Book Review: With Ever Letter

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 Review:

From the very beginning, I was half hoping to read this book and half dreading to even pick it up. The plot, which revolves around a young nurse writing letters to a young engineer under the disguise anonymity, aroused my curiosity. On the other hand, I thought that the whole book was just going to be a bunch of cheesy letters from Mellie and Tom to one another. Boy, was I in for a surprise!

WWII is one of my favorite eras. (Do I say that for every era? What can I say, I'm a history buff.) The terminology, events and the letters that were exchanged between Mellie and Tom whisked me away to the 1940's. I think that Sarah Sundin captured this time in history with such ease that the story flowed without being history book-like.

The book introduces the reader to two very different but similar characters: Philomela Blake and Thomas MacGilliver. I was perplexed by the character of Philomela "Mellie" Blake. Her personality is hermit- like and she seems to keep to herself... ever since childhood. She never fit in as a young girl and at work she is being blackmailed to make friends or her position will be given to another. I just don't understand how someone can be so destined for failure in the friend department, that over the course of 23 years they haven't made a single friend.. it doesn't even have to be a best friend. Her struggle to become approachable and liked is finally awarded and I found great pleasure when Mellie began standing up for herself. Tom also has had difficulty making friends because of his father's shameful and criminal past. Though he tries to hide his humiliation under smiles and jokes, Tom is always lonely. I enjoyed reading the letters that exchanged between the two and of their budding friendship. Even though, in my opinion, Mellie and Tom were at the extreme of unapproachable, I know that everyone has dealt with rejection in some way.

A fellow reader says, "Though fictional in nature, the characters show us what true friendship looks like, the nature of love and waiting for it, conflict, forgiveness, and a host of others. The story also reveals how we all need to depend on the Lord for all things at all times. Trusting in His plan and perfect timing isn’t easy, but worth it when all is said and done."

I'd rate With Every Letter a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars! The characters, both primary and secondary, were relateable. The plot kept me interested because it was well- paced and nearly impossible to put out of my mind. The anonymous letters added another dimension of enjoyment as well. I think that Sarah Sundin is a noteworthy author and her writings emanate research and all of the hard work she's poured into it. I even found myself laughing at humor that was peppered throughout this read. If you want a well-paced read that is sure to please, don't hesitate to read With Every Letter. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity.