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Under a Sky of Memories
From the bestselling author of The Last Correspondent comes the powerful story of three brave women who go to war—and end up fighting for their lives.
Sicily, 1943. Three American women, all nurses in the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron, are determined to do all they can for their country. Vita is fun-loving, Dot shy and sweet-natured, and Evelyn practical and determined, but for all their differences, a life of military service pulls the three together as firm friends.
When they’re selected for a daring mission, the women are proud to play their part. But disaster strikes when their plane crash-lands behind enemy lines in occupied Albania. Together with twenty-three other medics, they find themselves trapped, cut off from all communication with the squadron, and in terrifying and unimaginable danger.
As days and nights pass without hope of rescue, the group must travel on foot across unfamiliar terrain thick with Nazis and their violent local allies. Can Evelyn, Vita, and Dot survive the perilous journey through enemy territory—and finally find their way home?
Sicily, 1943. Three American women, all nurses in the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron, are determined to do all they can for their country. Vita is fun-loving, Dot shy and sweet-natured, and Evelyn practical and determined, but for all their differences, a life of military service pulls the three together as firm friends.
When they’re selected for a daring mission, the women are proud to play their part. But disaster strikes when their plane crash-lands behind enemy lines in occupied Albania. Together with twenty-three other medics, they find themselves trapped, cut off from all communication with the squadron, and in terrifying and unimaginable danger.
As days and nights pass without hope of rescue, the group must travel on foot across unfamiliar terrain thick with Nazis and their violent local allies. Can Evelyn, Vita, and Dot survive the perilous journey through enemy territory—and finally find their way home?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2022
1554 people are currently reading
12595 people want to read
About the author
Soraya M. Lane
124 books2,064 followersSoraya M. Lane is the Amazon Charts & Kindle #1 bestselling author of THE SECRET MIDWIFE and THE ITALIAN DAUGHTER.
Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews
April 2, 2023
Evelyn, Vita and Dot are American nurses who have completed a specialist flight training program, and are now qualified members of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron. After being wounded in action, to increase the soldiers chances of survival, they needed to get to a hospital for treatment and quickly. The solution, planes specially fitted out to carry around twenty six wounded patients, with one nurse, a medic, and a surgeon aboard to look after them during the flight.
The nurses leave for their first overseas posting, the destination is all very hush hush, and everyone’s feeling nervous. Dot, Evelyn and Vita become best friends, and they come from different walks of life. Evelyn’s mature of her age and sensible, her mother passed away when she was a teenager, she looked after her father and three younger sisters. Dot was orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her elderly grandparents, and she’s quiet and rather shy. Vita comes from a wealthy background, she’s confident and looks like a movie star.
They arrive in Sicily in 1943, a group of twenty six people are selected for a special mission, flying in a big Skytrooper and they come under enemy fire. The plane’s pilot Bobby Redfern, manages to preform an amazing crash landing, and they have no idea where they are? The crew’s behind enemy lines in Albania, with no form of communication and completely stranded. Local partisans come to their aid, not knowing if they can trust them, still in extreme danger and the nurses are scared.
Constantly on the move, having to stay one step ahead of the Germans, with few supplies, sleeping rough, and it doesn’t take long for everyone to struggle physically and mentally. Evelyn, Vita and Dot have all experienced tragedy in their lives, they’re much stronger than they think, it takes every ounce of courage, determination and effort for them to keep going, continue to believe they have a chance of being rescued and despite the terrible odds.
Under a Sky of Memories is a brilliant wartime story about three brave nurses, a handsome American pilot, a British agent and a local man called Stefa. I was totally hooked by the narrative after the first chapter, with a cast of gutsy characters, it’s a story about survival, in a brutal and remote place. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review, Soraya M. Lane at her best, a perfectly balance story, and five stars from me.
The nurses leave for their first overseas posting, the destination is all very hush hush, and everyone’s feeling nervous. Dot, Evelyn and Vita become best friends, and they come from different walks of life. Evelyn’s mature of her age and sensible, her mother passed away when she was a teenager, she looked after her father and three younger sisters. Dot was orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her elderly grandparents, and she’s quiet and rather shy. Vita comes from a wealthy background, she’s confident and looks like a movie star.
They arrive in Sicily in 1943, a group of twenty six people are selected for a special mission, flying in a big Skytrooper and they come under enemy fire. The plane’s pilot Bobby Redfern, manages to preform an amazing crash landing, and they have no idea where they are? The crew’s behind enemy lines in Albania, with no form of communication and completely stranded. Local partisans come to their aid, not knowing if they can trust them, still in extreme danger and the nurses are scared.
Constantly on the move, having to stay one step ahead of the Germans, with few supplies, sleeping rough, and it doesn’t take long for everyone to struggle physically and mentally. Evelyn, Vita and Dot have all experienced tragedy in their lives, they’re much stronger than they think, it takes every ounce of courage, determination and effort for them to keep going, continue to believe they have a chance of being rescued and despite the terrible odds.
Under a Sky of Memories is a brilliant wartime story about three brave nurses, a handsome American pilot, a British agent and a local man called Stefa. I was totally hooked by the narrative after the first chapter, with a cast of gutsy characters, it’s a story about survival, in a brutal and remote place. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review, Soraya M. Lane at her best, a perfectly balance story, and five stars from me.
December 25, 2021
Under A Sky of Memories by Soraya M. Lane was based on the true and harrowing experiences of the 807th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron (MAETS). Their terrifying ordeal was kept classified for decades after it first occurred. Soraya M. Lane was able to recount the details of their ordeal in this historical fiction story that was inspired by actual true historical events. Her research was impeccable. As in all of her previous books, and in this, her newest book, Soraya M. Lane’s primary characters were female, strong, determined and independent. Even the male characters were authentic and likable for the most part. Many of the actual occurrences that she incorporated in Under A Sky of Memories were written to closely resemble the real events or people. That included the vigorous training the nurses of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron underwent, the actual crash of their plane, some of the villages in Albania and even the local partisans closely resembled the type of people they portrayed. Under A Sky of Memories was about three women nurses. Each was so different from the other but despite their differences they each forged beautiful friendships with the other.
Vita came from a privileged background. She was vivacious, always put together just so and fun. Vita had lost her older brother in the War and was determined to do her part for the war effort. Her mother, on the other hand, was set on having Vita marry the “right” boy. Vita wanted nothing to do with helping her mother carry out her plan so she ran away and trained to become a nurse for MAETS. Upon her leaving, her family threatened to cut her off from her inheritance. Dot was an insecure, shy and quiet young woman. Her close family members were all dead. She was all alone. She desperately wanted to fall in love and acquire a new family. She had thought she had found that person in Peter. His family felt that Dot was beneath them. As desperately as she tried, Dot could not win them over. Peter ended up breaking off their engagement the night before Dot left for her nursing training. Too embarrassed and heartbroken by Peter’s abandonment, Dot continued to wear his ring around her neck and pretended that she was still engaged. Evelyn had recently lost her own mother. She had stepped right into the role of mother and caretaker without hesitation. Her father was lost without her mother and her younger siblings needed her. She had no choice but to assume that role. Evelyn was best described as practical, determined, a motivator and a leader at times. She wanted to do something helpful for the war. When Evelyn told her father her plan he was proud of her and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. All three women met during their training to become nurses for MAETS. Although, they were from very different backgrounds, had personality traits that were so different from one another and decided to train to become a nurse in MAETS for different reasons, they ultimately became the best of friends.
