J.P. Barelli’s aviation thrillers plunge readers into the heart of danger—from the true story of a WWII bomber crew in Paul, Stars & Wind to the gripping mystery of Sweet Hyperion. His novels deliver unforgettable tales of courage, sacrifice, and high-stakes drama in the skies.
Historical Non-Fiction; World War II
Copyright © 2026 by J.P. Barelli
My family history and aeronautical knowledge inspired me to write Paul, Stars & Wind, the true story of my uncle, who as a young man, flew into the heart of battle during World War II. In the skies over Eastern Europe, danger comes from every direction between enemy fighters and the ever-present threat of mechanical failure. For Second Lieutenant Paul E. Miller and the crew of the Star Grazer, a B-24 Liberator bomber, every mission might be their last.
Based on true accounts from the 456th Bomb Group, the story follows the courageous crew of the Star Grazer as they combat exhaustion, grief, and the harrowing odds of aerial warfare. While history remembers battles and strategies, this story shines a light on the humanity behind the headlines, especially the real life love story of Paul Miller and his wife. The laughter, the loss, and the unbreakable bonds formed at 25,000 feet pay tribute to the men who risked everything.
Miss Fly Baby
Historical Fiction; Aviation and the enterprising spirit
Copyright © 2026 by J.P. Barelli
Step back into the sun-drenched world of 1927 Southern California, where the golden age of silent film is in full swing and dreams flicker to life on the silver screen. Airfields buzz with daring pilots guiding fragile mail planes across vast distances, while the hum of Ford engines echoes along dusty roads.
Beneath it all, the relentless force of the newspaper press shapes reputations, fuels ambition, and stirs quiet tensions into roaring headlines. In a town that seems frozen between tradition and progress, a long-absent figure is about to return—bringing secrets, disruption, and a storm of change that will turn Andy’s world completely upside down.
Paul Miller and his wife, Ila, on their wedding day.
Paul Miller and (above) the crew of the Star Grazer
Sweet Hyperion
Historical Fiction; Faith-Based; Wholesome; Heartwarming
Copyright © 2026 by J.P. Barelli
My experience as an airplane pilot and flight instructor since the 1960s provided valuable background knowledge for my novel Sweet Hyperion, which details a top-secret World War II plane that needs to complete its testing and move to another location.
But when the company’s test pilot is murdered, what does the young female president of the aeronautics company do, especially since she needs the government contract? She must fly the plane herself! Her plane is sabotaged and crashes. Her life is saved, but forever changed when she meets orphaned children and someone very special. Does she now need to change her long-term life goals and plans?