On Distant Shores

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Romance, war, life, adventure

Series: Wings of the Nightingale

Number in series: 2^nd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Historical fiction

Number of pages: 424

Time period: World War II, 1940s

Publisher and price: Revell, $14.99

My overall opinion: One of the best things about this book for me? The fact that I closed it reflecting that the heroine, Georgie, and I would’ve been good friends in real life. She appealed to me a lot as a character, and while I don’t have the same struggles she has, I understood her well and yeah – we would’ve been friends. She’s lovely! John/Hutch wasn’t bad, though I didn’t find myself falling in love with him. There are a lot of details packed into this book, and they all added to the historical/realistic feel overall. There was enough action to keep the story, but not let it get rushed. Another highlight? Seeing Tom and Mellie, from “With Every Letter”! Good book, and I’m glad I bought it.

Barbour Blog Tour: Talon

Author: Ronie Kendig

Genre: War, life

Series: A Breed Apart

Number in series: 2^nd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 343

Time period: Present

Publisher and price: Barbour, $12.99

Passage from book: Across the street. He saw the opening to the alley. Saw the laundry strung from balcony to balcony. The clothes draped the alley in darkness. No way to see if Aspen was there. Or still there. Or alive. Oh man. He didn’t need that thought. Chest burning, legs rubbery, Cardinal pushed. Hard. Harder. A car burst from the left. Cardinal dove over it. Banged his knee. Cursed but didn’t stop, despite the numbing pain. Couldn’t slow. Couldn’t stop. Aspen. Weakness gripped him. Slowed him. His mind screamed not to slow. His body warred for supremacy. A scream from the alley punched through his chest, ripped his heart out and bungeed it back to its owner… [from page 212]

My overall opinion: Another great book from Ronie, as the passage above shows! Full of action and adventure, unique twists and turns, scenes that will tear YOUR heart out or make you fall in love…it’s not every day you find a book that can do all of that within 343 pages! There were scenes in here, especially toward the end, that literally had my heart pounding and my eyes flying over the page. I didn’t have so much empathy/love for Talon (the dog) as for Trinity from book one. However, as you can see, I still really enjoyed this book. I smiled several times over the interactions between Candyman and Timbrel…really looking forward to reading their story (and Beowulf’s!). I’m including the cover for Beowulf below because I love it so much.

Ahhh! Love it! Timbrel's absolutely stunning (a bit prettier than I'd pictured, but I like it!) and Candyman is perfect, as is Beowulf himself. Love this cover!

Also, have you heard about the new book Ronie has just announced? It’s called Raptor 6, has a great cover, sounds fascinating…you can learn more about it here on Rel’s blog.

**The publisher sent me a copy of Talon for review. I wasn’t required to post positively, and I wasn’t paid for this review.**

With Every Letter

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Life, war

Series: Wings of the Nightingale

Number in series: 1^st

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Historical fiction

Number of pages: Kindle!

Time period: World War II

My overall opinion: Here’s the deal: anonymous mail being sent between war nurses and soldiers. One of the nurses is a shy girl, who’s always been a little different and never had any good friends. One of the soldiers is liked well-enough, but has some real problems and a dark ancestry that shadows over his present life. With a story like that…what’s not to love? I don’t know, because I loved this book! It was a very unique concept, with the story told from both sides and the letters that were sent as well. A great setting, characters who were truly lovely, and just enough angst to make you want to find out what happens. Once I get a hard copy of this book, it’ll definitely be going on my keepers shelf! I can’t wait for the next one, On Distant Shores, which I today discovered focuses on a favorite character from THIS book.

Trinity: Military War Dog

Author: Ronie Kendig

Genre: Adventure, suspense, war, life

Series: A Breed Apart

Number in series: 1^st

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 347

Time period: Present

Publisher and price: Barbour, $12.99

My overall opinion: So I actually started this book way back in February, and was initially a little disappointed. I’d seen SO many people that I love raving about it, and at first, to be completely honest, it was a good book, but I wasn’t loving it like I’d hoped to. I read about 60 pages, then had to put it down…and wasn’t able to pick it up again until now due to heaps of books for review.

