Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

Title: Through Waters Deep
Author: Sarah Sundin
Series: Waves of Freedom, #1
Genre: Christian Historical Adventure/Romance/Mystery
Age-Range: 13+ (young adult/adult)
Era: 1940s (WW2)
Setting: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell
Source: library
Rating: 5/5 stars
Content: 2/5. Some violence, nothing too graphic. A lot of suspense. No real sexual content except a few kisses, attraction, etc. No language. I can’t quite vouch for the content, though, because it’s been a month since I read it.

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood.

Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge.

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them.

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Perhaps you think that everything I say about this novel will sound redundant. It’s a book by the author of A Distant Melody, which I reviewed just a few days ago. They’re both set during WW2, both are adventure/romances with very strong (amazing!) Christian messages, and both were absolutely adored by the person who’s writing this review. However, these two stories are very different.
First, the obvious. A Distant Melody is about an airforce man; Through Waters Deep is about a member of the navy. This, in itself, makes it a very different story. Not a better or worse story, though. The details on navy life were just as fantastic as the details on airforce life.
Then there’s the added mystery/thriller element of Through Waters Deep. The main characters are investigating (unofficially and unwantedly) a supposed sabotage at the Boston Navy Yard. Very exciting. That scene in the dry (well, once-dry) dock was fantastic! I admired Mary so much then! And all those references to Nancy Drew books … *cracks up* Yeah, how many Nancy Drew books HAVE you read? I wondered something.
And Mary’s “scarred past” … I’m sorry, but I laughed. Partially because I could totally be scarred if that’s all that’s required to be scarred. One time when I was five … *dies of shame* Seriously, though, it was refreshing. Little things – and even if it was dreadfully embarrassing, it was a little thing – can have a huge effect on our lives … and take control over us if we don’t give them to God!
And Jim … he “floats.” *cracks up* I’m sorry … I just can’t be serious about these guys’ problems! That’s not a bad thing, either. I mean it as a good thing. I enjoyed it very much. They had amusing problems … but they were serious to me, too. Though not sad (except the root of Jim’s, a little … but everyone knew it wasn’t his fault! He was just being an awesome brother!). Backstories don’t have to be sad/absolutely terrible to be effective. Well-played, Sarah Sundin!
I liked Mary very much. I get along best when I’m working behind the scenes, too, although I admit I like to be recognized. For some reason, seeming to be competent really helps me cope with difficult situations. But Mary … private, humble Mary. She’s a sweetheart. She needed to learn to accept praise, but she was such a sweetheart! She’s an awesome lady.
And, you know, she’s obviously better than Quintessa. MARY is GOLDEN!!!
Jim … he was a really cool guy and … amusing, I admit. I can’t wait to read book 2 of the Waves of Freedom story and read more about Arch. He was an interesting guy. Although, for heaven’s sake, find a girl who doesn’t care about money, won’t you?!?!
I don’t have much more to say, as I don’t want to go on saying cliché things that anyone could say about any book. I’ll just say that if you like WW2, exciting adventures, intriguing mysteries, sweet romances, mouth-watering descriptions of dresses (what? I loved Mary’s clothes! Let’s go further: I NEED MARY’S CLOTHES!!! And to live in the ’40s, too, please!), and an amazing Christian message, read this novel! 🙂
~Kellyn Roth