Title: The Sea Before Us

Author: Sarah Sundin

Series: Sunrise at Normandy, #1

Genre: Christian Historical Romance (WW2)

Era: 1944 (WW2)

Setting: London, England (prologue set in Texas) with a bit in Edinburgh, Scotland (!!!)

Publisher: Revell

Source: from Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review)

Time Taken to Read: under two days

Overall Rating: 5/5 stars (+!)

I’m in love with this book! *cue excessive fangirling*

Once again, Sundin has delivered a story that stands apart from every other one I’ve read for a long time. Honestly, I don’t know how anyone can help but be utterly swept away. The characters, the plot, the setting … the raw emotion of it!

I was very nervous going into this book. I picked it up with trembling hands and a nauseous stomach and tried to read slowly. I loved all her other books, so starting a new series with new characters was frightening! I had no idea if I’d like this book as much as I had her other ones, and I didn’t want to be disappointed.

Well … I wasn’t disappointed! Not one bit. This book went beyond my expectations. It’s definitely one of my favorites of Sundin’s now.

I’m going to try to sit down and write a review that makes sense, but sometimes when you really love something, it’s hard to talk about it, so bear with me.

(Also, I need a paperback copy so bad it’s not even funny.) (Also, that cover is sooo amazing! I remember when it first got revealed, I literally squealed aloud. IT’S GORGEOUS AND BLUE AND THERE’A REDHEAD AND SHE HAS A FUNNY HAT!) (I want her funny hat.)

PLOT: 5/5
Brilliantly put together. The angst and adventure begins on page 1 and doesn’t let up until the end. When you read the prologue, you’ll understand. It’s a shocking beginning, but effective – it drags you into the story, and you are utterly and completed hooked. (I need to learn to write hooks like that!)

I felt like the plot never sagged or grew boring. Throughout, it was an adventure. At times, the technical details of the running of the war office, the Wrens, ranks, etc., was a little difficult to track, but I got it sorted. And all the details just made it real and authentic!

Also, I never saw the plot twists coming! Wow! Some plot twists are too twisty to unravel ahead of time, y’know?

I lived through this story with the characters. With Dorothy and Wyatt – and even the side characters, like Mr. Paxton and Dorothy’s friends. It was very attention-keeping.

CHARACTERS: 5/5
Is there ever a Sundin book where I don’t end up raving about the characters? I think not!

Dorothy/Dolly = the sweetest thing EVER. She reminds me of my best friend … except if my best friend were to totally restrain herself + be English (my best friend is sooo American it’s not even funny!) + SHE IS A REDHEAD WITH FRECKLES AAAAH I LOVE HER SOOO MUCH JUST ‘CAUSE OF THIS. #redheadpride

Dorothy’s character arc was also quite awesome. The lessons she had to learn were some girls today could definitely stand to hear! “Be yourself – everyone else is taken.” “To thine ownself be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, that thou canst be false to any man.”

Wyatt. His name is amazing. He is unashamedly Texan. He is sooo sweet. I love honesty in people – and he was probably one of the first truly honest characters I’ve ever come across! <3 It was refreshing and beautiful. (Especially him actually telling Dorothy about his feelings! Wyatt, if the thing with Dorothy doesn’t work out, I will marry you.) (Yes, I do realize he’s a fictional character.)

His character arc was very well-done, too. His ‘courtship’ of Dorothy was sooo adorable! I love how sweet and considerate he was. How could anyone not adore him? *glares at Dorothy for taking a whole book to figure it out* *not really ’cause otherwise the book would have been kinda boring*

I’m not sure how I feel about the rest of the books being about Wyatt’s brothers (neither of whom I really cared for from the bit we learn about in the story). I’m also deeply disappointed that we probably won’t be seeing more of Dorothy’s friends! I fell in love with them, especially Gwen. But … I guess I’ll recover. ;)

SETTING: 5/5
IT’S ENGLAND.

AND THERE WAS A BIT SET IN SCOTLAND, TOO!

Wyatt is a Texan. *snickers* He was so perfect.

I loved how very English Dorothy was. I felt that was very well-done. I’m not English – so if I missed something not-English about her, forgive me – but I love basically everything English (especially, oh, pre-1960s), so I was pretty happy with that.

The descriptions were quite vivid, and, at the risk of sound repetitive, I was swept away! The book as a whole swept me away, of course, but the setting was a definite contributing factor.

WRITING: 5/5
There’s really nothing I could say in this section that I haven’t said in previous reviews of the author’s books. I feel like I know Sundin’s style pretty well now, so every time I start one of her books, I’m just like, “Right! That’s how she says that!” Like, I pick up on quirks and turns of phrases.

That may not make a lot of sense and probably sounds a little creepy. But I’m not a stalker. Reading someone’s books multiple times does not make you a stalker. To be a stalker, you’d have to follow them on Twitter and their newsletter and Goodreads … oh, wait. *eyes widen* :P

(I also find myself writing a little like her after I finish one of her books.) (And then have to correct myself because, hey, I gotta write like me, not like another author!)

CONTENT: 2/5
Language: n/a

Violence: it’s set during WW2. Though most of it takes place in London, the place is badly blown up and the dangers of air raids are very real.

Sexual: falling and love and all that jazz. Several kisses, a couple fairly detailed. Dorothy goes out with a jerk who has multiple girlfriends and is just … a jerk.

[Dorothy’s mother has an adulterous affair. She is also a jerk. (hide spoiler)]

Other: a friend of mine has a manic fear of throwing up, so I’m going to mention that there’s some throwing up in this novel. :P

I’d recommend 13 or 14+ for the spoiler (involves an adulterous affair, no details given and only talked about briefly + the angst the comes from this), but otherwise, it’s fairly clean.

OVERALL: 5/5
I NEED TO READ THIS AGAIN. But I don’t want to reread the review copy (I feel like eARCs are meant to be read once and then discarded? It’s a funny quirk of mine), so I’m gonna have to buy a paperback copy.

Honestly, this was just so good that I don’t have words to describe it! And I know I’m repeating myself, but some things are worth repeating. Get yourself a copy!

(Also: Dear Mrs. Sundin, I promise I am not a creepy stalker. I just really enjoy good books. I promise. *crosses heart*)

~Kellyn Roth

Since I picked up her Wings of Glory series, Sarah Sundin is on my "automatic read author" list. If she comes out with a book, I read it. "The Sea Before Us" is the first book in the Sunrise at Normandy series. The WWII history and depth of research makes the book become real. I feel as if I'm there and the characters are my friends. Biblical truths are woven through the book and the characters developed and grew. Besides the romance in the book, there is also a mystery that needs to be solved, which had some interesting surprises. The main story line between Wyatt and Dorothy reaches a "happily ever after", but there is a secondary story about Wyatt and his brothers that is not concluded and will (I assume) continue on through the next two books. I look forward to reading Adler's and Clay's stories.

I got a free copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

The Sea Before Us is a deeply moving story of broken people who need forgiveness and grace. (Don’t we all!) Author Sarah Sundin writes with such tenderness and insight into the human heart and the result is a book that is hard to put down.

Wyatt had fled from Texas 3 years earlier after a terrible accident (which wasn’t his fault) that had his brother blaming him, enraged and ready to do him harm. Intense guilt at hurting both his brothers caused him to consider himself a Prodigal and he felt like he had to punish himself, despite his strengthened relationship with the Lord. He still had such a hero’s heart, always ready to protect.

Dorothy’s mother and brothers died in the war, and she was left with a grieving father who made her feel unloved and uncared for. And the man she crushed on wanted a different kind of woman than her, so she tried to be someone else for him to notice her. She struggled with feeling that she was not enough in herself, that no one could love the real her.

In addition to the incredible journey of self-awareness and learning about the abiding love of the Lord, the story also had some amazing details about what went on both in the preparations for D-Day and also the events of the day from the perspective of a navy gunner. I am not a fan of violence and gore, but the account was not at all about either of these things and I had no problem reading it.


