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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The Sky Above Us has just as much heart as it does history. I’m always impressed with Sarah’s impeccable research and skillful storytelling, and always inspired by the way her characters grow. In this book, Violet and Adler both had intense spiritual journeys that complemented each other’s so very well. If you enjoy World War 2 stories and inspirational fiction, if you appreciate learning while you’re being entertained, you’ll love this series revolving around D-Day. This novel pairs perfectly with coffee and donuts, in honor of the Red Cross work described in the novel.
The Sky Above Us is the second book in the WWII series Sunrise at Normandy about three Paxton brothers from Texas.
Book one acquaints us with oldest brother Wyatt. This one tells the story of middle son, Adler. Clay’s book is the last in the series.
A great tragedy breaks the Paxton family apart and Adler flees to California and subsequently joins the Army Air Corp. Three years after the incident which changed the family dynamics, Adler finds himself at an airfield in Britain trying his best to make ACE and trying to forget the past. But God is calling him back and seeking to teach him humility.
Violet Lindstrom is an elementary teacher who dreams of becoming a missionary. She joins the Red Cross hoping to work with refugee or displaced children in England, but ends up running an Areoclub for U.S. airmen and questioning what God can do through her.
Sarah Sundin writes engaging characters who grapple with their faith but she brings them along and shows us that forgiveness and reconciliation are possible after very upsetting circumstances. Adler comes to a realization: “You know, for three years I didn’t think about my past because it hurt. But a whole lot of that hurt was from my sin, and I needed to feel it so I could ask God to forgive me.”
So much is packed into this book. my favorite way to learn history is through fiction and Ms. Sundin does a phenomenal job. The flying scenes were so informative. “Adler” means “ eagle” in German and he names his plane “Texas Eagle”. Sundin lets us imagine the eagle painted on the fuselage with one wing depicting the American flag, the other the flag of Texas.
While Adler is flying his P-51 Mustang, Violet has her hands full running the Areoclub and planning get togethers with the local children while contending with war shortages and a possible thief.
Ms. Sundin is great with infusing faith in her characters and we see them struggle, grow and finally put to rest their questioning.
This is becoming an outstanding series, seeing the approaching D-Day invasion through three brother’s eyes and three different branches of the service. I can’t wait to read Clay’s story.
*I won this book in a contest. All opinions are my own.*
What a novel to read into D-Day75. When I think of D-Day, I always conjure up the images of paratroopers and infantrymen storming the beaches during Operation Overlord. I see Navy and Rangers and Airships (Blimps) but we seldom see the work of the Army pilots, most of whom were crop dusters from rural America. This novel puts the reader in the middle of this air dogfight, but as much as it is about D-Day, it is also about two people struggling with real issues of commitment and family and life. Adler and Violet both want to do the right thing, and like many of us, we get caught up in the ego of the things we do and the reason we do them. Sarah Sundin’s novel humbled me. Pulled out from within me, questions, feelings, and emotions I’ve buried for quite a while. These characters are flesh and blood and I felt every single emotion that Violet and Adler felt throughout this journey. I cannot wait to read Clay’s story. The overarching plot is so very tightly woven and the characters, including the battlegrounds of Normandy, are compelling witnesses to the life and heroics of three fictional brothers, who on that one day could have been actual people. Bravo Sarah Sundin..
These Paxton brothers are stealing their way into my heart! Admittedly, I have a soft spot for Texans and great respect for our servicemen and women so it only took a little nudge. Adler’s reckless abandon and deep regrets are evidence of his good character and tender heart. Violet’s perceptions and motivations challenged me to examine my own heart.
This series has a wonderful balance of love and war, faith and strife, and Americans and Brits. The stories of Sunrise at Normandy would be a perfect date night movie for my husband and me! I definitely recommend this series and I’m eagerly anticipating the final installment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Author Sarah Sundin does a great job researching the history for this book. Whether you’re a fan or new reader, Sundin will pull you into the history of WW II. With well developed characters who struggle with real life issues and grow, as well as wonderfully described narratives, The Sky Above Us is a great read for lovers of historical fiction. You’ll learn new details in an enjoyable, “non-school” way.
Biblical truth of forgiveness is woven throughout the story in a natural, non-preachy way make this is a book I recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
“Once again, God was winning the wrestling match, and Adler silently thanked him. For most of his life, he thought he’d deserved all of it. God had waited to give it to him until Adler knew he deserved none of it.”
What an incredibly gripping story about true forgiveness and reconciliation set against the backdrop of air fights during WWII! Sarah Sundin delivers another winning combination of well-written prose and dialogue, meticulous research, beautifully crafted plot, unforgettable characters, and real and applicable spiritual truths and lessons. If you enjoy engaging historical romance, you will love this book. It’s a must-read. Though it’s the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone and the ugly backstory behind the Paxton brothers’ falling-out is detailed from Adler’s eyes in this book.
