Sarah Sundin’ second book in the series, Sunrise at Normandy, has just been released. I have been faithfully waiting for this book since reading the first in the series. I love Ms. Sundin’s books because of the unfailing historical research she does before writing an entrancing story around the subject. Even though I know that her books are historical novels, I can put myself in all the places she writes about and I am totally absorbed in that time in history.

“The Sky Above Us” did not let me down. In fact, I think that the more Ms. Sundin writes, the better the book. I am determined to read all of the books she writes. When I start one, I try to read more slowly so as to savor every drop of the novel. The series follows three estranged brothers as they are drawn into WW II in different areas of the military and try to stay alive during the worst battles of the war. Their exploits and the women who come into their lives are the focus of this series. I am looking forward to the last book in the series, which I hope will see that these three brothers can resolve their differences and go home again.

So Richly Descriptive

It’s evident that Sarah Sundin has put extensive historical research into Sky Above Us – her narrative of the WWII pilots and their airplanes makes the reader feel a part of the action! As the second book in her series focusing on three brothers during WWII, this book centers on the middle brother Adler, who is battling his own compelling issues on top of wanting to become an ace pilot. Adding to the captivating drama is the lovely Violet and the problems she faces opening up the aeroclub as a woman pioneer in the war arena. Both Adler and Violet have disturbing pasts that only God’s redemption can repair.

The book is well-written, filled with captivating details, with great character development.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

4.5 Stars

As I was reading the middle Paxton brother’s story, I was taken with the research and attention to detail Sarah Sundin pours into her books. She puts readers in the cockpit of World War II airplanes and takes them to the sky with Adler while keeping them grounded with Violet.

Adler is a man haunted by anger, brashness, and regret. A man wrestling with the need for forgiveness while caring his gilt as penance for his past sins. Violet Lindstrom has big plans for her life and serving airmen in England at the Aeroclub is not what she hoped her Red Cross stint would entail.

I loved that Sundin put these two people together in The Sky Above Us. A man who sees himself a sinner, one who believes he has committed unforgiveable sins and a woman who sets her sight so far ahead to her missionary work she is blinded to the mission field at her feet.

Readers are educated on the air force’s role the days leading up to and during D-Day, and Sundin runs this story parallel to Wyatt’s story (The Sea Before Us) in a way that made me want more.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This book gives you all the feels! Action, romance, suspense, inspiration, it's all there and I love reading books like this! This was a definite page turner. The family background of Adler was very crazy and made you keep wondering if his family would ever be able to forgive him. I highly recommend this book!

I enjoyed my time spent reading this story about Adler Paxton. The historical details are exceptional as to be expected. The characters are vibrant and multifaceted. The plot was well written and Sundin even tossed in a surprise that I didn't see coming! The only downside is that I have to wait a year before I can get my hands on the next book.

Violet has dreamed of becoming a missionary since she was a little girl. On the cusp of seeing that dream come true, it was snatched away when her fiance decided that he no longer wanted to be a missionary or get married. Devastated Violet turned to the Red Cross deciding that she could do good elsewhere even it wasn't what she had first planned. Even though she is homesick for her family, she is determined to step out on her own and make a difference.

Adler has been running ever since that horrible day 3 years ago when he lost his fiance and then got into a fight with his brothers. Running from trouble and difficulties has become so second nature that he hardly even stops to think about it. But when his past starts catching up with him, he realizes that it's time to stop running. Will his new friends stand by his side when the ugly truth of his past is brought to light? Will Adler be strong enough to forgive himself for what is in the past?

I appreciated how Sarah Sundin seamlessly wove strong threads of faith and Biblical truth throughout this story.  An overarching theme of forgiveness and humility. A gentle reminder that all have sinned and fallen short.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

Experience World War II from the British airfields! You will admire Violet, a teacher from Kansas, who joins the Red Cross and is sent to England! Adler is a pilot who carries secrets from his past. Adler's goal is to be an Ace but he learns that sometimes being second is best. Violet learns that sometimes God wants us to be willing to be a missionary but may not be asking us to be one! The Sky Above Us is extremely well-written! I recommend it to others. I received a e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

This series focuses on three brothers before and during World War 2. The first brother, Wyatt, after some family discord, leaves home and enlists in the Navy. Book 1, The Sea Before Us, covers Wyatt's story as a naval officer. Book 2 now turns to Adler, the second brother. He enlists in the Air Force filled with pain and regret for the family problems he feels he has caused.

