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We Fly Beneath the Stars
1942, Based on the true story of a female-only bomber battalion, this is a totally heartbreaking and unforgettable story about sacrifice, sisterhood and a love that transcends war.
When the love of Tasha’s life, Luca , joins the air force to fight against the evil Nazi invaders, she knows she has to follow her heart—and him—into battle. Headstrong, impulsive and a daredevil, she’s the perfect recruit.
Tasha’s sensible older sister Nadia plans only to stop Tasha’s madness and bring her home. But a chance encounter puts her in a plane, soaring above the clouds, and she also finds her calling.
Underestimated by their superiors, Nadia and her sister find themselves in airplanes barely fit to fly, being sent on perilous missions with little hope of return. But before long their battalion is being nicknamed ‘the Night Witches’ by the Nazis, their ownership of the skies second to none.
But danger is up in the storm clouds with them, and when both sisters are shot down behind Nazi enemy lines, and taken to a brutal prison camp, they expect to never see their beloved homeland again.
Until Tasha’s eyes meet across the wire fence with someone she never expected to see the love of her life, Luca.
But with love comes peril… Will one sister have to sacrifice everything to save the other?
Absolutely unputdownable historical fiction, perfect for fans of All the Light We Cannot See , The Ragged Edge of Night , and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Readers love Suzanne
“ OMG! I felt the fear and the terror within the pages as if I was there living it … Heartbreaking … By the end of the story I was so moved and in tears .” Confessions of a Bookaholic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ I was truly swept away … Spellbinding!… Powerful and captivating from the first page to the last, and it deserves more stars than can be rated . I could not put it down and missed a lot of sleep! … Even after finishing the story, I have not stopped thinking about it … Totally awe-inspiring… Loved, loved, loved .” Musician's Poet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Absolutely heartbreaking … Filled with sadness, love, courage and sacrifice —I couldn’t put this book down.” Stardust Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Oh my goodness! Evocatively unsettling yet hauntingly beautiful… Incredibly powerful… I read this book with bated breath . I cried, I grieved and I hoped… I was left heartbroken .” Robin Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Three Have. Tissues. Ready … Fantastic … The emotion that pours from the pages is absolutely heart-wrenching . I loved every minute of this book, even though it left me a sniffling mess by the end .” Fireflies and Free Kicks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ I LOVED THIS BOOK! … I recommend this book to everyone that loves historical fiction .” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Exceptional … Heart-wrenching … Captivating… Had me on the edge of my seat … An absolutely brilliant read where love and friendship wins out in the end. I was reduced to tears … Top of my list of books I have read .” Carol Clasper ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Totally captivating … About the bravery of the silent heroes of WWII… A wonderful, compelling story that will grip you to the very end, it will break your heart … I can’t stop thinking about this story .” Krafti Reader ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ An unforgettable love story! … Spectacular … Nail-biting tension … What a beautiful historical fiction romance .” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Oh wow! … Stopped me in my tracks, it was so moving, powerful and evocative . A love story, a war story and so very much more.” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When the love of Tasha’s life, Luca , joins the air force to fight against the evil Nazi invaders, she knows she has to follow her heart—and him—into battle. Headstrong, impulsive and a daredevil, she’s the perfect recruit.
Tasha’s sensible older sister Nadia plans only to stop Tasha’s madness and bring her home. But a chance encounter puts her in a plane, soaring above the clouds, and she also finds her calling.
Underestimated by their superiors, Nadia and her sister find themselves in airplanes barely fit to fly, being sent on perilous missions with little hope of return. But before long their battalion is being nicknamed ‘the Night Witches’ by the Nazis, their ownership of the skies second to none.
But danger is up in the storm clouds with them, and when both sisters are shot down behind Nazi enemy lines, and taken to a brutal prison camp, they expect to never see their beloved homeland again.
Until Tasha’s eyes meet across the wire fence with someone she never expected to see the love of her life, Luca.
But with love comes peril… Will one sister have to sacrifice everything to save the other?
Absolutely unputdownable historical fiction, perfect for fans of All the Light We Cannot See , The Ragged Edge of Night , and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Readers love Suzanne
“ OMG! I felt the fear and the terror within the pages as if I was there living it … Heartbreaking … By the end of the story I was so moved and in tears .” Confessions of a Bookaholic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ I was truly swept away … Spellbinding!… Powerful and captivating from the first page to the last, and it deserves more stars than can be rated . I could not put it down and missed a lot of sleep! … Even after finishing the story, I have not stopped thinking about it … Totally awe-inspiring… Loved, loved, loved .” Musician's Poet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Absolutely heartbreaking … Filled with sadness, love, courage and sacrifice —I couldn’t put this book down.” Stardust Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Oh my goodness! Evocatively unsettling yet hauntingly beautiful… Incredibly powerful… I read this book with bated breath . I cried, I grieved and I hoped… I was left heartbroken .” Robin Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Three Have. Tissues. Ready … Fantastic … The emotion that pours from the pages is absolutely heart-wrenching . I loved every minute of this book, even though it left me a sniffling mess by the end .” Fireflies and Free Kicks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ I LOVED THIS BOOK! … I recommend this book to everyone that loves historical fiction .” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Exceptional … Heart-wrenching … Captivating… Had me on the edge of my seat … An absolutely brilliant read where love and friendship wins out in the end. I was reduced to tears … Top of my list of books I have read .” Carol Clasper ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Totally captivating … About the bravery of the silent heroes of WWII… A wonderful, compelling story that will grip you to the very end, it will break your heart … I can’t stop thinking about this story .” Krafti Reader ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ An unforgettable love story! … Spectacular … Nail-biting tension … What a beautiful historical fiction romance .” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Oh wow! … Stopped me in my tracks, it was so moving, powerful and evocative . A love story, a war story and so very much more.” NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
374 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2022
770 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Kelman
16 books629 followersSuzanne Kelman is an Amazon international bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Her books have sold over 475,000 copies worldwide and accumulated ten rights deals across eight territories.
Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture - an imprint for Hachette U.K.
She is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Rejected Writers' Book Club", published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, "Rejected Writers Take the Stage" and "The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding".
Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.
In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.
As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, "Over My Dead Body", had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.
Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch - https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com
Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture - an imprint for Hachette U.K.
She is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Rejected Writers' Book Club", published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, "Rejected Writers Take the Stage" and "The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding".
Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.
In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.
As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, "Over My Dead Body", had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.
Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch - https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
December 17, 2022
We Fly Beneath the Stars by Suzanne Kelman
Narrated by Lauryn Allman
"Night Witches" is a World War II German nickname for the all-female military aviators of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment of the Soviet Air Forces. Not considered by their own country as important enough to warrant proper equipment, the women flew missions in training planes that couldn't even get high enough to make a parachute feasible, if needed. With no radio equipment, the aviators had to communicate with flashlights. With no navigation equipment, navigation was done with a map, ruler, pen, paper and compass. At first the women had to wear old men's uniforms. While the men had much more and longer training, the women were allotted only six months of training.
The fictional characters, Tasha and Nadia, who already had flying experience at the beginning of the war, become pilots with this fascinating group of women. It's so interesting to learn about the 588th Night Bomber Regiment and the accomplishments of these women (some still in their late teens) and I appreciate that this book has led me to learn even more about them. I would have loved for the book to have even more information about the real women of this regiment.
As much as I liked the character of Nadia, we mostly follow Tasha, who has hated being seen next to the spotlight of her almost perfect older sister, Nadia. That jealousy is Tasha's constant excuse for her impulsive, dangerous, immature, selfish, and impetuous behavior. Actually she doesn't like anyone being above her or telling her what to do so she's the last person you would want to depend on in any circumstances. I won't go into all details of Tasha's behavior but I don't believe she could have gotten away with half of her insubordination in real life but in the story she is almost looked at in awe for her risky and wrong behavior. So much of my enjoyment of the story is dampened by Tasha's actions.
Then there is the romance. Some romance is fine but I don't want to know how the body responds every Tasha thinks about, looks at, and is around her boyfriend. We know almost immediately that this is true love and they can't stand to be away from each other. In fact, Tasha's love for her boyfriend causes her to completely flip her lid and commit the most horrible breach of common sense of all (that's saying a lot because she's always doing things in a fit of anger or desire). The doing the wrong thing in long moments of anger or desire take away from the historical part of the story for me.
For those who are really big historical fiction fans, just know that this is big on romance (and showing it) and light on common sense. I think Tasha would have ended up in a gulag long before she made it as a Night Witch.
Audiobook pub November 30, 2022
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Lauryn Allman
"Night Witches" is a World War II German nickname for the all-female military aviators of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment of the Soviet Air Forces. Not considered by their own country as important enough to warrant proper equipment, the women flew missions in training planes that couldn't even get high enough to make a parachute feasible, if needed. With no radio equipment, the aviators had to communicate with flashlights. With no navigation equipment, navigation was done with a map, ruler, pen, paper and compass. At first the women had to wear old men's uniforms. While the men had much more and longer training, the women were allotted only six months of training.
The fictional characters, Tasha and Nadia, who already had flying experience at the beginning of the war, become pilots with this fascinating group of women. It's so interesting to learn about the 588th Night Bomber Regiment and the accomplishments of these women (some still in their late teens) and I appreciate that this book has led me to learn even more about them. I would have loved for the book to have even more information about the real women of this regiment.
As much as I liked the character of Nadia, we mostly follow Tasha, who has hated being seen next to the spotlight of her almost perfect older sister, Nadia. That jealousy is Tasha's constant excuse for her impulsive, dangerous, immature, selfish, and impetuous behavior. Actually she doesn't like anyone being above her or telling her what to do so she's the last person you would want to depend on in any circumstances. I won't go into all details of Tasha's behavior but I don't believe she could have gotten away with half of her insubordination in real life but in the story she is almost looked at in awe for her risky and wrong behavior. So much of my enjoyment of the story is dampened by Tasha's actions.
Then there is the romance. Some romance is fine but I don't want to know how the body responds every Tasha thinks about, looks at, and is around her boyfriend. We know almost immediately that this is true love and they can't stand to be away from each other. In fact, Tasha's love for her boyfriend causes her to completely flip her lid and commit the most horrible breach of common sense of all (that's saying a lot because she's always doing things in a fit of anger or desire). The doing the wrong thing in long moments of anger or desire take away from the historical part of the story for me.
For those who are really big historical fiction fans, just know that this is big on romance (and showing it) and light on common sense. I think Tasha would have ended up in a gulag long before she made it as a Night Witch.
Audiobook pub November 30, 2022
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 11, 2022
Many times, when I read WWII historical fiction – the stories feel quite similar, which is why I started going easy on the genre. However, even though Suzanne Kelman writes mostly WWII historical fiction, each of her books is very different. Having read many of her earlier books, I looked forward to this and it did not disappoint – a beautiful and heart-warming story.
Though the story starts with the present being in US, this time the action is largely in Russia, as Hitler’s Nazi Germany launches its invasion. A nation taken aback fights back but it is tough. Nadia and Tasha are sisters who live with their grandmother, after their parents pass away. Nadia is mature & methodical while Tasha is impulsive and often reckless. Nadia gets married to a communist party official while Tasha is in love with Luca who she has known since long. As Luca signs up to fight in the air force, Tasha follows him and finds that she has the chance to join a women flying force herself and grabs the opportunity. A worried Nadia ventures out to find her and ends up enrolling as well. Tasha resents this initially but the tough situations to follow turns their lives upside down. Despite initial scorn from male flyers and general scepticism, the women emerge as an effective fighting force and come to be known as ‘The Night Witches’ as they drop bombs on German positions in night raids.
A very well-written story of love, sisterhood, tragedy & hope. The only drawback is that except for a nice little twist/wordplay at the start, the story is somewhat predictable. The characters are all very well developed and loveable and I felt drawn to them.
I read this after Susan Cain’s ‘Bittersweet’ and this novel epitomizes what she says in the book, despite the pain in many pages of the book, it is also extremely beautiful. Suzanne Kelman’s historical fiction novels are always a joy to read – definitely recommended.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the author for a free electronic review copy.
Though the story starts with the present being in US, this time the action is largely in Russia, as Hitler’s Nazi Germany launches its invasion. A nation taken aback fights back but it is tough. Nadia and Tasha are sisters who live with their grandmother, after their parents pass away. Nadia is mature & methodical while Tasha is impulsive and often reckless. Nadia gets married to a communist party official while Tasha is in love with Luca who she has known since long. As Luca signs up to fight in the air force, Tasha follows him and finds that she has the chance to join a women flying force herself and grabs the opportunity. A worried Nadia ventures out to find her and ends up enrolling as well. Tasha resents this initially but the tough situations to follow turns their lives upside down. Despite initial scorn from male flyers and general scepticism, the women emerge as an effective fighting force and come to be known as ‘The Night Witches’ as they drop bombs on German positions in night raids.
A very well-written story of love, sisterhood, tragedy & hope. The only drawback is that except for a nice little twist/wordplay at the start, the story is somewhat predictable. The characters are all very well developed and loveable and I felt drawn to them.
I read this after Susan Cain’s ‘Bittersweet’ and this novel epitomizes what she says in the book, despite the pain in many pages of the book, it is also extremely beautiful. Suzanne Kelman’s historical fiction novels are always a joy to read – definitely recommended.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the author for a free electronic review copy.
October 31, 2022
We fly between the stars by Suzanne Kelman is the 6th book from the author that I have read its amazing fictional story regarding the real lives of Russian Night witches, who were the only all women Regiment fighter pilots in the Russian Air force in WW2. The author has outdone herself with this story and I think it is her best one to date.
The story involves two sisters Tasha and Nadia who join the Russian Air force when Russia joins the fight against the Nazi’s. Not only overcoming the harassment from their male counterparts. But the bravery of the women flying into danger in every flight.
This author is a great storyteller and although her characters are fictional it is based on real people and events. She introduces us to lesser-known events in history and writes moving inspirational stories. This powerful story had me engrossed until the very end. I loved it and made me want to find out more about the Russian Night witches. I highly recommend. 5 stars from me.
The story involves two sisters Tasha and Nadia who join the Russian Air force when Russia joins the fight against the Nazi’s. Not only overcoming the harassment from their male counterparts. But the bravery of the women flying into danger in every flight.
This author is a great storyteller and although her characters are fictional it is based on real people and events. She introduces us to lesser-known events in history and writes moving inspirational stories. This powerful story had me engrossed until the very end. I loved it and made me want to find out more about the Russian Night witches. I highly recommend. 5 stars from me.
January 29, 2023
Based on true stories, this is an excellent adaptation of two Russian sisters flying bombing missions in WWII. The writing is not overly flowery, yet passionate and emotional and brings you to each moment of pain, anger, hope and fear each sister went through in her own personal battle both within and against the Nazis. The ending was just beautiful, and the fact that it really transpired was amazing. There are, as always, literary liberties taken, so it's fiction. Fine with that.
A great Historical Fiction read. Never a doubt in my 5-star rating here.
A great Historical Fiction read. Never a doubt in my 5-star rating here.
December 4, 2022
This book takes place during WWII but it’s not the typical story that has been told many times before. Based on a true story two sisters find themselves joining an all female bomber battalion. The story follows these sisters and tells their story. This book retained my interest and I really enjoyed it. Great book even if your not a historical fiction fan.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an opportunity to review this book.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an opportunity to review this book.
December 1, 2022
Absolutely superb.
This book has it all. Historical fiction fans will lap this up.
It is so interesting, telling me about a part of history I knew little about, which is a huge factor in why I read this genre. Women flying fighter planes?
The characters are powerful, two competitive sisters fighting the war makes for a slightly different dynamic that isn't used too often.
I was truly gripped by the dramatic events, feeling the fear and emotion in every page.
I also listened to the audiobook, and it was brilliant. Wonderful narration evoking the drama perfectly.
This book has it all. Historical fiction fans will lap this up.
It is so interesting, telling me about a part of history I knew little about, which is a huge factor in why I read this genre. Women flying fighter planes?
The characters are powerful, two competitive sisters fighting the war makes for a slightly different dynamic that isn't used too often.
I was truly gripped by the dramatic events, feeling the fear and emotion in every page.
I also listened to the audiobook, and it was brilliant. Wonderful narration evoking the drama perfectly.
October 1, 2022
“Survival is a moment-by-moment choice. Sometimes you fight. Sometimes you make yourself so small you are barely seen. But always, absolutely always, you believe in a different tomorrow. So, stop creating problems today. You have to be strong and fight.”
This was my first introduction to Russia’s Night Witches, the daring female pilots who were a crucial Soviet asset to winning WW2. Kelman invites us to journey alongside two of the 46th Taman Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment who flew under the cover of darkness in bare-bones biplanes dropping bombs on Nazi targets. A sign of a good historical fiction book is that you are left with a desire to research on your own and read more books on the topic! I’ve just done both.
I’ll admit, the cutesy lovey dovey stuff at the beginning almost had me putting this in the DNF pile. Once I skimmed past it, the rest of the story was great. So, if you don’t care for OTT declarations of love, persevere. It’s worth it. Kelman’s characters are sublime. Tasha and Nadia are as opposite as my sister and me and I understand the conflict and emotions at stake. Kelman used it to her advantage in the plot.
It only takes a moment of weakness for things to go horribly wrong and that’s what happens to the sisters. Blinded by love, Tasha lets her guard down and soon they find themselves in hell on Earth ~ Wiesenberg slave labor camp.
“If hell is a place on earth, then surely this is it. But hell is just a name, and it can only mean that to you if you allow it.”
Kelman doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable; there are intense battle scenes, death and Nazi work camps. What she does stress, though, is that we all need to be reminded of the indomitability of the female spirit. We can see this in the above quote and throughout her novel.
My favourite character was Gaia, mainly because of what she represented and her outlook on life. A close second would be Tasha because I wished I was more like her. She knew what she wanted and went after it with passion and perseverance, showing everyone that being female wasn’t limiting.
A quote that I will take with me, thanks to Gaia:
“If despair is not an option, then hope is all you see.”
This is a wonderful introduction to the forming of the Night Witches and will be a perfect springboard for anyone wanting to investigate further.
I was gifted this advance copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This was my first introduction to Russia’s Night Witches, the daring female pilots who were a crucial Soviet asset to winning WW2. Kelman invites us to journey alongside two of the 46th Taman Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment who flew under the cover of darkness in bare-bones biplanes dropping bombs on Nazi targets. A sign of a good historical fiction book is that you are left with a desire to research on your own and read more books on the topic! I’ve just done both.
I’ll admit, the cutesy lovey dovey stuff at the beginning almost had me putting this in the DNF pile. Once I skimmed past it, the rest of the story was great. So, if you don’t care for OTT declarations of love, persevere. It’s worth it. Kelman’s characters are sublime. Tasha and Nadia are as opposite as my sister and me and I understand the conflict and emotions at stake. Kelman used it to her advantage in the plot.
It only takes a moment of weakness for things to go horribly wrong and that’s what happens to the sisters. Blinded by love, Tasha lets her guard down and soon they find themselves in hell on Earth ~ Wiesenberg slave labor camp.
“If hell is a place on earth, then surely this is it. But hell is just a name, and it can only mean that to you if you allow it.”
Kelman doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable; there are intense battle scenes, death and Nazi work camps. What she does stress, though, is that we all need to be reminded of the indomitability of the female spirit. We can see this in the above quote and throughout her novel.
My favourite character was Gaia, mainly because of what she represented and her outlook on life. A close second would be Tasha because I wished I was more like her. She knew what she wanted and went after it with passion and perseverance, showing everyone that being female wasn’t limiting.
A quote that I will take with me, thanks to Gaia:
“If despair is not an option, then hope is all you see.”
This is a wonderful introduction to the forming of the Night Witches and will be a perfect springboard for anyone wanting to investigate further.
I was gifted this advance copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 30, 2022
What an inspirational book. 'We Fly Beneath the Stars' takes you up in the sky, in the freezing cold cockpit. Your stomach clenches as the pilot somersaults to evade enemy fire, and you quickly turn the page for more.
Tasha and her sister Nadia join the Russian Air Force in the middle of WWII, wanting to use their aviation skills to help defend the motherland against Hitler's quickly advancing army. However, the Germans aren't the only enemy these sisters and their female comrades must face, they must also prove themselves to their male counterparts, 'We are proud to be women, but we will fight like men'. Night after night, the sisters successfully bomb their enemy targets, becoming known by the Germans as the 'Night Witches'. Success, however, breeds complacency in Tasha and it gets her and her sister in trouble, and in a German work camp. Survival becomes, 'a moment-by-moment choice', especially when your life and the life of your loved ones are at stake. 'If despair is not an option, then hope is all you see'.
Suzanne Kelman's book, based on true events, draws you in and opens your eyes to the less publicised war effort made by Russian women. Kelmans' characters are believable, as is their story. The pace of the book works well and covers a lot of ground; with enough detail to be captivated but not so laborious as to be heavy and stagnate.. Well worth a read for WWII historical fiction fans - especially those who enjoy strong women characters, with a bit of romance thrown in too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Tasha and her sister Nadia join the Russian Air Force in the middle of WWII, wanting to use their aviation skills to help defend the motherland against Hitler's quickly advancing army. However, the Germans aren't the only enemy these sisters and their female comrades must face, they must also prove themselves to their male counterparts, 'We are proud to be women, but we will fight like men'. Night after night, the sisters successfully bomb their enemy targets, becoming known by the Germans as the 'Night Witches'. Success, however, breeds complacency in Tasha and it gets her and her sister in trouble, and in a German work camp. Survival becomes, 'a moment-by-moment choice', especially when your life and the life of your loved ones are at stake. 'If despair is not an option, then hope is all you see'.
Suzanne Kelman's book, based on true events, draws you in and opens your eyes to the less publicised war effort made by Russian women. Kelmans' characters are believable, as is their story. The pace of the book works well and covers a lot of ground; with enough detail to be captivated but not so laborious as to be heavy and stagnate.. Well worth a read for WWII historical fiction fans - especially those who enjoy strong women characters, with a bit of romance thrown in too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 3, 2022
Wow. Another piece of history that I didn’t know about but this telling of it was so riveting. The heartache, pain, happiness, and love. Oh, so much love and the risks that people are willing to go through for those the love. This didn’t just pull on my heartstrings- it ripped them right out. Wonderfully written, highly recommend.
🌀Synopsis
Tasha and Luca grew up together and they also grew into being lovers. When Luca signs up to fight against the Nazis Tasha is devastated, but being the headstrong woman she is, she formulates a plan. She also joins the military as part of an all female flying brigade.
Her sister, Naomi, follows her to bring her back home. With Naomi’s husband being drafted into the war too, she decides to stay as a pilot as well.
Known as the Night Witches, the women set out to terrorize their enemies. When Tasha learns Luca has gone missing over enemy lines she tries to see him out. I’m doing so, she is hit and ends up captured with her sister.
They are stuck together in a Nazi concentration camp and Tasha finds out Luca is actually in the camp next door. The two sneak out to see each other nightly, helping each other make it through the days with their love. That is, until Luca is transferred away. When a dam breaks the women escape but their health is failing and Tasha still needs to find a way to Luca.
