Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

This book didn't "grab" me at the very start but as I kept on reading, yes, then it did.  What I totally loved in the beginning, was Lucie the "ballerina" bookshop keeper.  Why, because I could totally relate as she did her dance positions at the bookstore.  I have a dancer daughter, and no matter where we went, she was in a dance position!  I could almost see her as Lucie!

Well, this was a very good book.  I loved the resistance group that she became aware of and her part she played.  I totally loved the Paul and Lucie romance that blossoms and little Josie who adds so much to the book.

This WWII story was excellent.  All the books I have read from this author have just blown me away.  So real, so good and so believable.  I felt like I was there.  I had to keep reading to see what is going to happen.  Can't put this book down!  Nope, not at all.  The danger aspect in the book kept me on the edge of my seat.  OK, now you have to get your copy!  You will not regret it!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

 This cover fascinates me, all in black and white with one very little exception.  But the book really, really fascinated me!  Especially since my parents lived in Germany during the War and this book definitely was close to the stories of my personal family history.  It contained romance, drama, action, suspense, just about everything that I love when reading a book.  It rang true to the times and the history was spot-on.  I loved it.

The characters were great.  Evelyn was a strong female lead character.  I totally felt the fear she felt at certain times in the book.  So engaging and so beautifully written.  I totally felt as though I was there experiencing the events that took place. Peter was a wonderful strong male lead character that I was rooting for throughout the book!  

I loved this book and this author has an amazing way of capturing a reader's attention.  Do I recommend this book to others?  That's a clear YES!  It was wonderful.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin Sunrise at Normandy Series

I have to admit, I read book 2 first.  Regardless, I really enjoyed this book.  I loved the Christian undertones and that is definitely something I like in my reading material.  The characters, although with human flaws, find a way to work through their personal issues and pasts.  It's a very good book and I will be reading more from this author.  She's a great writer!

I enjoyed the historical time period, bringing you back in time to a difficult time when there were many struggles to survive.  I felt as though I was being transported to a time my mother and father experienced.  I will be watching for more books from this author!  I am really enjoying her writing!

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin (Sunrise at Normandy Series. Book #3)

Did I love this book?  In a word, yes!!!!  It is the third book in the Sunrise in Normandy Series.  And I mistakenly read book 3 before book 2, which is sitting on my TBR pile!  But regardless of that, this book read well, on it's own and kept me spellbound.  None-the-less, I'll be reading book two!

The characters in this book were stunning examples of lives well lived.  Clay Paxton is working and training to be a US Army Ranger.  He meets Leah Jones, who works at the library at Camp Forrest.  They begin a sweet friendship and then tragedy strikes in the life of Leah.  This changes everything. 

Clay is there to help pick up the pieces and mend both body and spirit of beautiful Leah.  In a marriage of convenience, which is separated by Clays deployment, life for Leah is one of healing and overcoming the past. 

I loved both Leah and Clay.  They had so much to deal with, and although it's not easy, they continue on.

I loved the adoption situation in Leah's past and the search for family which ensued. 

This was a heart wrenching, moving story.  There isn't a single dull moment as both of their lives continue both at home and abroad.  And what will happen to the marriage of convenience when and "if" Clay returns?  You have to read this book.  It was that good.  If I could give it 10 stars, I definitely would!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

I just read a book that I recently won in a contest from Cara Putman, one of the three authors of this wonderful book.  I do mean wonderful!  Thanks so much Cara.  This was a treasure to read and I loved it.  I loved how the three novellas meshed so beautifully together to make one great book.

The Turner family is the featured family in this book.  the first story called White Christmas was written by Cara Putman.  These three stories all take place in the WWII time in the US.  Abigail Turner is home working at a candy store and the man she cared about was killed in the war.  So now, romance is not on her to do list.  She meets a young man, who needs her help.  She and her father help him and Abigail finds that this young man has wonderful qualities.  I won't tell what happens, you will just have to read this!

In the second part of the book we find Abigail's brother as the main male character.  The title of this story is I'll be Home for Christmas.  He runs into a little girl who instantly has major plans for Pete.  Which may not be the plans of her mother, who remembers Pete from days long gone.  Clearly he was not a good person in her mindset.  Again, you will want to read this part, too. And I won't be telling you anymore!

Part three is written my Tricia Goyer, an author of whose books I have greatly enjoyed in the past two years.  This story's main character is Meredith or Merry Turner. In "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" she is the sister of Pete and Abigail.   She chose to follow the nursing profession and in so doing, finds herself in the European theater during WWII.  As a nurse she helps the wounded soldiers and experiences death, pain and sorrow.  Yet no sorrow is a great to her soul as the young man she had met prior to this time, a young German man who returns to Germany to serve.  Meredith is so heartbroken and truly feels betrayed. Will the Lord help her mend her broken heart?

I loved this wonderful historical novel.  I have many personal stories of the War because of my German parents' experiences.  It was really a wonderful read and touched me deeply.  This is a must-read!  I love how the stories wrap around three beautiful Christmas carols!

The authors:

Cara Putman author of White Christmas

Sarah Sundin author of I'll be home for Christmas  
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                                              Author Tricia Goyer author of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas