Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 426
June 11, 2013
Today in World War II History
British troops advance inland on Pantelleria70 Years Ago—June 11, 1943: British land unopposed on the island of Pantelleria between Tunisia and Sicily at 1155, island formally surrenders at 1735.
June 10, 2013
New Book Series!
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve just signed a third contract with Revell for a series set in World War II! The three-book series is tentatively titled Waves of Freedom, and it follows the fictional Avery family. During the early years of World War II, three naval officers based in Boston find adventure in the Battle of the Atlantic and are captivated by three lovely women—a shipyard worker, a pharmacist, and a WAVE. Battles erupt on the high seas. Mysteries arise on the Home Front. Family ties and friendships are tested. And love is found where least expected.
Book 1: A Path in the Waters (working title), summer 2015 A budding romance between a World War II naval officer and a pretty shipyard worker is threatened by U-boats, sabotage . . . and friendship.
In 1941, as America teeters on the brink of World War II, Mary Stirling works at the Boston Navy Yard and renews an old friendship with naval officer Lt. Jim Avery. Jim’s destroyer escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic as part of the Neutrality Patrol, but problems on his new ship point to a saboteur at the shipyard. As Jim and Mary work together to find the culprit, their relationship promises to blossom into something more. Jim battles U-boats on the high seas, and Mary’s investigation brings danger to herself and those she cares about. While friendship draws them together, a deeper friendship could rip them apart. 
Book 2: Let the Seas Roar (working title), summer 2016 A plucky female pharmacist. A high-society naval officer. A prescription for romance—and danger.
For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. She loves the wartime challenges of her new job but does not enjoy the attention of society boy Lt. Archer Vandenberg, even if Arch is her brother Jim’s best friend. As Arch’s destroyer battles U-boats along the East Coast in the darkest days of the war, Lillian uncovers a black market drug ring. Arch’s efforts to aid Lillian’s investigation and to win her trust fling them both into danger—from torpedoes, drug lords, and broken hearts. 
Book 3: The Face of the Deep (working title), summer 2017 The last thing naval officer Dan Avery wants to see on his radar is glamour girl Quintessa Beaumont—even if she has joined the WAVES.
When Quintessa Beaumont learns the US Navy has established the WAVES program for women, she enlists, determined to throw off her frivolous ways and truly contribute. Lt. Cdr. Dan Avery employs his skills as a radar specialist to fight U-boats at the peak of the Battle of the Atlantic, but the last thing he wants to see on his radar is Tess. As Dan and Tess work together at the Boston Navy Yard, Tess proves her worth and finds her affections drawn by the no-nonsense officer, realizing he sees her as the greatest nonsense of all. While the German Navy challenges Dan’s radar skills, the changes in Tess challenge his notions—and his heart. I’m so excited to be able to share these stories with you, and I’m thankful to my agent, Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency and everyone at Revell Books for giving me the opportunity to do so. And I thank the Lord for all my readers and friends, who have encouraged me and supported me through this crazy writing journey.
Today in World War II History
B-17 Flying Fortress bomber flying through flak70 Years Ago—June 10, 1943: US and UK begin Combined Bomber Offensive (“Pointblank”) against Germany; priorities for bombing targets are submarine yards, aircraft factories, ball bearings, and oil. President Roosevelt signs bill allowing taxes to be deducted from paychecks.
June 9, 2013
Today in World War II History
Ens. George H.W. Bush, Navy pilot70 Years Ago—June 9, 1943: US 11th Naval District declares Los Angeles off-limits to servicemen, ending Zoot Suit riots. Future president George H.W. Bush commissioned as an ensign in the US Naval Reserves.
June 8, 2013
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—June 8, 1943: US begins the “V-Home” campaign to encourage rationing, scrap collection, and other patriotic wartime activities. The Los Angeles City Council bans wearing of zoot suits in effort to stop Zoot Suit Riots. Japanese battleship Mutsu explodes by accident at Hiroshima, Japan, 1121 killed.
June 7, 2013
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—June 7, 1943: Australia begins butter rationing (1 lb/2 weeks). Off Guadalcanal US 13thAir Force, US Navy, and Royal New Zealand Air Force planes shoot down over 20 Japanese bombers.
June 6, 2013
A Tribute on D-Day
Today we commemorate the 69th anniversary of the D-Day landings. On June 6, 1944, the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy to liberate Europe from Nazi power.
In August 2007, I was privileged to stand on Omaha Beach on a misty, overcast morning not unlike the men faced that historic day. As I stood on that long stretch of sand and gazed at those high bluffs which once bristled with machine guns, I was moved deeply. We've all seen the movies and watched the footage - men dashing with rifles in hand, stumbling in the waves, beckoning their buddies onward, sheltering against debris - falling to the sand. But being there and feeling that sand beneath my feet gave me another level of understanding.
Today the Normandy beaches bristle with people on holiday - those who come to remember, and those who come to play. Children laugh and chase the waves and build sand castles. Tourists stand in silence, wipe tears, take pictures. This is as it should be. Sixty-nine years ago, 155,000 American, British Commonwealth, and Free French troops landed in the biggest amphibious operation in history, along with free people from many other occupied nations. Take a moment today and remember those who risked their lives, who gave their lives so we can live in freedom.
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—June 6, 1943: Allies add naval bombardment to air offensive against the island of Pantelleria between Tunisia and Sicily.
June 5, 2013
Today in World War II History
70 Years Ago—June 5, 1943: Aircraft from escort carrier USS Bogue sink U-217 in mid-Atlantic.
June 4, 2013
Today in World War II History
Ar 234 Blitz bomber70 Years Ago—June 15, 1943: First flight of German Arado Ar 234 Blitz bomber, the world’s first jet bomber.
