A World War Two Love Story
Set amid the battle for North Africa, two strangers begin an anonymous letter exchange. Both have secrets they’ve never felt able to share, but now they can be themselves without fearing judgement.
Mellie Blake grew up traveling the world, but this kept her estranged from the customs of her own country. When the war started, she joined a nursing corps. She’s never had friends outside of the men who traveled with her father’s expeditions, and now she doesn’t know how to be one. This sets her at odds with everyone, jeopardizing her chance to serve as a flight nurse.
Tom MacGilliver spent his early years ridiculed because of his father’s murderous actions. Everyone feared Tom would turn out like his dad, even him. Now he’s a lieutenant with the engineer’s corps, but he doesn’t know how to lead his men without becoming his worst fear. He risks losing his commission and any future after the war if he can’t get control of his unit.
Anonymity Begins Friendship
Mellie’s commander insists she join an anonymous letter campaign to cheer up the boys headed for action. Reluctantly, she writes one letter, fully expecting the receiving soldier to trash it. When her letter finds Tom, he grasps the chance to be himself for once, even if it means being nameless. His openness shocks Mellie, and both of them begin telling the other their joys, fears, sorrows … everything. Mellie makes her first friend through a piece of paper. Tom shares his heart for designing things that will bring people together.
Both use their anonymous letters to ask for advice in their different situations. Through their written words, love blooms in their hearts.
Healing after Disaster
They reach a point where they destroy most of what they started building, and their only confidant is found on the other side of their letters. With help, they finally begin to see that their limitations are self-imposed. God has greater plans, but they must relinquish their own desires to reach His.
At last, Mellie and Tom make the necessary changes in their lives. Only then do they reveal their true identities, riding off into the countryside on borrowed bicycles.
A Solid Story with Godliness Infused
It’s hard to find great stories built upon God’s Word. Sarah Sundin weaved both into this challenging story. Don’t miss your chance to read this first book of the Wings of the Nightingale series. The characters build from broken individuals seeking their own desires to faithful servants of His purpose. Yes, they are both Christians at the beginning of this tale, but their journey is a reminder that God is still working on each of us until the moment we enter eternity.
If you enjoy history, letters, and challenges, you should read Sarah’s book, With Every Letter (affiliate link). Then let me know what you think.
Happy reading!
More books in the Wings of the Nightingales series
Book 2: On Distant Shores (affiliate link) – Mellie’s friend, Georgie Taylor, struggles with being stationed overseas while her boyfriend is back in the States.
Book 3: In Perfect Time (affiliate link) – Another of Mellie’s friends, Kay Jobson, faces demons from her past while evacuating wounded from Italy and southern France.
