Author Del Hayes' "Ad Astra" is an excellent representation of the sadly under-reported Air War that the US Army Air Force fought in the Southwest Pacific Area in World War II.
The story focuses on a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot and his long recovery from devastating wounds suffered on a vital reconnaissance mission over the Solomon Islands. This was a mission to map the Solomons for a land invasion to come in early November, 1943.
While recovering from his wounds, the pilot is cared for by a beautiful, red-haired nurse and falls in love with her - and she with him; although both of them - as humans all too often are oblivious to - fail to recognize the love they share for one another, until it is nearly too late.
It is a beautiful love story, and a touching reminder of the MANY unlikely love stories that came out of the long, dark, yet hope-filled years of the Second World War.
This fact-based book touched me deeply, and I feel that it will touch you as well. I HIGHLY recommend it.
http://www.amazon.com/Ad-Astra-Del-Haye ... s=ad+astra