Sarah Sundin gives readers a fascinating glimpse into the days leading up to D-Day in The Sea Before Us. London serves as a lovely setting as Sundin expertly explains and maneuvers through the numerous moving parts that made the invasion of Normandy a turning point in WWII. Full of action, adventure, and intrigue, the plot of the novel moves very quickly. Dorothy and Wyatt’s individual journeys toward forgiveness and self-confidence come to a beautiful conclusion and satisfying love story. I’ve long been a fan of Sundin’s and thoroughly enjoyed this first installment of her Sunrise at Normandy series.

Impossible to put down!
Another excellent story from Sarah Sundin. I just love all of the WW2 stories that Sarah has written and I consider myself blessed to receive a copy for review. This one takes place in England just before and during D-day, the invasion at Normandy. Dorothy and Wyatt are both working at headquarters to plan for the invasion, and later Wyatt is on one of the Destroyers. What a great insight into this time and place! So much went on that we would never know except for Sarah, and there is so much detail here. Then of course the characters are anything but boring. Both families are a bit of a mess, but the story is intricately woven and you get to love them all, British and American. Another great hit for Christian Historical fiction! Can’t wait for the next in the series!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Author and Revell/Baker Publishing Group - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wyatt left his Texas home after a tragic accident, made worse by his subsequent actions. After more mistakes, he enlists in the army and ends up in England in time to help in the preparations for D-Day. Convinced that his family must hate him, he is doing his best to make amends, all the while punishing himself for his behaviour, though he is convinced that God has forgiven him.

In England, Dorothy has suffered the loss to war of her two brothers and her mother, and as a result her father has distanced himself from her, leaving her alone but needing to care for him as he will not look after himself. She also plays a part in the war effort, and her job in the Wrens gives her a chance to try to get close to her childhood crush and her brothers' friend Lawrence.

The war brings Wyatt and Dorothy together, and they each learn many lessons from the other, as each helps the other to gradually overcome their problems. In the background we see the unfolding of the war in the leadup to the invasion of France by the Allied forces in WWII.

This book was enjoyable and interesting on two fronts. First, the romance was clean and well done without taking over the entire book - the characters grew both individually and together, and the progression felt realistic - though I would have liked her to see what an unpleasant person Lawrence was rather sooner. Second, there was a strong background of history, both specific events (including a historical note at the end) and the overall feel of the time - educational to those who have never experienced war, air raids, rationing, etc. However, it doesn't feel like a history textbook or anything like that, the historical bits are neatly tied into the story so that you get the feeling without being bashed over the head with it. The writing quality was good, too - I don't even remember noticing any errors, though I don't try to look for them.

My one complaint about this book was that the whole thing with his brothers was left completely up in the air. I realise that this is because it is part of a series, with each brother having their own book (and I look forward to their release), but I don't like things being incomplete. Having said that, Wyatt's story was wrapped up neatly otherwise, which was good.

Overall, this is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a bit of history in with their somewhat more in-depth romance. This is not what I would class as a light read, but I say that in a good way. Curl up with it and you won't want to put it down!

Plot: good
Content: clean
Language/writing style: good writing, with no bad language
Characters: felt realistic
Message: Christian, motivational - good, not overdone
Overall rating: 5 stars

Note that I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

If I had begun to read The Sea Before Us without knowing who the author was, I would have quickly recognized Sarah Sundin’s voice. If you enjoy fiction set during the World War II era, you will enjoy this book with detailed descriptions of the preparations for D-Day and a vivid word picture of the main characters’ rolls in the taking of the beach in Normandy.
Lt. Wyatt Paxton, a naval officer from Texas serving as a liaison with the Royal Navy, has fled from his family following a disastrous accident for which he feels at partial responsibility. While he rests in God’s forgiveness, he is unable to forgive himself and fears his family will also be unable, or unwilling, to forgive him.
Dorothy Fairfax, a second officer with the Wrens, has lost all of those dear to her except for her father. He has become so distant, so aloof, it is as if he too were lost to her. Dorothy has spent years and put great effort into making herself into the type of person one could love, the type her father could love, and the type her childhood crush, Lawrence Eaton, could love. Would there ever be anyone who could love her for herself?
Faith, true acceptance of Christ’s work on the cross, and understanding God’s love for us are central themes in The Sea Before Us, concepts that are balms to our heart, and that settle peace over our lives. I thank NetGalley and Revell Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review. I received no monetary compensation, only hours of reading pleasure.

