Shielding the Fall

In the frozen skies over Europe, survival is never guaranteed. Walter Bennett, a young tail gunner from Michigan, flies with the crew of Easy, a B-24 Liberator in the 392nd Bomb Group. Each mission drives them into the heart of danger—flak tearing the skies, enemy fighters closing in, and the haunting truth that every flight could be their last. Through it all, Walter clings to his faith and a brotherhood forged in the air.

But war tests more than the men who fly. Back in Detroit, Walter’s fiancée, Grace, longs for the comfort he once brought as a childhood friend and for the love they discovered, even as distance and time begin to reshape them both. In England, Walter crosses paths with Sam, a courageous flight nurse whose compassion shines through the darkness, challenging him to reckon with the man he is becoming.

A story of survival, sacrifice, and faith in the final months of World War II.

Nathan Powell is a seasoned parks and recreation executive, husband of 32 years, father of three grown sons, and a proud grandfather. While continuing in his public leadership career of more than a decade, he discovered a new passion for writing-born from a lifelong love of history and storytelling. His debut novel, Shielding the Fall, blends faith, romance, and the true events of a WWII bomber crew into a deeply personal exploration of love and courage.Nathan holds a Master of Science in Parks and Recreation Administration and is a certified Parks and Recreation Executive. When he's not writing, he enjoys photography and shares his work under the hashtag #enjoygodscreation on Instagram.Born from real events and heartfelt questions about war, faith, and healing, his stories aim to illuminate the quiet strength found in moments of struggle-and the ways we are shielded, even as we fall.