Heads in the Clouds

by Amber Polo

Love is in the air… Can a meat-eating Texas advertising woman find love with a vegetarian Buddhist and get her pilot’s license despite interference from her wacky Arizona airpark neighbors and a high flying Alaskan Malamute?

All they have to do is conquer the fear of flying and their fear of love.
A Contemporary Western Aviation Romance
2014 Winner New Mexico Arizona Book Awards - Romance

Genres: Fiction

262 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Amber Polo loves to take readers on journeys to places she’s lived, visited, and imagined. Escaping her past as librarian and yoga teacher, she strives to mix humor and a little fantasy into every genre (so far fantasy, romance, historical, and woman’s fiction).

Amber is best known for The Shapeshifters’ Library, a light urban fantasy series which asks what if librarian dog-shifters faced book-burning werewolves and The Pharaoh and the Librarian, blending alternative history with a little fantasy.
Look for Laughing Dolphins, a novel of coincidence – a rom-com of lovers living parallel lives for twenty years.

Reviews

[Malika · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I'd like to thank the author, Amber Polo for sending me a free copy. Thank you.

I really likes Seth's character, he was sweet and very down to earth. He believes in self-peace and that animals should be taken care of - not eaten. I like how Seth and Lia both had different views on life but somehow they bonded after a short while. The setting was nice, it sounded beautiful and peaceful. I'm afraid the ending was cliche and predictable in more than one way I don't want to mention because I will spoil things. Also, this book might convince you to appreciate the old folks a little more!

Overall, this book is a cute, self-discovery, slightly cliche, romance.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Heads in the Clouds” is a unique reading experience. The airpark setting is just one of the unusual aspects.

Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Bookaholics · Rating 3 out of 5]

.
Flying Free by Amber Polo
Contemporary Romance – September 15th, 2009
3 Stars

Flying Free is the story of Lia Bedford. Lia has come to Arizona in order to fulfill
the requirements of her late father’s will of getting her pilot’s license in order for her
sell her father’s home. Afterwards, she intends to go back to her advertising job. While in Arizona, she meets Seth. Seth Hartman has come to build a spiritual center and escape the community and wife who betrayed him.

Despite Lia and Seth’s different reasons for coming to Arizona they are both immediately drawn to each other. Along with their immediate attraction to one another they are also helped by a group of wacky senior citizen matchmakers. Lia and Seth are able to overcome their fears and might just find true love together.

Amber Polo does an excellent job of mixing a sweet quirky romance along with a fun and unique cast of characters who liven up the story. The characters of Lia and Seth are both intriguing and different from the usual type of characters in a romantic story. The only complaint I had with the characters was that they were not as developed as I had hoped and could use a bit more ‘livening up’.

If you’re looking for a nice, sweet story that is simple and unusual this is the story for you! It is chopped full of intriguing and light-hearted characters that added to the story enriched my enjoyment of the overall book.

Reviewed by Mary from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

[Mike Bove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey, I read a romance, even enjoyed it.
"Flying Free" by Amber Polo is one the gals and guys will like.
In the unique setting of a small Arizona air park, the gritty heroine, Lia is determined to finish what she went there to do, then get back to her life in Texas.
Of course the guy she meets is nothing like her ex, or anyone she would expect to fall for, as their reasons for being in Sunrise intersect.
The reader gets a good picture of the small-plane community and what it would be like to live to live in one, assuming they all have odd-ball residents.
All of the sub-plots come together and build to a frantic ending.
Aside from the well written, good story, I was particularly impressed with the subtleties, like the origin of names, small plane flying descriptions, local color, and humor.
"Flying Free" is a fine romance, without the ick and heavy breathing.

[Anna (Bobs Her Hair)]

2/5

Leaving Texas and moving to the middle of nowhere in Arizona is a means to an end for Lia Bedford. She needs to earn her pilot’s license to acquire the property bestowed in her father’s will. Then she can jumpstart her advertising career in the big city. Easier said than done! Meddlesome neighbors share stories about Lia’s late father, from whom she had been estranged. The tight-knit community also gives her an appreciation for flying and a slower-paced life. Plus, a handsome neighbor with goals of his own complicates Lia’s best laid plans.

“Heads in the Clouds” is a unique reading experience.

Read the full review in the 2014 April InD'tale issue.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me to get to the middle of the book to really become immersed in the story. There were some hard lessons learned for our main character Lia, as she goes through many life marker events. The death of her father, the death of a man whom she comes to think of as a father figure as well, living in a new place, a new potential relationship budding, nosy neighbors who only have the best of intentions but are a bit much for her at times and for the reader. Sometimes I wanted to yell at the main character Lia, and say, Stand up for yourself, say something, why are you doing this? Why are you going along with that? I liked the Arizona backdrop. I recommend this book for romance readers!

[Sarah-Jayne Windridge-France · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part a slow burn, albeit a very enjoyable one. The characters were depicted wonderfully and I found myself championing the underdogs.

After having trained for my PPL, all aviation references appeared clear and true.

Aspects of the story made me well up and put a lump in my throat and, as the pace gathered momentum, I was chivvied along yearning for a positive conclusion.

I loved all references to friendships and camaraderie and its general feel made me smile and restored my faith in human nature.

A good read.

