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Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost
Book One of the Twyla & the Warbirds saga, Family Lost, traces a difficult path for an American-Ukrainian rural girl from Boonville California.
At a tender age, Twyla Campbell loses her family in a freak aeroplane accident. Her young life is salvaged from indenture by the neighbor boy, who teaches her to fly.
Stationed in Honolulu with her fiancé, she narrowly escapes certain death while flying above Pearl Harbor. Twyla lucks into a slot with the W.A.S.P., women’s ferry pilots training program in Texas, where “the girls” have no business in the Army Air Force. Twyla transports fighter planes to Alaska for Roosevelt.
There, she befriends Marina, a Russian pilot with indefatigable courage and odd sense of humor.
When tragedy strikes, Twyla boards a transport home, only to find herself arrested on the Eastern Front and scheduled for execution...
At a tender age, Twyla Campbell loses her family in a freak aeroplane accident. Her young life is salvaged from indenture by the neighbor boy, who teaches her to fly.
Stationed in Honolulu with her fiancé, she narrowly escapes certain death while flying above Pearl Harbor. Twyla lucks into a slot with the W.A.S.P., women’s ferry pilots training program in Texas, where “the girls” have no business in the Army Air Force. Twyla transports fighter planes to Alaska for Roosevelt.
There, she befriends Marina, a Russian pilot with indefatigable courage and odd sense of humor.
When tragedy strikes, Twyla boards a transport home, only to find herself arrested on the Eastern Front and scheduled for execution...
228 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2024
9 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 6, 2025
Twyla Campbell was born in Odessa, Ukraine, and grew up in Boonville, California. Unsurprisingly, she followed in the footsteps of her father, Captain Ernie (Hawkeye) Campbell, who was a volunteer pilot in World War I. When Twyla was nine years old, she fell in love with Llewellyn (Lewis) Haliday, who was 14 and came to visit her father. Little did Twyla know how intertwined their lives would become and what an extraordinary life story would emerge, especially as she recounts her firsthand experiences of World War II to her granddaughter, Little Twyla.
As Twyla shares her life story, the narrative unfolds through many flashbacks. The use of subheadings indicating the year adds structure, but they vanish as the reader begins to rely on them because of their frequency. It took me some time to adjust to these time shifts, and I found myself rereading pages several nights in a row. The storyline richly depicts the experiences of fighter pilots and the women who trained and served as Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II.
I found a Clavis at the end of the book. If I had discovered it earlier, or if the book had included a table of contents that indicated the presence of this glossary, my reading experience would have been significantly enriched. This glossary covers aviation terminology, key historical figures, and important locations. Having it placed at the beginning of the novel would have served as a helpful guide to unfamiliar terms and provided valuable historical context.
One of the most captivating features of the novel is the collection of drawings by T.W. Bellen. I highly recommend visiting the author's website to view more of these illustrations and photographs related to the story, which bring the narrative to life and offer a visual journey through the historical events it portrays.
https://www.twarbird.com/
As Twyla shares her life story, the narrative unfolds through many flashbacks. The use of subheadings indicating the year adds structure, but they vanish as the reader begins to rely on them because of their frequency. It took me some time to adjust to these time shifts, and I found myself rereading pages several nights in a row. The storyline richly depicts the experiences of fighter pilots and the women who trained and served as Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II.
I found a Clavis at the end of the book. If I had discovered it earlier, or if the book had included a table of contents that indicated the presence of this glossary, my reading experience would have been significantly enriched. This glossary covers aviation terminology, key historical figures, and important locations. Having it placed at the beginning of the novel would have served as a helpful guide to unfamiliar terms and provided valuable historical context.
One of the most captivating features of the novel is the collection of drawings by T.W. Bellen. I highly recommend visiting the author's website to view more of these illustrations and photographs related to the story, which bring the narrative to life and offer a visual journey through the historical events it portrays.
https://www.twarbird.com/
October 14, 2024
This book was such a great surprise! I finished it in a day. It was a quick and fast paced read.
