The detailed accounts of the lives of World War II airmen and the vivid mental images Sundin paints with her descriptions of the D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy set this book apart from many other World War II era books that I have read. We met American naval officer Wyatt Paxton in book one of this series, becoming familiar with the tragic circumstances that tore the Paxton family apart. In this second book we see the situation through the eyes of his middle brother, Captain Adler Paxton of the US Army Air Force. Both brothers encounter God and His grace and mercy while serving in Europe, but will they be able to put this family back together?

We also meet Red Cross worker Violet Lindstrom in The Sky Above Us. Under the misconception that she is going to Europe to work with displaced children, Violet is discouraged to find herself running a Red Cross Aeroclub on an air base. God has many hard lessons for Violet to learn during her time in Europe, life-altering lessons from which we as readers may also benefit.

I will be anxiously awaiting the story of Army Ranger Clay Paxton, the youngest of the three brothers, betrayed by both of his older brothers and also serving in Europe. It is wonderful that our God is a God of forgiveness and reconciliation. Readers will hope that Clay too encounters God.

I am grateful to have received a copy of The Sky Above Us from Revell Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

📚WWII ✈️ ➕, 🚚🛤️🌦️🇬🇧🇺🇸 #christianfiction

The Sky Above Us is a lot of fun! The drama, action character development and a little bit of mystery made this a book i couldn't put down.

I relate well with Violet. Upstanding citizen, raised in church, desire to help... I'm sure I have an equally skewed perception. While I don't see any one group as less in need of encouragement and help than any other, I AM less willing to help some than others. And I'm good at justification (my safety, don't know how, other responsibilities...) ouch!

The adventures are fun, and heartbreaking and encouraging. Adler grows up a lot in a short time.

I was impressed by the reminders of 1. being willing to let God change your mind, and 2. That you're a missionary wherever you are. It doesn't have yo to be a foreign country or an inner city.

📌 I received an advance copy of the book from @NetGalley, and while I am grateful, that does not influence my review. All thoughts are my own.

When you pick up a book by Sarah Sundin, you know you’ll get a story with a quick pace, loaded with facts about WWII, and a sigh-worthy romance between a life-like hero and heroine.

The Sky Above Us is another winner from Sarah Sundin. I liked the heroine, Violet. She was a sweet person and a gentle soul, though I have to admit that at times, it felt like she was overshadowed by her counterpart. Adler had been through a lot, and so there was a lot to be worked out, yet he wasn’t the easiest character to like, which did take away from my enjoyment of this book a little. But I still really liked the book and found myself flying through the pages, just like I always do with Sundin’s novels. She has such a light, snappy style of writing; it really draws the reader in and makes it hard to put her books down. And in the midst of such a tragic time in our world’s history, Sundin’s writing portrays a message of hope that is timeless and uplifting.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Many thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this lovely WWII novel.

I look forward to Sarah Sundin’s latest release each year. This year, it is Book 2 in the Sunrise at Normandy series. Each book in the series focuses on one of the three Paxton brothers who serves in a branch of the US military involved with the D-Day invasion. Book 1 centered on Wyatt Paxton who serves in the Navy. Book 2 is about Adler Paxton who serves in the Army Air Corps. The Paxton brothers are estranged because of a tragedy that occurred just prior to the war. Consequently, the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation permeates the entire series.

Lt. Adler Paxton is sent to Leiston air base to fly missions in preparation for the allied invasion such as destroy German munitions factories and weaken the Luftwaffe. Six-foot-tall Violet Lindstrom works for the Red Cross and is in charge of the Aeroclub at Leiston. Adler is assigned the wingman position for flying ace Nick Westin: a secondary role. Violet had hoped to be a missionary, but when her fiance changed his mind about missions, the board would not send an unmarried woman to the field alone. Violet views Red Cross work as second place to her original calling.