This book is as well written as the first with Sundin's obvious research into the Air force and the airplanes used during World War II. Her main characters, Adler and Violet, have depth and realism. Each of them is carrying baggage that can only be sorted out with God's help, good counsel, and the understanding they were on a journey towards redemption. The way they helped one another as their relationship developed was sweet and encouraging. A cast of secondary characters added to the heart pounding war action. The relationships among the pilots and their support teams as well as among the Red Cross girls was so well portrayed.

Sundin definitely wrote another amazing World War II novel that put me right in the middle of the D-Day invasion and helped me picture the heartache, the joys, and the tragedies of this horrible conflict.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

I waited a year for this book... and it was so good! I love how this book is all about the middle brother, Adler, and his perspective on the past. I like how this book had a similar timeline, yet built on the first book. I also really like how the themes of salvation, repentance, and forgiveness were woven throughout this book. It was a hard one to out down!

The only caveat - this book had some more sensitive content due to Adler's checkered past, it also had quite a bit of kissing and references to intimacy.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Just like book 1 in this series, The Sea Before Us, The Sky Above Us takes the reader on a trip to Europe through the eyes of those on the ground, and in the air during WWII. Impeccably researched, this book makes you feel like you're right there with the men and women who gave their lives for our country. The love story that moves along side the war and fighting lightens the air and brings the story more full circle to give the reader a picture of what it was like for the men and women of war in the time when they weren't fighting. I loved the themes of grace and forgiveness and how the characters lives were transformed because of it. The Christian elements were well placed and natural in the flow of the story. They added another layer of depth that helped bring the story to life even more. There is so much going on in this story. It kept my attention well for the most part. I did find myself glossing over some of the fighting scenes. While they were wonderfully researched and well written I felt a little bored with the amount of detail.
I love Ms. Sundin's writing and am looking forward to her future books! I received a complementary copy of this book as part of Revell's blogger program. I was under no compulsion to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

World War Two is one of my favorite historical periods and I love the cheesy films about the fighting forces made in that era and the decade immediately following. Meant to be more patriotic than accurate, they paint a glamorized, clean cut picture of the American soldier and the women they fall in love with. The Sky Above Us, book two in the Sunrise at Normandy series reads like one of those movies, albeit a very religious version of one of those films.

This works as a standalone story but I’d recommend reading book one, The Sea Before Us, first. The series tells the tale of three brothers who are estranged by a tragic event and who meet again in the weeks surrounding the Normandy invasion. Reading both books will give a clearer picture of the history and why each brother made the choice he made.

Violet Lindstrom wants to be a missionary like her great aunt but for now she is serving as director of a Red Cross Aeroclub in England. This is a tough adjustment for her; she’s homesick, she is disappointed to be working with soldiers rather than children, and she finds many of the men crude and immoral. The only bright spots are that she gets to serve with her friend Kitty and that the kindly Lt. Adler Paxton, whom she met on the boat ride over, is there.

When Adler meets Violet, he is attracted to her but determines to avoid her. A tragic decision during a family outing led to the death of his fiancée, and in the hours immediately following that calamity Adler made some decisions that hurt a lot of people he loved. Part of his self-inflicted punishment is to avoid taking joy in anything but piloting. Once he realizes that he and Violet will be living and working at the same Air Force base, he decides to be friendly but evade anything which might lead her to expect more. A sinner such as himself should be nowhere near such a saint.

Fortunately for Adler and Violet, Adler’s captain is a Christian who convinces him that Jesus can forgive all his sins, no matter how awful. God also works on Violet’s heart to make her realize she should serve, not judge, those around her. These spiritual renovations enable the two to come together as a couple until an explosive revelation puts both their faith and their love to the test.

Sundin has a campy, quirky style of writing that serves her well for these types of sweet, sappy nostalgic tales. She does a good job of putting together all her plot points – such as the dangers the men faced on their missions, and the vital work of the Red Cross – by keeping the focus on how these things affect the characters. In this tale, there is also a mystery that is perfect for the storyline and is ideally utilized to show growth by Violet. The love story suffers a bit because there is so much attention on the character’s individual spiritual growth, but when we do see Adler and Violet together, it’s absolutely delightful.

