Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Waves of Freedom 2

Cover Art 
Publication: May 3rd 2016
 by Fleming H. Revell Company  

Synopsis:

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 attention only annoys her—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?


Meet the Author:


Sarah-Sundin-green-1Sarah 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.

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My Thoughts:

Sarah Sundin takes us back to Boston during 1941 for this wonderful novel.  This is the second installment in her Waves of Freedom series.  This story is full of intrigue, mystery, suspense and a budding romance.  I was really excited to read this  book after I had read the first one.  
The author swept me back to the beginning of World War II immediately. Her setting is very detailed and perceptive.  I could close my eyes and just picture the events taking place.  She pulled me into the story and made me feel a part of the story.  
We are introduced to Lillian Avery who is a beautiful, young woman who grew up in Vermilion, Ohio.  She comes from a big, loving family.  Lillian was in a childhood accident and lost her leg.  She didn't let that stop her dreams though.  She finished college 6 months ago with a degree as a pharmacist, which is a male dominated profession.  Her brother Jim, who lives in Boston, has found a job for her and she starts after the first of the year.  She's excited and looking forward to the move. 

Ensign Archer Vandenberg grew up a privileged, only child in Connecticut.  Archer's best friend, Jim Avery, was also on the Atwood with Archer when it went down.  Being trapped has left him with the inability to sleep, nightmares and the shakes since the rescue.   He agrees to travel home with Jim for some rest and relaxation and to meet  his family. The one thing that puzzles him is that Lillian has an instant dislike to him and since they have never met it's not something he's experienced.

As Lillian moves to Boston and begins her job at Dixon Drugs she finds things are not exactly what she expected.  To begin with Dixon Drugs, founded in 1889, has really not been updatedIt is dark and dreary.  Mr. Dixon himself is not the nicest person she's ever met, in fact he has basically told her if anyone one else was available then she would not have been hired.  Lillian decides if she proves herself capable then Mr. Dixon will change his mind, but when she notices some irregularities in prescriptions and questions it Mr. Dixon get highly agitated about her inquiries and tells her that she needs to not question the doctor's order.
Archer is assigned along with Jim to the USS Ettinger.  Archer is assigned as first lieutenant to the deck gangTheir arrival on ship brought Archer's nerves to the surface so he sought out the doctor for advice.  He feels keeping busy is the answer to overcoming his nervous condition while Jim is assigned below deck.  After several occasions of finding  crew members sleepy or sluggish in their duties prompts Archer to start searching for answers.  As he starts to investigate the medication phenobarbital is mentioned several times so he decides to ask Lillian about the drug since she is more knowledgeable
When important factors are brought to light both Archer and Lillian discover there's a link in both their investigations.  As they draw closer trying to solve riddles their friendship develops into something more.  As both are trying to navigate their change in relationship they are also delving into the possibility that something sinister is occurring that could put both their lives in jeopardy.  
Wow, what a story line!
There are twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.  It was the best night of insomnia I've experienced in a long time.  
The author brings well developed characters that are both endearing and engaging.  I loved how Lillian didn't let her disability define her as a person and she was willing to fight for her job.  She was most importantly a kind person to everyone. Archer is going through a change and as we know change doesn't always come easy. With that being said I loved this character.  So many people look at him and just see his family connections and money, but he want to be seen as the person he is.  When push comes to shove he will always do what he thinks is best.  Both characters have a softer side to their tough exteriors.  Their feelings are both raw and real.  
   This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves history, romance or suspense.  
*I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program for a honest review without bias or outside influence.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

 Coming March 2017  

When Tides Turn  

The last thing naval officer Dan Avery wants to see on his radar is glamour girl Quintessa Beaumont—even if she has joined the WAVES.

When Quintessa Beaumont learns the Navy has established the WAVES program for women, she enlists, determined to throw off her frivolous ways and truly contribute to the US effort in World War II. Determined to make admiral, Lt. Dan Avery employs his skills to fight U-boats, and the last thing he wants to see on his radar is fun-loving Tess. When Tess is assigned to work with Dan at the Anti-Submarine Warfare Unit in Boston, she finds her affections drawn by the no-nonsense officer, realizing he sees her as the greatest nonsense of all. As she works hard to prove her worth as a Wave, she also investigates strange happenings in her friend Yvette Lafontaine’s group of French expatriates. Is there a spy in their midst? And has that spy infiltrated the anti-submarine research group? When Dan is assigned to a new escort carrier at the peak of the Battle of the Atlantic, he is torn between his lifelong career goals and his desire to help Tess on shore. While the German Navy challenges Dan’s skills, the changes in Tess challenge his notions—and his heart.
 

2 comments:

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

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    1. Sarah, I really enjoyed this story. Arch & Lillian complimented each other so well. Being a nurse I must admit that this story line fascinated me. Thank you for stopping by and for sharing this wonderful story with your readers. Blessings

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