Picture a California storyteller who traded test tubes for tales of wartime romance—meet Sarah Sundin! A bestselling author of historical fiction, Sundin weaves gripping World War II novels that blend drama, faith, and love. With a pharmacist’s precision and a novelist’s heart, she’s earned a devoted readership and prestigious awards, bringing the 1940s to life with every page.
Her stories, inspired by her family’s military legacy, capture the courage and heartache of ordinary people in extraordinary times. From secret messages hidden in books to dogfights over Normandy, Sundin’s novels are as meticulously researched as they are emotionally resonant. Ready to step into her world?
The Making of Sarah Sundin
Born in 1965, Sarah Sundin grew up in northern California, surrounded by books and tales of World War II from her grandfather, a Navy pharmacist’s mate, and her great-uncle, a B-17 pilot. Initially, she pursued science, earning a chemistry degree and a Pharm.D. from UC San Francisco. After years as a hospital pharmacist, a vivid dream in 2000 sparked her writing journey. What started as a 750-page unpublished romance novel ignited a passion, leading her to join writers’ groups and hone her craft.
By 2010, Sundin left pharmacy to write full-time, driven by her fascination with the WWII era’s intensity and heroism. Her Christian faith and love for history shaped her unique voice, blending romance with moral depth. Her transition from scientist to storyteller proves it’s never too late to chase a dream.
Sarah Sundin’s Unforgettable Stories
Sundin’s novels are a love letter to the WWII era, blending romance, suspense, and faith. Her debut, A Distant Melody (2010), part of the Wings of Glory series, follows a young woman and a B-17 pilot navigating love amid war’s uncertainty. Its heartfelt narrative set the tone for her career.
Until Leaves Fall in Paris (2022), a Christy Award winner, tells of a ballerina running a bookstore to aid the French Resistance, weaving espionage with romance. The Sound of Light (2023) explores Danish resistance, earning Christy and Carol Award finalist nods for its lyrical prose. Her latest, Midnight on the Scottish Shore (2025), dives into espionage with a Scottish lighthouse setting, showcasing her knack for vivid settings and enemies-to-lovers arcs.
Known for meticulous research, Sundin draws from oral histories and memoirs to craft authentic characters—pilots, nurses, and spies—who face moral dilemmas with courage. Her clean, faith-driven romances appeal to readers seeking hope-filled stories, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist.
Why Sarah Sundin Matters
Sundin’s impact lies in her ability to humanize history. Her novels don’t just recount WWII events—they immerse readers in the era’s emotional and spiritual stakes. By spotlighting unsung heroes, especially women, she highlights their resilience, from flight nurses to codebreakers. Her work resonates with Christian fiction fans and history buffs alike, offering clean yet compelling tales.
As co-director of the West Coast Christian Writers Conference, Sundin mentors aspiring authors, sharing her expertise. Her awards, including the 2022 Christy and 2020 Carol, cement her as a genre leader. Through speaking engagements and Bible studies, she inspires readers to find faith and fortitude, making her a beacon in historical fiction.
About Sarah Sundin
- Born: 1965 in California
- Key Works: A Distant Melody, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, Midnight on the Scottish Shore
- Awards: 2022 Christy Award, 2020 Carol Award, multiple finalists
- Fun Fact: A former pharmacist, she now teaches Sunday school and speaks nationwide.
Snag Until Leaves Fall in Paris and dive into Sarah Sundin’s heartfelt wartime world—history has never felt so alive!