The Land Beneath Us | Book Review

My Review
I love a good WWII novel, and Sarah Sundin’s books categorize about everything I love in a good WWII book: the home front, an in depth view of soldier life, and historical accuracy.

Both Leah and Clay were very likable characters that I instantly wanted something good to happen to. Their backstories were different and though they could have learned the same lessons, they didn’t—and I loved that. Clay had to learn about true forgiveness and Leah’s lesson was on acceptance.

Speaking of their lessons learned, that is where the spiritual thread was woven tightly. I loved how she pulled in the prodigal son story, but from the elder brother’s viewpoint. I found it very realistic how Clay had to learn forgiveness in “layers.” When he thought he had forgiven, he had to learn a new layer of forgiveness. Well done.

One thing that could have been weird was Clay’s dream. I was curious how she would handle the dream, because so many times dreams are used very weirdly. I think she used it realistically without crossing the line into too mystical.

Their romance was super sweet—nothing with their romance made me cringe. However, there is a rape scene (or the aftermath) and several other rapes mentioned. Because of that, I would caution younger readers.

I loved this book though. A very satisfying historical read with a strong and applicable Christian message.

*I received this book from the publishers and happily provided my honest review*

About the Book
In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the U.S. Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for—fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family—the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-Day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true?