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The Girl in the Sky
Suzanne Fortin is back with another captivating, heart-wrenching World War 2 novel set in France! Coming July 2024!
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 25, 2024
Geraldine Fitz-Herbert lives in Badcombe House, Cambridgeshire with her father, step-mother and younger brother. Fitz is rather headstrong, she’s been having flying lessons at the local airfield in a Tiger Moth and here she feels free. When the war breaks-out Fitz works at a nearby farm, but she decides to join the Air Transport Auxiliary, and she ferries planes from one base to another. She meets American Flight Officer Sam Carter at RAF Tangmere, they fall head over heels in love, something Fitz has never experienced before, she gets scared and the reality of war hits very close to home.
Fitz speaks fluent French and German thanks to all of the governesses she had as a child, she's recruited to be a SOE or a Special Operations Executive, her first mission is in Brittany, when the plane lands it goes badly, the Germans are waiting and Fitz escapes. She has no choice but to continue on, Fitz has no idea if the final location and mission has been compromised. Along the way Fitz comes across a dog she nicknames Scout and a little girl called Yvette and she takes both of them with her and while she tries to stay one step ahead of the Germans.
I received a copy of The Girl in the Sky by Suzanne Fortin from Embla Books and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Using real facts about an American Pilot who joined the British Air Force and was an gold Olympic medalist, the Air Transport Auxiliary, the RAF base at Tangmere and Westhampnett, and Bignor Manor House where agents stayed prior to being flown to France as inspiration.
Ms. Fortin has written an interesting story about the Second World War, the high mortality rate of pilots, and how dangerous it was to be an SOE. Told from the main female characters point of view and you get an idea of what it was like for women at the time, was it a good idea to fall in love during a war, and Fitz defiantly has issues with dealing with her emotions, all types personal relationships and she later understands why.
I found some parts of Fitz being an SOE a little far-fetched and unbelievable, the rest of the narrative I enjoyed and especially how Fitz grew up, matured as a person, looked at life differently and her relationship with her step-mother Camilla improved. Four stars from me and I have read and would recommend the authors previous novel, The Dancer Teacher of Paris.
Fitz speaks fluent French and German thanks to all of the governesses she had as a child, she's recruited to be a SOE or a Special Operations Executive, her first mission is in Brittany, when the plane lands it goes badly, the Germans are waiting and Fitz escapes. She has no choice but to continue on, Fitz has no idea if the final location and mission has been compromised. Along the way Fitz comes across a dog she nicknames Scout and a little girl called Yvette and she takes both of them with her and while she tries to stay one step ahead of the Germans.
I received a copy of The Girl in the Sky by Suzanne Fortin from Embla Books and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Using real facts about an American Pilot who joined the British Air Force and was an gold Olympic medalist, the Air Transport Auxiliary, the RAF base at Tangmere and Westhampnett, and Bignor Manor House where agents stayed prior to being flown to France as inspiration.
Ms. Fortin has written an interesting story about the Second World War, the high mortality rate of pilots, and how dangerous it was to be an SOE. Told from the main female characters point of view and you get an idea of what it was like for women at the time, was it a good idea to fall in love during a war, and Fitz defiantly has issues with dealing with her emotions, all types personal relationships and she later understands why.
I found some parts of Fitz being an SOE a little far-fetched and unbelievable, the rest of the narrative I enjoyed and especially how Fitz grew up, matured as a person, looked at life differently and her relationship with her step-mother Camilla improved. Four stars from me and I have read and would recommend the authors previous novel, The Dancer Teacher of Paris.
August 1, 2024
4.5 glowing stars! The Girl in the Sky was the third book that I have had the pleasure of reading by author, Suzanne Fortin. Her newest one, The Girl in the Sky, was so captivating. Much of The Girl in the Sky was inspired by real people, events and places. The Girl in the Sky was well written and impeccably researched. It took place during World War II in England and France and explored aspects that occurred during World War II that I had not previously known about. The characters were well developed and believable. It was hard for me to put this book down once I started reading it. The Girl in the Sky was everything I have come to expect from author, Suzanne Fortin, and then some.
Geraldine Fritz-Herbert grew up in Badcombe House in Cambridgeshire, England. Everyone except for her father called her Fritz. He always called her Geraldine. She tragically lost her mother when she was eight years old. That loss defined much of Fritz’s life in regard to her behavior, actions and choices. Fritz’s father, Edward, remarried within a year after Fitz’s mother died. Her father married, Camilla, a much younger woman. Fitz resented Camilla from the very start. She went out of her way to make Camilla’s life as miserable as she could.
In July of 1939, Fritz was twenty-one years old. She was still living in her father’s home with her half brother, Michael. Fritz adored her younger brother and tried to protect him as much as she could. The one thing that Fritz had a true passion for was flying airplanes. It gave her a true sense of freedom. Fritz had talked her father into giving her flying lessons at the local airfield. Her instructor, Johnny Fisher, was supportive of Fritz’s passion for flying and stuck up for her among the male pilots who questioned her ability and desire to fly. Fritz loved flying the Tiger Moth planes and had gotten really good at flying them. However, Fritz’s flying days were numbered. When England declared war on Germany, civilians were banned from the airfields. It was now occupied by RAF pilots and troops.
Fritz wanted to do her part for the war effort. She joined the Women’s Land Army and began helping a neighbor with the chores on his farm. The neighbor’s son had been called on to serve his country. When news came that the neighbor’s son had been killed in action, the neighbor lost all his desire to keep the farm running. Fritz had to find something else to do. She had heard about the Air Transport Auxiliary or ATA where women pilots ferried planes to different bases. That was what she really wanted to do. Fritz had to convince her father that she would be safe doing it. Her stepmother had other ideas for Fritz, though. Camilla wanted Fritz to go to Scotland and care for one of her elderly aunts. There was no way that Fritz was going to Scotland. She ended up signing up with ATA. In the end, her father was proud of Fritz’s decision but also concerned for her safety.
Fritz boarded a train for the training camp she was required to attend. When the train arrived, Fritz met other women who had been accepted to ATA. A very handsome American pilot came to her rescue when some English pilots started harassing Fritz and some of the other women. Fritz was surprised at how attracted she was to American Flight Officer Sam Carter. After he valiantly saved her from the incident with the other pilots she thanked him and knew that she would probably never see him again. That was so far from the truth. Flight Officer Sam Carter kept showing up when Fritz least expected him.
In 1941, Fritz and the other women that had been accepted to train in the Air Transport Auxiliary reported to the Central Flying School in Maidenhead and learned how to fly Tiger Moths and Spitfires. Fritz was one of the better pilots. She ferried the different planes from one base to another. When Fritz was sent to RAF Tangmere, she always hoped that she would get to see Flight Officer Sam Carter. Fritz had always been bold and confident. She never went anywhere without applying her red lipstick, the exact same shade that her mother used to wear. It was against the rules for the women in ATA to wear any makeup but that did not stop Fritz. Very shortly after meeting Sam, Fritz and Sam mutually agreed that they enjoyed spending time together. They began to develop feelings for each other. Fritz was scared by this. All she wanted was to have a good time. She was not supposed to feel this way about anyone. Scared by the feelings Fritz was developing for Sam, she ended things with Sam. It was the hardest thing that she ever had to do. Despite, ending their relationship, Sam was never out of her thoughts.
