Review Tour + #Giveaway: When the Skies Rained Freedom by Annette Oppenlander @Aoppenlander @GoddessFish

When the Skies Rained Freedom

by Annette Oppenlander

GENRE: Historical Fiction

BLURB:

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 impossible: 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…

Purchase When the Skies Rained Freedom on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Excerpt:

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?

My Review:

Lotte Berger’s apartment lies in ruin in the aftermath of war. Lotte and her mother must find a place to live as they wait for the return of her father and fiancé who are missing in Russia. The aftermath of the war is a hard time for Lotte and her mother. They do manage to find a place to stay in the home of another survivor.

After their new place is overtaken by soldiers they all move into the cellar. Lotte hurts her ankle and is helped by one of the soldiers, Mitch. Mitch and Lotte become close after.

Mitch helps Lotte by bringing food for them on occasion. Lotte and her mother go out almost daily scavenging for food or whatever they can find to help in their survival.

Once while they are out looking for food Lotte’s mom is attacked by Russian soldiers. Lotte’s mom has a hard time dealing with what happened to her. Lotte does what she can to help her through this horrible ordeal.

When the Skies Rained Freedom is a very interesting and captivating read that kept me turning the pages wanting to know it all. I couldn’t take my eyes off the page once I started reading I was lost in its world. There was no way I could lay it down until I had read the last page.

I do enjoy reading any book written by Annette Oppenlander. I love the history and that her stories are true or based on true events.

I highly recommend When the Skies Rained Freedom to everyone! Grab a copy of When the Skies Rained Freedom today!

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

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.

Connect with Annette Oppenlander

Instagram ~ Blog ~ Amazon ~ Email

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

 

Giveaway:

$15 Amazon/BN GC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.