Reviews

On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin

rich2023's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed John and Georgie’s story. Both characters had to grow in their walk with God. Both characters had relatable struggles: being content where God has you and not letting fear rule your life. They both had to learn how to trust God. I also liked the idea of someone being good for you which means they challenge you and help you to grow. The only concern I had was the mention of Greek mythology and their gods. Overall, this was a great story.

emmasbookdiary's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.0

This was soo good! I’m finding it so interesting to read about flight nurses during WW2 in this series. I was particularly interested in Georgie’s character in book one but I ended up really liking her in this one. I really admired her for her courage and her desire to overcome her fears and grow. Her character growth throughout this book, as well as Hutch’s, was wonderful! 

The romance was so sweet! I loved how they became good friends first. It was slow burn which is my favorite kind of romance!

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this one! There were moments I was close to tears. I’m really looking forward to book 3.☺️

library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

belovedbrat's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

juliaisreadingg's review against another edition

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adventurous informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

farmfreshlisa's review against another edition

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4.0

this was a good book! I enjoyed learning more about life as a commissioned nurse during WW2 and what they experienced as in flight nurses. Very interesting. Also interesting to follow the beginnings of the Pharmacy Corps and see the conflict between pharmacists and doctors. I wish I'd read book #1 first...for some reason i thought this WAS #1.

reneesmith's review against another edition

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4.0

Sarah Sundin’s latest novel seriously interfered with my concentration during our school’s teacher orientation week.

I knew once I opened the cover, I’d be swept away to the shores of Sicily during World War II—a time period that provides endless fascination for me—and have trouble returning to the “real world.”

On Distant Shores tells the story of Hutch and Georgie, a pharmacist and a flight nurse, who use their talents to treat wounded American soldiers. In spite of sweethearts waiting at home, the war raging around them, and personal struggles, Hutch and Georgie are drawn to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey as they navigated Luftwaffe attacks, plane crashes, separations, misunderstandings, and more, in order to end up together. I especially enjoyed their scenes with Lucia, a little girl they saved and formed a relationship with.


What I loved most: The Setting! Sarah Sundin’s attention to detail recreates the time period so wonderfully. Casa Blanca. The sunset over the Mediterranean. Italian children playing in a beachside village. A few carefree moments on the shore with coworkers who might not make it through the next flight.

But though she helps me feel exactly what it would be like to administer an IV to a young patient on a moving C-47 cargo plane, she also helps me see the faces of those brave young men and women who formed what many have called Our Greatest Generation. They weren’t perfect. But their heroism and sacrifice never fail to touch my heart.


Every Sarah Sundin novel is a beautiful tribute to their memory.


Who will love this book:

History/WW II buffs.
Homeschoolers teaching this time period to their teens.
Classic/old movie fans.
Fashionistas who admire vintage clothing.
Readers—from teens on up—who love a dramatic, significant, well-told story.
Fans of Lynn Austin, Elizabeth Camden, Tricia Goyer, Susan May Warren, and Lauraine Snelling.

****Thanks to Litfuse, Sarah Sundin, and Revell for providing a copy for me to review.


Are you on Pinterest? You can follow any of Sarah Sundin's WWII boards at this link. My WWII board is here.

sarah_reading_party's review against another edition

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3.0

i love WWII novels and cheesy christian fiction, so this series is right up my alley. some parts were kinda slow though, and there are a lot of characters to keep track of. all in all an enjoyable read.

abbyrosereads's review

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adventurous challenging funny inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

erin_j's review against another edition

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5.0

A great story!

I loved Hutch and Georgie. I was nervous about how their romance would go at first because she already had a beau, but all turned out fine and progressed in good time. Their love story was quite passionate and lovely, but definitely bumpy. They had some things they needed to overcome and work on before they could truly be happy together. I like how it all turned out and how they matured personally and spiritually.

The history in Sundin's book are always so detailed and interesting and never boring for me. They don't drag down the story, they enhance it. I love the mix of real and fiction.

And of course in war times there is real loss and Sundin isn't afraid to rip your heart out. War can't be all happy endings. And as much as I hate what happened in this book, it also gives realness to the story and time period and allows our characters to grow and mature.