I learning about and reading anything about World War II. It was such an amazing time period where so many different things were all going on that it always seems like there is more and more stories that need to be told. I had idea that there were ladies using photographs of the shores of Normandy putting together maps of the coast in preparation for D-day. I found it really fascinating to learn this small aspect of that important day and it could make the difference in getting troops off the beaches and into the cities of France. I thought the characters of Dorothy and Wyatt were well drawn and I got caught up in their lives.

I can't wait until the next book in this series comes out. I look forward to seeing what goes on from the other brother's perspectives.

I loved learning history through historical fiction. This book gave me an opportunity to to see a woman's part in the war as part of the story focused on Dorothy's service of putting together reconnaissance photographs to create a map of Normandy. I was interesting to see how the technology of the time period allowed them to put something like this together. I also enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Dorothy and Wyatt progressed as they worked together to provide what was needed leading up to D-Day.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher, the review is my own,

Sarah Sundin writes World War II fiction and I love it.
She includes actual historical events along with believable characters and imaginative dialog that fills in the dry facts with interesting interaction.

The Sea Before Us tackles the history of the D-Day invasion and the work that had to have happened leading up to it. By inserting the characters of Wyatt and Dorothy, Sarah fleshes out the events of D-Day with an interpersonal relationship that is fraught with as much conflict as D-Day itself.

When I first began the book, I was afraid that Sarah was going to be using the romance writing formula, but she didn't write it that way. The growth of the relationship between Dorothy and Wyatt is an organic process that brings them together in spite of the obstacles in front of them. Part of the obstacles included family conflict for both Dorothy and Wyatt. In fact, family conflict brings a surprise that was totally out of the blue. The spiritual growth that Sarah has provided through her characters is also very comforting to read.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a restored relationship

Revell Publishing provided the galley for me to read on NetGalley in exchange for a review using only my own opinion.

My Thoughts:
Such a wonderful start to a new series, by one of my favorite historical authors. I was invested from the beginning. Dorothy and Wyatt are from different walks of life, and have different belief systems that pull you right into the story.

All of the events leading up to D-Day are so real you keep reading for fear you'll miss something if you stop.

This story is rich in detail, and historical fact, that it becomes an experience not just a story. The characters deal with real life events and their struggle pours out onto the page in real time as though they are standing right in front of you.

My Bottom Line:

Sarah Sundin kicks off her new series with a bang. The characters are real, they struggle with feeling not worthy, faith in the midst of war going on all around them, and forgiveness. Forgiveness of themselves, and others. This is military historical fiction at it's finest! While I adore all of Ms. Sundin's military historicals, her Navy series' are my absolute favorite for obvious reasons. I am the daughter of a Navy sailor.
I highly recommend this book!

The opening sentence is very profound, & food for thought - before we even get into the story!
Whew - what a dramatic opening!!
Four chapters in & I am totally hooked...
This is the way I like to learn about history, it means so much more when you are following human stories.
But there are also lessons about faith, deep lessons - which can apply to our own lives in the here-and-now.
Riveting writing - it's like being actually present at the D-Day landings.
I can't wait for the rest of the series - but I guess I'll have to....
Unreservedly recommend this book, (along with everything else Sarah Sundin has written!)

I knew from the title of the series that I was going to love these books. I focused a lot on Eisenhower and Operation Overlord in high school and remembered a lot of the details as I read this book. The while operation was so amazing from the planning all the way to the execution. It was neat to see a behind the scenes look at what the Wren's did for the war effort. I was really impressed with Dorothy in this book (at least for her military expertise) but also found myself wishing she was a little less "boy crazy". I was likewise impressed with Wyatt. actually probably more so. Through everything he had gone through his faith was amazing. we can all learn a lot from him.

As I've already mentioned, the historical research for this book was amazing. It is definitely one of Sundin's greatest strengths.

But this book isn't all a historical/military type book. there is plenty of family and romance to keep people that like love stories engaged. And there are also some plot twists that will keep everyone wondering what will happen next!

I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

This book kept up me up WAY past my bedtime! I had read an earlier series by this author but haven't read any recently. This book makes me want to go catch back up!

Set right before the Normandy invasion, it tells the stories of Dorothy, a English "Wren" serving the Royal Navy, and Wyatt, an American naval officer. Using postcard, photos, and peoples memories, they are mapping the French coast in preparation for invasion. This plot line alone would have kept me reading, but add in the uncertainly and sacrifices war inflicts on families, life in London while being bombed, a struggle for forgiveness, and possible embezzlement - this is one page turning novel!

The author has clearly done a lot of research and this book explains so much of the work that went into the invasion of France. Even when you know the big picture story (spoiler alert - the Allied invasion is successful) the small stories in war are never certain to have a happy ending. I am excited for more in this series and I am headed to the bookstore to find more from this author.

I've read almost every book by this author (the others are on my list!), so when I heard about this one I was THRILLED! I love her work, and this book is no exception. I read it in two days flat! DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK! It is an absolutely wonderful read, filled with great characters, real-life struggles, and heartache thrown against the uncertainty and loss of war.
Received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for our honest review.

This newest series by Sarah Sundin is probably the heaviest one she's written so far, and I mean that in an entirely good way! The Sea Before Us has a prologue that explains the reason for the Paxton brothers' estrangement. While Sarah's not afraid to tackle serious subjects, it's such a serious way to start the story, but it's important. Because of this, we get to see Wyatt Paxton's growth over the years as he joins the U.S. Navy and tries to do his part to mend the rift in his family.

When introduced in the story, Dorothy Fairfax has also come a long way in her young life. Having survived the London Blitz but not without tragedy, Dorothy and her father are trying to survive, each in their own ways. As Dorothy and Wyatt come to know one another and grow closer together, it's both sweet and frustrating to see how they learn to let go, forgive, heal, and accept God's plan for their lives. Set against the backdrop of England in the days leading up to D-Day, the story is set up beautifully in its themes of forgiveness and timing.

There are some interesting plot twists that kept me on my toes, and I'm anxious to see how the Paxton family grows throughout the Sunrise at Normandy series!

***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin is a heart-warming story about World War II. I really liked the way the army details were woven into the story. Too often, I find myself getting bogged down by those details. Not so in this one. It is quite obvious the author did extensive research. The action comes to life in the lives of the two main characters.

Dorothy is a Wren, a member of the British Women’s Navy. Her position involves mapping locations to enable the soldiers to fight more effectively against the Germans. She’s loved Eaton her whole life. Or thinks she does. But she has to act a certain way to pique his interest.

Then she meets Wyatt. A Texan fighting for the Allies. Their friendship develops, slowly at first, and then…will it become something more?

So many truths in this book. Dorothy learns–About trusting in God. About believing ourselves to be lovable, just the way we were created by God.

And then there’s Wyatt. The oldest in a family of boys, he left his family and ran. Ran because of fear that his brother would kill him, because of an incident involving a girl. Now he’s been estranged from his family for a long time. He’s determined to prove himself to them. But can he ever forgive himself?

And then there’s the very real danger of being in the middle of the war. And not knowing what the next day will bring.

The next book will be about Wyatt’s brother Adler, and I look forward to reading that one as well!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This debut novel of the Sunrise at Normandy series by Sarah Sundin continues her excellent historical fiction writing. Focusing on World War II and the events that led up to the D-Day invasion, it features Dorothy who is a "Wren" or member of the Women's Royal Naval Service in England and Wyatt who is an officer in the US Navy. This novel is a wonderful mix of history, mystery, romance, and twists and turns. It captures the feeling of England at war and places the reader right there in the midst of the fray with all the sounds, smells, and sights. The plot is thrilling as the events build towards the combined D-Day Invasion. Sundin's obvious incredibly detailed research into the events and the battles is amazing.

The characters were very well written. Dorothy was involved in helping map the area and terrain in which the invasion would take place. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about mapmaking for war and how the English sent in their photos to help Dorothy's group understand every little detail about the area of Normandy. Dorothy learned a lot about herself through her relationship with Wyatt and with Lawrence. With Wyatt she could truly be herself and with Lawrence she played a role to make him happy. As she grew in her faith, thanks to Wyatt's help, she realized that God made her just like she was supposed to be not like she thought she should be. Wyatt's faith was strong, but Dorothy helped him realized that when he accepted God's grace and forgiveness he was also supposed to forgive himself. Lawrence was very self-absorbed and was the model "bad boy." All of them seemed to realized the importance of believing in yourself.

I hated to see this story end and am hoping that the rest of the series will feature Wyatt's two brothers and the roles they played in WWII as well as seeing the 3 brothers reunited.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "..we try to atone for our own sins, but Christ made the ultimate atonement and we can do nothing."

"When times are dark, it's hard to see the light, but it doesn't mean the light is less real."

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Sarah writes another beautiful story. Enjoy reading her books.

I received this book free to review, but I've always enjoyed Sarah Sundin's historical fiction books, and this was no exception. Of course the ending is predictable (as with most romantic fiction novels), but I enjoy them none the less. I really felt like I was in the war with the characters, and as if they were my friends. I cared about the outcome of the battle, the war, and their relationships. Well done Sarah!

The Sea Before Us is such a wonderful book of love, twists, relationships and the trust in GOD. You have Dorothy who is interested in a not so nice guy. Meanwhile on the sidelines you have Wyatt who is supportive and patient with her. He puts his trust in the LORD through all this book and boy howdy does he need it. It is a beautifully fun book and you will enjoy each and every page. This author is wonderful and I hope I have the chance to read the next one.

We have Dorothy and Wyatt working in the war effort. Wyatt is an American Naval officer and Dorothy is in the Women’s Royal Naval Service studying photographs to see what might be in a location. They meet and become friends. This is a romance with a bit of suspense and history. This is the first book in a new series and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

The sea before us tells the tale of Second Officer Fairfax, Dorothy to you and I, during war torn Britain. Here you will follow her journey of love, acceptance and forgiveness during this war and how at the end of all the sadness and grieve, happiness will prevail. Through her journey the story overlaps with an allied force military personnel, Wyatt, and though quiet he too had his own demons from the past to face - would those be able to forgive him and his actions? Would love conquer all?