On one of Fritz’s numerous trips to Tangmere, she encountered some French pilots. Fritz had learned French as a young girl through her many French born governesses. She spoke to the pilots in perfect accented and flawless French. That led to Fritz being asked to train as a spy for the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Right before Fritz was due to depart for France, she went to see Sam. Fritz learned that Sam had recently been assigned to fly a plane into Nazi occupied France and had been shot down. No one knew what happened to him after that. Fritz had come to tell him that she was in love with him. Now it was too late. She had to believe that Sam survived. Right after hearing that devastating news, Fritz was sent into Nazi occupied France on a very dangerous mission. With all the detailed planning for this mission, who would have expected that the mission would be derailed right from the very beginning. Fritz was left to her own devices and instincts. Everyone else had been captured by the Nazis. She knew where she had to get to so she cautiously proceeded on her own under the cover of darkness, forests and the few genuine good souls that provided her with food and a place to sleep. As she cautiously approached villages and towns, she was horrified by what she saw. Along her way, she acquired a dog that she named Scout and a young girl named Yvette, who had been hiding from the Nazis in a well. There had been a mass murder in the church in the center of the town. It seemed to Fritz that the entire village had been executed. All the people in young Yvette’s town were dead. Fritz was not sure what the fate of Yvette’s mother was but Fritz knew that she couldn’t leave the girl there all by herself. With no other choice, Fritz took Yvette with her. Would Fritz’s mission be successful? Will she make it back to England safely? What will happen to Yvette? What happened to Sam?
I really enjoyed reading The girl in the Sky by Suzanne Fortin. Prior to reading this book, I had not known that women were trained to ferry planes between the air bases during World War II. It was not always as safe as some believed. The women were often tormented by the male pilots who did not believe that women should be allowed to fly planes. I enjoyed how strong, confident, intelligent and determined Fritz was. She was also extremely brave, courageous and caring. Her mother’s death left her unable to emotionally commit to anyone for fear of losing them. Rescuing Yvette brought many of Fritz’s feelings of losing her mother back. Fritz tried to give Yvette what she needed by recalling what she had longed for all those years ago. There were instances of Nazi brutality and cruelty. Some of the places that were mentioned in The Girl in the Sky still exist. Among them are the RAF baes of Tangmere and Westhampnet and Bignor Manor House that housed SOE agents prior to sending them to France. It was also nice to be reminded that good people existed among all those that sided with the Nazis. There were those that were willing to share their limited rations and provide a bed for those that were trying to escape from the Nazis. Unfortunately, they were far less than those who were Nazi supporters. I really enjoyed reading The Girl in the Sky and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Embia Books for allowing me to read The Girl in the Sky by Suzanne Fortin through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Geraldine Fritz-Herbert grew up in Badcombe House in Cambridgeshire, England. Everyone except for her father called her Fritz. He always called her Geraldine. She tragically lost her mother when she was eight years old. That loss defined much of Fritz’s life in regard to her behavior, actions and choices. Fritz’s father, Edward, remarried within a year after Fitz’s mother died. Her father married, Camilla, a much younger woman. Fitz resented Camilla from the very start. She went out of her way to make Camilla’s life as miserable as she could.
In July of 1939, Fritz was twenty-one years old. She was still living in her father’s home with her half brother, Michael. Fritz adored her younger brother and tried to protect him as much as she could. The one thing that Fritz had a true passion for was flying airplanes. It gave her a true sense of freedom. Fritz had talked her father into giving her flying lessons at the local airfield. Her instructor, Johnny Fisher, was supportive of Fritz’s passion for flying and stuck up for her among the male pilots who questioned her ability and desire to fly. Fritz loved flying the Tiger Moth planes and had gotten really good at flying them. However, Fritz’s flying days were numbered. When England declared war on Germany, civilians were banned from the airfields. It was now occupied by RAF pilots and troops.
Fritz wanted to do her part for the war effort. She joined the Women’s Land Army and began helping a neighbor with the chores on his farm. The neighbor’s son had been called on to serve his country. When news came that the neighbor’s son had been killed in action, the neighbor lost all his desire to keep the farm running. Fritz had to find something else to do. She had heard about the Air Transport Auxiliary or ATA where women pilots ferried planes to different bases. That was what she really wanted to do. Fritz had to convince her father that she would be safe doing it. Her stepmother had other ideas for Fritz, though. Camilla wanted Fritz to go to Scotland and care for one of her elderly aunts. There was no way that Fritz was going to Scotland. She ended up signing up with ATA. In the end, her father was proud of Fritz’s decision but also concerned for her safety.
Fritz boarded a train for the training camp she was required to attend. When the train arrived, Fritz met other women who had been accepted to ATA. A very handsome American pilot came to her rescue when some English pilots started harassing Fritz and some of the other women. Fritz was surprised at how attracted she was to American Flight Officer Sam Carter. After he valiantly saved her from the incident with the other pilots she thanked him and knew that she would probably never see him again. That was so far from the truth. Flight Officer Sam Carter kept showing up when Fritz least expected him.
In 1941, Fritz and the other women that had been accepted to train in the Air Transport Auxiliary reported to the Central Flying School in Maidenhead and learned how to fly Tiger Moths and Spitfires. Fritz was one of the better pilots. She ferried the different planes from one base to another. When Fritz was sent to RAF Tangmere, she always hoped that she would get to see Flight Officer Sam Carter. Fritz had always been bold and confident. She never went anywhere without applying her red lipstick, the exact same shade that her mother used to wear. It was against the rules for the women in ATA to wear any makeup but that did not stop Fritz. Very shortly after meeting Sam, Fritz and Sam mutually agreed that they enjoyed spending time together. They began to develop feelings for each other. Fritz was scared by this. All she wanted was to have a good time. She was not supposed to feel this way about anyone. Scared by the feelings Fritz was developing for Sam, she ended things with Sam. It was the hardest thing that she ever had to do. Despite, ending their relationship, Sam was never out of her thoughts.
On one of Fritz’s numerous trips to Tangmere, she encountered some French pilots. Fritz had learned French as a young girl through her many French born governesses. She spoke to the pilots in perfect accented and flawless French. That led to Fritz being asked to train as a spy for the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Right before Fritz was due to depart for France, she went to see Sam. Fritz learned that Sam had recently been assigned to fly a plane into Nazi occupied France and had been shot down. No one knew what happened to him after that. Fritz had come to tell him that she was in love with him. Now it was too late. She had to believe that Sam survived. Right after hearing that devastating news, Fritz was sent into Nazi occupied France on a very dangerous mission. With all the detailed planning for this mission, who would have expected that the mission would be derailed right from the very beginning. Fritz was left to her own devices and instincts. Everyone else had been captured by the Nazis. She knew where she had to get to so she cautiously proceeded on her own under the cover of darkness, forests and the few genuine good souls that provided her with food and a place to sleep. As she cautiously approached villages and towns, she was horrified by what she saw. Along her way, she acquired a dog that she named Scout and a young girl named Yvette, who had been hiding from the Nazis in a well. There had been a mass murder in the church in the center of the town. It seemed to Fritz that the entire village had been executed. All the people in young Yvette’s town were dead. Fritz was not sure what the fate of Yvette’s mother was but Fritz knew that she couldn’t leave the girl there all by herself. With no other choice, Fritz took Yvette with her. Would Fritz’s mission be successful? Will she make it back to England safely? What will happen to Yvette? What happened to Sam?
I really enjoyed reading The girl in the Sky by Suzanne Fortin. Prior to reading this book, I had not known that women were trained to ferry planes between the air bases during World War II. It was not always as safe as some believed. The women were often tormented by the male pilots who did not believe that women should be allowed to fly planes. I enjoyed how strong, confident, intelligent and determined Fritz was. She was also extremely brave, courageous and caring. Her mother’s death left her unable to emotionally commit to anyone for fear of losing them. Rescuing Yvette brought many of Fritz’s feelings of losing her mother back. Fritz tried to give Yvette what she needed by recalling what she had longed for all those years ago. There were instances of Nazi brutality and cruelty. Some of the places that were mentioned in The Girl in the Sky still exist. Among them are the RAF baes of Tangmere and Westhampnet and Bignor Manor House that housed SOE agents prior to sending them to France. It was also nice to be reminded that good people existed among all those that sided with the Nazis. There were those that were willing to share their limited rations and provide a bed for those that were trying to escape from the Nazis. Unfortunately, they were far less than those who were Nazi supporters. I really enjoyed reading The Girl in the Sky and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Embia Books for allowing me to read The Girl in the Sky by Suzanne Fortin through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 28, 2024
“Why is it a woman is rebellious but a man is a maverick?”
What a fantastic book about a young woman who continually broke down barriers and emerged as an unsung hero during WW2.
Twenty-one-year-old Geraldine ‘Fitz’ Fitz-Herbert refused to be set aside or deemed useless for simply being born female. She took flying lessons in her Cambridgeshire village and joined the Women’s Land Army. Her love of flying and her sense of duty soon caught the eye of her superiors and she was invited to join the Air Transport Auxiliary as a ferry pilot, an ‘atagirl’. Soon she surpasses her need for ferrying De Havilland Tiger Moths and Spitfires and becomes useful to the war effort on the ground.
It’s been a while since I read such a captivating WW2 story! I loved Fitz and her tenacity and was cheering her on both in the air and on the ground. Regardless of the situations she found herself in, her bravery and determination kept her going. The romance was a beautiful counterbalance to the wartime tension. Fitz's head may have been in the clouds but she was anything but unrealistic or irresponsible.
Well done!
I was gifted this copy by Embla Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
What a fantastic book about a young woman who continually broke down barriers and emerged as an unsung hero during WW2.
Twenty-one-year-old Geraldine ‘Fitz’ Fitz-Herbert refused to be set aside or deemed useless for simply being born female. She took flying lessons in her Cambridgeshire village and joined the Women’s Land Army. Her love of flying and her sense of duty soon caught the eye of her superiors and she was invited to join the Air Transport Auxiliary as a ferry pilot, an ‘atagirl’. Soon she surpasses her need for ferrying De Havilland Tiger Moths and Spitfires and becomes useful to the war effort on the ground.
It’s been a while since I read such a captivating WW2 story! I loved Fitz and her tenacity and was cheering her on both in the air and on the ground. Regardless of the situations she found herself in, her bravery and determination kept her going. The romance was a beautiful counterbalance to the wartime tension. Fitz's head may have been in the clouds but she was anything but unrealistic or irresponsible.
Well done!
I was gifted this copy by Embla Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 23, 2024
This is the first book I've read by Suzanne Fortin so I didn't know what to expect. The first third of the book let me get to know the main character, Fitz, an extremely independent, unconventional young woman with a passion for flying. I was enjoying her time as an ATA girl, her friends, and her love interest with an American pilot. Then...boom! The SOE recruits her, drops her into France, and all hell breaks loose. The plot quickly became so intense and unpredictable that I had to remind myself to breathe.
This story has two threads. One thread is Fitz's experiences during World War II but the second one is equally compelling. It's the emotional turmoil that has molded Fitz since her mother died when she was 8-years-old. The author impressively weaves this psychological profile into the plot for the reader while Fitz slowly comes to terms with the trauma so she can finally heal. I loved how Fitz and her stepmother were able to finally reach out to one another, each accepting the mistakes they had made. If you enjoy books with a strong female character in challenging situations, you'll love this one. I look forward to reading more of Suzanne Fortin's World War II novels.
My thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
This story has two threads. One thread is Fitz's experiences during World War II but the second one is equally compelling. It's the emotional turmoil that has molded Fitz since her mother died when she was 8-years-old. The author impressively weaves this psychological profile into the plot for the reader while Fitz slowly comes to terms with the trauma so she can finally heal. I loved how Fitz and her stepmother were able to finally reach out to one another, each accepting the mistakes they had made. If you enjoy books with a strong female character in challenging situations, you'll love this one. I look forward to reading more of Suzanne Fortin's World War II novels.
My thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
July 27, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exceptional book
being able to fly a plane was normally only for the men but fitz knew she was special.... her dad had paid for her flying lessons and she loved it, any chance she got she was up there free as a bird....
so with the outbreak of war with the knowledge that her evil stepmom was sending her to scotland fitz did the only thing she could do and that was to join up and fly the planes that were needed to the different air bases for the boys in blue.... and she loved it
it was there she met sam an american flighter pilot and her life would never be the same again.....
but fitz was getting well known at the air bases when she dropped off her planes and that attention suddenly brought her towards a new exciting phase in her war career.....
oh man this book is so good ... i was on the edge of my seat and i also had tears in my eyes at certain points of the story... oh man this author certainly knows how to string you along and keep you dangling on that string.... waiting to find out what was going to happen next...
being able to fly a plane was normally only for the men but fitz knew she was special.... her dad had paid for her flying lessons and she loved it, any chance she got she was up there free as a bird....
so with the outbreak of war with the knowledge that her evil stepmom was sending her to scotland fitz did the only thing she could do and that was to join up and fly the planes that were needed to the different air bases for the boys in blue.... and she loved it
it was there she met sam an american flighter pilot and her life would never be the same again.....
but fitz was getting well known at the air bases when she dropped off her planes and that attention suddenly brought her towards a new exciting phase in her war career.....
oh man this book is so good ... i was on the edge of my seat and i also had tears in my eyes at certain points of the story... oh man this author certainly knows how to string you along and keep you dangling on that string.... waiting to find out what was going to happen next...
December 30, 2024
I loved the story (worth 5 stars) but some of the narrative was a little too 'leading' (too obvious...)
The story follows Fitz from an ATA girl ferrying planes around the South coast, to an SOE operative and all the trials and tribulations that brings. Within all the drama there is, of course, a love story (stories) as well, with a satisfying conclusion (although tinged with sadness). Recommended
The story follows Fitz from an ATA girl ferrying planes around the South coast, to an SOE operative and all the trials and tribulations that brings. Within all the drama there is, of course, a love story (stories) as well, with a satisfying conclusion (although tinged with sadness). Recommended
July 16, 2024
The Girl in the Sky is another impressive WW2 novel from Suzanne Fortin with a strong female lead. Fitz is determined, daring and fearless in the air. She is a talented pilot who loves to fly and enjoys the freedom, adrenaline rush and control it gives her. When the war breaks out Fitz gets noticed for her abilities and signs up with the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) to ferry planes. During her time of training, she loses a friend in an accident and learns quickly how fleeting life can be during the war. Also, during this time she meets American Flight Officer Sam Carter and love awakens in her heart. This frightens her for many reasons: first, it is not the time to have a relationship with a fellow officer. Putting her heart out there means getting hurt for what if he goes off on a mission and never returns? She also does not want to become distracted and fail her missions. So, she turns her back on love and this man who adores her and focuses on doing something that contributes to winning the war.
In a short space of time, she gets promoted to work as a SOE (Specialist Ops Exec) partly due to the fact Fitz has excellent foreign language skills. When she is asked to take part in a secret mission in France, she steps up to the task. Here she must plunge head on into the battlefield, must constantly think on her feet and be vigilant of danger at all times. From the moment the drop off plane lands, they are in trouble for the Germans are waiting for them. Fitz manages to escape. She encounters some wicked challenges while working with the Resistance and it is a scary time. During her travels she rescues a dog she calls Scout and a child named Yvette who has survived a terrible attack. Taking them with her on her mission alters her plans immensely. But she soldiers on when she encounters the obstacles. This next part of the story captured my full attention as I could not pull away. The rest of the plot is fast paced and riveting and there are some very intense scenes with the Germans. But there are joyous encounters, too, with some good-hearted French citizens willing to help her.
Fitz is a very likeable character with a kind heart. She has grown up in a house of love and privilege. But she lost her mother when she was young, her father remarried within the year and she found it hard to cope with all these changes including her stepmother. I liked the fact that over the course of the novel her relationship with Camilla grows and she comes to understand this woman and her intentions and actions. And as secrets are revealed, it gives Fitz a whole new perspective.
I read The Girl in the Sky in one day and enjoyed it very much. Fitz and Sam are a well suited couple fighting the war with courage and dedication. This novel provides a heart breaking picture of the suffering experienced when resistant persons were caught. The dangers they faced and the courage they exhibited. It was lovely getting to know Fitz’s family, other female pilots, brave citizens who hid and helped the resistance, the dog and Yvette plus those who took care of the safe houses. This novel has a wonderful cast of characters that kept me on the edge of my seat and cheering for them. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Embla Books and Netgalley for my review copy.
In a short space of time, she gets promoted to work as a SOE (Specialist Ops Exec) partly due to the fact Fitz has excellent foreign language skills. When she is asked to take part in a secret mission in France, she steps up to the task. Here she must plunge head on into the battlefield, must constantly think on her feet and be vigilant of danger at all times. From the moment the drop off plane lands, they are in trouble for the Germans are waiting for them. Fitz manages to escape. She encounters some wicked challenges while working with the Resistance and it is a scary time. During her travels she rescues a dog she calls Scout and a child named Yvette who has survived a terrible attack. Taking them with her on her mission alters her plans immensely. But she soldiers on when she encounters the obstacles. This next part of the story captured my full attention as I could not pull away. The rest of the plot is fast paced and riveting and there are some very intense scenes with the Germans. But there are joyous encounters, too, with some good-hearted French citizens willing to help her.
Fitz is a very likeable character with a kind heart. She has grown up in a house of love and privilege. But she lost her mother when she was young, her father remarried within the year and she found it hard to cope with all these changes including her stepmother. I liked the fact that over the course of the novel her relationship with Camilla grows and she comes to understand this woman and her intentions and actions. And as secrets are revealed, it gives Fitz a whole new perspective.
I read The Girl in the Sky in one day and enjoyed it very much. Fitz and Sam are a well suited couple fighting the war with courage and dedication. This novel provides a heart breaking picture of the suffering experienced when resistant persons were caught. The dangers they faced and the courage they exhibited. It was lovely getting to know Fitz’s family, other female pilots, brave citizens who hid and helped the resistance, the dog and Yvette plus those who took care of the safe houses. This novel has a wonderful cast of characters that kept me on the edge of my seat and cheering for them. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Embla Books and Netgalley for my review copy.
July 27, 2024
*** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ***
This historical fiction novel starts introducing us to the main character, Geraldine Fitz-Herbert, known as Fitz to her friends and family, who is growing up in England in the late 1930s, while their country is on the brink of war. Fitz balks at societal norms and despises the idea of learning French and German, taking etiquette lessons, entertaining guests, and marrying rich to become a wife who takes care of the kids and home. She would much rather be up in the sky, flying a plane. Against her family's wishes, she decides to join the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying planes to and from different military bases around England. At one such base, she meets Sam, an American flight officer working for the RAF. Romance ensues, however, Fitz still can't see herself giving up her independence and love of flying to settle down with Sam.
With her language skills, Fitz gets recruited to be a Special Operations Executive (SOE), spying for the government. She's sent on a mission to retrieve something in France, and be in and out within a few days. When things go awry, Fitz has to use her intelligence and survival skills to try and make it back to England.
My thoughts- The story starts off pretty fast, with Fitz already knowing how to fly planes, without much explanation other than introducing us to who she took lessons from. I would've loved to get more information on the challenges of pursuing an aviation passion as a woman in the 1930s. I loved Fitz's sass and passion for life, her ability to be her own person. When she and Sam become sexually involved, I was shocked that she would risk her aviation career by having sex. They don't explain how she protects herself from pregnancy so I thought it was odd. I did not like it when Sam lectures her about why he thinks she's so obsessed with flying, but otherwise, he was an adorable romantic interest with charisma, good looks, and adoration for Fitz's independent spirit.
While the first half of the book was a bit slow, it really picked up when Fitz learns how to be a SOE. I loved the descriptions of her going to training for weapons, combat, demolition, map reading, field craft, and parachute training. Seeing Fitz have to put her training into action when her mission fails in France kept me on the edge of my seat.
SPOILERS
I loved that she saves a dog's life and a child, and we start to see a shift in her putting herself before anyone and anything else. I loved seeing the growth in her realizing she can have connections with other people while still maintaining her independence
and strengths.
I felt the ending of the book didn't tie up all the loose ends. We never did find out why Margot and Philippe acted so suspiciously. Who ratted out her comrades? And what ever happened to Colonel Hoffman and Engel?
This historical fiction novel starts introducing us to the main character, Geraldine Fitz-Herbert, known as Fitz to her friends and family, who is growing up in England in the late 1930s, while their country is on the brink of war. Fitz balks at societal norms and despises the idea of learning French and German, taking etiquette lessons, entertaining guests, and marrying rich to become a wife who takes care of the kids and home. She would much rather be up in the sky, flying a plane. Against her family's wishes, she decides to join the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying planes to and from different military bases around England. At one such base, she meets Sam, an American flight officer working for the RAF. Romance ensues, however, Fitz still can't see herself giving up her independence and love of flying to settle down with Sam.
With her language skills, Fitz gets recruited to be a Special Operations Executive (SOE), spying for the government. She's sent on a mission to retrieve something in France, and be in and out within a few days. When things go awry, Fitz has to use her intelligence and survival skills to try and make it back to England.
My thoughts- The story starts off pretty fast, with Fitz already knowing how to fly planes, without much explanation other than introducing us to who she took lessons from. I would've loved to get more information on the challenges of pursuing an aviation passion as a woman in the 1930s. I loved Fitz's sass and passion for life, her ability to be her own person. When she and Sam become sexually involved, I was shocked that she would risk her aviation career by having sex. They don't explain how she protects herself from pregnancy so I thought it was odd. I did not like it when Sam lectures her about why he thinks she's so obsessed with flying, but otherwise, he was an adorable romantic interest with charisma, good looks, and adoration for Fitz's independent spirit.
While the first half of the book was a bit slow, it really picked up when Fitz learns how to be a SOE. I loved the descriptions of her going to training for weapons, combat, demolition, map reading, field craft, and parachute training. Seeing Fitz have to put her training into action when her mission fails in France kept me on the edge of my seat.