The story starts of with the destruction of Pearl Harbor and the point in history that the US joined WW2 and it really takes of from there. We follow Twyla who wants to use her skills with flying planes to help with the war effort and we learn so much about her past, the people in her life and her present life.
Sometimes I did get thrown out of the story because of all the flashbacks to the past that don't always follow a pattern and the (for me, non-American) difficult 40s/50s? slang but fortunately due to the great storytelling I didn't take me long to get back into it.
So many research must have gone into this book and I loved the little peek to WW1 as well! Lot's of action, emotion and feminine stubbornness to make dreams come true.
I can't wait for the next book!
The story starts of with the destruction of Pearl Harbor and the point in history that the US joined WW2 and it really takes of from there. We follow Twyla who wants to use her skills with flying planes to help with the war effort and we learn so much about her past, the people in her life and her present life.
Sometimes I did get thrown out of the story because of all the flashbacks to the past that don't always follow a pattern and the (for me, non-American) difficult 40s/50s? slang but fortunately due to the great storytelling I didn't take me long to get back into it.
So many research must have gone into this book and I loved the little peek to WW1 as well! Lot's of action, emotion and feminine stubbornness to make dreams come true.
I can't wait for the next book!
August 20, 2025
I really enjoyed reading the story of Twyla, her family & her friends.
A great historical fiction of a family that revolves around aeroplanes. I have since googled about the WASPs as I wanted to know more.
The artwork throughout the book is beautiful, and there is so much details. A multi POV in a retelling of a grandmas history in an order as if she is the actual storyteller :)
A great historical fiction of a family that revolves around aeroplanes. I have since googled about the WASPs as I wanted to know more.
The artwork throughout the book is beautiful, and there is so much details. A multi POV in a retelling of a grandmas history in an order as if she is the actual storyteller :)
February 21, 2025
This is not my normal genre. however this book caught me off guard. It follows Twyla, a young flyer in WWII. Very good! I enjoyed all the back stories, and then the jump into Twyla's story. I also enjoyed that it was a quick read. 💜💜
May 10, 2025
Not my typical genre but, I wanted to give it a go as the author kindly gifted me the audiobook in exchange for my review. I really enjoyed the narrator, it was a very quick and enjoyable book! I rate it a 3.5/5
September 9, 2025
This is Book 1 of Twyla & the warbirds series.
This is a story about a little girl who dreamt impossible at a time when thinking about joining airforce as a woman was considered a taboo.
A little girl who had been through a lot since she was a kid, losing both parents, being left with a aunt who didn't care about her well-being, being molested; Twyla had gone through everything which could have broken anyone, let alone a 9 year old little girl.
Until one day, when she met Llewellyn(Lewis) ,who gave her hope that her dream may come true & practically saved her from her cunning relatives!
Twyla's dream came true when she joined W.A.S.P.
(Women's Air Service Pilots ) programme & met aspiring aviatrixes.
However, soon they realised that the roles are still not equal for males and females & it will be a long way down the road..
Twyla's suffering did not stop even after getting closer to her dream, but yet she found a bit of comfort in suffering along with the other badass female fighter.s...
If you love the books which inspires you, when you leave your dream thinking it's impossible - This one is for
you..
I like the stories which inspire you to do better, not only for you but for rest of the world too..And in a time where people mock the gender disparity, such kind of stories show how far we have come in bridging that gap & how tar we have to go..
I read this book at a snail's pace; as the words/phrases related to aviation were pretty new to me & I tried to catch as much as I could..hence it took some time to complete it. €
Now, gearing up for Book 2 of the series: TWYLA & the WARBIRDS Family Found
About the author:T.W. Bellen is a filmmaker cinematographer, illustrator, author & an aviation enthusiast. He wrote
the feature film Turret, (about a WWIl, B-17 Gunner) & directed photography on Apple tv's, Dear Edward, Amazon's, As We See It, HBO's VEEP (season five) & Netflix's Good Girls-among many others.
This is a story about a little girl who dreamt impossible at a time when thinking about joining airforce as a woman was considered a taboo.