But then. This month. One afternoon I finally had a little down-time from review books, so I picked it up again, jumped back in…and was swept away. Wow. The action was non-stop, whipping through scenes in a very readable way. This is a war story that has alarming suspense (just what suspense should be!) and sweet romance (oh so sweet), all set in the Middle East. This book is definitely heart-pounding, and sure to keep you reading! I know, I was able to put it down at first…and you know? It may have just been my mood that day. But if the beginning feels slow to you, don’t worry – it picks up and flies in no time. By the end, I liked it so much that there are two things to note. 1. I gave it a 9.5. And 2. I promptly wrote the publisher and begged for a copy of Talon to review. And you know what? They sent it to me! Now I just have to start it. :) I’m definitely looking forward to reading more by Ronie!

**I know this is a popular book for review, but I went and bought my copy. As usual, all opinions are my own and no one was making me write a positive review.**

A Distant Melody

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Romance, life, war, adventure

Series: Wings of Glory

Number in series: 1^st

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: About 400, I think

Time period: 1940’s, World War II

My overall opinion: I do hope you all know that I loved the third book in this series, Blue Skies Tomorrow. After reading it, I was eager to read the first two books in the series, and was very excited to be finally able to read this, the first one! And what made me happy…I loved it just as much. Which has cemented my opinion that Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite authors. If you like romances, World War II stories, stories with fighter planes and bombers in them, or any combination of the above, you will love this book.

Movie: Friendly Persuasion

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Genre: Life, war, just a touch of romance

Primary actors: Gary Cooper, Anthony Perkins

Length: 2 ¼ hours

Time period: Civil War, 1800’s

Year it came out: 1956

My overall opinion: It was good. We got it from Netflix, and the story detailed on the envelope didn’t even begin until about an hour in! It was a little pointless – not a lot of…storyline, purpose, something like that. But the dresses were fun, some parts were laugh-out-loud funny, some were sweet. Ugh, the DVD had a scratch, so we missed some… :P Very sad. So, there’s not anything “wrong” with the movie, but it wasn’t unbelievably awesome either.

In Harm’s Way

Author: Doug Stanton

Genre: Adventure, life, war

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Non-fiction

Number of pages: 368

Time period: 1940’s, World War II

My overall opinion: It was interesting! These books usually are, though they’re really sad. It’s about a ship that was torpedoed in the Pacific Ocean in World War II. Many people died, but some lived – and this is the story of the crash and survivors. There is some swearing. I’ve read better written books about non-fiction events like this, but this one wasn’t awful.

LitFuse Blog Tour for "Blue Skies Tomorrow"

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Romance, war, life

Series: Wings of Glory

Number in series: 3rd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 448

Time period: 1940's, World War II

Main characters: Ray, Helen, and others

Exciting events: I'd tell you some, but I don't want to give the book away....I'll just say, hey, it's a war story! It's exciting, all right!

Passage from book: Nope, not this time, but you can learn more about it farther down!

My overall opinion: I loved this book! The cover is delightful. :) World War II stories are really interesting. And this book lived up to every hope I could have had for it. I had never read anything by Sarah Sundin before, and now I'm definitely hoping to read the first two books in this series! While this book can certainly be read on its own, I think it would be better still if I'd read the first ones first. Totally an awesome story! But wait...don't leave yet! I have a book blurb, an author blurb, and a giveaway still in store! Keep reading. :)

About the book: Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

Read some more right here!

About the author:

Sarah Sundin received the 2011 Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and her second novel A Memory Between Us is a finalist for an Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. Her stories are inspired by her great-uncle who flew with the U.S. Eighth Air Force in England during World War II. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.  Visit with Sarah online at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.

Want to buy it? Click here! Then, keep going, and see if you can win a Kindle, aprons, and a Kindle copy of the book!

To celebrate the release of Blue Skies Tomorrow, the final installment of the Wings of Glory series, Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Vintage Kindle Prize Package! 

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One winner will receive:</ span="">

* Kindle with Wi-Fi

* Handmade vintage aprons for you and a friend</ a="">

* Blue Skies Tomorrow (for Kindle)

To enter just click one of the icons below.

But, hurry, hurry, hurry! The giveaway ends on September 10, 2011! Winner will be announced on September 12 at Sarah Sundin's blog. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.

*** Please note that I was provided with a free copy of Blue Skies Tomorrow in return for an honest review. The opinons expressed here are my own. ***

The Gates of Zion

Author: Bodie Thoene

Genre: Adventure, romance, life, war

Series: The Zion Chronicles

Number in series: 1st

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 368

Time period: 1940's (late)

Main characters: Ellie, David, Rachel, Moshe, Yacov

Exciting events: Packed with them.

My overall opinion: I enjoyed it again. :) One of my favorite series.