Vita, Dot and Evelyn were all part of the 807th Squadron. Each one had been on several missions already to help transport badly injured servicemen to nearby hospitals with the help of their assigned medic and pilot. Rumors were spreading that the best nurses and medics were going to be chosen for a one of a kind mission. Instead of sending one nurse and a medic to attend to the most critical cases, twenty-six Army Air Force flight nurses and medics were going to be chosen to rescue a record breaking number of servicemen at one time. Despite all the careful planning and selections, no one had anticipated or had been aware of the severe weather headed their way, changes to codes needed for clearance or enemy planes in the area. With everything working against them, the plane was forced to crash land. All twenty-six nurses and medics plus the crew survived the crash. They had landed in Albania, an occupied country. Their ordeal was just about to begin.
Under A Sky of Memories was an exceptional work of historical fiction. It was an engrossing story that centered around strong women, friendship, hope, humanity, bravery, determination trust and even love. I had a hard time putting this book down. The characters were memorable and have stayed with me even after I finished reading their story. I knew nothing about the ordeal these brave women and men faced in Albania until I read this book. It is hard to imagine that those brave nurses, medics, pilot and crew were sworn to secrecy for so many years. They could not share the events of their ordeal with anyone. Soraya M. Lane has become one of my favorite authors and I eagerly await her next book. Under A Sky of Memories will be published on January 11, 2022. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced digital copy of Under A Sky of Memories by Soraya M. Lane through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Vita came from a privileged background. She was vivacious, always put together just so and fun. Vita had lost her older brother in the War and was determined to do her part for the war effort. Her mother, on the other hand, was set on having Vita marry the “right” boy. Vita wanted nothing to do with helping her mother carry out her plan so she ran away and trained to become a nurse for MAETS. Upon her leaving, her family threatened to cut her off from her inheritance. Dot was an insecure, shy and quiet young woman. Her close family members were all dead. She was all alone. She desperately wanted to fall in love and acquire a new family. She had thought she had found that person in Peter. His family felt that Dot was beneath them. As desperately as she tried, Dot could not win them over. Peter ended up breaking off their engagement the night before Dot left for her nursing training. Too embarrassed and heartbroken by Peter’s abandonment, Dot continued to wear his ring around her neck and pretended that she was still engaged. Evelyn had recently lost her own mother. She had stepped right into the role of mother and caretaker without hesitation. Her father was lost without her mother and her younger siblings needed her. She had no choice but to assume that role. Evelyn was best described as practical, determined, a motivator and a leader at times. She wanted to do something helpful for the war. When Evelyn told her father her plan he was proud of her and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. All three women met during their training to become nurses for MAETS. Although, they were from very different backgrounds, had personality traits that were so different from one another and decided to train to become a nurse in MAETS for different reasons, they ultimately became the best of friends.
Vita, Dot and Evelyn were all part of the 807th Squadron. Each one had been on several missions already to help transport badly injured servicemen to nearby hospitals with the help of their assigned medic and pilot. Rumors were spreading that the best nurses and medics were going to be chosen for a one of a kind mission. Instead of sending one nurse and a medic to attend to the most critical cases, twenty-six Army Air Force flight nurses and medics were going to be chosen to rescue a record breaking number of servicemen at one time. Despite all the careful planning and selections, no one had anticipated or had been aware of the severe weather headed their way, changes to codes needed for clearance or enemy planes in the area. With everything working against them, the plane was forced to crash land. All twenty-six nurses and medics plus the crew survived the crash. They had landed in Albania, an occupied country. Their ordeal was just about to begin.
Under A Sky of Memories was an exceptional work of historical fiction. It was an engrossing story that centered around strong women, friendship, hope, humanity, bravery, determination trust and even love. I had a hard time putting this book down. The characters were memorable and have stayed with me even after I finished reading their story. I knew nothing about the ordeal these brave women and men faced in Albania until I read this book. It is hard to imagine that those brave nurses, medics, pilot and crew were sworn to secrecy for so many years. They could not share the events of their ordeal with anyone. Soraya M. Lane has become one of my favorite authors and I eagerly await her next book. Under A Sky of Memories will be published on January 11, 2022. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced digital copy of Under A Sky of Memories by Soraya M. Lane through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 8, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I wanted to read this novel from the first time I heard about it. I like books that focus on little known true stories from WWII, as long as they are well written. What really piqued my interest is the fact that the main characters are nurses! As a former RN I couldn’t pass this one up!
The book opens in 1943, in Kentucky where three recently trained nurses meet on a train platform. They are being transferred from one training facility to the next. They are there to learn to become flight nurses for MAETS, ie, Medical Air Transport Squadron. Prior to MAETS’ formation the injured were transported, via truck or train, from the front lines to medical facilities that were often many miles away. The death rate was high among the severely injured. With air transport the critically injured could reach hospital much faster and death rates did drop significantly!
The three nurses; Dot, Evelyn and Vida, become fast and inseparable friends. They support each other throughout the rigorous training. Upon completion they are assigned to Italy to begin right away. The work is hard but rewarding with each nurse gaining In confidence, even Dot the shyest and least confident amongst them.
First and foremost this is a story of survival. During a period of daily bad weather all MAETS flights were grounded. Wounded GIs were not able to be evacuated until the flights could be resumed leading to increased chance of severe disability and death. Once the weather cleared the General in charge ordered a larger plane that would carry 13 nurses and 13 medics instead of one each. This large of an undertaking had never been attempted before so with little warning our 3 find themselves flying towards the front lines. Spirits are high with everyone anticipating getting back to work. That is until they hit bad weather and are blown off course. Furthermore it appears their navigational equipment has been broken. Flying blind they soon run into German planes intent on shooting them down. After they crash they have no idea where they are. Fear then grips the team when they learn they are behind enemy lines in Albania! The story then focuses on the groups struggle to return to safety with as many survivors as possible. Do they make it and with how many alive? For the answer you will need to read the book.
The novel is for the most part well written. The one area I found a little wanting was the pacing. Even though there are periods of high tension and danger I felt that the book fell flat in between them. Sometimes it became even boring to me. I feel more description of the villages and villagers they encounter along the way would have been helpful. For example; we know food in the villages is short and the Americans are showing signs of malnutrition. I found myself wondering how the Albanians were able to cope. Also what’s their day to day life like? Very little is shared about them. I feel the book would have been more interesting and have a richer context if more was included.
One thing the author does very well is in her handling of her characters. Each main character and a few of the secondary characters are supplied with very detailed backstories that gives us a chance to care about their survival. They become important to us. Lesser characters are not even named let alone described. At first I was disappointed but soon realized that it would be a very complicated book if they were given roles.
The other thing I liked about the book was the Authors note. Here she delineates fact from fiction, something I wish more authors would do.
Oh for our Romance lovers there are a few sweet romances, so don’t turn the book down thinking the material too dark. There are definitely some very credible romantic moments! This is not to say that the romance stories overtake the main plot because they only enhance the book.
I can recommend this book wholeheartedly to fans of Historical Fiction especially if one likes stories were strong and courageous women are featured. Also fans of WWII stories will find this book engrossing!
I’m rating the book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. This fact in no way influenced my review.
