Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: Five out of five hearts ♥♥♥♥♥ = excellent!
Book one in the Sunrise at Normandy series
About:
In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France--including those of her own family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.
As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.
Description from Christianbook.com
My Review:
Well, all I can say is, Mrs. Sundin does her research. It just amazes me, and it's a big part of all her novels (in fact, just head over to Pinterest if you want to see Mrs. Sundin's collection of pins about Wrens, the navy, character inspiration, photos from her research trip, and more. There's quite a selection!), so I can't imagine how impressive her knowledge of World War II must be. From the Wren's and naval officer's day-today tasks to the invasion of Normandy, everything is detailed and filled with facts and information. In fact, I could probably have used her book to help research when I had papers to write about WWII in high school! Sometimes the information was a little confusing, since I wasn't there to watch it all happen in front of me and military stuff can be confusing anyway, but nonetheless it helped give me an idea of the work the brave men and women of the Navy did so many years ago, and still do today.
Now, on to the story itself. The setting (1940's England) was as enchanting as it sounds, and I loved the combination of very-English Dorothy with very-Texan Wyatt. The cultural differences (especially during this time period, as I'm very interested in both) were so fun to learn about and see the characters tease each other about. Charming, enchanting England combined with everything I love about America. I also liked how this was not so much a mystery, in comparison to Mrs. Sundin's last series (as much as I loved those books!), although don't worry- there is still that element of adventure and the unknown that you enjoy in a book.
Wyatt and Dorthy (Wyatt especially- I tend to relate to the quieter characters, and I really hurt for his story and the things that haunts him. And yes, I know he's not a real character. But I still hurt for him) had very relatable stories and had everything you want in good characters- humor, worries, loves, joys, fears, heartaches. The things they've been through really tugged on my heart.
My only disappointment? Same one I have every time I read and review one of Mrs. Sundin's latest novels, only I feel it more keenly this time, due to the storyline- it's a whole year until book two, The Sky Above Us, and two years before The Land Beneath Us. Oh well. I suppose I'll find a way to manage somehow.
Note: I got this book from Revell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Description and photo of book from www.christianbook.com; all other photos from Pinterest
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6 lovely thoughts
I've been seeing this book around, I want to check it out now, thanks! :D
ReplyDeleteGreat! It was a good read. I hope you like it if you decide to try it out!
DeleteSounds like you enjoyed this one, Korin. I didn't read your review in its entirety because I plan to read/review this beauty, but it seems to be earning great reviews, so that is optimistic. Looking forward to discovering its charms. :)
ReplyDeleteI did, especially the characters and English setting. I'll be sure to check out your review on it whenever you post it!
DeleteIt sounds really well written! Good review! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was- I enjoyed it. And thank you! ♥
DeleteI love comments- they make my day! However, please be nice and leave no spam or comments with offensive language. Thanks!