In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers’ betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for–fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and … upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family–the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.
After Clay saves Leah’s life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay’s recurring dream comes true?
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The word “immersive” gets thrown around a lot in historical fiction reviews. It’s a way to characterize a novel that really submerges the reader in a time and setting. But where Sarah Sundin’s latest World War II novel, The Land Beneath Us, is concerned, “immersive” is an understatement.
Almost immediately, I felt pulled into the hearts and minds of the main characters. Clay Paxton is a compassionate, honorable man running headlong to a dangerous fate to escape a heartbreaking past. Ironically, he becomes friends with Leah Jones, an orphaned librarian who wants nothing more than to discover her own past.
Seeing glimpses of their background and personality early in the story helped me connect with Clay and Leah, making the drama enfolding them from the war abroad and the tension at home feel urgent and real. Connecting with them as characters also enhanced the depth of their faith journey and the sweetness of the love story that gradually builds between them.
Although it could be read and appreciated by itself, The Land Beneath Us is even more impactful after reading the first two books in the Sunrise at Normandy series—two books which inevitably led to being emotionally invested in the Paxton family saga. This story brings that saga to a satisfying and uplifting conclusion that’s sure to spark smiles as well as a few tears.
I highly recommend this book and Sarah Sundin as an author. Her books never fail to warm the heart and inspire the soul.
Gosh, I love this series! It was hard waiting for this final installment to be published, but it was worth the wait! Sarah Sundin does such an amazing job of incorporating historical facts and details into a gripping fictional plot. I was sucked in from the beginning and stayed up until 3am to finish it all in one sitting. I couldn’t recommend this book and this series more!
“Oh Lord, I’ve been searching for the family I lost, and I didn’t even see the family you gave me.”
Oh my goddess, this was so good! I loved it and I could not put it down. Be prepared for a sleepless night. The Land Beneath Us is the third book in Sarah Sundin’s series, Sunrise in Normandy. I have been waiting for this book to come ever since I read the first two, The Sea Before Us, The Sky Above Us. The Land Beneath Us follows the journey of the youngest Paxton brother, Clay.
But first things first, the cover is absolutely gorgeous. It is so pretty, the sunset is so beautiful.
Clay Paxton is the younger brother of Alder and Wyatt. In the first two books, we learn that Clay’s brothers have wronged him. But we really don’t know much about him. All we know is that he is their half-brother and when they ran away, they took away his dream.
All Leah Jones wants is a place to belong, but as an orphan it is harder than it seems. She has learned to see the best of life, especially because she knows that she has a hope in God. Unfortunately there are some things that make it harder to trust God than others. What will Leah do when she feels like she is all alone and life feels like it just can’t get better?
I liked that Clay Paxton was such a sweetheart. He cared about others, but he had resigned himself to never being enough. It was really cool to see things from his side, he was the one who was wronged and how he learned to deal with it. Clay had to learn how to forgive his brothers and what it meant to let go of his anger.
Leah was so considerate, I adored her. It was so amazing to me how she was so positive and thoughtful of others. I thought it was really neat that Leah was different, even the fact that she looked different on the cover made me like her immediately. It was very cool to see her grow and learn that family and belonging is something you make. Sometimes your family are not the ones who are your one blood, but the ones who come alongside of you when things get rough.
Leah and Clay were perfect for each other. She helped him learn to forgive and see the good in life. And he showed her what having a family felt like. They completed each other, and helped each other grow closer to God.
I also liked the fact that you got to see what the Rangers went through during World War 2. It was very interesting to read about the part they played in helping in the War. I was very excited to see this part because in the first two books you got to see things from the Navy perspective, and the Air Force.
This was a wonderful conclusion to one of my favorite series. I loved getting to know Clay and Leah! I can’t wait to see what else Sarah Sundin wires! I definitely recommend this book, it is a clean Christian, historical book. It has everything you could want, action, a handsome hero, and a lovely love story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Although this is the first book that I have read by Sarah Sundin, I am thoroughly convinced that it will not be my last. This book was a fascinating look at D-Day from the viewpoint of the woman left behind and the warrior in action. Clay Paxton is from Texas and is stationed at a small training base when he meets Leah. Leah is on her own and working in the library when Clay comes into her life at one of her worst possible moments. The life that Leah faced when Clay left for battle was one of being alone, anxious and not always feeling accepted, struck a lot of chords with me since I’m a the wife of a retired military member. So, I really enjoyed the walks down memory lane that this book provided for me. I also was totally absorbed with the historical details that the author wove seamlessly into the story. The tale of D-Day was so well-written and historically accurate that I learned a lot from this book while also being drawn into the fictional lives of Leah and Clay. There are so many lessons to be learned from this book, including forgiveness and giving second chances and acceptance and bullying and family relationships. I loved this book and will definitely look for and read the others in this series as well as other books by this author. She paints a realistic canvas of a terrible era in the history of the world and does so with empathy and a patriotic fervor that jumps from the pages. Fans of historical fiction will not want to miss this book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of an online contest. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Great story! I’ve red all of this authors books and this is a favorite among them.
