When I found out that this book was about Quintessa I have to admit I wasn't real excited. She wasn't my favorite side character from the other books in the series. But now that I've finished the book I'm so glad I gave her a chance! She turned out to be quite amazing. So much more to her than I imagined.

I love what Sundin did with Dan's character. He developed so much through this book. I loved the spiritual lessons he learned about the Sabbath and rest. I loved how he learned to apply what he learned to his everyday life and not just his weekly life. I also loved how he turned to scripture. I really love this aspect of Christian Fiction. How we can learn lessons from these fictional characters.

WWII is my favorite period of history. I love how the people that lived during that time banded together. I love reading fictional accounts of these people. I love that everyone did their part and I love that Sundin wrote a series of books that focused on a lot of the US atmosphere of that time.

This book was a perfect mixture of history, mystery, suspense, drama, and romance. I can't wait to see what her next series will bring us.

I received this book from Revell. This review is my honest opinion.

What I Loved: There comes a time when you feel the need to clap at the end of a book, or in this case a series. This was one of those times. When Tides Turn brought a satisfactory ending to the series as a whole and the novel as an individual.
Sundin is amazingly talented in weaving the details of military life into her stories. In the case of When Tides Turn, there were areas when the information was a bit too technical for my mind to comprehend. And likewise, there were moments, especially early on in Tess’s story, when the mystery of the spy and French conflict was over my head. I couldn’t quite grasp what was happening in France and what this group in America was talking about. If you find yourself struggling, I’d advise you to “stay the course” 😉 and trust that the most important aspects will make sense in due time. As a mystery lover, I was still able to hone in on the characters’ actions and reactions…even if I didn’t always understand the present problem.
As usual, Sundin can be trusted to craft a well thought out character and even more beautiful, a solid and timeless message for the soul. I was very impressed with the layers of truth and application she was able to bring to light, especially concerning Dan’s ending.

Rating and Recommendation: I can’t speak of When Tides Turn and the entire Waves of Freedom series enough. I’m giving it 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical fiction and WWII fiction.

~I received a copy from Revell. I was not required to give a favorable review. All thoughts are my own.

I have read all of Sarah Sundin’s books that she has written about America in World War II, the Wings of Glory series, the Wings of the Nightingale series, and now the Waves of Freedom series. I have been eagerly anticipating the third book in her Waves f Freedom series, “When Tides Turn”. Finally! This third book in the series follows another member of the Avery family as he fights the Nazi U-boats in the Atlantic. The shipping lanes have been hounded by German wolf packs that terrorize merchant ships trying to ferry needed supplies to England. Lt. Dan Avery is a no-nonsense naval officer who is stuck on land when he really wants to go to sea. Tess Beaumont is a beautiful woman who longs to contribute to the war effort. Since Dan is “married to the navy”, Tess has to be content to be his friend although she would like to be something more. She decides to join the WAVES to do her duty for her country.

Along with the give and take between Dan and Tess, Ms. Sundin provides us with terrorism, espionage, treason, suspicion and a feel for life in the 1940’s during wartime. Ms. Sundin’s extensive research is evident in her writing as she brings real history into her fiction. She has also given a history of the WAVES along with the storyline. I find her books to be interesting, true to actual events and romantic. My wait for this book was rewarded with a wonderful story. I am now eagerly waiting for the debut of her next series. Don’t keep me waiting too long, Sarah!

Ahoy there! It's the conclusion of the Waves of Freedom series and a fitting finale for these WWII Navy men and women readers have grown to love!

Although she occasionally came across as a bit silly in the previous two books, Quintessa is determined to be more than just a pretty face. Tess is a good girl, she's naturally inclined to follow the rules and shower others compassion and encouragement.

Dan has been an all work and no play kind of man since before he was old enough to be considered a man. Dan is man enough to take a good look at himself and scripture to make sure he is on the right course.

The rich WWII history shines through this entertaining romance. This series is a worthy tribute to those men and women who served our country during the war and those who did all they could to support them.

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through Revell Reads and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

I have enjoyed reading this series and since I have been studying about WW2 in school, I enjoyed it all the more. I have liked being about to tie what I have learned in history class with what is in the book because even though it is fiction, it was well researched and gave me a different view on things. I also enjoyed seeing how the characters interacted even though it was a change of pace for both of them.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher, but the review is entirely mine.

I have so enjoyed this series by Sarah Sundin and, while I’m sad to see it end, When Tides Turn is a great sendoff. The history incorporated seamlessly into the story continues to intrigue me.

