The Flying Papers

by Ginna Leatherbury

Julia Santi’s carefully constructed life in New York City is torpedoed when her ten-year-old niece, Rumi, comes to live with her. Rumi is from rural Mississippi and her only living parent, her father, is missing.

No more fashion boutique on Madison Avenue for Julia. No more carefree evenings with friends, or dates that might culminate in happily ever after. Instead, she trades that life to become a stay-at-home pseudo-parent to a child she has met only once before.

Rumi’s entry into city life is a dismal failure when she is kicked out of an elite private school on her first day there. Julia is horrified that the Santi name is sullied. Rumi does not see what the fuss is about.

Because Rumi always sees the glass as half full.

Even when her father is accused of human trafficking. Even when he is presumed to be either dead or hiding from the law. Even when the aunt who was supposed to love and protect her blames her for ruining her life.

Then again, Rumi knows something nobody else does.

There is a plan. Her father is coming for her.

And they will be together soon.

Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2023

Reviews

[Aparna Preethi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Flying Papers" by Ginna Leatherbury is a charming and heart-warming coming-of-age story that follows the protagonist, Lorna, as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence in a small town in 1950s America. Leatherbury's writing style is evocative and vivid, transporting readers to a bygone era and immersing them in Lorna's world. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with Lorna herself standing out as a sympathetic and relatable protagonist. The book's exploration of themes such as family, friendship, and first love is poignant and insightful, capturing the complexities of adolescence in a way that will resonate with readers of all ages. "The Flying Papers" is a delightful and engaging read that will appeal to fans of coming-of-age stories. Leatherbury's storytelling is captivating, and her characters are so well-drawn that readers will find themselves fully invested in their lives and relationships.

[Guy Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rumi is such an engaging character that it’s impossible not to fall in love with her. When her farther disappears and is presumed dead a few years after her mother’s death, she moves from Mississippi to New York City to live with her aunt.
If there is any flaw in the book, it’s that she is far more mature than a 10-year-old should be. But then, that’s really the point of the story.
There are a couple of surprising twists toward the end that I didn’t see coming.
I’ve seen reviews where it is described as a “Coming of Age,” story, but I’m not sure I’d agree. Rumi doesn’t really change very much. She changes those around her. She gives her aunt and grandfather a different perspective. She helps them come to terms with her mother, their sister and daughter, having left them for love. And they are finally able to forgive themselves for ostracizing her.
The narrative is consistently Third Party Omnipotent. After reading so many books recently with switch-off perspectives, I found this refreshing

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Santi lives in New York and wants nothing to do with her ten-year-old niece, Rumi. However, she has little choice but to act as a surrogate parent when Rumi’s father disappears and is accused of human trafficking. Rumi is from rural Mississippi, and she seems like the worst possible fit for a place like New York. She gets kicked out private school on her first day there, and Julia is quickly fed up with the entire situation.

Rumi seems to be privy to information about her father that no one else has, though, and that leads her to look at the situation differently from her frantic aunt. What is the truth about Rumi’s father, and how will this situation resolve itself? This book has plenty of drama and suspense, and readers will enjoy the many twists and turns as this family saga plays out.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absorbing novel
I started reading “The Flying Papers” which was so engaging that I was glued to the pages until the end. Ginna Leatherbury has written this tender story between an aunt and her niece.
Julia Santi, a brave and working woman whose life gets upside down the moment Rumi, her niece, decides to live with her. During Rumi´s stay, unexpected events happen but also close bonds are established between them.
This is an exquisite family story that deals with themes of naughtiness, loss, fear, secrecy but also love, encounter, and companionship. The characters are well-portrayed and very dynamic as well as the denouement. There are several turns and twists that will leave you thinking about the plot. I loved it. Without a doubt, it's a must read!

[Susan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the 1950s in America, the Flying Papers by Leatherbury digs into the life of an adolescent and her life’s endeavors while living in a small town.
The author has done an amazing job portraying the life of an era which if not painted correctly, it can turn the storyline into a dull sequence of events that happened in the past.
Wonderfully evocative, this read is shrouded in the atmosphere and lets the writing transport you back in time with its descriptive narrative and poetic style. The author gives the reader a terrific sense of place and feels for the period, she paints a picture in which she magically brings the location to life on the page, offering the reader a glimpse of the 50s, recreating the times in such vivid colorful detail, that you can feel yourself there.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flying Papers by Ginna Leatherbury is a unique and engaging drama with interesting characters and a plotline that I found refreshingly free from common tropes. When Julia Santi’s niece comes to stay with her, she discovers the challenges of parenting and must come to terms with letting go of her previously carefree way of life. Despite all the challenges, her niece Rumi is a positive girl brimming with life, hope and confidence in the face of huge challenges (including that her father is a human trafficker). I really connected with the main characters and became invested in how their lives would turn out. If you enjoy contemporary fiction and slice-of-life dramas, then you should definitely give The Flying Papers a try!

