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turquoiseavenue's review against another edition
4.0
Reading a story such as this, always leaves me hungry to return to my history books and re indulge myself in American history. Sarah Sundin does a beautiful job of detailing life during WWII. I'm enamored with her books... After reading the Wings of Glory series, I was a little disappointed in this story at first. Mary, wrapped up in a mystery at the navy yard, at first had me feeling she was a bit childish, and perhaps immature. After all, a career woman would most likely leave dangerous endeavors to the police. However, as I read through the book, I still found myself loving Mary's character and feeling her growing in her faith. Perhaps Mary matured through the story, and that was the author's point all along. I enjoyed Jim and Arch and the development of their characters as well. I found myself even smiling to myself while reading conversation between the characters because I could feel their personalities and witticisms so well. I did enjoy the conclusion of the story and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Overall, I don't feel like these two characters had as much personal depth as other characters Sarah Sundin has developed and I found myself wanting a little more personal struggle/historical drama and less Nancy Drew mystery. But in the end, it was still a great read!
jackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
Another read from BOOKLIST's top 10 romances for 2015. And another Christian romance, which is definitely not up my alley. I can see why this sweet romance would appeal to that audience, but have a hard time picturing it appealing to a broader one.
The heroine is self-effacing to the max, but gradually learns that it's ok to take pride in accomplishments that are for the glory of God, just not for oneself (the traumatic incident from childhood which leads her to fear being prideful is pretty darn laughable, I thought). And the hero, an easygoing guy who has always let himself float along on life's currents, learns that he has to make decisions and take charge. Especially when the women in his life are trying to make his romantic decisions for him. Especially the heroine, who selflessly sacrifices herself so her best friend can find true love with the fellow she really likes. It's the old, sexist "only when a woman self-sacrifices what/who she really wants does she really deserve it/him and win it/him" dynamic, which works for a conservative Christian audience, but probably not for more progressive-minded readers.
The heroine often refers to her reading of Nancy Drew books in junior high school (really? I gave them up in elementary school as too easy), but the mystery plot line here is far less entertaining than a ND book. It's got almost no tension or danger until the last 10% of the story, when the long slog through a saboteur at a Boston shipyard plot finally reaches its climax. One redeeming thing: the hero and heroine both have to take risks ON THEIR OWN to complete their character arc/journey to taking more risks, rather than the hero saving/rescuing the heroine, though. And the climatic love declaration was quite sweet (although with the hero kissing the heroine's nose as many times as he kisses her mouth, I did wonder whether he still regarded her as a friend/sister figure rather than a potential lover...)
The heroine is self-effacing to the max, but gradually learns that it's ok to take pride in accomplishments that are for the glory of God, just not for oneself (the traumatic incident from childhood which leads her to fear being prideful is pretty darn laughable, I thought). And the hero, an easygoing guy who has always let himself float along on life's currents, learns that he has to make decisions and take charge. Especially when the women in his life are trying to make his romantic decisions for him. Especially the heroine, who selflessly sacrifices herself so her best friend can find true love with the fellow she really likes. It's the old, sexist "only when a woman self-sacrifices what/who she really wants does she really deserve it/him and win it/him" dynamic, which works for a conservative Christian audience, but probably not for more progressive-minded readers.
The heroine often refers to her reading of Nancy Drew books in junior high school (really? I gave them up in elementary school as too easy), but the mystery plot line here is far less entertaining than a ND book. It's got almost no tension or danger until the last 10% of the story, when the long slog through a saboteur at a Boston shipyard plot finally reaches its climax. One redeeming thing: the hero and heroine both have to take risks ON THEIR OWN to complete their character arc/journey to taking more risks, rather than the hero saving/rescuing the heroine, though. And the climatic love declaration was quite sweet (although with the hero kissing the heroine's nose as many times as he kisses her mouth, I did wonder whether he still regarded her as a friend/sister figure rather than a potential lover...)
rgyger's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
Through Waters Deep was an amazing story. Maybe it was just my love for Jim and Mary as a couple or the honesty of the historical context, but I really enjoyed this book and stayed up late one night so I could finish it in two days.
