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Lady Flyer
Based on a true story and set against the backdrop of WWII, a young woman’s love of flying becomes an epic fight for identity and equality.
In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.
Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.
But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition.
In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.
Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.
But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published September 3, 2024
68 people are currently reading
5689 people want to read
About the author
Heather B. Moore
165 books1,605 followersHeather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.
Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.
Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.
Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
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July 28, 2024
1927: Nancy Harkness is sixteen and she lives in Houghton, Michigan with her parents and older brother. Nancy’s fascinated by planes and flying and when she goes for a joy ride with a barnstormer and she vows one day she will be a pilot herself. Nancy’s father pays for her to have flying lessons and despite his wife thinking it's not very lady like, and Nancy takes to flying like a duck to water. Nancy meets Robert Love, he owns and flies planes for Newark Inter City Aviation, after they get off to a bad start and he then employs Nancy to fly business people around America.
With the threat of another war starting, Nancy knows armies will use pilots for surveillance and it will be fought in the air and female pilots could be used to ferry planes across the country and to free up male pilots. Nancy's used to facing discrimination and sexism, she has flown enough hours and has experience, and she contacts Lieutenant Colonel Robert Olds about her idea of employing civilian women pilots and he’s keen and he needs those further up to listen and see it as a realistic and viable option.
Jackie Cochran owns a cosmetic company, she’s an accomplished aviator and was a friend of Amelia Earhart. Jackie has been flying planes in England and as part of the Wings for Britain program. Both women have proposals of how qualified female pilots could be used in America, Nancy's idea is to create the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron or WAFS and Jackie's the Women’s Flying Training Detachment or the WFTD and both lobby Lieutenant Colonel Robert Old and Eleanor Roosevelt for backing and support.
I received a copy of Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore from Shadow Mountain Publishing and Edelweiss in exchange for an unbiased review. Using real facts about both Nancy Harkness and Jacqueline Cochran, Ms. Moore has written a powerful story about the rivalry, competition, skills, goals, and the objectives of two strong and capable ladies and both pushed the boundaries of the time and changed men's and societies thoughts about women's roles.
The narrative’s main focus is on Nancy, I really enjoyed reading about her learning to fly at sixteen, her relationship with Robert Love, her fight to be taken seriously and treated as an equal, and her plans for how women could help defend not only America but the entire world from the skies, how she cared for her fellow pilots and they flew all kinds and sizes of aircraft. I found the last third of the book dragged a little and slightly confusing about forming the different flying corps and four stars from me.
With the threat of another war starting, Nancy knows armies will use pilots for surveillance and it will be fought in the air and female pilots could be used to ferry planes across the country and to free up male pilots. Nancy's used to facing discrimination and sexism, she has flown enough hours and has experience, and she contacts Lieutenant Colonel Robert Olds about her idea of employing civilian women pilots and he’s keen and he needs those further up to listen and see it as a realistic and viable option.
Jackie Cochran owns a cosmetic company, she’s an accomplished aviator and was a friend of Amelia Earhart. Jackie has been flying planes in England and as part of the Wings for Britain program. Both women have proposals of how qualified female pilots could be used in America, Nancy's idea is to create the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron or WAFS and Jackie's the Women’s Flying Training Detachment or the WFTD and both lobby Lieutenant Colonel Robert Old and Eleanor Roosevelt for backing and support.
I received a copy of Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore from Shadow Mountain Publishing and Edelweiss in exchange for an unbiased review. Using real facts about both Nancy Harkness and Jacqueline Cochran, Ms. Moore has written a powerful story about the rivalry, competition, skills, goals, and the objectives of two strong and capable ladies and both pushed the boundaries of the time and changed men's and societies thoughts about women's roles.
The narrative’s main focus is on Nancy, I really enjoyed reading about her learning to fly at sixteen, her relationship with Robert Love, her fight to be taken seriously and treated as an equal, and her plans for how women could help defend not only America but the entire world from the skies, how she cared for her fellow pilots and they flew all kinds and sizes of aircraft. I found the last third of the book dragged a little and slightly confusing about forming the different flying corps and four stars from me.
Read
March 28, 2024Dear reader,
An Author's Introduction to LADY FLYER
While researching and writing about the WASP aviators who served in World War II, it was interesting to discover that many of those I spoke to didn’t know that women pilots flew war planes during that era. A few had heard of the British women ferrying pilots, and even fewer knew of the women who flew for the Soviet Union combat missions.
On American soil, women pilots weren’t militarized, so their contributions came under the umbrella of civilian pilots. Even before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, there was a pilot shortage as the US was frantically building and sending aircraft across the Atlantic to support the Allied forces. Two women, Nancy Harkness Love and Jacqueline Cochran, worked tirelessly to propose solutions to fill the pilot shortage. Their vision included establishing a women’s pilot organization that would ferry planes from the manufacturers to airfields, freeing up the men to train and prepare for combat missions.
Beginning in 1940, Nancy Love persisted in her agenda at home while Jacqueline Cochran headed to England to join the British ATA Civilian Ferry Pilot Program that allowed women to ferry planes as part of the war effort.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and after the US declared war on Japan and the Axis powers, over 100,000 men and women enlisted in the military. Eventually 50 million of 132 million Americans became employed in the war effort, working for the government, and women entered the workforce as never before.
Nancy Love had a remarkable vision—one she didn’t give up on. Her perseverance and leadership became the catalyst to demonstrating how women could be integrated into and valued in the Army Air Forces as pilots. Nancy wanted to see female pilots given opportunities to serve their country, and though her vision did not become widespread in the 1940s, with persistence, she became a trailblazer.
Starting in 1940, Nancy Love waded through nearly two years of setbacks before Colonel William H. Tunner approved her idea of hiring women pilots to ferry planes for the Ferrying Command, a division of the Army Air Corps—picking up the planes at the manufacturing plants, then delivering them to air bases around the country, plus other ferrying duties. This filled in the gaps that male pilots created when they left to fly combat missions.
When Nancy Love’s program was finally approved in 1942, the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) quickly filled with twenty-eight hand-selected women pilots, who were called the Originals. These women came from various backgrounds, but all were well-qualified to transition to the larger planes and bombers coming off the assembly lines.