[Daniel M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It tells the story of a woman living in New York, where she has a pleasant life. However, this pleasant life is disrupted when her ten-year-old niece has to come live with her due to unforeseen circumstances. Her father is accused of human trafficking and then disappears. I really enjoyed the story that develops between these two people, and how Rumi, the niece, helps her aunt a lot to overcome her challenges and build a stable relationship. Furthermore, this incredible book takes on a much deeper meaning when the investigation into what happened to Rumi's father begins, and various issues come to light. Without a doubt, the author does an amazing job with the characters. I highly recommend this book.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big drama.

The Flying Papers written by Ginna Leatherbury is about a great family drama. Julia Santi has a perfectly and carefully constructed life in New York, but it is turned upside down when her ten-year-old niece, Rumi, comes to live with her because her only living parent, her father, is missing.
I really like dramas but I haven't read one for a long time and this book was a great choice to get closer to this genre again. It is very interesting the development and growth of each character throughout the plot. I think the author has a special ability to describe the feelings of the characters because it was inevitable for me to empathize with them. I liked it!

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, very entertaining and engaging novel. The story of these two protagonists becomes interesting when without even thinking about it their paths cross. It is at that moment that the calm and relaxed life of Julia Santi turns upside down and she finds herself taking care of her distant cousin Rumi, who she doesn't even know.
The experiences are horrible from the beginning; they are definitely not compatible and soon it seems that the worst has happened.
I really liked this novel; it has valuable content and a good development of the story. The characters are very well defined as well as each scene. I recommend it for lovers of good stories and drama.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Flying Papers" is a fictional family drama written by Ginna Leatherbury. Julia Santi is an independent woman living in New York, but her life is turned upside down when her 10-year-old niece, Rumi, moves in with her. Rumi's father has disappeared, and now she is in the care of her aunt. Will Rumi's father appear?
From the cover, the book is inviting. I enjoyed it a lot since it seemed modern, original and fresh. The characters are adorable and intriguing at the same time. The scenes are very well described and extremely detailed. I certainly look forward to reading more fiction by this author. I truly recommend it.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Flying Papers” is a wonderful and brilliant book that offers the reader a deep look to different aspects of everyday life; what it means to take care of an adolescent, the ups and downs of this particular age, the family ties and the first love in a girl’s life.
The book is so fast paced that starting to read it commits to holding breath through to the end.
Julia Santi’s routine is carefully organized; however, things changed abruptly. Will she be able to care for someone who needs her undivided attention?
Fascinating characters make this novel a total must read! In my particular case, it totally grabbed me.

[Charlie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something about this title felt light and melancholic at the same time, like watching something important going away and not being able to grab it. The Author has a way of making ordinary things feel significant and special. While I was reading the book, I found myself paying attention to small moments I would normally skip, which is honestly a gift in a book.
It helped me think about the things we let go, sometimes by choice, sometimes not, and what those things say about us. What I liked most is the way this book is written. It never pushes too hard. It just places something in front of you and lets you feel whatever you feel.

[Mateo Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two worlds colliding in a realistic way! The shift from a busy New York lifestyle to suddenly caring for a child is handled in a way that feels very real. I liked how Julia’s frustrations didn’t feel exaggerated. At the same time, Rumi brings a kind of lightness that balances things out. The differences in their backgrounds are portrayed clearly without feeling forced. Watching them adjust to each other was one of the most interesting parts of the book. It made the story feel grounded and relatable.

[Antonia Garret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt story with unexpected depth

I went into this expecting a simple family drama, but it turned out to be much more layered. The contrast between Julia’s structured city life and Rumi’s optimistic outlook really stood out to me. Rumi’s perspective, especially given everything she’s dealing with, adds a unique emotional angle. I found myself appreciating how differently the two characters see the world. Their relationship evolves in a way that feels gradual and believable.

[Mary Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a good job showing how quickly life can change. Julia’s transition into caring for Rumi isn’t smooth, and that’s what makes it feel believable. The responsibilities she takes on aren’t easy, and her reactions reflect that. I appreciated that the story doesn’t gloss over the challenges. It shows the strain, but also the small moments of connection that begin to form. That balance kept the story engaging.

