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    The Sea Before Us
    The Sea Before Us
    The Sea Before Us
    Audiobook10 hours

    The Sea Before Us

    Written by Sarah Sundin

    Narrated by Sarah Zimmerman

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France-including those of her own family's summer home-in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.

    As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.

    The tense days leading up to the monumental D-Day landing blaze to life under Sarah Sundin's practiced pen with this powerful new series.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateMay 15, 2018
    ISBN9781977383570
    The Sea Before Us
    Author

    Sarah Sundin

    Sarah Sundin is the author of A Distant Melody, A Memory Between Us, and Blue Skies Tomorrow. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

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    Reviews for The Sea Before Us

    4.5/5

    81 ratings20 reviews

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    • 5/5
      If I had begun to read The Sea Before Us without knowing who the author was, I would have quickly recognized Sarah Sundin’s voice. If you enjoy fiction set during the World War II era, you will enjoy this book with detailed descriptions of the preparations for D-Day and a vivid word picture of the main characters’ rolls in the taking of the beach in Normandy. Lt. Wyatt Paxton, a naval officer from Texas serving as a liaison with the Royal Navy, has fled from his family following a disastrous accident for which he feels at partial responsibility. While he rests in God’s forgiveness, he is unable to forgive himself and fears his family will also be unable, or unwilling, to forgive him. Dorothy Fairfax, a second officer with the Wrens, has lost all of those dear to her except for her father. He has become so distant, so aloof, it is as if he too were lost to her. Dorothy has spent years and put great effort into making herself into the type of person one could love, the type her father could love, and the type her childhood crush, Lawrence Eaton, could love. Would there ever be anyone who could love her for herself? Faith, true acceptance of Christ’s work on the cross, and understanding God’s love for us are central themes in The Sea Before Us, concepts that are balms to our heart, and that settle peace over our lives. I thank NetGalley and Revell Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review. I received no monetary compensation, only hours of reading pleasure.
    • 5/5
      Title: The Sea Before Us (Sunrise at Normandy)Author: Sarah SundinPages: 384Year: 2018Publisher: RevellMy rating 5 out of 5 stars!The new series by Sarah Sundin is a heart-touching tale of events leading up to D-Day through fictional characters. There are three brothers from Texas who are torn apart by a disaster and choices made by the oldest son Wyatt and the other sons. I began reading the book with such hunger, knowing the tale told is but a shadow of the reality that many endured both in America and England.The story encapsulates the hard times of war, the love stories, battles and yes even death as those were parts of the reality young men dealt with who were barely out of their teens. Wyatt is a Navy Lt. Commander in the U. S. Navy who, though trained as an accountant and was to pick up the leadership of his father’s business, is now planning methodically with others the Navy’s plans for D-Day.Wyatt begins to develop feelings for a WREN Officer named Dorothy who has suffered so much personal loss in her family. What Sarah Sundin wove into the book was interesting as it included a mystery aspect of Dorothy’s father’s business losing money. Plus, Dorothy is flailing in her walk with the Lord until Wyatt challenges her to return to church as she has challenged him to contact his family after three years of silence.Having read the other wartime stories Sarah has offered, this new series outshines other novels set in the WWII era. I found it easy to become enraptured with the characters and the many subplots. Wait till you see the twist in the main plot line in the book! I don’t know when the next book is due out, but I sure cannot wait. The series is once again a reminder of a brave generation who endured more than we can really grasp. I thank all vets who serve today.When you are done reading the book, please consider reading Sarah Sundin’s other wonderful novels that are bold and invigorating!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”
    • 4/5
      Although historical romance is not my favorite genre, I found this an enjoyable book. The historical and cultural elements were dead on and the fleshed our characters were not only believable, but you felt like you knew them well. Well done
    • 4/5
      This book had a very slow beginning, but it got better and I enjoyed it by the end.
    • 5/5
      4.5 ⭐️s! It was especially poignant listening to this book as we went to Normandy beaches on June 6, 2023, and I began listening to this book right around that time. As they describe Omaha Beach I was able to picture in my mind exactly what the author was talking about- the draw at Vierville, and saw the bunkers and gun mounts that still remain. And yes, where we all traveled, England, France, Germany, Netherlands the Poppies grew, everywhere “row on row…”
