Publication Date: October 20, 2023
Captivating, gripping and relentlessly authentic…inspired by eyewitness accounts.
To this day, the Berlin airlift presents one of the most dramatic and daring historic events of post WWII Germany, pinning east against west, and cementing the Cold War against Soviet Russia. Without the help of America’s brave pilots, two million Berliners would’ve been lost to Stalin’s dictatorial regime, the future of Europe may have turned out entirely different.
Berlin, May 1945: As the war finally ends, Lotte Berger’s apartment lies in rubble, her mother suffers a breakdown after an assault by Russian soldiers, and both, Lotte’s father and fiancé are missing in Russia. Only when Mitch Cameron, an American pilot, comes to her aid after an accident, does she regain hope. Just as they are growing closer, Lotte’s fiancé reappears under suspicious circumstances…
Berlin, June 1948: Lotte has fought her way through the aftermath of WWII and a devastating loss, when Russia’s dictator, Josef Stalin, decides to take over West Berlin. By cutting off supply lines, electricity and travel, he is willing to starve two million Berliners and force the U.S., Britain and France out. But the western allies, led by President Truman, decide to do the impossible: support Berlin from the air. Thus begins a turbulent and seemingly futile attempt to rescue West Berlin. Willing to do her part, Lotte lands a job as a translator at the American-run Tempelhof Airport. Even if her love is long lost, she can at least dream about Mitch helping to free Berlin…
In the aftermath of World War II, residents of Berlin scavenged bombed-out buildings in an effort to survive. However, the recovery is complicated by the Soviet Union’s plan to claim Berlin.
Author Annette Oppenlander delivers a poignant tale about a young woman trying to survive in When the Skies Rained Freedom.
Amid the destruction of her beloved community, Lotte tries to scratch out an existence for herself and her mother. The author has crafted a compelling storyline that is difficult to put down. The characters and their struggles are relevant today amid the destruction in Ukraine and Gaza.
Lotte struggles to navigate a blossoming relationship with an American pilot, especially as it becomes clear that fraternizing with the soldiers is frowned upon, even if it means forgoing valuable extra rations.
A key turning point is when Lotte is hired as a translator to help with the airlift. Because the Russians controlled roads, railways, and water, the Americans decided to provide supplies via air.
Part romance, part historical fiction, When the Skies Rained Freedom showcases the fight for survival by residents of Berlin.
Annette Oppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today as they were in the past.
Oppenlander’s bestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, received eight nominations/awards. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story.
Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries, festivals and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she now lives with her husband and mutt Zelda in Germany.
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Thank you so much for reviewing today!
Sounds like a great book.