Review: A Distant Melody

My Synopsis:

A Distant Melody (Wings of Glory - Book 1) by Sarah Sundin

(For review from Revell- Blog Tour Dates March 14-20)

Allie Miller had her whole life planned out for her. She graduated from college with a business degree but her parents had bigger plans for her. She was to marry a man hand picked by her father to succeed him as the owner and operator of his company, whether she loved him or not.

When Allie has a chance meeting with Walt, a young man about to go over sea's to fight in the war. Her life changes in ways she never thought possible. Allie must learn the hard way that obeying God isn't always easy. While Walt is learning about true honesty. Their letters to each other are a lifeline as they both struggle with their faith and with the expectations of their families and friends.

Will Allie marry Baxter and inherit the family company? Will Walt survive the dogfights above Germany to return home to his family? Will Walt and Allie find out what true love has in store for them?

My Thoughts:

Sarah Sundin does an excellent job with her debut novel, A Distant Melody. I really liked the author's allusion to music with the names of the characters, like Allegra and Cresenda. That was a really interesting touch.

Her characters were very honest and open and I found myself rooting for them. It actually reminded me somewhat of the wildly popular novel by Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook. Just that deep and resounding connection between Allie and Walt. It wasn't really love at first sight, but that spark was there and it grew until they realized they loved each other. Their friendship grew through letters which I think is really romantic. Long distance relationships could not have been easy during that time period, especially with the war going on.

I think this book was ultimately about finding out what God wants you do and not only knowing what it is, but doing something about it. It's about making those tough choices in life, that may not be what everyone else wants you to do, but it's what God wants you to do. That takes a deep and abiding faith as well as a lot of courage.

Definitely a great first effort from Sarah Sundin. Can't wait until the next one in the series comes out.

Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing Group.

I give this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!