Saturday, September 22, 2012

Book Review: With Every Letter

A bit over a year ago, I read my first novel by Sarah Sundin.  Blue Skies Tomorrow was simply phenomenal.  That story was the third in a series taking place in World War II.

With Every Letter also takes place in World War II, and it is also phenomenal.  According to her bio, Sundin's "stories are inspired by her great-uncle who flew with the U.S. Eighth Air Force in England during World War II."

This is the first book in a new series, the Wings of the Nightingale series.

From the publisher:
Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met–even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence–he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.
As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?
Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing–and true love.
My thoughts:. 

The book switches back and forth between coming from Mellie's point of view and coming from Tom's point of view.  That made it so I didn't get into the book in the first couple of chapters.  However, once I did start to get to know the characters, I couldn't put the book down. 

It wasn't that I truly identified with the main characters, but boy did they seem real.  So did many of the other characters.  Maybe that is what really grabbed me about this book. I kept changing my opinions about the characters, and found myself identifying with different people throughout. Isn't that a bit like real life?

And the historical detail?  Just like in her other World War II books, the detail is incredible.  Plus, at the end, there is information talking about what is historical and what is fiction.  One thing I really hate is "historical fiction" that is filled with glaring inaccuracies, and especially with contemporary attitudes being forced into characters from another time.  Sundin does not do that.  Not that I'm an expert on World War II, but I know something of that era.  Sundin's writing rings true.

I'm especially not an expert on WWII in North Africa.  I know the war was fought there, but aside from a couple movies, I can't say I know anything about what was going on there (and the movies don't strike me as being particularly historically correct!)

I have a very sort list of authors I make a point to read.  Sarah Sundin is one of them.


Celebrate with Sarah by entering to win a eReader (winner's choice of Kindle Fire or Nook Color)!



See what folks are saying about With Every Letter!




One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)
  • Handmade With Every Letter First Aid Kit
  • With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 26th. Winner will be announced at the “With Every Letter” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/27. Connect with Sarah, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!



So grab your copy of With Every Letter and join Sarah on the evening of the September 27th for a chance to connect with Sarah and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

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Disclaimer:  I received this book through LitFuse Blog Tour.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

1 comment:

Sarah Sundin said...

Debra - thank you so much for the lovely review. I'm glad you enjoyed Tom & Mellie's story. And extra thanks for your comments on the history - the war in North Africa is rarely talked about, but it was a proving ground for the US Army - and those lessons learned the hard way paved the way to victory in Normandy.