Title: A Flying Affair by Carla Stewart
Publisher: FaithWords
Genre: Historical (20s), Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Ever since Mittie Humphreys agreed to join dashing barnstorming pilot Ames for a joyride in his airplane, her lifelong love of horses has been surpassed by one thing–a longing for the skies. It seems she’s not the only one–with Charles Lindbergh making his victory tour in the Spirit of St. Louis, aviation fever is spreading across the country. Mittie knows flying is the perfect focus for the soaring ambition and taste for adventure within her, and whenever she can slip away from her duties on her family’s prosperous Kentucky horse farm, she heads to the airfield.
Considering their shared passion, it’s no surprise that Ames begins to vie for Mittie’s time. But when handsome British aviator Bobby York offers her flying lessons, he is equally surprised-and beguiled-by Mittie’s grit and talent. Driven to succeed, Mittie will do whatever it takes to compete in the Women’s National Air Derby alongside Amelia Earhart. But when Calista “Peach” Gilson, a charming Southern belle, becomes her rival both professionally and in love, Mittie must learn how to navigate her heart’s romantic longings as well as the skies.
Review:
Carla Stewart enthralls readers with her newest release, A Flying Affair. Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, this fascinating novel centers around Mittie Humphreys, a young woman whose love of horses is soon eclipsed by her passion for aviation.
Mittie is also captivated by fellow aviator Ames Dewberry, a daredevil who appeals to her adventurous side. With Ames constantly flying in and out of her life, Mittie begins flying lessons with newcomer Bobby York, but she is also intrigued by wing-walking as well. As competitions for women aviators begin springing up across the country, Mittie turns her attention to honing her skills as a pilot. Her introduction to Calista Gilson piques her jealousy as Calista forms friendships with both Bobby and Ames but surprisingly, their professional rivalry quickly turns to friendship.
Mittie is torn between helping her parents on the family’s horse farm and her interest in aviation. With her father still recovering from a riding accident, she puts her dream of learning to fly on hold until he is well enough to resume his duties. She is headstrong and stubborn and while she respects her mother’s fears for her safety, Mittie still begins flying lessons with family friend Bobby while Ames teaches her how to wing-walk. Ames is more flamboyant of the two men and he talks Mittie into joining his barnstorming act as a wing-walker.
Ames is also the man who makes Mitte’s heart beat faster, but their romance simmers on the back-burner due to Ames’ long absences and sporadic communication. While Ames comes and goes, Bobby is always around and he is instrumental in helping Mittie achieve her goal of becoming a pilot. He is a quiet, unassuming presence in her life and although she is occasionally drawn to him, their relationship never really develops beyond friendship because of her infatuation with Ames.
Meticulous research, daring exploits and exciting adventures bring A Flying Affair vibrantly to life. The novel is well-written with unique and interesting characters. The historical aspect of the plot is richly detailed and Carla Stewart beautifully incorporates fact with fiction. A fast-paced and riveting read that is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a sweet, clean romance with a very light undercurrent of faith.
