Sarah Sundin: The Sea Before Us

By Kelly Bridgewater

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 "Wren" 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.

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My Thoughts:

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. 

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars