The Sea Before Us

Author: Sarah Sundin
Genre: Historical Romance

Nothing but love could heal the wounds of war

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, who pieces together reconnaissance photographs with holiday snapshots of France--including those of her 
family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt turns into naval bombardment plans for D-day.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn into something more. But both of them have too much to lose to give in to love . . . ​​​family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt turns into naval bombardment plans for D-day.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn into something more. But both of them have too much to lose to give in to love . . . ​​

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Reviewer: Chery Colwell

This is my favorite Sarah Sundin WW2 romance yet. The conflict between Dorothy and Wyatt kept the tension throughout the story. We could see where they would be good together but also had to acknowledge their extreme differences.

The detailed information about the important work done during the war, represented by both Dorothy and Wyatt, kept me fascinated. Sundin also offered a fresh perspective of the war on D-day. The drama was well-written and nearly impossible to put down. I read the book in two days.

The pace was fast, with antagonists who did their best to block each character’s desires. All the characters were unique and interesting and the love story delightful. Looking forward to the next book.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng
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“When times are dark, it’s hard to see the light, but it doesn’t mean the light is less real.”

What an amazing journey. This is the first book by Sarah Sundin I have read and I am speechless. I love historical romance and the author has been on my radar for awhile; I can’t believe I waited this long to enjoy her book. Now I need to read her previous releases one by one to immerse myself in the beautiful stories she weaves. Anyone who enjoys a well-researched historical romance during WWII will absolutely love this book. 

This novel has it all - writing that is captivating and unexpectedly humorous at times; plot and storyline that flow smoothly; dialogue that is engaging, tender, sweet; characters who are so real, down-to-earth, full of flaws yet so incredibly lovable and relatable; steady faith during one of the toughest eras in world history. 

The story brings Wyatt, a US navy lieutenant with a shadowed past, and Dorothy, a British Wren also with a mournful past, together as they work to created strategies for D-Day. Wyatt is so loyal, faithful, steady, and kind though he’s shy and quiet. Dorothy is energetic, creative, spontaneous and also loving and loyal. Wyatt remains faithful to God though he’s lost everything he holds dear. Dorothy has turned her back on God because she has lost almost everything she holds dear. Wyatt’s steadfastness is admirable and Dorothy’s faith journey is heartwarming. Their heartaches and pains hurt my own heart and I found myself shedding tears for both of them throughout the book.
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The plot has quite a few surprises thrown into it which added rich, multi-dimensional layers to the characters, their struggles, and their growth. 

I am waiting anxiously for the second installment of the series, The Sky Above Us, which will continue the story of Wyatt’s family with his younger brother Adler. 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Susan Poll

​Bookshelf keeper here! This author is detail oriented and makes the story engaging because of it. I adored Wyatt as the prodigal son who struggles with his past and the need to make a future for himself.  Beautifully flawed and the romantic side of him will make you swoon! Dorothy was written so well with her home life struggle, job in a male dominated era and middle of a war, and the emotions she feels for the two men in her life. Such great war-time details and behind-the-scenes actions (since it revolves around both Wyatt and Dorothy’s jobs) make this a page turner and an edge of the seat thrilling read.  Not to mention the twists this story can take – I did not see that coming! She makes you feel the danger of being in the war, the sorrow of victims, the sparks between characters and the satisfaction of a beautiful happy ever after.  I did hurt for what Wyatt and Dorothy were going through and how the lesson of trusting in God is so hard but what we all need to do.  Such a great novel – I loved it and couldn’t put it down.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Becky Hrivnak

The Sea Before Us, written by Sarah Sundin, is book #1 of Sunrise at Normandy.

I was excited to read a WW2 novel. Loved the setting as we all know what happens and the anticipation for D-day to come. 

My favorite character was Wyatt. He was the kind of guy you want as a friend for sure. He went through some tough times due to his own bad choices and as a result, had to deal with consequences. I liked how Sundin showed real-life emotions and reactions when dealing with both the issues and the consequences. 

It is heavy with technical (military & war) jargon. I liked it but then again, it was a lot. Great descriptions but sometimes it was heavy for me. Probably just me though. It's so worth reading the whole book and not giving up because there's a great ending! I do look forward to the rest of the series!

​Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Hanna Olsson

The Sea Before Us, written by Sarah Sundin, takes the reader back to the 1940’s and WWII. In the middle of the war, Dorothy Fairfax and Lt. Wyatt Paxton are both struggling with their own problems, but together they form a friendship that will prove to change both of their lives. A Naval Officer and a “Wren”. An American and a Brit.

In this story, the reader gets to experience the insecurity of a young woman whose highest wish is to be loved and the guilt of a young man who has betrayed his family. We get to follow these characters through heartbreak, redemption, and even the heat of battle.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the collision of two cultures (English and American), and I love how the author manages to highlight the differences in body language, the use of words and behavior in general.

This is an uplifting and thrilling beginning of a new series, which inspires to forgive (yourself as well as others) and move on from what brings you down. Last but not least it teaches that relying solely on our own strength will not last but turning to God will.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

In The Sea Before Us, author Sarah Sundin takes her readers back in time to WWII and the run-up to D-day. Her main characters are Dorothy Fairfax and Wyatt Paxton. Dorothy is an insecure red-head with freckles who is trying to become someone she is not, to catch the eye of another someone she has pined over for years. Wyatt is on the run after accidentally contributing to the death of his brother's fiancee. He hasn't seen his family in two years. They have no idea if he is dead or alive. The two meet and end up helping each other in more ways than one. 

