Litfuse Publicity Tour: Anchor in the Storm

About the Book

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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My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

In addition to the authentic WWII-era details readers have come to expect from a Sarah Sundin novel, Anchor in the Storm is rich with realistic relational drama. It is both a treat and a (fascinating) trial to watch independent and ambitious Lillian interact with gentlemanly and persistent Arch. Their budding romance and their hardships in their jobs bring out their thorny insecurities...but also tease out a tender trust. Can such delicate love last?

This story has a nice balance of sweet and suspenseful, from the super cute ice-skating scene to the tense scenes with Arch at sea, along with the little mystery-solving moments leading up to the well-described climax. I'd say the pace and plot feel rather similar to the first book in the series (Through Waters Deep) in that the heroine and hero are often apart and each have their own pieces of the puzzle to solve while at work. But I really enjoyed this cast of characters and seeing intriguing connections come to light.

I think a reader's pleasure in a story can often derive from where they are in life and how they can or can't relate to the characters. In this case, I felt drawn in by Lillian and Arch's story, discovering alongside them what love entails and the importance of identifying your true anchor in life. Sundin fans won't be disappointed, but this story can also stand well on its own for historical fiction readers wanting to give this great author a try for the first time.

*With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, to be shared during the Litfuse Publicity blog tour.*

Want to read my review of Book 1?

About the Author

Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including Anchor in the Storm. Her novel Through Waters Deep was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and her novella I’ll Be Home for Christmas in Where Treetops Glisten was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school.

Find out more about Sarah at www.sarahsundin.com.

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