Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin - Book Review

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.

Words cannot truly express how much I love Sarah Sundin's books.-they're just so good! I squealed and giggled when I opened up our P.O. Box to find a key for a parcel locker - and what was sitting in that locker, but my very own beautiful copy of 'Anchor in the Storm'! 

(First of all, the cover. Absolutely. Gorgeous.) 

I have to say, I enjoyed this one a bit more then 'Through Waters Deep', and let me tell you that 'Through Waters Deep' is one of my all-time favorite books! I don't know if I've talked about it enough. But this book was even better! I could hardly tear my eyes away from it at certain parts. I made myself read only a 60-70 pages a day, so it would last longer. But yesterday I decided to read a bit more, and when I saw that I had less than 30 pages left, I decided to save it for today. 

Lilian Avery is my favorite character. Her pluck. Her courage. She may be missing a leg, but she can put up a stand for herself! I felt so horrible for when.....well, I had better not spoil anything.

Arch is absolutely dreamy! I felt like crying for him and reaching through the book to give him a hug. I felt so sorry for him...his struggling. 

*MINOR SPOILER*

And when Arch and Jim fought...*gasp*! I was shocked. I was torn between being mad at Jim and being even more in love with him because of his protective attitude for Lilian. So sweet! (Yes, he's still on my list of fictional crushes.)

When I finally finished this book, I was a little sad because it's over. I completely adore the stories and characters that Sarah Sundin has created! I'll definitely have to give all of her books a reread whilst I wait for the 3rd book in the 'Waves of Freedom' series. 

Overall, I completely enjoyed this book, and adore it, and fell in love with the characters! It was fantastic. And I have to wait almost a year for book 3?! What? 

I cannot recommend Sarah Sundin's book enough.  I just can't.  I can't talk about them and gush over them enough either.  Seriously, you should read them! 

5 out of 5 stars! 

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my free and honest review. I was not asked to write a positive review.*

The Butterfly and the Violin - Book Review

Happy 1940's week! I thought I'd start it out with a review I wrote a few weeks back on Kristy Cambron's 'The Butterfly and the Violin'.  

But first, a quick summary:

A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz--and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.

Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl--a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.

In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover--the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul--who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.
A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.

As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

My review:

Oh. My. Goodness....this book. This book! It has got to be one of the best books I have ever read! 

I've been meaning to read this one for a while! Oh, I shouldn't have waited SO long.   

The writing was stunning! It was like poetry to me.  It just flowed.  It was like I was lost in this big sea of words, it was so REAL. 

I loved the parts about Adele, and even enjoyed the parts in modern day, just not as much.  

Adele is such a beautiful character. I felt for her and all of the other prisoners.  

Vladimir. Oh, Vladimir.  He is the ideal man, girls. I love him! And he and Adele were so PERFECT for each other.  They just were beautiful together. 

And Omara was an absolutely beautiful person.  She was the strength that held the girls together.  She was the mother to the women who were imprisoned.  She was a light in the dark. 

I liked William. Sera, not so much.  I don't know why, but she got on my nerves a bit.  But no worries, it all worked out and I liked her in the end. 

I felt so much during this book. Ugh, I would've cried reading the last 40, 50 pages if I hadn't been sitting in the living room with other people around.  If I was by myself I would've shed some serious tears. And I hardly EVER cry during a book. I mean, it's seriously rare that I do. 

Again, it's hard to believe that such atrocities existed.  The unjust treatment of the Jewish people during WWII was horrific, and it makes you question humanity.  But, as the author makes clear, there is ALWAYS light in darkness.  And dark days must end eventually.


I cannot recommend this book *highly* enough! It is so, so, so, so, good.  Seriously, just read it! 5 out of 5 stars.! 

Tomorrow, I may post another review on a book set in the Forties or I may post my favorite 1940's movies.  Which would you prefer? 

Until Next Time,
Hannah