A special welcome to award-winning World War II author Sarah Sundin. Here’s her latest novel, and Sarah is offering a giveaway of one signed copy of The Sky Above Us to one fortunate commenter between now and Feb. 18. Thanks so much, Sarah.
Tell us about your new release, please.
Burdened by his past, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe as the Allies struggle for control of the air before D-day. Violet Lindstrom wants to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment and refreshments for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her programs for local children. Adler finds his defenses crumbling. But D-day draws near. And secrets can’t stay buried forever.
Why did you choose to write about these aspects of World War II?
With each novel and each series I like to focus on different aspects of the war to keep things fresh. A few years ago, I thought it would be interesting to write a series about D-day, with three brothers fighting from the sea, in the air, and on the ground. My first series focused on bomber pilots, and a lot of readers told me I should write about a fighter pilot. What if I had a fighter pilot flying over the beaches of Normandy on D-day? That’s how Lt. Adler Paxton came to be.
For the heroine, I decided to have Violet Lindstrom work for the American Red Cross. The ARC ran Aeroclubs at the US airfields in Britain, arranging refreshment and entertainment for the airmen. That sounded like a fun and adventurous way for a woman to serve her country.
What unique aspects about your research can you share with us?
Although this was my eleventh World War II novel, each story presents new research challenges. Adler’s story was surprisingly easy to research. I’d already tracked down a lot of information on the US Eighth Air Force while writing my Wings of Glory series.
And fighter pilots love to tell stories. I found countless memoirs, oral histories, home movies, and photos. These were valuable to help me understand the mindset of fighter pilots, how it felt to fly a P-51 Mustang in combat, and what everyday life was like on the air bases in England.
Violet’s story with the American Red Cross presented a greater challenge. In general, stories from personnel in any support capacity are scarcer. I found a treasure trove of primary documents about the Red Cross on Fold3.com (a division of Ancestry.com). These provided many of the big picture details I needed about ARC services overseas. On the personal side, I perused the Betty H. Carter Women Veterans Historical Project on the University of North Carolina, Greensboro website. They’ve collected oral histories, photos, and documents from women veterans, including dozens of Red Cross workers. These helped me piece together the colorful bits about what life was like for these brave and resourceful women.
Bio:
Sarah Sundin is a bestselling author of historical novels, including The Sky Above Us and The Sea Before Us. Her novels When Tides Turn and Through Waters Deep were named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and Through Waters Deep was a finalist for the 2016 Carol Awardand won the INSPY Award.A mother of three, Sarah lives in California and teaches Sunday school. She also enjoys speaking for church, community, and writers’ groups.Please visit her at http://www.sarahsundin.com.
Sarah has also shared this trailer for The Sky Above Us: you may view it here:
I love to read historical novels for what I can learn from them. It absolutely fascinates me. I was fascinated also by reading the information on how you compile the research for each of your books. As you say each book is different even if you’ve written numerous books on the subject. Each books presents it’s unique research challenge and fun. Thank you for sharing your thought processes with us! I would be delighted to read a copy of your book. Thank you for the giveaway chance!
I certainly enjoyed her “Wings of Glory” series, and looking forward to “The Sky Above Us.” It’s just arrived!
Good to see you here, Joy.
I now love reading historical novels! Great blog post and thanks for a chance to win this book!
I would love to read this book. Thanks so much for the chance to win.
Happy Valentines Day!
Your book sounds fascinating and a must-read for me! I too like historical novels based on research that brings the story to life.
My favorite genre Historical fiction and time period World War 2
Sarah Sundin has become my favourite author as she fills her books with so many interesting facts from WW 2 while also telling a masterful story!
I would love to read this book it’s on my list of books to read . Thank you for the chance
I cannot wait to continue the story from the estranged brother’s.
I never liked Historical romance until I started reading Sarah’s books. Now I cannot get enough!
I am just counting the days till I can read The Sky Above Us.
Sarah Sundin is my favorite WWII author!
Sarah is one of my top favorite authors. Can’t wait to read this!
I love her daily WWII history tidbits. Her website is awesome!
Sarah, thanks for sharing how this story came to be, including the research you conducted. I myself enjoy the research almost as much as the writing. This year I plan to read as many historical novels set during WWII as I can, and I look forward to reading yours!
I love reading all of Sarah’s books and how the Sky Above Us came to be written and all the research Sarah did I love reading her tidbits on the war on Facebook Thanks for the chance to win and Happy Valentine’s Day
Since I enjoy doing genealogy, your comment about using Fold3 for background information on Violet really caught my attention. I have not yet explored all aspects of the site! I always so enjoy Sarah’s tales, particularly with the attention to historical detail. I grew up hearing stories of the war.
Thanx for the interview & giveaway!!! I love Sarah’s books and have to hide them when they come so hubby doesn’t start reading them first!!! Always like hearing the behind the scene stories.
Just discovered your blog. I’ve read Sarah’s Wings of Glory series and am enthralled. Love WW2 stories. My dad was in the 8th Air Force, so this series was particularly personal to me. Looking forward to Sarah’s new book & would love to have a copy.
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