Anchor In The Storm by Sarah Sundin

For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he "is" her brother's best friend. 
During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection? 
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.


Publisher: Revell, 2016
Author: Sarah Sundin
Genre: historical romance


My Review
Anchor In The Storm is book two in the Waves of Freedom series. I highly enjoyed Through Waters Deep (see review here) and feel Anchor In The Storm to be the perfect accompaniment.

Lillian Avery defies her odds. She's a female pharmacist, an occupation rarely held by a woman, she refuses to let her prosthetic leg hinder her from living, and she refuses to be duped by any man's false affections. But when her brother brings home his Navy friend Ensign Archer Vandenberg for the holidays, his attraction to Lillian raises the stakes.

Can Lillian conquer her new life in Boston as a pharmacist for her crabby boss, fend off her growing feelings to Arch, and solve the mystery of the forged prescriptions?

With an unexpected twist at the end and a delightful mix of mystery and romance throughout, I give this book 5 stars!

Magnolia Dutchess by Beth White

Fiona Lanier is the only woman in the tiny Gulf Coast settlement of Navy Cove. While her shipbuilding family races to fill the demand for American ships brought by the War of 1812, Fiona tries to rescue her brother who was forced into service by the British Navy.

Lieutenant Charlie Kincaid has been undercover for six months, obtaining information vital to the planned British invasion of New Orleans. When a summer storm south of Mobile Bay wrecks his ship and scatters the crew, Charlie suffers a head injury, ultimately collapsing in the arms of a beautiful mermaid who seems eerily familiar. As Charlie's memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide. But when political loyalties begin to collide, they'll each have to decide where their true heart lies.


My Review
This is the first book of Beth White's I've read and it certainly won't be my last. The rich historical detail, complex characters, and tough situations kept me turning the pages.

Fiona Lanier is content with her rather free-spirited life until a man's body washes up on the beach. She recognizes him as Charlie Kincaid, an acquaintance from years past. Problem is he has no memory of who he is or how he got there, her attraction to him is still strong, and he's currently the enemy--a British soldier during a time of war against America. 

As Charlie stays with the Lanier's, and falls deeper in love with Fiona, his memory slowly returns. Torn between duty and patriotism, war and love, Fiona and Charlie are forced to discover what they're made of--and God's will for their lives.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance. Clean read for all ages. I gave this book 5 stars!