Powered by Blogger.

Anchors in the Storm


I've had World War II on my mind for the last week. Firstly, between Memorial Day and the commemoration of D-Day I've been reading a lot about the era. But I've also been reading Anchor in the Storm, Sarah Sundin's novel set during the war. Lillian Avery, the main character is a pharmacist in Boston. Women pharmacists are rare at this time and Lillian's work efforts, her growing relationship with her brother's friend, Ensign Archer Vandenberg, and a plot that includes a mystery, contribute to a novel that was engrossing and kept me reading past my usual bedtime.

My mother worked for the Navy Department in Connecticut during the war and I always enjoyed hearing her memories of life during this time. While my mother and Lillian Avery had very different experiences, the stories told in Anchor in the Storm seemed to be so close to those my mother related to me. But as my mother's stories weren't all history, neither is this novel a recitation of dates and places. The characters are vivid and yes, there is romance.

I previously read In Perfect Time, which also takes place during World War II and I enjoyed it a lot. too. Anchor in the Storm is the second novel in the  Waves of Freedom series and that gives me another volume to look forward to. Thanks, Sarah Sundin, for the first book in my summer reading.

What's the first book in your summer reading?  
 
 
Tuesday was a perfect almost summer day in New York. I started with a visit to the allergist and then enjoyed walking, coffee and sitting outside and reading the NY Times. Despite my leisure I made it to the gym -- some days I am so reluctant -- and even got a second walk in after dinner.
 
As ever, thanks for visiting and happy summer reading! 
 
 
Please note, thanks to my friends at the Litfuse Publicity Group, I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are all mine.  

10 comments

Anonymous said...

Good Morning, Carol. Sounds like a book I would love; thank you for the review. I hope you will have another beautiful day today to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Take care.

Denise said...

I am reading three different books right now. I started Wilkie Collins 'The Moonstone' when I was vacationing. Got home and the library had two books waiting for me. One is part of McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series. The other is a book about the Ghent Altarpiece that was recommended by a guide in Brussels.

shortybear said...

good review

From the Kitchen said...

I'm reading The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks for my Muse book group. Interesting "story" of the Biblical David. He is far from the David I heard about through Bible stories as a child!!

Best,
Bonnie

Sarah Sundin said...

Thank you for the lovely review, Carol! I'm glad you enjoyed Arch & Lillian's story!

TARYTERRE said...

The book sounds interesting. The connection to stories your mother told you is special, in deed. I am reading two books at the moment. Britt-Marie was Here and Elizabeth is Missing.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

I"m not big on book reviews, but your lead in got me hooked. I have read a couple of novels set during the war and found them very good. And like you say, mirrored in many ways the things my folks relayed to me.

Barbara from Life & Faith in Caneyhead

peggy said...

I am always interested in what you are reading. I find a lot of good books just reading posts that way. I just finished A Man Called Ove and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. Both are good, but I liked Ove the best. In some ways they are a little similar but only in that both men were widowers. Ove won my heart (and everyone else's). Happy day Carol.

Theresa said...

A beautiful book:) I haven't read anything yet this Summer but need to gather some books for the beach! Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!

Mimi said...

I just finished Girl Waits With Gun. It's the story of Constance Kopp (historical fiction) and her sisters. A knitter on Ravelry named one of her projects "Constance Kopp's Reticule" and I had to find out what that was about. The story is set in 1914, when women didn't do the things that Constance did. There is a second book coming. I'll read it too.