I wanted to read this novel from the first time I heard about it. I like books that focus on little known true stories from WWII, as long as they are well written. What really piqued my interest is the fact that the main characters are nurses! As a former RN I couldn’t pass this one up!
The book opens in 1943, in Kentucky where three recently trained nurses meet on a train platform. They are being transferred from one training facility to the next. They are there to learn to become flight nurses for MAETS, ie, Medical Air Transport Squadron. Prior to MAETS’ formation the injured were transported, via truck or train, from the front lines to medical facilities that were often many miles away. The death rate was high among the severely injured. With air transport the critically injured could reach hospital much faster and death rates did drop significantly!
The three nurses; Dot, Evelyn and Vida, become fast and inseparable friends. They support each other throughout the rigorous training. Upon completion they are assigned to Italy to begin right away. The work is hard but rewarding with each nurse gaining In confidence, even Dot the shyest and least confident amongst them.
First and foremost this is a story of survival. During a period of daily bad weather all MAETS flights were grounded. Wounded GIs were not able to be evacuated until the flights could be resumed leading to increased chance of severe disability and death. Once the weather cleared the General in charge ordered a larger plane that would carry 13 nurses and 13 medics instead of one each. This large of an undertaking had never been attempted before so with little warning our 3 find themselves flying towards the front lines. Spirits are high with everyone anticipating getting back to work. That is until they hit bad weather and are blown off course. Furthermore it appears their navigational equipment has been broken. Flying blind they soon run into German planes intent on shooting them down. After they crash they have no idea where they are. Fear then grips the team when they learn they are behind enemy lines in Albania! The story then focuses on the groups struggle to return to safety with as many survivors as possible. Do they make it and with how many alive? For the answer you will need to read the book.
The novel is for the most part well written. The one area I found a little wanting was the pacing. Even though there are periods of high tension and danger I felt that the book fell flat in between them. Sometimes it became even boring to me. I feel more description of the villages and villagers they encounter along the way would have been helpful. For example; we know food in the villages is short and the Americans are showing signs of malnutrition. I found myself wondering how the Albanians were able to cope. Also what’s their day to day life like? Very little is shared about them. I feel the book would have been more interesting and have a richer context if more was included.
One thing the author does very well is in her handling of her characters. Each main character and a few of the secondary characters are supplied with very detailed backstories that gives us a chance to care about their survival. They become important to us. Lesser characters are not even named let alone described. At first I was disappointed but soon realized that it would be a very complicated book if they were given roles.
The other thing I liked about the book was the Authors note. Here she delineates fact from fiction, something I wish more authors would do.
Oh for our Romance lovers there are a few sweet romances, so don’t turn the book down thinking the material too dark. There are definitely some very credible romantic moments! This is not to say that the romance stories overtake the main plot because they only enhance the book.
I can recommend this book wholeheartedly to fans of Historical Fiction especially if one likes stories were strong and courageous women are featured. Also fans of WWII stories will find this book engrossing!
I’m rating the book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. This fact in no way influenced my review.
January 30, 2022
If you enjoy a story set in World War 2 that shows the strength and courage of woman and men who do what they can to save other people, then this is a book that you must pick up, another beautifully written heart-felt story from Soraya Lane as she digs deep into the emotions and characters of three woman. nurses Vita, Evelyn and Dot come along and get to know them and what they went through.
It is 1943 and three nurses, Vita who knows how to have fun, Dot who is quiet and shy and Evelyn the practical and determined one all are planning on saving as many as they can, they have trained hard to become part of the Medical Evacuation Transport Squadron and are based in Sicily they have been running successful missions and saving many wounded soldiers lives when weather stops their missions, the army plans a different mission where a bigger group of nurses and medics fly in a sky trooper to collect the injured, but this mission goes wrong and they are shot down and crash land behind enemy lines in Albania.
With no communication a few go out on a search and they are found and given given help from local partisans but can they trust them to keep them safe from the Germans, they are constantly on the move with no food and very little water moving from one safe village to another, they are all struggling mentally and with their physical health but Vita, Dot and Evelyn continue to be strong and push everyone on when they finally find some help from a British SOE soldier and maybe this just might be the answer to their prayers to get home.
This story if filled with emotion, I felt their pain and fear as they marched through the forest in the bitter cold, Evelyn working hard with the British officer James to keep everyone walking and being as positive as they needed to be and Vita and the pilot of the plane Bobby where there to support as well. There is danger at every turn and still these woman show courage and strength to get where they needed to go through heart break and sorrow.
This really is an awesome story one that I loved so much there are some beautiful romances along the way in such tough times but sheer determination and hope get them through in a beautiful story, one that I would highly recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
It is 1943 and three nurses, Vita who knows how to have fun, Dot who is quiet and shy and Evelyn the practical and determined one all are planning on saving as many as they can, they have trained hard to become part of the Medical Evacuation Transport Squadron and are based in Sicily they have been running successful missions and saving many wounded soldiers lives when weather stops their missions, the army plans a different mission where a bigger group of nurses and medics fly in a sky trooper to collect the injured, but this mission goes wrong and they are shot down and crash land behind enemy lines in Albania.
With no communication a few go out on a search and they are found and given given help from local partisans but can they trust them to keep them safe from the Germans, they are constantly on the move with no food and very little water moving from one safe village to another, they are all struggling mentally and with their physical health but Vita, Dot and Evelyn continue to be strong and push everyone on when they finally find some help from a British SOE soldier and maybe this just might be the answer to their prayers to get home.
This story if filled with emotion, I felt their pain and fear as they marched through the forest in the bitter cold, Evelyn working hard with the British officer James to keep everyone walking and being as positive as they needed to be and Vita and the pilot of the plane Bobby where there to support as well. There is danger at every turn and still these woman show courage and strength to get where they needed to go through heart break and sorrow.
This really is an awesome story one that I loved so much there are some beautiful romances along the way in such tough times but sheer determination and hope get them through in a beautiful story, one that I would highly recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
January 9, 2022
What I love about Soraya Lane is the "you are there" quality to her histfic novels and the way she crafts characters you grow to care about. You "live" her tales, not just read them, and this is clearly the case with her newest, UNDER A SKY OF MEMORIES.
The book is based on a true story that occurred in 1943, when members of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron attempted to fly wounded soldiers from Sicily to treatment and their plane crash landed in Albania.
What a yarn! My heart was in my mouth as three American nurses, Evelyn, Dot and Vita, try to save lives and survive horrendous hardship in German-occupied territory. I swiftly turned the pages and read this is two sittings, so gripped by the addictive narrative and the need to know if they survived.
Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction, WWII novels in unique settings, and stories that sing with authenticity. Out January 11.
Thanks to the author, Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#UnderaSkyofMemories #NetGalley
The book is based on a true story that occurred in 1943, when members of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron attempted to fly wounded soldiers from Sicily to treatment and their plane crash landed in Albania.
What a yarn! My heart was in my mouth as three American nurses, Evelyn, Dot and Vita, try to save lives and survive horrendous hardship in German-occupied territory. I swiftly turned the pages and read this is two sittings, so gripped by the addictive narrative and the need to know if they survived.
Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction, WWII novels in unique settings, and stories that sing with authenticity. Out January 11.
Thanks to the author, Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#UnderaSkyofMemories #NetGalley
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November 16, 2021I love weaving fact with fiction in my historical novels, and this story is no different. It's inspired by the incredible true story of American nurses and medics during WWII, who board a plane to collect injured soldiers, but instead end up crash landing in Albania. Their (up until recently, classified) true story of survival is truly remarkable, and I just knew it was a story I had to tell.
Soraya x
Soraya x
December 8, 2021
The Crash
An emotional and heartbreaking story that will stay with you for a long time. It is based on an actual event that took place during WWII although it is fiction with fictional characters. I really enjoyed the explanation of the event and how it was fictionalized to write this novel at the end of the story. I always love learning about historical events of which I know nothing. The crash of the transport plane carrying nurses and medical staff in 1943 was an event that I knew nothing about although I have read about the Air Evacuation Transport which consists of nurses and medical staff air flights of injured soldiers from field situations to medical facilities.
The story is of the nurses and medical staff aboard this medical transport which was thrown off course during a storm, was shot down by the German Army and crashed in Albania. It is the story of the survival of the staff aboard the plane and their two months of hiding and running from the Nazi's to try and return home.
It features three nurses, Evelyn, Dot and Vita. they trained together and fight to survive this strange country they have come to find themselves in. Vita is the pampered rich girl defying her parents to become a nurse, Evelyn leaves her family behind which she has cared for since the death of her mother, and Dot is an orphan fleeing from a broken engagement.
To make it interesting we throw in a carefree fun loving pilot, a hardened SOE officer, an Albanian boy and his family and a medic trying to make it home to his wife and child. Along with all the other's these are some featured characters.
This is quite a story and I will think of it long after reading the book. The courage, the determination and the heartfelt friendships that developed among these nurses is commendable. The story was well written and I loved the characters and the description of the country, the people and the customs.
It was a good read and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Soraya M. Lane for writing a great story, to Amazon Publishing U.K. for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
An emotional and heartbreaking story that will stay with you for a long time. It is based on an actual event that took place during WWII although it is fiction with fictional characters. I really enjoyed the explanation of the event and how it was fictionalized to write this novel at the end of the story. I always love learning about historical events of which I know nothing. The crash of the transport plane carrying nurses and medical staff in 1943 was an event that I knew nothing about although I have read about the Air Evacuation Transport which consists of nurses and medical staff air flights of injured soldiers from field situations to medical facilities.
The story is of the nurses and medical staff aboard this medical transport which was thrown off course during a storm, was shot down by the German Army and crashed in Albania. It is the story of the survival of the staff aboard the plane and their two months of hiding and running from the Nazi's to try and return home.
It features three nurses, Evelyn, Dot and Vita. they trained together and fight to survive this strange country they have come to find themselves in. Vita is the pampered rich girl defying her parents to become a nurse, Evelyn leaves her family behind which she has cared for since the death of her mother, and Dot is an orphan fleeing from a broken engagement.
To make it interesting we throw in a carefree fun loving pilot, a hardened SOE officer, an Albanian boy and his family and a medic trying to make it home to his wife and child. Along with all the other's these are some featured characters.
This is quite a story and I will think of it long after reading the book. The courage, the determination and the heartfelt friendships that developed among these nurses is commendable. The story was well written and I loved the characters and the description of the country, the people and the customs.
It was a good read and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Soraya M. Lane for writing a great story, to Amazon Publishing U.K. for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
December 13, 2021
This book is based on a true story about nurses and medics crashlanding in Albania during ww2. It is about their struggle to survive. It is also a cute lovestory in all the darkness. I highly recommend this book
February 2, 2022
In 1943, three nurses from different backgrounds meet at training in Kentucky and become part of the 807th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron, charged with transporting the wounded to safety during World War II. Evelyn has been caring for her father and sisters after the death of her mother and has finally left to make her own way in the world. Dot was jilted by her fiancé on the eve of her departure and is still clinging to her engagement ring, afraid to admit the truth. Vita was born in high society and is used to the finer things, but left it all to pursue a different path. Together the three women face incredible danger when their transport plane crashes in Nazi-occupied Albania. Based on a true story, this historical thriller follows a group of nurses and medics, and their flight crew, as they attempt to survive in harsh conditions with the enemy in constant pursuit.
This is a thrilling novel full of suspense, intrigue, and romance. It is told from three points of view—Evelyn, Dot, and Vita—which is crucial in making a more compelling story. The three main characters are well-written and captivating, and the romances engaging and believable for the circumstances. The true events, expertly woven together with fictional characters, make for a fascinating read. Descriptions of the harsh conditions and perilous journey make you feel as if you are there, and the author does not hold back on the agony, suffering, and physical toll of such a situation. This adds another layer of authenticity to this book. Under a Sky of Memories takes us through snowstorms, dangerous terrain, and bullet fire during a perilous attempt at survival, and throws in romance and heartache along the way. Highly recommended for fans of World War II fiction.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is a thrilling novel full of suspense, intrigue, and romance. It is told from three points of view—Evelyn, Dot, and Vita—which is crucial in making a more compelling story. The three main characters are well-written and captivating, and the romances engaging and believable for the circumstances. The true events, expertly woven together with fictional characters, make for a fascinating read. Descriptions of the harsh conditions and perilous journey make you feel as if you are there, and the author does not hold back on the agony, suffering, and physical toll of such a situation. This adds another layer of authenticity to this book. Under a Sky of Memories takes us through snowstorms, dangerous terrain, and bullet fire during a perilous attempt at survival, and throws in romance and heartache along the way. Highly recommended for fans of World War II fiction.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
December 19, 2021
On November 8, 1943, a plane full of nurses and medics from the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron boarded a Douglas C-53 transport in Sicily for a 90-minute flight to the Italian mainland to pick up wounded soldiers from the front lines. Unfortunately, the mission didn’t go as planned and the plane crash-landed in German-occupied Albania. This is their story.
I’m so glad author Soraya Lane chose to retell this recently declassified account as I love her ability to instantly bring readers into the action. She is able to give us a taste of what it must have been like for these heroic nurses and medics of the 807th squadron. Lane highlights the crash landing, the toll of surviving in a country rife with danger, living with the knowledge that there was no way to communicate and possibly no way to get home and the harrowing attempts at reaching the evac transport on an airfield overrun with Germans!
Honoring Vita, Dot and Evelyn’s experience, Lane writes about the enduring power of female friendship. You’ll feel the bond between the characters and know that surviving for months and making it out of enemy territory alive would be miraculous and a real test of their friendship. Will the Albanians come to their rescue? Will the British special operations lieutenant be able to find them?
This survival against all odds five-star historical fiction story needs to be on your reading list come January 11, 2022.
I was gifted this advance copy by Soraya Lane, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I’m so glad author Soraya Lane chose to retell this recently declassified account as I love her ability to instantly bring readers into the action. She is able to give us a taste of what it must have been like for these heroic nurses and medics of the 807th squadron. Lane highlights the crash landing, the toll of surviving in a country rife with danger, living with the knowledge that there was no way to communicate and possibly no way to get home and the harrowing attempts at reaching the evac transport on an airfield overrun with Germans!
Honoring Vita, Dot and Evelyn’s experience, Lane writes about the enduring power of female friendship. You’ll feel the bond between the characters and know that surviving for months and making it out of enemy territory alive would be miraculous and a real test of their friendship. Will the Albanians come to their rescue? Will the British special operations lieutenant be able to find them?
This survival against all odds five-star historical fiction story needs to be on your reading list come January 11, 2022.
I was gifted this advance copy by Soraya Lane, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 11, 2022
1943, Sicily
Three American nurses in the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron leave their homes to do their part in war. Vita, Evelyn and Dot are very different and each have their own reasons for taking part in the war and their experiences in war change them forever.
On one intense mission, their plane crash-lands in occupied Albania, behind enemy lines. They must depend on each other, and become close. Imagine being trapped and feeling like there is no way out and all your senses are tested. No communication. They make an incredible decision that tests their strength as they trek through enemy territory while they try to survive.
Who will survive? What will they endure? Do they have enough supplies? The physical and mental strength is beyond imaginable!
Another beautifully written novel by Soraya M. Lane. I highly recommend this novel.
Thank you @NetGalley for an advanced copy!
Three American nurses in the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron leave their homes to do their part in war. Vita, Evelyn and Dot are very different and each have their own reasons for taking part in the war and their experiences in war change them forever.
On one intense mission, their plane crash-lands in occupied Albania, behind enemy lines. They must depend on each other, and become close. Imagine being trapped and feeling like there is no way out and all your senses are tested. No communication. They make an incredible decision that tests their strength as they trek through enemy territory while they try to survive.
Who will survive? What will they endure? Do they have enough supplies? The physical and mental strength is beyond imaginable!
Another beautifully written novel by Soraya M. Lane. I highly recommend this novel.
Thank you @NetGalley for an advanced copy!
January 16, 2022
Soraya Lane has become one of the best writers of strong women in WWII. She always does considerable research and bases her story on real people in real situations. Her new book is based on a group of 26 Air Force nurses and medics who crashed in Albania in 1943 and had to avoid the Germans who controlled the country. They survived for 63 days before they were rescued and three of the nurses who were separated from the group were there for 135 days before rescue.
The Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron was set up to help remove wounded from field hospitals to better equipped hospitals for treatment. Vita, Dot and Evelyn were all from different areas and life styles but became great friends when they were doing their training in the US. Normally the pilot, one medic and one nurse flew to get the wounded. But the upper brass felt like this was too slow so they sent 26 nurses and medics. Due to a storm, the plane got lost and ended up crashing in Albania. It was amazing that everyone survived the crash but what followed was even worse. They were lost and hungry and tired but had to be vigilant so they wouldn't be captured. This follows the three nurses and each chapter is alternately told by each one of them.
This was an engrossing story based on the three nurses. They were all stronger and more resilient than they knew and no matter what was going on, their friendship stayed strong and helped them survive both physically and mentally.
I enjoy reading historical fiction when I also learn about a real event that I knew nothing about. I love books with brave and resilient women who did their part to help their country. Once again, Soraya Lane has given me all that and more -- a story that I won't soon forget.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book to read and review.
The Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron was set up to help remove wounded from field hospitals to better equipped hospitals for treatment. Vita, Dot and Evelyn were all from different areas and life styles but became great friends when they were doing their training in the US. Normally the pilot, one medic and one nurse flew to get the wounded. But the upper brass felt like this was too slow so they sent 26 nurses and medics. Due to a storm, the plane got lost and ended up crashing in Albania. It was amazing that everyone survived the crash but what followed was even worse. They were lost and hungry and tired but had to be vigilant so they wouldn't be captured. This follows the three nurses and each chapter is alternately told by each one of them.
This was an engrossing story based on the three nurses. They were all stronger and more resilient than they knew and no matter what was going on, their friendship stayed strong and helped them survive both physically and mentally.
I enjoy reading historical fiction when I also learn about a real event that I knew nothing about. I love books with brave and resilient women who did their part to help their country. Once again, Soraya Lane has given me all that and more -- a story that I won't soon forget.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book to read and review.
December 29, 2021
Under a Sky of Memories is an outstanding and heartfelt book about three nurses who served during WWII. Based on a true story, we follow Evelyn, Dot, and Vita through a harrowing ordeal when their plane crashes in a remote area of Albania. Author Soraya Lane does a great job, as always, finding an obscure moment in history and giving it a personal touch with characters who we truly care about. This is a book that once you start, you will not want to put down, completely captivated by the story and especially the people who live on the pages of this novel.
December 1, 2021
Soraya Lane's novels never disappoint me. She brings history to life in ways that take readers into the heart of some of the most frightening, challenging and inspiring WWII experiences. Her particular emphasis on the roles of women during those times has educated me in a multitude of ways and I'm immensely grateful to her for writing these stories. Meticulous research on Lane's part uncovered this unusual report (only recently de-classified) about the crash of a Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron in Albania and the heart-stopping struggles of those on board to survive. Unputdownable!
January 15, 2022
Two parts of the life - before the crash and after it.
Three girls, each of whom had the goal of changing their lives and being useful for their country, saving as many lives as possible... Nothing could stop them, nothing and no one!
Each of us has such a friend as Vita, the soul of the company, able to cheer up and support even in the most difficult moments. She is a girl full of life, beautiful and strong-willed. Despite her stubbornness, she is tender and fragile, in need of a strong male shoulder, who would be able to do everything for her.
Evelyn is so good girl, kind, smart, caring, with a strong sense of maternal responsibility. Having such a friend, everyone can be calm and confident that nothing bad would happen, she would look after and take care of everyone who needs her.
Dot is like a tender bird that has fallen out of someone's else nest, not her own. She's a shy girl, who's dreaming of love, family, home. She almost lost faith in a happy future, understanding that no one is waiting for her.
Bobby is a hero! He's reliable as a fortress! He's my favourite character! Oh, how I wish to meet him in a real life!
They all are so different, having different backgrounds. They are united by the crash, Albania and the wish to survive. The most amazing thing in the book was watching the heroes, how they find solutions in the most difficult moments, how they strive to help each other, not allowing them to give up.
The book is a brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Loved it so much! The characters are amazing! The plot has many unexpected twists. The events are so realistic! I just love everything in this book!
I will definitely highly recommend this wonderful book to everyone who loves historical fiction, who interested in the History of World War II and who prefer reading well-written 5-stars books.
Thanks to Soraya M.Lane, Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Three girls, each of whom had the goal of changing their lives and being useful for their country, saving as many lives as possible... Nothing could stop them, nothing and no one!
Each of us has such a friend as Vita, the soul of the company, able to cheer up and support even in the most difficult moments. She is a girl full of life, beautiful and strong-willed. Despite her stubbornness, she is tender and fragile, in need of a strong male shoulder, who would be able to do everything for her.
Evelyn is so good girl, kind, smart, caring, with a strong sense of maternal responsibility. Having such a friend, everyone can be calm and confident that nothing bad would happen, she would look after and take care of everyone who needs her.
Dot is like a tender bird that has fallen out of someone's else nest, not her own. She's a shy girl, who's dreaming of love, family, home. She almost lost faith in a happy future, understanding that no one is waiting for her.
Bobby is a hero! He's reliable as a fortress! He's my favourite character! Oh, how I wish to meet him in a real life!
They all are so different, having different backgrounds. They are united by the crash, Albania and the wish to survive. The most amazing thing in the book was watching the heroes, how they find solutions in the most difficult moments, how they strive to help each other, not allowing them to give up.
The book is a brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Loved it so much! The characters are amazing! The plot has many unexpected twists. The events are so realistic! I just love everything in this book!
I will definitely highly recommend this wonderful book to everyone who loves historical fiction, who interested in the History of World War II and who prefer reading well-written 5-stars books.
Thanks to Soraya M.Lane, Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
November 20, 2021
I received an e-ARC edition of this book via NetGalley and the publisher.
“Under a Sky of Memories” by Soraya Lane tells the previously mainly unknown WWII story about a military airplane carrying medical personnel going down behind enemy lines in occupied Albania. This story follows three nurses - Vita, Evelyn, and Dot - exploring their relationship with each other and their will to survive in Albania.
One of the things I really enjoy about Ms. Lane’s books (and I’ve read a number of them - and eagerly look forward to her next one) is that she shares WWII stories that are usually unknown or have very little written about them. Her author’s notes always include where she received her inspiration for the story - along with what she changed from the “facts.” Ms. Lane’s books also contain characters who normally wouldn’t be in the same “social circles,” for lack of a better term, but she has them melding together and working together, sometimes after a few rocky bumps along the way. For that reason, I really enjoy Ms. Lane’s books.
For some reason, something was “off” for me about this book (though, having said that, I did read it in a few hours!). I’m not sure if it was because none of the main characters (with the exception of James) really appealed to me - or if I wanted to know more about the actual trek to the coast (though reading a book about trudging through unknown forests with little to eat in muddy conditions over 600 miles does not really make for a rather interesting book … ). I did find the epilogue a nice wrap-up for the characters. A solid 3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4 because, let’s be honest, I’m awaiting Ms. Lane’s next WWII adventure and will read it as quickly as I can.
“Under a Sky of Memories” by Soraya Lane tells the previously mainly unknown WWII story about a military airplane carrying medical personnel going down behind enemy lines in occupied Albania. This story follows three nurses - Vita, Evelyn, and Dot - exploring their relationship with each other and their will to survive in Albania.
One of the things I really enjoy about Ms. Lane’s books (and I’ve read a number of them - and eagerly look forward to her next one) is that she shares WWII stories that are usually unknown or have very little written about them. Her author’s notes always include where she received her inspiration for the story - along with what she changed from the “facts.” Ms. Lane’s books also contain characters who normally wouldn’t be in the same “social circles,” for lack of a better term, but she has them melding together and working together, sometimes after a few rocky bumps along the way. For that reason, I really enjoy Ms. Lane’s books.
For some reason, something was “off” for me about this book (though, having said that, I did read it in a few hours!). I’m not sure if it was because none of the main characters (with the exception of James) really appealed to me - or if I wanted to know more about the actual trek to the coast (though reading a book about trudging through unknown forests with little to eat in muddy conditions over 600 miles does not really make for a rather interesting book … ). I did find the epilogue a nice wrap-up for the characters. A solid 3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4 because, let’s be honest, I’m awaiting Ms. Lane’s next WWII adventure and will read it as quickly as I can.
November 24, 2021
Under a Sky of Memories by Soraya M. Lane is a fabulous WWII-era historical fiction that tells a gripping tale inspired by a true story of the disaster, survival, and rescue of a group behind enemy lanes in Albania. It is wonderful!
I have been a HUGE fan of Ms. Lane for quite some time and have read literally all of her books. This has to be one of my most favorites yet.
I had no clue about this true story of American women that were part of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron whose plane crashed into Albania during WWII. The story gives us insight into their accident and their survival until their final rescue. It is stunning that we know so little about this until recently. Their courage, determination, passion, drive, and heart just blew me away. The author’s ability to bring this story to life with such drama, suspense, detail, and emotion made me feel as if I was right there with them.
I also enjoyed the Author’s Note that gave us context on what was true and what was fictional. It was very informative. I loved every moment of it.
Cannot recommend this enough!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Amazon Publishing UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/11/22.
I have been a HUGE fan of Ms. Lane for quite some time and have read literally all of her books. This has to be one of my most favorites yet.
I had no clue about this true story of American women that were part of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron whose plane crashed into Albania during WWII. The story gives us insight into their accident and their survival until their final rescue. It is stunning that we know so little about this until recently. Their courage, determination, passion, drive, and heart just blew me away. The author’s ability to bring this story to life with such drama, suspense, detail, and emotion made me feel as if I was right there with them.
I also enjoyed the Author’s Note that gave us context on what was true and what was fictional. It was very informative. I loved every moment of it.
Cannot recommend this enough!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Amazon Publishing UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/11/22.
November 24, 2021
Under a Sky of Memories by Soraya M. Lane is a fabulous WWII-era historical fiction that tells a gripping tale inspired by a true story of the disaster, survival, and rescue of a group behind enemy lanes in Albania. It is wonderful!
I have been a HUGE fan of Ms. Lane for quite some time and have read literally all of her books. This has to be one of my most favorites yet.
I had no clue about this true story of American women that were part of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron whose plane crashed into Albania during WWII. The story gives us insight into their accident and their survival until their final rescue. It is stunning that we know so little about this until recently. Their courage, determination, passion, drive, and heart just blew me away. The author’s ability to bring this story to life with such drama, suspense, detail, and emotion made me feel as if I was right there with them.
I also enjoyed the Author’s Note that gave us context on what was true and what was fictional. It was very informative. I loved every moment of it.
Cannot recommend this enough!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Amazon Publishing UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 11/24/21 no BB listing has been created and link will be updated when it is available) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/11/22.
I have been a HUGE fan of Ms. Lane for quite some time and have read literally all of her books. This has to be one of my most favorites yet.
I had no clue about this true story of American women that were part of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron whose plane crashed into Albania during WWII. The story gives us insight into their accident and their survival until their final rescue. It is stunning that we know so little about this until recently. Their courage, determination, passion, drive, and heart just blew me away. The author’s ability to bring this story to life with such drama, suspense, detail, and emotion made me feel as if I was right there with them.
I also enjoyed the Author’s Note that gave us context on what was true and what was fictional. It was very informative. I loved every moment of it.
Cannot recommend this enough!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Amazon Publishing UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 11/24/21 no BB listing has been created and link will be updated when it is available) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/11/22.
January 8, 2023
Great story by Soaraya M Lane, some of her books are great, I found the heroines light and hilarious, and some of them are really strong but what I love about Soraya's books is that her heroines are always striving to be recognized, and accepted in a men's world where most of the time they have a hard time being accepted in jobs that are "meant for men" as they usually state.
If you're looking to feel empowered and strong this is the type of book that I really recommend Under a Sky Of Memories is the story of Evelin, Vita, and Dot three American nurses that will keep your emotions in check but the same time will infuse you with strength, courage and many valuable feelings that make these three characters amazing and courageous.
Three brave nurses during the war fought to survive and helped most of the wounded soldiers who have lost so much during this fight.
The narrations by Sara Zimmerman as always very accurate, very deep, and full of joy, I really enjoy her voice and her work.
If you're looking to feel empowered and strong this is the type of book that I really recommend Under a Sky Of Memories is the story of Evelin, Vita, and Dot three American nurses that will keep your emotions in check but the same time will infuse you with strength, courage and many valuable feelings that make these three characters amazing and courageous.
Three brave nurses during the war fought to survive and helped most of the wounded soldiers who have lost so much during this fight.
The narrations by Sara Zimmerman as always very accurate, very deep, and full of joy, I really enjoy her voice and her work.
December 26, 2021
Based on the GR average rating, I am in the minority on my opinion on this book. I give it a 3.5 stars. While it was an overall good story, it wasn’t quite what I expected after reading the synopsis, and I found myself having a hard time staying with it. I am not sure what the disconnect was for me but maybe I will pick it up and try it again at a later date.
This story follows three women in 1943 — Evelyn, Vita and Dot, who have agreed to go on a dangerous mission. After their plane goes down, leaving them in danger and without a lifeline, they begin their journey to try and reach help, while trudging through occupied Albania. They’re constantly having to try to stay one step ahead of the Germans and think quick and fast on their feet. Peril could be just around the corner.
Pub date is January 11, 2022. Again, I appear to be in the minority, so if the story line sounds interesting to you, I’d recommend picking it up and judging for yourself. It wasn’t that it was bad or not worth reading, it just wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
This story follows three women in 1943 — Evelyn, Vita and Dot, who have agreed to go on a dangerous mission. After their plane goes down, leaving them in danger and without a lifeline, they begin their journey to try and reach help, while trudging through occupied Albania. They’re constantly having to try to stay one step ahead of the Germans and think quick and fast on their feet. Peril could be just around the corner.
Pub date is January 11, 2022. Again, I appear to be in the minority, so if the story line sounds interesting to you, I’d recommend picking it up and judging for yourself. It wasn’t that it was bad or not worth reading, it just wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
December 1, 2021
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoy reading Soraya Lane's war books. They are always interesting and somewhat based on a little facts. Unlike a lot of war books hers are easy to read which is a plus for someone like me where history isn't my favorite genre. I love that her books focus on the women during war.
I enjoy reading Soraya Lane's war books. They are always interesting and somewhat based on a little facts. Unlike a lot of war books hers are easy to read which is a plus for someone like me where history isn't my favorite genre. I love that her books focus on the women during war.
December 4, 2021
Loved this book, a book about friendships being tested during the war set in Albania. A heartwarming read. Looking forward to another book by Soraya
February 2, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book and the adventures/struggles that the three main characters had to go through while behind enemy lines in Albania. Recommend this to anyone who loves WWII stories and stories with strong women as central characters.
January 20, 2022
This is a historical fiction based on actual events that occurred during WWII that were kept classified for decades. It is a travesty that momentous acts of incredible bravery under harrowing, impossible situations that so many of our very young men AND women experienced in the service of our country have been kept hidden, many times long after they have passed from this life. To be denied even the chance to tell their families, never mind receive the recognition from the very country they were sacrificing themselves for, is beyond shameful. I never would have even been aware of the the travails of the 807th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron had I not read this book.
In November 1943, a C-53 transport plane loaded with 13 medics, 13 flight nurses, and four aircrew members left Sicily headed for Bari, Italy. Their mission was to transport wounded soldiers to hospitals farther away from the front lines. A storm, combined with a run-in with German fighter planes, forced them off course. The airplane crash-landed in Nazi-occupied Albania, and the survivors spent nine harrowing weeks trekking 800 miles across Albania with no food, water or supplies. They encountered severe challenges and narrowly escaped death.
This is my first book by Soraya M. Lane and I was very impressed with the writing, incredible research involved and her translating that research with fictional characters to convey the fear, desperation, horror and unbelievable bravery those men and women, representing by her characters, must have experienced.
I was also amazed to learn about the people of Albania who were so warm and generous to these young men and women who found themselves in such dire straights. They had so little themselves and yet they shared their meager food and lodging with them.
We must never forget those that came before us who sacrificed all for what we so cavalierly take for granted today.
In November 1943, a C-53 transport plane loaded with 13 medics, 13 flight nurses, and four aircrew members left Sicily headed for Bari, Italy. Their mission was to transport wounded soldiers to hospitals farther away from the front lines. A storm, combined with a run-in with German fighter planes, forced them off course. The airplane crash-landed in Nazi-occupied Albania, and the survivors spent nine harrowing weeks trekking 800 miles across Albania with no food, water or supplies. They encountered severe challenges and narrowly escaped death.
This is my first book by Soraya M. Lane and I was very impressed with the writing, incredible research involved and her translating that research with fictional characters to convey the fear, desperation, horror and unbelievable bravery those men and women, representing by her characters, must have experienced.
I was also amazed to learn about the people of Albania who were so warm and generous to these young men and women who found themselves in such dire straights. They had so little themselves and yet they shared their meager food and lodging with them.
We must never forget those that came before us who sacrificed all for what we so cavalierly take for granted today.
November 29, 2021
I previously read a book by Soraya M. Lane and enjoyed it, so when I saw this I was looking forward to requesting it. I’m so glad I did, because it was an absolutely fantastic book, and easily one of my favorite reads this year.
Nurses Evelyn, Dot, and Vita meet while training to become members of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron during WWII. Once they get to Sicily, al three are one a plane that gets lost and then crashes when the plane malfunctions during bad weather. When they discover they ended up in Albania, where they’re not only fighting against the Nazis, but also essentially fighting a civil war, the nurses, medics and pilots quickly realize the danger they’re in. When things start looking bleak, British SOE agent James Millard finds them. What comes next is a story of endurance and strength.
This was such an incredible read, even more so because although the characters are fictional, the story of the plane crashing in Albania and their subsequent plight was real. These women in particular were amazing, and as a reader, I was rooting for them to survive, realize their inner strength, and see them happy in the lives and their romances that were building up throughout the story. Soraya M. Lane wrote it perfectly, making these characters seems so real with their determination and she was able to convey the suspense and heartbreak these characters felt while still maintains the heart and goodness of our main characters. I enjoyed all 3 romantic interests, but this story for me was really the beauty of friendship between Evelyn, Vita and Dot.
I highly, highly recommend this, even if you don’t usually read historical fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nurses Evelyn, Dot, and Vita meet while training to become members of the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron during WWII. Once they get to Sicily, al three are one a plane that gets lost and then crashes when the plane malfunctions during bad weather. When they discover they ended up in Albania, where they’re not only fighting against the Nazis, but also essentially fighting a civil war, the nurses, medics and pilots quickly realize the danger they’re in. When things start looking bleak, British SOE agent James Millard finds them. What comes next is a story of endurance and strength.
This was such an incredible read, even more so because although the characters are fictional, the story of the plane crashing in Albania and their subsequent plight was real. These women in particular were amazing, and as a reader, I was rooting for them to survive, realize their inner strength, and see them happy in the lives and their romances that were building up throughout the story. Soraya M. Lane wrote it perfectly, making these characters seems so real with their determination and she was able to convey the suspense and heartbreak these characters felt while still maintains the heart and goodness of our main characters. I enjoyed all 3 romantic interests, but this story for me was really the beauty of friendship between Evelyn, Vita and Dot.
I highly, highly recommend this, even if you don’t usually read historical fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2021
Soraya Lane's World War II Historical Fiction novels are some of my absolute favorites. I love how she find some amazing women to learn about in her books and Under A Sky of Memories is no exception.
I'm a history person. I love reading non-fiction about women during WWII, especially those who served in the WAVES, WAC, code breakers, pilots and I just found out about the coolest group those who served as Flight Nurses in the MAETS. MAETS is Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadrons and they helped with air evacuations of those wounded.
In Under A Sky of Memories we meet 3 flight nurses - Vita, Dot and Evelyn as they meet after training as they were heading to Italy. They quickly become friends and after a few flights where they were the nurse in charge of the care for the wounded men they were picked to serve on a special mission. When their transport flight crash lands in enemy occupied Albania will they find their way home?
