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The Sea Before Us
(Sunrise at Normandy #1)
by
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 map
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Oh, what a delightful read! I won't deny that I didn't wish to slap Dorothy a few times for her naïve attitude toward the guy who had too many women in his life, but even then the character roused some caring attitude in me. She believed his words because she wanted to believe them, and she didn't want to believe the opposite. And, given that she had staked every hope in her battered life on what he said was true, I can even forgive her the willful blindness. Not saying it was right to accept hi
...more
Feb 21, 2018
Shantelle
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
christian-fiction,
reviewed,
romance,
on-my-bookshelf,
historical,
adult,
five-star,
1920s-to-ww2,
read-in-2018
Oh my heart! This was breathtaking, fun, and beautiful! I don't know why I worried I might not like this book. For one, almost everything I've read by Sarah Sundin has been phenomenal! From the new series, SUNRISE AT NORMANDY, The Sea Before Us may just be my new favorite from this author. Seriously, people ... this book! It reminded me why I love reading. Why I love Sarah Sundin's work. And why I love this era.
The Sea Before Us is set in the 1940s, in England during World War II. D-Day is appro ...more
The Sea Before Us is set in the 1940s, in England during World War II. D-Day is appro ...more
Okay one thing.....YOU CANNOT END A BOOK LIKE THAT!! Okay yes, it did end on a happy note, but now we have to wait for another book to come out before we find out what happens next!! Why Sarah? Why?!?
This book will leave you in a mess of emotions! This is my first even Sarah Sundin book and I am very happy to say that it will not be my last! Everything from the characters to the plot was amazing!! The romance was simple and sweet. Although, Dorothy did frustrate me on something and it took her ...more
This book will leave you in a mess of emotions! This is my first even Sarah Sundin book and I am very happy to say that it will not be my last! Everything from the characters to the plot was amazing!! The romance was simple and sweet. Although, Dorothy did frustrate me on something and it took her ...more
Feb 03, 2018
Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls)
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
own,
read-reviewed
About this book:
“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 t ...more
“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 t ...more
Originally posted on Reveries Reviews
Title: The Sea Before Us
Author: Sarah Sundin
Series: Sunrise at Normandy, #1
Genre: Christian Historical Romance (WW2)
Era: 1944 (WW2)
Setting: London, England (prologue set in Texas) with a bit in Edinburgh, Scotland (!!!)
Publisher: Revell
Source: from Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review)
Time Taken to Read: under two days
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars (+!)
I’m in love with this book! *cue excessive fangirling*
Once again, Sundin has delivered a story that stands ...more
Title: The Sea Before Us
Author: Sarah Sundin
Series: Sunrise at Normandy, #1
Genre: Christian Historical Romance (WW2)
Era: 1944 (WW2)
Setting: London, England (prologue set in Texas) with a bit in Edinburgh, Scotland (!!!)
Publisher: Revell
Source: from Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review)
Time Taken to Read: under two days
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars (+!)
I’m in love with this book! *cue excessive fangirling*
Once again, Sundin has delivered a story that stands ...more
Feb 21, 2018
Deanne Patterson
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
netgalley,
netgalley-for-february-2018
This is the first Sarah Sundin book I've read. I've seen a lot of reviews of her other books and she is highly recommended so I thought I'd read one and see what all the fuss is all about. I am so glad I did as I was not disappointed at all! My attention was held captivated in this historical novel taking place in 1944 . It takes place in the stressful days before D-Day. Why is it that women want the bad guy, is he better looking,more exciting,what? This is how it is for Dorothy . But then there
...more
Wow…
Just… wow.
The whole story was brilliant. From a love triangle done right to deep faith journeys to familial estrangements and deaths to the fight for healing and reunion… all in the package of a WWII-era story... This novel really had it all.
And that finale! Goodness, I could gush… if I were willing to spoil the story.
But I’m not.
Just trust me: You will not regret reading this book when you experience the final few chapters, and particularly the final few paragraphs.
*happy sigh*
The only two ...more
Just… wow.
The whole story was brilliant. From a love triangle done right to deep faith journeys to familial estrangements and deaths to the fight for healing and reunion… all in the package of a WWII-era story... This novel really had it all.
And that finale! Goodness, I could gush… if I were willing to spoil the story.
But I’m not.
Just trust me: You will not regret reading this book when you experience the final few chapters, and particularly the final few paragraphs.
*happy sigh*
The only two ...more
Golly, where do I begin?
I have anticipated this book for so long, and now that I've read it, I just want to dive back into it and get to know these characters all over again!