Mary is a girl after my own heart. Loving adventure while hating the limelight, I felt like she was a person I would have liked to have known. Jim was nearly the opposite, enjoying adventure while feeling perfectly at home with any attention he might draw by being himself. They complimented each other well, creating a pair whose happily-ever-after I could believe in.
The historical context, closely predating WWII, was well portrayed as an event that occurred rather than a drama to be amused by. It showed the often forgotten opinions of those who lived through it and the conflicts that stirred at home. These tensions are what drove the plot along and played the backdrop for Sundin's mystery to unfold.
I would give the story a full five stars, however, there were moments when the Nancy Drew aspects of the story came about as rather cheesy. If not for this, I believe that I would have give this the full rating.
I received this book through Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.
Through Waters Deep was an amazing story. Maybe it was just my love for Jim and Mary as a couple or the honesty of the historical context, but I really enjoyed this book and stayed up late one night so I could finish it in two days.
Mary is a girl after my own heart. Loving adventure while hating the limelight, I felt like she was a person I would have liked to have known. Jim was nearly the opposite, enjoying adventure while feeling perfectly at home with any attention he might draw by being himself. They complimented each other well, creating a pair whose happily-ever-after I could believe in.
The historical context, closely predating WWII, was well portrayed as an event that occurred rather than a drama to be amused by. It showed the often forgotten opinions of those who lived through it and the conflicts that stirred at home. These tensions are what drove the plot along and played the backdrop for Sundin's mystery to unfold.
I would give the story a full five stars, however, there were moments when the Nancy Drew aspects of the story came about as rather cheesy. If not for this, I believe that I would have give this the full rating.
I received this book through Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.
ameserole's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting with a nice mystery throughout the book. That is about all I can say right now. rtc
library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition
5.0
Review: This novel is BEAUTIFUL! I was so in love with the characters that it only took me 24 hours to finish reading it. When I read the Sunrise At Normandy series by Sundin, I knew I had found another gem. Sundin knows how to weave a sweet romance that tugs at your heart and historical fiction that pulls you into the world of our ancestors. Being the great granddaughter of a navy man who served with the Seabees right after WWII ended, the Navy fascinates me, and I feel a connection to it. I loved reading about it even though I may have found myself a bit lost as soon as Sundin started throwing around words like TU 4.1.5, Dry Dock 2, and Convoy HX-160. I will 100% be rereading this and it has been rewarded immediately with a spot on my 'Favorites' shelf. It's already on my wishlist to purchase, so it can live on my physical bookshelf too. I'm dying to get started on the next book in the series since I know Sundin will not disappoint my desire for complex characters, dashing but clean romance and WWII history. It's always an adventure!
I recommend this to WWII history buffs who have a partiality to romance. I think anyone over the age of 14 or 15 can read this novel. Even though there is a lot of lingo related to the navy that most people will struggle with, the story can still be understood.
Update: The second time reading this book was even better than the first. I really took my time with it so I could fully immerse myself in the story. I even took a look at Sundin's website so I could more accurately picture all the real places mentioned in the book. If you're reading it for the first time, I recommend doing this so you get the full experience. Either way, I guarantee you this book will have you glued to a chair flipping pages to reach the swoony and satisfying end of this gorgeous love story.
I recommend this to WWII history buffs who have a partiality to romance. I think anyone over the age of 14 or 15 can read this novel. Even though there is a lot of lingo related to the navy that most people will struggle with, the story can still be understood.
Update: The second time reading this book was even better than the first. I really took my time with it so I could fully immerse myself in the story. I even took a look at Sundin's website so I could more accurately picture all the real places mentioned in the book. If you're reading it for the first time, I recommend doing this so you get the full experience. Either way, I guarantee you this book will have you glued to a chair flipping pages to reach the swoony and satisfying end of this gorgeous love story.
