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.
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 Impressions:
For a romance featuring the Greatest Generation, your must-read author is Sarah Sundin. With the perfect blending of historical detail, complex characters and well-crafted story, Anchor in The Storm is another recommended read. Sarah’s novels just keep getting better and better!
Anchor in The Storm again takes place in Boston in the early days of WWII. The Navy is struggling to perform its duties amidst the terror of the German U-Boat. Sarah’s historical research is spot-on as she creates a world readying for war. Old and new characters are featured in the novel with the story focusing on Lillian Avery and Arch Vandenberg. Lillian and Arch are not your typical romantic characters. Lillian is an amputee in a day when she is labelled crippled. Arch suffers from PTSD, something that even in today’s modern world is at best misunderstood and at worst ignored or denied. Both struggle with the perceptions of others and this affects their emotions and actions in almost every way. They try to overcome hardship and fears through their own power, ignoring the strength that God provides in weakness. The plot contains elements of mystery and suspense that kept me turning the pages and drew the characters closer together. Yay! — history, mystery and romance all in one volume!
Sarah always weaves a message of faith and hope in her novels. In Anchor in The Storm, characters and readers are reminded that Jesus is the anchor of their lives in the midst of any storm. While life today may not be like that of 1942 America, uncertainty and anxiety still make their way into our lives. I needed to hear that message again. Viewing disability through the eyes of those in this story was sometimes painful. No politically correct responses here! But it made me think of those unspoken views that I may hold when coming face to face with those different from me. Bravo, Sarah, for making me rethink my own reactions and perceptions.
Anchor in The Storm exceeded my expectations, making this novel my favorite so far from a very talented author. So if you are looking for a book to take you away, then look no further! Please note: Anchor in The Storm is book 2 in the Waves of Freedom series. It is not necessary to read book 1, Through Waters Deep, first, but I would recommend you do just that. This is a great series — you won’t want to miss any part!
Highly Recommended!
Audience: older teens to adults.
To purchase this book, click HERE.
(Thanks to LitFuse and Revell for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
GIVEAWAY!
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 HERE. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.
I love Sarah Sundin and have read all of her books! Looking forward to this one.
It’s a great one!
Thank you for the lovely review! I’m so glad you enjoyed Arch & Lillian’s story!
You are welcome! Looking forward to book 3!