      But to the book, Wyatts endless self recrimination got old. The excessive humility, the perfection of his “protectiveness” and “amazing, selfless” love for Dorothy and his perfect trust in God, while ideal, and something to learn and strive for, it got a bit much. The author cud have successfully cut out at least 1/3rd of it and we’d have gotten a clear picture lol. Love SS books though and am relistening to the series. Good narrator!
    • 5/5
      The Sea Before Us is Sarah Sundin’s first book in her new series, Sunrise at Normandy. The story focuses on Dorothy Fairfax, a WREN (The Women’s Royal Naval Service-WRNS, known as WREN/S), and Lt. Wyatt Paxton.First, I have to say, that the research and authenticity of the story are astounding. The time-frame is from January through June of 1944. There are so very many historical (and very sad) tidbits of information highlighting the time leading up to and including D-Day.As you read, you are transported back to a different era and three different countries, England, France and Scotland. It’s not hard to picture yourself right in the middle of everything going on-from the urgency of preparing for a military invasion to the freneticism of trying to squeeze the last drop of normalcy from a life that seems as if it will never be normal again.Both Dorothy and Wyatt have some significant issues in their lives and need to learn to rely more fully on the Lord. The spiritual thread is woven seamlessly into the book, with most of the truths applicable to anyone’s life.I have always loved historical fiction, and The Sea Before Us doesn’t disappoint.I received this book from Library Thing. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.I posted this on my blog January 28, 2018. (I don't know how I missed posting it here!)
    • 5/5
      The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin is the first book in her Sunrise at Normandy series. Wyatt Paxton is stationed in England awaiting D-Day. He meets Dorothy Fairfax, who is a “Wren” in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. She studies snapshots of the coast of Normandy in order to create accurate maps for the allied landings. Wyatt transforms those maps into naval bombardment plans for D-Day. As they spend more time together will they learn to forgive or will they let their past rule their future? I loved the way that Wyatt clung to God during his trials instead of pushing Him away. It’s a lesson we all should learn. At times Dorothy was a little too thick-headed for my liking, but overall, she was a great heroine. Stories of World War two have always held a special interest for me. I have actually stood Omaha Beach and it was a very moving experience. So, it was easy to picture all the scenes as they unfolded. Dorothy’s love and devotion to her father was very touching. The humor that was woven through-out the story came at just the right times. Ms. Sundin is a very talented author. Her research was woven into a very moving story.
    • 5/5
      Another excellent book by Sarah Sundin with realistic conflict and sweet chemistry, plus fascinating historical detail!
    • 5/5
      Dorothy is a WREN serving England while they are facing the horrors of World War II. She works with other WRENS analyzing photographs, postcards, and memories of a coastal town in Normandy in order to help the Allies draw up very detailed maps to help them with their invasion of these beaches. One day, she discovers that her one of her family friends, Lawrence Eaton, will be working within their small sphere to help Britain with the Normandy invasion. This thrills Dorothy as she has had a crush on Eaton ever since she can remember. However, another man has crept into her life...Wyatt Paxton...an American Lieutenant with a long Texas drawl and polished Southern manners and charm. Dorothy loves Lawrence, but then why is she so much more comfortable and free-spirited with Wyatt? As D-Day approaches, will the Allies plan to storm the beaches of Normandy be successful...will the churning seas of Dorothy's heart settle on Wyatt or Lawrence?This was a GREAT book! My mother, grandmother, and myself all give it a 5-star rating! We cannot wait until the other 2 books in the series come out to find out about rest of the characters in the series and what happens to everyone involved. A great book Ms. Sarah Sundin!!!
    • 4/5
      My Impressions:My book club gives its unanimous approval to The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin. This WWII-era romance has everything we look for in a book — great relatable characters, realistic story line, and a setting that captures our imagination. We also had plenty to talk about! Most of us didn’t know much about the planning of the D-Day invasion or the sea support of the campaign, and this novel was a wonderful glimpse into the strategy and sheer determination of the participants. This one is a recommended read from By The Book.The Sea Before Us is set in the months leading up to the D-Day invasion. Main characters Dorothy, a WREN, and Wyatt, a US Naval officer, are both involved in the planning stages. I loved the detail Sundin shares in the meticulous mapping of the Normandy coast in a time way before Google Earth. In addition, the complexity of the naval