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good World War II fictional book by Sarah Sundin. It, I believe, is the second book by Sarah Sundin I've read.
Though fictional, I felt like it was educational. I learned about the navy, a subject I am not overly familiar with. I also learned a lot about the time period it was set in. This book takes place when World War II is happening in Europe, but the U.S. hadn't officially joined in yet.
As for the story itself, I liked it. Both Mary and Jim are both likable characters. Mary is painfully shy, but extremely kind and thoughtful. Jim struggles with being decisive, but has a good sense of humor. Their romance was a pretty cute. I am a sucker for the friends turned lovers trope, so that might be why:)
There was plenty of action to keep my attention. The tense moments and plot twists kept the story moving along.
The only thing I didn't care for is something that is common in romance novels. Once Jim realized he liked Mary he constantly noticed her body (almost to the point of oogling). Attraction is natural, of course, but it gets old when guys are always thinking about the girl they like's body.
This book ended on a bit of a cliff hanger. I hope that Jim and Mary will make an appearance in the next book.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Though fictional, I felt like it was educational. I learned about the navy, a subject I am not overly familiar with. I also learned a lot about the time period it was set in. This book takes place when World War II is happening in Europe, but the U.S. hadn't officially joined in yet.
As for the story itself, I liked it. Both Mary and Jim are both likable characters. Mary is painfully shy, but extremely kind and thoughtful. Jim struggles with being decisive, but has a good sense of humor. Their romance was a pretty cute. I am a sucker for the friends turned lovers trope, so that might be why:)
There was plenty of action to keep my attention. The tense moments and plot twists kept the story moving along.
The only thing I didn't care for is something that is common in romance novels. Once Jim realized he liked Mary he constantly noticed her body (almost to the point of oogling). Attraction is natural, of course, but it gets old when guys are always thinking about the girl they like's body.
This book ended on a bit of a cliff hanger. I hope that Jim and Mary will make an appearance in the next book.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
rvoogt's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book! Perfect blend of Christian values and influence within a historical romance and crime story. Can’t wait to read more of her books!
juliaisreadingg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Mary is wonderful. I love her growth. I love Jim encouraging her along to investigate the sabotage, I love Jim encouraging her to do things that scare her. I love the gentleness he displays with her.
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
5.0
Through Waters Deep was a step back into time filled with so much intriguing and oft forgotten history. This novel gives a taste as to what America was like right before officially joining the war and is rich with details about the tensions between isolationists and interventionists.
I instantly connected to Mary with her fear of the spotlight and loved watching her try to conquer those fears. Immediately, I fell for Jim. At first, he comes across as a happy-go-lucky, carefree guy, but it quickly becomes apparent that he has a lot of hidden depth.
It feels like I can never come up with the right words to explain how much I absolutely LOVE every single one of Sarah Sundin's novels and I'm in the same boat again this time. So, I'll end this by saying if you love awesome faith-filled and romantic World War II stories... what are you waiting for?... go pick up a copy; you won't regret it!
I instantly connected to Mary with her fear of the spotlight and loved watching her try to conquer those fears. Immediately, I fell for Jim. At first, he comes across as a happy-go-lucky, carefree guy, but it quickly becomes apparent that he has a lot of hidden depth.
It feels like I can never come up with the right words to explain how much I absolutely LOVE every single one of Sarah Sundin's novels and I'm in the same boat again this time. So, I'll end this by saying if you love awesome faith-filled and romantic World War II stories... what are you waiting for?... go pick up a copy; you won't regret it!
emmeline7's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this story! I enjoyed reading Jim and Mary's story, and the mystery made it even better. I also really liked that it was set prior to Pearl Harbor. I had never really considered the tension between people who thought we should get involved in the war, and those thinking we shouldn't. I also didn't know much about what was going on in the Atlantic at that time. It was really interesting, and Sarah does a wonderful job making you feel like you're really there.