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    The Sky Above Us
    The Sky Above Us
    The Sky Above Us
    Audiobook9 hours

    The Sky Above Us

    Written by Sarah Sundin

    Narrated by Sarah Zimmerman

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    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.

    Bestselling author Sarah Sundin returns listeners 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.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateMar 12, 2019
    ISBN9781977383587
    The Sky Above Us
    Author

    Sarah Sundin

    Sarah Sundin is the author of A Distant Melody, A Memory Between Us, and Blue Skies Tomorrow. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

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    Reviews for The Sky Above Us

    4.5/5

    75 ratings17 reviews

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    • 5/5
      As I’ve made my way through the Sunrise at Normandy series, I wondered which Paxton brother, which story, would be my favorite.

      I read them out of order. So, I met Clay first, then Wyatt. This is important because I knew Adler’s darkest secret before I began.

      I wondered how a reader could possibly like him. How could he be redeemed? How could we root for such a sinner?

      But that’s exactly what this story is about. Recognizing we are all sinners. We are all forgiven. In many ways this is the culminating story of the series.

      And I did come to love Adler, just as Ms. Sundin intended. I love the flying scenes. The hard hitting look at D-day (from the safe distance of time and text).

      Once again Sarah Sundin captures the reader with historical details, a compelling heart felt story, and a sweet romance that builds in a believable connection of hearts.

      Highly recommend!