Adler is a hot-headed second brother in the Paxton family who has racked up a lot of mistakes in his sordid past. He runs from home and joins up with the Air Force as a fighter pilot but can’t seem to outrun his past. Though torn and bruised, Adler is still honorable, thoughtful, tender, and an administer of mercy and justice. His encounter with Nick, another officer in his squadron, changes his life (absolutely LOVED Nick!) and has Adler seeking a different way of life and perspective. Violet is a part of the Red Cross stationed at the air base but really wants to be a missionary. She has a big heart, is tender and loving and hopeful. Even though her faith is strong, Violet struggles where God has planted her and doesn’t see God’s plan for her until much later in the story. Both Adler and Violet’s maturation is profound and inspiring.
I can’t wait to read the last book in the series The Land Beneath Us!
I received a copy of the book from Revell (Baker Publishing Group) via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The Sky Above Us is a well-written and captivating historical novel. The pacing is mixed throughout the book. Sarah Sundin captured the time-period and historical elements very well. I can tell that the author did her research for this series of books. Lt. Adler Paxton loves to fly, and his dream is to become an ace pilot. Major Shapiro believes Adler needs to learn to be a team player and assigns him to be the wingman for Capt. Nick Westin. You can feel the struggle Adler is going through with this new assignment. Violet wants to become a missionary, but they only accept married couples. Her former fiancé, Dennis Reeves was influenced by money and decided to take a different path. Violet now finds herself in England working for the Red Cross and managing an aeroclub. Her job is to feed and entertain the off duty pilots. Unfortunately, thefts are thwarting her mission. Violet will lose her job if she does not find the culprit. There is plenty of activity in The Sky Above Us. Adler is flying mission, Violet setting up the aeroclub, both are dealing with their past, activities with local children, uncovering a thief, and much more. I like how Sarah Sundin incorporated the Christian elements into the story. One of my favorite phrases is “only God can take away the pain”. The author provides vivid details that brought the story alive. As a reader, I could visualize the scenes and characters thanks to Sarah Sundin’s writing. It was interesting to learn more about aeroclubs and how the pilots flew their missions. I did find the book slowed down in the middle and I could have done without some of the kissing scenes (they were a bit much). I did, though, like how Violet and Adler’s relationship progressed, and how she never let go of her Christian values. The Sky Above Us can be read alone if you have not picked up The Sea Before Us. There is a preview of the next Sunrise Over Normandy novel included which features Clay Paxton and Leah Jones. Discussion questions are also provided which are a good aid for book clubs. If you are looking for an intriguing historical novel, then look no further than The Sky Above Us.
I enjoyed the book, It kept me reading.
I have feelings about this book. SO MANY FEEEEEEEEEEEELINGS.
Okay, anyways. *Cough*. I read the first of this series (the first book I’ve read from Sarah Sundin), and loved it, and was so excited to see Adler’s and Clay’s stories as well, since I adored Wyatt’s story. (And Dorothy.)
This book touched me. Both Violet and Adler’s stories were beautifully written, realistic, and so faith-filled. Anyone who’s read my reviews knows I like stories that are not just “Christian fiction” because the heroine prays a few times, or my least favorite thing I’ve seen in a lot of novels recently – sex outside of marriage being portrayed as kind of okay. Not a good thing, but not a sin either. No repentance, no nothing. Drives me nuts.
Not so with this book. There are scenes of repentance, of heart-aching consequences, and of forgiveness, which is what we ultimately receive when there is confession. Oh, so beautiful, and Sarah Sundin did it BEAUTIFULLY.
I loved Adler. I adored Violet. The side characters were great; especially Nick! Pretty sure I prayed for him to live while I was reading. LOL
Favorite Line (slight spoiler):
For most of his life, he thought he’d deserved all of it. God had waited to give it to him until Adler knew he deserved none of it.
Review Sarah Sundin uses research to bring a characters to life – in this case a fighter pilot and a Red Cross Aeroclub director. The hero and heroine’s spiritual struggles are relatable – I rooted for their healing. And when it came, the reconciliation scenes brought me to tears. Excellent writing!
I enjoyed listening to the audio version of The Sky Above Us book two in this series. The narrator did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. Sarah Sundin has a wonderful way of weaving in the historical information without burdening the story. Her characters were unique, and the inspirational themes were well woven in and meaningful. I’ve enjoyed the full series on audio. Well done and highly recommended.
As D-Day approaches, fighter pilot Adler Paxton is determined to “make ace” (which means shooting down 5 enemy planes), but first has to learn how to be a wingman. While struggling with this lesson and memories of a tragic last day at home, he meets American Red Cross worker Violet Lindstrom. All Violet wants to do is be a missionary overseas, but England isn’t what she had in mind. She’d rather go somewhere that she can make a difference, not serve the Air Force men who aren’t in need. Both Violet and Adler have a lot to learn about themselves and each other, as long as they can survive the war.
This is the second book in a series of three, following three brothers who were separated by a very unfortunate series of events that led to three years of estrangement. I’ve read books #1 & #3 , so this was the last of the series for me. I really enjoyed this book, both as its own story and as part of the greater story. I am continually amazed by the level of detail that Sundin has put into these historical books, making me feel like I’ve stepped back in time. And the characters in this book felt very real to me. Adler’s path from the darkness he feels regarding his role in the tragedy that pushed him away from home is one of my favorite things about this book.
