One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance–and DangerFor plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he is her brother’s best friend.During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s … darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget.
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I love WWII historical novels, and Sarah Sundin never fails to please. Her research is spot on, and she weaves a tail of suspense and romance that leads the reader through the novel with delightful twists and turns to a wonderful climax. I highly recommend Anchor in the Storm to readers.
Anchors in the Storm features Jim’s best friend Arch Vandeburg and Jim’s sister, Lillian Avery. These were two more characters I wanted to shake several times before the novel was even over. Then again, Arch’s flaws were revealed in the first book. He has this obsession about his wealth, but instead of loving it and lording it over people, he despises it and expects others to despise it, too. I felt like the conflict between Arch and Lillian could have been avoided if they had just had an honest discussion, but I must admit that Sundin’s characters are as real as can be because not many people take the simple route.
And the mystery’s solution took me by surprise. I loved how Sundin had Lillian take charge of the situation and persevere despite her handicap. In fact, I loved Lillian’s arc period. By the end of the novel, she’s able to lightly joke about her leg, and she finally realizes it doesn’t define her. And Arch definitely got some brownie points when he told Jim he cared about Lillian because of her leg, not despite it, because of how Lillian had worked past it. It was perhaps the sweetest scene I’ve ever read.
(This review was originally posted on my blog at https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2019/05/17/just-read-waves-of-freedom-series-by-sarah-sundin/)
I’m going to fan gush here for a minute because Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite writers. All of her eight books and one novella have struck gold with me. I missed the opportunity to meet her at the ACFW Conference in Texas last year, but I hope to one day actually meet her and talk over a cup of coffee. It would definitely make my day. With Anchors in the Storm, Sundin doesn’t surprise me with another hit out of the park.
Sundin writes with such clarity that I always feel like I have transported back to the 1940’s and am walking through the dilemma of World War II. Sundin does so much research before she writes her stories, and it shows in the final product. I wish I could write as well as her. I really couldn’t wait to jump right in and read Anchor in the Storm.
In Anchor in the Storm, I really enjoyed watching Arch and Lillian tell their love stories. Lillian is a brave woman pharmasist who suspects there is a perscription drug ring affecting the naval soldiers, so she goes undercover and hunts for the supplier. With danger, Lillian invites Arch to help her hunt down the top commanders in the drug ring. As an avid reader of suspense and mysteries, I really think Sundin handled the situation quite well. I couldn’t wait to find out who was behind the trouble. It kept my attention glued to the story.
As for the romance between Arch and Lillian, it was paced quite nicely. Lillian has her reservations about men and for good reason. She has a hard time allowing men or anyone for that matter to come close to her heart. I admired her courage and really enjoyed her as the heroine. As for Arch, I really enjoyed him too. He came from money, but he saw what power money allowed people to hold over others by making them do things they normally wouldn’t do. He wanted none of that. He saw the good in Lillian and loved her for her personality. I really enjoyed watching their romance blossom.
With the correct amount of research, Sarah Sundin crafted another hit in the World War II romance genre with enough tension and lovable characters to grab any ones attention. I anxiously wait for book three where I can learn more about Quintessa and Dan Avery, Lillian and Jim’s brother.
I highly recommend Anchors in the Storm to fans of Cara Putnam, Liz Tolsma, and Kristy Cambron. A great addition to the popular genre.
I received a complimentary copy of Anchors in the Storm from Revell Publishing and the opinions stated are all my own.
Anchor in the Storm is sweet and lovely read. I felt like I was in the story and I felt bad for Lillian and Arch. What will they endure together?
Sarah Sundin put you through the emotions with all her stories, but this one had me with my emotions after a chapter. Lillian finds out her brother is missing after an attack on his Navy ship “Atwood”.
Are you a fan of Historical Fiction or do you enjoy reading about World War Two? This book has that feel to it. I enjoy learning about how we got into World War 2.
Lillian wants to be a druggist and a female one at that. In an era that is still new to the world with female having jobs. We are at the beginning of World War Two. The story starts out December 7, 1942, or around that time.
Arch is on leave time from the Navy. He has to deal with his troubles. Will they find love together and find out they need to open up and trust god first.
Arch seems to annoy Lillian and Lillian needs to prove herself. When they get to Boston something is up with her new job. They’re a lot of perceptions for sedatives. Could there be a drug ring? Arch is dealing with it though the Navy’s end for he sees it going on with his men. Is there a romance in the air?