That spiritual growth which takes up so much of our plot tackles some really big issues. Adler needs to learn about forgiveness, both of himself and others, as well as humility and how to deal with envy/competitiveness. The Adler in the time period before the book, as well as at the very start of it, had a case of what is now called ‘toxic masculinity’. He pressured women for sex, got drunk, brawled, was violent, nastily competitive and a whole host of other things. Violet had a spiritual mentor who well-meaningly led her down a dark path which resulted in some wrong-headed ideas about serving God and a serious case of self-righteousness. At the start of the story it was sometimes hard to spend time with her because she could be such a pill. When the big conflict takes place, Violet reacts so vilely that it would have been easy to throw the book against the wall and quit reading. That wasn’t just due to Violet’s behavior, though. The conflict comes about because of some revelations regarding a woman from Adler’s past. While he later comes to say that he takes full responsibility for his actions and doesn’t blame that lady at all, in his initial reaction he thinks some rather unkind things about her. Both their immediate responses to the conundrum were bad enough but what really bothered me was the disparity to the response between Adler’s sexual peccadilloes and his violent ones. Adler came close to killing someone and that was easily brushed aside, but his sexual behavior was treated with a response I would imagine most people reserve for learning someone is a serial rapist. (For the record, his behavior was nothing like that.) That the problem wasn’t met with disappointment but a forceful disgust deeply disturbed me, especially given how the other issues were easily forgiven and put behind them.

I think I was especially disappointed by that because many Christian publishers and authors seem to be moving away from the shaming mentality that has for so long been a part of ‘Inspirational’ literature. I don’t at all mean moving away from Christian positions on ethics and morality but taking the far more biblical approach of grace and forgiveness being part of the confessional process. There is a big difference between recognizing and acknowledging that someone has fallen short of the standards and implying that a particular type of sin comes with a stain that requires the casting of stones.

And again, what bothered me was that the sexual sin was treated so much more seriously and severely than violent assault and betrayal of family members.

I’m a big fan of this author but these issues bothered me to the extent that I can’t recommend The Sky Above Us. I think those of us invested in the Sunrise at Normandy series may want to pick it up, as it contains has information which really helps us understand the problems within the Paxton family. Readers who like deeply Evangelical romances – or who at least don’t mind that theology having a strong presence in their books – might enjoy it but I would recommend they start with another story. This one just doesn’t showcase how great Ms. Sundin can really be.

The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin is another world unto itself. Ms Sundin’s scholarship of World War II is phenomenal. She has created a book setting so complete and fascinating. I learned so much about war planes, Red Cross activities, and rationing policies just to name a few. The characters also were really interesting because they had complex histories and goals. The plot was intricately planned not only with the events of the war but also with the lives of the characters. Readers who love historical fiction will adore this book. Readers who just love goo storytelling will also love it. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Great story! Realistic characters that make you feel what they are going through. Violet meets Adler on a ship going to England in World War II. They soon become friends, although Adler is reluctant because of the sins of his past. He begins to work through those past secrets, until he discovers something that changes everything. This is a powerful story about forgiveness. Forgiving others, but also the difficult task of forgiving one's self. Beautifully written! Part two of a three part series, it can be read as a stand alone novel, but it will make you want to find the first book, "The Sea Before Us" to read!

I thought the “The Sea Before Us” was a faith heavy book but this one exceeds it. Both Violet and Adler struggled with their faith and forgiveness – mainly whether or not they were worthy of it. Adler’s “Come to Jesus” scene was especially intense. I liked the character of Nick, Adler’s captain and a man of faith himself, who served as a sounding board for Adler and gave both Adler and Violet some thoughts and Bible verses to think about. The obstacles to their romance weren’t just “five minute conversational” ones so the time taken for them to overcome their reluctance to believe that these could be dealt with and overcome are believable given this was 1944 and social views on the issues were much more conservative.

The scenes of Adler’s fighter squadron in the air were intense and, I thought, well done. They also served as a stark reminder of how much those men aided Operation Overlord, the dangers those fighter pilots faced as well as the airmen who flew on the heavy bombers. Meanwhile Violet and Kitty worked hard to get the Red Cross program off the ground (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun). In doing so, Violet had to face her prejudice against working with adult men who she thought were less worthy of her efforts than the children she’d dreamed of helping. I’m not sure if the mystery she had to solve really happened but given the strict rationing of the time, I could believe it.

One thing I was hoping for in the first book was delivered and that’s interactions between the estranged brothers. Plus there’s a bit of a glimpse of Wyatt and Dorothy from “Sea” as well. Now, I’m eagerly looking forward to Clay’s story as a Ranger in the last of the trilogy. B

Adler is an over-confident pilot who is haunted by the events (of his own making) that caused his fiancee's death and the breaking up of their once close-knit family. In the three years that have passed, he still has neither forgiven himself nor allowed himself to feel the pain of all he did and all he has lost. But when he starts to let out little bits of information to others, it's hard to stop Pandora's box from opening. Violet has wanted to be a missionary since the age of 10, and would be in Africa now had not her fiancee turned his back on their shared dream, leading her to break the engagement, but unable to serve as a missionary on her own. Instead, she is in England, serving American pilots at an Aeroclub as part of the Red Cross - but they don't really need or deserve her help, do they? As these two gradually grow together, and then the crunch comes, each must re-examine their past, and determine whether their pasts will control their futures. Can Adler forgive himself and learn to accept the forgiveness of others? Can Violet learn to see that there are many different kinds of service, and that one is not necessarily any better than another?

With strong themes of forgiveness and acceptance against a background of pilots in WWII, this beautifully crafted and highly readable story is one to remember and come back to. I read and enjoyed the first book in the series when it came out, and was glad to see book 2. I am definitely looking forward to book 3, the third brother's story and hopefully the final resolution of the family's heartache, but each of the books can stand alone, being the stories of three different couples against the background of the same family tragedy. With solid historical details, realistic characters and a good message, this is definitely a book to read and an author to follow. But I really did miss out on some things I should have been doing because I found it so hard to put down...

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This is an absolutely incredible historical romance!

The characters are extremely well developed. I connected with both Adler and Violet very quickly. They were both on journeys learning to trust God. They each had a great friend that supported and encouraged them.

I was captivated by the story from the beginning. The period of WWII leading up to D-day is very compelling. It is hard facts to read about with all the lives lost on both sides. Yet I’m drawn to keep the history alive about what all the troops, in all branches of the service when through. This book did a marvelous job of that.

The connection between this book and the first book in the series is fantastic. I love the way the author is presenting the three brother, their pasts, and the presence. I’m really looking forward to the third book, Clay’s story. The wait for it to come out is going to be hard.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Eek! Another Sarah Sundin book! And I’m loving where she’s going with this series! After a nice long car trip, I finally reached the end of the second installment and I can’t wait until the third book is out (which… patience, the second only just released!)

These characters were just fantastic. Adler has much to prove and a lot to make up for after everything that has happened to him and been done by him. “Forget and Focus” seems to be his mantra as he strives to make ace and pave the way towards establishing his own shipping company. And Violet… sweet Violet. If you grew up the “good church kid,” I think you’ll relate to her quite a bit. With all her ideals of compassion and love for others, it proves difficult to actually live them in reality, and not just in her head. Especially when her growing admiration for Adler asks a whole lot more than simple sympathy from her.

As with every book I’ve read of Sundin’s, The Sky Above Us is chalk full of rich history on the Red Cross and the Air Force, leading up to D-Day (there was even a brief nod to the MPs, which got me all excited because my great-Grandpa was an MP). I think you’ll be on the edge of your seat, hoping and dreaming alongside these characters.

All in all, this is a fascinating story of forgiveness, humility, love, family, dreams and discovering our identity and purpose. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Numbing pain, amazing grace.


Excitement. Riveting. Drama. Christian Historical Fiction.
I read at night to get to sleep, and again when I wake up during the night for the same reason. This book didn't work so well for that. This edge of your seat, just can't put it down story is pretty intense. Sarah's miniscule detail of WW2 brings it like watching a movie. Maybe because this isn't the first she's written or because of Sarah's daily Facebook posts about the War, this one particularly came to life for me.

The Paxton brothers are good looking, strong, and competitive. When tragedy happens, it shakes up all three of them, their whole family, with actions that will rip them apart and forever shape their futures. This is the story of Adler, the middle son and the center of it all.

Violet dedicated her life to become a missionary overseas like her aunt, but circumstances after she signed up for the red cross twisted in a way that took her away from that dream.

Both young people have a lot to learn about themselves. Both are grounded in strong Christian faith and have to learn to give it all

over to God. Adler has to allow himself to be forgiven, by God and others, and to take a backseat to his determination in order to learn to lead. You can't go wrong with any of Sarah's books. This one is fabulous. I can't give it a higher recommendation!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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.”

