Through Waters Deep

October 19, 2015
Sundin (A Distant Melody), exhibiting her usual flair for 1940s history and setting, will delight WWII buffs with this Waves of Freedom series opener. Boston hums with tension in the early part of 1941, as America unofficially supportsâbut hasn't joinedâthe Allied war effort. The destroyer USS Atwood, with young, friendly Ensign Jim Avery aboard, escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic, protecting them from German U-boats. Between missions, Jim spends time with his old high school friend, Mary Stirling, who serves quietly and effectively as a Navy Yard secretary. When she stumbles upon evidence of sabotage on the Atwood, Mary enlists Jim's help in discovering the saboteur. Her subdued ways aid her subtle sleuthing, which uncovers an alarming number of suspects. As the danger grows, so do Jim and Mary's feelings for one another, but circumstances work against their relationship becoming deeper. Both Jim and Mary navigate physical danger and emotional turmoil in their quest to defend their country and protect each other. Agent: Rachel Kent, Books & Such Literary Management.

Starred review from September 1, 2015

In 1941 Boston, Ensign Jim Avery and Mary Stirling meet by chance, renewing their friendship from high school. Mary's roommate, Quintessa, was Jim's high school crush, a relationship that Quintessa hopes to reignite, much to Mary's dismay. Meanwhile, mysterious "accidents" at the Boston Naval Yard where Mary works place German employees under heavy suspicion. Mary starts her own investigation to find out who is behind the treachery, unaware she might be endangering herself. VERDICT Providing readers with an immersive experience, Sundin (In Perfect Time) vividly re-creates the atmosphere of a country on the brink of entering World War II. The tender romance at the story's center keeps readers rooting for Jim and Mary to realize their true feelings for each other. In the wake of the popularity of Anita Diamant's The Boston Girl, this book holds local interest for those who have lived in or loved the city. Fans of Rachel Hauck and Melody Carlson will be delighted.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 1, 2015
Knowing that pridefulness brings humiliation, Mary Stirling stays out of the spotlight as a Boston Navy Yard secretary in 1941. After reconnecting with Jim Avery, a U.S. Navy ensign content with floating through the ranks, she is neither more appealing to him nor any less in love with him than when they were in high school. America is on the cusp of entering WWII, and Jim and Mary find themselves working amid danger and suspicion to expose a saboteur at the yard. As an old relationship fans into surprising new flames, they must decide whether to take the plunge despite the risk to their lives and love. Working with a large cast of characters and an intricate and dramatic plot, Sundin (On Distant Shores, 2013) brilliantly builds tension between American isolationists and interventionists. The first in her Waves of Freedom series is a compelling story with references to naval history, Nancy Drew, and the era's chivalrous dating etiquette, making it an optimal hybrid of 1940s crime and romance. Readers will be struck by the thoughtfulness and care Sundin brings to every thread in this chilling story as they are swept up into the exciting plot twists leading to a thrilling climax.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)