SPOILERS
I loved that she saves a dog's life and a child, and we start to see a shift in her putting herself before anyone and anything else. I loved seeing the growth in her realizing she can have connections with other people while still maintaining her independence
and strengths.
I felt the ending of the book didn't tie up all the loose ends. We never did find out why Margot and Philippe acted so suspiciously. Who ratted out her comrades? And what ever happened to Colonel Hoffman and Engel?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
The Girl in the Sky is an inspiring story full of suspense.
Geraldine, also known as 'Fitz', is an independent, fearless, young pilot whose love for flying sets her up to work for the ATA when WWII breaks out. Whilst ferrying planes day to day, Fitz meets the charming American flight officer Sam Carter, whom she finds herself falling in love with quicker than she expected. Alongside her exceptional flying skills, Fitz' knowledge of the French language is noted by the SOE and is recruited to complete a very dangerous, secret mission in France.
Wow, what an amazing read! This is my first from Suzanne Fortin and definitely not my last.
The beginning was an enjoyable read, focusing on Fitz's love for flying, her friends, getting to know Sam and also delving into her complicated relationship with her step-mother. At first I was worried the plot was a bit slow for me, until she was recruited to the SOE and then that's when it got intense. I felt very anxious a few times in this story, it was so unpredictable, but I couldn't stop reading. I loved the introduction of Yvette, watching her and Fitz's relationship grow through the book was so heartwarming. I fell in love with both girls from the moment they met.
The writing was great, I loved the pace of the storyline and the plot was extremely well thought out. I'm looking forward to reading more of Suzanne Fortin's books!
**Huge thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Geraldine, also known as 'Fitz', is an independent, fearless, young pilot whose love for flying sets her up to work for the ATA when WWII breaks out. Whilst ferrying planes day to day, Fitz meets the charming American flight officer Sam Carter, whom she finds herself falling in love with quicker than she expected. Alongside her exceptional flying skills, Fitz' knowledge of the French language is noted by the SOE and is recruited to complete a very dangerous, secret mission in France.
Wow, what an amazing read! This is my first from Suzanne Fortin and definitely not my last.
The beginning was an enjoyable read, focusing on Fitz's love for flying, her friends, getting to know Sam and also delving into her complicated relationship with her step-mother. At first I was worried the plot was a bit slow for me, until she was recruited to the SOE and then that's when it got intense. I felt very anxious a few times in this story, it was so unpredictable, but I couldn't stop reading. I loved the introduction of Yvette, watching her and Fitz's relationship grow through the book was so heartwarming. I fell in love with both girls from the moment they met.
The writing was great, I loved the pace of the storyline and the plot was extremely well thought out. I'm looking forward to reading more of Suzanne Fortin's books!
**Huge thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
July 28, 2024
I found myself cheering for Fitz from the first chapter! Throughout the entirety of this book Fitz went on many adventures and missions where I could wait to find out what happened next. I have read about several of the roles that women held during WWII but this is one of my favorites!
There were so many life lessons that were taught between the pages of this book. Looking forward to pick up more books my Suzanne Fortin!
There were so many life lessons that were taught between the pages of this book. Looking forward to pick up more books my Suzanne Fortin!
April 23, 2025
3.5 stars.
June 15, 2025
Love comes in many ways
I found myself keep wanting to know what happened next especially when I was reading this at bedtime was like “so what happened ?!?”
I found myself keep wanting to know what happened next especially when I was reading this at bedtime was like “so what happened ?!?”
April 4, 2025
Huff og huff
August 9, 2024
Unputdownable indeed!
I am not normally a fan of historic romance it's not my preferred romance genre I usually stick to fantasy or contemporary as I sometimes find historic romance a touch to descriptive and boring... with that being sai... this book was unbelievable. I honestly chose it cause it was the book with the least amount of reviews on kindle but I could not be happier it worked out that way. This was a stunning read and I. COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN! The suspense was incredible through out the book you never knew what was going to happen. I have to say if you like historic romance you'll love this. If you don't, READ IT ANYWAY! It is definitely worth the read!
I am not normally a fan of historic romance it's not my preferred romance genre I usually stick to fantasy or contemporary as I sometimes find historic romance a touch to descriptive and boring... with that being sai... this book was unbelievable. I honestly chose it cause it was the book with the least amount of reviews on kindle but I could not be happier it worked out that way. This was a stunning read and I. COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN! The suspense was incredible through out the book you never knew what was going to happen. I have to say if you like historic romance you'll love this. If you don't, READ IT ANYWAY! It is definitely worth the read!
July 30, 2024
The Girl In The Sky was a great read and I enjoyed reading about the roles women played in World War II. A story of love, bravery, and the relentless pursuit of freedom was through the eyes of Fitz. I was captivated by this story and couldn’t put it down, the tension and drama throughout the book had me rooting for her as she went through the perils of war.
December 1, 2024
Terribly written book
Sprinkled around the three (or was it four?) times the main character, Fitz, has deep psychological conversations with various other characters analyzing her difficult relationship with her stepmother, she goes on a romp flying airplanes, spying in France, dining with German soldiers, fostering a young French girl, and returning home, none the worse for wear! Of course, she makes up with her stepmother (they just hadn't understood each other), she marries her estranged boyfriend, who had a leg amputated...but, hey, what's a leg worth anyway? And the French girl's mother is found to be just fine, after all! The story is inauthentic, the language poorly chosen, characters shallow and unbelievable, and the plot just bebops around, treating an extremely difficult and tragic time in history as just a great chance for a rebellious, self-absorbed, virtue signaling young woman to do some exciting things. I feel like I've been slumming along with her....ugh.
Sprinkled around the three (or was it four?) times the main character, Fitz, has deep psychological conversations with various other characters analyzing her difficult relationship with her stepmother, she goes on a romp flying airplanes, spying in France, dining with German soldiers, fostering a young French girl, and returning home, none the worse for wear! Of course, she makes up with her stepmother (they just hadn't understood each other), she marries her estranged boyfriend, who had a leg amputated...but, hey, what's a leg worth anyway? And the French girl's mother is found to be just fine, after all! The story is inauthentic, the language poorly chosen, characters shallow and unbelievable, and the plot just bebops around, treating an extremely difficult and tragic time in history as just a great chance for a rebellious, self-absorbed, virtue signaling young woman to do some exciting things. I feel like I've been slumming along with her....ugh.
August 2, 2024
What a great beach read! Another fabulous WWII tale about a young woman who refused to live the conventional life set forth by her father’s second wife, who believed she should settle down and marry a successful, established man instead of following her heart and dreams. As WWII envelopes Europe and Hitler begins his bombing raids on England, Fitz first joins the land army, quickly becomes bored with that endeavor, so with her love and knowledge of flying, joins the Women’s Air Transport Auxiliary transporting Spitfires and war materials to the pilots, across England.
The story is another wonderfully written tale of a strong woman who breaks down the barriers of gender conventions to aid the king and country against a tyrant threatening the world. Fitz refused to be tied to conventional societal rules for women when women were doing the jobs of men. The development of the characters of the father and stepmother was impressive, with the stepmother having little use for Fitz while the father stood by her most of the time.
Her love of flying, which her father endorsed, became a helpful skill she developed further as war raged worldwide. Slow to start, the setup in the first few chapters almost had me putting the book aside. But I am glad I continued reading, as the story picked up as soon as she stood up to her stepmother, left her privileged lifestyle, and joined the war effort her way. Fitz’s character was feisty and advanced for her time as a woman, and as I hit mid-book, I truly identified with this character. Her bravery in times of peril and her determination to soldier on kept me reading into the night. The romance that developed was an added plot twist in a book filled with wartime dynamics and internal strife for everyone. I felt I could see a bit of myself in Fitz and easily identify with some traits of others in the many characters Fitz met and interacted with throughout the book.
