Sarah Sundin has written several series about World War II.  Her latest series is Wings of the Nightingale.  The second book in this series is entitled On Distant Shores.  Readers should most definitely start with the first book, With Every Letter.  Although this review is focused on the second book, most of the comments written here apply to the entire series.

The characters in this book are all quite interesting and in many cases enigmatic.  The development of personalities and motivations is well done.  Although these stories are fictional, much of what is written is feasible and realistic.  One of the great qualities of this book is the fact that the characters are not all perfect and have to develop themselves and overcome personal challenges.

Although the focus of the story revolves around a romantic endeavor, the author does a nice job of including fictional characters in historically accurate locations.  The worst part about this book is that the next one in the series does not come out for a few months.  Happy reading and enjoy this work of historical romance!

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Reports of characters striking others; description of various injuries sustained in war, some with blood; multiple mentions of bombings and artillery attacks; child is injured in an automobile accident; brief description of minor surgical procedures.

Sex/Nudity:  Non-married characters kiss, hold hands and embrace; male removes his shirt to swim; report of a married couple sleeping together.

Mature Subject Matter:

War, death of friend and parent.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None