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Anchor in the Storm | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
MY REVIEW

Lillian’s prosthetic leg immediately drew me into this book. I just haven’t read about many heroines that had an appalling “disability” and yet, you love the character, don’t pity her. I could identify with Lillian in many ways–her “cold-heartedness” (or “wooden heart”), her bluntness, her blunders. She felt very real.

Arch was also to be admired. And yes, what I admired most was that he was real. He had a very real, very strong struggle to grow through in his naval career, and he didn’t tackle this struggle on his own–he continually prayed for God’s help.
I’ve read more non-fiction than fictional WWII books, so this was a new type of book for me. I didn’t think that the war was glorified in it–being that Arch was in the middle of a ship with men struggling with their nerves and Lillian worked at a store that saw the social war affects first-hand. It was very interesting and brought the era to life.
Being the second book in the Waves of Freedom series, I wasn’t sure how Anchor in the Storm would read as a stand-alone. No worries. It read amazingly. I assume that the first book was about Jim and Mary; this second book is about Jim’s sister, Lillian. There were some references to Jim and Mary’s back-story, but it only embellished this story, it didn’t make it feel like a gap was missing somewhere.
The spiritual theme of this book was that Christ is the anchor for our soul. Both Lillian and Arch clung to that. I really, really appreciated that, at times when one would be wishing for physical comfort from their love, they brought it back to, “No, Christ is my sure anchor.” In some ways, it could be that this message was the only spiritual message in the book, but it was definitely very present–not rushed over.
The mystery in this book kind of surprised me (this is Sundin’s first book that I’ve read, so she may usually have mysteries, I don’t know). It was complex, interesting, and true-to-life. Another plus, in my opinion.

There were a couple things I didn’t care for. One, being that when Lillian was taken advantage of by a former boyfriend (back-story), she didn’t tell her family or parents. Younger readers probably wouldn’t want to read this because of that situation, plus there was considerable romance throughout the book and some violence (murders mentioned, ships bombarded, things like that).

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review, from LitFuse Publicity* 

ABOUT THE BOOK
One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance–and Danger
For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he “is” her brother’s best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget. 

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Anchor in the Storm Sarah Sundin

Affliction

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
As I recently read through Psalm 119, I noticed a lot about afflictions and God’s Word, so I decided to hone in on those verses. In doing so, I discovered that there are two definitions for the words of “affliction” used.
The first is from the Hebrew word, ‘oniy, meaning, “depression, misery.”
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Ps 119:50)
Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. (Ps 119:92)
Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. (Ps 119:153)
This affliction is not brought on by our sin, necessarily, but is when we get low in spirits in daily living. The beauty is that, in these situations, we can turn to Christ and His Word for comfort and deliverance, knowing that focusing on Him will keep us from perishing in these afflictions.
The second definition for “affliction” is slightly different. It is from the Hebrew word, ‘anah, and gives the impression of browbeating, depression.
    
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. (Ps 119:67)
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. (Ps 119:71)
I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. (Ps 119:75)
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. (Ps 119:107)
This type of affliction lends the idea of affliction as punishment (directly linked to our wandering from God). Affliction like this, from God, is used to get our attention so that we can better keep God’s Word. The answer is not found in soothing ourselves with promises from God’s Word, but in checking our obedience to the Scripture (because God’s promises are usually contingent on our obedience).
When I feel myself in affliction, I need to do a quick evaluation: is this affliction because of my disobedience to God? or is this affliction just part of life? God’s Word has the answer to both afflictions, but I need to search my heart and be sure I’m applying His Word correctly to my life.

What is something that you have noticed from God’s Word recently?

Surrender

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Surrender. 

It seems that every time I work on projects with a theme, the Lord has lessons concerning that theme to teach me. As I have been working on editing and putting “Surrender” into book form, the Lord has been working in my heart regarding surrender—whether it was hopes and dreams for this project, daily choices, or my ideas and will.

We tend to think of surrender regarding life-changing issues, big things. But most often, surrender is an ongoing process involving small sacrifices. It is in daily life that we must learn to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, as this is our reasonable service (see Romans 12:1).

The songs in the upcoming piano solo book are commonly known as “invitation songs,” and the messages ring true. Have we laid all on the altar for God to control? Have we acknowledge our need for Christ and turned fully to Him? Have we truly surrendered all to Him? Are we daily seeking to be near Him so that we can say in assurance, “It is well with my soul?” Are we eagerly awaiting His eternal plans for us or do we still cling to that which will one day fade away?

God’s call to surrender is not limited to just one season to life. Wherever it is that the Lord has you, may you learn to surrender fully to Him.

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The Reluctant Duchess | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
About the Book
The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough—not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar and the men who have jeopardized her life.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has suddenly found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of his neighbor, Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when the moody Earl of Lochabar tries to trap Brice into marrying Rowena, Brice finds he’s not as opposed to the idea as he expected to be.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she’s reluctant to resort to marrying a notorious flirt just to gain his English home. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she ’fears she’s about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.


My Review
I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m not a huge romance fan, but if there’s one type of romance I like, it’s between a husband and wife who are learning to love each other (as opposed to unmarried people falling in love…I don’t know, it’s just me). Brice, being my favorite character from The Lost Heiress, was still my favorite character. I enjoyed reading how he learned to listen and his wife learned to love. It was really a sweet story.
Throughout the whole book, it seemed like the characters regularly sought God and prayed, which I appreciated. Some of the characters were evidently stronger in faith than others, which I thought gave a realistic aspect.
However. When I think back on the book, the main thread that stands out to me is the marriage bed. Whether it was Rowena being physically abused by her supposed lover or her learning to trust again, this theme just wasn’t in my comfort zone, even though it was done fairly discreetly. For this reason, I would not recommend this book to girls under twenty.
The continued thread of the Fire Eyes was alluring. There is something about them that are enticing and exciting. In this, though, there is a lot of discussion about curses and the spiritual realm. I don’t think I particularly disagreed with the author on this, because the conclusion I found was that there are spiritual battles being fought (which I believe is Biblical) and that the curse was not a curse of superstition, but a curse of greed. The way the author brought this about, though, was slightly confusing so I might not have fully grasped her intentions.
So, those two things pull my rating down to three stars–which I realize is just my personal preference and convictions.

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from Bethany House*

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About the Author
Roseanna M. WhiteRoseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna has a slew of historical novels available, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at http://www.RoseannaMWhite.com