🌀Synopsis
Tasha and Luca grew up together and they also grew into being lovers. When Luca signs up to fight against the Nazis Tasha is devastated, but being the headstrong woman she is, she formulates a plan. She also joins the military as part of an all female flying brigade.
Her sister, Naomi, follows her to bring her back home. With Naomi’s husband being drafted into the war too, she decides to stay as a pilot as well.
Known as the Night Witches, the women set out to terrorize their enemies. When Tasha learns Luca has gone missing over enemy lines she tries to see him out. I’m doing so, she is hit and ends up captured with her sister.
They are stuck together in a Nazi concentration camp and Tasha finds out Luca is actually in the camp next door. The two sneak out to see each other nightly, helping each other make it through the days with their love. That is, until Luca is transferred away. When a dam breaks the women escape but their health is failing and Tasha still needs to find a way to Luca.
May 2, 2024
I really wanted to love this one. If the historical aspect and the fascinating information about female flyers sounds good to you, then you should definitely give this one a try!
I struggled with this one because I struggled with the character of Tasha. I found her attitude and behavior really off-putting and, since most of the POV are from her, I really struggled to not throw the book when she was reckless and, I think, selfish. I liked Nadia's POV much more and I loved learning about the women who flew.
Since not enjoying the POV is completely personal, definitely check out the other 4 and 5 star reviews and maybe give this one a try. It just didn't work for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I struggled with this one because I struggled with the character of Tasha. I found her attitude and behavior really off-putting and, since most of the POV are from her, I really struggled to not throw the book when she was reckless and, I think, selfish. I liked Nadia's POV much more and I loved learning about the women who flew.
Since not enjoying the POV is completely personal, definitely check out the other 4 and 5 star reviews and maybe give this one a try. It just didn't work for me.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
November 26, 2022
This is another World War II story about a little known subject - The Night Witches who helped Russia win the air war. Who were these Night Witches? They were the all-women pilots of Russia’s 588th Night Bomber Aviation Regiment. The Night Witches were the first women military pilots in the 20th century to directly engage an enemy in combat. All the members of the 588th were women, including the navigators, ground crews, and support staff.
Sisters Tasha and Nadia lived with their grandmother in a small town in Russia. Nadia is the older sister and is quiet and sensible and plans to marry a Communist party official. Tasha has been in love with Luca since they met as children. She is impetuous and often reckless. When Luca signs up to go in the army to fight the Germans, she's distraught and decides to follow him. When he is less than thrilled that she showed up, she impulsively goes to a meeting about female pilots and how they can help in the war. She signs up for the new program on a whim and is sent away to training camp. When she left home, she left nothing but a note and her sister Nadia decides that she has to find Tasha and bring her home. When she finds out about the female pilot program, she decides to join too. Her husband is in the army and she knows that she can do more to help Russia than just staying at home and being a housewife. When Nadia first shows up at training camp, Tasha is angry. She's been compared to her older sister for all of her life and was looking forward to being a success at something on her own. They eventually reconcile and realize how important they are to each other. On a night fight, Tasha impulsively decides to look for Luca's downed plane behind enemy lines. She ends up crashing her plane and both sisters are taken to a German concentration camp. Life in the camp is brutal and they both believe that they will never see their home again. Will the two sisters be able to survive the brutal treatment in the camp and go home or will one sister have to sacrifice everything to save the other?
Tasha and Nadia were both brave beyond words. Every night, along with the rest of the female pilots, they put their lives on the line to bomb German targets. At first they were made fun of by the male pilots and underestimated by the male officers. By the end of the war, these Night Witches had flown somewhere in the vicinity of 30,000 bombing raids, delivering around 23,000 tons of munitions on Nazi targets and became a crucial Soviet asset in winning World War II.
This well researched novel will make you smile and make you cry while you lean about a little known group of brave women who helped the Allies win the war. It's novel about sisterhood - both by blood and the people who mean the most to you - bravery and resilience and it's a story that you won't soon forget.
Sisters Tasha and Nadia lived with their grandmother in a small town in Russia. Nadia is the older sister and is quiet and sensible and plans to marry a Communist party official. Tasha has been in love with Luca since they met as children. She is impetuous and often reckless. When Luca signs up to go in the army to fight the Germans, she's distraught and decides to follow him. When he is less than thrilled that she showed up, she impulsively goes to a meeting about female pilots and how they can help in the war. She signs up for the new program on a whim and is sent away to training camp. When she left home, she left nothing but a note and her sister Nadia decides that she has to find Tasha and bring her home. When she finds out about the female pilot program, she decides to join too. Her husband is in the army and she knows that she can do more to help Russia than just staying at home and being a housewife. When Nadia first shows up at training camp, Tasha is angry. She's been compared to her older sister for all of her life and was looking forward to being a success at something on her own. They eventually reconcile and realize how important they are to each other. On a night fight, Tasha impulsively decides to look for Luca's downed plane behind enemy lines. She ends up crashing her plane and both sisters are taken to a German concentration camp. Life in the camp is brutal and they both believe that they will never see their home again. Will the two sisters be able to survive the brutal treatment in the camp and go home or will one sister have to sacrifice everything to save the other?
Tasha and Nadia were both brave beyond words. Every night, along with the rest of the female pilots, they put their lives on the line to bomb German targets. At first they were made fun of by the male pilots and underestimated by the male officers. By the end of the war, these Night Witches had flown somewhere in the vicinity of 30,000 bombing raids, delivering around 23,000 tons of munitions on Nazi targets and became a crucial Soviet asset in winning World War II.
This well researched novel will make you smile and make you cry while you lean about a little known group of brave women who helped the Allies win the war. It's novel about sisterhood - both by blood and the people who mean the most to you - bravery and resilience and it's a story that you won't soon forget.
December 8, 2022
Night Witches
An exciting, heartbreaking and tragic story about brave women pilots during WWII. This story is very different as it is about Russian women . During WWII the Russians were fighting with Britain against the Nazis.
At this time the male soldiers laughed and sneered at the women fliers. It was thought by them that war was for men to fight and women should be home tending to the home and children. The women set out to prove their worth.
I loved this story about a unit of women of which I had no prior knowledge of. I loved the comradely between the girls and the sparing between Tasha and her sister Nadia. Tasha had such a free and competitive spirit until she made a fatal mistake that would change the lives forever of both herself and her sister.
The romance between Luca and Tasha was awesome and also between Hans and Nadia. I love the compassion Nadia showed Ivan after she found out his secret.
It was a good story, very sad at times and very happy at others. I loved all the characters. The ending was special. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Suzanne Kelman for writing a great story, Bookouture for publishing it and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
An exciting, heartbreaking and tragic story about brave women pilots during WWII. This story is very different as it is about Russian women . During WWII the Russians were fighting with Britain against the Nazis.
At this time the male soldiers laughed and sneered at the women fliers. It was thought by them that war was for men to fight and women should be home tending to the home and children. The women set out to prove their worth.
I loved this story about a unit of women of which I had no prior knowledge of. I loved the comradely between the girls and the sparing between Tasha and her sister Nadia. Tasha had such a free and competitive spirit until she made a fatal mistake that would change the lives forever of both herself and her sister.
The romance between Luca and Tasha was awesome and also between Hans and Nadia. I love the compassion Nadia showed Ivan after she found out his secret.
It was a good story, very sad at times and very happy at others. I loved all the characters. The ending was special. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Suzanne Kelman for writing a great story, Bookouture for publishing it and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
April 20, 2023
Ever since reading THE HUNTRESS, I've been intrigued by The Night Witches, the squadron of female bomber pilots from Russia in WW2. In WE FLY BENEATH THE STARS, we meet Tasha and Nadia, two sisters who become Night Witches and the struggles they face both as women in a man's field and as soldiers, sisters, and sweethearts. Tasha is brilliant, but also impulsive and hot headed, with a chip on her shoulder, especially when her sister joins the squadron. Watching her grow and mature through hardship is a joy, until she becomes the best version of herself toward the end of the book.
Read
November 10, 2022We Fly Beneath the Stars by Suzanne Kelman is a powerful read that moved me to tears more than a few times! A story full of bravery, courage and love. I lost myself in the author's wonderful writing and the characters stole pieces of my heart. A truly breath-taking read!
November 28, 2022
We Fly Beneath the Stars
By: Suzanne Kelman
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kelman’s novels are all emotional and meticulously research. She nails Historical Fiction every time. I have read several of her books and I am completely immersed in her characters.
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This novel follows two sisters Nadia and Tashia. They join the Russian Air Force. They face male counterparts harassment, but the danger and their mission keeps them moving forward. The bravery these women faced flying into danger is inspiring.
🇷🇺
Inspired by real women known as “ Night Witches”, these women inspired so many female pilots after them. I have read a few novels about “Night Witches” and this would be in my top three.
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They each experienced so many horrible things during their experiences. Will they both survive the war? What will they give up and endure to keep their mission moving forward?
Thank you Bookouture, NetGalley and author Kelman for this advanced audio. This novel is available November 30, 2022.
By: Suzanne Kelman
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kelman’s novels are all emotional and meticulously research. She nails Historical Fiction every time. I have read several of her books and I am completely immersed in her characters.
🇷🇺
This novel follows two sisters Nadia and Tashia. They join the Russian Air Force. They face male counterparts harassment, but the danger and their mission keeps them moving forward. The bravery these women faced flying into danger is inspiring.
🇷🇺
Inspired by real women known as “ Night Witches”, these women inspired so many female pilots after them. I have read a few novels about “Night Witches” and this would be in my top three.
🇷🇺
They each experienced so many horrible things during their experiences. Will they both survive the war? What will they give up and endure to keep their mission moving forward?
Thank you Bookouture, NetGalley and author Kelman for this advanced audio. This novel is available November 30, 2022.
March 26, 2025
I never knew about the Night Witches until this book! So admirable to see what they did during the war, being one the first all female aviation unit. This book was just heartbreaking. I felt sad reading it. I was hooked at the first pages and was captivated until the end!
April 4, 2025
4.5⭐️ gaaah this book made me cry😭 I love these brave women sacrificing their lives to fight for the country they love and their fellow squadron
June 6, 2024
The story of the only Second World War female only bomber battalion sounds riveting and the bulk of readers have judged it nearly a four and a half star book so perhaps I am at fault when I gave up at page 85 ( something I never do ) but then my wife gave up at page 20. I will limit any further comment to, Mills and Boon !
December 19, 2023
This is one of my favourite books of this year! I really loved it so much; it is so amazing and wonderful!
I listened to this book while I was painting my living room, and I was really engrossed in it. The audiobook narrator was fantastic, and she was perfect for the story.
The story is set in 1942 in Europe, and it is based on a true story about a female bomber battalion. Tasha's partner Luca joins the air force to fight against the Nazi's, and she decides to follow him, and also signs up to help with the fight. Her sister Nadia is not happy about this and she tries to stop her, but to no avail. Nadia then thinks that if she can't stop her, then she should join her, and soon, they are both flying in aeroplanes doing missions, with their battalion being nicknamed The Night Witches. What will their fate be though? Will they be safe, or is danger lurking ahead for them?
This is a truly outstanding and superb book, which is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. You will need tissues for it, but you won't regret reading it, as it is a masterpiece, and I recommend it very highly!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
I listened to this book while I was painting my living room, and I was really engrossed in it. The audiobook narrator was fantastic, and she was perfect for the story.
The story is set in 1942 in Europe, and it is based on a true story about a female bomber battalion. Tasha's partner Luca joins the air force to fight against the Nazi's, and she decides to follow him, and also signs up to help with the fight. Her sister Nadia is not happy about this and she tries to stop her, but to no avail. Nadia then thinks that if she can't stop her, then she should join her, and soon, they are both flying in aeroplanes doing missions, with their battalion being nicknamed The Night Witches. What will their fate be though? Will they be safe, or is danger lurking ahead for them?
This is a truly outstanding and superb book, which is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. You will need tissues for it, but you won't regret reading it, as it is a masterpiece, and I recommend it very highly!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
October 21, 2022
Wow! I was completely blown away by Suzanne Kelman’s upcoming novel We Fly Beneath The Stars. (And what a gorgeous revealing cover of the content within.) She said in the back notes it was her hardest to write. I can see why. The energy this novel would have required would have been massive. Emotionally draining to be exact. With such powerful emotions and heartbreaking experiences ripping through this story like a tornado, it leaves your heart in shreds and your eyes sopping up the tears with a giant box of tissues!
The two lead point of view characters are sisters, Tasha and Nadia. They have very different personalities but share a competitiveness that gets them into strife: particularly younger Tasha. They both join in the fight against Hitler as Russian female bomber pilots to help their country but there are other reasons why they choose to get involved (and these become known as the story unfolds). Also, amidst the war, there are many personal battles-- including their experiences with love. And some surprising turn of events for Tasha and Nadia, that are deeply moving.
I must add, all the airwomen created for this story are well presented characters. One named Mila makes a pact with her air team mates that rings true throughout the action. As she says, ‘We are proud to be women but we will fight like men.’ And yes, they do—even surpassing the men at times. Although this novel is a work of fiction, it is based on the real airwomen of the day. Personally, I found it enlightening to read of their proficiencies and how they conquered the skies and their enemy. This novel led me to read up more on these courageous Russian airwomen and I could see how well Suzanne has done her research.
We Fly Beneath The Stars has an incredible acrobatic plot, due to the many twists and turns of events. Just when you think things cannot get any worse for these ladies, they do and the action increases and another barrage of challenges come. Of course, that is precisely the nature of war. Unpredictable, unpleasant and unnerving. And no matter how prepared you may be, sometimes curve balls come out of nowhere and set you off course as it did for the Night Witches. By the way, these Russian airwomen were nicknamed this by the Germans because they wreaked such havoc on their enemy. They were a master of stealth in their attack technique. The night bombers would idle their engines near their target and glide in with only the wind noise to give them away. The Germans said the sound was like broomsticks and this is why they called them the Night Witches. These all female military aviators were pretty clever and courageous in the 588th Night Bomber Regiment and Suzanne delivers a comprehensive believable portrait of their incredible abilities and experiences.
Reading of their accomplishments in We Fly Beneath The Stars will make your heart swell with pride, no matter your nationality. For the things they accomplished as women in such a dire time were indeed incredible acts of bravery. These ladies did not even have a parachute so if their plane went down (as it can and does) survival was unlikely; unless there were bizarre interventions of fate. And there are in this story for one pair. The reasons given for no parachute are due to their low altitude of flight and weight of the bombs. But these weren’t the only battles they had to contend with. Besides keeping the enemy off their tails and staying in the sky, they also had to deal with the mockery of their own military men. Of course, as the story progresses, there are incidents of rescue that bring change of opinions which was lovely to see.
This is a story about incredible courage, the bonds of sisterhood, overcoming adversity and clinging to eternal love. Love that is so powerful it will take you to dangerous locations and positions, give you purpose and strength to fight the odds but also shatter your heart if death comes. Love that could end your life if grief takes over and shuts your body down. And that is real as it happened to my great aunt during the Spanish Flu era of 1918 when her husband contracted the deadly virus and passed on thirteen days after they got married. She could not bear the loss and literally died from a broken heart. This is the enduring love I see on these pages.
I highly recommend this outstanding, seamless flowing narrative and consider it to be Suzanne Kelman’s historical fiction masterpiece. It is a novel you won’t want to miss if you love exceptional World War II aviation stories. Be prepared, though, to lose sleep and expect tears as We Fly Beneath The Stars will grip and shake your heart! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
The two lead point of view characters are sisters, Tasha and Nadia. They have very different personalities but share a competitiveness that gets them into strife: particularly younger Tasha. They both join in the fight against Hitler as Russian female bomber pilots to help their country but there are other reasons why they choose to get involved (and these become known as the story unfolds). Also, amidst the war, there are many personal battles-- including their experiences with love. And some surprising turn of events for Tasha and Nadia, that are deeply moving.
I must add, all the airwomen created for this story are well presented characters. One named Mila makes a pact with her air team mates that rings true throughout the action. As she says, ‘We are proud to be women but we will fight like men.’ And yes, they do—even surpassing the men at times. Although this novel is a work of fiction, it is based on the real airwomen of the day. Personally, I found it enlightening to read of their proficiencies and how they conquered the skies and their enemy. This novel led me to read up more on these courageous Russian airwomen and I could see how well Suzanne has done her research.
We Fly Beneath The Stars has an incredible acrobatic plot, due to the many twists and turns of events. Just when you think things cannot get any worse for these ladies, they do and the action increases and another barrage of challenges come. Of course, that is precisely the nature of war. Unpredictable, unpleasant and unnerving. And no matter how prepared you may be, sometimes curve balls come out of nowhere and set you off course as it did for the Night Witches. By the way, these Russian airwomen were nicknamed this by the Germans because they wreaked such havoc on their enemy. They were a master of stealth in their attack technique. The night bombers would idle their engines near their target and glide in with only the wind noise to give them away. The Germans said the sound was like broomsticks and this is why they called them the Night Witches. These all female military aviators were pretty clever and courageous in the 588th Night Bomber Regiment and Suzanne delivers a comprehensive believable portrait of their incredible abilities and experiences.
Reading of their accomplishments in We Fly Beneath The Stars will make your heart swell with pride, no matter your nationality. For the things they accomplished as women in such a dire time were indeed incredible acts of bravery. These ladies did not even have a parachute so if their plane went down (as it can and does) survival was unlikely; unless there were bizarre interventions of fate. And there are in this story for one pair. The reasons given for no parachute are due to their low altitude of flight and weight of the bombs. But these weren’t the only battles they had to contend with. Besides keeping the enemy off their tails and staying in the sky, they also had to deal with the mockery of their own military men. Of course, as the story progresses, there are incidents of rescue that bring change of opinions which was lovely to see.
This is a story about incredible courage, the bonds of sisterhood, overcoming adversity and clinging to eternal love. Love that is so powerful it will take you to dangerous locations and positions, give you purpose and strength to fight the odds but also shatter your heart if death comes. Love that could end your life if grief takes over and shuts your body down. And that is real as it happened to my great aunt during the Spanish Flu era of 1918 when her husband contracted the deadly virus and passed on thirteen days after they got married. She could not bear the loss and literally died from a broken heart. This is the enduring love I see on these pages.
I highly recommend this outstanding, seamless flowing narrative and consider it to be Suzanne Kelman’s historical fiction masterpiece. It is a novel you won’t want to miss if you love exceptional World War II aviation stories. Be prepared, though, to lose sleep and expect tears as We Fly Beneath The Stars will grip and shake your heart! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
November 28, 2022
4.75⭐️
This is my first book by this WW2 historical fiction author. It’s a long book with a listening time of
In this book we are introduced to Russia’s Night Witches, a female squadron of fighter pilots.
Narrated by Lauryn Allman she does a great job with good distinct voices and emotion.
Luca joined up as a fighter pilot, he is the love of Tasha’s life, so she impulsively goes after him. Tasha gets drawn to a rally to recruit female pilots she naively ends up joining up. Ivan has been conscripted leaving Nadia feeling bored and lonely, she is envious of Tasha having an adventure so decides to sign up too. They end up flying together which makes the reading more entertaining.
I didn’t find Tasha likeable for much of the book, she was too competitive to work as a team, she is impulsive taking too many risks. She is emotionally immature. Her more measured sister is far more likeable.
I love the inclusion of a love story, as well as sibling love/ rivalry it gives it a lot of emotional depth. Its a very moving listen. It’s really well written combining the story of these heroic women.
Oh my gosh the women were treated like canon fodder. Their ingenuity was amazing. I loved the strong female main characters. I hadn’t heard about The night Witches or read anything from the Russian perspective.
Although the epilogue ties in with the prologue I just felt that it was a little drawn out.
What a beautifully written heartbreaking story that’s filled with love. If you enjoy WW2 historical fiction I highly recommend this. I absolutely loved it.
This is my first book by this WW2 historical fiction author. It’s a long book with a listening time of
In this book we are introduced to Russia’s Night Witches, a female squadron of fighter pilots.
Narrated by Lauryn Allman she does a great job with good distinct voices and emotion.
Luca joined up as a fighter pilot, he is the love of Tasha’s life, so she impulsively goes after him. Tasha gets drawn to a rally to recruit female pilots she naively ends up joining up. Ivan has been conscripted leaving Nadia feeling bored and lonely, she is envious of Tasha having an adventure so decides to sign up too. They end up flying together which makes the reading more entertaining.
I didn’t find Tasha likeable for much of the book, she was too competitive to work as a team, she is impulsive taking too many risks. She is emotionally immature. Her more measured sister is far more likeable.
I love the inclusion of a love story, as well as sibling love/ rivalry it gives it a lot of emotional depth. Its a very moving listen. It’s really well written combining the story of these heroic women.
Oh my gosh the women were treated like canon fodder. Their ingenuity was amazing. I loved the strong female main characters. I hadn’t heard about The night Witches or read anything from the Russian perspective.
Although the epilogue ties in with the prologue I just felt that it was a little drawn out.
What a beautifully written heartbreaking story that’s filled with love. If you enjoy WW2 historical fiction I highly recommend this. I absolutely loved it.
December 8, 2022
Tasha has grown up in her older sister Nadia’s shadows. When Russia puts out the call for female pilots, this is Tasha’s chance to forge her own path. However, Nadia has the same idea as her sister and is put into the same regiment as her sister. The two compete against each other for the best of the best. Tasha takes unnecessary risks all while Nadia is trying to get her sister to cool her heels. But when tragedy strikes the two, they must learn to bond together and survive as only two sisters can. I was immediately pulled into this book, especially because it was about the Night Witches. Suzanne brought to light a great story and I was on the edge of my seat anxious to find out what happened. If you love a good story about sisters and dangers they faced in WWII, then look no further than this book.
December 4, 2022
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
This is one of those stories that grabs you and doesn't let go until the last word ... absolutely gripping, full of tension and courage ... and based on a true story.
The book follows the lives of Nadia and Tasha, sisters who join the Russian Airforce during World War II and who become fighter pilots in the much-feared by the Germans and all-female squadron known as "The Night Witches."
Given inferior equipment and less training than their male counterparts as well as having to put up with their harassment all whilst trying to stay alive and get back safely following their night sorties over the advancing German army; this is a story of tremendous bravery however it also a tale of sibling rivalry, love, loss and choices.
The narrator, Lauryn Allman, was excellent; her voice totally immersed me into the story; one of the best I have come across so far and my thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of We Fly Beneath the Stars.
This is one of those stories that grabs you and doesn't let go until the last word ... absolutely gripping, full of tension and courage ... and based on a true story.
The book follows the lives of Nadia and Tasha, sisters who join the Russian Airforce during World War II and who become fighter pilots in the much-feared by the Germans and all-female squadron known as "The Night Witches."
Given inferior equipment and less training than their male counterparts as well as having to put up with their harassment all whilst trying to stay alive and get back safely following their night sorties over the advancing German army; this is a story of tremendous bravery however it also a tale of sibling rivalry, love, loss and choices.
