In 1945, some people thought the United States should help defend European nations against Hitler's forces, while others wanted to keep the U.S. out of the war. That divisiveness sets the backdrop for Sarah Sundin's romantic-mystery THROUGH WATERS DEEP.

Mary Stirling works at the Boston Navy Yard. No one really notices her, and she doesn't mind staying in the background. Ensign Jim Avery is assigned to a new destroyer being built in Boston. Jim and Mary went to high school together, and she enlists Jim's help to investigate a possible saboteur at the base.

THROUGH WATERS DEEP has a lot of layers. There's the mystery of the saboteur, who's putting American lives at risk to influence attitudes about the war. Jim and Mary are trying to overcome childhood traumas that are still shaping their lives and actions, and against their better judgment, they're falling in love. Sundin weaves all these elements together in a compelling and engaging story. She writes with incredible detail about the period, so it's easy to picture the characters and the settings.

THROUGH WATERS DEEP is also steeped in Christian faith. Jim and Mary attended the same church back home, and their faith is an important part of their lives. They -- and their friends and colleagues -- often look to the Bible and to God for guidance in their lives. The book doesn't contain any graphic scenes or strong language.

I would feel very comfortable recommending it for readers of any age who are interested in World War II, as well as those who enjoy mysteries and sweet romances. This is the first book in Sundin's Waves of Freedom series, and I look forward to reading more.