Seen as aloof by some, Fitz’s resilience and strength of character had me right there inside the story with her. It's a four-star book all around because of its slow start. Once this story unfolded, it took off and held me in its thrall until the end.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Net Galley and Embla Books for the free Advanced Copy. This review is voluntary and mine alone.
The story is another wonderfully written tale of a strong woman who breaks down the barriers of gender conventions to aid the king and country against a tyrant threatening the world. Fitz refused to be tied to conventional societal rules for women when women were doing the jobs of men. The development of the characters of the father and stepmother was impressive, with the stepmother having little use for Fitz while the father stood by her most of the time.
Her love of flying, which her father endorsed, became a helpful skill she developed further as war raged worldwide. Slow to start, the setup in the first few chapters almost had me putting the book aside. But I am glad I continued reading, as the story picked up as soon as she stood up to her stepmother, left her privileged lifestyle, and joined the war effort her way. Fitz’s character was feisty and advanced for her time as a woman, and as I hit mid-book, I truly identified with this character. Her bravery in times of peril and her determination to soldier on kept me reading into the night. The romance that developed was an added plot twist in a book filled with wartime dynamics and internal strife for everyone. I felt I could see a bit of myself in Fitz and easily identify with some traits of others in the many characters Fitz met and interacted with throughout the book.
Seen as aloof by some, Fitz’s resilience and strength of character had me right there inside the story with her. It's a four-star book all around because of its slow start. Once this story unfolded, it took off and held me in its thrall until the end.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Thank you to Net Galley and Embla Books for the free Advanced Copy. This review is voluntary and mine alone.
August 15, 2025
This book is so good! I loved the story line, it kept me on my feet not knowing what was coming next. I personally love historical fiction books, especially WW2 themed books. That war was so brutal for everyone, and reading it in history text books remove the feelings that came with the war. It is easy to say, oh that is terrible, or oh I feel so bad for them, but reading the emotions that came with the events is a different experience. With this book I could feel the adrenaline that Fitz felt in the French territory, and the wariness and not being able to trust anyone.
Fitz is such a well written character. At the beginning of the book she is this new adult, still acting like a teenager in a sense, learning her place in the world; and the role that she play in the war. At the beginning of the book she was immature, but that is expected. She was around 20 years old, and hasn't experienced much outside of her home, and flying airplanes. Then after the war she matured a great deal, and grew as a person. I think Yvette really helped in maturing Fitz. Before she was a fresh face, and didn't want to settle down and have kids; but after taking care of Yvette she realized her love for kids, and that she could really love someone so deeply. Yvette really helped the nurturing side of Fitz come out. It helped her become more self aware, and understand where her stepmother was coming from. I really loved how she communicated with her stepmother at the end of the book, and I'm glad that she was able to salvage her relationship with her. I love her relationship with Sam. He is honestly the best with how he treats her and loves her.
Sam is such a great character. He helps in building Fitz's character throughout the book, even if he wasn't physically present. I love how Sam is written, I don't know how men acted back then, but if they were anything like Sam then I wish I was born way earlier. I think compared to the men now, Sam is such a gentleman.
The beginning the book seemed a little slow to me, and I wasn't too interested. However as I kept on reading I grew more interested, and I couldn't put the book down! I really loved this book and Suzanne Fortin did an amazing job! There are no complaints from me about this book!
Fitz is such a well written character. At the beginning of the book she is this new adult, still acting like a teenager in a sense, learning her place in the world; and the role that she play in the war. At the beginning of the book she was immature, but that is expected. She was around 20 years old, and hasn't experienced much outside of her home, and flying airplanes. Then after the war she matured a great deal, and grew as a person. I think Yvette really helped in maturing Fitz. Before she was a fresh face, and didn't want to settle down and have kids; but after taking care of Yvette she realized her love for kids, and that she could really love someone so deeply. Yvette really helped the nurturing side of Fitz come out. It helped her become more self aware, and understand where her stepmother was coming from. I really loved how she communicated with her stepmother at the end of the book, and I'm glad that she was able to salvage her relationship with her. I love her relationship with Sam. He is honestly the best with how he treats her and loves her.
Sam is such a great character. He helps in building Fitz's character throughout the book, even if he wasn't physically present. I love how Sam is written, I don't know how men acted back then, but if they were anything like Sam then I wish I was born way earlier. I think compared to the men now, Sam is such a gentleman.
The beginning the book seemed a little slow to me, and I wasn't too interested. However as I kept on reading I grew more interested, and I couldn't put the book down! I really loved this book and Suzanne Fortin did an amazing job! There are no complaints from me about this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
William Meade Lindsley "Billy" Fiske III (4 June 1911–17 August 1940), was an American combat fighter pilot and Olympian.Fiske was the son of a New England banking magnate. Fiske attended Trinity Hall, Cambridge in 1928 where he studied Economics and History.He then worked at the London office of Dillon, Reed & Co, the New York bankers.At the 1928 and 1932 Winter Olympics, Fiske won gold as driver for the US bobsledding team, also acting as the American Olympic flagbearer in 1932.In 1939,Fiske traveled to the UK and joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve,claiming to be Canadian in order to be permitted to enlist.On 12 July 1940, Fiske joined No. 601 Squadron RAF, a Hawker Hurricane unit, at RAF Tangmere, West Sussex, aka the "Millionaires' Squadron", since a lot of its members were rich, carrying out his first sorties with the squadron on 20 July.He participated in the Battle of Britain, before being KIA.Fiske was also instrumental in the early development of the Aspen ski resort.During WWII,Bignor Manor House was the rented family home of Major Anthony Bertram who was working for military intelligence with French resistance agents. He volunteered to use the manor house as a secret forward base for members of the resistance who were waiting to be flown by light aircraft to France on moonlit nights from RAF Tangmere air base.His wife Barbara looked after the agents.Agents returning from France would also be taken there.RAF Westhampnett was built as an emergency landing airfield for fighter aircraft, as a satellite station to RAF Tangmere.RAF Tangmere was famous for its role in the Battle of Britain.WWII aces Wing Commander Douglas Baden and Johnnie Johnson were stationed there in 1941.Later, Douglas Baden commanded the Tangmere wing of Fighter Command.The station was used by the Royal Air Force Special Duty Service when 161 (Special Duty) Squadron's Westland Lysander flight came down to do their insertion and pick-up operations into occupied Europe. The SOE used Tangmere Cottage, to house their agents.Group Captain Peter Townsend,another WWII ace,known for his doomed love affair with Princess Margaret,spent time at Tangmere.
July 17, 2024
I finished The Girl in the Sky a few days ago. I am having a hard time putting into words what the story means to me. I usually start a new book as soon as I finish my current read. I haven't been able to do it. As I read something new, I keep thinking about Fitz and Sam. They went through a lot before they got there happily ever after. Their strength is an inspiration.
Fitz (Geraldine Fitz-Herbert) joins the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) to do her part for the war effort. As an already trained pilot she is the perfect candidate. Her job is ferrying planes for the Royal Air Force to different air fields.
It was in her travels that she met Sam (Flying Officer Sam Carter). Their interactions allow the reader insight into the challenges of romance during the war. The story helped me to understand the different interactions between people of different classes. What was really interesting was how some of the men treated women. I had to keep reminding myself not to put today's values on the past.
