Sarah Sundin's A Distant Melody ~ Reviewed

A Distant Melody
by Sarah Sundin
Published by Revell
ISBN 978-0-8007-3412-3


Description:

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval—even marry a man she doesn’t' love. While Allie has nearly resigned herself to that fate, Lt. Walter Novak – fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women—takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas.

Walt and Allie meet and begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?


Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from Sarah Sundin. Beautifully written, Sundin carries her readers back to a time when a person's word meant something, and loyalties were paramount. Complex characters define this gripping tale. I was caught up in Allie and Walt's world and didn't leave it until I closed the book. I give A Distant Melody a high recommendation.

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan, editor
Novel Journey

Bonus Review:

If you want a quick, predictable, historical/romance novel, this is it. It is set in WWII and alternates between the US and Europe. The two main characters are revealed in the first five pages, and it is obvious that they will have the typical boy meets girl relationship with a conflict that will consume all but the last two chapters. Part of the conflict deals with honesty, and it is a bit idyllic in its resolution. Despite this, it was still pleasurable to read. The author did a good job of creating some memorable scenes, and weaving some humor throughout the book.

Reviewed by: Leeann Garben

BONUS REVIEW:

This is one of the better whole novels that I have read in a while. This is a historical romance that has all of the elements that one's heart looks for and while at the same time bringing forth events of a war time past that are true and hard to accept. Usually I am not a fan of war time novels, but this one captures my heart. In a similar manner as the films Pearl Harbor and Hanover Street except with a moral conscious. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the sequel A Memory Between Us...more This is one of the better whole novels that I have read in a while. This is a historical romance that has all of the elements that one's heart looks for and while at the same time bringing forth events of a war time past that are true and hard to accept. Usually I am not a fan of war time novels, but this one captures my heart. In a similar manner as the films Pearl Harbor and Hanover Street except with a moral conscious. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the sequel A Memory Between Us come this fall.

It starts with the cover being pure dreamy that just makes your heart sigh. Then from page one I was in love with the character of Allie and soon after Walt. Watching how romance blossomed and watch the confusion of their hearts and yearning for explanation for the other was pleasantly painful. Each chapter brought me begging for me. Sarah Sundin wrote an incredible heart rending story and I highly recommend it. Sundin is now on my favorite authors list.

Reviewed by: Margaret Chind