Love Takes Flight

by Gayle M Irwin

Events from the past could destroy their present and future. Eleanor "Ellie" Davis inherited her grandparents' farm in western Montana. Her vision, to continue the fruit and vegetable growing and selling legacy and to add a rescued animal program, is threatened by her dad, who wants to sell the property. The rift between them widens after Ellie discovers her money-driven dad attempted to obtain the land in secret. When she connects with a local wildlife biologist over a mutual love for the land, Ellie discovers an ally in her quest to keep the farm ... and maybe something more. However, an event from her past adds to Ellie's concerns about the future. Nathan Ford's job as a federal biologist involves behavioral studies of the wildlife found at two different refuges in the region. He discovers more sandhill cranes than previously documented in the area during the past 20 years, and that work brings Ellie into his life. Nathan falls fast for the granddaughter of a friend whose funeral Nathan could not attend because of something he prefers to leave in the past. When he learns of Ellie's desires for the farm and the opposition she faces from her father, Nathan determines to help her fulfill her dream - but revealing a part of his life he would rather forget is a task he's hesitant to tackle. When their challenging pasts are finally revealed, will Ellie and Nathan's new-found love shrivel like a prairie flower during a drought or grow, strengthen, and take flight like a young bird? A sweet, contemporary romance about forgiveness and healing that weaves pet rescue and family saga into the love story.

198 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2023

Reviews

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, funny story, yesterday I got this at an author convention (It was so cool getting to meet Irwin!) and then almost immediately after, I got my car stranded on the side of the highway. Thankfully, I had this to read. I think that reading it in my car against the mountains with the windows open waiting for a tow was probably the most atmospheric place possible to read this outdoorsy romance. What a comforting read in my time of need!
I think it's one of the sweetest romances I've read, with characters that meshed really well together, a really charming setting, and some great cathartic conversations. The meet-cute was adorable, and they had plenty of shared interests and aspirations. There were only a few moments when the leads drove me insane, especially towards the end, but overall, I appreciated their honest communication, their acceptance of their feelings, and how earnest they were in trying to improve the farm and help wildlife.
Most of the drama actually came from the side pairing and the family business in the back, which I appreciate in a romance. I think that Ellie's cathartic conversation with her parents worked really well, and I think it balanced both having their acceptance without her easy forgiveness. I loved how she stood up for herself and for the farm! My one wish was that Stephanie appeared at some point for a similar conversation with Nathan, though that happened off-page I'm guessing.
Overall, this was just the book I needed at just the right time. Can't wait to read more of Irwin's romances!