operation is told in a way even those with no military background can understand. But this novel also gives a glimpse into the wartime psyche of the people of England. The famous stiff upper lip hid a multitude of fears but served as a means for civilians and military alike to defeat the evil that took over Europe. Dorothy and Wyatt, both dedicated to their jobs, were influenced by their past mistakes and sense of unworthiness. While it helped get the job done, both needed to put aside failures and rejections in order to discover their worth in God’s eyes. This aspect of the novel made both characters realistic. As for the romance, sparks ignite for the Texas cowboy and the vivacious red-headed English girl. For Dorothy a family secret is revealed, but Wyatt’s family issues remain — the story will continue in the next two books.We all loved The Sea Before Us, but are not satisfied that we will have to wait so long for the next two books! But we are definitely putting them on our 2019 and 2020 reading list.Recommended.Book Club Approved.Audience: adults.
    • 5/5
      I loved learning history through historical fiction. This book gave me an opportunity to to see a woman's part in the war as part of the story focused on Dorothy's service of putting together reconnaissance photographs to create a map of Normandy. I was interesting to see how the technology of the time period allowed them to put something like this together. I also enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Dorothy and Wyatt progressed as they worked together to provide what was needed leading up to D-Day. I received a copy of the book from the publisher, the review is my own,
    • 5/5
      We have Dorothy and Wyatt working in the war effort. Wyatt is an American Naval officer and Dorothy is in the Women’s Royal Naval Service studying photographs to see what might be in a location. They meet and become friends. This is a romance with a bit of suspense and history. This is the first book in a new series and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 5/5
      Title: The Sea Before Us (Sunrise at Normandy)Author: Sarah SundinPages: 384Year: 2018Publisher: RevellMy rating 5 out of 5 stars!The new series by Sarah Sundin is a heart-touching tale of events leading up to D-Day through fictional characters. There are three brothers from Texas who are torn apart by a disaster and choices made by the oldest son Wyatt and the other sons. I began reading the book with such hunger, knowing the tale told is but a shadow of the reality that many endured both in America and England.The story encapsulates the hard times of war, the love stories, battles and yes even death as those were parts of the reality young men dealt with who were barely out of their teens. Wyatt is a Navy Lt. Commander in the U. S. Navy who, though trained as an accountant and was to pick up the leadership of his father’s business, is now planning methodically with others the Navy’s plans for D-Day.Wyatt begins to develop feelings for a WREN Officer named Dorothy who has suffered so much personal loss in her family. What Sarah Sundin wove into the book was interesting as it included a mystery aspect of Dorothy’s father’s business losing money. Plus, Dorothy is flailing in her walk with the Lord until Wyatt challenges her to return to church as she has challenged him to contact his family after three years of silence.Having read the other wartime stories Sarah has offered, this new series outshines other novels set in the WWII era. I found it easy to become enraptured with the characters and the many subplots. Wait till you see the twist in the main plot line in the book! I don’t know when the next book is due out, but I sure cannot wait. The series is once again a reminder of a brave generation who endured more than we can really grasp. I thank all vets who serve today.When you are done reading the book, please consider reading Sarah Sundin’s other wonderful novels that are bold and invigorating!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”
    • 5/5
      I just finish another of Sarah Sundin’s books and like her others it does not disappoint, a mix of history and a bit of romance, and the anticipation of a battle. With this book, there is an all-out combined effort to take down Germany, and we are heading toward D-Day.The author has given us two strong characters in Wyatt and Dorothy, and we get up close and personal with them, learning about their family and their lives growing up, and the hurts that have made them what they are today. We are also given a mystery of possible embezzlement, and end up with a bomb shell, I never saw it coming!With these characters, we walk the streets of London, and visit Scotland, and then we are bombing the beach at Normandy, and we can almost feel the vibrations of those guns. Through it all we hope for survival and God’s Graces as broken lives are put back together.Now I see another brother has a book coming with a teasing few pages at the end of this wonderful read, and I will be waiting for that one!I received this book through LibraryThing as a gift and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 3/5
