Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Anchor in the Storm {Review + Giveaway}

Anchor in the Storm (Waves of Freedom #2)
Anchor in the Storm
Waves of Freedom #2
Visit the Author's website HERE
Publisher: Revell Company
Publishing Date: May 3, 2016
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.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher via Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy today! 

My Thoughts:
If you like romances with a smidge of mystery, or characters who are spunky and larger than life, or enjoy 1940's era stories, than 'Anchor in the Storm' is exactly the book for you.

Lillian and Arch are some of my favorite characters I've read thus far in 2016. They are both complete products of their pasts and upbringings. This happens every now and then in books I read, a character's past actually sticks with them throughout the story. But here in 'Anchor..' it is so real. Because of Lillian's experiences she acts and reacts in realistic, expected ways. I don't want to give specifics for fear of any spoilers, but expect fully developed, lifelike characters. In the same way, Arch is a product of his upbringing as someone who is constantly pursued for his fortune. Even the ending events from book one factor into Arch's character. 

'Anchor...' focuses a little less on the mystery than it's predecessor. I enjoyed that it was still as high stakes and all that action at the end....whoooa. However, I found the mysterious kingpin to be pretty obvious and I didn't think that the danger was really felt until nearer the end. 

Instead, I had plenty of time to focus on the characters and their budding romance. And it was adorable! Spunky, spiky Lillian was the perfect match for hilarious Arch. Naval officer Arch knows what he wants in a woman and when he meets his best friend's sister, he knows he is willing to wait for her to warm up to him. They both have to learn to trust and open up themselves to love and hurt, and when they finally do, it is so precious. 

I can't leave my rating at a four, but I feel like it is missing that certain something to make it a full five, so I'm cheating a bit with a 4.5 star rating :) I can't wait for book three in which we get to know older brother Dan more intimately! 
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In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book, Anchor in the Storm. 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 Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!
anchor in the storm - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
  • Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
  • Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
  • 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
  • Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
  • "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
  • Set of two nautical tea towels
LF AIS full group 2 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.

anchor in the storm - banner

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