Reviews

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

racha1422's review against another edition

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4.0

This one was my favorite in the series, I think.

turquoiseavenue's review against another edition

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5.0

After reading this entire series, in order, I have fallen in love with the Wings of Glory collection. Sarah Sundin is a captivating writer who draws you into American history, dying to learn more! I found myself browsing her Pinterest boards, googling certain WWII events, styles and wondering if my great grandparents walked through days like the ones in these books. I loved each of the books in this series for it's own particular reasons but I did dearly love the bravery shown by characters Helen and Ray in this book. I loved feeling the characters evolve and following along with them as they grew both personally and in their faith. This is one of those stories you just can't put down! I'm looking forward to starting on the other series this author has featured!

library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition

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5.0

It's all over. :(

I wish Jack, Walt, and Ray had more brothers. :) Maybe even one for myself. ;)

This series was lovely. I can't get enough of Sarah's writing and it's sad to part with yet another one of her heart melting romance series.

As the finale to the "Wings of Glory" series, Sarah wrapped things up with Ray, the oldest Novak brother, and Allie's friend Betty's sister, Helen. When I read the blurb, it mentioned Helen had to keep up appearances of grief which really spiked my curiosity. I started to wonder why she might be faking grief. In the previous books, she was painted as the grieving widow from other characters' perspectives, so to learn that a lot of it was an act was very intriguing. Helen was a complex character and I loved going on her journey. Sweet Ray, was just the man to help Helen's heart heal. I love it when characters have childhood crushes, so when I read that Helen had a childhood crush on Ray, it made me smile.

Everything about this series is so good, from the romance, to the messages, and the characters. Bonus points for the references to 1940s music scattered throughout. I had fun adding each one to a YouTube playlist so I could listen to them. It was a fun way to discover new swing jazz.

I will miss hanging out with the Novak brothers and their wives. It was so fun while it lasted.

beastreader's review against another edition

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4.0

Helen married when she was young. Now, Helen is the mother to two years old, Jay-Jay and a widow. Helen’s in-laws don’t approve of the things that Helen does and they expect her to remarry the guy that they choose as they have to think of their grandson.

Lt. Raymond Novak has been a pilot instructor for four years. The funny thing is that Lt. Novak has no combat aviation experience himself. Lt. Novak receives orders from his boss that it is now a requirement that all instructors have experience. Lt. Novak knew this day would come but still he wished that it didn’t. Due to a chance meeting, Lit. Novak and Helen start hanging out together. Their friendship than turns from friends to a couple. Though, Helen has to keep their relationship a secret from her in-laws.

Blue Skies Tomorrow is the third and final book in the Wings of Glory series. What I liked the most about this series is that Mrs. Sundin really brings to life her characters. In each book she made sure of every detail. Helen and Lt. Novak made a cute couple, dispute the age difference. Though, it was easy to see how Helen has had a crush on Lt. Novak since she was a little girl. He is tall, handsome and has a kind heart. Helen has a bit of a stubborn streak in her that I was not expecting. Helen did a good job of defusing her in-laws when it came to her life and her future. Helen and Lt. Novak both came with baggage but they eventually learned to let it go and start with a fresh beginning. This book finished the series on a high note. Blue Skies Tomorrow has drama, romance, great characters and it soared!

farmfreshlisa's review against another edition

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4.0

Third book in this series. It was a good conclusion and I liked seeing the changes in Ray. But wow. It was pretty intense as it touched on the idea of domestic abuse during the WW2 era.

sackettgirl's review

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

reneesmith's review against another edition

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5.0

I should have been born in the 40′s. I love the clothes, the music, the movies. Yes, it was a harrowing period in our history. But a world at war laid bare the issues most important in life, and the times invited people to rise to new challenges. Those who did astounded themselves, and the world, by what they were able to accomplish. They are now called The Greatest Generation.

When I want to visit the 40′s time period, I know I can count on author Sarah Sundin to take me there. Sarah captures the essence of those years in her three-book series, Wings of Glory. This trilogy follows the lives of the Novak brothers, Jack, Walt, and Ray. The last book, Blue Skies Tomorrow, tells Ray’s story.

Ray has a preacher’s heart. He loves nothing better than to teach, counsel, and comfort the folks God brings his way. When lovely Helen Carlisle crosses his path, he is drawn to her sweet spirit and tender heart. Helen, a war widow struggling to raise a young son, blossoms under Ray’s love and attention. However, their time together is cut short when Ray volunteers to give up his stateside assignment and fly bombing missions.

Both Ray and Helen end up fighting the important battles God brings to their separate journeys. Both, in their own way, find themselves pretending to be people they’re not in an effort to survive. And both surprise themselves as they discover the depths of courage God is able to draw from within them. The drama of each character’s story kept me turning pages until the heartwarming, supremely satisfying conclusion.

I often share how the books I read remind me of movies I’ve enjoyed. Many stories in the inspirational market remind me of old movies. Some would say what Christian books and old movies have in common is that they bypass real life to show a sanitized version of truth.

I disagree. I think these genres do take on tough problems and real life situations. But the writers do it with subtlety, restraint, and grace—as Sarah Sundin does.

Want to see what I mean? Follow this link to purchase Blue Skies Tomorrow for yourself. You’ll find yourself humming Glen Miller tunes, styling your hair with pin curls, and wishing your town had an old-fashioned soda fountain.

Follow this link to enter the giveaway at my blog Doorkeeper.

merricats_cuppa_tea's review against another edition

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5.0

So romantic, Everything Helen had to go through I was rooting for her the whole time.

abbyrosereads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

juliaisreadingg's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love it. I love Helen. I love Ray. I adore them together. 

I can't say enough about their individual growth. I wanted to reach into the book and just hold Helen, to help her. Ray was just so, wonderful. So noble. I'm glad they found each other after their failed and traumatic relationships. 

And Sarah Sundin, what an incredible writer. I love the research she puts into her stories, the heart and faith in them. Probably my favorite contemporary author.