A little girl who had been through a lot since she was a kid, losing both parents, being left with a aunt who didn't care about her well-being, being molested; Twyla had gone through everything which could have broken anyone, let alone a 9 year old little girl.
Until one day, when she met Llewellyn(Lewis) ,who gave her hope that her dream may come true & practically saved her from her cunning relatives!
Twyla's dream came true when she joined W.A.S.P.
(Women's Air Service Pilots ) programme & met aspiring aviatrixes.
However, soon they realised that the roles are still not equal for males and females & it will be a long way down the road..
Twyla's suffering did not stop even after getting closer to her dream, but yet she found a bit of comfort in suffering along with the other badass female fighter.s...
If you love the books which inspires you, when you leave your dream thinking it's impossible - This one is for
you..
I like the stories which inspire you to do better, not only for you but for rest of the world too..And in a time where people mock the gender disparity, such kind of stories show how far we have come in bridging that gap & how tar we have to go..
I read this book at a snail's pace; as the words/phrases related to aviation were pretty new to me & I tried to catch as much as I could..hence it took some time to complete it. €
Now, gearing up for Book 2 of the series: TWYLA & the WARBIRDS Family Found
About the author:T.W. Bellen is a filmmaker cinematographer, illustrator, author & an aviation enthusiast. He wrote
the feature film Turret, (about a WWIl, B-17 Gunner) & directed photography on Apple tv's, Dear Edward, Amazon's, As We See It, HBO's VEEP (season five) & Netflix's Good Girls-among many others.
January 30, 2025
✨ ARC Review – Twyla and the Warbirds: Lost Family ✨
Summary: In this historical novel, an orphaned American woman is given the rarest opportunity—to become a combat pilot during World War II.
Thoughts: This book took me on a wild ride! Twyla’s journey was emotional and gripping, set in a world full of secrets and adventure. I loved the found family dynamics and the unexpected twists. Some parts were a bit slow, but overall, I really enjoyed it!
Huge thanks to T.W. Bellen for the ARC e-copy! If you love stories with fierce heroines, mystery, and adventure, this one’s for you. 💙📚
Summary: In this historical novel, an orphaned American woman is given the rarest opportunity—to become a combat pilot during World War II.
Thoughts: This book took me on a wild ride! Twyla’s journey was emotional and gripping, set in a world full of secrets and adventure. I loved the found family dynamics and the unexpected twists. Some parts were a bit slow, but overall, I really enjoyed it!
Huge thanks to T.W. Bellen for the ARC e-copy! If you love stories with fierce heroines, mystery, and adventure, this one’s for you. 💙📚
November 1, 2024
3.5/5 Stars
Summary: This book follows Twyla and her journey to become a pilot during WWII.
I enjoyed the story of this book and learning more about WWII and about the warbirds. I think it was a great representation of how women were treated during this time period and how they were looked at as being not as smart or good as men. I think the author did a wonderful job and talking about the struggles they faced, but also empowering the characters to be the best selves that they could be.
What I had a hard time with this book was how it had flashbacks and following the timeline. I also had a hard time with the lingo due to the words being on par with the time frame.
Overall this is a good book if you like books you are a fan of stories taking place in the past. This is also a good book if you are a fan of WWII and you like a book with a strong FMC.
I would like to thank the author for reaching out to me and giving me a copy of an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary: This book follows Twyla and her journey to become a pilot during WWII.
I enjoyed the story of this book and learning more about WWII and about the warbirds. I think it was a great representation of how women were treated during this time period and how they were looked at as being not as smart or good as men. I think the author did a wonderful job and talking about the struggles they faced, but also empowering the characters to be the best selves that they could be.
What I had a hard time with this book was how it had flashbacks and following the timeline. I also had a hard time with the lingo due to the words being on par with the time frame.
Overall this is a good book if you like books you are a fan of stories taking place in the past. This is also a good book if you are a fan of WWII and you like a book with a strong FMC.
I would like to thank the author for reaching out to me and giving me a copy of an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2024
A truly outstanding story that follows the life of an American-Ukrainian girl, Twyla from California. The story delves into her role as a fighter pilot during the backdrop of Pearl Harbour and WW2 and also portrays the role that this played to her family and loved ones.