[G Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rumi’s character really made this book memorable for me. Her outlook on life, even in difficult circumstances, adds something special to the story. I liked how she doesn’t react the way most adults might expect. That contrast highlights how she copes with uncertainty. Her belief that her father will return gives the story a thread of hope. It’s a perspective that feels both innocent and surprisingly strong.

[JN Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong contrast between the characters

One thing that really worked for me was the contrast between Julia and Rumi. Julia is focused on structure and expectations, while Rumi sees things in a more open and hopeful way. That difference creates tension, but also opportunities for growth. Their interactions feel natural rather than forced. Over time, you can see how they begin to understand each other better. It’s a dynamic that adds depth to the story.

[MARGHERITA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional without being overdone.

The emotional aspects of this book are present but handled in a controlled way. Nothing feels overly dramatic or exaggerated. I liked how the situation unfolds at a steady, believable pace. The uncertainty around Rumi’s father adds a layer of tension without taking over the entire story. The characters’ reactions feel appropriate to what they’re experiencing. It’s a balanced and thoughtful read.

[Francis Belmont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic look at suddenly becoming responsible for a child
What stood out to me is how natural Julia’s situation feels when her life is suddenly turned upside down. She doesn’t instantly adapt, and the book doesn’t pretend she does. The frustration, confusion, and pressure all come through in a believable way. I also liked how Rumi reacts in her own unique way instead of fitting a typical mold. It made the whole setup feel grounded and relatable.

[Loreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A situation that keeps you curious. The uncertainty around Rumi’s father adds an element that keeps the story interesting. It’s not just about daily adjustments, but also about what might happen next. That underlying question gives context to many of the characters’ decisions. I found myself wanting to see how that situation develops. It adds an extra layer to the story.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters feel like real people. What stood out to me was how human both Julia and Rumi feel. Julia has her frustrations, and Rumi has her own way of seeing things. Neither one feels exaggerated or unrealistic. Their conversations and reactions come across like something you’d actually hear in real life. That made the story more enjoyable for me.

[Mary Warden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mix of tension and everyday moments
The story balances heavier themes with more ordinary moments between the characters. There’s uncertainty around Rumi’s father, but the day-to-day interactions are just as important. I liked how those smaller moments help shape their relationship. It doesn’t feel rushed or forced. It’s more about how they slowly adjust to each other.

[SS Bouls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenge of blending two lives together

This book does a good job showing what happens when two very different lives are suddenly combined. Julia has her routines and expectations, while Rumi brings her own experiences and habits. Bringing those together isn’t simple. I liked how the story shows the friction as well as the gradual adjustment. It felt very realistic.

[William Reimers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even with the serious situation surrounding Rumi’s father, there’s a sense of hope throughout the story. Rumi’s belief that things will work out brings a unique tone. I found that perspective both surprising and compelling. It contrasts with Julia’s more cautious and sometimes skeptical mindset. That difference creates an interesting emotional balance.

[AM Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rumi’s personality stands out right away. Even with everything going on, she maintains a hopeful outlook that affects how she interacts with others. I liked how that contrasts with Julia’s more cautious approach. It creates an interesting dynamic between them. Rumi’s way of thinking adds something distinct to the story.

[Christopher Miller]

Easy to read and follow along
This book was straightforward and easy to get into. The writing doesn’t feel complicated, and the story flows in a natural way. I didn’t have trouble keeping track of what was happening. The focus stays on the characters and their situation. It’s a smooth read from start to finish.

[S Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters with distinct voices that truly shine

Julia and Rumi both have very different ways of seeing the world, and that comes through clearly. Julia tends to be more structured, while Rumi is more open and hopeful. Their conversations reflect those differences in a natural way. I enjoyed how their personalities shaped their interactions. It added variety to the story.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a touching and unexpected read. About The Flying Papers, I liked that it is emotional without trying too hard. The story pulled me in slowly, and before I realized it.
I also liked the way the author handled difficult themes. The emotions came across as honest, and that made certain moments hit even harder. This is a book I will recommend.

[JP Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different kind of family story
This isn’t a typical family setup, which is part of what makes it appealing. A young child moving in with a relative who isn’t prepared for parenting creates a unique dynamic. The story explores how they navigate that arrangement. I liked how it shows both the challenges and the small progress they make. It feels different from more conventional family stories.

[F. Barbery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how the story starts with a situation that completely changes Julia’s routine. Her reactions feel honest and not exaggerated. Taking on responsibility for a child she barely knows is handled in a believable way. Rumi’s arrival brings both tension and new dynamics. It made the whole setup easy to connect with.