The Man Who Fell from the Sky

by Anita Frank, Kristin Atherton (Narrator)

From Sunday Times bestselling author Anita Frank comes an epic tale of love and loyalty at the height of WW2.

Britain, March, 1944.

After a desperate aerial battle over Somerset, a German bomber goes down in flames.

From the safety of her family farm, Joan Marsh watches as three parachutes bloom against the night sky, not realising that one carries a man who will change her life forever.

When Joan discovers the Luftwaffe pilot hiding in her barn, her first instinct is to turn him in – against her better judgment, she offers him shelter instead. As they work side by side in the fields, a forbidden love begins to flourish. But even the most private matters of the heart cannot go unnoticed…

As the walls close in on their unlikely affair, Dieter and Joan's lives become fraught with danger, until passion and patriotism finally collide.

Narrated by award-winning Kristin Atherton, The Man Who Fell from the Sky is an unforgettable story of love, sacrifice and the extraordinary connections that can form even in the darkest moments of history.

Genres: Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical, World War II, War

Audible Audio

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

A farmer’s daughter from Shropshire, Anita Frank studied English and American History at the University of East Anglia before moving to London to work in media analysis and communications. Frank currently lives in Berkshire with her husband and three children.

Reviews

[☆ Kelly ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What were the chances of a German falling from the sky and knowing that much English?
5 🌟 for punching Sid

[Patty Hagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working my way through free Audible content until my monthly credit allotment comes through 😅 I found this gem. It’s an engaging story with sweetness, simplicity, and heart. Sure, there are elements of “yeah, right…” and “ummm perpetuate stereotypes much?” but get over it and just enjoy the story. The message is that people are people, don’t judge if you don’t know, and everyone operates on reasons you know nothing about.

[Jordyn Bridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute wartime romance with a good message - love your enemies and always aim to see them as human. I thought it was well paced. There’s some foul language by the bad guy. Listened on audible.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked it but there wasn’t much physical closeness, or more romantic scenes. They worked together silently most of the time. Maybe they didn’t have much to talk about (in terms of character creation).
I expected at least one sexual scene (getting used to it because of other books).

Also, the German soldier should have spoken A1-A2 level English. It would have been more fun to watch them try to communicate, him not making full and correct sentences and his English getting better after weeks.

[Jess Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Man Who Fell from the Sky well and truly wrecked me in the most beautiful way possible. Bravo, Anita Frank. Bravo.

I did listen to this book through Audible in the Audible Plus Catalog, and we have to talk about not only the narration, but the sound effects.

Kristin Atherton made this story come to life with her narration of not just Joan and Dieter, but of the entire cast of people you meet along the way. Not only was she doing male and female narrations, but she was also doing British, English and German accents. Not once did her voice falter or flail and she has my entire respect for that.

The sound effects at the beginning and the end of the book really helped you feel like you were there. Not just at the end when emotions are heightened, but right at the beginning. There are plans, bombs going off, gunshots and it was overwhelming the best way. Brilliant job.

Anita Frank, whoa! She has blown me away with her story of love in one of the worst times in history. You don't plan it. You avoid it, or you try to. Sometimes fate has other ideas, but I was captivated by Joan and all that she had to endure. Not to mention Dieter, that poor man. My heart was breaking for him, right up until it wasn't.

A beautiful story during WWII that has landed Anita Frank a spot on my always buy author list.

[SEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book.

I loved the characters and got attached to them. The plot is good and the story is sad and sweet and heartwarming all at once.

[Erin Ogilvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a good historical fiction and this one was perfect !! I devoured it! If you like historical fiction this is a must listen !

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging overall. Too many sound effects, but fortunately they're limited to the first and last chapters. I was eagerly waiting for how the author would make a Nazi into a hero, but this novel's greatest weakness is how little she addresses that. We're nearly halfway through before Dieter THINKS about how he was conscripted and doesn't support Hitler. He never really discusses it with the English family sheltering him; it only comes up briefly toward the end. Therefore, it felt like the most important question is never answered and the best dramatic opportunities are lost. In addition, I never really understood why Dieter and Joan fell in love. They both like farming, that's it. Nor is there any discussion at the end of whether he'll come to live in England or expect her to live in Germany. Probably not given the latter's devastation. Dieter will be separated from his beloved family, then. The Christmas ending is really too saccharine. But in the moment, an enjoyable listen. 3.5 stars.