This is very well researched and the historical accuracy is very well depicted. It is quite a remarkable take on women serving in the war and the parts and roles that they played, showing the sacrifices that women made.
You immediately warm to the characters and can’t wait to read more. A beautifully written book, with some great illustrations. The style of writing, including the letters, make it a realistic read and the reader wanting more.
Inspiring.
This is very well researched and the historical accuracy is very well depicted. It is quite a remarkable take on women serving in the war and the parts and roles that they played, showing the sacrifices that women made.
You immediately warm to the characters and can’t wait to read more. A beautifully written book, with some great illustrations. The style of writing, including the letters, make it a realistic read and the reader wanting more.
Inspiring.
May 18, 2025
Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost by T.W. Bellen tells the story of Twyla Campbell, a young American-Ukrainian girl from rural California whose life changes dramatically after a tragic plane accident takes her family. A neighbor’s kindness introduces her to flying, and she grows into a skilled and determined pilot. The narrative follows her as she joins the Women Airforce Service Pilots (W.A.S.P.) during World War II, challenging the gender expectations of the time. Along the way, Twyla forms a close friendship with Marina, a brave Russian pilot.
Twyla’s character feels genuine and relatable, transforming from a vulnerable orphan into a courageous woman fighting for her place in a male-dominated world. Her love for flying and admiration for Amelia Earhart add layers to her personality, while her bond with Marina highlights the shared struggles women faced during the war. The connection between Twyla and her granddaughter, who helps tell the story, adds warmth and a sense of legacy.
The novel addresses themes such as loss, resilience, identity, and the pursuit of equality. It paints a vivid picture of the obstacles women encountered in the military during the 1940s and their determination to break through barriers while contributing significantly to the war effort. The historical backdrop grounds these themes in real events, making the story both a tribute and a reflection on courage and perseverance.
Bellen’s writing combines historical accuracy with emotional depth, incorporating period-appropriate slang and aviation terminology. The use of flashbacks may initially challenge readers, but ultimately deepens the understanding of Twyla’s past. The language captures the spirit of the era, and the tone balances moments of tension with hope. The pacing is well handled, blending action scenes with character development smoothly.
This book delivers a strong message about persistence and highlights the often-overlooked role of women in wartime aviation. Its unexpected ending leaves a lasting impression and prompts reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought for their dreams and equality. While the timeline and language might require some adjustment at first, the experience proves rewarding, and the cliffhanger sets the stage for the sequel.
What makes this novel stand out in historical fiction is its focus on women’s experiences in aviation during World War II, a perspective less frequently explored. Compared to other stories about female pilots and wartime heroines, it offers a well-researched yet personal narrative that will appeal to readers who appreciate strong female leads and historical drama. The blend of history, emotion, and character-driven storytelling makes it both educational and moving.
The atmosphere throughout the book is vivid, from the quiet rural landscapes of California to the tense skies above Pearl Harbor and the harsh conditions on the Eastern Front. This setting creates a strong sense of time and place, drawing readers into the challenges and victories of the era. Although the flashback structure and period slang might disrupt the flow for some at first, these elements add authenticity and depth once familiar.
Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost is a gripping, heartfelt story that honors courage, friendship, and resilience. It offers a thoughtful look at the complexities of war and the strength needed to overcome adversity, making it a memorable and engaging read.
Twyla’s character feels genuine and relatable, transforming from a vulnerable orphan into a courageous woman fighting for her place in a male-dominated world. Her love for flying and admiration for Amelia Earhart add layers to her personality, while her bond with Marina highlights the shared struggles women faced during the war. The connection between Twyla and her granddaughter, who helps tell the story, adds warmth and a sense of legacy.
The novel addresses themes such as loss, resilience, identity, and the pursuit of equality. It paints a vivid picture of the obstacles women encountered in the military during the 1940s and their determination to break through barriers while contributing significantly to the war effort. The historical backdrop grounds these themes in real events, making the story both a tribute and a reflection on courage and perseverance.
Bellen’s writing combines historical accuracy with emotional depth, incorporating period-appropriate slang and aviation terminology. The use of flashbacks may initially challenge readers, but ultimately deepens the understanding of Twyla’s past. The language captures the spirit of the era, and the tone balances moments of tension with hope. The pacing is well handled, blending action scenes with character development smoothly.
This book delivers a strong message about persistence and highlights the often-overlooked role of women in wartime aviation. Its unexpected ending leaves a lasting impression and prompts reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought for their dreams and equality. While the timeline and language might require some adjustment at first, the experience proves rewarding, and the cliffhanger sets the stage for the sequel.
What makes this novel stand out in historical fiction is its focus on women’s experiences in aviation during World War II, a perspective less frequently explored. Compared to other stories about female pilots and wartime heroines, it offers a well-researched yet personal narrative that will appeal to readers who appreciate strong female leads and historical drama. The blend of history, emotion, and character-driven storytelling makes it both educational and moving.
The atmosphere throughout the book is vivid, from the quiet rural landscapes of California to the tense skies above Pearl Harbor and the harsh conditions on the Eastern Front. This setting creates a strong sense of time and place, drawing readers into the challenges and victories of the era. Although the flashback structure and period slang might disrupt the flow for some at first, these elements add authenticity and depth once familiar.
Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost is a gripping, heartfelt story that honors courage, friendship, and resilience. It offers a thoughtful look at the complexities of war and the strength needed to overcome adversity, making it a memorable and engaging read.
April 17, 2025
Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost is one of those books that quietly wraps around you and doesn’t let go. What starts as a story about grief and survival grows into something much bigger—courage, friendship, and a rare kind of strength that sticks with you long after the last page.
Twyla loses her family in a terrible plane accident when she’s just a child. That kind of trauma could easily break someone, but Bellen paints her not as a victim, but as a girl determined to carve a different path. A neighbor boy teaches her how to fly, and from there, her love of the skies becomes the heart of her journey.
The sections set in Honolulu, right before the attack on Pearl Harbor, are some of the most vivid and tense I’ve read in a long time. Twyla isn’t just there—she’s in the air when everything unravels. Somehow, Bellen balances historical fact with deeply personal moments, making it feel less like a war novel and more like a human story that just happens to take place during a war.
What really makes this book stand out is how it celebrates the lesser-known efforts of female pilots in World War II. Twyla finds herself with the W.A.S.P. program—ferrying fighter planes and defying expectations at every turn. These chapters aren’t just exciting; they’re eye-opening. You feel the constant pushback the women face, and yet their determination shines.
I also loved Marina, the Russian pilot Twyla meets during her time in Alaska. She’s bold, dry-humored, and exactly the kind of character who lingers in your memory. Their friendship gives the book a real heartbeat—it’s not just about war or flying, but about the connections that keep us going when everything else feels lost.
Without giving too much away, the final stretch of the book takes a sharp turn that I wasn’t expecting. Twyla’s journey across continents, and what happens when she ends up on the Eastern Front, is harrowing and fast-paced, yet still grounded in character. You’re not just following action—you’re hoping right along with her.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that focuses on real, flawed, brave people—especially women whose stories deserve more space—this book is absolutely worth your time. It doesn’t glamorize war, but it doesn’t lean into despair either. It walks that fine line where history meets heart, and it does it beautifully.
Twyla & the Warbirds is a powerful reminder of how many stories still haven’t been fully told. I’m glad this one was.
Twyla loses her family in a terrible plane accident when she’s just a child. That kind of trauma could easily break someone, but Bellen paints her not as a victim, but as a girl determined to carve a different path. A neighbor boy teaches her how to fly, and from there, her love of the skies becomes the heart of her journey.
The sections set in Honolulu, right before the attack on Pearl Harbor, are some of the most vivid and tense I’ve read in a long time. Twyla isn’t just there—she’s in the air when everything unravels. Somehow, Bellen balances historical fact with deeply personal moments, making it feel less like a war novel and more like a human story that just happens to take place during a war.
What really makes this book stand out is how it celebrates the lesser-known efforts of female pilots in World War II. Twyla finds herself with the W.A.S.P. program—ferrying fighter planes and defying expectations at every turn. These chapters aren’t just exciting; they’re eye-opening. You feel the constant pushback the women face, and yet their determination shines.
I also loved Marina, the Russian pilot Twyla meets during her time in Alaska. She’s bold, dry-humored, and exactly the kind of character who lingers in your memory. Their friendship gives the book a real heartbeat—it’s not just about war or flying, but about the connections that keep us going when everything else feels lost.
Without giving too much away, the final stretch of the book takes a sharp turn that I wasn’t expecting. Twyla’s journey across continents, and what happens when she ends up on the Eastern Front, is harrowing and fast-paced, yet still grounded in character. You’re not just following action—you’re hoping right along with her.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that focuses on real, flawed, brave people—especially women whose stories deserve more space—this book is absolutely worth your time. It doesn’t glamorize war, but it doesn’t lean into despair either. It walks that fine line where history meets heart, and it does it beautifully.
Twyla & the Warbirds is a powerful reminder of how many stories still haven’t been fully told. I’m glad this one was.
November 28, 2024
Twyla & The Warbirds: Family Lost by T.W.Bellen
Thank you @henryroi.pr for the ebook for review.
Twyla is an American-Ukrainian girl growing up in rural California.
She loses her family at a young age and is living in dire circumstances when rescued by a neighbour.
Young Twyla falls in love with aircraft and flying and this story takes us through parts of her life, particularly with learning to fly and joining up for training to attempt to become a World War Two pilot.
The story is told in flashbacks as Twyla is recounting her life adventures to her granddaughter.
I'll admit that I struggled with the first few chapters as the time period was flitting about all over the place with flashbacks within flashbacks and combined with the characters using slang that I hadn't come across before and also technical aircraft talk I wondered if this was something I'd be able to finish.
And then it clicked. I started to get to know the main characters, the author dialled back the use of slang, and it became easier to keep track of what was happening and when.
Twyla's love of flying and adoration of her heroine aviatrix Amelia Earhart is quite endearing.
She may have lost family but it's also a story of found family with circumstances bringing friends together.
I was soon immersed and flying through the book (pun intended 😉).
Be prepared for some highly emotional chapters (it is war time) and to get angry about the attitudes towards the female pilots as Twyla and friends have to battle for their right to fly.
The ending was an unexpected shock cliffhanger. That can't have happened I thought. What? 😮.
Then I realised that there is a part two coming: Family Found.
Ok, that's a relief. I need lots of answers.
That ending!
✨✨✨✨4 stars
Plus there are illustrations! 😍
Thank you @henryroi.pr for the ebook for review.
Twyla is an American-Ukrainian girl growing up in rural California.
She loses her family at a young age and is living in dire circumstances when rescued by a neighbour.
Young Twyla falls in love with aircraft and flying and this story takes us through parts of her life, particularly with learning to fly and joining up for training to attempt to become a World War Two pilot.
The story is told in flashbacks as Twyla is recounting her life adventures to her granddaughter.
I'll admit that I struggled with the first few chapters as the time period was flitting about all over the place with flashbacks within flashbacks and combined with the characters using slang that I hadn't come across before and also technical aircraft talk I wondered if this was something I'd be able to finish.
And then it clicked. I started to get to know the main characters, the author dialled back the use of slang, and it became easier to keep track of what was happening and when.
Twyla's love of flying and adoration of her heroine aviatrix Amelia Earhart is quite endearing.
She may have lost family but it's also a story of found family with circumstances bringing friends together.
I was soon immersed and flying through the book (pun intended 😉).
Be prepared for some highly emotional chapters (it is war time) and to get angry about the attitudes towards the female pilots as Twyla and friends have to battle for their right to fly.
The ending was an unexpected shock cliffhanger. That can't have happened I thought. What? 😮.
Then I realised that there is a part two coming: Family Found.
Ok, that's a relief. I need lots of answers.
That ending!
