THROUGH WATERS DEEP by Sarah Sundin

"THROUGH WATERS DEEP has a lot of layers."

Through Waters Deep

Genres: Mystery Historical | Romance Historical

Posted: November 18, 2015

In 1945, some people thought the United States should help defend European nations against Hitler's forces, while others wanted to keep the U.S. out of the war. That divisiveness sets the backdrop for Sarah Sundin's romantic-mystery THROUGH WATERS DEEP.

Mary Stirling works at the Boston Navy Yard. No one really notices her, and she doesn't mind staying in the background. Ensign Jim Avery is assigned to a new destroyer being built in Boston. Jim and Mary went to high school together, and she enlists Jim's help to investigate a possible saboteur at the base.

THROUGH WATERS DEEP has a lot of layers. There's the mystery of the saboteur, who's putting American lives at risk to influence attitudes about the war. Jim and Mary are trying to overcome childhood traumas that are still shaping their lives and actions, and against their better judgment, they're falling in love. Sundin weaves all these elements together in a compelling and engaging story. She writes with incredible detail about the period, so it's easy to picture the characters and the settings.

THROUGH WATERS DEEP is also steeped in Christian faith. Jim and Mary attended the same church back home, and their faith is an important part of their lives. They -- and their friends and colleagues -- often look to the Bible and to God for guidance in their lives. The book doesn't contain any graphic scenes or strong language.

I would feel very comfortable recommending it for readers of any age who are interested in World War II, as well as those who enjoy mysteries and sweet romances. This is the first book in Sundin's Waves of Freedom series, and I look forward to reading more.

Book Summary

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.