Wednesday, June 1, 2016

"anchor in the storm" by sarah sundin


Each year, I do a little happy dance when Sarah Sundin's latest release hits my mailbox. Usually, I dive right in, but this year a little thing called yearbook stood in my way. I finally (finally!) was able to start reading yesterday, and let me tell you, Anchor in the Storm is every bit as fantastic as I'd hoped it would be!

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.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: no one writes World War II era fiction like Sarah Sundin! Her writing has a way of bringing the time period to life, and the vividly drawn characters feel like friends.

Anchor in the Storm is the second book in Sundin's Waves of Freedom series, which follows members of the Avery family. This book is Lillian Avery and Arch Vandenberg's story. (Book one, Through Waters Deep, follows Lillian's brother Jim.) Though they come from vastly different backgrounds, Lillian and Arch are largely the same—both are running from past shame and are hesitant to open themselves to the possibility of love, though for vastly different reasons. Lillian wants someone who will see her as whole, rather than damaged goods due to her prosthetic leg, and Arch longs to be loved for who he is, not for his money.

Arch and Lillian are drawn together as they try to bring down a prescription drug ring, and I loved watching them inch closer and closer to one another. I also wanted to slap some sense into each of them at times, but their reactions to certain circumstances always rang true, even when I was frustrated by them. Also, Arch's journey goes in a direction I did not ever anticipate, and it's so perfect and satisfying.

Anchor in the Storm is a book that will captivate you from beginning to end while transporting you into the fascinating world of Boston during World War II. I loved every second I spent reading it, and I almost wish I could start it all over again! 5 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Sundin's Through Waters Deep (5 stars), With Every Letter (5 stars), On Distant Shores (5 stars), In Perfect Time (5 stars), and Blue Skies Tomorrow (5 stars).

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.


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


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for the lovely review, Becky! I'm so glad you enjoyed Arch & Lillian's story!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for writing it, Sarah! I can't wait to read the next one :-)

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