A Distant Melody

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love.

Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives.

As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

This debut novel by author Sarah Sundin pulls readers right into everyday life during World War II, when American women awaited the arrival of precious sugar rations, movie-goers were as anxious to see the latest newsreel as they were the new Bing Crosby musical, every man who was able volunteered for service and those at home—including women and kids—busied themselves by supporting “the war effort.”

Allie, who sees herself as “plain” thanks to her mother, is a courageous yet completely relatable heroine. Bored with her wealthy upbringing, which basically consists of sitting around in the parlor and honoring Mom and Dad’s plans regardless of her own desires, longs to contribute to her community and those serving overseas (including Walt, who she continues to love in secret as she plans a marriage arranged by her parents). The more she sees God using her, the more she wants to obey Him over her demanding family and cold fiancé. (Baxter—isn’t that the perfect name for a guy whose only hope for climbing the professional ladder is marrying his boss's daughter?). Seeing Allie grow so far above her shallow roots made me love her even more.

At the same time, the author paints an intriguing picture of Walt’s life as a pilot, fighting in England. I really felt his loneliness, sense of responsibility for those serving with him, and mixed emotions about this amazing woman who is engaged to someone else.

It takes a lot for me to enjoy a novel that is labeled “Romance” and A Distant Melody truly surprised me. Good job Sarah!

And thank you to Revell Publishers for providing me with a review copy.

Here is a little about the author:
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 first novel. For more info please visit her website at www.sarahsundin.com!

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Enter Sarah’s “Netflix® and Nostalgia” contest:

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The Winner of our ‘NETFLIX® & Nostalgia’ giveaway will receive a vintage prize package, including:

*A 6 month NETFLIX® subscription
*$25 Starbucks® gift card
*A box of See’s Famous Old Time Chocolates®
*A jar of homemade strawberry jam
*A Big Band music CD
*A Mini B-17 Model airplane
*Vintage stationery and pen
*British specialty tea
*WWII style playing cards

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