Nora S. (biblegirl06) reviewed on 10/17/2015 + 92 more book reviews

I enjoy historicals because I always learn something new. I like that this author had notes to readers in the back of the book. She noted what she found in her research and what she added and/or changed to make her story work. I like reading this section first. It helps me get into the mindset of the era before I start to read.

Mittie Humphrey is a strong willed, feisty young lady that is better off than most. Her family owns the Morning Glory Farms in Kentucky; which is a ranch that breeds horse racers. Mittie's first love is that of horses. Her twin sister Iris has done all the right things in the eyes of 1920's society and that of her parents. She's landed herself a wonderful husband who's financially sound and sell connected.

Mittie wants more from life than marriage. She dreams of flying. Ames Dewberry is the first to introduce her to flying at one of his barnstorming events. Her heart skips a beat for the desire to fly and that of the man showing her the plane.

Mittie's father later introduces her to Bobby York. He's a young Englishman with an international flying license. At the encouragement and support of her parents (who know she walks to the beat of a drum that's not like other girls) Bobby becomes her flight instructor and then later lands a job at the flight school. He helps her enter cross country races and introduces her to wing walking.

Mittie becomes a pioneer woman pilot and runs into chauvinistic men who think women should stay at home and on the ground. Mittie aspires to own a plane and enter competitions.

The story is told through Mittie's eyes as she will do what she must to achieve her dreams. But the struggle with her responsibilities because her family comes first. She is torn between her dad needing her help at the ranch since his accident and her love of flying.

I liked how this author brought history to life and how she wove in historical aspects to make it a fun and memorable read; for instance she talked about Charles Lindbergh as he just completed his epic journey and is on his victory tour across America. She also has Amelia Earhart in the story and a few others in aviation's early days. Women had to push through in order to learn to fly and then own a plane. This story made me realize just how far we've come in the evolution of planes and woman in society.

Mittie finally slows down enough to listen to that still small voice that has been haunting her about Ames. She gets the courage to start asking the tough questions of Ames. The real story comes out and she has to make some hard choices.

I like reading historicals and being dropped in a time period like this author did. I liked the infancy of aviation. This makes for an enjoyable read. This book would work well for book clubs too. This author includes discussion questions to help create lively conversations for you and your group.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

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