[Elizabeth Prevost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it perfect? No. Was it engaging? Yes. As someone who doesn’t reach for historical fiction often, this book was a pleasant surprise. I appreciated the sound effects in the audio recording. I liked the narrator too, she had a wide range of voices and it was impressive. Would consider listening to or reading another from this author. I know it was cheesy but listen I can’t say for sure that this book is so far fetched because I was not around during World War Two. That’s why it’s historical FICTION! You can’t expect everything from a free audible original…

[Megan Trejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a slow start but I quickly got into it. I found myself really invested and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. I think at the end of the day most people forget that military members are following orders and just because they are following said orders doesn’t mean they agree with them. We are all still humans and need use compassion. Like AJ says “Grace costs you nothing” and I think this applies so well to this story.

[Justine Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy Kristen Hannah, then you would more than likely enjoy this book. It’s a lighter read. Easy to get into. Happy endings! Set in England during WW2. A German air men is found hurt. Joan and her mother take him in and nurture him back to health. There is some drama sprinkled throughout the book.

[Cassandra Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well narrated and written, kept you guessing about a few things.

[Katelyn Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Xandriaaa 🌙🦇 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sucker for a wartime romance. So sad and lovely at the same time. Hated Sid so so much and glad he got knocked out. Just a reminder that we’re all human.

[Alicia Collings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book so so wonderful and so beautiful.

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a great story. like another reviewer mentioned, some parts are... unrealistic, but I enjoyed it enough to just go along with it. 5/5, no regrets, and it's still free to listen to on Audible.

[Britt VS HEN · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unexpected read as it was free on Audible and came up as a suggestion for me. But I was grateful because I actually really liked it way more than I thought I would. It was an historical fiction, World War II era timeframe.

It got exciting right from the “Get Go.” It was very suspenseful with the whole forbidden love theme between people on opposite sides of a war and hiding a soldier while the whole town looked for him. Lots of “almosts” that got my heart racing. I also appreciated that the forbidden love was an appropriate one between two humans that just happened to be parts of countries that decided to fight each other. Recently, I have read too many forbidden love stories that were written for you to root on their relationship, even though they were breaking vows of marriage or the priesthood. I’m not a big fan of wanting to root for something that goes against my moral fiber.

It was a short read, so that was also refreshing and I like that there were sound effects now and again in the background. I’m enjoying that more with some of the newer audiobooks. Makes the experience a little more dimensional.

The downside to this one was probably the ending – I feel like it ended pretty abruptly with not a lot of closing storyline or resolution. There was a prologue, but it didn’t give me all that I wanted. Still, I enjoyed the read (it kept me going) although somewhat predictable, I didn’t care because I liked it. 😊

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, it was fine

[Edie Kennard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anita Frank’s The Man Who Fell from the Sky is a beautifully atmospheric piece of historical fiction that explores the blurred lines between "enemy" and "human." Set against the lush but weary landscape of Somerset in 1944, the story takes a familiar trope—the forbidden wartime romance—and elevates it with rich prose and high stakes.

The Story at a Glance
The novel follows Joan Marsh, a hardworking farm girl whose world is upended when a German bomber crashes near her home. When she discovers Dieter, a Luftwaffe pilot, hiding in her barn, she is faced with an impossible choice. What begins as a hesitant act of mercy evolves into a deep, quiet connection as they toil together in the fields. However, in a country gripped by the paranoia and grief of WWII, their secret is a ticking time bomb.

What I Loved
Atmospheric Narrating: If you listen to the audiobook, Kristin Atherton is phenomenal. Her narration captures Joan’s internal conflict and the somber, tense mood of the British countryside perfectly.

The Moral Gray Areas: Frank does an excellent job showing that Joan isn't a traitor, but a woman responding to a shared humanity. The struggle between her patriotism and her growing feelings for Dieter feels authentic and painful.

Slow-Burn Tension: The romance isn’t rushed. It’s built on shared silence and the grueling work of farm life, which makes the eventual "collision" of their worlds feel earned.

A Note on the Pacing
The only reason I’m giving this four stars instead of five is the mid-section pacing. While the "side by side in the fields" scenes are essential for character building, the story lingers there a bit long before the external dangers start to close in. However, once the tension ramps up in the final act, it becomes nearly impossible to put down.

Final Verdict: An evocative and emotional read that asks: Can love truly survive when the whole world says you should be enemies? Fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society or The English Patient will find a lot to love here.

[Loreina Klevenski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t even realize Audible did Audible-only “books,” but I’m so glad I stumbled across this one.

First, the narration deserves special mention. Kristin Atherton narrates all of the parts, and she was fantastic. Each character felt distinct and believable, and she carried the emotional weight of the story beautifully. This was one of those audiobooks where you forget you’re listening to a single narrator because the performance is that strong.

The story itself is compelling and easy to sink into. Set during WWII, a German bomber goes down over a farm in Somerset, England, where Joan, the farmer’s daughter, witnesses the crash. With most of the men gone to war, the setup feels historically grounded, and while you can guess where the story is heading, it’s still engaging to listen as everything unfolds.

The forbidden romance between Joan and Dieter is handled thoughtfully, and I appreciated that the story didn’t shy away from the moral tension of the situation. Love, loyalty, fear, and duty are all constantly pulling against each other, which made the stakes feel real.

My only small critique is that I would have loved more development of the relationship between the two main characters. Their connection is believable, but I wanted a bit more time with them together before things escalated. Because of that, this landed at 4.5 stars for me instead of a full five.

Overall, this was an excellent listen and a great example of how powerful audio storytelling can be. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, forbidden romance, and immersive narration, this one is absolutely worth your time.

[Janna Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel by Anita Frank pulls no punches in describing the issues facing the UK during WWII. In this novel, Joan and her mother are left to tend to the family farm (her father is in the hospital recovering from surgery while her brother Ray, a pilot flying over Germany, has been lost in action).

She wakes one morning to learn that a German plane flying over her home village has crashed and three German soldiers have left the plane and are probably hiding somewhere in the town. Joan's life becomes infinitely more complicated when she uncovers the German pilot hiding in the family's barn. She wants to turn him in immeditely but her mother, still reeling from her son's disappearance, takes the man in, hoping that if her son has the same fate, a kind German woman will do the same for him.

With tensions mounting between mother and daughter, and a suitor named Sid becoming suspicious of everyone, Joan finds herself in an untenable position. But then, the air softens between Joan and Dieter and they eventually engage in a secretive relationship.

But what happens when Dieter's comrade surfaces and is found out?

This is a well-written story about the realities of war, especially as they concern two people who fall in love.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful story. It had me grinning, worrying, crying. The characters are very interesting, precious, and humane. The slow burn was engaging and sweet.
I must admit, through the whole story I was preparing myself for a devastating ending, as with all war stories. I was sure someone would die, that their fate would be that of Romeo and Juliet. I’m relieved my sanity was spared and glad for the epilogue, for leaving me satisfied.

The book is very well written. It is descriptive and allowed me to emerge into the world of Joan and Dieter without having to concentrate on the words. I liked that the narration was in 3rd pov. It was a nice break from most novels - I wasn’t stuck in the heroine’s mind. I also appreciated that romantic scenes were described gracefully and sweetly, rather than smutty.
The audiobook narration was amazing, assigning different personalities to each character and read with great, earnest emotion. Apart from the plot, I’d listen to this audiobook solely for the wonderful narration.

I would love to read a physical copy and would definitely listen to this again after some time. I’d also love to see a movie adaptation of this.

[Michelle Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt deeply for Elsie and the overwhelming loss she carries for her missing son. Her grief is portrayed with such quiet realism that it’s easy to understand why she longs for connection and why she feels compelled to care for the airman. That emotional pull adds real depth to the story and makes Elsie’s actions feel both natural and moving.

Dita’s character is written with a gentle strength that flows throughout the novel. His kindness, sensitivity, and calm presence help explain why Joan is drawn to him, especially in a time shaped by fear and uncertainty. Their connection develops softly and sincerely, making the romance feel earned rather than rushed.

The story also captures the harsh realities of farm life and the daily challenges of wartime, while still celebrating the charm of a small village community. Despite the hardship, the writing allows you to vividly imagine the countryside — the fields, the routines, and the quiet moments that offer comfort amidst loss.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable and light read. It balances sorrow and hope beautifully, leaving the reader with a warm, reflective feeling long after the final page.

[Amanda Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A German pilot crashes in the countryside in England with his three comrades. The pilot finds himself on the farm of Joan Marsh. Her mother Elsie takes him in to nurse him back to health and hides him from being discovered by the English countrymen squad. Elsie hopes that by showing him kindness, someone will show her son Ray kindness as he is an English pilot and has been missing for two years.
In the meantime, he helps out on the farm and begins to fall for Joan and she for him. However, Sydney, a local military man has his sights on Joan and is suspicious of the Marsh's behavior. Eventually, after fighting off his fallen comrade and Syd, Deter turns himself in as a POW to protect the Marsh family. After two years, he is allowed to be sponsored at Christmas by an English family and is able to see Joan again and they reconfirm their love and promises to wait for each other for his release.

[Margaret Saal · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIBLE BOOK
A story of love and loyalty at the height of WW2.
After an aerial battle over Somerset, a German bomber goes down in flames. From the safety of their farm Joan Marsh watches as three parachutes appear in the night sky, not realising that one carries a man who will change her life forever.
When Joan discovers the Luftwaffe pilot hiding in the barn, her first instinct is to hand him in but instead she tends to his injuries with the help of her mother. Against her better judgment she offers him shelter and as they work side by side in the fields love begins to flourish. The longer Joan and Dieter work together
on the farm it becomes more difficult to hide him and their lives become more fraught with danger.
I founds this a well written and compulsive read and a true reflection of lives in the war years. The narrator was very good.

[C.A. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully different WWII love story! I was engrossed from start to finish. It follows a British farm girl named Joan whose brother is in the British Air Force and is missing in action, who encounters a downed German airman (Deter) on her farm. He doesn't believe strongly in the war either -- like her brother, like so many soldiers in war, he had no choice and just did what he was told. The whole community saw the airmen bail out and they know they're somewhere nearby. It's Joan's mother who convinces Joan that they can't turn Deter in, as Deter reminds her mother of the son she lost. She hopes that, in some karmic way, if she takes care of Deter, someone else might do the same for her son in a foreign land too. Eventually Joan comes to trust Deter, and the two fall in love. It seems doomed from the start... but it manages to have a believable happily ever after.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* generously rounded up. An oddly boring and stressful listen. Took a long time to get into it, but it just about managed it eventually. Writing is frequently awful and cringy, which only gets worse as the attachment between Joan and Dieter develops. Some rather graphic scenes that came as a surprise given the style and ingenuous nature of the rest of it. The ending is very dragged out...

However, it's a good story with a great premise and several twists and turns, believable character and relationship development. The reasoning behind character's actions is well thought through. I only wish Sid had more serious repercussions for his poor life choices - he definitely needed to be shipped off to the front!

[Tracy Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book offered to audible members for free as an “Audible Original”. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a 4.5 for me. The narrator did a wonderful job with each of the characters and voices. You felt like there were different people speaking.

The story takes place near the end of WWII when a German bomber pilot is shot down and parachutes into an English farm. A mother and daughter live there, the father is currently in the hospital, and they help heal the soldier back to health. The story brings up topics of war, prejudice and what lengths people might due for true love despite the consequences.

Give it a listen. Enjoy!

[Tara Abernathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A WWII story of a German boy whose bomber plane was hit and he and his fellow soldiers had to parachute out of the plane. Dieter, the German soldier didn’t escape away with his friends but he landed injuries due to boots coming off before his fall. Joan and her mother find him and nurse him back to help. Dieter becomes a help around their British farm while Joan’s father is recovering from surgery in the hospital. Joan and Dieter fall in love slowly. Joan’s father comes home from the hospital and is upset a German is there. He learns to accept him but finds out his own son has been killed in the war so he turns in Dieter. Joan moans this and eventually is reunited.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummm yes. This was amazing and simple and so so sweet. But also…it gave such good reminders about war, drafts and how we are all just people trying to do our best.
I always get stuck in a romantasy loop for a while and need a break, and this cute historical fiction was exactly what I needed. 🥹 “Peter” was so likable and realistic. Joan was awesome and so relatable…and her mother was the best. Dare I say, I would’ve fallen for a German too, if I was her! 🤣 All this to say that this was such a sweet read and so refreshing. No spice at all either, just some really sweet moments that felt so realistic.