Violet’s process through this book is a lot more subtle, but no less important. She learns something about herself and how she views others that might not seem like a big deal to many people, but I think a lot of us actually could see the same concerns in ourselves if we looked very hard. (On a side note, the woman on the cover is not how I pictured Violet at all. That woman looks way too petite.)
I liked this one a little more than book #1, and not quite as much as #3 , but it’s still a 5-star read for me. After I finished this book, I had to go back and read parts of the third book to get the full resolution of the Paxton brothers’ story. Though the majority of each of these three books is a standalone story, I would highly recommend reading them in order. I know for sure that I will go back through this series in the future and read them the way they were meant to be read. It’s a great series full of pain and sin, grace and forgiveness. I recommend this book and series to all who enjoy Christian romance and Christian historical novels.
The saga of the three brothers continues in this story. All are wonderfully entertaining.
I have been reading this series in backwards order, but I am so enjoying the books anyway. I read the third book in the series because I won it online and then I really wanted to find out more about the brothers and their relationship, so I got this book from the library. I’m so glad that I did! This is the story of Adler who left his Paxton family behind in Texas and is flying for the Army Air Corps during WWII. In England, he meets the blonde Red Cross worker who will rock his world. Violet Lindstrom was teaching in Kansas when she felt called to the mission field but then volunteered for the Red Cross. As a college graduate, she is put in charge of the Aeroclub and has to set up all the snacks and activities for the men who are risking their lives. I really enjoyed the romantic interludes between the two, but mostly I liked the historical accuracy and details in this book. Sarah Sundin made me a convert to reading historical fiction because she makes everything so real without adding drama. The drama was part of the history and the author makes it an integral part of her story. Fans of historical fiction will really want to read this series, including the story of Adler who has to learn to forgive himself.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I checked out a copy of this book from my local library on the Overdrive App. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is book two in a three book series. The characters were so realistic. I felt their joy, pain and fear. The message of forgiveness and salvation was so great, I am reminded that we all have sin and we all need to stay close to God, stay humble and always offer grace.
We’re following three brothers as they navigate through WWII and their issues at home that they ran from. Each brother seeks forgiveness and grace from the other brothers and as the story unfolds, the life of a brother is highlighted within the story. Adler Paxton is in the Air Force, stationed in England during WWII. He is also fighting the demons of his past, until he is saved and accepts God’s forgiveness and grace. He and Wyatt are reunited in England and the brother bond is cemented through God’s grace.
I loved this book as much as I loved the first ” The Sea Before Us”. Now, I’m ready to read “The Land Beneath Us”.
One hallmark of a great historical novel is its ability to immerse the reader in another period and place so deeply, that well-documented and long-studied events become compelling and suspenseful, as if the outcome is still uncertain.
The Sky Above Us does this masterfully. The details of famous campaigns from the latter days of World War II regain their emotional significance in the apprehensions and hopes of the book’s realistic characters: Violet, a homesick Red Cross volunteer, and Adler, an ambitious Army pilot with a painful past.
Adding to the novel’s impact is the interpersonal drama that stirs within and between the two protagonists. Sundin portrays Adler’s struggle with his past, Violet’s fight to find her calling, and the romance that blossoms between them with aching sincerity, all while weaving themes of faith and forgiveness throughout.
The Sky Above Us is an uplifting read and a thrilling continuation of the Sunrise at Normandy series.
This was a wonderful book with very human and exceptional characters. Loved this book and look forward to reading the stories about the other Paxton brothers. A faith promoting story, as well as very well written historically.
This story has depth and amazing characters!
Wow, this is an incredible story. I understand that this story is fiction. However, the duties of the airmen and the women who worked for the Red Cross are based on fact. I love to learn from glimpses into history from stories like this. Although war is a terrible even top occur for all involved, I hope we have learned from the past. The main characters Adler and Violet both jump off the page and to life. We learn about their dreams and their deepest regrets. The love story is sweet and beautiful.
Another part I liked was the mystery in the kitchen. (No spoilers!). That added more layers to the story. Something I’m sure must have happened, sadly enough.
Wow! This was my first Sarah Sundin book and it deserves every bit of 5 stars. I listened to the well done audiobook with narrator, Sarah Zimmerman, who did an excellent job reflecting the action of this well researched historical fiction. She also did great with distinctive character voices. Not only did I appreciate all the history, but Sundin writes wonderful interactions between characters including a romance with twists and turns. I appreciated the faith lessons learned by these characters. The themes of forgiveness and reconciliation were beautifully illustrated, as well as, the grace of God. This book had everything I enjoy in a book. I look forward to reading much more from this author including the next book in the series. I won a copy of this audiobook from the author. All opinions are my own.
I finished this book over the weekend. What an amazing historical book! Even though I wouldn’t know which plane is what, after reading this book I have more knowledge of the planes in that time period. The author gave amazing details. I will have to get the first book in the series and can’t wait until the third one comes out. It was a wonderful book to read as a standalone, but I can’t wait to read the other two just to be able to get the whole picture of the family.