Jacqueline Cochran, returned from Europe, headed up the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD), which trained and qualified additional women pilots to join the Women’s Ferrying Program. By August 1943, the WAFS had increased to over 225 women strong. That same August, Love’s WAFS combined with Cochran’s WFTD to become the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) (see https://cafriseabove.org/nancy-harkne...).
During the nearly sixteen months of the WASP Program, more than 25,000 women applied for training. Of those, 1,879 candidates were accepted into the Training Program, which was moved from the Houston Municipal Airport to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. Only 1,074 women successfully graduated (see https://www.army.mil/women/history/pi...).
The WASP pilots spent 1942–1944 flying every type of combat plane and delivering 12,650 aircraft to seventy-eight different bases throughout the nation while logging in more than 60 million flight miles (see https://twu.edu/library/womans-collec...).
Women became the backbone of the progression of the war and the eventual Allied victory. They worked in factories, building aircraft, and as airplane mechanics at Army Air Corps bases. Thanks to the persistence of Nancy Love and Jacqueline Cochran, women ferried the war planes from the manufacturing floors to the airbases, where women also worked as instructors for male pilot trainees. In addition, women flew the towing targets for male combat pilot training, and they tested out planes with mechanical issues.
Nancy Love firmly believed that if women didn’t learn to fly multiengine war planes, it would create a bottleneck between the production line and ferrying the planes to the airfields. She took it upon herself to set the example that women could fly the larger, more complex aircraft. She qualified on virtually all the Army Air Force’s combat aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning fighters, C-54 transport, B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator, and the B-29 Superfortress. Nancy became the trailblazer for many of the WASP pilots and future pilots who would follow in her footsteps (see https://cafriseabove.org/nancy-harkne... see also https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag...).
With the war coming to an end and male pilots returning home, authorities viewed the need for a women pilots as obsolete, and the 1944 push for the WASP to militarize was
Nancy’s belief in herself and other women pilots never faltered. Through many setbacks of family tragedy, a world war, constant obstacles and roadblocks to earn trust for women pilots, and health challenges, Nancy continued to push forward, soaring higher in order to make the path smoother for female pilots in the future.
An Author's Introduction to LADY FLYER
While researching and writing about the WASP aviators who served in World War II, it was interesting to discover that many of those I spoke to didn’t know that women pilots flew war planes during that era. A few had heard of the British women ferrying pilots, and even fewer knew of the women who flew for the Soviet Union combat missions.
On American soil, women pilots weren’t militarized, so their contributions came under the umbrella of civilian pilots. Even before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, there was a pilot shortage as the US was frantically building and sending aircraft across the Atlantic to support the Allied forces. Two women, Nancy Harkness Love and Jacqueline Cochran, worked tirelessly to propose solutions to fill the pilot shortage. Their vision included establishing a women’s pilot organization that would ferry planes from the manufacturers to airfields, freeing up the men to train and prepare for combat missions.
Beginning in 1940, Nancy Love persisted in her agenda at home while Jacqueline Cochran headed to England to join the British ATA Civilian Ferry Pilot Program that allowed women to ferry planes as part of the war effort.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and after the US declared war on Japan and the Axis powers, over 100,000 men and women enlisted in the military. Eventually 50 million of 132 million Americans became employed in the war effort, working for the government, and women entered the workforce as never before.
Nancy Love had a remarkable vision—one she didn’t give up on. Her perseverance and leadership became the catalyst to demonstrating how women could be integrated into and valued in the Army Air Forces as pilots. Nancy wanted to see female pilots given opportunities to serve their country, and though her vision did not become widespread in the 1940s, with persistence, she became a trailblazer.
Starting in 1940, Nancy Love waded through nearly two years of setbacks before Colonel William H. Tunner approved her idea of hiring women pilots to ferry planes for the Ferrying Command, a division of the Army Air Corps—picking up the planes at the manufacturing plants, then delivering them to air bases around the country, plus other ferrying duties. This filled in the gaps that male pilots created when they left to fly combat missions.
When Nancy Love’s program was finally approved in 1942, the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) quickly filled with twenty-eight hand-selected women pilots, who were called the Originals. These women came from various backgrounds, but all were well-qualified to transition to the larger planes and bombers coming off the assembly lines.
Jacqueline Cochran, returned from Europe, headed up the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD), which trained and qualified additional women pilots to join the Women’s Ferrying Program. By August 1943, the WAFS had increased to over 225 women strong. That same August, Love’s WAFS combined with Cochran’s WFTD to become the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) (see https://cafriseabove.org/nancy-harkne...).
During the nearly sixteen months of the WASP Program, more than 25,000 women applied for training. Of those, 1,879 candidates were accepted into the Training Program, which was moved from the Houston Municipal Airport to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. Only 1,074 women successfully graduated (see https://www.army.mil/women/history/pi...).
The WASP pilots spent 1942–1944 flying every type of combat plane and delivering 12,650 aircraft to seventy-eight different bases throughout the nation while logging in more than 60 million flight miles (see https://twu.edu/library/womans-collec...).
Women became the backbone of the progression of the war and the eventual Allied victory. They worked in factories, building aircraft, and as airplane mechanics at Army Air Corps bases. Thanks to the persistence of Nancy Love and Jacqueline Cochran, women ferried the war planes from the manufacturing floors to the airbases, where women also worked as instructors for male pilot trainees. In addition, women flew the towing targets for male combat pilot training, and they tested out planes with mechanical issues.
Nancy Love firmly believed that if women didn’t learn to fly multiengine war planes, it would create a bottleneck between the production line and ferrying the planes to the airfields. She took it upon herself to set the example that women could fly the larger, more complex aircraft. She qualified on virtually all the Army Air Force’s combat aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning fighters, C-54 transport, B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator, and the B-29 Superfortress. Nancy became the trailblazer for many of the WASP pilots and future pilots who would follow in her footsteps (see https://cafriseabove.org/nancy-harkne... see also https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/tag...).
With the war coming to an end and male pilots returning home, authorities viewed the need for a women pilots as obsolete, and the 1944 push for the WASP to militarize was
Nancy’s belief in herself and other women pilots never faltered. Through many setbacks of family tragedy, a world war, constant obstacles and roadblocks to earn trust for women pilots, and health challenges, Nancy continued to push forward, soaring higher in order to make the path smoother for female pilots in the future.
