Title: Anchor in the Storm
Author: Sarah Sundin
First published June 1, 2016
396 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780800723439 (ISBN10: 0800723430)
Rating: 4.33
Overview
Lena Scott is a strong-willed nurse who is determined to make a difference in the world during World War II. After being stationed in Pearl Harbor, Lena finds herself constantly at odds with the charming and privileged Navy pilot, Garrett Anderson.
Meanwhile, the threat of Japanese invasion looms over the islands, and Lena can’t shake the feeling that something sinister is going on at the hospital where she works. As tensions rise and the danger becomes all too real, Lena and Garrett must work together to uncover the truth and keep each other safe.
Sarah Sundin’s Anchor in the Storm is a gripping tale of romance and danger set against the backdrop of one of America’s most challenging times.
About the Author
Sarah Sundin is an author who finds inspiration in the drama and romance of the World War II era. She has authored four series and several standalone novels, including When Twilight Breaks, The Sound of Light (coming in February 2023), and Until Leaves Fall in Paris.
Her books have been praised by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
Sundin has received numerous awards for her writing, including the 2022 Christy Award for Until Leaves Fall in Paris. Her novels When Twilight Breaks and The Land Beneath Us were also finalists for the Christy Award, and she won the 2020 Carol Award.
When she’s not writing, Sundin is busy being a mom to her three children. She lives in Southern California and is active in her church, teaching Sunday school and leading women’s Bible studies.
She also enjoys speaking to various groups, including community organizations, churches, and writers’ groups. In addition, she serves as the Co-Director for the West Coast Christian Writers Conference.
Editoral Review
Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin is a historical romance novel that was first published on June 1, 2016. Sundin is an American author who has written several historical fiction novels, including the popular Waves of Freedom series.
Her books often feature strong-willed women and brave men who navigate complex historical events to find love and redemption. Anchor in the Storm takes place during World War II and follows the story of Lillian Avery, a naval pharmacist’s mate, who is determined to prove herself in a male-dominated field.
Lillian is assigned to work with Ensign Archer Vandenberg, a man with a troubled past, to investigate a mysterious outbreak of meningitis that threatens the lives of sailors at the Boston Navy Yard. As they work together to uncover the cause of the outbreak, Lillian and Archer find themselves drawn to each other despite their personal and professional differences.
Sundin expertly weaves historical accuracy into her novel, including the societal norms and tensions of the 1940s. She also touches on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and faith.
The setting of Boston and its surrounding areas adds to the authenticity of the story, with vivid descriptions of the city’s landmarks and the naval base. One of the strengths of Anchor in the Storm is Sundin’s ability to create compelling and relatable characters.
Lillian Avery is a refreshing protagonist with a strong sense of independence and determination. She is passionate about her career and her faith, and her struggles with societal expectations and personal doubts feel authentic.
Archer Vandenberg is a complex character whose past experiences have left him emotionally guarded, yet his growing relationship with Lillian reveals his vulnerability and capacity for love. Sundin’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, with a good balance of dialogue and descriptive prose.
The pacing of the book is well-crafted, with several plot twists and moments of suspense that keep the reader invested in the story. However, one limitation of Anchor in the Storm is its predictability.
The plot follows a familiar formula for historical romance novels, and the reader can easily anticipate the outcome of the main conflicts. Some readers may also find the religious themes to be heavy-handed or repetitive.
Overall, Anchor in the Storm is a well-written and researched historical romance novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. While it may not offer many surprises, Sundin’s attention to detail and nuanced characters make for an enjoyable read.
This book would be particularly valuable for readers who are interested in World War II history, women’s roles in the military, or the intersection of faith and romance. I would give Anchor in the Storm a score of 4 out of 5 stars.
