Review: "Until Leaves Fall in Paris" by Sarah Sundin

Every year, I eagerly anticipate Sarah Sundin's new release, and, so far, I've always been completely charmed by the book when I read it. This year was no different!

Review: "When Twilight Breaks" by Sarah Sundin

I've long said that Sarah Sundin writes some of the best World War II fiction out there. Her latest release, When Twilight Breaks, is a bit different, as it's set in Germany in the years just prior to the War's outbreak, but it's just as excellent as - if not even better than - her previous novels.

Review: "The Land Beneath Us" by Sarah Sundin

Wow, did I have a great reading weekend or what?!? On Friday, I finished up Jessica Kate's romantic comedy A Girl's Guide to the Outback (see my review here), and then I spent hours on Saturday and Sunday reading The Land Beneath Us. Both books were wonderful!

Review: "The Sky Above Us" by Sarah Sundin

Oh, this book! I preordered it, so it arrived in my mailbox on release day, but it kept getting pushed out of the way in favor of review books. But I knew I had several hours in the car ahead of me at the beginning of the week, so I threw it in my purse. And then once I started reading, I couldn't stop!

"The Sea Before Us" by Sarah Sundin

It's a great day when I can open up a new Sarah Sundin book! For some reason, though, I'm always a bit nervous when her new book is the first in a series—maybe because I've loved her previous series so much that I'm afraid the new one won't measure up. Well, that's not a problem with her new Sunrise at Normandy series—I absolutely loved The Sea Before Us!

Best Books of 2017: Top Ten

Thank you, snow day, for giving me the time to work on this today! Otherwise, it might've been March before I finished (like it was last year)!

"When Tides Turn" by Sarah Sundin

Lately, I've been in a bit of a reading slump. It's not that I haven't read enjoyable books, but I've only had three 5-star reads so far this year, and I finished the last one (For Love & Honor) at the end of February. I was absolutely ready for another "I love this book so much and I can't put it down and I wish it wouldn't end" kind of read ... and, happily, that's exactly what I found with When Tides Turn.

Best Books of 2016: Top Ten (Plus Two!)

So ... I'm a little embarrassed to even post this now. It's March 1. I have never been so late with my "best of" list before. I don't even have an excuse; I just kept procrastinating!

top ten tuesday: all-time favorite inspy romances

For this week's Top Ten Tuesday, the topic is Top Ten ALL TIME Favorite Books of ___ Genre. That's pretty wide open, and I contemplated several topics as I drove today. (We had our annual yearbook conference in a town 45 minutes away, so I had a 90-minute drive time to think.) I wanted to be creative. I wanted to do the unexpected. But when it comes right down to it, they say to write what you know, and what do I know?

Inspy Romance.

I couldn't bear to rank them, so, listed by year of publication, here are my Top Ten Inspy (aka inspirational, aka Christian) Romances.

1990's

At the yearbook conference today, we talked about how yearbooks from the 80's look like they were made in the 80's ... well, these books from the 90's certainly look like they came from the 90's!

1994

Wings of the Morning by Lori Wick. I haven't read this book in years, but I still remember it vividly. Lori Wick was my favorite author of the mid-to-late-90's, and Wings of the Morning is my second favorite of her novels. A handsome sea captain, an independent woman, and pirates ... what more could you want?

1995

Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick. I probably read this ten times in high school alone. I also loaned it out to all my friends, which is why my copy is in such horrible shape. Like Wings of the Morning, I haven't read it in years, but it will always be one of my favorites.

1997

Sunsets by Robin Jones Gunn. I loved the whole Glenbrooke series, and Sunsets was my favorite installment, I think because it featured Alyssa, a character from the Christy Miller series.

2000's

2008

The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter. This marriage of convenience story is still one of my favorites! It was recently made into a Hallmark movie which was good, but the book is better! (my review)

2010's

2011

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin. This book, the first of Sundin's I ever read, was my favorite book of 2011. Sundin's World War II novels are some of my most anticipated reads each year. (my review)

2012

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade. Kate & Matt's story was my favorite of 2012, and I knew the instant I began reading it that Becky Wade was destined to become one of my favorite authors. (my review)

2013

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay. This epistolary novel is unlike anything else I've ever read, and it was my favorite book of 2013. I've only read it once, but I'm thinking it's time for another go at it! (my review)

2014

2014 was a very good year for inspy romance—my final three books are from this year!

Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter. I absolutely loved Denise Hunter's Chapel Springs series, and this—about pregnant, unmarried Jade and Daniel, the man who has secretly loved her for years—is my favorite installment. (my review)

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren. While I enjoyed the first two Christiansen Family books, book three, When I Fall in Love, is the one that made me go "all in" on this series. Max and Grace have the sweetest story! (my review)

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade. If you forced me to name an absolute favorite novel, this would be it. I love Ty (swoon!). I love Celia. I love their daughter Addie. Needless to say, it was my favorite book of 2014. I've read it twice already, and you can bet I'll be reading it again! (my review)

What's your favorite inspy romance? I'd love to know! And if you made your own list this week, leave a link in the comments, and I'll be sure to visit.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an 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."

"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!

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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.

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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).

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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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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!

 

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 the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.

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."

best books of 2015: top ten

Yesterday, I posted my "honorable mention" list of books I read in 2015, and today it's time for the main event: my top ten favorite reads of 2015! (Remember, these are books I read in 2015; a few were released in previous years.)

10. The Imposter by Suzanne Woods Fisher (my review)

Amish novels don't often make my list of favorite reads, but this latest release from Suzanne Woods Fisher is simply spectacular. Full of humor, romance, and intriguing characters, The Imposter also deals with problems within the leadership of an Amish church district, making it unusual and fascinating.

9. The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble (my review)

Colleen Coble is at the top of her game with The Inn at Ocean's Edge. I find that often romantic suspense falters on either the "romantic" or "suspense" part—but The Inn at Ocean's Edge has both romance and suspense in spades. It's easily the best book I read in the genre in 2015.

8. The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson (my review)

Hands down my favorite YA read of the year, The Golden Braid is a wholly entertaining retelling of Rapunzel. It's one of those books you could hand off to your preteen daughter with no concern, yet you'll fully enjoy yourself. I can't wait to read more from Dickerson!

7. The Lost Garden by Katharine Swartz (my review)

Easily my favorite book cover of 2015, The Lost Garden is beautiful and literary and gently romantic. I had never heard of Katharine Swartz before picking up this novel, but I'll definitely be watching for her work now!

6. For the Love by Jen Hatmaker (my review)

The only non-fiction book on my list, For the Love was truly life changing, in more ways than one. The content of the book caused me to reevaluate several things in my life; the community that sprung out of the book's launch team also changed me. I'm ever so grateful for this book!

5. A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade (my review)

It's no surprise to find a Becky Wade book on this list: I have yet to come across something she wrote that I didn't love. In A Love Like Ours, she gives readers two romances for the price of one: Lyndie & Jake and Amber & Will. Both are charming.

4. The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren (my review)

Another year, another Christiansen family entry in my top ten list. (It could just as easily be Always on My Mind, Casper Christiansen's story, on this list, but I decided long ago to only include one book per author on my top ten lists!) The Wonder of You tells Amelia Christiansen's story, and it also checks back in on Max and Grace, whose story began in It Had to Be You, which made my top ten list last year. I have loved this series so much, and I'm sad that it's nearing its end.

3. Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin (my review)

Sarah Sundin kicked off her new Waves of Freedom series with Through Waters Deep, a novel just as engaging as all of her previous ones. While I usually gravitate toward contemporary fiction, I have a soft spot for the World War II time period, and I don't think there's anyone who writes better World War II fiction than Sundin. The characters, romance, and plot of Through Waters Deep are all top notch, and I eagerly await the next book in the series!

2. The Bound Heart by Dawn Crandall (my review)

I read the first three novels in The Everstone Chronicles in 2015, and while I enjoyed them all, I loved, loved, loved The Bound Heart. Lawry and Meredyth's romance is sweet, frustrating, and passionate. I started reading The Bound Heart one evening and stayed up way too late so I could finish it. Easily my favorite romance of 2015!