The book becomes really interesting, word devouring, when Fitz is recruited by the SOE for a mission to France. The dangers were extreme. The devastation she encountered was heartbreaking. I felt her fear, her frustration, her determination. I also felt her hope as she traveled through France hoping to find Sam, who was listed MIA, as she attempted to complete her mission.
Succeeding won't be easy. There are so many obstacles to overcome. She didn't know who to trust. The suspense was extreme. I just didn't know what she would come up against next. All of my emotions, all of my thoughts regarding Fitz, wouldn't let go. I can only hope that other readers enjoy the story.
Fitz (Geraldine Fitz-Herbert) joins the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) to do her part for the war effort. As an already trained pilot she is the perfect candidate. Her job is ferrying planes for the Royal Air Force to different air fields.
It was in her travels that she met Sam (Flying Officer Sam Carter). Their interactions allow the reader insight into the challenges of romance during the war. The story helped me to understand the different interactions between people of different classes. What was really interesting was how some of the men treated women. I had to keep reminding myself not to put today's values on the past.
The book becomes really interesting, word devouring, when Fitz is recruited by the SOE for a mission to France. The dangers were extreme. The devastation she encountered was heartbreaking. I felt her fear, her frustration, her determination. I also felt her hope as she traveled through France hoping to find Sam, who was listed MIA, as she attempted to complete her mission.
Succeeding won't be easy. There are so many obstacles to overcome. She didn't know who to trust. The suspense was extreme. I just didn't know what she would come up against next. All of my emotions, all of my thoughts regarding Fitz, wouldn't let go. I can only hope that other readers enjoy the story.
July 6, 2025
4.5 stars
The Girl in the Sky is the third historical novel I’ve read by Suzanne Fortin, and it was captivating from start to finish. Fitz is a fantastic protagonist—feisty, tenacious, selfless, and fearless in the air. She loves to fly, so when her stepmother decides to send her to Scotland for safety, Fitz instead joins the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying planes across the country.
During this time, she meets American pilot Sam Carter. Despite her growing feelings for him, Fitz guards her heart, haunted by the possibility that he could disappear on a mission and never return.
The story really takes off when Fitz is recruited for a secret mission in France, thanks to her exceptional language skills. From this point on, the plot becomes truly engrossing. Constantly in danger, Fitz must rely on her wits and courage as she navigates occupied France. Along the way, she rescues a dog named Scout and a young girl, Yvette, who’s been separated from her mother during a German attack.
I found myself deeply anxious for all three of them on more than one occasion. Fitz’s fear, frustration, and determination are so vividly portrayed that I felt every difficult choice she had to make. The bond that grows between Fitz and Yvette was especially moving, and one of my favourite parts of the novel.
The Girl in the Sky is a powerful and emotional WWII story that highlights how the war transformed women’s lives. With richly detailed descriptions, complex characters, and nail-biting tension, this was a truly wonderful read.
The Girl in the Sky is the third historical novel I’ve read by Suzanne Fortin, and it was captivating from start to finish. Fitz is a fantastic protagonist—feisty, tenacious, selfless, and fearless in the air. She loves to fly, so when her stepmother decides to send her to Scotland for safety, Fitz instead joins the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying planes across the country.
During this time, she meets American pilot Sam Carter. Despite her growing feelings for him, Fitz guards her heart, haunted by the possibility that he could disappear on a mission and never return.
The story really takes off when Fitz is recruited for a secret mission in France, thanks to her exceptional language skills. From this point on, the plot becomes truly engrossing. Constantly in danger, Fitz must rely on her wits and courage as she navigates occupied France. Along the way, she rescues a dog named Scout and a young girl, Yvette, who’s been separated from her mother during a German attack.
I found myself deeply anxious for all three of them on more than one occasion. Fitz’s fear, frustration, and determination are so vividly portrayed that I felt every difficult choice she had to make. The bond that grows between Fitz and Yvette was especially moving, and one of my favourite parts of the novel.
The Girl in the Sky is a powerful and emotional WWII story that highlights how the war transformed women’s lives. With richly detailed descriptions, complex characters, and nail-biting tension, this was a truly wonderful read.
July 29, 2024
This eARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Geraldine Fitz-Herbert, a young woman growing up in a privileged household in England in the late 1930s, has only one desire- to fly. Once the war starts, Fitz devotes her time helping her country and eventually becomes an Air Transport Auxiliary pilot, helping to move planes and personnel around her country. Her skills as a pilot and a multilingual woman, being fluent in German, English, and French, soon catches the attention of the Joint Technical Board and is requited into the Special Operations Executive to become an operative in France. There, she has to fight not only for her life, but for the people she has come to love.
The Fitz we meet at the beginning of the novel is very different from the Fitz we see at the end and the journey she takes to become that person is incredible to read. Honestly, she was fairly average, even unlikeable, at the beginning. She comes across as self-centered and childish and can even be cruel to the people who love her to keep them from getting close to her. Her mother passed away when she was younger and when her father remarries she never gives her stepmother a chance and thinks the worst of her even though her stepmother only wants the best for her. When Fitz meets the American Flight Officer Sam Carter they clearly fall for each other immediately. However, after being faced with the reality that they are in a war and she could lose him at any time, she cruelly pushes him away afraid that, like her mother, he will die in the war and she will be alone and broken-hearted. It isn’t until she is recruited to join the resistance in France that the story really takes off and Fitz truly grows as a person.
The time Fitz spent in France left me breathless and I couldn’t stop reading. She becomes such a strong and selfless person, making incredibly difficult decisions to keep not only herself alive, but the people she meets along the way. She grows so much as a person during this time and realizes all the mistakes she has made with the people who love her back home. The experience changes her for the rest of her life, but it makes her a better person.
Geraldine Fitz-Herbert, a young woman growing up in a privileged household in England in the late 1930s, has only one desire- to fly. Once the war starts, Fitz devotes her time helping her country and eventually becomes an Air Transport Auxiliary pilot, helping to move planes and personnel around her country. Her skills as a pilot and a multilingual woman, being fluent in German, English, and French, soon catches the attention of the Joint Technical Board and is requited into the Special Operations Executive to become an operative in France. There, she has to fight not only for her life, but for the people she has come to love.
The Fitz we meet at the beginning of the novel is very different from the Fitz we see at the end and the journey she takes to become that person is incredible to read. Honestly, she was fairly average, even unlikeable, at the beginning. She comes across as self-centered and childish and can even be cruel to the people who love her to keep them from getting close to her. Her mother passed away when she was younger and when her father remarries she never gives her stepmother a chance and thinks the worst of her even though her stepmother only wants the best for her. When Fitz meets the American Flight Officer Sam Carter they clearly fall for each other immediately. However, after being faced with the reality that they are in a war and she could lose him at any time, she cruelly pushes him away afraid that, like her mother, he will die in the war and she will be alone and broken-hearted. It isn’t until she is recruited to join the resistance in France that the story really takes off and Fitz truly grows as a person.
The time Fitz spent in France left me breathless and I couldn’t stop reading. She becomes such a strong and selfless person, making incredibly difficult decisions to keep not only herself alive, but the people she meets along the way. She grows so much as a person during this time and realizes all the mistakes she has made with the people who love her back home. The experience changes her for the rest of her life, but it makes her a better person.
September 6, 2024
In this fantastic World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow pilot Geraldine Fitz-Herbert who prefers the nickname Fitz and flying to her aristocratic life and its restrictions. When World War II breaks out, Fitz chooses to enlist in the Air Transport Authority and put her flying skills to use for the war effort. Missions around England keep putting her in contact with American pilot Sam Carter, and their relationship is something new, exciting, and passionate. When ATA leaders and other top secret officials discover Fitz has years of foreign language education under her belt, they assign her to a top-secret mission with the Brittany resistance which proves to be more difficult than she expects. Combining several different facets of the World War II historical fiction genre and different wartime military occupations for women, Fortin’s latest novel is a fascinating, high stakes, and emotional adventure. With her complex characters and a fantastic protagonist in Fitz, the emotional heart of the novel is definitely present throughout the book. A fantastic foray into World War II and how women’s lives changed during the war, Fortin’s novel is powerful, emotional, and complex, and she brings Fitz and her world to life through powerful descriptions, high-stakes events, and realistic, complex character relationships.
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the advance copy.
December 3, 2025
Geraldine Fitz-Herbert is living with her father, step-mother and step-brother when WWII was declared in England. After her mother died, her father married Camilla, a much younger woman. Camilla tried but Fitz always resented her although she loves her younger step-brother, Michael. Her parents travel a lot and Michael and her are often left at home with the governess.
Fitz's father paid for her to have flying lessons which she absolutely loved but when war was declared, civilians were not allowed on the airfield. She is determined to do her bit and joins the Land Girls. After the farmer's son is killed, he loses interest in the farm and sells. Then Fitz learns of the ATA, Air Transport Auxiliary and applies. When she arrives at the train station, a group of soldiers begin harassing her and her fellow ATA women. A Canadian pilot and his friends take charge and intervene. She thinks she'll never see Sam Carter again but she's wrong.
She completes the basic training and is assigned to her post but a series of events lead her to a dangerous mission in Brittany.
I've read several books about the ATA female pilots but am always happy to learn more. As the others I've read, the author has done her research into this important division of the British war effort.
Fitz's father paid for her to have flying lessons which she absolutely loved but when war was declared, civilians were not allowed on the airfield. She is determined to do her bit and joins the Land Girls. After the farmer's son is killed, he loses interest in the farm and sells. Then Fitz learns of the ATA, Air Transport Auxiliary and applies. When she arrives at the train station, a group of soldiers begin harassing her and her fellow ATA women. A Canadian pilot and his friends take charge and intervene. She thinks she'll never see Sam Carter again but she's wrong.
She completes the basic training and is assigned to her post but a series of events lead her to a dangerous mission in Brittany.
I've read several books about the ATA female pilots but am always happy to learn more. As the others I've read, the author has done her research into this important division of the British war effort.
July 25, 2024
Loved this book!
This story was so good. Fitz, ("real name" Geraldine) comes from a well-to-do household. Her mother died when she was young, and her father remarried shortly after. Of course as happens, as a pre-teen/teenager grows up, they rebel against authority, and Fitz was no exception. All she wanted to do was fly airplanes!
Unfortunately for many, the war gave her the opportunity she craved. She was accepted to serve in the ATA, and spent time ferrying planes from one location to another. She meets Sam, a funny, outgoing American pilot, but is reluctant to get attached. I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed, but not with the way Fitz handled things.
The story follows Fitz through her early career and life. Some experiences are heartbreaking, others are so hopeful, like Yvette. I think anyone who enjoys wartime historical fiction through a woman's lens will enjoy this book.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
This story was so good. Fitz, ("real name" Geraldine) comes from a well-to-do household. Her mother died when she was young, and her father remarried shortly after. Of course as happens, as a pre-teen/teenager grows up, they rebel against authority, and Fitz was no exception. All she wanted to do was fly airplanes!
Unfortunately for many, the war gave her the opportunity she craved. She was accepted to serve in the ATA, and spent time ferrying planes from one location to another. She meets Sam, a funny, outgoing American pilot, but is reluctant to get attached. I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed, but not with the way Fitz handled things.
The story follows Fitz through her early career and life. Some experiences are heartbreaking, others are so hopeful, like Yvette. I think anyone who enjoys wartime historical fiction through a woman's lens will enjoy this book.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
July 28, 2024
Fritz is a headstrong, stubborn, young women. With experience and love of flying she joins the Air Transport Auxiliary helping to fly planes between bases. She meets Sam an American pilot. With her pilot experience and language skills she is soon being recruited by the SOE. The Girl in the Sky is a page turning, historical fiction novel. This interesting story portrays a women’s love for flying, her complicated relation with her stepmother, a love she fought against and a battle to survive. Fritz’s spirit, passion, courage and growth draws you in to this drama filled fast pace read.
I would like to thank Embla Books, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheGirlintheSky #NetGalley
I would like to thank Embla Books, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheGirlintheSky #NetGalley
August 15, 2024
An excellent world war 2 story at a cracking pace that will keep the pages turning so you can find out what happens next. Fitz starts out as a petulant teenager without a lot of direction, except for her love of flying. War breaking out gives her the opportunity to follow her dream as well as give her focus and learn about responsibility. She meets handsome Sam, but is too scared to admit she loves him. They are separated by missions to France, where Fitz has to grow up fast and actually look after other people, while trying to escape from the Germans. Fitz is a flawed and fabulous heroine, all of the characters are beautifully written, a lot of the story is based on real events that happened, and a lovely romance just puts the icing on the cake.
August 9, 2024
An incredible story of one womans determination to serve her country. Based on real life stories, The Girl in the Sky follows Fitz as she trains with the Air Transport Auxiliary and takes to the sky. However, her fluency in French means she is recruited for a special mission in Britanny, where her colleagues are compromised by the Germans and she has to embark alone on a perilous journey. She isn't alone for long as she recruits a doggy companion, whom she names Scout and a child called Yvette. It is a story of courage and stoicism, much heart and a determination to save her country and cointryfolk. Absolutely absorbing. #thegirlinthesky #suzannefortin #embla #netgalley
September 12, 2024
WOW
I haven’t read any books by Suzanne but I do love all the books about the women transporting planes to various places so when I saw the book the title grabbed me and I was hooked, the story of Fitz ( Geraldine ) is so well written that I didn’t want to put it down, the first day I started reading late afternoon till around 2am the next morning and this afternoon and tonight I have finished it. The story is brilliant, Suzanne really has got the knack of writing so that you feel part of the story, truly gripping read
I haven’t read any books by Suzanne but I do love all the books about the women transporting planes to various places so when I saw the book the title grabbed me and I was hooked, the story of Fitz ( Geraldine ) is so well written that I didn’t want to put it down, the first day I started reading late afternoon till around 2am the next morning and this afternoon and tonight I have finished it. The story is brilliant, Suzanne really has got the knack of writing so that you feel part of the story, truly gripping read
September 23, 2025
Although I struggled to like our main character, Fitz, her growth and maturity through her wartime experiences changed that. I enjoyed the second half of the book more and appreciated the twist in relationships between Fitz and her stepmother Camilla.
The depth of historical details lacked for me, especially after I recently read a book about ATTA girl pilots that shared much more insights into their daily work, that this book lacks. However, the emotions and experiences of their work, however brushed over, were there.
The depth of historical details lacked for me, especially after I recently read a book about ATTA girl pilots that shared much more insights into their daily work, that this book lacks. However, the emotions and experiences of their work, however brushed over, were there.
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