The narrator, Lauryn Allman, was excellent; her voice totally immersed me into the story; one of the best I have come across so far and my thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of We Fly Beneath the Stars.
February 13, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley and Bookouture Audio.
From the very beginning of this book I was drawn to the Tasha and Nadia. The narration was beautifully done. It was easy to distinguish between the characters. There were parts where I felt like I was in the plane with them.
One thing I love the most about war stories is the unexpected love and the strength it takes to fall in love in such a trying time. This story had more than one love story. Nadia was able to love more than one man, both in significantly different ways. And Tasha and Luca’s love survived more than any love should ever have to.
I would love to listen to more books narrated by Lauryn Allman and I would love to read my books by Suzanne Kelman.
From the very beginning of this book I was drawn to the Tasha and Nadia. The narration was beautifully done. It was easy to distinguish between the characters. There were parts where I felt like I was in the plane with them.
One thing I love the most about war stories is the unexpected love and the strength it takes to fall in love in such a trying time. This story had more than one love story. Nadia was able to love more than one man, both in significantly different ways. And Tasha and Luca’s love survived more than any love should ever have to.
I would love to listen to more books narrated by Lauryn Allman and I would love to read my books by Suzanne Kelman.
December 5, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Publication: November 30, 2022
I would rate this book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4). This was a beautiful book about a piece of WW2 history I knew very little about. The Night Witches was an all female group of Russian pilots that fought in the war.
This was so close to being a five star read for me. However, I felt the author spent too much time describing some scenes that were less important to the plot but then brushing over important scenes. I found myself saying "Yes, we get it, they were madly in love" then saying "Wait, that person died?"
I loved the short chapters but I felt the writing style was a bit confusing. Sometimes I felt like I was reading an overly described scene then it felt like I was reading a newspaper article- a lot of telling instead of showing.
Should readers still give this book a go? Yes! If anything, you'll learn all about the Night Witches
Will I read anymore books by this author? I will probably give her next book a go.
Overall, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Kristen Harmel, and Martha Hall Kelly
Publication: November 30, 2022
I would rate this book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4). This was a beautiful book about a piece of WW2 history I knew very little about. The Night Witches was an all female group of Russian pilots that fought in the war.
This was so close to being a five star read for me. However, I felt the author spent too much time describing some scenes that were less important to the plot but then brushing over important scenes. I found myself saying "Yes, we get it, they were madly in love" then saying "Wait, that person died?"
I loved the short chapters but I felt the writing style was a bit confusing. Sometimes I felt like I was reading an overly described scene then it felt like I was reading a newspaper article- a lot of telling instead of showing.
Should readers still give this book a go? Yes! If anything, you'll learn all about the Night Witches
Will I read anymore books by this author? I will probably give her next book a go.
Overall, perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Kristen Harmel, and Martha Hall Kelly
October 7, 2022
Having read a lot of this authors other books I was delighted to be reading this early, this author never dissapoints, she takes you to the very edge of the lives of her amazing characters, I never give anything away and can really recommend this fantastic 5⭐️ read
December 3, 2022
We Fly Beneath the Stars by Suzanne Kelman underwent a cover change prior to me reading this book and I have to say I adored the first cover and didn’t see the need to change it. But now having read this remarkable story of bravery, courage and female strength and empowerment, I can see that the new cover fits the subject matter perfectly and gives the reader a glimpse into the content of the book. I love the title because it encapsulates the main theme of the book, that of a group of women who went against convention and did their bit for their country time and time again. They stepped way beyond their comfort zones and fought for their country at a time when the evils of Hitler were spreading throughout all of Europe. The first quarter or so I found a bit slow but once the two main characters Nadia and Tasha embark on a life-changing experience that’s when I found things picked up and I found their journey to be exhilarating, perilous and heart-breaking in equal measure.
There is so little about women female pilots that in fact I hadn’t even realised women were pilots during the war participating in bombing raids. Suzanne Kelman has shone a spotlight on a little known aspect of the war and written a fascinating story that brought to me a deeper awareness of the indomitably of the female spirit and shows how tyrants should always be challenged and ultimately defeated. A brief prologue introduces us to Tasha in the summer of 1985. She still feels deep regret for that one action over 40 years ago that caused such a terrible chain of events leading to the worst mistake of her life. This has haunted her for so long but to find out what this was we are taken back many years to Russia where Tasha lives with her sister Nadia and grandmother Babka. Her parents died many years before and it has been the three women ever since. Tasha is deeply in love with Luca and he wants to marry her but Tasha declines and the most beautiful description is used as to why she is not yet ready although one day she hopes to be. She describes it as a giant bird inside of her that wants to break free and soar and see all that life has to offer before she is tied down by taking care of children and a home.
Tasha for me is a divisive character and that’s because her actions throughout the book were so selfish with her only thinking of herself for the majority of the time. She has always felt that there is something bigger inside of her that she is meant to do and she is always in competition with her sister. Although Nadia doesn’t see it that way at all. Tasha wants to live her life fully in every possible way that she can but to me that was often at the expense of others. She strives to be the biggest and best at everything but gave scant regard for the consequences of her actions on others. She finds it hard to control her emotions and opinions and this gets her in serious trouble and I think these qualities are what caused her to have such a deep regret all through her life once the war was over. She is a genius at what she does namely flying planes but at the same time she is reckless and irresponsible and at times I found her to be self-absorbed and frustrating. It sounds like she is all bad but really she isn’t and her one goal - to see Hitler defeated and have her back in the arms of Luca is a strong and admirable one. It’s just her actions throughout the book made me feel differently about her at different junctures within the book. The further the book progresses you can see Tasha doing an about turn so to speak and getting her act together but will it be too little too late and will her actions have consequences that can never be repaired or forgiven?
When Luca enlists as a pilot, Tasha is devastated and knowing she has experience flying (having received lessons in payment for cleaning of the local flying club) and that she can’t just sit and wait for Luca, she escapes her small village and heads to the big city where her cousin lives. She soon hears of a female flying unit being set up and figuring this will bring her closer to Luca and at the same time fulfil this deep need and urge inside of her to do something dangerous, exciting and brave she too enlists. He had promised her that he would not die and now that she has put herself in the firing line so to speak she makes the same promise to herself. Soon she is at a training camp where all her abilities, both mental and physical, are put to the test and this is where she often lets her emotions get the better of her especially when it comes to dealing with men who are also training. Tasha becomes reckless and to me she showed her immaturity. Yes, she felt in Nadia’s shadow but I think Tasha brought those emotions on herself and convinced herself that that was the way things were when in reality if she had been more open and talked to her sister perhaps a very different picture would have emerged.
Nadia is the complete opposite to her sister. Steady and sensible she feels a need to always be in control. Tasha is always in direct competition with Nadia but it’s more a competition of her own making rather than being rooted in any sort of reality. Nadia always has to be doing the right thing which in itself can be a curse rather than a good thing. She marries Ivan and she does love him but marriage is not what she had hoped or wished it to be. Ivan does not show any kind of emotion, care or love. He is a member of the communist party and does not show any kind of intimacy towards Nadia which she deeply longs for. The loneliness increases for her and she feels her marriage is a failure and she is trapped. When Ivan is called to serve his country and news reaches Nadia of Tasha’s own foray into the female fighter squad she too arrives at the female training camp. To say this does not go down well with Tasha is an understatement and I found her reaction to be so childish and selfish. Nadia soon proves to be a genius at the training and will be a worthy female pilot and well able to drop bombs on the designated targets. But the squads missions are fraught with danger with every night flight that they undertake and when Tasha does something purely for her own needs and wants which I have to say really infuriated me, will this lead to disaster for all?