The story hooks you from page one! I promise that after you read the prologue, you won't want to put this book down!
The thing that interested me about this new book by Sarah Sundin was that one of our protagonists was an American sailor from down in Texas, and the the female protagonist was a girl from proper England. I ju ...more
I have anticipated this book for so long, and now that I've read it, I just want to dive back into it and get to know these characters all over again!
The story hooks you from page one! I promise that after you read the prologue, you won't want to put this book down!
The thing that interested me about this new book by Sarah Sundin was that one of our protagonists was an American sailor from down in Texas, and the the female protagonist was a girl from proper England. I ju ...more
Definitely 4.5 stars for me. This was a great story of the behind the scenes making of D-Day.
This is the story of Dorothy Fairfax, a WREN in the Royal Navy, and Wyatt Paxton, a sailor with the US Navy, who work together through maps and photographs to get a better look at how the beaches of Normandy look to make their D-Day attack. Though both are running from different life events, Dorothy running towards what she thinks she wants in life, and Wyatt from his family. They meet planning the atta ...more
This is the story of Dorothy Fairfax, a WREN in the Royal Navy, and Wyatt Paxton, a sailor with the US Navy, who work together through maps and photographs to get a better look at how the beaches of Normandy look to make their D-Day attack. Though both are running from different life events, Dorothy running towards what she thinks she wants in life, and Wyatt from his family. They meet planning the atta ...more
Feb 04, 2018
Jen. (JenGalaxy4 Christian Book Reviews)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
own-physical-copy
.
.
The Sea Before Us is the first book in Sarah Sundin's newest series, Sunrise at Normandy.
The story takes place in the months leading up to D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Dorothy Fairfax is a Wren for the British military with an interesting job. She uses old leisure photos to draw maps of the beaches where the invasion will take place. An American Navy Lieutenant from Texas, Wyatt Paxton, is stationed at Dorothy's office as they work together to prepare for that fa ...more
.
The Sea Before Us is the first book in Sarah Sundin's newest series, Sunrise at Normandy.
The story takes place in the months leading up to D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Dorothy Fairfax is a Wren for the British military with an interesting job. She uses old leisure photos to draw maps of the beaches where the invasion will take place. An American Navy Lieutenant from Texas, Wyatt Paxton, is stationed at Dorothy's office as they work together to prepare for that fa ...more
Feb 03, 2018
Maddy
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
reviewed,
owned-books
I've seen this book floating around Goodreads, and I was very excited about getting a copy. This is the first book I've read by Sarah Sundin and it will definitely not be the last. I absolutely fell in love with this story.
This book captured my attention immediately. If a book has anything to do with a war I'm in. ;) The first scene was action packed and quickly pulled me in. Wyatt's past with his family definitely added to the story. There was actually a good bit of suspense in this book ( alon ...more
This book captured my attention immediately. If a book has anything to do with a war I'm in. ;) The first scene was action packed and quickly pulled me in. Wyatt's past with his family definitely added to the story. There was actually a good bit of suspense in this book ( alon ...more
Sarah Sundin is truly a master of historical fiction. I have experienced it once before when I had the privilege of reading one of her books, and this one was no different; it did not disappoint. She goes into such detail about the period and the tasks of the military that I was blown away, and I walked away from the book with so much more knowledge than I had before. Getting to be immersed in such an environment and knowing that it was incredibly accurate was not an experience I will soon forge ...more
I'm not sure why I left this book sitting on my "currently-reading" shelf for ever, because I gobbled it up in a matter of days and could not put it down. I mean, it's a Sarah Sundin WWII romance, so there's nothing surprising there.
This book was just awesome. Pure delight from start to finish.
I loved, loved, loved the hero! He was so sweet and gentle and bright as the Texan sun. Aww he was cute. And Dorothy was wonderful too, and I thought they had the most charming romance.
I also really lik ...more
This book was just awesome. Pure delight from start to finish.
I loved, loved, loved the hero! He was so sweet and gentle and bright as the Texan sun. Aww he was cute. And Dorothy was wonderful too, and I thought they had the most charming romance.
I also really lik ...more
This debut novel of the Sunrise at Normandy series by Sarah Sundin continues her excellent historical fiction writing. Focusing on World War II and the events that led up to the D-Day invasion, it features Dorothy who is a "Wren" or member of the Women's Royal Naval Service in England and Wyatt who is an officer in the US Navy. This novel is a wonderful mix of history, mystery, romance, and twists and turns. It captures the feeling of England at war and places the reader right there in the midst
...more
Nice start to a new WWII series. I especially loved that the main male character is from Texas, graduated from my alma mater and plays baseball. The author was spot on with details about Texas and Texans.