June 9, 2025
As always, a good read from author Heather B. Moore. Moore does a fine job with historical fiction that is probably 80% history with the fiction filling in some of the gaps. Wonderful book. This book features the real life exploits of aviatrix Nancy Harkness Love, who was in Paris when Lindbergh arrived and fell in love with flying. She eventually returns to the US and obtains her pilots license by age 16. This book follows her career, the ups and downs and eventually WW2 where she was instrumental in having female pilots fly newly manufactured planes from their home fields to the military airbases in the US. She learned to fly more planes than I knew existed and was a leader of the women's civilian air corps, which freed male pilots to train for military missions. Lots of high stakes wrangling and jealousies are part of this book, but by the end over 12,000 planes were delivered by these ladies. Very fine effort.
August 30, 2024
WWII Stateside
Heather B Moore clearly conducts a great deal of research into her historical fiction novels. And Lady Flyer fits that mold as the author shares about the life of Nancy Harkness and female pilots during the time period. There are so many fascinating historical details in the pages and this history loving reader adored that. Lots of hurdles for female pilots in that time period. For example, the challenge of reaching pedals while still being able to see through the windshield in a plane designed for a taller person.
My favorite aspect other than the history was the romance between Nancy and her boyfriend/fiance. Their initial meeting doesn't go well at all. Nancy not backing down from her beliefs then or anytime after created quite a spark between them.
My gratitude to publisher Shadow Mountain for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Heather B Moore clearly conducts a great deal of research into her historical fiction novels. And Lady Flyer fits that mold as the author shares about the life of Nancy Harkness and female pilots during the time period. There are so many fascinating historical details in the pages and this history loving reader adored that. Lots of hurdles for female pilots in that time period. For example, the challenge of reaching pedals while still being able to see through the windshield in a plane designed for a taller person.
My favorite aspect other than the history was the romance between Nancy and her boyfriend/fiance. Their initial meeting doesn't go well at all. Nancy not backing down from her beliefs then or anytime after created quite a spark between them.
My gratitude to publisher Shadow Mountain for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
September 16, 2024
4.75 stars!
Really good! I love how it was about a real lady flyer, Nancy Harkness! It starts off with Nancy watching Charles Lindbergh land his plane after making his famous flight. This sparks her interest in flying. She then goes on to learn to fly planes. Years later, WWII happens and they take on female pilots. The WAFS happen and then the WASPS. I loved how strong a woman Nancy is and a leader too! We also have some romance in this story with Nancy and Bob. I listened to the audiobook and thought it was very well done! If you love WWII historical fiction especially based on a true story and women this is the book for you! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Content: deaths
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Really good! I love how it was about a real lady flyer, Nancy Harkness! It starts off with Nancy watching Charles Lindbergh land his plane after making his famous flight. This sparks her interest in flying. She then goes on to learn to fly planes. Years later, WWII happens and they take on female pilots. The WAFS happen and then the WASPS. I loved how strong a woman Nancy is and a leader too! We also have some romance in this story with Nancy and Bob. I listened to the audiobook and thought it was very well done! If you love WWII historical fiction especially based on a true story and women this is the book for you! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Content: deaths
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 29, 2024
4.5 Stars!
“She wasn’t giving up. There were too many skies yet to fly.”
This book is out of my normal genres, but I am so glad I read it! After reading Kristin Hannah’s The Women earlier this year- I have become more and more interested in learning about real unsung female heroes of the past and this book did a great job of celebrating women pilots during the WWII times.
It follows the captivating story of Nancy Harkness and shines light into the history of women in aviation. Nancy is a great, strong heroine and I did enjoy the added layer of her romance.
You can tell the amount of time and research the author put into this. It was very well-written. I can sometimes struggle to get through nonfiction, so having this take the facts based on a true story, but putting it into historical fiction format allowed me to be able to read, enjoy and understand the story.
Thank you @tlcbooktours & @authorhbmoore for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
“She wasn’t giving up. There were too many skies yet to fly.”
This book is out of my normal genres, but I am so glad I read it! After reading Kristin Hannah’s The Women earlier this year- I have become more and more interested in learning about real unsung female heroes of the past and this book did a great job of celebrating women pilots during the WWII times.
It follows the captivating story of Nancy Harkness and shines light into the history of women in aviation. Nancy is a great, strong heroine and I did enjoy the added layer of her romance.
You can tell the amount of time and research the author put into this. It was very well-written. I can sometimes struggle to get through nonfiction, so having this take the facts based on a true story, but putting it into historical fiction format allowed me to be able to read, enjoy and understand the story.
Thank you @tlcbooktours & @authorhbmoore for this #gifted copy!🫶🏼
October 24, 2024
I liked this one. The author writes about Nancy Harkness Love, who had so much to do with the WASPS of WWII being a pilot herself. I loved the history in this and the story line. It was quite fascinating.
This felt well written.....the research, the pace, the puposeful characters and the era. Well done. So 4 stars.
This felt well written.....the research, the pace, the puposeful characters and the era. Well done. So 4 stars.
September 17, 2024
Reading history is hard for me but put it in historical fiction form and I’m all over it. Heather B Moore is one of my favorite authors for this type of fiction and I love her “based on a true story” tales.
I’ve always been fascinated with flying and thoroughly enjoyed the story of Nancy Harkness Love and her quest and determination to be seen and to find equal rights for aviators during the 1940s, especially during WWII. This time for aviation was dangerous and there were many deaths due to accidents or equipment failure, yet the pilots persevered. It was especially enlightening to read about the women pilots and the battles for their roles in this turbulent time in history.
I’m in awe of all that Nancy accomplished, but I’m particularly impressed by her tenacity and positive attitude through all she endured. This is a beautiful story for anyone who enjoys history, airplanes, and an inspirational account.
Content: very mild romance; moments of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
I’ve always been fascinated with flying and thoroughly enjoyed the story of Nancy Harkness Love and her quest and determination to be seen and to find equal rights for aviators during the 1940s, especially during WWII. This time for aviation was dangerous and there were many deaths due to accidents or equipment failure, yet the pilots persevered. It was especially enlightening to read about the women pilots and the battles for their roles in this turbulent time in history.