      I won this book from Library Thing give away.This is a historical fiction book. The author did a lot of checking on historical back round for the bookI enjoyed the historical parts of the book. They gave you a look at the time heading up to D Day.I found the story sort of slow going and was not holding my interest.The story is of Wyatt and American naval officer. He is estranged from his family after a accident thathe blames himself for. He turns to his faith and believes in forgiveness but can seem to not find it forhimself. He is assigned to a unit in England before D Day. Wyatt meet a young Wren officer there.Dorothy also is fighting her demons. As they work together they become friends and try to help eachother to find a way to except there lives and make amends they feel are their faultIf you like history and a good clean book, this is for you.
    • 5/5
      This book is fantastic. I love historical fiction, particularly when the subject is World War II. This sweet tale takes you from Texas to London, Edinburgh to Omaha Beach. The story has twists and turns, the characters are complex and well written. My only complaint is that I have to wait two years to finish the series.
    • 5/5
      Sundin continues to focus on the WWII era in her inspirational historical novels. "The Sea Before Us" is the first entry in a new series Sunrise at Normandy and may be her best series to date, if this novel is any indication.Wyatt Paxton is suffering severe pangs of guilt and inadequacy. A sudden unexpected tragedy tore his family apart, and his subsequent behavior has left him deeply ashamed and anxious to make atonement. He has turned to his faith to seek forgiveness, and while he believes in forgiveness, he finds it hard to personally accept it. He is obsessed with "doing the right thing" as atonement.Dorothy Fairfax, on the other hand, is dealing with family tragedies of her own. Her mother has died in an air raid, and her two brothers have died in the fighting. Only her father remains, and he has turned in upon himself, ignoring his daughter, his business and his own health. Convinced that she is fundamentally unlovable, Dorothy is turning herself inside out to become a different woman, with the kind of looks an personality that would attract the childhood friend of her brothers, a British naval officer and ladies man of considerable repute. Even if this woman bears almost no resemblance to the real Dorothy.Reluctantly, these two lost souls are drawn to each other, despite their reservations. Dorothy encourages Wyatt to reconcile with his family while he still has them, and Wyatt tries to help Dorothy see that her natural self is lovable to her father, to Wyatt and to God. But there may be no time for anything deeper to blossom, as D-Day is looming just ahead.I greatly enjoyed this book. The characters were likable, without being unrealistically wonderful. The religious content flowed as a natural part of the story and the characters rather than reading as inserted sermons. And the historical background, especially how the beaches at Normandy were mapped out in incredible detail ahead of the invasion based on vacation snapshots collected from British holiday makers. A wonderful read all around.I received a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
    • 3/5
      This first in a new series "Sunrise at Normandy" details the exploits of the oldest of three Texas brothers, tragically estranged through incidents of jealousy, accidental death, and betrayal. Wyatt Paxton leaves his home after being accused of the accidental death of his middle brother's fiancee. He ultimately enlists in the U.S. Navy and is tasked to serve in London during preparations for D-Day. There he becomes acquainted with a young English "Wren", the equivalent of the U.S. Navy Waves. Dorothy Fairfax has her own personal demons to fight, and the two become friends as they work together. I found the story line that was personal to Paxton and Fairfax intriguing and engaging, but there is also considerable detail shared about the actual preparations for the D-Day invasion, as well as a couple of chapters detailing the naval aspect of the assault on Omaha Beach. For me, these proved tedious, and I confess I skipped through them rather briefly and may have missed important aspects of the story as a result. For this reason alone, the story rates just three stars from me, whereas I might have given it four stars had there been less war detail in the book.
    • 4/5
      The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin is an exciting, multi-dimensional story of war, love, betrayal, and forgiveness. God forgives those who seek His forgiveness, but how do you forgive yourself? Dorothy has the ideal man in her sites. She has known him all her life. Wyatt has cut off all contact with his family because of what he did to unintentionally hurt them. World War II brings two wandering souls together. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles of war, mystery, and the past? So many questions that must be answered before they can move on with their lives.
    • 2/5
      Wyatt is in love with Oralee but she is engaged to his brother, Adler. When an accident takes Oralee's life, Wyatt leaves home. He is now in England and D-Day is close at hand. Dorothy is a Wren whose job is to piece together photos of Normandy in order to assist with the invasion. I didn't enjoy this book. I could not get into it. It seemed very dry to me.