Many themes are running through this book that kept me riveted to it, starting with Dorothy's insecurities. She has been in love with a family friend for years, but could never seem to get his attention. So she began to change herself to attract him. The problem, of course, is that she could never be who she really was when around him. Too many women do that for men, thinking they will never find love if "they don't change" and when the man she "loves" turns out to be a cad in every conceivable fashion, Dorothy still makes excuses for him. Thank goodness, she had a friendship with Wyatt, who showed her how a real man should treat a woman and what real love looks like.

The other theme was that of how we tend to run away from our problems. Wyatt did that and broke off all contact with his parents because he couldn't face his sin. The story of the prodigal son spoke loud and clear and was beautifully written into this story, so much so, that I can't wait for the second book in this series. 

Adding to these themes was the surprise at the end I wasn't expecting. No, it has nothing to do with D-Day or romance but is an added mystery on the side that really made this book top-notch. The author has done an excellent job in her research of WWII, making me feel like I was watching a movie, rather than reading a book, which is a testament to her skill as an author. 

If you love historical fiction, romance, excitement and a little intrigue put this book on your shopping list!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Crystal P.

This was my first time reading a book by Sarah Sundin and I'm going to say that I loved it, because it's true! She really has a way with words. It was like a movie in my head, and I just had to know what happened next. It really draws you in. I remember being on page 200 and then when I looked again, I was on page 250! It's really incredible, again, how she writes her stories. The beginning was really sad, and drew me in. 

Wyatt was my favorite character, mainly because of the beginning. I really wanted to know what would happen between him and his brothers. I was always looking forward to his parts in the book because he's so interesting.

When I first "met" Dorthy, I didn't particularly like her... but that's probably because I chose Wyatt as my favorite right away. Dorthy's story was interesting and I ended up liking her better as the story went along. I was really shocked to discover some things. Dorthy was a unique character because she wasn't like all the other women in other WWII books I've read (not saying anything bad about the other books;). It was really cool to know that she had freckles and red hair. 

For content: It's really obvious that Sarah's books have romance in them from what I heard and this one has it. There was also some battles/violence, since it's set in WWII.
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I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. It will be about Alder's side of the story! But I must wait until 2019.... :'( 

​Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Sabrina Wade

Exciting. Inspirational story of love, Grace, and forgiveness. Even a military illiterate like myself found this book to be an excellent read. Some chapters had me tripping over the unfamiliar language but with the help of the dictionary on my Kindle I picked up my reading pace and pressed on. Thankfully so, otherwise I would have missed such a great read. Wartime is such a brutal season, yet when people decide to make amends, to cherish relationships and build new ones, a blessing is earned. Looking to reading the next novel in the making.

​Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Olivia R.

​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 Dorothy's fear of a “quiet” man and understand her struggles. I wasn't keen about her interest with Lawrence, as I felt like it weakened the beautiful relationship with Dorothy and Wyatt. It is a love-triangle, but not quite as awful as other I've read. There is some miscommunication throughout that got a little frustrating, but thank goodness for happy endings and explanations!

As the time nears for D-Day I grew fidgety with anticipation. Wow, talk about suspenseful! I also loved the bit of mystery with Mr. Fairfax's company, and the trip to Edinburgh. Superbly described! The ending was satisfactory, although the last scene was slightly too sappy for my liking. There are several kisses shared throughout this book, most none detail, but one in general was a bit too detailed for my liking. I liked how the relationship came together—the one couple focusing on each other and not just feelings.

The faith content is spot on and extremely uplifting for those striving to serve the Lord. There is a brief focus on forgiving oneself which I wasn't a fan of, but otherwise I have no complaint on the spiritual aspect in this book. Very beautiful!

Lastly, I loved the little British tidbits in this book. Not overly done, but enough to feel a different country. Very well done there!

This is a book that will pull you in from the beginning and keep you reading until the end!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"When times are dark, it's hard to see the light, but it doesn't mean the light is less real." 

Times have been very dark for Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service. The loss of her mother in an aerial raid, the death of her two brothers in service, and the slow, methodical disappearance of her father emotionally, as he fails to cope with his life in the present, have caused Dorothy to question her faith in God entirely. When a tall, handsome liaison officer from Texas, Lt. Wyatt Paxton crosses her path, Dorothy wonders if his sturdy, steady, optimistic sincerity will provide lasting friendship or simply bore her to tears. 

Wyatt Paxton joined the Navy while on the run from past mistakes, but it has provided him with enough means to make restitution to his family, and possibly gain their forgiveness. After meeting the lovely auburn haired Dorothy, Wyatt tries to deny his initial attraction; after all, she seems infatuated with another officer whose flirtatious antics seem to draw the attention of many young ladies. However, as one of the largest naval operations in history looms on the horizon, Wyatt and Dorothy are forced to concentrate on their assignments, rather than on what might have been. 

The author's astounding knowledge of naval history is on full display in "The Sea Before Us", at times possibly overshadowing the characters within, but nonetheless providing a magnificent backdrop for this introductory story in the "Sunrise in Normandy" series. 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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