And the romance… I have to admit, from the past two books, Tess has not been my favorite character. But she completely redeems herself in When Tides Turn. I love the color she adds to Dan’s life, and the way she upends his best efforts to maintain a cordial distance. Dan’s journey through the novel – as well as Tess’ – makes the romance all the sweeter and the kisses all the more passionate.

Bottom Line: When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries, WW2 buffs, and anyone who enjoys a great romance! If you’ve been reading the series since the beginning, you will appreciate the time spent with beloved characters, getting to see a bit more of how their own stories play out. (If you are new to the series, this can be read as a standalone too.) History and mystery collide intriguingly, framing the romance and the faith elements perfectly. I’m sad to see this series end but I’m looking forward to the next one from Sundin!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

I felt like this book had a slow beginning but picked up nicely. I really enjoyed this series and reading about WWII. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about this time period.

I really enjoyed When Tides Turn. I was a bit lost with the story at times, partly because I had a hard time remembering the previous books and who everyone was/what all happened before, but that didn't stop me from finding the book intriguing to read and fun!

I loved the little nuggets of real history that I learned throughout the story (especially WAVES). Sarah Sundin does a fantastic job of weaver facts and fiction, to where you feel like the entire story is real. I love that! Also, I loved the ending. It was so sweet!!

All in all, When Tides Turn was a very good ending to the series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it...especially the last few chapters. :)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

I enjoyed this final book in the Waves of Freedom series. We finally get Dan & Quintessa's story! :) Quintessa (Tess) has gone through a lot of change since we first met her in Book 1 (Through Waters Deep). Thankfully, she has done some maturing and is determined to prove that she's not just a pretty face. And then there is Dan... who has locked his feelings away for so long, he has a hard time loosening up! When these two start to fall in love, they each have to learn to let go of pre-conceived notions and learn to trust again.

I enjoyed the interactions between Dan and Tess and the character growth they both display by the end of the book. I also enjoyed the introduction of some new characters as well as updates on Jim and Mary and Lillian and Arch.

With Sundin's classic touch of some background intrigue and mystery to go along with the romance, as well as the humor of Tess' fun-loving nature vs Dan's stoic no-nonsense nature and the historical details Sundin is so good at, you'll definitely want to read this book!

*Thanks to Revell Reads for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

This is the first Sarah Sundin book that I have read and it won’t be the last. It is great to find a new author in one of your favourite genres. I love books set around WW2 and although this was part of a series I felt it read well as a standalone. You are drawn in and really care about the characters. They are so well drawn.
I loved the romance running through the book. I loved the detail surrounding life in the war years. I love a historical book that adds to your education . This one deals with a naval storyline which I haven’t read about so much

Every book in this series has been spectacular! Full of intrigue and drama, faith and freedom, handsome officers and daring heroines, and not to mention bursting with history! I have learned so much about the war of the Atlantic during World War II through these books. Not only does Sarah include REAL events and REAL people in these books, it inspires me to do research of my own. To delve into the facts and history that inspired these stories.

As the Waves of Freedom series comes to a close, Tess and Dan completely steal the show with their strained relationship and beautiful, er, practical? romance. Tess is full of life, color, and longs to be seen for who she is beneath the pretty face. Dan, has a one track mind focused on his career...That is, until his heart cries out for something more. Both Tess and Dan must learn to trust God to guide their paths, to find who they are in Him, individually. Once they surrender to God's plan, it is amazing to watch the events unfold.

While the books in this series can stand alone, you will want to begin with book one to enjoy and appreciate the full effect of the storyline. Plus, they are simply amazing books. All three have made it on my top reads list!

Get ready for one last amazing ride in the Waves of Freedom Series. And do not despair...For Sarah has a new WWII series she is working on titled, Sunrise at Normandy. The first book, The Sea Before us will be released Spring 2018.

I received a complimentary copy of When Tides Turn from the publishers (Revell) through Radiant Lit and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Storyline


This is the third and final book in the Waves of Freedom Series, and we finally had the chance to get the story on two characters introduced earlier! We wondered how author Sarah was going to craft the story of these two polar opposites?

Quintessa, or Tess, is known for her beauty and bubbly character; but she's tired of not being taken seriously. So she is determined to make a difference and do her part to help the war effort where she can. When she hears the Navy is implementing a WAVES program for women, she immediately enlists. But never did she imagine she would be placed in the Anti-Submarine Unit in Boston where Dan Avery, her off-limits and secret crush, works! He is determined and serious and gives his all to work. He has no time for distractions, especially from Tess. She is definitely not part of his plan or will ever be - or so he thinks.

