The plot has readers spell bound as they find out about the brutality of the Nazis, the threat of German spies and saboteurs, as well as the anti-submarine efforts including radar, weapons, and tactics. I think they paved the way for women in the military today.” The WAVES were brave and forward thinking women. We have to be careful not to judge the past by the standards of today. I think the WAVES were actually progressive. I have had people today think it sexist that women were not allowed in combat during World War II. I know the picture of Rosie The Riveter is still popular today. Eventually women like my characters were seen as professional, efficient, and competent. I wanted to show how the Navy did not want the WAVES at first, fearing women would get in the way and distract men. Sundin commented about the WAVES, “Remember, before the WAVES, the previous role of women was to be nurses. Their unconventional ways had them band together in a man’s world, unlike most women who stayed at home, did not have a job, or never attended college. Characters include: Nora an engineer, Lillian a pharmacist, and Tess, using her degree in business to supervise the clerical staff. Although not eligible for combat duty, as more men went off to war, the WAVES performed jobs in the aviation community, medical professions, science, technology, and communication. Through her engaging characters people realize the numerous contributions women made to the war effort. My grandfather also trained US spies in the German language.” My grandfather was a medic in the Navy during World War II and my great uncle was a B-17 bomber pilot.

I also had a military connection through my family. I was walking the path with him as we adjusted to the culture and the terms.

“The year I started writing this book is the same year my son enlisted in the Navy. Based in Boston this plot includes the Battle of the Atlantic and US Navy WAVES, a unit of women volunteers.Īlthough Sundin does not personally have experience in the armed forces, for her it is all in the family. The third and final book of the series follows the Avery family. When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin is one of those novels where readers have a gripping mystery and can learn something too.