Monday, May 30, 2016

Anchor in the Storm


Anchor in the Storm
Waves of Freedom (Book 2)
Sarah Sundin
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800723439
May 2016/400 pages/$14.99

One plucky female pharmacist + one high-society naval officer = romance—and danger

For plucky 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 brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget.



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. Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.



MY THOUGHTS

I love Sarah Sundin's World War II novels, and this is one of her best. The second in her Waves of Freedom series, Anchor in the Storm reads well as a stand-alone, although those who read Through Waters Deep will enjoy seeing Jim and Mary frequently throughout this book. While I always pictured World War II as "over there" (as the title of George M Cohan's song, popular in both world wars, declares!), Sundin accurately depicts the presence of German U-boats in the Atlantic near the eastern seaboard and our sailors' heroic efforts to keep the war from U.S. soil. The personal struggles they endured as a result of the horrors of war are also presented. As always, Sundin's characters are authentic, complex, and perfectly portrayed for the time period. I cheered for Lillian as she sought to overcome multiple obstacles as a woman and as someone whose physical challenge was harshly judged by almost everyone she encountered, as well as for Arch, who is fighting his own demons from previous wrong choices in addition to his own emotional scars from war. Struggles with their faith are realistically portrayed. Mystery and danger escalate as Arch and Lillian investigate the prescription drug ring. As for romance, it is much deeper than starry eyes in the moonlight! Compelling and satisfying, Anchor in the Storm is a must for your summer reading list.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Baker/Revell Publishing & Litfuse Publicity Group for a blog tour. 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.”


WAVES OF FREEDOM - My Reviews
Through Waters Deep


In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book, Anchor in the Storm. 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?

Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

anchor in the storm - 400 

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
LF AIS full group 2 

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.

anchor in the storm - banner


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1 comment:

Sarah Sundin said...

Thanks for the lovely review, Linda! I'm so glad you enjoyed Arch & Lillian's story!