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Monday, March 1, 2010

Introducing Sarah Sundin and her debut novel, A DISTANT MELODY

Two years ago, I met Sarah Sundin at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. She had a friendly smile and an easy manner, and one evening we found ourselves chatting. While we both agreed that nothing on earth is as sweet as a week in the redwoods, we also lamented the fact we didn’t have a book contract or even one on the horizon. Much to our dismay, no one was interested in the stories we had poured our hearts into.

As we shared our frustrations, we agreed to pray for one another, and as God’s timing would have it, we both received contracts within the year . . . multi-book contracts! I am thrilled for Sarah that A DISTANT MELODY, Book One of the Wings of Glory series, has hit the book shelves! It could not happen to a nicer person OR a more gifted writer.

The book is a delight. Here is the review I will be posting on Amazon and other places around the internet. Below that, you’ll find a bit more about Sarah and where you can purchase her book. Trust me, it’s one you don’t want to miss.

Once in a while a book comes along that wraps its arms around you and so enchants you that you don’t want to the story to end. Sarah Sundin’s debut novel, A Distant Melody, is one of those books. At the height of WWII, a chance meeting brings Allie Miller and Walt Novak together, but Allie’s upcoming marriage, arranged by her wealthy parents, and Walt’s dispatch to pilot a B-17 bomber from an airbase in England, halts the romance before it has time to spark. Only the letters which cross the Atlantic keep the flames burning.

At times I felt I had a front row seat in a Bing Crosby/Frank Sinatra/Betty Hutton movie. The story is warm and witty, with authentic characters and poignant situations. While Walt deals with the tragedy of war, Allie is consumed with wedding preparations to a man she doesn’t love and volunteers for the war effort stateside. Multi-layered with tender subplots, Sarah weaves this lovely story with finely drawn details and finesse.

Did I mention I didn’t want it to end? The good news is that this is the first book of three in the Wings of Glory series. I can’t wait until book two. Highly recommended.

Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her debut novel.

Sarah’s blog is chock full of WWII facts and fun memorabilia. You can order her book here and here.

Thanks, Sarah, for allowing me to be part of “launch week.”

My appreciation to Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group) for providing me with this book for review.

4 comments:

Patti Lacy said...

I've been chatting with Sarah on Facebook and am SOOO excited to see her debut novel!

Blessings, Sarah and Carla!
Patti

Sarah Sundin said...

Thanks, Patti! And thanks, Carla for posting this. I'm so glad you enjoyed A Distant Melody as much as I enjoyed Chasing Lilacs - can't wait for June when everyone else can see what an amazing story you've written.

carla stewart said...

Patti, glad you're getting to know Sarah. FB is pretty cool like that. And I'm so happy for her and LOVE her book. I think you will too.

Sarah, you're so kind. Who knew only two short years ago we'd be walking arm in arm down this debut path together. I'm glad you got here first though. I like looking over your shoulder and seeing what you're up to. This book is just beautiful. I know I keep saying that, and I can't wait until the next book comes out. A nurse? Well, I can relate to that. Blessings, my friend.

Bonnie Way aka the Koala Mom said...

Sounds like a very interesting book! My great-uncle was also in the war and I've always thought I should talk to him about more of his stories... if I'm going to, I'd better do it soon, as he turns 100 in a year or two.