[Arlene Eisenbise · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I open a new book with an inviting cover and am taken to a place I knew nothing about--in this case, an airpark--I enjoy the discovery. Throw in the breathtaking scenery of Arizona; some interesting characters as well as a few greedy ones; mix a self-sufficient woman who repeats the phrase "when I get back to TX" with an attractive, patient man who wants her to remain with him and you have a story of triumph, mystery, love--all the ingredients for a good read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story about love, loss, and finding yourself after losing your father.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, easy, enjoyable read to fill some time at work.

[Stephanie Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber Polo pens a high flying contemporary romantic suspense with “Flying Free.” Set in the picturesque Arizona desert, “Flying Free” will take the reader on a journey of love, laughter, and finding oneself.

The novel starts with forty-year-old Amelia (Lia) Bedford in training to get her pilot’s license. Lia has to get her license as a condition of her father’s will if she wants to receive her inheritance. Lia comes from a big city in Texas to live in a small airport flying community near Sunrise, Arizona. For Lia, the change is uncomfortable, despite how the community members try to make her feel welcome.

Lia isn’t the only new member of the airpark. Seth is a renter, brought in as a consultant for a retreat that Branock Industries is building. Seth is unlike any man Lia has met before. For one, he’s into mediating. He’s also vegan and a Buddhist. Soon, the community takes Seth under their wing.

Lia gets to know the type of man her father was through the Sunrise Airpark Community. She learns how vibrant and alive it is, and realizes it was what was missing her in her life. Soon, Lia takes a chance and embarks on an affair with Seth.

Complications arise when an unknown company begins buying land around the airpark, and Chance Branock begins making a movie about the residents. Seth sees the movie and realizes it will discredit the older members of the airpark. Seth thinks Chance is up to no good and voices his suspicions to Lia. Has Lia grown to care for her spunky, good natured neighbors, or will she let Branock Industries get their way?

Polo’s writing is crisp and engages the reader. The pace of the story moves well, slowing down in just the right spots before picking up again. The story captures a unique and authentic voice that rings true with the reader.

Characterization is where Polo shines. Her characters, especially her supporting cast, are unique, rich, and well developed. Lia, the heroine, is full of complexities. I love the thought put into her name, Amelia, invoking the famed female aviator, Amelia Earhart. The novel’s title not only reflects Sunrise Airpark, but it has a deeper meaning for Lia as she learns to fly free for the first time in her life and be true to herself.

Polo’s descriptions are rich and vivid. She uses a good economy of words to paint her setting, which doesn’t weigh down the reader. Her dialogue is sharp, witty, and unique to each character. The supporting cast is very strong and well developed. It was a joy to get to know Flo, Barney, and Berg.

There are no love scenes and maybe only an intimate kiss or two, making the novel “sweet” by romance standards. “Flying Free” will take the reader on a ride of the wings of love.

[Kari Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEADS IN THE CLOUDS
Review By Kari Thomas, www.authorkari.com
5 Hearts!

RE READ AND BE SURPRISED!

Originally under the title "Flying Free", the newly revised (with beautiful new cover!) version "Heads in the Clouds" is gaining a new Fan base. The first time around, it won the prestigious Award of "Heart of Excellence Readers Choice Awards", and deserved it! Ms. Polo has Revised this new edition, making some changes, and improving on the plot. Readers will be pulled immediately into the intriguing world of Airparks and their residents. Suspense flows through the story. The endearing characters (senior citizens of the Arizona Airpark) become unforgettable. And the Love Story that pairs two opposites is heartwarming REAL.
Lia is only at the Arizona Airpark because she plans to sell her dad's home, get her Pilots License (per an inheritance stipulation), and then go back to her life in Texas. But the quirky senior citizens at the Park take an instant liking to her and are determined that this is where she should live.
Bring in a handsome Buddhist Vegan, Seth, and you have a complex story that Readers are rapidly turning pages to figure out HOW the love story is going to turn out. Lia is a meat lover. Seth is a Vegan. Both have different life-cultures and ideas of how their lives are going to be.
And those quirky senior citizens? Well let's just say I wouldn't want them to turn their manipulations on me! There is no fighting them! Still, despite their differences, Lia and Seth are very attracted to each other, and their road to love is a very heart warming path.
Complications with a Buddhist Vegan and a meat loving independent woman? NOT the only plot the story weaves. Should I mention there is also a Mystery inserting its way into their lives? Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this new version. You WON'T be disappointed! A definite 5 Hearts for "Heads in the Clouds"! Kudos, Ms. Polo!

[Mike Bove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, I read a romance, even enjoyed it.
"Heads In The Clouds" by Amber Polo is one the gals and guys will like.
In the unique setting of a small Arizona air park, the gritty heroine, Lia is determined to finish what she went there to do, and then get back to her life in Texas.
Of course the guy she meets is nothing like her ex, or anyone she would expect to fall for. As their reasons for being in Sunrise intersect, the reader gets a good picture of the small-plane community and what it would be like to live to live in one, assuming they all have odd-ball residents.
All of the sub-plots come together and build to a frantic ending.
Aside from the well written, good story, I was particularly impressed with the subtleties, like the origin of names, small plane flying descriptions, local color, and humor.
"Flying Free" is a fine romance, without the ick and heavy breathing.