Twilight of Courage

Author: Bodie and Brock Thoene

Genre: Adventure, war, life

Series: Actually, this large book fits right inbetween the Zion Covenant series and the Zion Chronicles series by the Thoenes. :)

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 614

Time period: World War II

Main characters: David, Rachel, and a whole ton of others.

Exciting events: It's pretty exciting.

My overall opinion: I actually found it slightly confusing for the first 150 pages or so, because SO many new characters were being introduced. However, I (having read those two Zion series so many times) loved how this book kinda tied them together. Filled in some of the stuff you hear about in Zion Chronicles, and gave background information. So it's a huge book, but if you're really into this time period, or the Thoenes, you'll enjoy it. :)

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow

Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Genre: World War II, Nazis, documentary type

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Type: Non-fiction

Number of pages: 158

Time period: 1940's, World War II

Main characters: Several, actually.

My overall opinion: Hitler Youth...you've probably heard of them, but how much do you know? This book will probably enlighten you, as I know it did me. It's a book full of pictures and stories, and very sad. You hear about kids sneaking out at night so that they could be part of the Hitler Youth, though their parents don't want them to. I find it amazing that these kids, my age, and even younger could be so blind to what Hitler was doing. They didn't know the full extent of the concentration camps, but they knew enough to know  better, in my opinion. A good book.

The Shadow of His Wings

Author: Gilbert Morris

Genre: Romance, life, war

Series: The Appomattox Saga

Number in series: 6th

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 270

Time period: 1800's, Civil War

Main characters: Lowell, Rooney, Josh, Rena

Exciting events: War!

Passage from book: Rooney stood in the fragile wicker basket, watching as the bag began to swell. Soon it was a small mound, and then it swung upright. She stared upward at the swaying canopy and then heard Lowell call out, "Let go -- slowly, now!" The basket jerked, causing her to grab wildly at the rim, but then there was a smoothness and she knew she was seperated from earth!

My overall opinion: Wow, I'm really enjoying this series. This one was about a guy (and his helper) who built one of the first hot air balloons, planning to use it for spying. However, there's a tragic accident...and to learn more, you'll have to read the riveting book.
For some reason, I think I should say that I don't completely approve (for those of you who actually read it) of the way Clay and Melora behave together before marrying. I think they go a little too far, too passionate. Just sayin'. That makes no sense, probably. What I mean is, I don't know why I'm mentioning it. It's not dirty or anything, it's just not what I would have done.

Out of the Whirlwind

Author: Gilbert Morris

Genre: Romance, war, life

Series: The Appomattox Saga

Number in series: 5th

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 316

Time period: Civil War

Main characters: Burke, Grace, others

Exciting events: Memory loss because of war, fighting, unknown identity...

Passage from book: [Suddenly he was] trapped in a fierce melee and began clubbing with his musket as the blue-clad men rushed toward the position. He was striking furiously when a thunderous sound came from overhead, and Burke Rocklin's world suddenly exploded into a million points of pain -- and a fathomless darkness.

My overall opinion: Wow, another unique book in this series! Each one has such exciting and unique twists to it. :) This one included a Quaker, a soldier, a socialite and much more.

Land of the Shadow

Author: Gilbert Morris

Genre: Romance, war

Series: The Appomattox Saga

Number in series: 4th

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 338

Time period: Civil War

Main characters: Frankie, Paul

Exciting events: Frankie (a girl) gets shot, photography!

My overall opinion: This was an exciting story! Paul Bristol is hired to take pictures for the Southern side of the Civil War, but he needs an assistant. All that can be found is Frankie...and so this stunning story goes! I really enjoyed it!

Gate of His Enemies

Author: Gilbert Morris

Genre: Romance, war

Series: The Appomattox Saga

Number in series: 2nd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 7.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 337

Time period: Civil War

Main characters: Deborah, Dent, Raimey, Noel

Exciting events: A battle (Bull Run)

My overall opinion: Well, it was mostly a good book. However, the battle scene was really long and I actually skipped most of it. It was a little too gory for me or something. Or maybe my attention span was just short. I don't know. But otherwise, I enjoyed the book!

Movie: Sergeant York

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8

Main characters: Alvin York, Gracie, his mother

Genre: Adventure, war 

Primary actors: Gary Cooper

Based on: Real-life Sergeant York, the person who got the most medals (I think) of anyone in the US after World War I)

Time period: World War I

Exciting events: War

Year it came out: 1941

My overall opinion: A fun movie. Black and white, but pretty cool!