I’m sure most of you have heard of Sarah Sundin and her fantastic and sweet WWII novels, but if you haven’t today is your lucky day! Sarah is a dear…a wonderful person and a talented writer. With a passion for research, and WWII era romance, her books are satisfying from beginning to end! Her most recent series, Wings of the Nightingale debuted this last fall with the first installment, WITH EVERY LETTER.
It was my pleasure to sit down a while back and ask Sarah a few behind the scenes questions about her writing, and WITH EVERY LETTER. I’m telling you I have had my nose in this book all week and have loved every moment spent with these characters: Mellie, a kind-hearted and unconventional beauty and Tom, a caring man battling against his heartbreaking past. It’s a tender and intriguing romance that has gained such due praise, including making many lists as one of the top favorite reads of 2012! And I tell you this, from the bottom of my heart, with only two chapters until I reach the end, I’m so blessed to have read this book. I highly, highly recommend it!
A chat with Sarah Sundin:
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1. What interesting facts about the way you write or research might surprise readers?
I doubt it would surprise my readers, but I’m very fond of research and a bit nerdy about it (okay, a whole lot nerdy). I use plenty of binders with tabs in pretty colors to keep everything organized and have way too many items in my bibliography.
My favorite research for the Wings of the Nightingale series was a trip to southern France and Italy. My husband and two younger kids and I went to Provence and Italy, part family vacation, and part research. Not only did we see tourist places like Pompeii and Rome and Avignon, but I was able to see the ancient Greek (yes, Greek!) temples at Paestum on the Gulf of Salerno, where the 93rd Evacuation Hospital was based, sink my toes in the sand of the Anzio landing beaches, and get remarkably close to the active French military airfield at Istres le Tubé, where the flight nurses were based. There was something special about being able to smell the air and feel the sand and hear the cigales (the cicadas in Provence).
2. What is it about your time period and setting that stirred you to write this story?
I love writing about the World War II era. It was a time when ordinary men had to do extraordinary things, and when women first explored non-traditional roles—while remaining ladies.
The concept for the Wings of the Nightingale series came to me while researching Army nursing in World War II for my second novel, A Memory Between Us. The flight nurses fascinated me—true pioneers who did amazing work in dangerous circumstances. The idea of following a group of flight nurses who form an unlikely friendship grabbed me. Around the same time, I read about the Engineer Aviation Battalions that built airfields in combat zones, often under fire. The Mediterranean Theater of Operations appealed to me for several reasons—it hasn’t been explored a lot in stories and the settings are exciting and romantic! I get to take my readers on a tour of the Mediterranean, from Algeria to Tunisia to Sicily to Italy to southern France.
3. What do you hope readers will take away from this story? What aspects might encourage them to reflect on their own lives or the world today?
At the start of With Every Letter, both Tom and Mellie are uncomfortable in their own skins. They have to learn to see themselves as God sees them and grow into the people God wants them to be. I hope if readers struggle with self-image, they’ll be encouraged by Tom and Mellie’s journey. Also, I hope readers will reflect on the danger of judging people based on superficial things.
Sarah is the author of historical fiction set during World War II. She lives in Northern California with her husband and three children. Watch for Sarah’s newest release, ON DISTANT SHORES, coming soon! Visit her website, or find her on Facebook!
Let’s chat: What fascinates you most about WWII history? What do you hope to find within the pages of a Christian romance?
Sarah, you are so totally a girl after my own heart. I love that you traveled to France and Italy to do hands on (and toes in the sand) research! Hmmmm… where could I set a future series so I will just have to travel there myself? 🙂 ha ha
I love World War 2 history too, and I think Sarah nailed the reason why. Tom Brokaw called it The Greatest Generation, and there are certainly reasons to believe that’s true. WW2 was such a clear fight between good and evil, there wasn’t the apathy (or the more violent opposition) on the home front that we have seen in later years. Ordinary people did amazing things, both in theater and at home, to keep the country together. Oh dear, I feel a lot of words coming on, so I’m going to stop there.
But to answer Joanne’s other question, I love HISTORY in a historical romance. I do like romance too, but I love it when I learn something important along the way. Thanks for the great post!
Hi Jocelyn! I love that you said this: “I love it when I learn something important along the way.” I’ve never been much of a history girl but I’m learning. I could squeeze romance out of a ketchup bottle 😉 which is why I SO admire the type of writing that you and Sarah do which requiers so much research and for me, I feel like I learn something along the way!
I admire the gumption and the stick-to-itness that came with WWII (and other eras as well) the idea of people on the homefront doing with less, planting victory gardens and sacrificing so that our troops could have more. How I would love to see that kind of attitude imparted into America today! Jocelyn, I adore you and cannot WAIT to read your book. I had mentioned finishing a book first and now I bet you can guess which one 😉 from WWII to the Civil War I go…!! 🙂
Joanne, this is so funny-I just approved a number of your comments on my blog, and now I’m back commenting on yours. Ha!
I agree with you-it would be great to see the unity on the home front today that we had during WW2. Sigh. I’m a civilian, and hubby is now too, but from my interactions with my Faith Deployed ministry, it’s just so heartbreaking to see so many military families not feeling supported when they need it most. Some communities and churches and individuals do a great job, but as a whole, we’re not all in it together. I have often thought that some of this has to do with the fact that we can select our own news now, when we couldn’t then. You know what I mean? Online news is easy to skim or skip or click away from…. well anyway, that’s a different topic.
And now for the Civil War! Wow, talk about a time when the country was entirely involved, and the home front was also the battlefront! I do hope you enjoy Wedded!
Jocelyn I love that we are bouncing back and forth. I’ve been so enjoying the conversation happening over on your blog!
SO agree with what you said. It’s so easy to step away and do something else. It doesn’t consume our culture as it once did. Sadly, out of sight out of mind. 🙁 To think of rallying around, doing with less and being there to support the efforts made by these brave men and women.
I recently read this wonderful book. Such endearing characters and sharing in the journey as they learn life lessons. I look forward to reading her next book!
Nettie, you and I will probably always read the same books won’t we. Like mother, like daughter 😉 I’m so glad that you got to start in on Sarah’s books. This one touched my heart so deeply.
I love this time period. I think because of my Grandfather’s stories. I loved your book with every letter and look forward to reading on distant shores.
Hi Lisa! Hearing about your grandfather makes me miss mine 🙂 I would love to hear his stories. I’m so glad you have those special memories! Thrilled you read Sarah’s book. It has such a great message, doesn’t it?
My parents were prt of ‘The Greatest Generation’ so I learned of their patriotism and sacrifices. I also learned of their loves of family, respect for friends, and work ethics. I love the music, movies, and down home goodness of that time and those people. I would love to read one of your books!
Betty, it’s so lovely to get to chat with you today! I couldn’t agree more. The men and women had such class and such gumption. There was pride in our country and in doing what was right. I so admire that. Thanks so much for being interested in reading one of my books! If you get the chance, I hope you enjoy it!
Joanne, I have added Sarah Sundin to my list of authors ro check out / buy on my next trip to Barnes & Nobel. Thank you! I love finding ‘new to me authors’. I’ve had some really great reading that way.
Betty, I am so, so glad. I just know you will enjoy it! It is such a wonderful story and Mellie is a dear of a heroine.
Really great post Joanne. I had a great time photographing for both of the covers in this series for Sarah and Revell. We had a particular tricky time finding the vintage uniform since it was a historically used for a very short time.
Brandon,
So interesting about the uniform! What a fun challenge that must have been. The result is fantastic. I think you just might have one of the best jobs in the world 🙂 I admire your work and what you’ve done for Sarah’s books. The way you capture these heroines is incredible. And I’m still thinking of the stunning images of Joseph you just did! Incredible.
Brandon, just have to say I have so admired your work, and I have watched that little music video of the two historical cover photo shoots a number of times, and linked to it from my own blog post about the making of my book trailer. Just love your work so much. Bravo!
Jocelyn, I completely agree. Such fantastic work. I LOVED that video, too!
Joanne – thank you so much for your lovely review. I’m so glad you’re enjoying Tom & Mellie’s story.
Jocelyn – you know we’re kindred spirits 🙂 I adored both the romance and the spot-on research in Wedded to War and I’m about to dig into Widow of Gettysburg!
Janette and Lisa – I’m thrilled that you enjoyed With Every Letter!
Brandon – I rave about your book covers almost every day! You’ve captured each heroine’s personality so well, the photography is gorgeous, and I’m tickled about the uniform!
Sarah,
Thank you for being so sweet about this very belated interview 😉 I have to say…you made me cry last night as I’m nearing the end of WEL. The moment with Mellie on the plane with the dying soldier was so powerful. This is an incredible book. Thrilled to have read it and to know you!
Hi Sarah,
Yes, I did know we’re kindred spirits, so it’s always fun to chat with you online! SOME DAY I will meet both you and Joanne! Perhaps at ACFW this fall? I just scratched ICRS off my list of trips this year, so maybe I can go to Indy in September…My big trip this summer is Gettysburg for the 150th anniversary celebration. They are letting me do a book signing for Widow at the Seminary Ridge Museum which is so poetic since that’s the building where I did my archival research in 2010 which led to my historical fiction series, it’s the building where my “hero” went to seminary, and it’s the building on the cover of Widow! Can you tell I am a tad excited? I hope you enjoy the book, even in its uncorrected form! (It’s not as uncorrected as the Wedded ARC was though I can say that much! HA!)
OH!!!! ACFW in September! I’m going, Lord willing. Could it be? Could we finally meet in person? I would love that.
And that is wonderful about the Seminary Ridge signing – on so many levels. And Gettysburg is such a moving place.
Well it will be close enough for me to drive, and I’ve never been, and it will be right after I turn in novel #3, so it should work out! 🙂 Praying it does!!
Hoping you can go, Jocelyn! Ditto what Sarah said. 😀
Two of my favorite authors–talking to each other! I’m in heaven. 🙂 I took a class from Sarah at ACFW all about organizing your research and now I have my own pretty binders. Sarah’s books are always at the top of my must-read-now pile. I can’t wait to get my hands on On Distant Shores.
Karen,
I remember that class! (though it may have been a different year) Sarah blew me away with the quality of her research and for me (so not a natural researcher) it was inspiring to get better organized. Thrilled to have been at MH that year and to meet BOTH you and Sarah. I am excited for On Distant Shores, too! And so, so excited about Mistaken. 🙂
Ha! Binders are contagious. Now there’s a sentence that may never have been uttered before.
Sarah, Contagious they are!!
So glad to see your wonderful tribute to Sarah:) I agree about Sarah’s stories – she is a one of a kind writer who really brings history and characters to vivid life on the page. Inspiring to get an inside look at her writing life. Bless you both!
Laura, so fun to have you and Sarah and your amazing cover photographer, Brandon Hill visit here on the same day! Sarah really is a one of a kind writer. I am so blessed to know her and to read he work. And you as well! Two of my favorite authors! 🙂
Funny….that’s how I’d describe your stories 🙂 Your characters! Your settings! Sigh…
I second what Sarah said about your work, Laura! Just had to jump into this mutual admiration society here in this comment thread. hee hee hee 🙂
I’m adoring all of your comments! This is so fun. So many of my favorite writers! You are all so amazing. 🙂
I have loved Sarah Sundin’s work for years!! I’m so tickled you got be in Anzio Beach. WW2 has fascinated me my entire life.
Which, I might add, hasn’t been very long…
My favourite character in The English Patient was not the adulterous woman or her lover, but the French Canadian nurse, beautifully played by Juliete Binoche. I’m looking forward to reading these books.
Thanks ladies!!
Well, of course it hasn’t been long! What? Last year in high school history, wasn’t it?
Anzio was really a treat. We spent one day relaxing on the beach – it’s thoroughly a resort town now with no signs of the war except the cemetery and an itty-bitty museum which wasn’t in ANY of the guidebooks. But THAT was the biggest treat of all. The curator was this darling older Italian gentleman who was tickled pink that I was writing a novel that included Anzio. Between my pidgen Italian and his pidgen English, we had quite a conversation 🙂 I should have tape-recorded it, because it was quite comical.
Good evening, Jennifer! I am having so much fun reading yours and Sarah’s comments. How dreamy, for Sarah to find that that little gem of a museum! What fun that you two have a love of WWII in common. I wonder if either of you has read “Six Days on a Raft” it’s written by a man here in our hometown about the 6 days he spent in a life raft during the war. It was an incredible, first hand account. Fascinating and heartbreaking. Those first hand accounts really make it come alive.
My “IRL” friend, Eliza, hooked me up with Sarah’s books awhile ago. She’s an avid fan and of course, she had to tell me! I really love this time period. I have several “pockets” of history I enjoy researching and reading and writing about- WW2 is one of them. I remember in high school I’d write numerous short stories set in that period. My grandfather had served in the war, and my heart misses his stories. I’m really looking forward to Sarah’s new release!! These months ahead seem kinda stressful with homeschooling and buckling down for our ITBS tests, so it’s nice to have some GREAT and refreshing reads in the near future!
BTW, so cool Brandon Hill stopped by at your blog. I’m a total fan- love the sense of style he has in photography. So many authors have been blessed with covers with his talent!!
Amy,
To hear how your heart misses your grandfather’s stories…oh that is so bittersweet and I know just what you mean. My moms dad just died this Christmas and I miss him so much. Thankful for those memories.
I completely agree! So neat to have Brandon Hill visit plus two of the authors of the books he photographed. SO fun! Did you see what he did with Joseph? Just stunning. Always incredible work.
Amy – I think that’s one of the main reasons I write WWII also – my grandparents’ stories. I’m thankful that you and Eliza enjoy the books!
Joanne, thank you for a great interview with Sarah Sundin! I like her work very much and proudly display her books on my shelves (read by both ex-RAF flyboy hubby and myself!).
For the both of us (transplants) WW2 means many things, none particularly romantic because of occupation and rationing mostly, especially my family, but Sarah’s writing is so warm and articulate, we like to see the ‘Yanks’ side! Hubby says his wartime was more like in ‘Hope & Glory’ or ‘Goodnight Mr. Tom!’
A Christian Romance is that much more appealing when it teaches me something or reflects my heart as another wonderful author, Laura Frantz did so well with The Colonel’s Lady!
Blessings,
Hi Noelle! It’s always good to hear from you – and the perspective from the “other side of the pond.”
Hi, Noelle!
It was such a treat to get to interview Sarah. She is an amazing author and such a sweet person. I am so glad you enjoyed her books! Her writing really is so warm. I’ve yet to read the Colonel’s Lady but I am so eager as I love Laura Frantz’s writing!
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