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net

I am grateful to Revell for giving me a copy of this book. The fact I received this book for free does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

What a phenomenal read! The Sea Before Us is Sarah Sundin’s first installment in the “Sunrise at Normandy” series. It follows Dorothy Fairfax, a daring British Naval “Wren”, and Lt. Wyatt Paxton, a Texan liaison officer, through the twists and turns of WWII and the D-day operation.
Exquisitely written and obviously well researched, The Sea Before Us pulls the reader headfirst into the beautiful, terrifying, and emotional world that was known all to well by many of our grandparents and great-grandparents. Sundin tells the story of D-day with honesty and military accuracy, but still leaves the reader feeling the whirlwind of romance amongst strife.
I felt swept away by this novel. Though I usually prefer significantly earlier historical fiction, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this time that became so pivotal to my own. Sundin truly created a beautiful, tension filled story that leaves the reader thirsting for more. Can’t wait for the next installment! (Book 2, The Sky Above Us, is slated for Spring 2019)

I was long overdue for a Sarah Sundin read, so the start of a new series seemed the perfect time to finally read a book from this author I’ve heard so many wonderful things about.
Y’all, why did I wait?
In The Sea Before Us, Sundin takes readers behind the scenes and into the precision, planning, and preparation during the months leading to World War II’s D-Day. Anyone who has taken a high school history class knows about this battle and has seen the pictures (and perhaps a movie or two about it).
As Dorothy Fairfax—a member of England’s Women’s Royal Naval Service—and Wyatt Paxton of the US navy spend time together, they form a friendship. Wyatt’s faith and constant encouragement bolster Dorothy as she cares for her grieving father, yet he has his own problems. He’s learned to lean on God and encourages Dorothy to explore her faith.
I kinda have a crush on Wyatt Paxton. A strong and sensitive man with a sense of humor. Someone who sees Dorothy not for her faults but for the woman God made her to be.
Plenty of twists, turns and complications keep this story moving. And when D-Day arrives, I was right in the midst of the battle with Wyatt on the ship.
While completely satisfied with this story, Sundin manages to leave an open end that has me wanting the next book in the series right now. But, alas, that’s not how the publishing world works. You better believe I’ll be picking up book two of the Sunrise Over Normandy series the day it is released.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This is the first Sarah Sundin book I've read. I've seen a lot of reviews of her other books and she is highly recommended so I thought I'd read one and see what all the fuss is all about. I am so glad I did as I was not disappointed at all! My attention was held captivated in this historical novel taking place in 1944 . It takes place in the stressful days before D-Day. Why is it that women want the bad guy, is he better looking,more exciting,what? This is how it is for Dorothy . But then there is sweet and ordinary guy Wyatt who just seems to be biding his time. He doesn't " want her crumbs,he wants the whole loaf of bread". I don't blame the guy either. Lots of fascinating history here and the author did a great job of describing it. Wonderful and believable interaction between the main characters.
I look forward to reading the second book in the Sunrise at Normandy series.
Pub Date 06 Feb 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.

I am not usually a fan of WWII fiction but The Sea Before Us was an exceptionally well written inspirational romance. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good clean read.

"The Sea Before Us" is a Christian historical romance set in January 14th, 1944 to June 15th, 1944 in England. It shows the lead up to D-Day from the viewpoint of a USA naval officer and a WRN officer involved with sorting through the intelligence about the target beaches. The rich, vivid historical details brought the setting and time period alive. The D-Day battle scenes were very suspenseful.

The hero feels guilty about his past actions, which broke his family apart when he ran away. He's trying to earn forgiveness from his family by getting everything just right before getting back in contact with them. He has accepted God's forgiveness, but he hasn't yet forgiven himself.

The heroine has lost her brothers and mother in the war. Though her father shows her no affection, she loves him and takes care of him. She's desperate to win the affections of a dashing man whom she knew as a child, so she tries to be someone she's not.

