Anchor in the Storm (Waves Of Freedom) by Sarah Sundin

Christian historical romance, murder and mystery, with characters you'll love.

I've read a lot of series, and I've dearly loved many. But this is the first time as I read the first few paragraphs that I instantly knew/remembered each and every character in the series - they came to life once more.  Sarah's writing makes the characters memorable and I've especially enjoyed these. I read a little each night before going to bed; I rarely have the time to sit and just read as long as I like anymore. I so look forward to picking the story back up each evening. It was so hard to put this down and not read it all the way through at one time.  I found myself from time to time during the day wondering if Arch thought or did this or if  Lillian did that.

This book is perfectly named - each of the lead characters rely on God as their anchor in the storms they weather during the difficult times of WW2. Arch is a wealthy aristocrat who finds solace in a Navy career, until he's been through horrible war situations that have left him with battle fatigue. They called it 'weak nerves' back then and didn't recognize it for what it was - often ending their military career. He ends up falling for his best friend's sister. A beautiful girl who lost part of her leg when she was younger and people look down on her because of it. She went to school and became a pharmacist, then moved to Boston where her brother found her a job at a drug store. While she's working she notices something isn't quite right with the prescriptions being dispensed there. Arch notices that many of his Navy colleagues are also having symptoms of battle fatigue, and some are taking medication that is dulling their senses. They begin putting things they've noticed together, and soon they're both in great danger.  Each has finally found someone who loves them for themselves, just as they are, but they're afraid to take that chance. They both have issues with trust, and push each other away as much as they're drawn to one another. As usual, Sarah has written this so well that you feel you know the characters personally. You don't have to read the previous book, but I highly recommend it as well.  I'm glad that we will have Quintessa and Dan's tale next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group, Revell and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”.

From Booklist in their May 15 issue:
Following the celebrated Through Waters Deep (2015), Sundin returns to the Boston Navy Yard in the latest installment in her Waves of Freedom series. With riveting doses of intrigue and inspiration, this delightfully unexpected plot is driven by action and balanced by iconic 1940s elements. Readers will be swept up by the novel's chilling dramatic irony, heartwarming charm, and rich naval history as Sundin tells a compelling story of rising above appearances and finding one's true anchor in faith.

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'Til We Meet Again, A Memoir of Love and War by Betty & Ray Whipps

What a good book! 
I love Christian Historical Fiction - but this goes one better, because it's biographical. It's one thing for people to live through experiences like this, but to tell the tale so well is a talent.  I highly recommend this for any WW1 WW2 enthusiasts, as well as for anyone who wants an engrossing story. There's no doubt that the scenes described are real. The things that Ray went through and survived to tell are,  well, incredible that he survived it, horrific that he experienced it. And what it was like for Betty. What it takes to be a nurse during a war, the dedication to leave home and nurture lives of people you've never met before - who've had such damage to their bodies and minds.

Then to begin young love, and go through such trials of separation, faithfulness and belief. There is strong Christian faith throughout, lessons and demonstrations. It's so well told, you don't want to put it down. I can't give higher praise for a book - I would give it 10 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Book trailer - video of Ray and Betty Whipp

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A Reason to Stay, A Texas Gold Novel, by Kellie Coates Gilbert

 

For the most part I stick to historical fiction, but this is based loosely on events that happened in the more recent past. Faith Marin is a talented investigative reporter, whose star is on the rise.  She has a rigid expectation for her life, with deep rooted issues her guiding force. Then Geary comes into her life - a relaxed professional angler, from a preacher's family.

Their love story has constant up and downs. Faith is not used to the loving, Christian family she marries into and resists it. Her God is her career, until a series of events bring about a major change in her life and her family. Very well written. The Christian message is very softly told, could have been illustrated better. But you'll want to read to the very end to reach the fullness of the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher from Revell and  Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

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The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

I didn't want to put this down.

Excellent Christian Historical Romance set in 1815 Devonshire, England. As in Julie's other books, you build immediate empathy for Sophie, the Painter's Daughter as she's been deserted by the man she fell in love with.  But his brother comes in to the rescue and marries her. Of course she is not of their class, and their family doesn't approve of her.  And she's a painter in her own right, but women painters were not accepted at the time. The intensity builds throughout the story, including scenes from a battle with Napoleon.  Not a quick read, but fully enjoyable - you won't be bored! Don't you just love that cover?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baker Publishing Group, Bethany - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html

From the book:

Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the cliffside path along the north Devon coast, popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works. But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and sailed away to Italy in search of a new muse.

Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows?

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Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson

This has been SUCH a good series, and I've loved every one of the characters in these books. Adopted Aunts run a home that is a place for young girls to live and learn how to be a good wife and run a household. Abrianna wasn't the most skilled at homemaking skills, but she has the biggest heart for the homeless. She is also extremely headstrong in her determination once deciding that God has placed a task on her heart to complete. One thing I didn't really get was that Abrianna didn't recognize her love for Wade right away, but of course this leads to the depth of the plot twist. You'll be sure to enjoy this as a fun read! Love and faith lessons throughout. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”.

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