A Distant Melody

Until the last year or so, I had not read many novels set in World War II. But it seems that the era of the Greatest Generation is becoming a new niche in the Christian fiction market.

A Distant Melody is the debut novel of Sarah Sundin, and I can already tell she is going to be a new favorite of mine. She has crafted a story that kept me riveted as I followed the lives of Allie and Walt. I ached for Allie, whose mother continually finds fault with her looks and behavior; convinced no one else will have her, Allie reluctantly consents to marry the man her father is grooming to take over his business. Then there is poor Walt, who is tongue-tied when he has to converse with any woman who is eligible for dating and marriage. When their mutual love of music leads them to forge an unexpected friendship after meeting at a mutual friend's wedding, Allie promises she'll write to Walt so he'll have news and encouragement from the home front. As their correspondence continues and Walt's combat missions become more dangerous, their friendship deepens and Allie's dissatisfaction with her lot in life increases. This book made me a bit wistful for the long-gone days of letter-writing, the pouring out of the heart that just doesn't work with texting!

The historical setting, the uncertainty birthed by the war, the social expectations and boundaries of this era and the slowly blossoming romance combine in a multi-faceted story that is truly satisfying. I look forward to more books in this Wings of Glory series!

BOOK SUMMARY:
Will a chance meeting in a time of war change her life forever?

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love. While Allie has nearly resigned herself to that fate, Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas.

Walt and Allie meet and begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

Book 1 in the Wings of Glory series, A Distant Melody is an exciting and tender story of love, courage, and sacrifice during World War II.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of A Distant Melody. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Learn more about her at her website.


A Distant Melody is available directly from Revell Books or other booksellers.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”