    • 5/5
      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.
    • 5/5
      Title: The Sky Above us (Sunrise at Normandy #2)Author: Sarah SundinPages: 384Year: 2019Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.If you haven’t read any of Sarah Sundin’s novels, then you’re missing out on some of the best historical fiction published. Sarah Sundin weaves incredible tales with history, faith and believable characters. Personally, I have read all her books and am constantly on the lookout for what is coming next. These tales reveal historical events in ways that capture the reader’s imagination as well as ignites the patriotic heartbeat of those who revel in her novels.In the second book, we continue to read about the three brothers’ story which began with The Sea Before Us. Wyatt, Clay and Adler were the closest of brothers as they grew up, playing different instruments and blending well which was known in their hometown. Then, one night, a tragedy rocked their world, changing the course of their lives as the war was heating up.In this tale, we see just how long Adler has carried around anger, hurt, frustration and distance from the faith in God he grew up with in his family. The wrestling Adler does with God and how it affects his interaction with others and his flying felt so real to me. The on-again off-again relationship Adler has with a Red Cross worker named Violet reveals something in each of their hearts that only God can free then of if they are willing to release it to His hands.Sarah Sundin writes with heart and faith so intricately woven one doesn’t know where one begins and the other ends, or do they? I highly recommend all her novels that will touch the heart, mind and soul of readers from anyone who loves historical fiction and God. These books are riveting and capture the time period so well that you won’t be able to stop telling others about them!
    • 4/5
      4.5⭐️! Great story. My only complaint again is the endless self recrimination of Adler, just like Wyatt in the book before. The humility and “I don’t deserve this” was a bit much, and yet, at the same time it is something we all need to learn, that we don’t deserve what God has done for us. I’d like to listen to Clay’s story next, but am just a bit weary of some of the same, same emotional stuff. However, Sundin pens a such great individual story behind the hero and heroine in each book so far that I guess I’ll keep going! Thanks Sundin!!
    • 4/5
      I knew I’d enjoy this book. I’ve read some of Sarah Sundin’s stories in the past (Through Waters Deep, I’ll Be Home For Christmas) and love how she brings the tragedies and treasures of WWII to life. The Sky Above Us is another wonderfully researched and lovingly portrayed novel during that time period. I love a book that teaches me something new or makes me see things in a different light. The dogfights are vivid and I loved the human connection.It was easy to connect with Violet and Adler. Though parts are somewhat slow-paced, the story kept my steady interest. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐Publisher: RevellIllustrator: Sarah SundinPages: 384First Line: Wars weren’t won with caution, and aces weren’t made in straight and level flight.I received a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
    • 5/5
      The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin is the second book in her Sunrise at Normandy series. Adler Paxton fled from his home in Texas three years ago. Running from his mistakes and the guilt, he joins the Army as an airplane pilot. Stationed in England in the days leading up to the invasion of France at Normandy he meets Red Cross volunteer, Violet Lindstrom. Adler and Violet not only must learn to trust in each other but in a loving and forgiving God. I love World War 2 stories but this one went above and beyond. The history was well woven in, the action was believable and the romance was sweet. What else could you want? The underlying theme of repentance and forgiveness was a great reminder that all we have to do is truly be sorry and ask for forgiveness. The healing that comes afterward is so sweet and refreshing. I can’t wait for the next book!I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
    • 4/5
      The Sky Above Us, book 2 in Sarah Sundin’s Sunrise at Normandy series, is another winner from this talented author. Filled with great historical detail, gritty life issues relevant to today’s world, and easily relatable characters, this novel set in the months leading up to D Day kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could. I couldn’t wait to see just how the author was going to bring all the threads together — she did it perfectly! Recommended for fans of historical fiction and WWII fiction.Sundin’s specialty is bringing the WWII-era to life, including the men and women who served at home and overseas. But I have to admit that I thought my eyes would glaze over when the author included descriptions of the planes and maneuvers the Army Air Corps pilots used in their attacks on Nazi Germany. ? I was pleasantly surprised at how much I got into that aspect of the story. I held my breath as they executed loops and evasions and then swooped in for the victory. But that’s not all the author incorporates in her story — there is a wonderful balance of the historical and the fictional giving this novel a very authentic feel. Real life heroes and those created by the author rub shoulders on the airbase in England. While I learned a lot about the role of the Air Corps, the inclusion of Red Cross staff charged with bringing a little bit of home to troops overseas was a wonderful bonus. The men and women of that era really were committed! The story of the Paxton brothers introduced in book 1 is continued with Adler Paxton. Sundin’s exploration of Adler’s faith transformation rings true and is never preachy. His story is certainly messy, but the forgiveness of man and God and the restoration of relationships brought beauty out of the sordid and the ugly. While I really liked his love interest, Violet, it was Adler that touched my heart. And sweet romance is a big part of the story, so fans of historical romance will not be disappointed.While The Sky Above Us focuses on Adler and Violet, it is not a standalone novel; you really need to read the series in order to understand all of the dynamics at work. Both the brothers’ personal histories and the integrated work of the military for the D Day invasion build with each successive book. I cannot wait for the final installment!Recommended.Audience: adults(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 5/5
      I received this book yesterday. I finished it yesterday. It's rare for me to devour a book in one sitting, but it was unavoidable with this gem. I absolutely loved it, and I didn't want to put it down for anything. It was full of everything that I love in Sarah Sundin's books - clean romance, WWII drama, plenty of action, a mystery to solve, and fabulous characters. All in all, it definitely made for a 5-star book.I really loved how BOTH characters had to go on a journey of redemption, not just one or the other. It drives me crazy when one party is set up to be the perfect one, and the other has to elevate to that level. Not so here. Both Adler and Violet (I really love that name!) had to come to terms with parts of themselves that weren't up to their standards. They traveled the path together, with God, and on their own at times. It was very believable and something I could totally relate to. I really liked both of them and was cheering for them the whole time. I appreciate how much painstaking research Sarah does into the battles she writes. I'm a student of WWII myself, and I didn't see anything that gave me pause. She's very careful with her history, and I really like that. It makes the war come alive, and helps me immerse myself in the story. In my opinion, that's the hallmark of a fantastic writer!In the end, I absolutely loved this, would recommend it to anyone looking for a good historical fiction read, any fans of WWII fiction, and pretty much just anyone. My one complaint is that I now have to wait a year for Clay's story...