✨✨✨✨4 stars
Plus there are illustrations! 😍
August 17, 2025
The book follows female pilot Twyla Campbell's life during World War II and the people she comes across.
Just over 200 pages, it is packed with lots of action and love! The book focuses on the lives of women, particularly female pilots, during the World War era.
The author seamlessly weaves in historical moments, such as the Pearl Harbor Attack and the Lick Observatory plane crash, into the plot. Historical figures like Pilot Jacqueline Cochran and Nancy Harkness make appearances in Twyla’s life, and I enjoyed reading about them.
All the characters are likable, but Twyla and Lewis are my favourites!
Orphaned at a young age, Twyla finds herself in an unfriendly and bitter world. She is an innocent yet determined protagonist whom the reader likes instantly. Lewis is an adventurous and smart pilot who captivates the reader in every chapter he appears.
The book has many aviation terms and slang related to that time period. A glossary is placed at the end of the book to assist readers. The narrative has many time jumps that hinder the pace in some places.
The author has generously illustrated the book and it adds to the reading experience.
As a reader with zero aviation knowledge, I was fascinated by the information in the book about the subject.
The ending is a cliffhanger and I need to finish book 2 to get closure. The book celebrates feminism in a positive and empowering way. I would have enjoyed history classes more if the textbooks were as vivid and descriptive as this book!
I will definitely be reading book 2 ASAP!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own
Just over 200 pages, it is packed with lots of action and love! The book focuses on the lives of women, particularly female pilots, during the World War era.
The author seamlessly weaves in historical moments, such as the Pearl Harbor Attack and the Lick Observatory plane crash, into the plot. Historical figures like Pilot Jacqueline Cochran and Nancy Harkness make appearances in Twyla’s life, and I enjoyed reading about them.
All the characters are likable, but Twyla and Lewis are my favourites!
Orphaned at a young age, Twyla finds herself in an unfriendly and bitter world. She is an innocent yet determined protagonist whom the reader likes instantly. Lewis is an adventurous and smart pilot who captivates the reader in every chapter he appears.
The book has many aviation terms and slang related to that time period. A glossary is placed at the end of the book to assist readers. The narrative has many time jumps that hinder the pace in some places.
The author has generously illustrated the book and it adds to the reading experience.
As a reader with zero aviation knowledge, I was fascinated by the information in the book about the subject.
The ending is a cliffhanger and I need to finish book 2 to get closure. The book celebrates feminism in a positive and empowering way. I would have enjoyed history classes more if the textbooks were as vivid and descriptive as this book!
I will definitely be reading book 2 ASAP!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own
September 6, 2025
"𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐟 '𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞’, 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥, 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧."
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ (4)
Honestly, I was having a hard time reading this book at the beginning. There are just too much aviation terms and slang used, and historical heroes mentioned that, I admit, I am not familiar. It was also really slow at the beginning too. But the characters are just so interesting to read it makes me want to know what’s going to be their role in Twyla’s life.
And then Twyla and Lewis’ love story started. From here, it was a breeze and I knew I was glad I didn’t give up on the book and kept reading. When I get to meet the other incredible Aviatrix that became Twyla’s best friend, I knew I was alread hooked. It was so amazing to read about these diverse women from different walks of life, fighting for their spot in an industry ruled by Men. The odds were not in their favor, but they persevered. Their role on the war is barely recognized in the war, I’m grateful to know more about them in this novel. Then this book ended with a cliffhanger, I’m glad I got the 2nd book on hand. 😉
This book is a pleasant surprise for me, and if you like reading about sisterhood, women in man’s world, aviation and wartime stories, then check this book out!
Thank you TW Bellen, for the opportunity to read your work and know Twyla’s story. It’s enlightening, it’s empowering, it’s a story worth-sharing. 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ (4)
Honestly, I was having a hard time reading this book at the beginning. There are just too much aviation terms and slang used, and historical heroes mentioned that, I admit, I am not familiar. It was also really slow at the beginning too. But the characters are just so interesting to read it makes me want to know what’s going to be their role in Twyla’s life.
