Litfuse Blog Tour + My Review: With Every Letter (Wings of the Nightingale, Book 1) by Sarah Sundin

With Every Letter
(Wings of the Nightingale, Book 1)
by Sarah Sundin
Copyright 2012
Revell Books
ISBN: 9780800720810

About the Book:
Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met–even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence–he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.

As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?

Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing–and true love.


My Thoughts:
Sarah Sundin is a superbly talented author and when it comes to WWII fiction she's my absolute go-to author when I want a good story. Despite being over 400 pages in length I read this book in less than 24 hours and I wish that I hadn't because now it will be a loooong wait until the next book. If you've ever read any of her books you know that Ms. Sundin has a knack for diving right into the romance and adventure and pulling at your heartstrings with her WWII dramas, With Every Letter is no exception.

Mellie Blake is shy because she's different and fears she won't fit in with her fellow nurses. When the time comes to do her duty for her country she goes above and beyond, even going so far as participating in an anonymous letter writing campaign to encourage the boys fighting overseas. Feeling that letter writing is the only way for her to get a true friend she quickly becomes attached to the nameless soldier she's corresponding with. For Lt. Tom MacGilliver the war is a chance to prove that he's not his father but it's hard to run away from his name even in his own platoon. The letters he writes to an anonymous nurse are the only chances to move out from under the dark cloud of his father's reputation.

Mellie and Tom's story of correspondence, friendship, and eventually love is one of the best I've read in a long time. I ached for Mellie as she tried to make friends. Being shy myself I know how difficult it is to put oneself out there so I know she's a very honest and authentic heroine. Not only is Mellie a great character but the action and in-flight drama that came with being a nurse was intense! I can't imagine how crazy and chaotic it must have been for these ladies but this story definitely helped bring the experience to life for me. Wow! On top of all the in-flight trauma care the drama outside of the evacs was definitely interesting too. I liked that there were squabbles and cattiness among the nurses because that is definitely realistic when you throw a bunch of girls together. If they all got along swimmingly I think that would have taken away from the story in a lot of ways.

Tom was a great hero, it's impossible for me not to cheer for a Pittsburgh guy even if he is fictional. He did have other qualities that endeared him to me including his love of a cute little mutt he adopted  named Sesame. If you don't fall in love with Tom I can guarantee that you will love Sesame. But Tom's loyalty to his anonymous nurse is so sweet and honorable so i think you will fall in love with him too. ;-)

With Every Letter is a superb story of friendship, love, and strong faith. The trenches of WWII and the exotic landscapes come alive with each turn of the page. If you're a fan of WWII fiction or Sarah Sundin I can almost guarantee that you will be even more of a fan after reading this story. If you haven't read a book by this author I highly recommend that you start with this new series.

To read what others are saying about the book go HERE.

~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ~

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. 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.* 

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Celebrate with Sarah by entering to win a eReader (winner's choice of Kindle Fire or Nook Color)!

See what folks are saying about With Every Letter!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)
• Handmade With Every Letter First Aid Kit
• With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 26th. Winner will be announced at the “With Every Letter” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/27. Connect with Sarah, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of With Every Letter and join Sarah on the evening of the September 27th for a chance to connect with Sarah and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

Happy Reading!