    • 4/5
      I liked the main ideas and premise of the novel, and was immediately drawn in. I also liked the way the book was organized into small segments in a narrative fashion, although diary-like. The topic of World War II is of interest to me, and I enjoyed the way in which the author interwove the narratives of the different characters. I intend to read others in the series. The discussion questions at the end were an added bonus.I received this book from Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      Loved this second book and now not so patiently waiting for the next in this series.This is a historical book about D-Day and those brave souls who willingly gave their all to secure our freedoms, and we should never forget.We put faces on a few of these individuals thanks to the author and we are soon fighting this war in the cockpit of Adler Paxton’s aircraft and we are fighting this War and Spiritual.Through all the War action the theme of forgiveness rings here, and the hardest of all, to forgive yourself.An amazing do not miss read, one that will linger long after the final page is turned.I received this book through LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 5/5
      Title: The Sky Above us (Sunrise at Normandy #2)Author: Sarah SundinPages: 384Year: 2019Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.If you haven’t read any of Sarah Sundin’s novels, then you’re missing out on some of the best historical fiction published. Sarah Sundin weaves incredible tales with history, faith and believable characters. Personally, I have read all her books and am constantly on the lookout for what is coming next. These tales reveal historical events in ways that capture the reader’s imagination as well as ignites the patriotic heartbeat of those who revel in her novels.In the second book, we continue to read about the three brothers’ story which began with The Sea Before Us. Wyatt, Clay and Adler were the closest of brothers as they grew up, playing different instruments and blending well which was known in their hometown. Then, one night, a tragedy rocked their world, changing the course of their lives as the war was heating up.In this tale, we see just how long Adler has carried around anger, hurt, frustration and distance from the faith in God he grew up with in his family. The wrestling Adler does with God and how it affects his interaction with others and his flying felt so real to me. The on-again off-again relationship Adler has with a Red Cross worker named Violet reveals something in each of their hearts that only God can free then of if they are willing to release it to His hands.Sarah Sundin writes with heart and faith so intricately woven one doesn’t know where one begins and the other ends, or do they? I highly recommend all her novels that will touch the heart, mind and soul of readers from anyone who loves historical fiction and God. These books are riveting and capture the time period so well that you won’t be able to stop telling others about them!
    • 5/5
      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."
    • 4/5
      Adler Paxton is running from his past...right into the Air Force. His mission is to reach England and help the war effort in any way that an Ace fighter piolot can, only he is not an Ace or even a lead pilot, just a second-place wingman. He has been playing second all of his life, to his parents, his brothers, and now as a pilot. If only he can continue to keep the events from his past buried deep enough...then he can ignore human feelings and emotions and just fly. However, into his life flies Violet Lindstrom, a Red Cross volunteer trying to serve God by becoming a missionary. Life is not working out quite as Violet had intended either...instead of serving children in England, she is sent to run the Aeroclub at an Air Force Base and serve the men coffe, donuts, and a smile. This is not her calling, the servicemen do not need her, nor does she need them. But as war rages and D-Day approaches, life has a way of drawing two people together who may need each other more than they ever realized.A great book! The story is nicely woven into the first book in the Sunrise at Normandy series. Can’t wait to see what happens in the final installment!
    • 5/5
      This is the second book of Sundin’s “Sunrise at Normandy” trilogy which focuses on the Paxton brothers, whose family was torn apart by a foolish accident with tragic consequences. Now three years later, each of the estranged brothers must make peace with the past and with God before facing D-day and the Normandy invasion.Adler and Violet are compelling characters. Adler’s flaws are obvious and he bears a tremendous load of guilt for the sins of his past, with consequences that he knows about and some he doesn’t. He has great difficulty accepting forgiveness that he feels is unmerited. Violet’s issues are more subtle. An American Red Cross worker in England, she is basically a good person, but she still lives in a world of black-and-white, good-and-bad, right-and-wrong and finds herself deeply challenged by the real world and its shades of gray. All this against a backdrop of WWII Britain on the edge of D-Day. This is a compelling and thoughtful story, every bit as excellent as the first book, [The Sea Before Us], which is brother Wyatt’s story. I look forward to the publication of Clay’s story soon.I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
    • 4/5
      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.
    • 3/5
      Having read the first book in this series, I was eager to read more of the tales of the Paxton brothers from Texas. Oddly, when I began reading this book, I kept thinking that I had already read it as the story seemed vaguely familiar. Many of the details from the first story are reiterated in this book, and it was not until I was almost halfway through the book that I became convinced I had not read it before. As a result I didn't enjoy it as much as I might have had I read the two books in immediate succession. The Sky Above Us details the overseas service of Adler Paxton, the middle of the three Paxton brothers. The earlier story, The Sea Before Us, tells the story of the oldest Paxton brother, Wyatt, and a third book now in the works will detail the story of the third brother, Clay. Growing up together in Texas, the three were virtually inseparable until a series of sinful behavior on the part of the three brothers drives an impenetrable wedge in their relationships and their proximity. One sad night sends two of the brothers away from home and eventually leads them both separately to England to fight Hitler, one in the naval service and the other in the air service. Adler's story is one of remorse, redemption, and renewal and at the end intertwines with the earlier story of Wyatt. This is a good series, but again, I would recommend that those wanting to read it pick up both books at the same time so as not to be confused. I look forward to reading the third book about youngest brother, Clay, due to come out in 2020.
    • 4/5
      I knew I’d enjoy this book. I’ve read some of Sarah Sundin’s stories in the past (Through Waters Deep, I’ll Be Home For Christmas) and love how she brings the tragedies and treasures of WWII to life. The Sky Above Us is another wonderfully researched and lovingly portrayed novel during that time period. I love a book that teaches me something new or makes me see things in a different light. The dogfights are vivid and I loved the human connection.It was easy to connect with Violet and Adler. Though parts are somewhat slow-paced, the story kept my steady interest. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐Publisher: RevellIllustrator: Sarah SundinPages: 384First Line: Wars weren’t won with caution, and aces weren’t made in straight and level flight.I received a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.