Synopsis

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval–even marry a man she doesn’t love. Lt. Walter Novak–fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women–takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt’s muddy bomber base in England and Allie’s mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart? A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

My Review

This novel itself was a beautiful song, woven so seamlessly it sails far beyond the standard of most historical romance. Author Sarah Sundin’s way with words is masterful and each character jumps from the page. It was only when the pages ran out that I was disappointed.

The research and attention to detail is so well crafted it doesn’t overwhelm the reader, but rather uproots you and plants you in the co-pilot seat of a B-17 Flying Fortress. Be ready to pull on your wool-lined leather flight jackets.

The other elements of the society – the rationing, the travel, the mannerisms – is all so realistic, I really felt I was back in 1942. This brought me back to the reason I love World War II fiction – it was a more honest time in the world. Men were gentlemen, and relationships grew out of letters that took weeks to arrive across the world.

A Distant Melody has tension on every page and a love story unlike most typical, formulaic romances. Along with the brutalities of war, Sundin raises issues of race and class as well and the misconceptions of the time.

This is a novel that will leave you laughing out loud and inching closer to the edge of your seat. This is what a historical novel should be – accurate and entertaining. It will be released in March, so pre order it online or be ready to sprint to the bookstores!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”