The Sky Above Us By Sarah Sundin

Violet Lindstrom didn't even want to be in the Red Cross, for goodness' sake.

She wanted to be a missionary to Africa or wherever, like her great-aunt Violet and personal heroine. She only signed up for the Red Cross because she thought she'd get to work with orphans and refugees. (And the small matter of getting that Red Cross recommendation for missionary service.)

Well, she didn't. In fact, she's stuck at a service club for American pilots, the last people she wants to serve. But serve she does, serving donuts and coffee and trying to stick it out long enough to get that recommendation.

And with a thief prowling around the club, that's looking less and less likely.

Sarah Sundin grabbed me with the tension right off, when Violet learned that her best-laid plans to work with refugees and orphans had been tossed to the wind. I couldn't wait to see how she handled the less-than-ideal (so she thought) situation.

The Sky Above Us also marks the introduction of Adler Paxton (brother to Wyatt from The Sea Before Us). It was interesting to see the story of the Paxton family and D-Day continue from a new perspective.

And oh my goodness, the side characters! Not a one of them was dull, whether they be Red Cross volunteer or fighter pilot.

Speaking of fighter pilots, the scenes in the planes were super interesting and easy to understand, even though I have no experience with airplanes (unless they're paper).

Romance is a strong plot in this book, but it is a thoughtful romance. Violet and Adler think about each other and the people around them, instead of basing their relationship entirely on feelings.

The strong theme of this book was very well-written. I made the realizations along with Violet, instead of feeling I'd been smacked over the head with it. It is a book that encourages readers to action in their own lives.