The main characters acted realistically to events and had depth. The hero and heroine were very good influences on each other and fell in love with the other's character, not just their looks. They each helped the other grow and heal, though it was a rocky road to get there due to how they feel about themselves. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this excellent and exciting historical romance.

I was drawn into the story from the beginning and kept captivated throughout the entire book. Every moment is brimming with emotion and tension. The relationship between the characters is so real and poignant, you just can’t look away!

As D-day draws ever closer, and the Blitz over England continues, two characters from different walks of life will leave a lasting impact on each other. This newest story from Sarah Sundin is one you won’t want to miss!

There is just so much to love in this story. Dynamic characters that seem so real, I felt like I was sitting in the room with them, hearing the story directly from their lips. Fascinating historical details that send you searching for more, a lively plot with twists and turns sprinkled in with a few unexpected surprises, and gripping emotion that flows from the pages and kept me up way past my bedtime.

These characters are real, they deal with real, everyday life struggles. From feelings of not being enough, learning forgiveness of not only others, but of self, and learning to rely on and trust God in both the happy times and in the times when all seems at a loss. I appreciated the real faith struggles the characters went through, and how it speaks to us today, and reminds us that we don’t always understand, but we can rest knowing that God is in control. God holds us in His hands, and no one can ever pluck us from His hands.

I simply loved this story! Even if reading WWII stories aren’t your favorite, I’d encourage you to give this story a chance. I give The Sea Before Us 5-stars and I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundlin is the first book in the Sunrise at Normandy series. Get an inside look at the preparations for the Normandy invasion through the eyes of a British Wren, Dorothy Fairfax, as she studies thousands of photographs to piece together a composite picture of the beaches for the Normandy invasion. Using these photographs, American Navy Lt. Wyatt Paxton turns the intel into naval bombardment plans. Can these characters aid the Allied effort without getting caught up in office politics, drama, and intrigue? Sundlin has masterfully created complex characters with in-depth back stories and side plots. She also shows the importance of knowing yourself and practicing forgiveness. Highly recommend, and can't wait for the next book in the series!

Well, finally, the book I’ve been waiting for has been published! A new series by Sarah Sundin, Sunrise at Normandy’s first book, “The Sea Before Us” is worth the wait. Ms. Sundin’s meticulous research into all aspects of the time period she writes about gives her books that touch of reality even though they are written as historical fiction. She also weaves historical facts and events in the stories as they happened, only changing names and certain locations.

“The Sea Before Us” tells the story of the events, planning, and multi-level participation by air, land, and naval personnel brings the enormity and comprehensive multi-pronged war plan to life. The characters also show how different combat divisions worked together to accomplish what seemed the impossible. The idea that the weather, the sea, the Allied forces, the German knowledge of “something big” happening all had to come together for this mission to be successful is mind-boggling.

I also love how Ms. Sundin keeps different story lines running through her novels. We learn about history on one hand, try to solve mysteries on the other, and still have a romantic theme in these books. I tried to read slowly, so as to savor this long-awaited novel, but I just had to keep turning pages. Now I have to be patient, waiting for the next books in the series, “The Sky Above Us” and “The Land Beneath Us”.

Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars Well-researched, well-plotted historical romance
ByMaggieon February 14, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
A well-researched and well-plotted historical story with engaging characters, drama and perhaps some romance along the way. Sarah Sundin is a new author for me, discovered through the wonders of Facebook and various author events. What a nice find! I thoroughly enjoyed The Sea Before Us and am looking forward to the next book in the Sunrise at Normandy series

This was a great start to a new series! I enjoyed learning more about Normandy. It was fascinating how the women in the Royal Naval Service (Wrens) looked at millions of pictures to try to make accurate maps to help prepare for the invasion. It’s a fresh look at a historical event that doesn’t get bogged down by the history.

Wyatt and Dorothy have both had difficult lives yet they responded in opposite ways. Wyatt leaned into God while Dorothy felt “slapped around” by him and tried to ignore him. Yet it’s Dorothy who helps Wyatt see he’s not really living out what he says he believes. They both have a lot of growing to do but show their wisdom by listening to the input of others…eventually.

Dorothy is like so many people who have this “ideal” person in mind. She’s so focused on her dream man, that she doesn’t see the wonderful man right in front of her. She’s also willing to put up with and change a lot to gain her man. In the end, I appreciated how she let Wyatt know things were changing. It was brilliant.

I was hoping Wyatt would have more closure on his family crisis but I’ll look forward to that in the next book as we get to know his brothers and see how they handled life after the initial “crisis event.” Again, this is a great start to the Sunrise at Normandy series. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I have loved Sarah Sundin books for years. The Sea Before Us, part of the Sunrise of Normandy series, takes place before D-Day in 1944. Lt. Wyatt Paxton, an American Naval Officer, has some issues he is running from in his family and doesn't believe he deserves forgiveness. Dorothy Fairfax, a British Wren, believes some serious lies about her worth. This is the story of Wyatt and maybe Dorothy. There are several twists and turns! I love stories of reconciliation, and this is one of them!


I was given this book, and I have no obligation to post a review.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. It takes place in the tense days leading up to D-Day. In 1944, naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton has been stationed in London to prepare for the Allied Invasion of France. Working with him is Dorothy Fairfax, a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service. She uses holiday photos to prepare accurate maps for the invasion of Normandy. Lt. Paxton uses her maps to create naval bombardment plans. Along the way, they become attracted to each other and fall in love. This is a great historical fiction story about war, love and forgiveness. Highly recommend!

In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a ÒWrenÓ in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France--including those of her own family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.

The prologue sets the story for Wyatt to join the Navy and go to England and be part of the D Day planned invasion. Dorothy is English and assists in the planning. There was a lot of history in the books that I wasn't aware of and found quite interesting. At times I did find there was too much detail on the invasion.

Wyatt found God's forgiveness for his past deeds. But he couldn't seem to forgive himself. Dorothy helps him with that and Wyatt finds himself falling in love with her. Dorothy has a childhood infatuation with a British Naval Officer. She does everything she can to get his attention. Even to not being herself. Wyatt sees her true self and loves her for her.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

I was given this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway.

Love this new wwii series by Sundin about D-Day. The main characters Dorthoy and Wyatt both are helping to get invasion plans together. Both have need of forgiveness/closure. I did not expect the twist involving the visit to Edinburgh but liked that. I had hoped that officer bliss Baldwin and Lawrence would end up together as they were both shallow and self serving. I had hoped Wyatt would receive letters from his brothers but maybe that will occur in the other novels of this set. Overalk, loved it! Great time period, clean romance and we'll researched. Thank you so much netgalley for the opportunity to review. Can't wait for book 2!

The Sea Before Us
by Sarah Sundin
Revell
Christian
Pub Date 06 Feb 2018
I am reviewing a copy of The Sea Before Us through Revell and Netgalley:


Once again Sarah Sundin Out does herself.

In 1944 Naval Officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London so they can prepare for the allied Invasion of France, there he works closely with Dorothy Fairfax a Wren in the Women's Royal Naval Service. She pieces together photographs including those of her families summer home in France all in order to create an accurate map of Normandy these maps will Wyatt will turn into a Naval Bombardment plan.

Naval Officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton and Dorothy Fairfax spend a lot of time together in the pressure cooker of the war. Their friendship deepens and soon threatens to turn to love. But Dorothy cannot be drawn in to the pull of love because her Father needs her and another man already has her heart, and Wyatt also has a lot to loose. As he grows closer to Dorothy Wyatt fears his efforts to win the war, will also destroy everything he loves.

If you're a fun of historical fiction then I'd recommend The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin.

Five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

This author has been recommended to me several times so I was excited to be able to review this one. Lots of history about the preparation for D-day in England. I've heard some Dorothy's job before and found it very interesting. I loved that she was able to use her skills to help the war effort but found her character rather immature. I loved Wyatt's strength and character. Looking forward to the next book in this series.Highly recommended!