Anchor In The Storm By: Sarah Sundin

Back of the Book

One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger
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.

My Thoughts

 Sarah Sundin has given me a history lesson I won't soon forget, and can't wait to start again.   With her vast knowledge of WW II she has developed a story so full of intrigue and mystery I could not put it down. Lillian is such a lovable, spunky and passionate person but with a broken heart not easily repaired and Arch has returned with scars of his own.  Lillian and Arch's personalities are polar opposites, but opposites do attract.  Being the second book in the Waves of Freedom series there are many return characters that add another layer of depth to the plot so you will want to read it first to truly enjoy this book.  

I was given this book free from Revell publishing for my honest review.

The Reluctant Duchess By: Roseanna M. White

Back of the Book

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough--not for her father, not for the man she thought she'd marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when Rowena's father tries to trap Brice into marrying his daughter, Brice makes a surprising decision.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she's reluctant to marry a notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she's about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.

My thoughts

Perfection!  I was worried that after LOVING 'The Lost Heiress' I would be let down by the second book, boy was I wrong.  The Reluctant Duchess is not only a brilliant fresh story, it's interlaced with many of our favorite and not so favorite characters from the first book.  Rowena is the perfect addition to the already vibrant area personalities.  Rowena has an Irish burr that takes a few chapters to get used to, but soon becomes an added layer to her, and not a hindrance to the story.

I must mention that it is the second book in the series, so if you want to really understand the story you need to read The Lost Heiress, which trust me, is not a hardship at all.

I was given this book free from Bethany House Publishing for my honest review.