YES, this is based on a true story of the 807th MAETS Squadron where 26 nurses and medics crashed in Albania in November 1943. How is this the first I'm hearing of this remarkable story of survival.
I love Soraya's writing style and this book is no exception. She combines the history with wonderful characters that you love, a little bit of drama and romance.
Even if you're not a WWII historical fiction fan you should read Under a Sky A Memories!
I'm a history person. I love reading non-fiction about women during WWII, especially those who served in the WAVES, WAC, code breakers, pilots and I just found out about the coolest group those who served as Flight Nurses in the MAETS. MAETS is Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadrons and they helped with air evacuations of those wounded.
In Under A Sky of Memories we meet 3 flight nurses - Vita, Dot and Evelyn as they meet after training as they were heading to Italy. They quickly become friends and after a few flights where they were the nurse in charge of the care for the wounded men they were picked to serve on a special mission. When their transport flight crash lands in enemy occupied Albania will they find their way home?
YES, this is based on a true story of the 807th MAETS Squadron where 26 nurses and medics crashed in Albania in November 1943. How is this the first I'm hearing of this remarkable story of survival.
I love Soraya's writing style and this book is no exception. She combines the history with wonderful characters that you love, a little bit of drama and romance.
Even if you're not a WWII historical fiction fan you should read Under a Sky A Memories!
January 11, 2022
Soraya M. Lane’s UNDER A SKY OF MEMORIES will immerse you from the first page as you follow Evelyn, Vita, and Dot in their determination to contribute to the war effort. A work of historical fiction based on an actual event that occurred during WWII, Lane has created characters and a storyline that will have you rooting for the three friends.
Evelyn, Vita, and Dot all join the War effort for different reasons, but all have the same goal: help wounded soldiers get the care they need. Trained first as nurses, then as elite flight nurses, they arrive in Sicily to help transport severely injured soldiers from field hospitals to the well-equipped and staffed base hospitals and give them a fighting chance at living and going home. After many weeks of successful transports, they are chosen for a daring mission that goes horribly wrong, leaving them and the rest of their group stranded in the wrong country and behind Nazi lines. They must find strength they didn’t know they had and rely on each other to survive and find a way home.
This novel shone a light on yet another part of WWII I hadn’t heard of: both the flight nurses and the situation they found themselves in. This was well-researched by Lane, and her writing style presented the story in a way that I felt right there with the characters. Lane created characters and a plot that was hard to put down.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#UnderaSkyofMemories #SorayaMLane #LakeUnionPublishing
Evelyn, Vita, and Dot all join the War effort for different reasons, but all have the same goal: help wounded soldiers get the care they need. Trained first as nurses, then as elite flight nurses, they arrive in Sicily to help transport severely injured soldiers from field hospitals to the well-equipped and staffed base hospitals and give them a fighting chance at living and going home. After many weeks of successful transports, they are chosen for a daring mission that goes horribly wrong, leaving them and the rest of their group stranded in the wrong country and behind Nazi lines. They must find strength they didn’t know they had and rely on each other to survive and find a way home.
This novel shone a light on yet another part of WWII I hadn’t heard of: both the flight nurses and the situation they found themselves in. This was well-researched by Lane, and her writing style presented the story in a way that I felt right there with the characters. Lane created characters and a plot that was hard to put down.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#UnderaSkyofMemories #SorayaMLane #LakeUnionPublishing
December 20, 2021
Loved this book! Full of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat (not surprising since Soraya Lane is a master at writing suspenseful scenes), I enjoyed immersing myself in this fictional account of a true event that happened during WWII in Europe. There are three points of view here. All of them are from American nurses who meet during their training to support the troops fighting against the Nazi forces. They subsequently become fast friends. Their job is to provide care for soldiers injured in battle as they are evacuated in planes flown out by Air Force pilots. A harrowing job not all are cut out for which is why they are so meticulously trained and then hand-picked for suitability. I was astounded that I hadn't read about what happened before now, but after reading the author's notes at the end, I understood. There is so much in this book besides the actual events though. There is love and heartbreak, uncertainty and fear. But mostly, there is a fierceness among the main characters that exemplifies the extraordinary bravery they had to maintain even when they didn't think they could. Putting this book down for bare necessities (such as sleep) is almost not an option. You will want to find out what happens, page by page. Thank you to Soraya Lane and NetGalley for my early copy. Pub date is January 11, 2022.
December 27, 2021
Set during WWII in America, Sicily and Albania, this is a fantastic historical fiction story based on true events which makes it all the more believable and compelling. Friendship, love, trust and hope are themes and the story is told from the perspectives of three very different American women, Evelyn, Vita and Dot. The vigorous physical training they went through as nurses and their arduous mission to transport wounded soldiers are absolutely fascinating and are told with a vibrancy which really makes the characters live and breathe. Their relationships with each other and with others, especially families and men they love, are brilliantly written. Lane's writing is simple but evocative and lovely. I love stories drawn from historical facts.
The women have no idea where life will take them and when...if...they will return home. What they encounter is astonishing, from a plane crash to starving to hiding to being hunted. Very well researched and cleverly told.
My favourite aspects are the unique flight transporting premise as well as the settings in Sicily (one of my favourite destinations) and the Albania experiences. Historical Fiction readers should definitely seek this out, well worth your time. Also a great Historical Fiction introduction book if you are contemplating trying it.
My sincere thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fabulously beautiful book.
The women have no idea where life will take them and when...if...they will return home. What they encounter is astonishing, from a plane crash to starving to hiding to being hunted. Very well researched and cleverly told.
My favourite aspects are the unique flight transporting premise as well as the settings in Sicily (one of my favourite destinations) and the Albania experiences. Historical Fiction readers should definitely seek this out, well worth your time. Also a great Historical Fiction introduction book if you are contemplating trying it.
My sincere thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fabulously beautiful book.
January 10, 2022
This newest novel by Soraya Lane takes us back to WWII where 3 American nurses (and their group) end up stranded in Albania fighting for their lives. Dot, Vita and Evelyn joined the 807th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron, each hoping to prove something to themselves and to their families. One of their missions to transport wounded soldiers ends up crashing after departing from Sicily, leaving their entire group of 2 dozen medics and nurses stranded in what they later find out is Albania. As they make their way through the small Albanian villages, they have to be careful to stay hidden from the Nazis that are crawling all over. Dot gets separated from the group and Vita and Evelyn desperately try to find anyone who can help their group communicate with the Allies so they can be rescued. Their survival depends greatly on the generosity and bravery of the Albanians who help them.
I enjoyed this novel because I knew nothing about this medical transport squadron. The novel has fictional characters but the crash of the 807th squadron did indeed occur. The files were classified until recently and the survivors were not allowed to speak about their ordeal. All 3 women form a strong bond of friendship with each other and end up finding love through their ordeal. While I find the "romantic aspect" of the storyline a bit unbelievable, it does make it appealing to a broader audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Soraya Lane for this advanced copy.
I enjoyed this novel because I knew nothing about this medical transport squadron. The novel has fictional characters but the crash of the 807th squadron did indeed occur. The files were classified until recently and the survivors were not allowed to speak about their ordeal. All 3 women form a strong bond of friendship with each other and end up finding love through their ordeal. While I find the "romantic aspect" of the storyline a bit unbelievable, it does make it appealing to a broader audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Soraya Lane for this advanced copy.
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