Book Review: When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin

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Title: When Tides Turn

Author: Sarah Sundin

Series: Waves of Freedom #3

Genre: Historical Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tess Beaumont is tired of being thought of as just a pretty face. Eager to do her part for the war effort, she joins the Navy's newly established WAVES program for women. Perhaps there she can convince people that there is more to her than meets the eye.

Lt. Dan Avery has been using his skills in the fight against German U-boats and hoping to make admiral. The last thing he wants to see on his radar is a girl like Tess. Convinced that romance will interfere with his goals, Dan is determined to stay the course, no matter how intriguing a distraction Tess is.

But love, like war, is unpredictable. When Dan is shipped out at the peak of the Battle of the Atlantic, he finds himself torn between his lifelong career goals and his desire to help the beguiling Tess root out a possible spy on shore. Could this fun-loving glamour girl really be the one?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Absolutely amazing and well worth the wait! Filled with adventure, friendship, faith, romance, hard lessons, emotion, and a bit of danger, When Tides Turn made me so in love with reading. ❤ 

I'm always excited to dive into another book from Sarah Sundin. She brings the 1940s and World War II to life, and sucks me into the lives of her sweet, dear characters. Quintessa Beaumont was quite lovable with her vibrant personality. It was exciting to get her story, and watch her work through life issues, recognize her faults, and become such a beautiful person. And Lt. Dan Avery! I just loved him. And it was so adorable how Tess brought out the color in him. I feel like Sarah Sundin did such a great job bringing to life the uniqueness and complexity of these two characters, and their relationship with each other.

I love how these books center on one family. Seeing Mary, Jim, Lillian, and Arch again was amazing. So sweet.

The historical aspect, the mystery, the character growth, the humor, the friendships, and romances ... What can I say? Stunning, as usual. 

A thoroughly enjoyable, lovely, and meaningful finale to the WAVES OF FREEDOM series. Can hardly wait to read more of this author's work!

Book Review: Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

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Title: Anchor in the Storm

Author: Sarah Sundin

Series: Waves of Freedom #2

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

Another heart-warming, suspenseful, and altogether fabulous WWII novel from Sarah Sundin! I'm always delighted to hear another book is coming from this author - love her stories! Anchor in the Storm is book two of the WAVES OF FREEDOM series, and it does not disappoint!

Lillian Avery is a young woman struggling to get by unnoticed with her prosthetic leg, shutting people out as well as she's hiding her secrets within.

     Archer Vandenberg, a naval officer, struggles with nerves and is determined not to be trapped in a sinking ship, or in a marriage with a woman seeking riches, ever.

   With dark pasts to face, and mysteries unfolding around the corner, Lillian and Avery must learn to trust God ... and each other.

I loved getting Lillian's story! We were introduced to her in the first book as main character Jim's younger sister. And, of course, Arch is Jim's best friend! And now we get to see what's really going on their lives. *smiles* In Anchor in the Storm, we also got glimpses of lovebirds, Jim and Mary, and other familiar characters such as Quintessa and Yvette. Can't wait for Book 3 to see more from Quintessa!

Sarah Sundin does a superb job writing stories set during World War II. I enjoyed learning about the US navy, surviving breathless attacks from German U-boats, tagging along with Lillian as she gets a job as a pharmacist in the 1940s, and just fun peeks at life in general during that era. So well-written and researched! Ah. I just so enjoy these books! ^_^ Also am loving the dash of mystery Mrs. Sundin has been adding to this series. Intrigue and danger and plucky heroines determined to solve a case! *grins* Though sometimes grim, it's been fun and suspenseful as well.

I always like the messages, themes, and lessons woven throughout these books. Anchor in the Storm was no different. It had a beautiful faith aspect to it, and some real heart-searching and changing went on. I love the facing of past bad experiences and pain. The emotion. The healing. So beautiful and poignant. I like characters that have issues and struggles just like we do. I like seeing them cry out to God, and find His strength, just like we can! So yes, some truly soulful and touching moments.

The romance was heartwarming and meaningful overall. A gentle and sweet pursuit was especially fun to read! After that, I did feel that kisses were exchanged quicker and more often than was prudent ... so that's my firm opinion on that. But overall, it was lovely. Friendship. Blossoming romance. Learning to trust. Making mistakes. Fighting for something beautiful and worthwhile. Aww.

I rate Anchor in the Storm 4.5 stars. It left me feeling satisfied, my heart warmed, and excitedly awaiting the next book! Fans of WWII historical, you absolutely must read all Sarah Sundin's novels! ^_^

I received a copy of Anchor in the Storm from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest review.