While the story begins in Texas with a disagreement between two of three brothers, much of the story takes place in London. The role of the navy and wrens leading up to and on D Day is the backbone of the story.
I look forward to continuing the series where the focus will be on the Army Air Force ...more
While the story begins in Texas with a disagreement between two of three brothers, much of the story takes place in London. The role of the navy and wrens leading up to and on D Day is the backbone of the story.
I look forward to continuing the series where the focus will be on the Army Air Force ...more
Best Sundin book evahhhh!! Wyatt was the best, Dorothy and Bonnie Prince Charlie were adorable and Lawrence was just, well, an idiot.
{3.5ish stars-more or less depending on my mood}
I knew I was in for a treat when I saw this book coming out. I always expect a book that fits well in a setting and brings to life historical details—this book does just that. Right along with it, are fabulous characters who caught my attention from the beginning. Especially Wyatt's opening scene!
Dorothy and Wyatt are well-developed characters who have their own share of troubles, yet strengthen each other in their weakness'. I could understand Dor ...more
I knew I was in for a treat when I saw this book coming out. I always expect a book that fits well in a setting and brings to life historical details—this book does just that. Right along with it, are fabulous characters who caught my attention from the beginning. Especially Wyatt's opening scene!
Dorothy and Wyatt are well-developed characters who have their own share of troubles, yet strengthen each other in their weakness'. I could understand Dor ...more
I just finish another of Sarah Sundin’s books and like her others it does not disappoint, a mix of history and a bit of romance, and the anticipation of a battle. With this book, there is an all-out combined effort to take down Germany, and we are heading toward D-Day.
The author has given us two strong characters in Wyatt and Dorothy, and we get up close and personal with them, learning about their family and their lives growing up, and the hurts that have made them what they are today. We are a ...more
The author has given us two strong characters in Wyatt and Dorothy, and we get up close and personal with them, learning about their family and their lives growing up, and the hurts that have made them what they are today. We are a ...more
After reading The Sea Before Us, Sarah Sundin has become an author I’ll be on the lookout for. Prior to reading this story, I had only read a novella by Sundin. How imprudent of me to wait so long to enjoy her writing over the span of an entire novel! A mistake I plan to rectify quickly by downloading her backlist to my iPhone.
What I relished most was the effortlessness of her storytelling. Sundin’s portrayal of the build up to Normandy was delivered with the gravity and respect it deserved. It ...more
What I relished most was the effortlessness of her storytelling. Sundin’s portrayal of the build up to Normandy was delivered with the gravity and respect it deserved. It ...more
Yet another stunning novel by Sarah Sundin! The Sea Before Us was everything I hoped for and more. Sarah managed to weave a sweet romance between the bitterness of war and the disillusionment of misplaced expectations. With a prologue that will reel you in and many unanswered questions about the Fairfax family, this story of forgiveness, both human and Devine, as well as characters riddled with flaws and brimming with honesty and potential, will hold you captive until the end.
As we follow the st ...more
As we follow the st ...more
With a fantastic start to a new series, Sarah Sundin has me invested in a whole new set of lives that will forever be changed by the events surrounding D-Day! I could hardly set this book down and I can tell you that book two can not arrive soon enough for me!
The main characters really captured me, along with the time and place that this book was set in. Both Dorothy and Wyatt had things from their pasts that definitely impacted their present decisions. The personal and spiritual growth in both ...more
The main characters really captured me, along with the time and place that this book was set in. Both Dorothy and Wyatt had things from their pasts that definitely impacted their present decisions. The personal and spiritual growth in both ...more
Wyatt had me from page one. He was more of the quieter hero, the one who made terrible mistakes, was overly-protective… YET… he learned. He was a hero with flaws, but not without progress. He understood forgiveness, but still had to learn it on other levels. He understood the importance of God’s love more than human love. I totally liked Wyatt.
But this story was only half of him. The other half was Dorothy. She made me want to both knock sense into her and kindly point her in the right direction ...more
But this story was only half of him. The other half was Dorothy. She made me want to both knock sense into her and kindly point her in the right direction ...more
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 ...more
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 ...more
May 17, 2018
Tricia Mingerink
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
christian-adult-fiction
I knew this book was going to be amazing, but it still blew me away. Wow!!!! Just, wow!