The storyline follows much of what is taking place during the war and, like the previous books, also adds a mystery that the heroine quickly involves herself in.

Depth
Dan is set on staying the course; but must it always strictly point north, like his trusty compass? Or will he learn that, at times, you can take some twists and turns and still get back to facing north? Could the right person, even a woman, help add depth, encouragement and joy to his journey?

We enjoyed reading and discovering the answers to these questions. Overall the book is fairly lighthearted when reading about World War II. If you enjoy history during this time period, you will truly enjoy the work Sarah has put into this novel.

Faith
All of the characters, new and old, make it a point to go to church weekly together. We also see our two main characters growing in their walks with the Lord throughout the book, primarily Dan, as he learns a lot about resting and observing the Sabbath. Both characters grow in their reliance upon the Lord's ways and timing and learn to trust in His plans.

Love Story
We cheered Tess on during this book as she has had a hard time with significant others in the past. She longs to be loved by Dan but knows he will never allow that; so she tries to convince her heart to be content with friendship. As these two interact with one another on a more consistent basis sparks start flying and we read on in hopes of a happy ending!

Overall
Overall this was an enjoyable read. Like mentioned above, if you are fond of this particular time period, you would most likely give it a higher rating. But for us, we found quite a few parts not fast enough to keep our good attention. However, author Sarah is a very talented writer and overall we feel it was a good wrap up to the series.

A historical romance that is as frustrating as real love, which makes it all the better!

Tess Beaumont has always been thought of as just a pretty face, and she is tired of it. The Navy has recently opened programs for women and Tess decides this is her chance to put her brain to use as much as her pretty face has been in the past. It is hard work and initially she still must overcome the perceptions she has lived with all her life, but eventually the hard work pays off and she sees herself making a difference. Love is the farthest thing from her mind, until Lt. Dan Avery shows up. She has known him for years, especially being close with his sisters. But when he shows up in uniform, something deep inside her stirs with feelings she hasn’t had in years. She is determined to stay the course with her work and not let love get in the way. Dan feels the same way, he doesn’t want love to distract him from his duties, even though he can’t deny the attraction he feels for Tess. As things heat up in the Navy, there are also conspiracies Tess begins to investigate within her own circle of friends that put her in danger.

When Tides Turn is a book that I initially wanted to give up on, but I’m glad I didn’t. The ending was well worth the wait; although, the first half of the book wasn’t my favorite. I did not like Tessa until the end. I think my problem with Tessa had to do with her attitude towards herself. She had a problem with being seen as a pretty face and the way it came across to me was more of her being conceited and full of herself. Yes, she might be pretty, but the way she kept thinking it and trying to keep it from being used against her in any way just rubbed me the wrong way. And then, when someone she cares for calls her beautiful, she blows up and loses it, not the best way to play that scene out for me. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book, especially the scenes with Tess investigating her group for spies and the danger that brought about. I am usually very much into military dramas but that part of the story didn’t get me as much for some reason. I found myself glossing over the parts on the ships and submarines to get to the rest of the story, it wasn’t as compelling as the rest. The relationship with her and Dan was a little rocky and back and forth, which is very much like real life, making it more believable. I think readers that enjoy Christian, historical romances will enjoy this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Such a beautiful story! It was interesting and educational. I love how the author pulled in situations and people of World War II along with her fictional characters. It gave the story a very authentic feel.

Tessa was great. I met her in book one and she came across as a spoiled brat. However, in book three she shows she truly is a woman of character and depth. The storyline of her fighting to be “more than a pretty face” was excellent.

Dan was priceless! A man of strong integrity that believed it took hard work to achieve his dreams. But he was far from perfect in some of his attitudes. It was fun to watch how Tessa challenged him.

The story provided a great romance between Dan and Tessa as well as mystery. The story of the French Resistance group and their challenges made this more than “a romance novel.”

Although book three of a series you don’t have to read all of them to enjoy this book. The other characters from the first two books play secondary roles in this story.

I give the book 4.5 stars!

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author, but I was not required to leave a review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

The Waves of Freedom trilogy is fascinating. I especially like the slight feminist bent – each story has a feisty female protagonist who refuses to stay in her “little woman” box. In an era of women taking on typically-masculine roles, these ladies step up and serve with honor. Each heroine – Mary, Lillian, Tess – discovers unknown strength in herself. I loved following Tess’s character development as she works to change from selfish and “a pretty face” to someone who is unselfish and useful. Tess finds new purpose as an officer in the WAVES, and she quickly became my favorite character.

Another characteristic of Sundin’s writing is the historical detail. As someone who actually enjoys research (yes, I am a card-carrying nerd), I love how obvious Sundin’s research is. It’s clear that she puts in the necessary time to get those details right, and yet those facts somehow blend seamlessly into the storytelling. Props to Sarah Sundin!

If you’re a history buff and a romantic, you’ll love When Tides Turn and the rest of the Waves of Freedom series. Tess and Dan will steal your hearts faster than 1940s radar could detect a German U-boat!

I have read every book in this series and really enjoyed them so I was very excited to read this newest release.
Tessa is trying to create a sort of new identity. She’s tired of being the pretty girl. I appreciate that she is so much more. She truly is a kind person to everyone. I really enjoyed her story-line and couldn’t wait to get back to her.
I will say I found Dan’s story-line a little less exciting. Maybe it was all the U-boat terms but I found myself having trouble paying attention when I was in his point of view.
But even with that it was a great story, with romance and mystery, it just wasn’t my favorite of Sarah’s books.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

“Only Dan Avery could turn rest into hard work” (location 1847). Dan was forced by life to take responsibility at a very young age and he struggles with emotional attachments and doesn’t have much room for leisure and relaxation. Quintessa Beaumont is quite the opposite. She dances like a fairy and bursts with life and enthusiasm. She is beautiful inside and out but fears that people only see her outward packaging, not the real her. She wants to do more to help the war effort and joins the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service) in the Navy. It’s interesting to see how two people who seem to be opposites can be so good for each other….although there’s plenty of friction before they realize it.
This book really shows well the mood of the country during the early years of World War II. People were committed to doing their part in many ways. It’s a different atmosphere than we’ve had in our country in a long time. It seems foreign though very desirable.
I learned more about the Anti-Submarine Warfare Unit and the early stages of learning how to defeat German U-Boats. It was fascinating and there was just enough information to keep me interested without it feeling like I was reading a military tactics book.
As in the other Waves of Freedom books, there is a bit of intrigue and mystery that involves the girls and gets quite dangerous. It was a very enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy. All opinions are my own.

We are back with the Avery family, and how I love being with them and catching up with all of their lives. With this book we are right in the heart of battle in WWII, and watching the war turn before our very eyes.
This is also Tess’s story and what a heroine she is, but as tough as she is, she is still quite fragile, and yet she is ready to give her life for a friend. Will she be able over come her fears and open her heart to a bit of romance and love?
Then there is Dan Avery and his fear of commitment after once being burned, now he wants to make the military his life, and there doesn’t seem to be any room for a wife.
All the while there is drama and people who are really out for revenge, and then a major war to fight. A great factual read, and sorry that it is the end of this series.
I received this book through Net Galley and Revell Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review

My parents were big fans of 1940s and 1950s cinema and those films hold a high nostalgia factor for me. I love the fashions, the glamour and glitz and the dramatized emotions. And the language: “Aw, shucks!” and “Gee, whiz!” spoken in place of “F” bombs but with equal fervor always bring a smile to my face. Sarah Sundin writes novels that read like you are watching a film from that era. Her latest book, When Tides Turn, is no exception.

Blonde haired, blue eyed Quintessa “Tess” Beaumont is known not just for her bombshell good looks but her outstanding fashion sense and fun loving nature. But there is a dark side to being a party girl, which is that everyone thinks all you’re good for is a good time. Burned badly by two recent relationships and tired of people who think her capable of nothing more than selling great outfits and accessories at Filene’s department store, Tess makes a decision. She’s done with being Princess Quintessa, apple of daddy’s eye and eye candy for every man she meets. She joins the newly formed WAVES, determined to prove once and for all that she is every bit as useful as she is decorative.

Lt. Dan Avery almost had his career as a naval officer derailed by a gal with a pretty face. He’s determined that will never happen again and – shocker – sworn off women altogether. That worked great till his brother started seeing Mary, Tess’s best friend and he found himself sitting next to Tess in church, at clubs, at dinners – it seemed the girl was suddenly everywhere. And it becomes truly everywhere when her first WAVES assignment has her working in Dan’s office at the Anti-Submarine Warfare Unit. He’d wanted to head out to sea before Tess joined the unit but with her in the office his desire has turned from a want to a need.

This is a romance novel so we don’t so much play the will-they-won’t-they game as we do the how-and-when-they game. It’s clear these two are deeply attracted to each other, not just in the physical sense but in the emotional sense as well. They have tons in common – known each other since infancy, share a large group of friends, attend the same church(es) and enjoy doing a lot of the same activities. The only thing keeping them apart is a pesky war and Dan’s commitment to devote himself completely to the Navy.

The good news here is that Dan isn’t just being stubborn. He has a mentor, Admiral Howard, who is unmarried and is insistent that is the only way to truly devote yourself to your career. Dan also has some childhood experiences which have led him to believe that real men work real hard. He doesn’t have any space in his life for frivolity and to his mind, Tess is all about the frivolous.

Eventually Dan gets over that but wouldn’t you know it, that’s the cue for Tess to go off the deep end over the issue. After the two share their first kiss and he makes the horrible, hideous faux pas of calling her beautiful she comes completely unhinged. How dare he see her as just another pretty face! For the love of heaven, why?? Of course the two work things out but for me this was a touch too much melodrama and disrupted the flow of the story a bit.

Overall, though, I enjoyed the book. The pacing is a bit slow but that worked given the sweet nature of the tale. I liked the French spy mystery that ran as a background plot throughout the text and appreciated its resolution. The characters work well together and I wholly bought into their HEA. While I would say that the religious factor is high, with mentions of faith liberally sprinkled from beginning to end, that seems appropriate since the book is clearly labeled as an Inspirational Romance.

I think fans of the Waves of Freedom series will appreciate this conclusion to the set and Sundin’s readers will find exactly what they are looking for in When Tides Turn. It may not be her strongest work but those who enjoy her writing will still find plenty to love about it.

My parents were big fans of 1940s and 1950s cinema and those films hold a high nostalgia factor for me. I love the fashions, the glamour and glitz and the dramatized emotions. And the language: “Aw, shucks!” and “Gee, whiz!” spoken in place of “F” bombs but with equal fervor always bring a smile to my face. Sarah Sundin writes novels that read like you are watching a film from that era. Her latest book, When Tides Turn, is no exception.

Blonde haired, blue eyed Quintessa “Tess” Beaumont is known not just for her bombshell good looks but her outstanding fashion sense and fun loving nature. But there is a dark side to being a party girl, which is that everyone thinks all you’re good for is a good time. Burned badly by two recent relationships and tired of people who think her capable of nothing more than selling great outfits and accessories at Filene’s department store, Tess makes a decision. She’s done with being Princess Quintessa, apple of daddy’s eye and eye candy for every man she meets. She joins the newly formed WAVES, determined to prove once and for all that she is every bit as useful as she is decorative.

Lt. Dan Avery almost had his career as a naval officer derailed by a gal with a pretty face. He’s determined that will never happen again and – shocker - sworn off women altogether. That worked great till his brother started seeing Mary, Tess’s best friend and he found himself sitting next to Tess in church, at clubs, at dinners – it seemed the girl was suddenly everywhere. And it becomes truly everywhere when her first WAVES assignment has her working in Dan’s office at the Anti-Submarine Warfare Unit. He’d wanted to head out to sea before Tess joined the unit but with her in the office his desire has turned from a want to a need.

This is a romance novel so we don’t so much play the will-they-won’t-they game as we do the how-and-when-they game. It’s clear these two are deeply attracted to each other, not just in the physical sense but in the emotional sense as well. They have tons in common – known each other since infancy, share a large group of friends, attend the same church(es) and enjoy doing a lot of the same activities. The only thing keeping them apart is a pesky war and Dan’s commitment to devote himself completely to the Navy.

The good news here is that Dan isn’t just being stubborn. He has a mentor, Admiral Howard, who is unmarried and is insistent that is the only way to truly devote yourself to your career. Dan also has some childhood experiences which have led him to believe that real men work real hard. He doesn’t have any space in his life for frivolity and to his mind, Tess is all about the frivolous.

Eventually Dan gets over that but wouldn’t you know it, that’s the cue for Tess to go off the deep end over the issue. After the two share their first kiss and he makes the horrible, hideous faux pas of calling her beautiful she comes completely unhinged. How dare he see her as just another pretty face! For the love of heaven, why?? Of course the two work things out but for me this was a touch too much melodrama and disrupted the flow of the story a bit.

Overall, though, I enjoyed the book. The pacing is a bit slow but that worked given the sweet nature of the tale. I liked the French spy mystery that ran as a background plot throughout the text and appreciated its resolution. The characters work well together and I wholly bought into their HEA. While I would say that the religious factor is high, with mentions of faith liberally sprinkled from beginning to end, that seems appropriate since the book is clearly labeled as an Inspirational Romance.

I think fans of the Waves of Freedom series will appreciate this conclusion to the set and Sundin’s readers will find exactly what they are looking for in When Tides Turn. It may not be her strongest work but those who enjoy her writing will still find plenty to love about it.

by AAR's Maggie