When the Skies Rained Freedom by Annette Oppenlander | Book Review ~ #HistoricalFiction @GoddessFish @annette.oppenlander #ColdWar #PostWW2Germany
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
When the Skies Rained Freedom: A gripping historical novel about the Berlin Airlift by Annette Oppenlander Series: Moving Love Stories of WWII Germany - 4 book series
Published by Independent Author on October 20, 2023
Genres: Fiction / War & Military, Historical Fiction
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 336
Captivating, gripping and relentlessly authentic...inspired by eyewitness accounts.
To this day, the Berlin airlift presents one of the most dramatic and daring historic events of post WWII Germany, pinning east against west, and cementing the Cold War against Soviet Russia. Without the help of America’s brave pilots, two million Berliners would’ve been lost to Stalin’s dictatorial regime, the future of Europe may have turned out entirely different.
Berlin, May 1945: As the war finally ends, Lotte Berger's apartment lies in rubble, her mother suffers a breakdown after an assault by Russian soldiers, and both, Lotte's father and fiancé are missing in Russia. Only when Mitch Cameron, an American pilot, comes to her aid after an accident, does she regain hope. Just as they are growing closer, Lotte's fiancé reappears under suspicious circumstances...
Berlin, June 1948: Lotte has fought her way through the aftermath of WWII and a devastating loss, when Russia’s dictator, Josef Stalin, decides to take over West Berlin. By cutting off supply lines, electricity and travel, he is willing to starve two million Berliners and force the U.S., Britain and France out. But the western allies, led by President Truman, decide to do the support Berlin from the air. Thus begins a turbulent and seemingly futile attempt to rescue West Berlin. Willing to do her part, Lotte lands a job as a translator at the American-run Tempelhof Airport. Even if her love is long lost, she can at least dream about Mitch helping to free Berlin...
Source: Goddess Fish Promotions, Kindle Unlimited
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Excerpt from When the Skies Rained Freedom
Lotte:
How fragile life is. Snuffed out in an instant, erased by the millions—the essence of war. Oh, how I hate it, that faceless, cruel war that has taken everything I hold dear. And yet, in its aftermath, when it was finally over, I rose from the rubble along with my fellow Berliners, to live and fight another hour, another day—a lifetime.
Berlin, September 1948
I look up as the sky darkens with another low-flying plane. American cargo planes, large and seemingly too heavy to remain in the air, colossal hunks of steel, are here to save us. They carry everything from sugar to dried potatoes to oil and coal, everything to supply the three western-occupied sectors of Berlin.
The air is balmy, a mild day with lots of sunshine, a last remnant of summer, yet the droning sounds above send shivers up my back like icy gusts in winter. It has been nearly three and a half years since Berlin saw its last bomb attacks—attacks that lasted for years and many of us survived only by a miracle, hiding in basements among the wreckage.
The air vibrates as another plane passes overhead. My hand slides into the pocket of my dress to find the brass button, wrapped in my father’s handkerchief. I run a forefinger over its surface and though I cannot see it, I could draw the eagle’s wings in the dark. Maybe he is up there right now, flying overhead. Would I know, would the button I’m carrying somehow submit a signal, some invisible wave? Nonsense, I scold myself. Why do I bother?
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Link for When the Skies Rained Freedom
Purchase When the Skies Rained Freedom online from your local bookstore.
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My thoughts on When the Skies Rained Freedom
Annette Oppenlander’s “When the Skies Rained Freedom” is a captivating and gripping historical novel that offers a relentlessly authentic portrayal of the dramatic and daring events surrounding the Berlin Airlift. Inspired by eyewitness accounts, Oppenlander weaves a narrative that not only captures the essence of post-WWII Germany but also immerses readers in a turbulent period that solidified the Cold War between East and West.
Set in the aftermath of World War II, the story unfolds in Berlin, May 1945, where the protagonist, Lotte Berger, faces the devastation of war. Her apartment lies in ruins, her mother is traumatized after an assault by Russian soldiers, and both her father and fiancé are missing in Russia. The introduction of Mitch Cameron, an American pilot, brings a glimmer of hope to Lotte’s life. However, as they grow closer, Lotte’s fiancé reappears under mysterious circumstances, setting the stage for a complex and engaging tale.
Fast forward to Berlin, June 1948, and Stalin’s dictatorial regime attempts to seize control of West Berlin by cutting off supply lines and isolating the city. The Western allies, led by President Truman, embark on a seemingly impossible mission to support Berlin from the air—the Berlin Airlift. Lotte, having fought her way through the aftermath of WWII, lands a job as a translator at Tempelhof Airport, eager to contribute to the monumental effort.
Oppenlander skillfully combines historical accuracy with a compelling narrative, creating an interesting and well-written story. The immersive journey through post-WWII Berlin and the gripping depiction of the Berlin Airlift make for a captivating read. The author seamlessly blends historical fiction elements with a touch of romance, adding depth to the characters and their experiences.
The novel successfully portrays the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, making it not only a historical account but also a tale of love and courage. “When the Skies Rained Freedom” stands out as a poignant exploration of a pivotal moment in history, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of those who fought against the odds to secure freedom for West Berlin.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Annette Oppenlander
Annette Oppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today as they were in the past.
Oppenlander’s bestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, received eight nominations/awards. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story.
Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries, festivals and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she now lives with her husband and mutt Zelda in Germany.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
If the above link does not take you to your country’s Amazon page, let me know, and I’ll get you the link.
Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
More books in the series:
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Oppenlander, Annette (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 374 Pages - 03/15/2017 (Publication Date) - Oppenlander Enterprises LLC (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Oppenlander, Annette (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 302 Pages - 11/15/2019 (Publication Date)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Oppenlander, Annette (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 310 Pages - 09/24/2021 (Publication Date)
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Giveaway!
Annette Oppenlander will award a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for When the Skies Rained Freedom
Full Tour Schedule:
January 3: The Avid Reader
January 3: Gina Rae Mitchell
January 10: Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
January 10: Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
January 17: Lady In Read Writes
January 24: Sandra’s Book Club
January 24: Novels Alive
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What was your favorite winter activity as a child?
Who or what inspires you the most?
I get inspired by historical events or sometimes during a visit in a new place. I love to travel, so often stumble across some interesting personality or a historic building. The choices to me are endless. Thank you for asking!
Do you have a favorite winter activity?
Here’s to a fun and fabulous weekend!
What are your New Years resolutions?
Happy 2024!
Sounds like the author knows her craft very well. I love historical novels. So thanks for this review, Gina Rae!
Great excerpt and giveaway. 🙂
Thank you so much for reviewing this book today.
Thank you so much for hosting! I look forward to your comments and will be around today, if any of you have questions.
Your book was very good and informative! I felt like I was back in time, ignorant of how it was going to turn out for Berlin. Your book caused me to research more about the Berlin Wall finally coming down. I remember that day and how my mom cried and said it was a monumental day that would be in history books. She was right!
Thank you so much for reading! Yes, it was a crazy time, especially so shortly after the war. I hope the good deeds of the US will be remembered for a long time. Somebody recently commented that it’s doubtful, such personalized effort would be taken today, no matter the circumstances. I learned a lot researching, but also from the eyewitness who provided some very emotional insight.