Not all are as they appear... Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin (Blog Tour Review)


I've been looking forward to this one ever since reading and loving the first book in this series (review here). It did not disappoint. See what I thought and enter the giveaway below...

Anchor in the Storm (Waves of Freedom #2)Anchor in the Storm
(Waves of Freedom #2)
by Sarah Sundin

Christian Historical Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 400 Pages
May 3rd 2016 by Fleming H. Revell Company

Summary

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.

  
  
(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

ANCHOR IN THE STORM surpassed my expectations with its historical setting, fabulous characters, sweet and turbulent romance, heartfelt inspiration, and some climatic suspense. If you enjoy Christian historical romantic suspense or Sundin's other novels, then this is a must read!

I loved Lillian and Arch almost from the get-go. Especially in how they almost immediately fall into romantic tension and attraction, but Lillian wants nothing to do with Arch and Arch sticks his foot in his mouth multiple times. There was humor, fun conversations, heartfelt moments, inner dialogue that showed how these characters doubt and grow and struggle, serious moments as well as hurtful ones (that made me want to cry), and then these sweet and romantic moments... I also loved who these characters are. They're so much stronger than they believe, courageous, intelligent, and kind. 

I loved the secondary characters, such as Lillian's roommates, the elderly neighbor, Lillian's grouchy boss, some of Arch's crew, and Lillian's family (especially Jim). There was a feeling of friendship and family that I enjoyed.

The author did a marvelous job in allowing the reader to feel immersed in this historical period and in what the characters did at work, what they wore, how things were rationed during the war, as well as medical and technological advances (or lack of) at the time. I felt like I could picture it all. She also was honest in her depictions of the navy with Arch's experience on his ship and the way he and other men felt, without getting too gory.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes, and so much more! The romance, heartfelt struggle with trusting in God, and the suspense climaxed beautifully and had me fully absorbed in this story. Highly recommend!

Content: Some violence, but clean.

Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity, which did not affect my review in any way.

Other Books in the Series

Through Waters Deep (Waves of Freedom, #1)
Through Waters Deep
(Waves of Freedom #1)
by Sarah Sundin

Adult Historical Christian Romance, Suspense
Hardcover, paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 4th 2015 by Fleming H. Revell Company

Summary

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.

Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them.

Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.

  
 
(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Sarah Sundin is the author of Through Waters Deep, as well as Wings of the Nightingale and the Wings of Glory series. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force. Sarah lives in California.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

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


Did you read the first book in this series or any of Sarah's other books?

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