Helpful Score: 2
Sarah Sundin has a new fan---me!!! I absolutely adored this book. It was humorous, romantic, sad, and filled with God through out the whole story. It even has a bit of a suspenseful twist to it, making this a book that immediately pulled me in.
I did not want to put this book done for anything! I wanted to turn page after page until I got the very last one to find out what happened to Allie, Baxter and the lovable Walt Novak! Although, I must say, I was not fond of Baxter. He wasn't charming at all! But Allie and Walt and their friends, they all captured my heart, and helped me to over look the not so charming Baxter! I really loved the WWII era that Sundin used to create this story. I love WWII movies, so I knew this book wouldn't disappoint. I loved how Sundin was very detailed with the descriptions in this book.
Along with the wonderful characters that I mentioned above, Sarah Sundin also adds a wonderful, strong message of being honest. She shows that honesty is the most important factor in a friendship, or a romance for that matter! Between that message and God, this was a beautifully written, 5 star historical novel that will be permenantly on my shelf as the start of a great series collection! It has something for everyone, so grab a copy today, sit back and get ready for an adverturous flight back in time--you'll be glad you did! I can't wait for Wings of Glory #2--A Memory Between Us, due out September 2010!
I did not want to put this book done for anything! I wanted to turn page after page until I got the very last one to find out what happened to Allie, Baxter and the lovable Walt Novak! Although, I must say, I was not fond of Baxter. He wasn't charming at all! But Allie and Walt and their friends, they all captured my heart, and helped me to over look the not so charming Baxter! I really loved the WWII era that Sundin used to create this story. I love WWII movies, so I knew this book wouldn't disappoint. I loved how Sundin was very detailed with the descriptions in this book.
Along with the wonderful characters that I mentioned above, Sarah Sundin also adds a wonderful, strong message of being honest. She shows that honesty is the most important factor in a friendship, or a romance for that matter! Between that message and God, this was a beautifully written, 5 star historical novel that will be permenantly on my shelf as the start of a great series collection! It has something for everyone, so grab a copy today, sit back and get ready for an adverturous flight back in time--you'll be glad you did! I can't wait for Wings of Glory #2--A Memory Between Us, due out September 2010!
Lori S. (sugarandgrits) -
Helpful Score: 1
First of all, let me explain that I normally do not gravitate towards "war-themed" romances as they have never really interested me. However, with that being said, something about Sarah Sundin's debut novel, A Distant Melody, grabbed my attention just from the cover art and the very short synopsis I received from Revell when they offered me the chance to review it. I am sooooo glad I listened to my gut-reaction because I absolutely, positively LOVED this book! I read it in less than a day, and was so upset to find out that I have to wait 'til September to see what happens next!
Sarah Sundin is exceptional at drawing you into her characters lives. I felt like I was right there with Allie as she dealt with her parents continuous rejections, her very low self-esteem, and as she made some of the hardest decisions of her life. I found myself wishing that I had half the courage she did, to make those decisions. Even though her life is completely turned upside down, Allie follows God's will for her life. I could even associate with Walt as he dealt with the horrors of flying Flossie's Fort, his B-17 bomber, in the heart of WWII.
Allie feels that the church she has been attending with her parents since childhood, is no longer helping her to grow in her faith. She finally decides to find another church better suited to her needs. She also desires to somehow personally contribute to the war effort, but she doesn't know where to start. Once she starts attending her new church, Groveside Bible Church, she quickly becomes friends with Daisy and Cressie, and they suggest maybe becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Allie is soon immersed in doing her part to help the injured soldiers being cared for at March Field, as well as, enjoying her new position as the pianist for Groveside. Needless to say, neither her parents, nor Baxter (Allie's fiance) are thrilled with her life-changing decisions.
Lt. Walter Novak, first met Allie Martin on the train ride home to attend the wedding of their mutual best friends, George Anello and Betty Jamison. He initially thought she was traveling with her children, and had no problem striking up a conversation with her. However, he soon found out that he was mistaken, but his usual reaction of freezing up in the presence of "available" women didn't overcome him. That in itself was a major accomplishment on his part.
Walt and Allie thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent with their friends, the week before the wedding. They seemed to get paired up continuously during their daily activities and soon discovered that they had quite a bit in common. When it was time for Allie to return home, and for Walt to head back to Wendover Army Air Field, they decided to exchange addresses so they could keep in touch. Little do they know how big a part "silence is a truthful solution to a dilemma" and a few "little white lies" will play in their relationship.
This is a very fast-paced book, with lots of heartache, heart-break, loss of loved ones, forgiveness, romance, and searching for the courage to do God's will in one's own life. I won't go any further into detail for fear of giving away vital information. In no way do I want to disclose anything to ruin the intensity of this book for anyone!
If you ever have a chance to get your hands on a copy of Sarah Sundin's debut novel, A Distant Melody, I encourage you to do so immediately...you will not be sorry!
Sarah Sundin is exceptional at drawing you into her characters lives. I felt like I was right there with Allie as she dealt with her parents continuous rejections, her very low self-esteem, and as she made some of the hardest decisions of her life. I found myself wishing that I had half the courage she did, to make those decisions. Even though her life is completely turned upside down, Allie follows God's will for her life. I could even associate with Walt as he dealt with the horrors of flying Flossie's Fort, his B-17 bomber, in the heart of WWII.
Allie feels that the church she has been attending with her parents since childhood, is no longer helping her to grow in her faith. She finally decides to find another church better suited to her needs. She also desires to somehow personally contribute to the war effort, but she doesn't know where to start. Once she starts attending her new church, Groveside Bible Church, she quickly becomes friends with Daisy and Cressie, and they suggest maybe becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Allie is soon immersed in doing her part to help the injured soldiers being cared for at March Field, as well as, enjoying her new position as the pianist for Groveside. Needless to say, neither her parents, nor Baxter (Allie's fiance) are thrilled with her life-changing decisions.
Lt. Walter Novak, first met Allie Martin on the train ride home to attend the wedding of their mutual best friends, George Anello and Betty Jamison. He initially thought she was traveling with her children, and had no problem striking up a conversation with her. However, he soon found out that he was mistaken, but his usual reaction of freezing up in the presence of "available" women didn't overcome him. That in itself was a major accomplishment on his part.
Walt and Allie thoroughly enjoyed the time they spent with their friends, the week before the wedding. They seemed to get paired up continuously during their daily activities and soon discovered that they had quite a bit in common. When it was time for Allie to return home, and for Walt to head back to Wendover Army Air Field, they decided to exchange addresses so they could keep in touch. Little do they know how big a part "silence is a truthful solution to a dilemma" and a few "little white lies" will play in their relationship.
This is a very fast-paced book, with lots of heartache, heart-break, loss of loved ones, forgiveness, romance, and searching for the courage to do God's will in one's own life. I won't go any further into detail for fear of giving away vital information. In no way do I want to disclose anything to ruin the intensity of this book for anyone!
If you ever have a chance to get your hands on a copy of Sarah Sundin's debut novel, A Distant Melody, I encourage you to do so immediately...you will not be sorry!
