Sweet Sanctuary

November 15, 2013
In Sawyer's ("What Once Was Lost") latest, Red Cross volunteers Dr. Micah Hatcher and nurse Lydia Eldridge engage in a brief flirtation; soon after, Lydia abruptly departs their posting. As World War II rages years later, Micah discovers the impetus for Lydia's decision. More significant, the two discern the other's dedication to providing sanctuary; he aids refugees, she harbors a child from the machinations of a drug addict. Privations inherent in the wartime setting deepen the story's inspirational appeal, as does Myra Lucretia Taylor's narration. Taylor vividly portrays a wide range of characters, especially succeeding when she conveys the passion of individuals prayerfully committing themselves to abide by guidance as fraught with complexity as the events of their day. VERDICT Recommended for readers favoring gentle fiction set on the World War II-era home front and fans of Tracie Peterson and Lauraine Snelling.--Linda Sappenfield, Round Rock P.L., TX

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2013
When military nurse Lydia Eldredge leaves her post abruptly in the middle of her tour of duty, it seems unlikely that her path will again cross that of Dr. Micah Hatcher. It is only when a misleading letter pulls them into each other's lives that their shared missions mesh. Both Micah and Lydia find themselves tasked with protecting innocence. For Lydia, this means keeping her young son from his vicious, drug-addicted father. For Micah, it is taking the risk to provide sanctuary for Jewish children being smuggled out of Nazi-occupied Poland. Award-winning author Sawyer continues to craft engaging historical love stories brimming with characters who are bold in their faith. Readers drawn to gentle historical romance set during WWII will be inspired as Lydia and Micah courageously shelter the imperiled Jewish refugees God has brought into their lives.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)