This book is the third in a series, but you will enjoy it even if you haven’t read the first two. (All focus on WWII, but one the air war, one the naval war, and this one the Army Rangers.) Leah is a woman orphaned at age four, and struggling with the consequences and who she really is, without knowing her heritage. Pax has been hurt by a family blowup, but goes on to become a brave Ranger. Worth the read!
When an author finishes a series and manages to bring all of the stories together, they have succeeded in my eyes. In The Land Beneath Us, Sarah Sundin does that and so much more.
Clay and Leah’s relationship doesn’t get a normal start. Yet, Clay’s desire to provide for Leah is endearing. I adored how they got to know each other better through the letters they wrote to each other.
As Clay discovers something more to fight for than his death, Leah discovers that family isn’t always bound by blood. Sometimes family is the people who come alongside and walk life’s roads with you.
Sundin uses Leah (as in Rachel and Leah) from the Bible as encouragement for her own Leah. This lonely woman who knew from the start she was Jacob’s second choice was blessed by God. The parallels in The Land Beneath Us are there as well.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This book emphasizes the sacrifices of all who were involved in World War II, both male and female, and it also justifies why these brave people were called The Greatest Generation. Sarah Sundin completely captures the fears, determination, and deep patriotism and vividly describes the horrors of war. Clay Paxton is the focus of this third book of the Sunrise at Normandy series and he is the man that most parents would choose for their daughter. He proves this by marrying a young woman, in an effort to save her virtue, after she has been brutally attacked. Leah Jones is the young woman that he marries and I was especially drawn to this young woman who longs to be a librarian and yearns to find her twin sisters; the young orphan who has never eaten in a restaurant until her marriage. Being separated by war soon becomes a reality and it is through their letters to each other that Clay and Leah get to know each other and realize that perhaps their marriage could be so much more than just a marriage of convenience—if Clay can survive the war.
Sundin has written a beautiful story of faith, family, and forgiveness, and she reminds us of the amazing power of love. I highly recommend The Land Beneath Us to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.
This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing/Revell, through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review wasn’t required and all opinions are my own.
Full of greatly researched history, gripping emotional characters, and deeply woven spiritual concepts, this book is captivating from beginning to end! I really liked this story, and I do think it was my favorite of the series. You do not have to read the stories in order, but there is definitely a common thread of brothers throughout the series that is best enjoyed if you read them all! I loved Leah in this book, her captivating backstory, her quiet and strong faith, and her determination to do anything for those she loves captured me and allowed me to connect with her character easily. I also really liked Clay, who has a painful past but is a genuinely good man with a heart of gold as he learns a lesson of forgiveness in this story. The history is very well researched and integrated. I greatly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I haven’t read any of Sarah Sundin’s books before now, but The Land Beneath Us has convinced me that I need to! I absolutely loved this one cover to cover!
Marriage of convenience stories are always hit or miss for me and I’m hesitant to read them as they can sometimes get too sexualized for me. But I’m so glad I gave this one a try because it was perfect in every way! Leah and Clay were such great characters and the motivation for their marriage of convenience worked really well. Clay is such a gentleman, I can’t help but respect him. And Leah’s innocence and gentle spirit is inspiring. I found the storyline with Clay’s dream really interesting and love how Sundin wrapped it up. This is the third and last book in the series, and I haven’t read the first two, but I never felt lost reading this one. Everything is explained sufficiently that this could almost be a standalone. (I would still recommend reading the series in order though, but if you don’t, you’ll still be fine.)
Sundin’s writing style is just beautiful and fits the historic time period perfectly, down to the dialogue and all. She also does a great job describing the settings and I felt like I was right there with the characters.
All in all, I absolutely loved this historical novel with beautiful themes! I highly recommend this if you love historical fiction, particularly set around WWII.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers’ betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for–fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.
Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family–the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.
After Clay saves Leah’s life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay’s recurring dream comes true?
This was a great ending to the Sunrise at Normandy series. This is Clay’s story. He has a recurring dream where he sees himself dying during battle. He meets Leah and saves her life during a vicious attack. He marries her to give her respectable after the attack and so that she will have some income from his allotment. This story also tells of the reunion of the three brothers who fought and haven’t seen each other for three years. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, it would be beneficial to do so. Its not necessary, but it would give you a better understanding of Wyatt and Adler and why Clay has trouble forgiving his brothers.