This book was beautifully written with such detail - though fiction, the author, Sarah Sundin incorporated fact into the story of true events. This is what makes the book so realistic - this could be an diary of an WREN made into a book.

Sarah Sundin made Dorothy so relatable even in thr 21st century. I particularly liked the part where Dorothy chose not to wear make-up, she accepted her own beauty. I could relate to her and to the situations she faced during the book. I highly recomend and I look forward to the next installment.

I loved this book! I haven't read Sarah Sundin before. I will have to go back and read her other books.

All the elements of a good story are here; war, romance, jealousy, heartache and loss. The characters are believable and likable. I loved Wyatt and Dorothy!

The Sea Before Us is set in the days leading up to D-Day. Dorothy is a "Wren," working on compiling photographs of the area before the invasion. She has a hard home life and dreams of being swept away by dashing officer Lawrence.
Wyatt is a perfect prodigal son figure who has wronged his family and seeks atonement. But while seeking forgiveness from his parents and brothers, he must also forgive himself.

I definitely recommend reading this book. I can't wait for the next Sarah Sundin book!

This new historical fiction romance series has definitely gotten my attention and I’m looking forward to the next installment!

American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton is stationed in England in 1944 getting ready for the invasion of Normandy. Wyatt has been running away from his past when a tragic accident spit him and his family apart, so he joined the Navy to get away. While in England, he meets a young 2nd Office in the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wren) named Dorothy Fairfax. Dorothy lost her family to the London Blitz and is now estranged with her father even though they live together. She and Wyatt find themselves thrown together in an unusual circumstance that leads to a friendship. As each finds strength in their friendship to face their past troubles, Dorothy believes that romance can never be as she is smitten with a British naval officer. But she may never get the chance to find out as Wyatt is sent to sea duty for the invasion.

This new series is very promising. As a huge fan of World War II, it plays right into my interest. The excitement of Normandy also piqued my interest throughout the book and how the exercises were used to finalize the details. I also really enjoyed the romance between Wyatt and Dorothy through all the surprises that occurred. Both characters matured through the story as they were hardened and had to put their trust in God.

If you are not hooked to this story in the prologue, I’m not sure what else could have been done to trap you! I recommend this new series to history lovers and those that love a natural romance.

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

I have seen this book cover everywhere. I could not wait to read it. I like looking at the covers to see how well I think they match the book. Or to see what scene the cover depicts. But this is the first time I was drown to read a book just because of the cover. I have heard of Sarah Sundin and this was the first book of hers I have read. All you have to do is read the action packed Prologue to get a taste of her writing. At first I was surprised and not sure how it was going to lead to the story. But it shows us how our life can be changed in just one moment. I won't go into the story line, the publisher has done a great job of telling us what this book is about. I found Dorothy to be a little annoying at times. There is one thing to be naive. There is another to ignore what you are seeing because you don't want to believe it. I love the Texan Wyatt. He was my hero. I think Sarah did an excellent job depicting him as a moral, caring young officer. He loved his family and really missed them. He wanted to help Sarah's father out even when he thought he did not have a chance with Sarah, knowing her heart belonged to another. I appreciate Wyatt's peace that comes from God, even in the turmoil around him. It is quit evident the research that Sarah must do to craft such beautiful and accurate historical stories. I worked for the Navy, as a civilian secretary, during Vietnam. I met my husband, who was a Sailor there. Even though WW2 and Normandy was a different war, this book took me right back there. My only regret is that I waiting so long to read a Sarah Sundin book. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like books about WW2. It was excellent. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell though NetGalley, Opinions express in this review are completely my own.

A Real Treasure – Fascinating Historical Fiction


I absolutely love finding a good book and I found a real treasure in The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin. Not only did I find a really good book, but an author whose novels I want to read.

I selected The Sea Before Us based on the subject matter, World War II and D-Day. My parents and grandfather were in the military and fought in World War II. They were part of the greatest generation who fought with great courage to defeat Hitler.

The Sea Before Us starts out in 1941 with a young man in Texas, Wyatt Paxton, who’s in middle of circumstances that will change the trajectory of not only own his life, but his family’s as well. Fast forward three years to London, England where readers are introduced to Dorothy Fairfax a Second Officer with the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Wyatt and Dorothy are just two of the British and Allied forces who are working diligently to prepare maps and intelligence for the troops and their upcoming invasion of France to beat back and crush Hitler, the German forces and all those who’ve perpetrated such great evil.

The setting of the novel during World War II and the preparation for the upcoming Allied invasion was fascinating. The author’s research and attention to detail comes through. The characters were well written and I appreciated how their faith and personal growth was developed during the course of the story.

I highly recommend The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin, it’s an interesting book with likeable realistic characters you will want to get to know. This author knows how to write historical fiction that will grab you and keep your attention. I look forward to reading Sarah’s earlier work and future novels.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Revell Publishing Group for the opportunity to read The Sea Before Us in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.