This reminded me a lot of the old John Wayne war movies. Love story subplot, big battle main plot. Lots of military action. I grew up studying a lot of military history, so the lingo wasn't difficult for me. I've even toured one of the destroyers the author also toured as research.
Dorothy drove me nuts for most of the book, but the author does a great job in making sure her reasons for doing what she's doing ...more
This reminded me a lot of the old John Wayne war movies. Love story subplot, big battle main plot. Lots of military action. I grew up studying a lot of military history, so the lingo wasn't difficult for me. I've even toured one of the destroyers the author also toured as research.
Dorothy drove me nuts for most of the book, but the author does a great job in making sure her reasons for doing what she's doing ...more
Why do Sarah Sundin's book always have to be so good? I say this because I'm running out of ways to describe how great she is at character development, how effortlessly but accurately she crafts her historical settings, and how relateable her characters are--even characters like The Sea Before Us's Dorothy and Wyatt, neither of whom are much like me at all. Maybe it's not so much that I find them relateable, then, but more like despite their flaws, I find them endearing. That's good, because whe
...more
5 “Full loaf” Stars!
Sarah Sundin I do wish there is a way to demonstrate a standing ovation when writing a review. Because that is the expression of my heart. An absolutely beautiful, creative and captivating writer! This is an absolutely fantastic novel! My first read by you but not my last!
Over the past two years I have venture into the historical Christian fiction world and I have started to really enjoy many authors. One thing I have lacked though is an appropriation for the history that is ...more
Sarah Sundin I do wish there is a way to demonstrate a standing ovation when writing a review. Because that is the expression of my heart. An absolutely beautiful, creative and captivating writer! This is an absolutely fantastic novel! My first read by you but not my last!
Over the past two years I have venture into the historical Christian fiction world and I have started to really enjoy many authors. One thing I have lacked though is an appropriation for the history that is ...more
A book that is as luscious as this cover promises! And how exciting to be at the beginning of this new series. I adore the way Sarah Sundin brings her historical novels to life. From characters to setting to the World War II backdrop -- this author has a talent for weaving facts and fiction together in a most compelling way.
And I especially appreciate the strong faith thread she has woven into the fabric of this story. Bold but not preachy, I was never in doubt that I was reading Christian ficti ...more
And I especially appreciate the strong faith thread she has woven into the fabric of this story. Bold but not preachy, I was never in doubt that I was reading Christian ficti ...more
This book was absolutely amazing! I didn’t want to put it down. I was captivated the whole time. I loved the characters,the plot,the story line,and the romance!
Wyatt Paxton is definitely swoon worthy! He was amazing. I loved how he was always talking about his faith and encouraging Dorothy in her faith. I liked how he learned from his mistakes and made the right decisions in the end. I really liked his character,and I’m very excited to see more of him in the rest of the series.
Dorothy Fairfa ...more
Wyatt Paxton is definitely swoon worthy! He was amazing. I loved how he was always talking about his faith and encouraging Dorothy in her faith. I liked how he learned from his mistakes and made the right decisions in the end. I really liked his character,and I’m very excited to see more of him in the rest of the series.
Dorothy Fairfa ...more
One of the many things I enjoy about a Sarah Sundin book is the consistency. I can pick up any of her novels and know that I will enjoy it . . . not just the setting (WWII is one of my favourite time periods about which to read), but the characters, and especially the Christian message.
I absolutely adored Dorothy and Wyatt. They were flawed enough to be 'real', but also likeable enough that you wanted to root for them. I also didn't end up wanting to throw either of them off a cliff for making r ...more
I absolutely adored Dorothy and Wyatt. They were flawed enough to be 'real', but also likeable enough that you wanted to root for them. I also didn't end up wanting to throw either of them off a cliff for making r ...more
An exciting and sweet historical romance, as well as a tale of triumph over tragedy.
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Readers also enjoyed
Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks (February 2021),The Land Beneath Us (2020), The Sky Above Us (2019) and The Sea Before Us (2018), as well as the Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale series, and Wings of Glory series. Her novel The Land Beneath Us was a 2020 Christy Award finalist, The Sky A
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Happy Women's History Month! One of the undisputedly good things about modern scholarship is that women’s history is finally getting its due....
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“No, you need to cry.' He gently pressed her head to his shoulder, knocking her cap askew. 'My mama says women need to cry every once in a while. Washes away all the weakness so you can stay strong. Always let a lady cry, she says.”
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“God loves me,' she said to her dazed-eyed reflection. 'God likes me. Freckles and all.”
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