Of course, each of these books has a mystery to accompany the history and romance. This time, food supplies keep disappearing from the Aeroclub. Violet is held responsible for the mismanagement and resulting losses. With her job on the line, she struggles to implement tracking systems and stop the theft.

As their relationship grows, Violet and Adler wonder if their career goals will ever be compatible. They come to an agreement whereby they will ask God to change one of their minds, but not themselves try to force a change. Their effort to surrender to God’s will and to hold dreams loosely will resonate with many readers.

WWII is not an era that I usually read. Don't know why, perhaps for the lack of book written during this era that seems even remotely interesting to me. Which make this one stand out from the crowd. As with the first book in this series. I loved it. The characters are real and struggle with forgiving themselves with plenty of self blaming going around. Not your normal romance, overall a fantastic read.

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.

The Sky Above Us is part of a series that I have not read. I recommend reading the series in order. The story was good but not memorable. I've read a lot of historical fiction with the same premise. It's okay for historical fiction fans. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in the Sunrise at Normandy series. Adler, like his older brother, Wyatt ran from home after the incident in the first book. Three years later, Adler is in England serving as a fighter pilot but is tormented by his past behavior. The author paints a vivid picture of a fighter pilot's days leading up to and during D-Day. Nick was my favorite character; his steadfast faith and friendship was something Adler desperately needed. Violet is a perfect example of a person seeking the answer to God's will. Forgiveness is the powerful theme throughout the story. I'm looking forward to the next book about Clay, the youngest brother. Highly recommended!

The Sky Above Us
By Sarah Sundin
Following the Paxton brothers, The Sky Above Us is the second book in Sarah Sundin’s series, Sunrise at Normandy.
Lt. Adler Paxton serves on the 357th Fighter Group in 1943 England. While struggling to keep his past in the past Adler only makes himself more miserable. The past has created so much of who he is while his guilt and shame prevent him from fully moving forward. Fighting for peace internally and physically as he fights off the Nazis Adler feels a pull towards the manager of the aeroclub. Will he be able to protect her or will he ultimately let her down?
Meanwhile, Violet Lindstrom wants to follow in her aunts’ footsteps and become a missionary. To Violet, there is no worthier act of service but will managing the Aeroclub for the men of the 357th change her heart? How is she supposed to serve the Lord wholeheartedly when Lt. Adler Paxton keeps stealing her thoughts?

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I share here.

"The Sky Above Us" is a Christian historical romance set from Oct. 2, 1943 to June 24, 1944 in England. It shows the lead up to D-Day and the invasion from the viewpoint of a USA fighter pilot and a Red Cross volunteer at his airbase. This book is the second in a series. Though it includes enough information that it can be read as a stand alone, the three books are linked as each brother is motivated by a shared painful incident in their past.

Adler is very competitive and is determined to make ace pilot while forgetting how badly he wronged his two brothers in the past. He's ordered to be wingman to another pilot who's a friend, but being wingman will prevent him from making ace. God keeps placing him in positions where he must put others before himself, and he learns humility, compassion, and how to accept forgiveness.

Violet has been urged by a relative to become a missionary. She loves God enough to do that, but the missions board won't send a single woman. She loves children, so she goes to England thinking she'll be helping the refuge children. Only she's assigned to serve donuts to rough-around-the-edges American pilots. Adler seems more of a gentleman than the others, and she wants to help him heal and find God's love. She progressively realizes that she's been looking down on others and feeling self-righteous when she has no right to.

The main characters acted realistically to events and had depth. After having grown through the events in the book, the hero and heroine end up as a good match with shared goals and values. The fighter pilot scenes were suspenseful. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this excellent and exciting historical romance.

