Division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - Wings of the Nightingale Book 3
Author - Sarah Sundin
Title - In Perfect Time
Format - ebook, paper
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Flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson is a beautiful, vivacious, and a flirt. She typically has several men she is seeing at one time. Yet she's never serious about any of the men. Handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper seems to be the one man immune to Kay's charms. In fact it appears that he goes out of his way to avoid her. Yet when circumstances cause Kay to seek Roger out, the two develop a tentative friendship. When they are shot down behind enemy lines, their friendship begins to bloom into something stronger and lasting. But with each wanting a different dream, and afraid of themselves, will they find their way back home?

I think that this is probably my favorite of the series. Having read all three, I've been able to watch Kay grow from cynical to forgiving. I thought that Kay was delightful. I love how she's questioning EVERYTHING she has been taught about forgiveness, love, and God.

I found Roger to be very honorable. He is the first to admit that he has made mistakes in the past, and he does all he can to avoid making the same mistakes with Kay. I also love how he is very much the spiritual leader in their relationship. I'll admit that there were times when I wanted to shake them both and just wish they'd sit down and talk to each other!

Ms. Sundin continues to show how well researched she is on WWII history and the different theaters of operation. I have her first series on my to-read list, and hope to start reading them someday soon. I'm also looking forward to her next series set on the Pacific during the war.

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Laura Frantz, Francine Rivers, Jody Hedlund, Brock & Bodie Thoene, WWII

Rating - 5 stars.

On Distant Shores - A Review

Flight nurse Lt. Georgie Taylor is serving overseas in North Africa and Italy during WWII. She followed her best friend, Rose, into the program despite the objections from her family and long time boyfriend. When she meets Sgt John Hutchinson, Hutch to all who know him, they strike up a friendship. Hutch has a degree in pharmacy and serving as a pharmacist in the 93rd Evac Hospital. Even though he has a degree, he's only an enlisted man and not an officer. He longs for two things - the war to be over so he can marry his fiance and to be an officer in the Pharmacy Corp. As their friendship develops, they both fight the attraction to each other and vow to remain true to their loved ones at home. When a tragedy sends Georgie and the other nurses in the 802nd back home, she discovers that her parents and boyfriend want her to quit the program. While she's home, Hutch also receives devastating news from home as well. Will Georgie find the strength she needs to fly again? Will Hutch learn to let go of things he'd planned for himself and to walk this new path before him? And will these two broken hearts be able to find happiness together?

When I first met Georgie in With Every Letter, I loved her. I was thrilled to be able to read her story and get into her head. I absolutely loved this book! Through the pain of broken hearts and crushed dreams, both Georgie and Hutch had to learn to let go and let God. I loved how their surrenders happen. I found the other characters to be engaging as well. Plus it was nice to catch up with Mellie and Tom from With Every Letter. Next summer cannot come soon enough to read the final book in this series and get to know Kay Jobson better!

I read this book for pure pleasure. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of WWII, Sarah Sundin, Francine Rivers, Julie Lessman

Rating - 5 stars

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

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Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. 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. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
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With Every Letter - A Review

Lt. Mellie Blake is a nurse who is serving her country during WWII. She's part of a squadron of nurses who do flight evacuations of the wounded. She agrees to take part in an anonymous letter writing campaign with a solider overseas. Her first letter finds its way into the hands of Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an engineer in the Engineer Aviation Battalion currently in North Africa. Neither are seeking a romance. Both want one true friend. Tom's surrounded by men who he laughs and jokes with, but doesn't have a true friend. Mellie doesn't fit in with the other nurses and is painfully shy. As their letters fly across the Atlantic, their souls form a special friendship. When they both end up in North Africa, they can put an end to the anonymity and reveal their true identities to each other. But will the secrets of their pasts and their fears stop them from finding true love?

This is the first book I've read by Sarah Sundin and I loved it. Both Mellie and Tom learn some painful lessons about who they are and what a true friend is as they navigate their pen pal relationship. There was one point in the story that I was sitting at my desk during lunch and wiping tears from my eyes because their fear was so heart-wrenching. I loved how they both came to depend on God in a way that they'd never done so before.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a wartime romance, WWII, or books that are deep. Fans of Julie Lessman will also enjoy this book.

I received this book for free from the publisher, Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Available in September 2012 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Rating - 5 stars