I was counting down the days until Sarah Sundin's newest novel, The Sea Before Us, was released, and my goodness, that countdown was so worth it! In hallmark Sundin style, she expertly covers aspects of WWII military campaigns from angles that enlighten and bring to life a war that changed the face of our world forever. Never boring or overly bogged down with details, Sundin presents the D-Day invasion from the naval perspective, revealing the immense courage, brilliant tactics, and tremendous joint efforts of civilian and military personnel that made this battle a success.
Although this history buff loves Sundin's attention to the past, I also appreciate her plot filled with characters that inspire and present truth in ways that resonate deeply. The Sea Before Us delivers a powerful message of God's forgiveness, redemption for the prodigal, and promise for the future. Without being preachy, Sundin's resounding theme comes through the pages that our future is in God's loving hands regardless of the outcome.
Filled with a gentle romance amid the danger of war, Sundin's latest delivers it all. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

THE SEA BEFORE US by Sarah Sundin. “Sunrise at Normandy” book1
Sarah has tackled a part of history, unknown to most, bringing us the detailed account of what was happening in Europe, and D day. Mixed with the loyalty of family, not being able to communicate like we have today’s technology. Wyatt ran from home, living with the sin of what he did, and no communication. He was now in London to help with the use of photographs to create maps of Normandy. Wren, Dorothy. worked with him, attraction was there. She still felt insecure and waiting for ten years for Lawrence to notice her. Wyatt, shows her how she should be treated by a man, which was lovely portrayed. Sarah has given us a heart felt plot and a good beginning to this new series. History, loyalty, family, love, with an unusual ending. Given ARC by Net Galley and Baker Publisher for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite authors. I have loved every single one of her books, so you could say I was excited for her latest release, The Sea Before Us. It did not disappoint. It reiterates Sundin as one of the masters of World War II historical fiction.

With every book of hers, I'm astounded by the amount of research that must go into each one! The attention to detail, the historical facts... wow! I definitely feel completely immersed in the time period while reading her books. And I learn so much interesting and compelling bits of history too. It was so fascinating learning some of what went into preparing for D-Day. It took so much planning and there were so many opportunities for something to go wrong, something that could've changed the outcome.

The way Sundin weaves a brilliant message of faith in with all the history and romance is so amazing and one of my favorite aspects of her books. And what great messages they are in this novel! There are quite a few but the one that stuck out to me the most was the reminder to just be yourself. Don't change yourself to impress someone else or to make them like you. God made you uniquely you, so embrace that.

I highly, highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one to find out more about the Paxton brothers!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Wyatt has fled home after an accident led to the death of his brother's fiancee. Feeling guilty for his mistakes and sins, Wyatt joins the Navy, and now he's a part of planning the invasion of Normandy. Stationed in England, he works alongside British officers to play the attack--including a female officer, Dorothy, and is drawn to her. He doesn't feel he deserves happiness because of what he's done, but as Dorothy encourages him to reconcile with his family, he finds himself hoping that just maybe he can get forgiveness from his family and maybe, if Dorothy ever realize the man she's been pining after isn't right for her, a chance with her.
Dorothy has lost her mother and two brothers to the war, and her father has completely shut himself off from her. Although it hurts her to know her own father doesn't love her, she takes her duty to care for him seriously, and when he won't respond to the possibility of embezzling going on in his company, Dorothy asks Wyatt to take a look at the books. As he helps her, Dorothy finds herself comparing him to Lawrence Eaton, the man she's longed for for ages, and how Wyatt seems to care for her as she is, while with Lawrence, she has to suppress who she truly is. And when Wyatt encourages her to return to church, she begins to reconsider her relationship with God, whom she has come to fear and distrust.