We Fly Beneath the Stars takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster which when the story gets going you really can’t and don’t want to get off until the very last page. The story veers off in so many twists and turns that I never expected, and my heart was in my mouth at what was unfolding and what the eventual outcome could possibly be. It’s heart-breaking and emotional but the characters learn an awful amount of much needed life lessons, especially Tasha. The courageousness, strength, bravery, companionship and solidarity shown by the female bombers and their squadron was remarkable. It teaches us how we must never take things for granted and that women when tasked with something are powerful and remarkable. Suzanne Kelman has written a fantastic story in which you will learn an awful lot and it has a brilliant ending that will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.
There is so little about women female pilots that in fact I hadn’t even realised women were pilots during the war participating in bombing raids. Suzanne Kelman has shone a spotlight on a little known aspect of the war and written a fascinating story that brought to me a deeper awareness of the indomitably of the female spirit and shows how tyrants should always be challenged and ultimately defeated. A brief prologue introduces us to Tasha in the summer of 1985. She still feels deep regret for that one action over 40 years ago that caused such a terrible chain of events leading to the worst mistake of her life. This has haunted her for so long but to find out what this was we are taken back many years to Russia where Tasha lives with her sister Nadia and grandmother Babka. Her parents died many years before and it has been the three women ever since. Tasha is deeply in love with Luca and he wants to marry her but Tasha declines and the most beautiful description is used as to why she is not yet ready although one day she hopes to be. She describes it as a giant bird inside of her that wants to break free and soar and see all that life has to offer before she is tied down by taking care of children and a home.
Tasha for me is a divisive character and that’s because her actions throughout the book were so selfish with her only thinking of herself for the majority of the time. She has always felt that there is something bigger inside of her that she is meant to do and she is always in competition with her sister. Although Nadia doesn’t see it that way at all. Tasha wants to live her life fully in every possible way that she can but to me that was often at the expense of others. She strives to be the biggest and best at everything but gave scant regard for the consequences of her actions on others. She finds it hard to control her emotions and opinions and this gets her in serious trouble and I think these qualities are what caused her to have such a deep regret all through her life once the war was over. She is a genius at what she does namely flying planes but at the same time she is reckless and irresponsible and at times I found her to be self-absorbed and frustrating. It sounds like she is all bad but really she isn’t and her one goal - to see Hitler defeated and have her back in the arms of Luca is a strong and admirable one. It’s just her actions throughout the book made me feel differently about her at different junctures within the book. The further the book progresses you can see Tasha doing an about turn so to speak and getting her act together but will it be too little too late and will her actions have consequences that can never be repaired or forgiven?
When Luca enlists as a pilot, Tasha is devastated and knowing she has experience flying (having received lessons in payment for cleaning of the local flying club) and that she can’t just sit and wait for Luca, she escapes her small village and heads to the big city where her cousin lives. She soon hears of a female flying unit being set up and figuring this will bring her closer to Luca and at the same time fulfil this deep need and urge inside of her to do something dangerous, exciting and brave she too enlists. He had promised her that he would not die and now that she has put herself in the firing line so to speak she makes the same promise to herself. Soon she is at a training camp where all her abilities, both mental and physical, are put to the test and this is where she often lets her emotions get the better of her especially when it comes to dealing with men who are also training. Tasha becomes reckless and to me she showed her immaturity. Yes, she felt in Nadia’s shadow but I think Tasha brought those emotions on herself and convinced herself that that was the way things were when in reality if she had been more open and talked to her sister perhaps a very different picture would have emerged.
Nadia is the complete opposite to her sister. Steady and sensible she feels a need to always be in control. Tasha is always in direct competition with Nadia but it’s more a competition of her own making rather than being rooted in any sort of reality. Nadia always has to be doing the right thing which in itself can be a curse rather than a good thing. She marries Ivan and she does love him but marriage is not what she had hoped or wished it to be. Ivan does not show any kind of emotion, care or love. He is a member of the communist party and does not show any kind of intimacy towards Nadia which she deeply longs for. The loneliness increases for her and she feels her marriage is a failure and she is trapped. When Ivan is called to serve his country and news reaches Nadia of Tasha’s own foray into the female fighter squad she too arrives at the female training camp. To say this does not go down well with Tasha is an understatement and I found her reaction to be so childish and selfish. Nadia soon proves to be a genius at the training and will be a worthy female pilot and well able to drop bombs on the designated targets. But the squads missions are fraught with danger with every night flight that they undertake and when Tasha does something purely for her own needs and wants which I have to say really infuriated me, will this lead to disaster for all?
We Fly Beneath the Stars takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster which when the story gets going you really can’t and don’t want to get off until the very last page. The story veers off in so many twists and turns that I never expected, and my heart was in my mouth at what was unfolding and what the eventual outcome could possibly be. It’s heart-breaking and emotional but the characters learn an awful amount of much needed life lessons, especially Tasha. The courageousness, strength, bravery, companionship and solidarity shown by the female bombers and their squadron was remarkable. It teaches us how we must never take things for granted and that women when tasked with something are powerful and remarkable. Suzanne Kelman has written a fantastic story in which you will learn an awful lot and it has a brilliant ending that will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.
October 12, 2022
Loved it!! I had no idea the Russian Night Witches even existed, so the book was an extremely interesting read. The female pilots put up with so much harassment from their male counterparts. The women did the same job and were given less training. Tasha definitely grew on me. I couldn't stand her. From the start, she was like a whiny, teenager who only thought about herself. She refuses to marry Luca, even though she loves him and then gets mad because he signs up for the war. Then she leaves home and doesn't let her grandmother or sister know where she went. The constant fighting and competing with her sister was ridiculous. She put so many people at risk with her disregard of rules. It was her selfish actions that caused Nadia and her to be captured. So many things would have turned out differently if she would only have turned the plane around. From that point on, Nadia and Tasha suffered one bad thing after another. It wasn't shocking when Nadia finally learned her husband's secret. I would have never guessed the book actually took place in Russia, besides the use of comrade and the constant mention of Stalin. It felt like it could have been anywhere. I still enjoyed the book, but the people didn't have that Soviet feel. They seemed to have so much freedom and everyone was happy and not spying on their neighbors. I still loved the book.
Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the book cover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the book cover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 13, 2023
I listened to the audiobook of We Fly Beneath the Stars and it was so beautifully done. The narrator was wonderful. I really enjoyed reading about Nadia and Tasha and the growth in their relationship. I cried at the end of the story. The bomber battalion this story is based off of is truly inspiring. They were so incredibly brave and pioneering. They fought for their country despite the risks and the men in similar positions mocking them. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in WWII stories.
September 29, 2023
Much More Than the Night Witches!
Oh, this book...where to even begin? It is so much more than a historical fiction book about Russian Night Witches of World War II. It's also about the dangers of fascist leaders who willingly sacrifice the lives of their citizens. It's about the struggle of being gay in a society that doesn't accept you. Most of all is the incredible story of these female pilots, succeeding against all odds in the military that wanted them to fail. Imagine flying in the Russian winters in the open cockpit of a biplane with no radio, navigation equipment, or guns to defend against the Nazis...at night! The resilience, brilliance, and ingenuity of all women shine through on each page. There isn't a single woman who cannot identify with the experiences of these amazing women as well as recognizing the gender bias we still face each day. I loved this one!
Oh, this book...where to even begin? It is so much more than a historical fiction book about Russian Night Witches of World War II. It's also about the dangers of fascist leaders who willingly sacrifice the lives of their citizens. It's about the struggle of being gay in a society that doesn't accept you. Most of all is the incredible story of these female pilots, succeeding against all odds in the military that wanted them to fail. Imagine flying in the Russian winters in the open cockpit of a biplane with no radio, navigation equipment, or guns to defend against the Nazis...at night! The resilience, brilliance, and ingenuity of all women shine through on each page. There isn't a single woman who cannot identify with the experiences of these amazing women as well as recognizing the gender bias we still face each day. I loved this one!
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