1. A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert (my review)

I don't even have the words to describe how much I loved this novel! Though it's marketed as a romance, I didn't find it that romantic, at least in the conventional way. Instead, it felt like a romance between God and His children. One of the themes of the novel is forging ahead with faith when life doesn't turn out as planned—something I think we all can identify with! I know I haven't done an adequate job of describing just why this novel is special, but take my word for it: you want to read A Broken Kind of Beautiful.

So there's my list. What about yours? If you posted a top books list this year, please leave a link in the comments so we can all check it out. And if you didn't, you could just list your favorites in a comment. I'd love to know if we loved any of the same books!

See my lists from 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.


Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.”

"through waters deep" by sarah sundin

To say my experience reading Sarah Sundin's newest novel, Through Waters Deep, was interactive would be an understatement. I actually spoke to certain characters as the book progressed because their actions, while noble, were also incredibly frustrating! And the fact that I cared so much is a testament to just how engaging Sundin's novels are.

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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.

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While I enjoy reading a wide variety of books, I only really keep up with a handful of authors, eagerly anticipating their next release. Sarah Sundin is one of those authors, and I've been looking forward to Through Waters Deep for the past year.

It did not disappoint.

I loved Jim and Mary, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them fall in love. Their romance was a bit frustrating, though, as they both did a great job of keeping their emotions hidden. In fact, their romance (or lack therof) caused me to do something I haven't done in years—I actually flipped to the back of the book and read the last few pages when I was only about halfway finished with the book because I just had to be sure everything would turn out well!

From the moment Mary's friend Quintessa was mentioned, I figured I knew where the story was headed--and I did have it figured out for the most part. What I didn't count on was the depth of Jim's character, and he took the story in a bit of a different direction than I expected.

Mary has to be one of my favorite heroines in recent memory. She reminds me a bit of myself--like Mary, I hate being the center of attention, an incident in my childhood caused me to withdraw from the limelight, I've never been a guy magnet, and I would probably respond like Mary did if I was in a situation like she found herself in with Jim! So while her actions were at times frustrating, I understood--and I was thrilled for her when she faced her fears and went after what she wanted!

In addition to the romance between Mary and Jim, Through Waters Deep contains a fascinating mystery about a saboteur at the Navy Yard. The mystery unravelled slowly, and it was fun to watch Mary put the pieces together.

Overall, Through Waters Deep fits perfectly into Sundin's brand, and I can't wait to get my hands on next year's novel! 5 stars.

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

Note: Shoutout to my friend Jen, who commented that she thought the guy on the cover looked like Ryan Reynolds. Now when I look at the cover, all I can see is Ryan. (It's all in the top half of his head--the mouth isn't quite right.)

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Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, In Perfect Time, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014,On Distant Shores was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. 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 in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter


Dive into Sarah Sundin's explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. 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 in the midst of their budding romance.

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Through Waters Deep
• A nautical tote bag
• A set of compass rose notecards
• A "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
• A Through Waters Deep apron
• A set of nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah's blog.

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."

best books of 2014: top 10

According to my Pinterest board, I reviewed 88 books in 2014. I'm not sure I remembered to pin all of my reviews, and I did read a few books that I didn't review, so I'm guessing that I read between 90 and 100 books during 2014. That's insane! I enjoyed—even loved—the vast majority of books that I read this year. It really seems like the inspirational market was on fire in 2014—there were just so many great books published, and I still have a bunch of titles on my TBR list. Here's hoping 2015 is just as good!

I had a really difficult time narrowing my list of best books down to ten, but after much debate, I did it ... though I will list some honorable mentions at the end. (Note that these are books that I read in 2014; they may have been published earlier.)

10. An October Bride by Katie Ganshert (my review)

I read each of Zondervan's Year of Weddings novellas, and An October Bride was my favorite. I absolutely love fake dating/engagement stories (almost as much as I love marriage of convenience stories), and Ganshert's novella nears perfection. Plus, it can be read in about an hour, making for a really enjoyable evening.

9. Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck (my review)

I'm absolutely loving Hauck's Royal Weddings series, and Princess Ever After was a pure delight. If you like fairy tales with a side of reality, then this is the book for you! (Also note that you don't need to have previously read Once Upon a Prince in order to enjoy Princess Ever After.)