I loved getting to know Adler. Knowing this series was about brothers, I was curious to see Adler's point of view after being introduced to Wyatt's point of view first. I was not disappointed. There are some horrible relational sins to be exposed and overcome; the forgiveness, mercy and grace shown are just beautiful. It leaves me hungry for Clay's story now.
I love the military background to a wonderfully exciting, tense, and dark historical period. The research is thorough and spot on. I felt like I was there in the hanger with the characters in their downtime, or in the cockpit with the airmen during their flights. Thank you for bringing this story to life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

First I would like to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I love military romance books with a Christian element. This book has it all. It also has characters dealing with troubled pasts. Lt. Adler Paxton wants to be an ace and to leave his memories of his past behind. Violet Lindstrom wants to be a missionary in Africa doing what she believes God had called get to do. She did not know that that would lead her to England and working with the Red Cross. That is where our two MCs meet but will the war or their pasts tear them apart.
This book had me wanting to know more. I read it in one day.

I enjoyed reading Adler's story. It was well done and I would look forward to reading the last story. I like the depth of characters but it did seem a little bit of "been there, read this before...." from the author.

The Sky Above Us is a well written historical romance set during WWII. I enjoyed the plot, characters and the author’s writing. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

I have read a lot of books set in World War II but this one felt fresh to me. It was fascinating reading about the work of the Red Cross and how they supported the airmen. I felt the uneasy anticipation of the operation on D-Day and the agony of waiting for someone who didn’t return back from a mission.
On top of all that, Violet and Adler’s personal stories were very compelling. They aren’t perfect. Violet has the mistaken idea that service should be sacrificial and is therefore not to be enjoyed. It’s easy to fall into that thinking when really we serve best when our service and passions overlap. Adler’s story is heartbreaking. The way his and his brother’s stories weave together leaves me anxious to read Clay’s story. I can’t wait.
While you get enough of the backstory to read this as a standalone, it’d be better to read the two books in order, I think. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a complimentary e-book. All opinions are my own.
Sunrise at Normandy series:
Book 1: The Sea Before Us
Book 2: The Sky Above Us

If you are a lover of Historical Fiction that reads like a movie, you will love Sarah Sundin's latest book The Sky Above Us, the second book in the Sunrise at Normandy series.

I love the detail Sarah puts into her books. The research she has given to this series shines through. And her excellent eye for detail does make it seem like you are watching a movie.

It was great to catch up on Adler Paxton and to see where his actions (see book one The Sea Before Us) took him. For those who haven't started this series yet, it is about three brothers, Wyatt, Adler and Clay and how their lives changed in an instant because of one horrific action. I won't give away details, but if you have ever done something so horrible that you think God would never forgive you, this book (this series) might help you to see how detrimental that type of thinking can be.

There are quite a few teaching moments in this book (but not in a preachy way). For the character of Violet Lindstrom, the author addresses the issue of why and how we serve God. For Violet that meant becoming a missionary. But as the story progresses, she begins to question why she chose the missionary field and her motives for serving shock her. For those trying to decide their future, this book may give you the shove you need.

I love authors like Sarah, who do not shrink from sharing what it means to believe in God and to serve Him. Yes, you can be convicted from Christian fiction!

With one brother to go (Clay), I look forward to reading the next book in this series which I highly recommend.

Book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

I didn’t know I was interested in WWII history until I read the first book in the trilogy. Once I read The Sea Before Us, I knew I wanted to learn more about the Greatest Generation and what they went through to win on D-Day.

This second book had characters that felt real. I like that in a book! It also made history come alive. I didn’t feel like I was in school and yet I learned more about the Red Cross and the USAF than ever before. Wow. Those who fought and served in WWII really were the Greatest Generation!

4-stars: I really liked this book. (5-star reviews are reserved for books I love AND will read over and over.)

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 throughout the novel.

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.

A truly wonderful addition to the series! In this book we meet Adler, a man who is running from his past. I loved watching how he changed and became a man who was willing to do hard things and put others above himself.
Violets story was a great contrast, in that she was a committed Christian for years, yet realized her own weaknesses.
I loved how the stories overlap and converge on D-Day. Full of faith, love and action Sarah Sundin is the author to read if you are interested in world war 2 fiction.
Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.