4 out of 5 stars
ANCHOR IN THE STORM is the second installment in the Waves
of Freedom series. Though World War II is the setting, Lillian and Arch find danger
on the shores of Boston.
In a word, Lillian Avery is determined. Even with the misfortune of a childhood accident that took Lillian’s leg, she refuses to allow her handicap to slow her down or get in the way of her independence. She’s thrilled to be offered a pharmacist’s job in Boston, until she finds out her employer has every intention of replacing her as soon as a man becomes available. Determined to prove herself invaluable, Lillian sets out to prove she is as good as any man, and could add some much-needed female touches to the drab drugstore. Lillian loves everything about Boston except for the flirtatious attention Archer Vandenberg continues to show her. She doesn’t care if he is her brother’s best friend and shipmate, Lillian doesn’t trust him. Arch is gorgeous, wealthy, and sophisticated; what could he possibly see in her? Besides, Lillian has no intentions of becoming involved with a man. They’re manipulative, controlling, and prey on a women’s weakness. Lillian knows firsthand the lengths a man will go to in order to gain your trust, only to feed his own selfish desires.
In a word, Lillian Avery is determined. Even with the misfortune of a childhood accident that took Lillian’s leg, she refuses to allow her handicap to slow her down or get in the way of her independence. She’s thrilled to be offered a pharmacist’s job in Boston, until she finds out her employer has every intention of replacing her as soon as a man becomes available. Determined to prove herself invaluable, Lillian sets out to prove she is as good as any man, and could add some much-needed female touches to the drab drugstore. Lillian loves everything about Boston except for the flirtatious attention Archer Vandenberg continues to show her. She doesn’t care if he is her brother’s best friend and shipmate, Lillian doesn’t trust him. Arch is gorgeous, wealthy, and sophisticated; what could he possibly see in her? Besides, Lillian has no intentions of becoming involved with a man. They’re manipulative, controlling, and prey on a women’s weakness. Lillian knows firsthand the lengths a man will go to in order to gain your trust, only to feed his own selfish desires.
Ensign Archer Vandenberg is smitten with Lillian from the moment they are introduced. A bit of a cynic, Arch is used to keeping women at arms-length because they’re usually only interested in his family’s money, but Lillian doesn’t seem interested at all. In fact, her standoffish behavior makes her even more attractive. Over time, Arch realizes its Lillian’s handicap that causes her to put walls up, but Arch is determined to wear down Lillian’s resistance, at least enough that she’ll consider him a friend. Arch doesn’t want to settle for friendship, but he’s willing to give Lillian the time she needs for her to see his interest in her is genuine.
About the time Arch notices unusual behavior among the soldiers on his ship, Lillian discovers prescriptions for a dangerous drug written in larger than normal quantities. Convinced that the two are connected, Lillian and Arch do some investigating of their own. The more time they spend together, the more they open up to each other regarding their insecurities and fears. Just when it seems their relationship is ready for the next step, they both suffer their ultimate fear—betrayal.
I enjoyed ANCHOR IN THE STORM. I‘m not usually one for period pieces, but the time Ms. Sundin puts into her character development makes the backdrop inconsequential (to me). However, I did feel there were a few stutters in the story. The first being Lillian’s sudden willingness to put her apprehension regarding a relationship aside and fall head over heels for Arch. It was as sudden as a flip of a light switch. It was a bit too abrupt for me. The other was the maliciousness in which they treated each other over a misunderstanding. I think Lillian and Arch would’ve been more devastated then combative. It just seemed a little out of character for me. Other than that, ANCHOR IN THE STORM was a good follow-up to THROUGH WATERS DEEP.
Book provided for review purposes.
Available April 2016 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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