8. All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant (my review)

If you enjoy cooking competition shows like I do (my most recent fave was Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship), you'll love Betsy St. Amant's romance/behind-the-scenes look at a Food Network-ish show. Plus, the cover is to die for!

7. Luminary by Krista McGee (my review)

This may seem like an odd choice, since I also read the wonderful conclusion to McGee's Anomaly series in 2014. I gave both books 5 stars, but I enjoyed Luminary just a bit more. I think it was because it focused on Thalli's introduction to the world outside of the State, and Revolutionary (the final book) takes place almost entirely in the State. Both books are fantastic (as is Anomaly, which was #9 on my best of 2013 list); I just liked Luminary a bit more.

6. Silenced by Dani Pettrey (my review)

Finally in 2014, Pettrey gave us the story we'd been waiting years for—Jake and Kayden's story! (At least I'd been waiting years for it!) Silenced is the fourth book in Pettrey's fantastic Alaskan Courage series. Not only is the romance wonderful (and long overdue!), but the suspense in Silenced felt so much more, well, suspenseful than in the previous novels. Read this book ... but read the others in the series first (Submerged, Shattered, Stranded)!

5. A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga (my review)

Of all the books on the list, A Promise in Pieces surprised me the most. When it arrived in my mailbox, I thought, Why on earth did I request this book? Then I started reading. Not only is the story completely captivating, but this book is also responsible for the top "ugly cry" of the year. I was practically sobbing! A Promise in Pieces is so much more than a romance—it's a beautifully written, life-affirming masterpiece. (And I still say that Hallmark should make it into a movie!)

4. In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin (my review)

Is it any surprise a Sarah Sundin book landed on my list? Each year that I've compiled a list (2011, 2012, 2013), a Sundin book has made the cut. 2014 couldn't be the odd man out! In Perfect Time is the perfect (ha, ha) conclusion to Sundin's Wings of the Nightingale series, and I think it's probably my favorite of the three books in the series. Now I'm eagerly awaiting Sundin's next release!

3. Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter (my review)

Dancing with Fireflies is the second book in Hunter's Chapel Springs series to make one of my "Best of" lists—Barefoot Summer was #10 on my 2013 list. Where Barefoot Summer was wonderful, Dancing with Fireflies was simply phenomenal. In fact, for much of the year I thought it would end up in the top spot. It did get edged out (barely), but it's still one of the best books I've read in a long time.

2. When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren (my review)

The love that I feel for Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series knows no bounds. In fact, this is one series that I think I could happily reread (and I very rarely reread books). While I completely adored Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You (though I never reviewed them ...), I fell head over heels for When I Fall in Love. Grace Christiansen is my favorite book heroine of 2014, probably because I see bits of myself in her. Because of the way Warren is writing this series, with one book flowing into the next, you really need to begin with Take a Chance on Me and just dive into the series. Trust me; you want to read these books!

1. Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade (my review)

In 2012, I read Wade's My Stubborn Heart and immediately knew I'd found another writer to watch. (That book ended up in the #1 spot on my Best of 2012 list.) While I enjoyed her follow-up novel, Undeniably Yours, I didn't have the same connection with that book that I'd had with My Stubborn Heart. (Don't get me wrong—I liked it. A lot. But it just wasn't quite as good as My Stubborn Heart.) So I went into Meant to Be Mine a bit cautiously, wondering if Wade could capture the magic of My Stubborn Heart again. And she did! I read Meant to Be Mine in one evening (and early morning)—I simply couldn't put it down! Not only was the romance sizzling hot (without crossing the line), but the characters were some of the most realistic that you'll find in the inspirational market. Celia and Ty were certainly not perfect ... and that made them even more likable. Even now, I'm itching to read the book again. It's so, so good!

Honorable Mention (because I couldn't stop at 10):
A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher (my review)
Take A Chance on Me, It Had to be You, and Evergreen (my review) by Susan May Warren
A May Bride by Meg Moseley (my review)
Friend Me by John Fabion (my review)
Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin (my review)

There are my favorites ... what did you love reading in 2014?

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.”

"where treetops glisten" by tricia goyer, cara putman, & sarah sundin

Christmas novellas set in my favorite historical time period written by some of my favorite authors? Yes, please!

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The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America's involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman's White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements---until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail's brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin's I'll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete's friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he's no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, "Merry" to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that's precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God's providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ's birth and His plan for a future?

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Where Treetops Glisten begins at Christmas 1941 with a prologue (written by Sundin) that introduces the reader to the Turner family. Each novella also takes place at Christmas, each one a year later than the previous.

White Christmas is a sweet story about spunky heroine Abigail Turner and her quest to confront her greatest fear. Along the way, she meets Jackson, a man who's desperate to save his family's farm. This novella is charming and heartwarming, and it easily kept my attention from beginning to end. 4 stars.

I'll Be Home For Christmas is a gentle, wonderfully romantic story about a fighter pilot, the woman he used to bully, and her precocious daughter. It's exactly the kind of story Sarah Sundin's fans love, and my only complaint is that it's too short, and I have to wait until next August to read her next novel! 5 stars.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas takes the action to war-torn Europe near the close of World War II. While the romance aspect is there, I most enjoyed Merry's work as a nurse in a field hospital. This is a sweet story about a woman rediscovering her purpose and joy. 4-1/2 stars.

The collection wraps up with an epilogue (written by Putman) set one year after Merry's story, and it nicely updates each sibling's story.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable book, and it's perfect for a snowy day! I would highly recommend it to fans of the World War II era and to fans of these authors. 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of other books by Goyer, Putman, and Sundin.

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TRICIA GOYER is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger.
Website, Facebook, Twitter

CARA PUTMAN is the author of twenty books including Shadowed by Grace. She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction.
Website, Facebook, Twitter

SARAH SUNDIN is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels.
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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 an 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."

"in perfect time" by sarah sundin

About the book: Bold, sophisticated, and flirtatious, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.

Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don't want to go.

Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts?

My take: Every summer, I eagerly anticipate the day when Sarah Sundin's latest novel will arrive in my mailbox. As I open the book, I'm transported back to World War II, and I find myself captivated from the beginning of the novel to the end. That's exactly what happened when I picked up In Perfect Time. I knew from past experience with author Sarah Sundin's novels that I would most likely love this one, too ... and I did!

In Perfect Time is flirtatious nurse Kay and prankster pilot Roger's story. I "knew" these two from the previous two books in this series, so it was fun to have them come to the forefront in In Perfect Time. Both Kay and Roger change dramatically through the novel, but the changes feel organic, not forced. Kay's journey to faith is very touching, especially in light of her background. (This also served as a reminder to me not to judge people—you never know what someone may have gone through to make her the way she is.) The romance is very sweet, if a bit frustrating at times. I often wanted to shake some sense into Roger, though I get why he acted as he did. And there is a great resolution to the romantic conflict, complete with a grand gesture that may have brought tears to my eyes.

I also loved seeing Mellie and Tom (With Every Letter) and Georgie and Hutch (On Distant Shores) again, and it was great to watch their stories resolve, as well. (Don't worry, though—while In Perfect Time is the third book in the Wings of the Nightingale series, you could easily read it without having read the previous novels. That said, you really should read the whole series because it's simply delightful!)

Taking place in Italy, India, France, and the United States, this story spans the globe as it covers the final years of World War II. While I'm sad to see the series end, I'm eagerly anticipating Sundin's new Waves of Freedom series—the first novel releases next summer!

My rating: 5 stars

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Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Sundin's With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and Blue Skies Tomorrow.

About the author: Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. 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 in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

About the giveaway:  Don't miss Sarah Sundin's hot-off-the-press novel, In Perfect Time. Publishers Weekly gives it an enthusiastic thumbs up: “Sundin excels at well-researched historical detail . . . with such accurate depictions of culture and setting that we are fully immersed in the times as well as in the story. The strength of relationships forged in war and the apprehension of God in times of trouble infuse this well-crafted novel with substance and light.”

Sarah is celebrating the release of her book with a fun giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• The Wings of the Nightingale Series (With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and In Perfect Time)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. Winner will be announced August 25th at Sarah's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Sarah's blog on the 25th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

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."