ANCHOR IN THE STORM - Sarah Sundin - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Dear Readers, I interviewed Sarah on the BlogTalk radio show, Along Came a Writer. It was fun to touch base with her again. It’s been a while since I’ve attended the ACFW National Conference. When talking about the book, I realized that this is one book I do not want to miss. I’ve been busy with my own writing and haven’t read it yet. It did move to the top of my to-be-read pile after the show. Sarah took second place in the Golden Scroll award contest that my book took third place.

Bio: Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including Anchor in the Storm. Her novel Through Waters Deep was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and her novella I’ll Be Home for Christmas in Where Treetops Glisten was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school. She also enjoys speaking for church, community, and writers’ groups.

Welcome back, Sarah. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?

Goodness, where would I start? Professionally, I wouldn’t have been published without my agent, my editor, and the entire team at Revell Books. Emotionally, I couldn’t do any of this without my family and friends supporting me, praying for me, and keeping me (somewhat) sane. Writing-wise, I’m indebted to my critique partners, plus countless writers who have taught and mentored and supported me. Research-wise, I received help from librarians in Ohio, the Director of Historic Parks in Boston, and my teen son who accompanied me on my research trip. It’s a shame only my name goes on the cover!

If you teach or speak, what’s coming up on your calendar?

I’ve had a busy spring—I was on the faculty at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, served as a keynote speaker for a women’s retreat, and spoke at a Chamber of Commerce event. In coming weeks, I’m speaking at two church women’s events and I’m signing books at a 1940s day at a historical society museum. I keep a list of upcoming events on my website: http://www.sarahsundin.com/speaking/upcoming-events/

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?

Oh, the question I don’t want to answer. Our nest will be officially empty in July, and my husband is making noise about moving. However, I love our house, our neighborhood, our church, and our friends—and the thought of starting over again exhausts me. Talk to me again in five years.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?

Take a deep breath. I remember the feeling of adoring my first unedited book and being impatient for the world to see it. Since self-publishing really wasn’t an option back then, I was forced to wait. During those waiting years, I learned about the craft (enough to scrap my first two novels entirely!), the publishing industry, social media, publicity, and how to deal with rejection—a necessity in this business. More importantly, the Lord used my waiting years to teach me about His sovereignty, His love, and His timing. I wouldn’t give up those years for anything. My advice—slow down and let God do His work in your life and your writing.

Very good advice. Too many aspiring authors move ahead of Him. You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])

Oh dear. I guarantee it would be a flop. I’m horrid at organizing events—it’s a miracle my own wedding came to pass. Also, I’ve never been on a cruise, and I’m not fond of the celebrity culture, so I wouldn’t even know where to start. As my kids would say… “Epic fail!”

You should try a cruise sometime. They’re a lot of fun with lots of time for relaxing, too. Tell us about the featured book.

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?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Vermilion, Ohio

Sunday, December 7, 1941

Lillian Avery’s dream couldn’t have come true at a worse time.

In the pale afternoon sun slanting through the kitchen window, Dad sat at the table building a model ship while humming “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,” and Mom gathered kitchen gadgets.

“Here. A flour sifter.” Mom added it to Lillian’s pile on the counter.

“Remember, Mary Stirling said I didn’t need to bring anything for the apartment in Boston.”

Mom rummaged through a cabinet. “But do they have a flour sifter? You’ll need one. And last Christmas Jim gave me a new one.” Her voice cracked.

Lillian’s heart clenched. At the table, Dad stopped humming and gave Lillian a look that said, “At a time like this, take the flour sifter.”

Mom already had reason to be anxious, with the United States tilting on the brink of war and the three oldest Avery boys serving as naval officers. But now? Two weeks after Jim’s destroyer—a neutral ship!—had been sunk by a U-boat? Two weeks of not knowing if he was alive or dead?

How could Lillian leave home at a time like this?

She squeezed the handle of the flour sifter so it made the “shugga-shugga” sound she loved. “Sure, Mom. But if you fill my trunk with gadgets, I won’t have room for clothing and I’ll have to walk around Boston naked.” She winked at Dad.

He smiled and resumed humming and tinkering.

“Lillian Avery! What am I going to do with you?” Mom extracted herself from the cabinet, her hazel eyes misty. “Rather, what am I going to do without you?”

“You’ll manage, same as you did when I was at Ohio State.”

“I know.” Mom tucked a graying lock of hair back into the roll at the nape of her neck. “But I do wish you’d found a job closer to home.”

Lillian suppressed a groan. Even excellent grades hadn’t shielded her from six months of unemployment. Thank goodness Jim had found her a position in Boston. Of course, she’d still have to prove herself. In the acceptance letter, Cyrus Dixon stated he didn’t want to hire a girl pharmacist but that the peacetime draft limited his choices. She could imagine how he felt about hiring a cripple.

“I’ll be fine, Mom.” In time, she’d win over crotchety Mr. Dixon. 

Where can we find you on the Internet?

Website: http://www.sarahsundin.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sarahsundin

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sarahsundin

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book, Anchor in the Storm. 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 Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
• Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
• Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
• 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
• Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
• "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• Set of two nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing this new book and the special giveaway with my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Anchor in the Storm  - Christianbook.com

Anchor in the Storm (Waves of Freedom) - Amazon

Anchor in the Storm (Waves of Freedom Book #2): A Novel - Kindle

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