Fiction Review: Through Waters Deep

Through Waters Deep, by Sarah Sundin is a nice little historical novel, set mostly in the days before World War II and ending at the time of Pearl Harbor.

Mary Stirling works at the Boston shipyard. At the beginning of the book, Mary is about to christen the USS Ettinger—but she notices someone has tampered with the bottle of champagne. She reports the condition of the bottle, but it's brushed off as insignificant, until the bottle bursts and results in flames. Someone had sabbotaged the christening. Who was the saboteur?

Mary decides that, with her abilities in shorthand, assignment to the seaport, and while doing her regular duties, she'll keep her eyes and ears open—and take copious notes.

She becomes reacquainted with her high school friend, Jim Atwood. He was always infatuated with bubbly blondes, but the two of them find themselves forming a wonderful friendship. He encourages her to overcome her timidity, and she contributes to his wanting to do more than float through life. They enjoy one kiss under duress when he ships off to the northern Atlantic.

Just as Jim is about to return, another school acquaintance, Quintessa, arrives on Mary's doorstep. All she can talk about is Jim Atwood, and Mary completely misunderstands. She wants the best for Jim and steps back, letting Quintessa take over. Did she misinterpret that kiss?

So, Mary doggedly dedicates herself to finding the saboteur, and she pushes Quintessa forward.

This is a light novel with a nice little romance. I liked it. The historical setting is also good. This is my first exposure to this author. If you enjoy a light romance that's clean and Christian, this might be for you. It's well written and entertaining.

On the debit side, its story is a little too contrived for my taste and way too predictable—although I didn't guess the identity of the saboteur. So, if you enjoy a sweet story with a well-researched historical background, you'll probably want to read this book.

Through Waters Deep is a good book for teen girls and adults. The romance is very healthy, based on common interests and true friendship, with only one or two premarital kisses. A Christian novel.