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The Sky Beneath Her by Mary Ellen Taylor is a beautifully layered story that surprised me and totally blew me away.
I love a good story that blends the past and present, and this one does so intentionally, emotionally, and with a touch of magic.
In the present day, we have Tula, who is still reeling from her mother’s sudden death seven years prior, which occurred while diving the wreckage of the Oceanus, a ship torpedoed and sunk in 1942 off the coast of North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Then we jump back to 1942 aboard the Oceanus, where a young, pregnant woman named Gertrude is trying to escape her abusive husband by taking the ship to the United States.
From the first page, I was immersed in Tula’s world, feeling the weight of her grief, guilt, and unresolved questions. Her struggle to rebuild her life while confronting pieces of her past makes her a messy but relatable character. The historical storyline, following Gertrude, is just as captivating as I imagined how difficult it would be to protect her unborn child while escaping her abusive husband.
This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve read the last page—the kind you finish and sit with for a moment, not quite ready to let go. It’s an emotional and beautifully researched story, with a compelling mystery that will keep you turning pages long past bedtime as you uncover the connection between Tula and Gertrude. The ending ties everything together in a truly satisfying way.
This was a new author for me, but it won’t be the last book I read by her. This was definitely a 5-star read.
If you enjoy books that connect the past with the present day through the stories of strong, determined women, then this is the book for you. It is also about reconnecting with old friends and finding your way to where you are meant to be.
Have you read this book? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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