Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American … American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.
Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can’t stay buried forever.
Bestselling author Sarah Sundin returns readers to the shores of Normandy, this time in the air, as the second Paxton brother prepares to face the past–and the most fearsome battle of his life.
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There aren’t many books that I greet with as much anticipation and delight as a new one from Sarah Sundin. Her books never disappoint and The Sky Above Us is another stellar WWII romance from one of the masters.
The whole concept of this series is so great. To get a look at the events leading through D-Day from the eyes of the three estranged Paxton brothers is fascinating and informative. In the first book we were at sea with Wyatt, this time we’re in the air with Adler, and next time we’ll be on the ground with Clay.
I seriously can’t say enough good things about this book. Sundin’s attention to detail, the flawless way she weaves fact with fiction, the heartfelt spiritual message, the wonderful characters, the swoonworthy romance… I could go on and on. I was sad when I reached the final page. I didn’t want the story to end. I didn’t want to say goodbye to Adler or Violet. It was just so good. I highly, highly recommend it and can’t wait for Clay’s story!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
When I think of fabulous WWII historical fiction autors, Sarah Sundin comes to mind. Her latest novel in her Sunrise at Normandy Series, The Sky Above Us, is a resouding addition. Although you will want to have read its predecessor, The Sea Before Us, this novel is not to be missed. Focusing on the flight portion of D-Day, Sundin gives her readers a clear glimpse into the men who bravely fought and risked everything for freedom.
Although D-Day was the backdrop for this novel, Sundin filled the pages with the day to day struggles of humanity – the difficulty of being far from home, of living in a war torn city, of past regrets, and of new hope for a future. Her characters have depth and round out Sundin’s plot with dimensions that engulf her readers. With this book, Sundin truly composed a story that captures the mind and heart.
I highly encourage you to pick up this series. Prepare to be entertained, encouraged, and inspired into a life of forgiveness, renewal, and purpose.
I was provided a copy of this book by Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Though I normally avoid war novels, I enjoyed The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin. Initially, I was put off by Adler’s drive to become an ace pilot (which involves shooting down five enemy aircraft). However, as Adler’s mindset shifted and the author noted that Adler attempted to take down enemy aircraft without ending a life, I more fully embraced the story.
Adler has huge family drama that drives the plot line and his character development to a certain extent. Throughout the novel, Adler grows and changes – moving from an ashamed coward to a redeemed man who has made mistakes. I always like lots of character development in a story and his personal growth was one of my favorite aspects of the novel. The author used Adler and his situation to address the need for repentance, the art of an authentic apology, and emotional/relational healing.
Sarah Sundin is a seasoned novelist and her writing expertise shines in The Sky Above Us. The story is interesting, well-paced, and has a side note of mystery. The novel is not a romantic comedy, but contains some humor that juxtaposes the seriousness of war and death. Both Adler and Violet undergo substantial character development and come out better in the end. Faith-related themes are laced into this well-written story. I recommend The Sky Above Us to fans of historical fiction.
One final note: The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin is the second novel in the Sunrise at Normandy series. I have not read the first novel and this one was fine as a stand-alone. I’m looking forward to reading both the first and third installments in this series!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.
Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.
Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can’t stay buried forever.
This is the second book in the Sunrise at Normandy series. It’s not necessary to read the first book but it would be really helpful to understand the Paxton brothers.
Adler is running away from his sins and his brothers. Violet wants to be a missionary. She doesn’t care where. They meet up on a transport on the way to England and become friends. Adler meets God in the sky while fighting the Germans. Violet has to decide if God is calling her to missions or if it is her Aunt Violet. This book also tells part of the story of the invasion of Normandy.
I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to Clay’s story.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Fans of World War II fiction will enjoy Sarah Sundin‘s latest book. I did not read the first book in the series, but I felt like this book could be read as a stand alone novel. This novel is filled with action, romance, and even betrayal among family members. The storyline focuses on Violet Lindstrom who is working for the American Red Cross and Lieutenant Adler Paxton who is serving in the US 357th Fighter Group in England. Sarah Sundin definitely did thorough research in writing this book. She gives a lot of details about flying the planes and the military aspects of the war throughout the book, but I preferred the sections of the book dealing with Violet and Adler’s growing relationship. The book dealt with forgiveness, redemption, and the biblical story of Jacob as it related to Adler’s life in the story. I enjoyed the spiritual aspects in the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Revell Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
FANTASTIC!
THE SKY ABOVE US (Sunrise at Normandy Book # 2) is fantastic! This book may be read as a stand alone but for the maximum reading in experience, it needs to be read in sequential order in the Series. This is the story of American Air Force Lt. Adler Paxton and American Red Cross Worker Violet Lindstrom. Each of them enlist to serve for very different reasons. Paxton is glad to be be serving his country as a flyboy because in the War effort and desperately wants to become an ACE pilot. Also, this way he can be as far away from his family as possible. Red Cross Volunteer Violet Lindstrom has been wanting to be a missionary for most of her life. She has no clue about working with soldiers as she has been an elementary schoolteacher. Both of them are in for many life lessons as they are part of the group preparing for Operation Overloard. Sundin has created characters that are realistic and complex. They are experiencing normal emotions and normal problems as they prepare to face the greatest military challenge in history. Sundin writes in such a way that you are drawn into the situations with the characters. Her descriptions of dogfights among the pilots is exceptional! The love story is beautiful because it doesn’t come easy. It takes a lot of work, a lot of encouragement from friends and mainly a whole lot of prayer. A true story of redemption and love. I was provided an ARC by Revell Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.