I’m in awe of all that Nancy accomplished, but I’m particularly impressed by her tenacity and positive attitude through all she endured. This is a beautiful story for anyone who enjoys history, airplanes, and an inspirational account.
Content: very mild romance; moments of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
October 19, 2024
'She wasn't giving up. There were too many skies yet to fly.'
If you love history- you should be reading Heather B. Moore's books. She takes the unsung historical heroes and brings their story to life!
Lady Flyer is a stunning novel about Nancy Harkness who takes an instant love to all things airplanes and becomes one of the top leading women in aviation history. This story follows her throughout her training, ambitions, set-backs; along with a heart-meltingly worthy romance.
This book is truly for every reader.
I was fascinated to see the history of women in aviation. So much that I didn't know all presented in a novel format making it easy to read, follow and understand.
This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
If you like historical non-fiction mixed with historical fiction and want a great romance in the middle of it. You should definitely check this book out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Triggers: gender bias, mention of war-mostly WWII, death of loved ones and friends, aviation accidents, smoking/alcohol use mentioned, infertility referenced, romance-kisses only.
If you love history- you should be reading Heather B. Moore's books. She takes the unsung historical heroes and brings their story to life!
Lady Flyer is a stunning novel about Nancy Harkness who takes an instant love to all things airplanes and becomes one of the top leading women in aviation history. This story follows her throughout her training, ambitions, set-backs; along with a heart-meltingly worthy romance.
This book is truly for every reader.
I was fascinated to see the history of women in aviation. So much that I didn't know all presented in a novel format making it easy to read, follow and understand.
This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
If you like historical non-fiction mixed with historical fiction and want a great romance in the middle of it. You should definitely check this book out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Triggers: gender bias, mention of war-mostly WWII, death of loved ones and friends, aviation accidents, smoking/alcohol use mentioned, infertility referenced, romance-kisses only.
January 2, 2025
Such an interesting subject, I enjoy reading about the strong women who forge.forward in their industry. The historical aspect was excellent, the storyline did drag and lack excitement.
August 19, 2024
My latest nonfiction craze, *Lady Flyer* by Heather Moore, is like *Top Gun* with a fierce female twist & a dash of sass! Set in WWII, Nancy Harkness Love’s story doesn’t just take off—it skyrockets into the stratosphere of inspiring women in aviation!
𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒 📝
Nancy Harkness Love, born on Valentine’s Day 1914, swapped capes for wings and never looked back. As 'The Flying Freshman' in 1932, she became a trailblazer, commanding aircraft during WWII and convincing Colonel Tunner to form a squad of female pilots. With awards like the Air Medal and a rank of lieutenant colonel, Nancy’s story is truly sky-high!
𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 👀
Heather Moore has a gift for turning unsung heroes into your new favorites, & *Lady Flyer* is a prime example. It’s like taking a joyride with Nancy as she smashes through barriers—cockpit canopies included! Prepare to be inspired & maybe even tempted to look up flying lessons.
Nancy’s love story with Robert Love? Romance perfection. Born on Valentine’s Day & marrying a guy named Love? Fate was definitely at play. Robert was her biggest fan, cheering her on as she shattered those pesky gender barriers.
Nancy proved that women not only belong in the cockpit but can rule it with style & grit. *Lady Flyer* isn’t just a history lesson; it’s an exhilarating call to embrace your inner daredevil.
Moore’s research is as dependable as your favorite co-pilot—thorough, reliable, & making history come alive with every chapter.
If you’re into strong female leads, thrilling history, or just need a boost of inspiration, *Lady Flyer* is your ticket to the skies. Who wouldn’t want to fly high like Nancy?
❓Ever taken flying lessons or parachuted?
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓
🛁 Clean read—no sex, nudity, or profanity. ⚠️ Includes discussions of death, aviation crashes, & infertility.
𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 ✨
4.5-5 stars. Engaging, well-researched, & inspiring with a perfect blend of history & personal story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒 📝
Nancy Harkness Love, born on Valentine’s Day 1914, swapped capes for wings and never looked back. As 'The Flying Freshman' in 1932, she became a trailblazer, commanding aircraft during WWII and convincing Colonel Tunner to form a squad of female pilots. With awards like the Air Medal and a rank of lieutenant colonel, Nancy’s story is truly sky-high!
𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 👀
Heather Moore has a gift for turning unsung heroes into your new favorites, & *Lady Flyer* is a prime example. It’s like taking a joyride with Nancy as she smashes through barriers—cockpit canopies included! Prepare to be inspired & maybe even tempted to look up flying lessons.
Nancy’s love story with Robert Love? Romance perfection. Born on Valentine’s Day & marrying a guy named Love? Fate was definitely at play. Robert was her biggest fan, cheering her on as she shattered those pesky gender barriers.
Nancy proved that women not only belong in the cockpit but can rule it with style & grit. *Lady Flyer* isn’t just a history lesson; it’s an exhilarating call to embrace your inner daredevil.
Moore’s research is as dependable as your favorite co-pilot—thorough, reliable, & making history come alive with every chapter.
If you’re into strong female leads, thrilling history, or just need a boost of inspiration, *Lady Flyer* is your ticket to the skies. Who wouldn’t want to fly high like Nancy?
❓Ever taken flying lessons or parachuted?
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓
🛁 Clean read—no sex, nudity, or profanity. ⚠️ Includes discussions of death, aviation crashes, & infertility.
𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 ✨
4.5-5 stars. Engaging, well-researched, & inspiring with a perfect blend of history & personal story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2024
Author Heather B. Moore consistently delivers well-researched and beautifully written books. "Lady Flyer" is another excellent example of her work.
In "Lady Flyer," readers meet Nancy Harkness Love, a name that might not be familiar to many. Nancy was a trailblazer in aviation, who discovered her passion for flying at just sixteen. Her story unfolds as she breaks down barriers for women pilots, particularly during World War II. She was a strong advocate for women in aviation, promoting programs like WAFS and WASPS, which enabled female pilots to transport aircraft for the military.
This book tells the story of real individuals, their struggles, a heartfelt romance, strong women, and meaningful friendships. Nancy's drive to fulfill her dream was fueled not by a desire for fame, but by her deep love for her country and a commitment to supporting the war effort. Although women pilots were essential, their contributions often went unrecognized. Tragically, many female pilots lost their lives in accidents. Readers will gain insights into aviation and experience the thrill of flight alongside these pioneers.
Learning about the WASP pilots, who from 1942 to 1944 flew various combat aircraft and delivered over 12,650 planes to seventy-eight bases while accumulating more than 60 million flight miles, was astonishing.
This blend of romance, historical facts, and fiction beautifully showcases Nancy Harkness Love, a heroine who paved the way for future women pilots.
In "Lady Flyer," readers meet Nancy Harkness Love, a name that might not be familiar to many. Nancy was a trailblazer in aviation, who discovered her passion for flying at just sixteen. Her story unfolds as she breaks down barriers for women pilots, particularly during World War II. She was a strong advocate for women in aviation, promoting programs like WAFS and WASPS, which enabled female pilots to transport aircraft for the military.
This book tells the story of real individuals, their struggles, a heartfelt romance, strong women, and meaningful friendships. Nancy's drive to fulfill her dream was fueled not by a desire for fame, but by her deep love for her country and a commitment to supporting the war effort. Although women pilots were essential, their contributions often went unrecognized. Tragically, many female pilots lost their lives in accidents. Readers will gain insights into aviation and experience the thrill of flight alongside these pioneers.
Learning about the WASP pilots, who from 1942 to 1944 flew various combat aircraft and delivered over 12,650 planes to seventy-eight bases while accumulating more than 60 million flight miles, was astonishing.
This blend of romance, historical facts, and fiction beautifully showcases Nancy Harkness Love, a heroine who paved the way for future women pilots.
July 5, 2024
As an avid reader of historical fiction that celebrates strong female protagonists, I enjoyed Heather B. Moore's Lady Flyer. The book centers around Nancy Love, a real-life trailblazer who defied societal norms by becoming a pilot during the 1930s, and using those skills to support the war effort. Nancy's unwavering determination to use her skills and the skills of countless other female pilots in the war effort is truly inspiring. The research in this book is evident, and following the links in the Chapter Notes further enhances the storyline.
Moore meticulously captures the details of the era, including the technical aspects of flight. This attention to detail may come across as bordering on non-fiction at times, but the author cleverly mitigates this by including a glossary of acronyms and even a list of characters. Both proved invaluable resources during my reading journey. Women had to fight for everything we have, and Nancy Love was no different. She was a champion for women in a heavily male-dominated field.
The book's historical grounding is further enhanced by starting each chapter with quotes or excerpts from primary sources. However, a few instances of phrasing slipped in that wouldn't have been used during that time period. Additionally, the writing style in the main story felt a bit choppy at times, with some repetitive phrasing and overly-familiar dialogue detracting from the narrative flow. Interestingly, the Aftermath and Chapter Notes sections displayed a much smoother and engaging writing voice. On further improvement could be to include a glossary of terms, so one doesn't need to have a dictionary handy when reading.
Despite these shortcomings, Lady Flyer sent me down a fascinating rabbit hole into the world of early 20th-century flight history. I learned a tremendous amount about Nancy Love and the struggles female pilots faced during World War II. While the writing style could be more polished, the book's historical significance and its inspiring message about perseverance make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in aviation history or stories of women defying the odds.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy - this book will be on many a shelf once published!
Moore meticulously captures the details of the era, including the technical aspects of flight. This attention to detail may come across as bordering on non-fiction at times, but the author cleverly mitigates this by including a glossary of acronyms and even a list of characters. Both proved invaluable resources during my reading journey. Women had to fight for everything we have, and Nancy Love was no different. She was a champion for women in a heavily male-dominated field.
The book's historical grounding is further enhanced by starting each chapter with quotes or excerpts from primary sources. However, a few instances of phrasing slipped in that wouldn't have been used during that time period. Additionally, the writing style in the main story felt a bit choppy at times, with some repetitive phrasing and overly-familiar dialogue detracting from the narrative flow. Interestingly, the Aftermath and Chapter Notes sections displayed a much smoother and engaging writing voice. On further improvement could be to include a glossary of terms, so one doesn't need to have a dictionary handy when reading.
Despite these shortcomings, Lady Flyer sent me down a fascinating rabbit hole into the world of early 20th-century flight history. I learned a tremendous amount about Nancy Love and the struggles female pilots faced during World War II. While the writing style could be more polished, the book's historical significance and its inspiring message about perseverance make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in aviation history or stories of women defying the odds.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy - this book will be on many a shelf once published!
August 27, 2025
An inspiring read that gave me chills, this story proves the power of perseverance, courage, bravery, and determination. Based on the real life of Nancy Harkness Love, the author takes the reader on a sweeping journey from Nancy's teen years as a hopeful flyer inspired by local barnstormers in her small Michigan town to her years of struggle to get women into government flight and ferrying programs during WWII. It was very inspiring to read of the uphill battle that Nancy and other women had to remove barriers allowing women to fly for the war effort while America's men were in combat. At the same time, it was also frustrating to read of the incessant pushback from the commanders of flight organizations and the dissolution of what eventually became known as WASP. I'm so thankful that women are able to enter the arenas that we are today because of the brave sacrifices of Nancy Harkness Love and women like her all those years ago. Nancy's life is a great example of how even seemingly small steps amidst major setbacks can still move mountains and create open doors years down the road.
I also appreciated how this book was completely clean and devoid of any swear words, and the romance was super sweet and enjoyable. There were some slower parts for me, but also some thrilling flight scenes which were exciting.
I'll definitely have to be on the lookout for more books by this author in the future!
I also appreciated how this book was completely clean and devoid of any swear words, and the romance was super sweet and enjoyable. There were some slower parts for me, but also some thrilling flight scenes which were exciting.
I'll definitely have to be on the lookout for more books by this author in the future!
September 5, 2024
When it comes to writing historical fiction, Heather Moore always does such a masterful job!
Lady Flyer is her latest book, and it was excellent! It was fascinating, engaging, well-written, and meticulously researched.
It’s based on the true story of Nancy Harkness Love. As a 16-year-old, Nancy discovers a passion for flying, and she’s determined to become a pilot someday.