History comes alive through the words of Sarah Sundin! The concept behind the Sunrise at Normandy series is magnificent. We first saw D-Day through the eyes of Paxton brother, Wyatt, who is a Lieutenant in the US Navy in The Sea Before Us. In The Sky Above Us, Lt. Adler Paxton shares his prospective on D-Day from a P-51 Mustang in the US Air Force. Next, we will be introduced to the youngest Paxton brother, Clay, who's has joined the US Army. It's a real treat to have one series show how these different branches of our US military worked together on D-Day!

In this story, Adler Paxton is running from his memories, his guilt, and the consequences of the night his fiance fell to her death. He believes he is fully responsible for what happened to her, so he runs away and ends up joining the Air Force...where God introduces him to Nick and Violet. His goal is to make ace pilot (shooting down 5 enemy aircraft) and open his own shipping business. But in order to make ace, Adler's going to have to learn how to be second before he can be first.

Violet Lindstrom has every intention of becoming a missionary, but when her fiance breaks their engagement the mission team won't allow her to go as a single woman. So, Violet does the next best thing, she joins the American Red Cross. She intends to work with children, but when she's assigned to work with the pilots, she attempts to mesh the two and gets the pilots to help her arrange programs for the local children. Violet is very relatable. She's sweet and has a good heart, she loves the Lord and wants to serve Him, but she's got a lot to learn and needs a little humbling.

The relationship between Adler and Violet is precious. They are both extremely cautious, but they're very attracted to each other. Each of them has a lot of maturing to do and they help one another in that. I appreciated how their attraction grew.

I'm already "chewing-at-the-bit" to read Clay's perspective of the Paxton Brothers drama! And see just how/if these three brothers can come together at last!

I received a complementary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin. The Sky Above Us was interesting. I like to read stories that deal with airplanes and the Sky Above Us had airplanes. I loved all the historical information that went into your book. If you like historical fiction you will love the book.

I had other books in my queue to read, but when I saw this one on Netgalley I pushed all of those away. I was super excited about this book because I was completely fascinated by the Paxton storyline from the first book. And more important than all of that, it delivered. My thoughts:

What I liked

Adler. Actually, I didn’t like him at first because of what I learned about him in the first book, but I knew somehow, someway Sundin would make me like him and she did. To be perfectly honest, he’s arrogant and rather dismissive of those who are not like him. But he undergoes such a transformation throughout the story and becomes a very humble and likeable guy. He’s not without his faults, but that only serves to make his character richer. Adler has quite the past he has to wrestle with (kudos to the author for making such a hero). It would have been easy to dismiss some of it, but I thought Sundin did a lovely job of confronting everything without lessening who Adler was.

Violet. Violet was an interesting foil to Adler. In many ways, the two of them were cut from the same cloth because they both start off as pig-headed and bit prideful. While her transformation is not as dramatic as Adler’s, it still was an important one to follow. I found her personality to be a good match for Adler’s…especially as she had to deal with some of the fallout of his choices.

History. I love, love, love WWII fiction. The last book was about the navy, this book was from the point of view of the air. You really learn a lot about the conditions of pilots in WWII and a lot of situations they had to face. I also learned a lot about the Red Cross. I had never really considered anything that they did besides nursing. Sundin was able to immerse herself (and her readers) into the time period easily without making anyone feel like they were inundated with facts (I will say that sometimes the characters phrases sounded corny, but I’m also not going to say people didn’t talk like that either).

Overall story. I really like how Sundin is telling the Paxton brothers’ story. Not only do you have D-Day from the point of view of air, land, and sea, but you have this family drama that is slowly unraveling with each book. You keep getting a piece of it from each of the men’s narrative and the more you find out the more it becomes slightly horrifying and completely intriguing (idk what that says about me).

Spiritually, I loved the concept of what it looks like to accept God’s forgiveness, forgiving yourself and others, realizing what pride really looks like, and the simple fact that actions have consequences.

What I didn’t like

I mostly liked Violet. I understood Violet. But sometimes she was frustrating to me. There is a scene where I thought if she had acted one way, she would have saved herself a lot of frustration later. Still, in spite of this, the story was good.

Sundin does follow her typical formula where each main character has one or two flaws that they specifically work on in the story. While it is kind of routine, it doesn’t detract from the story.

Romantic scale: 7.5

Overall, a very good book. I desperately want the third book about Clay. His story is really setting up to be quite the crescendo.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**