The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin ~ Review

My Review:
Dorothy Fairfax serves as a Wren with the British Navy, meticulously mapping the beaches for the troops. She has lost much to the war including her mother and two brothers, Dorothy cares for her lonely father who seems to have lost all passion for life. Dorothy has been pursuing the attention of an old family friend Lawrence Eaton, who was a friend of her brothers' and can have his pick of women wherever he goes. When her father's office manager tells her that the company is losing money, she turns to her new friend Wyatt, an American Naval Officer with a history of bookkeeping.

Wyatt Paxton is trying to make amends. He left home many years ago after a horrible accident and never looked back, he has been trying to make things right, punishing himself for his sins. He is enchanted by the lovely Dorothy, and befriends her grieving father. Will he be able to help her get the bottom of the company woes and finally forgive himself for his mistakes?

Dorothy is a beautiful and clever young woman, trying to hold what is left of her family together. She has a big heart, and is eager to please, but I liked how she learned to stand up for herself over the course of the story and put everything in God's hands.

Wyatt is a good man, humble to a fault, he is thoughtful, honest, and more modest than is right. But his past haunts him, he longs to make it right on his own, he encourages Dorothy to step out in faith, but struggles to accept God's grace himself. I loved how respectful he was to everyone he met.

Well researched and fast paced, I learned so much about the Naval aspect of D-day, and the many brave men and women who made it possible. I loved learning about the detail and research that went into the mapping before GPS, Google Maps, and other modern advances. The characters were riveting and heartfelt, I felt an instant attachment to both Dorothy and Wyatt, and had a difficult time putting this book down. A thoroughly satisfying read, with great characters, heart, and courage. Highly engaging read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."