Years later, she uses her experience as a pilot in an unexpected way. At the outset of WWII, she envisions a squadron of female pilots who will help ferry planes to different locations, freeing up male pilots to train and fight in the war. She gets a lot of pushback, but she never stops fighting for women’s equality in aviation, and never loses her focus on trying to help with the war effort.
The story takes place in the 1930s and 1940s. I loved the references to historical figures like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt; and to historical events like the stock market crash, the Great Depression, and Pearl Harbor. I definitely learned more about the early years of aviation, and thought it was so interesting.
I didn’t know anything about Nancy Harkness Love before reading this, but now she’s someone I deeply admire. She was the first woman to fly combat planes, she helped empower women, and broke down gender barriers. She was brave, daring, and courageous.
This book not only honors her, but the other female pilots during this time, many of who lost their lives doing something they were passionate about. It’s a part of American history that isn’t that well known, but shouldn’t be forgotten.
In addition to all this, was a heartwarming love story between Nancy and Bob Love. I loved their relationship, and I loved how supportive he was of her dreams and her career.
Be sure to check out the chapter notes in the back. There was so much good information there.
If you’re interested in WWII history, airplanes, strong women, and women breaking gender barriers, you need to read this!
I received a copy from the author, but all opinions expressed are my own.
Lady Flyer is her latest book, and it was excellent! It was fascinating, engaging, well-written, and meticulously researched.
It’s based on the true story of Nancy Harkness Love. As a 16-year-old, Nancy discovers a passion for flying, and she’s determined to become a pilot someday.
Years later, she uses her experience as a pilot in an unexpected way. At the outset of WWII, she envisions a squadron of female pilots who will help ferry planes to different locations, freeing up male pilots to train and fight in the war. She gets a lot of pushback, but she never stops fighting for women’s equality in aviation, and never loses her focus on trying to help with the war effort.
The story takes place in the 1930s and 1940s. I loved the references to historical figures like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt; and to historical events like the stock market crash, the Great Depression, and Pearl Harbor. I definitely learned more about the early years of aviation, and thought it was so interesting.
I didn’t know anything about Nancy Harkness Love before reading this, but now she’s someone I deeply admire. She was the first woman to fly combat planes, she helped empower women, and broke down gender barriers. She was brave, daring, and courageous.
This book not only honors her, but the other female pilots during this time, many of who lost their lives doing something they were passionate about. It’s a part of American history that isn’t that well known, but shouldn’t be forgotten.
In addition to all this, was a heartwarming love story between Nancy and Bob Love. I loved their relationship, and I loved how supportive he was of her dreams and her career.
Be sure to check out the chapter notes in the back. There was so much good information there.
If you’re interested in WWII history, airplanes, strong women, and women breaking gender barriers, you need to read this!
I received a copy from the author, but all opinions expressed are my own.
August 26, 2024
What. A. Book. What a book, y'all.
If there's one thing I know, it's that Heather Moore knows how to write a historical fiction book. I have loved the few books of hers I've read, and Lady Flyer is no exception. This book is seriously so good.
Lady Flyer is the incredible story of Nancy Love, a female pilot during WWII. All of the things she managed to accomplish in her lifetime truly blew me away. I was extremely impressed with how determined and courageous Nancy was. Despite all the setbacks she faced, she never gave up in her efforts advocating for female pilots. It is truly inspirational.
Also, can we just mention here how loving and supportive her husband Bob was?! During the war they were constantly apart as both Nancy and Bob were given assignments to help the war efforts in various roles, but he was always willing to answer her calls whenever they came, listening to her and assuring her during the hard times and celebrating her successes with her.
Trust me friends, this is one book you don't want to miss. And lucky for y'all, you don't even have to wait very long for it to release into the world, because it's coming next week!! So add it to your TBR lists and count down the days until you can add it to your shelves. #thisistheway
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the early copy; all thoughts are my own.
If there's one thing I know, it's that Heather Moore knows how to write a historical fiction book. I have loved the few books of hers I've read, and Lady Flyer is no exception. This book is seriously so good.
Lady Flyer is the incredible story of Nancy Love, a female pilot during WWII. All of the things she managed to accomplish in her lifetime truly blew me away. I was extremely impressed with how determined and courageous Nancy was. Despite all the setbacks she faced, she never gave up in her efforts advocating for female pilots. It is truly inspirational.
Also, can we just mention here how loving and supportive her husband Bob was?! During the war they were constantly apart as both Nancy and Bob were given assignments to help the war efforts in various roles, but he was always willing to answer her calls whenever they came, listening to her and assuring her during the hard times and celebrating her successes with her.
Trust me friends, this is one book you don't want to miss. And lucky for y'all, you don't even have to wait very long for it to release into the world, because it's coming next week!! So add it to your TBR lists and count down the days until you can add it to your shelves. #thisistheway
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the early copy; all thoughts are my own.
September 29, 2024
I am always so pleasantly surprised when I read a book about something I knew nothing about and fine that I need to know more! I love this premise and of course being based on a true story, as a history major, I loved it! I enjoyed learning about aviation’ at that time of the century! I am amazed at the advancement of women’s choices and autonomy in this well written story!
Thanks to Shadow Mountain and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book! All opinions ans thoughts are my own.
Thanks to Shadow Mountain and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book! All opinions ans thoughts are my own.
August 11, 2024
History can be more fascinating than fiction and Heather B. Moore masterfully combines the two in LADY FLYER. Miss Nancy Harkness was a real person and a pioneer of women’s aviation. She received her pilot’s license as a teen and during WWII advocated and led programs (WAFS and WASPS) that allowed female pilots to ferry airplanes for the army. As well as training more women to be pilots. She faced a lot of sexism (women weren’t allowed to fly during their menstrual cycles), but continued to lead by example. I loved all of the historical details, but my favorite parts were the romance between Nancy and Bob Love. A must read for historical fiction fans.
Other recommended books about female pilots during WWII: FLYGIRL by Sherri L. Smith and AMONG THE RED STARS by Gwen C. Katz.
Other recommended books about female pilots during WWII: FLYGIRL by Sherri L. Smith and AMONG THE RED STARS by Gwen C. Katz.
