Lately it seems every time I have a book review due, the week before gets extremely busy and this time was no exception. It’s not like I intentionally plan to have a ton of work due at the same time as my book review or that I procrastinate, I love reading. I tend to wait because I write a better review the fresher it is in my mind. I have tried reading as soon as I get a book, writing a notes or a rough draft but going back to re-write it is never the same as having just experienced a good book and the wide range of emotions it takes me through and writing the review at the same time. Regardless of my full schedule this week, With Every Letter was so worth my time, With Every Letter, written by Sarah Sundin. To be frank, I’ve enjoyed all the books I have read by Sarah.

This book is a historical romance, but there are so many things I could relate to in it. You know how when you listen to a song and it can take you to a place you haven’t thought of in years? This book had that affect on me.

Set during World War II, this story is about flight nurses and their service to injured service men. For me there was so much depth to this story. The resistance the nurses faced by being women on the field, having to get along with those in your division, the orders you had to obey, the fight for position and rank – I don’t understand why anyone would want to go into the service, but admire those who do and am very grateful for those who have literally gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. My grandfather was a pilot during World War II. I am grateful he made it back alive and I had the privilege of knowing him. I just wish I had been interested in that part of his life to ask him about it.

Back to the book…

The main character Lieutenant Mellie (short for Philomela) is a flight nurse. She considers herself different and finds it hard to make friends with the other nurses she’s around every day. I just think she found it hard to trust people after what her mother did to her and her father. There have been things in my life that have caused me to be very UNtrusting.

Friendships are a huge part of life and many of the characters in With Every Letter Written learn that intimate relationships open the heart to hurt, but the key to maintaining those close relationships is mercy, love, forgiveness and restoration. If you are like me some of those steps are harder than others, even when you know the right thing to do.

Mellie is given the opportunity to pen-pal with a service man stationed overseas whose name is Lt. Tom MacGillver. After initially baulking at the idea, she begins her correspondence which turns out to be just what she and the service man needed. Did you know that is essentially how my husband and I got to know each other – via letters? We met at college but I was only there for a semester (a God ordained meeting, if you ask me )and we met over half way through so we were just starting to get to know each other when I had to leave. Reading Mellie and Tom’s story brought a wide range of emotions and memories back. It’s hard to get to know someone via letters, UNLESS both people are completely open and honest. I loved their story and didn’t feel it was a stretch of the imagination for the time setting of the storyline or for today because I believe long distance relationships can and do work, if both people believe in the relationship and commit to it. Definitely not for the needy or fainthearted as it does take a lot of time and work. Just as if you were together in person.

I loved the ending. While I had predicted what the ultimate outcome would be I loved the clever way it happened.

Two thumbs up for a heartwarming, emotionally evoking book that made me fall in love with Mellie, Tom and their friends. I loved their characters, grit and courage in the face of many different obstacles, including a war. It’s so hard when a good book ends….sniff, sniff.

“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.