I was totally hooked by this book. I've never read anything by Sarah Sundin before, but I'll be adding her to my need-to-read-everything-of-hers-I-can-find list. Wyatt and Dorothy were such well-developed characters; their motivations and desires, their hurts and their hopes, were so realistic. I enjoyed seeing both of them resolve spiritual concerns, and I love learning more about history, so it was really neat to see some behind-the-scenes D-Day preparations. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Review of “The Sea Before Us”
Sarah Sundin, author
“Sunrise at Normandy” Book 1
Revel, 386 pages
February 6, 2018 publish date

Novels that are set in the days of World War II always tug at my heartstrings. However, it’s the well-researched books that hold my complete attention, and this book did that from the very beginning.
This absorbing story pays tribute to the British Wrens whose contribution to the war effort were not always recognized. Basing her story on known events, as well as filling in the gaps with believable details of her own, Sarah Sundin has written a compelling story of love, loss, and victory.

Although we know the outcome of the D-Day, I came to care about the main characters and truly wanted to see how they fared during the invasion. There is a sweet love story that weaves its way through the book, but it never overwhelms the focus of the resourcefulness and bravery of the men and women who planned the D-Day invasion.

The theme of forgiveness is a main component of this storyline. The Paxton brothers struggle to find and accept forgiveness as they all three find themselves in the same theater of war. Each book will focus on one of the brothers and their experiences during the invasion.
I’m looking forward to reading all the books in this series.

I adore Sarah Sundin's writing. She is a master at bringing the world of World War II to life in a realistic fashion with memorable characters. I look forward to reading every single book she writes. With her newest addition to her new series, The Sea Before Us, I fell in love with the story instantly.

Her research doesn't shine on the page. Instead, the words and research flow together to make a seamless story. I love being caught up in the action and thrown for a loop while watching important events in history unfold. In The Sea Before Us, Sundin takes us for a ride during the battle at Normandy. I really didn't know much about the battles. I have heard of the fighting but haven't learned a lot. Sundin created the battles, so I wanted to learn more.

The plot is different. I really enjoy how the story builds up to the battle at Normandy. It doesn't start there and just keep showing us a history lesson from a point of view of two people who are at war. Instead, she introduces us to Dorothy and Wyatt and allows me to become consumed with their normal life and watch their hurts and flaws fall on the page.

Speaking of Dorothy and Wyatt, this is another couple I loved spending time with. Dorothy is a hurting woman who believes no really loves her. She evens believes the perfect guy for her really wouldn't love the real her, so she puts on make-up and pretends to be someone she isn't. Dorothy transforms by the end of the novel and learns she can be loved and deserves it.

Now Wyatt. I don't honestly gush about the romance in a novel. I can't remember one except Sundin's other novel Blue Skies Tomorrow with Raymond and Helen. Wyatt grew on me. I really started to sigh when he spent time with Dorothy. He knew how to control his emotions and not come on to strong when she is declared to love someone else. He loved Dorothy for who she was, not what she pretended to be. There is a kiss near the end of the novel that I swooned. It was perfect, and just what the moment needed. I applaud Sundin for creating a moment I won't soon forget.

Most historical or contemporary romances usually end with a proposal or a wedding. Not Sundin. She leaves the readers grasping for straws but satisfied the romance is going to work out. I'm grateful she does this. Not every story has to have a happy ever after moment with a pretty bow.

Overall, Sarah Sundin's The Sea Before Us is definitely a top-notch historical romance novel with enduring characters, a fascinating plot, and a romance I want to re-read and sigh. If you enjoy historical fiction of any era, Sundin is the author to enjoy. I can't recommend her novels enough. Another book to add to my favorites pile.

I received a complimentary copy of The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I love Sarah Sundin books and this one did not disappoint. She has written so many books around this historical time period but they never get old. I enjoyed reading about Wyatt and Dottie. Theirs was an unconventional romance but just as sweet. Yay for another series from Sarah Sundin. I'm in for the sequel as soon as possible!

MESMERIZING!!

The Sea Before Us is a fantastic start to the Sunrise at Normandy series! This novel is based on the lives of American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton and Dorothy Fairfax, a “Wren” in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. They are both part of the group working behind the scenes to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. They are both broken souls because of their pasts. They become friends through their mutual work on the maps. Sundin is describes in great detail all the work involved in helping create accurate maps of Normandy. All details are important! Any slight change in topography could mean an enemy encampment. The stakes are life and death. Yet, some people choose to use these darkest of days to attempt to further their own careers while placing the lives of countless others at risk.

Sundin has done a masterful job in capturing the feeling of what it must have been like to be living in London and helping the troops prepare for the Allied invasion. Her characters are strong, relatable and believable. Her descriptions of mapmaking are detailed, interesting and informative. The plot is thrilling - not just building up to D-Day, but another huge mystery involving Dorothy’s family, as well. Excellent book from start to finish! I was provided an ARC of this book by Revell & NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

I have to be honest and say that my first Sarah Sundin book was picked up purely because I liked the picture on the front of the cover....but sometimes you really CAN judge a book by its cover. I went back and read every other book she'd published, and have read them all ever since. This book is the first in a new trilogy, and I cannot wait to see how the other two play out! Sarah does such a wonderful job of researching the history and weaving it into her stories that you can't help but feel like you're learning something along the way. In this book, we are approaching D-Day in the United Kingdom, and Dorothy and Wyatt much come through the war struggles as well as their personal / relationship issues. I can only imagine that this was such a difficult time to live through, which may explain the protagonist's insecurities. Mix that with the prodigal son (the other protagonist), a third player in the romance field, and questions of who can be trusted, and you've got something to sort out. This author's books never disappoint; if you're into history, this is one to not be missed!

What a great novel! Love, war, D-Day, and Gods faithfulness in us, this book intertwined it all.

When I was growing up, one of the movies often watched at my home was The Longest Day, an epic WWII film starring classic cinema stars John Wayne, Sean Connery and Henry Fonda. Using quasi-documentary style storytelling, the film dramatizes the events of the Battle of Normandy and a small part of what happened during that historic military assault. With The Sea Before Us, Sarah Sundin begins a new series documenting the lives and loves of three brothers who will take part in that heroic struggle.

It had been meant to be a fun family outing for Wyatt, his brother Adler and Adler's fiancée along with youngest brother Clay and Clay's girlfriend Ellen. They are heading to a favorite location for a picnic when tragedy strikes: Oralee falls to her death while trying to settle an argument between Adler and Wyatt. Immediately afterwards, Wyatt flees town, taking the cash his family had recently withdrawn to pay for Clay's college education. Several years later, he finds himself in London, a naval officer who hasn't seen or spoken to any of his relatives in years.

Dorothy Fairfax has experienced more than her share of tragedy. Her mother died in the Blitz, her brothers have both been killed in action, and her father is dying of grief right before her eyes.  Her job as a Wren brings her comfort by helping her to feel she is doing her part. She’s good at her job, which involves comparing reconnaissance photos with thousands of family vacation pictures of France in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. It is at work – at the Allied Naval Expeditionary Force Headquarters – that Dorothy first meets Wyatt. He s part of a team creating naval bombardment plans based on the geographical information Dorothy and her group work so hard on. While Wyatt is struck with Dorothy’s beauty and vivacity from the start, her heart and mind are preoccupied by an old friend who has recently come back into her life.

When Wyatt sees Dorothy carrying a heavy basket of groceries home one Sunday afternoon, he offers to help her to the door. Her father greets them in the foyer and takes an immediate liking to Wyatt, inviting him in for dinner. In fact, everyone in Dorothy’s life takes a liking to Wyatt, from her friends to the family dog. Everyone except her, since she is doggedly pursuing a relationship with the exciting and daring old friend who has come back into her life. But as she spends more and more time with Wyatt, and more time with the old friend she comes to one startling conclusion: only one of those men actually cares about her – and it’s not the one she’s had a crush on for years.

Ms. Sundin writes books that capture the spirit of the old campy WWII movies from the fifties and sixties. Her men are all brave, stalwart, salt-of-the-earth style heroes who treat their loves like ladies and use terms like “swell” with gleeful abundance. Her heroines are all ‘nice’ girls who would never dream of abandoning the straight and narrow.  There is a great deal of cheesiness and drama to the tales, but just as in those old films, that is a large part of the book’s appeal.

In this case, the drama comes in a myriad of forms. The characters have troubles at the office from commanding officers and co-workers who behave in highly un-professional ways. Then there is the tangle that is their own love life: Dorothy has a hard time giving up the crush that has been the source of her fantasies for years because her mother had previously encouraged that infatuation. For his part, Wyatt feels like he always falls for a girl who is already in love with someone else. He’s tired of playing second fiddle but can’t seem to help himself. Then there is the turmoil surrounding the Fairfax family company, which has been left to flounder while Dorothy’s dad wallows in his misery. And it wouldn’t be a Sundin novel if our hero and heroine weren’t knee deep in spiritual conundrums as well. In this case, Dorothy is struggling with being loved – both by the people around her and by God, whom she feels has pretty much destroyed her family. Wyatt struggles with deep guilt for his part in the accidental death of the girl back home. In spite of his genuine faith in God’s forgiveness, he struggles to forgive himself.

The fact that the romance in the story stays on course in spite of all the turmoil is a testament to the author’s writing. She uses the friends-to-lovers trope to good advantage here, showing us how we can miss something wonderful that is right in front of us as well as how a relationship can turn from friends who know each other well to a full blown romance once the blinders have fallen off. When Wyatt and Dorothy finally realize they are perfect for each other and work out all the problems that might have kept them apart it is the end of the story, but the reader still feels satisfied because the author has done a lot of relationship building throughout the book.

The one flaw with the novel is that in the midst of all this drama there’s a war going on. Not just a war but both these people are deep in the heart of plans for the attack on Normandy. I struggled to believe that they had quite as much free time as the book depicted.

People looking for a luscious love story won’t find it in The Sea Before Us. Those looking for a genuine friends-to-lovers romance and who enjoy campy tales of daring-do however will find exactly what they are looking for in this sweet, sassy, fun, and occasionally reverent Inspirational Romance.

Buy it at: A/BN/iB/K

In The Sea Before Us, author Sarah Sundin takes her readers back in time to WWII and the run-up to D-day. Her main characters are Dorothy Fairfax and Wyatt Paxton. Dorothy is an insecure red-head with freckles who is trying to become someone she is not, to catch the eye of another someone she has pined over for years. Wyatt is on the run after accidentally contributing to the death of his brother's fiancee. He hasn't seen his family in two years. They have no idea if he is dead or alive. The two meet and end up helping each other in more ways than one.

Many themes are running through this book that kept me riveted to it, starting with Dorothy's insecurities. She has been in love with a family friend for years, but could never seem to get his attention. So she began to change herself to attract him. The problem, of course, is that she could never be who she really was when around him. Too many women do that for men, thinking they will never find love if "they don't change" and when the man she "loves" turns out to be a cad in every conceivable fashion, Dorothy still makes excuses for him. Thank goodness, she had a friendship with Wyatt, who showed her how a real man should treat a woman and what real love looks like.

The other theme was that of how we tend to run away from our problems. Wyatt did that and broke off all contact with his parents because he couldn't face his sin. The story of the prodigal son spoke loud and clear and was beautifully written into this story, so much so, that I can't wait for the second book in this series.

Adding to these themes was the surprise at the end I wasn't expecting. No, it has nothing to do with D-Day or romance but is an added mystery on the side that really made this book top-notch. The author has done an excellent job in her research of WWII, making me feel like I was watching a movie, rather than reading a book, which is a testament to her skill as an author.

If you love historical fiction, romance, excitement and a little intrigue put this book on your shopping list!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.