September 28, 2024
Captivating and Inspiring! I loved reading this historical fiction novel, based on the life of Nancy Harkness Love and her experiences of learning to fly, advocating for women flyers, helping the cause of women flyers in the army during WWII and much more. It was truly fascinating to read. I was pulled in from the beginning.
The author has a talent in taking what she's studied from historical accounts and portraying it all in a way that makes you feel as if you are there in the story, experiencing it all alongside the real historical figures. I felt like I was Nancy racing home to get the money for the chance to ride in the plane and then being seated alongside her and feeling the air rushing past me while her love of flying first came into being. I felt like I was there with her as she convinced her parents to let her take flying lessons. Or taking that low flight over the boys school with her. Or standing her ground countless times making sure that her gender wasn't what kept her from following her dreams or helping the nation to succeed.
Every moment with Nancy in this book was incredible. I felt the emotions so strongly while reading from her POV. I couldn't help but tear up during certain moments. Or cheer during others. Or my heart swooping in joy during others (especially in regards to her beautiful love story)!
This book, and many others by this author, truly make me feel like my voice matters and that by standing up for what is right, I can make a difference. It is truly amazing to look at what Nancy did over many years and to see the impact she had and the many lives she was able to touch and inspire and help reach for their dreams. I can't even describe fully what an incredible story this was to read. It truly touched me and I hope it does the same for you if you choose to read it!
Content: Clean historical. Mention of war and smoking and drinking.
I received a copy from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
The author has a talent in taking what she's studied from historical accounts and portraying it all in a way that makes you feel as if you are there in the story, experiencing it all alongside the real historical figures. I felt like I was Nancy racing home to get the money for the chance to ride in the plane and then being seated alongside her and feeling the air rushing past me while her love of flying first came into being. I felt like I was there with her as she convinced her parents to let her take flying lessons. Or taking that low flight over the boys school with her. Or standing her ground countless times making sure that her gender wasn't what kept her from following her dreams or helping the nation to succeed.
Every moment with Nancy in this book was incredible. I felt the emotions so strongly while reading from her POV. I couldn't help but tear up during certain moments. Or cheer during others. Or my heart swooping in joy during others (especially in regards to her beautiful love story)!
This book, and many others by this author, truly make me feel like my voice matters and that by standing up for what is right, I can make a difference. It is truly amazing to look at what Nancy did over many years and to see the impact she had and the many lives she was able to touch and inspire and help reach for their dreams. I can't even describe fully what an incredible story this was to read. It truly touched me and I hope it does the same for you if you choose to read it!
Content: Clean historical. Mention of war and smoking and drinking.
I received a copy from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 18, 2024
Reading this novel almost felt like reading a biography - and I mean that in a good way. I learned so much! You can tell how much research Moore must have put into each and every page because they were all LOADED with history. The women, the planes, the romance, the everything - so much detail and thought when into every single word.
I always appreciate historical stories about women who make it in a "man's world" so to speak. Nancy was such a great heroine. She knew what she liked/wanted and she didn't back down. She was graceful, tough, stubborn, fair, and fought for herself and those like her. But when she did, she fought with elegance, grace, and grit.
I also enjoyed the romance between Nancy and Robert. It didn't take away from the history and emotions of the book, and yet it was powerful at the same time. It was sweet, slow (just the right amount of slowness), natural, and encouraging. I love how Robert was there for Nancy. He allowed her to be her own person, never holding her back. I can't imagine many men in that time period doing that. It was really a sweet addition to an already engaging story.
Though this is a work a fiction, there is so much to learn and be inspired by. I'm so glad Moore decided to write about Nancy, and took her time with the story. It might be a long read, but it's oh so worth it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I always appreciate historical stories about women who make it in a "man's world" so to speak. Nancy was such a great heroine. She knew what she liked/wanted and she didn't back down. She was graceful, tough, stubborn, fair, and fought for herself and those like her. But when she did, she fought with elegance, grace, and grit.
I also enjoyed the romance between Nancy and Robert. It didn't take away from the history and emotions of the book, and yet it was powerful at the same time. It was sweet, slow (just the right amount of slowness), natural, and encouraging. I love how Robert was there for Nancy. He allowed her to be her own person, never holding her back. I can't imagine many men in that time period doing that. It was really a sweet addition to an already engaging story.
Though this is a work a fiction, there is so much to learn and be inspired by. I'm so glad Moore decided to write about Nancy, and took her time with the story. It might be a long read, but it's oh so worth it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 27, 2024
An emotional, informative, heart-stirring, and riveting look into the history of female pilots. This book makes you feel every emotion from triumph to heartbreak, joy to sorrow, indignation to happiness.
A significant, yet possibly overlooked, part of history is brought to life through Heather’s writing to create a literary masterpiece. While technically fiction, it feels so realistic and the attention to detail was perfect. The extensive research and resources that make up this story is compelling and adds a whole new depth to the already amazing story of an incredible woman. This story, about a strong woman supporting and fighting for other women, makes me proud to be a woman.
So if you want a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the history of the world, and of women, this is the perfect book for you.
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own, a positive review was not required, but happily given.
A significant, yet possibly overlooked, part of history is brought to life through Heather’s writing to create a literary masterpiece. While technically fiction, it feels so realistic and the attention to detail was perfect. The extensive research and resources that make up this story is compelling and adds a whole new depth to the already amazing story of an incredible woman. This story, about a strong woman supporting and fighting for other women, makes me proud to be a woman.
So if you want a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the history of the world, and of women, this is the perfect book for you.
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own, a positive review was not required, but happily given.
December 7, 2024
I think I might have appreciated this more if I had more of an interest in (or knowledge of) aviation and specific planes. But it was still a good read about female pilots’ fight to join the war effort!
November 3, 2024
It is like one long log book and you get lost in this part of the story. It really could have been a shorter book. Fascinating how many women learned to fly and how much opposition they got.
June 12, 2025
Overall an interesting story about the history of women pilots but very dragged out with not much excitement.
November 7, 2024
This book follows Nancy Harkness from a sixteen year old who finds her passion as a flyer to a grown woman who has a hand in helping the fight of WWII. Through Nancy’s life, all she wants to do is fly. When tragedy strikes, she has to learn have to navigate through the pain and continue forward. As WWII ramps up, her vision for a female pilot squadron starts to take shape. Nancy isn’t alone in her fight for women to be pilots. Alongside her is Jacquelin Cochran, a pilot in her own right and Nancy’s rival. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition.
I absolutely loved this book! I had heard Nancy’s name in passing as I’ve read hundreds of WWII books but never really taken the time to read her own story. The determination and grit she had was remarkable and she truly did not back down from a challenge. With a secondary cast of characters in her corner (including her husband), she was able to navigate a male-driven area and make her strides for all women in the war. Also love seeing a few bits of Michigan thrown into the story, including a town that’s very near to my hometown! Highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a bit of a different WWII story, one that takes primarily in the US but has just as big of an impact on the war.
Favorite quote - “You’re not a two-bit anything, Nancy. You have the potential to be one of the finest pilots I’ve ever known. We all have to work our way up the chain—you’re just figuring out which chain that is.”
I absolutely loved this book! I had heard Nancy’s name in passing as I’ve read hundreds of WWII books but never really taken the time to read her own story. The determination and grit she had was remarkable and she truly did not back down from a challenge. With a secondary cast of characters in her corner (including her husband), she was able to navigate a male-driven area and make her strides for all women in the war. Also love seeing a few bits of Michigan thrown into the story, including a town that’s very near to my hometown! Highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a bit of a different WWII story, one that takes primarily in the US but has just as big of an impact on the war.
Favorite quote - “You’re not a two-bit anything, Nancy. You have the potential to be one of the finest pilots I’ve ever known. We all have to work our way up the chain—you’re just figuring out which chain that is.”
August 28, 2024
I knew nothing about Nancy Harkness Love before reading this book, and I am SO glad to know about her now! I feel like Moore did an excellent job of showing us who Nancy was - a determined, courageous, strong, independent woman who just wanted to fly and help others while flying.
I loved the stories of her first flights, and her adventures in those first few years of flying. And later, I love how she respectfully pushed the boundaries for female pilots, but never gave up when there were setbacks. I will admit that I got a bit lost in all the plane names and specs, but this story felt so important. These women stepped up and served their country and were fighting to be allowed to help most of the time. And Nancy was their relentless leader.
And I just have to mention her husband Bob - who gave her 100% support at a time when most women were expected to stay home. He and Nancy were truly partners in their marriage, supporting each other through all their endeavors.
If you want to learn about a truly inspirational woman (and all the women who served in the WAFS and WASPs), this is the book for you. We need more books about amazing women in history!
Thank you to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Heather B. Moore for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
I loved the stories of her first flights, and her adventures in those first few years of flying. And later, I love how she respectfully pushed the boundaries for female pilots, but never gave up when there were setbacks. I will admit that I got a bit lost in all the plane names and specs, but this story felt so important. These women stepped up and served their country and were fighting to be allowed to help most of the time. And Nancy was their relentless leader.
And I just have to mention her husband Bob - who gave her 100% support at a time when most women were expected to stay home. He and Nancy were truly partners in their marriage, supporting each other through all their endeavors.
If you want to learn about a truly inspirational woman (and all the women who served in the WAFS and WASPs), this is the book for you. We need more books about amazing women in history!
Thank you to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Heather B. Moore for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
August 27, 2024
I loved learning about the early days of women pilots. What they sacrificed to even BE pilots. Their involvement with the war effort. The difficulties they faced with the planes. All while trying to have a balanced life.
I love Heather Moore's historical books. They are well written, painstakingly researched, and I learn something new every time. Highly recommend!
I love Heather Moore's historical books. They are well written, painstakingly researched, and I learn something new every time. Highly recommend!
October 26, 2024
“I’m not giving it up, girls,” she said in a quiet voice. “It’s in my blood now.”
This was such an interesting read! I knew that women had to fight to do anything even slightly military related, but I had no idea the challenges women pilots faced in the WWII era.
The story of Nancy Harkness Love is one that needed to be told. It is captivating and so well done! I had to keep reading to see what happened!
If you love history written in novel form, this book is absolutely for you! Nancy’s fierce loyalty to helping her country and forwarding the role of women pilots is not to be missed! Her love with Bob is one in a million and I adore how it was portrayed in this book!
Read this book if you like:
✈️ Serving Your Country
✈️ Piloting Airplanes
✈️ Advancing Women’s Rights
✈️ Falling in Love
✈️ Doing What You Love
✈️ Fighting for a Cause
Content: death of friends/loved ones, airplane accidents (not graphic), gender bias, references to infertility, romance- kisses only.
I received a complimentary copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was such an interesting read! I knew that women had to fight to do anything even slightly military related, but I had no idea the challenges women pilots faced in the WWII era.
The story of Nancy Harkness Love is one that needed to be told. It is captivating and so well done! I had to keep reading to see what happened!
If you love history written in novel form, this book is absolutely for you! Nancy’s fierce loyalty to helping her country and forwarding the role of women pilots is not to be missed! Her love with Bob is one in a million and I adore how it was portrayed in this book!
Read this book if you like:
✈️ Serving Your Country
✈️ Piloting Airplanes
✈️ Advancing Women’s Rights
✈️ Falling in Love
✈️ Doing What You Love
✈️ Fighting for a Cause
Content: death of friends/loved ones, airplane accidents (not graphic), gender bias, references to infertility, romance- kisses only.
I received a complimentary copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 4, 2024
True story, I was a little apprehensive going into this book. I really didn't know what to expect and I was worried that it wasn't for me, because my lane is rom-coms and YA romances with a sprinkling of regency romances. But I was wrong. it is for me. It's for everyone. It's fascinating and captivating and has a love story and a true story and I liked it. A lot, a lot. (Name that movie?! 5 pts to whoever gets it)
If you're into history, specifically WWII, airplanes, women's movements, flying, and light romance, I would absolutely recommend this one!
If you're into history, specifically WWII, airplanes, women's movements, flying, and light romance, I would absolutely recommend this one!
October 4, 2024
I love reading about people who use their talents and what they love to change the world. Nancy and the women she flew with were amazing. Their drive and desire to help and serve their country is awe inspiring. The hardships they went through were enough for anyone to want to give up, but they keep pushing. Nancy watched things unfold and fought for women to be involved in aviation every step of the way. Nancy did incredible things and her early life was incredible to read about. Highly recommend this book. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
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