A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

Reviewed by Rel Mollet

"Historical accuracy, complex characterisation and an intriguing plot reveal Sarah's natural talent for story and her love of history."

Allie Miller comes from privilege yet lacks the acceptance of her wealthy family. Attempting to gain their approval, Allie agrees to marry the man of her parent's choosing even though she does not love him.

When she attends a dear friend's wedding, Allie meets Walter Novak, a pilot about to ship out for his first assignment against the Nazi war machine, and in him she finds a kindred spirit. Walt has always been awkward around women but with Allie he can be himself. Their friendship established, Allie and Walt agree to write as he leaves for Europe, yet Allie has kept her engagement to herself and Walt starts keeping secrets of his own.

When truth comes to light, what price will they pay for their dishonesty?

Sarah Sundin is a debut author? Pinch me, please! A Distant Melody reads like the work of an experienced and talented writer, capturing my attention from the first page until the final word. Historical accuracy, complex characterisation and an intriguing plot reveal Sarah's natural talent for story and her love of history. Refreshing in so many ways, not the least being Allie and Walt's struggle with their homely appearance and their families' expectations of their futures. Dealing with issues of integrity and honesty in matters of faith and the heart, against the backdrop of World War II, A Distant Melody is an exceptional novel from an author who can mix it with the best of them. Jack Novak's story in A Memory Between can't come soon enough!

Rel Mollet is a lawyer, wife and mother of three young daughters and lives in Melbourne, Australia. Reading has been her passion since childhood. She is a Book Club Co-ordinator and has her own blog ~ relzreviewz ~ dedicated to reviews and author interviews with the sole aim to support authors writing from a Christian worldview. She believes Sir Francis Bacon's (1561 - 1626) creed, "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body".