I highly recommend this book and the other two in the series.
I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and over the years I’ve read many books set during WWII. As with any subject, having a familiarity with this period leads to recognizing plots and events and being able to predict what will follow. Generally speaking, stories don’t catch me off guard. However, with “The Land Beneath Us,” Sarah Sundin manages to do just that, so that I felt as if I were reading a suspenseful thriller and could not turn the pages quickly enough. I have not read the previous books in this series, but that did not at all impede my enjoyment of this one.
With “The Land Beneath Us”, Sarah Sundin delivers a breathtaking novel that is both beautiful and tragic. She deals with disquieting issues not often found in Christian historical fiction, yet she does so with grace. While the events themselves are disturbing, they are not described in detail and do not leave readers feeling sullied. Instead, through the faith of her characters and the ways in which the Lord works in their lives, these ordeals become inspiring testimonies. Leah Jones, in particular, spoke to my heart and is now among my list of favorite heroines. Her love of books and libraries resonated with me, and I felt a kinship with her because I am petite also. Despite her small stature, she manages to make a powerful impact; as Clay Paxton remarks, “For such a young and tiny thing, she had strength at her core.” Despite growing up as an orphan and dealing with abandonment her entire life, her heart has not become hardened and she has an effusive zest for life and remarkable resilience. Her own statement reveals her disposition: “There are even more blessings I can’t yet see. But I will. I only have to watch.” She is not, however, perfect, and I am thankful that Sundin shows how Leah does make mistakes like the rest of us but comes through them because she has the Holy Spirit within her to guide her.
Faith, hope, and love do indeed shine through in this novel. There are allusions to the Biblical stories of Leah and the prodigal son, and forgiveness is one of the main themes. Sundin expresses so well the corroding effect that unforgiveness has on our lives, and she also addresses the issue of trust. Her characters are wonderful witnesses and complements to one another, teaching by example in a beautiful demonstration of the body of Christ. The promise of Jesus echoes throughout “The Land Beneath Us”, assuring us that “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A powerful story of hope, family, and forgiveness.
Clay Paxton’s dream of becoming a physician were ripped away one terrible night, the night that he also lost his brothers. He is frequently visited by a daunting dream of pain and peace, that he is determined to fulfil as an Army Ranger.
Leah Jones has never belonged anywhere, as an orphaned who was adopted and then abandoned, separated from her baby sisters, she longs for a family and a place to belong. But one terrible night changes everything and a marriage of convenience to an Army Ranger named Clay Paxton.
The long awaited conclusion to Sunrise at Normandy series, I couldn’t wait to read this book. And it did not disappoint, Clay is my favorite of the brothers, noble, and willing to do his duty whatever the cost. I loved how he grew in his faith, as God worked in his life and through him, convicting him and strengthening him.
I loved Leah instantly, and cheered for her the whole way through as she grew into a confident woman, willing to fight for and uplift others. Leah never had much to call her own, yet she always looks for the bright side and how she can be useful, I admired her faith, as well as how she always wants the best for others.
Overall a fantastic conclusion to what is now my favorite series from Sarah Sundin, well researched, with characters that gripped my heart. Powerful story of faith and forgiveness, set against the D-Day victory. Highly recommend, I didn’t want to put it down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is an amazing historical romance!
I absolutely loved both Clay Paxton and Leah Jones. They are very strong characters who are extremely well developed. They each have deep doubts about their self worth but they are striving to live upstanding lives. Their interaction with each other throughout the book is marvelous. They are striving to help the other.
I was completely caught up in all of the wonderful historical details that are included in this story. That includes things from the home front as well as the training and battle on D-day.
I have truly come to trust the accuracy of the historical content in any book written by Sarah Sundin. I have read information on all of the research she does before writing one of her novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions 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.*
After reading each book in this series I’ve declared it to be my favorite. It’s safe to say each story and each Paxton brother has unique qualities that will endear them to readers.
What I particularly liked about Clay Paxton was his sense of honor and desire to do the right thing. He did so by staying home when his brothers fled, by marrying Leah to ensure she was provided for, and by risking his life for the men in his unit. All very admirable actions, in my opinion, so when Sundin equated him to the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son it was a light bulb moment. The entire time, I’d been focused on his “good works” and not on his motives. Well done, Mrs. Sundin!
As with the other Sunrise at Normandy books, The Land Beneath Us has an endearing female protagonist. Leah Jones may be meek in appearance, but the trials of life have given her a fighter’s spirit. Something she needed in the hospital and shortly afterward when she assumed her new role as a soldier’s wife. I’ve been a military spouse for 16 years, so I could relate to Leah and the challenges of long-distance relationships. One of the beautiful aspects of this story is how Mama Paxton embraced Leah and gave the former orphan a place and family to call her own. The wholehearted acceptance of Leah into the Paxton family really touched this reader’s heart. I also cried at the final scene, but I won’t ruin that experience for you with a spoiler.
All in all, I love how Clay wrestled with his past and how Sarah Sundin brought healing to the Paxton family. The Land Beneath Us and the entire Sunrise at Normandy series is a must-read!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Another great story in the Sunrise at Normandy series by Sarah Sundin. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and Sundin does it so well. Wonderful characters that stir the heart, historical detail that shows how much research the author has done to make this story real, a tension-filled love story and an endearing plot that holds the reader’s interest. A reader who loves this genre could not ask for more. I listened to the library copy of the audiobook and Sarah Zimmerman does a fantastic job of narration giving voice to Clay and Leah’s story, making for an enjoyable listening experience.
The Land Beneath Us was another beautiful and poignant tale from the master of WWII romance, Sarah Sundin. It’s the final book in the Sunrise at Normandy series that follows the Paxton brothers. This time the spotlight was on youngest brother Clay and, I’ve gotta say, it’s my favorite of the trilogy.
I loved both Clay and Leah. They were such a good pairing and I liked how they started out as friends first. Leah was infinitely likable from the very start. She had such a sweet demeanor and positive attitude. Her pure joy for books and the Lord really shined. She had endured a lot in life, faced many tragedies and setbacks, but she never let it get her down. I really admired her positivity and her ability to see the bright side in every situation, no matter how bad it was. And Clay! Swoon-alert! He’s such a good, honorable, and upstanding guy. I can’t say enough good things about him.
I love when an author can transport me back in time and Sundin does that with every one of her books. I know I say this every time, but the historical details are so spot on. I can’t even imagine the amount of research she must do. I so appreciate that attention to detail.
The Land Beneath Us was a brilliant conclusion to this series. I highly recommend it to everyone and can’t wait to check out whatever Sundin comes out with next.
this is the 3rd book in the serie Normandy Book, set in year 1943 in Tennessee.
the serie tells about Paxton sons: The land beneath us about Clay, The Sea before us about Wyatt, The Sky above us about Adler.
another main character of this book is Leah Jones, a young orfan woman with 2 dreams: become a librarian and find her 2 twin sisters.
the Victory Book Campaign in WWII had a motto: ‘Books are weapons in the war of ideas’, wow!
I agree, books are accessible from all the people, they can help people learn new things, be indipendent and don’t feel lonely.
I enjoyed very much reading this book, wonderful characters, interesting detailed story.
I’m curios to read the 1st and 2nd of the serie!
This book y’all!! This author!! She sure knows how to tell a story. Blew me away!
This story hit too close to home for me.
The only difference is Leah was able to accomplish her goal where I wasn’t. Sometimes letting go is the best thing. I really admired Leah. I mean I sat down and bawled right along with Leah.
I love the gentle reminder that was in the book. Our Father in Heaven loves us very much. There are certain things and reminders that we need to have as an eye opener or it could be something else. Either way, He never leaves us or forsakes us and for that I will always be eternally grateful.
I really didn’t like how Clay kept repeating the same thing all the time. It did get on my nerves after awhile but he is a good man. I loved how he took his responsibility seriously and I really enjoyed how he carried his weight through the war. He’s my hero minus the theory he had set for himself.
I really loved how he finally prayed and asked for help. People can be so stubborn sometimes.
The second thing that I loved about Clay was his music. See, I’m a musician myself so I could feel it when he played. Just beautiful!!
No one knows their future. Only God knows. He is the one who knows when our time is up.
The other reason I enjoyed this book so much was because my grandfather fought the Germans in this war. This is what got me started loving ww2 stories! Of course over the years his stories changed up a bit as he got older. some were funny and others well, let’s just say sad. As he told them I could picture him over there fighting. He brought all kinds of German stuff home! I didn’t know this until after my grandma passed away. .
Forgiveness goes a long way too. Do it for yourself that way you’ll have some sense of peace, Chances are the other people that done you wrong will accept it and or vise versa.
This is truly an amazing story!
Sundin has gone above and beyond in this book.
I couldn’t put the book down because it was so good!!
The cover of this book is simply gorgeous as well. Revell has done an amazing job as always.
I highly recommend this book! My thanks to Netgalley and Revell for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. NO compensations were received.
What a rich historical novel, concluding the Sunrise at Normandy series and deftly reaping redemption from the stories of the three Paxton brothers. The have been estranged for years, as well the would be after such a sordid family history.
Each book stands on its own, following the physical and emotional history of one of the brothers. But the three of them, culminating at Normandy and D-Day, are a masterpiece of WWII research, of prejudices and immigration, sending sons to war, and the rewards of reconciliation.