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author_d_r_oestreicher's review
5.0
Set during WWII, With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin is about Lieutenant Philomela Blake (Millie) - an Army nurse - and Lieutenant Tom MacGilliver - an Army engineer - and their anonymous pen-pal correspondence which results in identity confusions worthy of a Shakespearean comedy. This is an historical romance about the introduction of women nurses into the combat theater for aerial evacuations and the role of engineers in the north African and Sicily campaigns.
Like a good 21st century romance, the two POV characters, Millie and Tom, have mirrored feelings and challenges, with just the minimal gender stereotyping as required by the historical context. If you like historical romance, this is your book. Not a pot boiler: not so much as kiss between them until the end.
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2015/10/with-every-letter-by-susan-sundin.html
Like a good 21st century romance, the two POV characters, Millie and Tom, have mirrored feelings and challenges, with just the minimal gender stereotyping as required by the historical context. If you like historical romance, this is your book. Not a pot boiler: not so much as kiss between them until the end.
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2015/10/with-every-letter-by-susan-sundin.html
caslater83's review
5.0
Sarah Sundin did a dynamite job in the research and writing of this book. I feel that in some way she set out to remind us that we shouldn't allow other people to define us by the actions of our parents or relatives. Philomena and Tom both have been emotionally scarred by the actions of their parents. Neither wants to be define by their lineage, and the yet the world seems to view them that way. Philomena struggles to develop the social skills required to attain and maintain friendship. She grew up on foreign soil, immersed in other cultures, and doesn't quite fit in with her own squadron of nurses.Tom fights for respect among his troops without being overshadowed by his father's reputation as a murderer. An anonymous pen pal program allows the two to show their love for their families, their jobs, and also face their weaknesses while trying to turn them into strengths.
gretchenlouise's review
5.0
A moving epistolary themed story! A beautiful blend of historical WWII facts with a fictional epistolary friendship that will touch your mind and your heart.
diamondc's review
4.0
4 1/2 stars
I really enjoyed this book. The Author's details were perfect and kept me drawn to the book. I felt like the ending was over drawn but everything else was perfect.
I really enjoyed this book. The Author's details were perfect and kept me drawn to the book. I felt like the ending was over drawn but everything else was perfect.
abbyrosereads's review
adventurous
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, and War
xoxotawnydee's review
3.0
Last night I would have given more stars but I think my happiness with the ending was clouding my judgement. The ending is really sweet unfortunately, the rest of the book took a lot of patience to try and get through. I am going to warn everybody right now that they don't even make it to the same country until chapter 17. That was the biggest reason why I got through the book so fast - because I was racing to get to chapter 17. But in the end the book was cute, it was sweet, it was a lot more religious than I thought it was going to be, and it just didn't stick with me so I'm only giving it three stars.
scottishpixie26's review against another edition
4.0
Good story.
Interesting cast of characters.
Wish there was an epilogue as the ending felt unfinished and a little abrupt.
Interesting cast of characters.
Wish there was an epilogue as the ending felt unfinished and a little abrupt.
erin_j's review against another edition
5.0
Oh so wonderful!
Sarah Sundin knows how to write a captivating story full of history, character growth, faith, and romance. I continue to love her books and after reading one in a series I always have to buy the rest.
Mellie and Tom both go through such a personal transformation in this book. They had some deep hurts and disillusions about themselves that were not true or easier to overcome than they originally thought. They overcame them with the help of each other and some great friends.
The history is also so rich and real and true. Very well researched and interesting. I love being able to enjoy a fictional story, but also learn about true historical moments.
The romance blossoms in such a sweet way. Even when the two characters aren't in the same place and don't even know each other. Writing letters to each other is very romantic! Loved these two getting to know each other and falling in love. Can't wait to see how things progress with them in the other books!
Sarah Sundin knows how to write a captivating story full of history, character growth, faith, and romance. I continue to love her books and after reading one in a series I always have to buy the rest.
Mellie and Tom both go through such a personal transformation in this book. They had some deep hurts and disillusions about themselves that were not true or easier to overcome than they originally thought. They overcame them with the help of each other and some great friends.
The history is also so rich and real and true. Very well researched and interesting. I love being able to enjoy a fictional story, but also learn about true historical moments.
The romance blossoms in such a sweet way. Even when the two characters aren't in the same place and don't even know each other. Writing letters to each other is very romantic! Loved these two getting to know each other and falling in love. Can't wait to see how things progress with them in the other books!
aprivett1994's review
3.0
I hate giving a Sarah Sundin only three stars. I liked a lot of this book and truly felt that the plot was great (seriously!! super good!!) However, I hated some of the themes of it. Most specifically, I hated Mellie’s self-esteem struggles that mostly focused on her outward appearance and lack of friendships.
As a therapist myself, I totally understand that people have deep rooted insecurities that cause them to view themselves negatively (Mellie’s experience with racism in both the Philippines and USA, for instance). However, I wish that the author had more so showed that Mellie found her value and worth in God and in her own qualities (like she encouraged Tom to do) rather than her relationship with Tom. Mellie is one of few POC characters I’ve encountered in historical Christian fiction (shoutout to Sarah Sundin for being one of the only authors I’ve ever been able to find who features POC main characters - open to recs if you know of more because I’ve tried). So, maybe going more into how she reconciled her ethnicity with how God made her without flaw, values her, loves her, and cares for her would’ve made me like the ending more? Maybe this is being too nit picky, but it’s how I feel.
Anyways - good book and I’ll definitely read the rest of the series. I just wish it was a bit different!
As a therapist myself, I totally understand that people have deep rooted insecurities that cause them to view themselves negatively (Mellie’s experience with racism in both the Philippines and USA, for instance). However, I wish that the author had more so showed that Mellie found her value and worth in God and in her own qualities (like she encouraged Tom to do) rather than her relationship with Tom. Mellie is one of few POC characters I’ve encountered in historical Christian fiction (shoutout to Sarah Sundin for being one of the only authors I’ve ever been able to find who features POC main characters - open to recs if you know of more because I’ve tried). So, maybe going more into how she reconciled her ethnicity with how God made her without flaw, values her, loves her, and cares for her would’ve made me like the ending more? Maybe this is being too nit picky, but it’s how I feel.
Anyways - good book and I’ll definitely read the rest of the series. I just wish it was a bit different!
jhadler's review
4.0
This book is also a romance. I found the characters interesting and the conclusion clever.