And then Twyla and Lewis’ love story started. From here, it was a breeze and I knew I was glad I didn’t give up on the book and kept reading. When I get to meet the other incredible Aviatrix that became Twyla’s best friend, I knew I was alread hooked. It was so amazing to read about these diverse women from different walks of life, fighting for their spot in an industry ruled by Men. The odds were not in their favor, but they persevered. Their role on the war is barely recognized in the war, I’m grateful to know more about them in this novel. Then this book ended with a cliffhanger, I’m glad I got the 2nd book on hand. 😉
This book is a pleasant surprise for me, and if you like reading about sisterhood, women in man’s world, aviation and wartime stories, then check this book out!
Thank you TW Bellen, for the opportunity to read your work and know Twyla’s story. It’s enlightening, it’s empowering, it’s a story worth-sharing. 💕
February 24, 2025
While historical fiction isn’t a genre I usually read, I will definitely read it more often now. This book caught me off guard, I didn't know that I would enjoy it that much.
The story follows Twyla (a young flyer in WWII ), an American-Ukrainian girl growing up in rural California. She loses her family at a young age in a freak airplane accident and her life is salvaged from indenture by the neighbor boy, who teaches her to fly. This is all you need to know to devour this book.
Twyla is such a relatable and strong character. You can connect with her as she navigates all these challenges. Her journey is super emotional and gripping. I enjoyed all the little details about the training sessions, all those moments where the pilots bond and develop friendships felt so genuine. It’s like you could see their family dynamics unfold, which added a great layer to the story. I appreciated how the book accurately highlighted the historical role that women played during a pivotal time.
I found some parts of it a bit slow and hard to get through especially the starting chapters. There was just a ton of technical airplane stuff that I didn't get, so I ended up having to look things up to understand what was going on every 2 minutes. It felt like a real challenge at times, trying to figure out all the slang while staying interested in the story. However, as the story continues it gets easier to get a grip on Twyla's journey.
Overall, I was completely invested in Twyla’s story and ready to wait for the next book.
The story follows Twyla (a young flyer in WWII ), an American-Ukrainian girl growing up in rural California. She loses her family at a young age in a freak airplane accident and her life is salvaged from indenture by the neighbor boy, who teaches her to fly. This is all you need to know to devour this book.
Twyla is such a relatable and strong character. You can connect with her as she navigates all these challenges. Her journey is super emotional and gripping. I enjoyed all the little details about the training sessions, all those moments where the pilots bond and develop friendships felt so genuine. It’s like you could see their family dynamics unfold, which added a great layer to the story. I appreciated how the book accurately highlighted the historical role that women played during a pivotal time.
I found some parts of it a bit slow and hard to get through especially the starting chapters. There was just a ton of technical airplane stuff that I didn't get, so I ended up having to look things up to understand what was going on every 2 minutes. It felt like a real challenge at times, trying to figure out all the slang while staying interested in the story. However, as the story continues it gets easier to get a grip on Twyla's journey.
Overall, I was completely invested in Twyla’s story and ready to wait for the next book.
May 13, 2025
This is the story of young woman and her love for flying. As a child Twyla lost her family in a plane accident. Life was not easy for her, but she found comfort in the friendship of a young neighbor who taught her to fly.
Years later Twyla lives in Hawaii and was up in the skies as the attack on Pearl Harbor begins. When her fiancé ships off to war, Twyla finds herself left behind at home, desperate to find a way to join the cause. Soon she finds herself getting a coveted spot in the women’s ferry pilot training program based out of Texas known as the W.A.S.P. where the women train to transport fighter planes.
This book gives a special glimpse into one of the lesser-known roles that women pilots played during WWII. It portrays their strength and ferocity in the face of danger and their refusal to give up all the while being told they did not belong.
Twyla and the Warbirds: Family Lost was an unexpected little treasure. It is a story about bravery, courage, resilience, strong women, friendship and love. On a personal note, I loved the different slang expressions Twyla used. They were so endearing and made me smile. I also enjoyed the relationship she shared with her granddaughter to whom she is recounting the story.
If you are a fan of historical fiction with strong female characters who are down to earth and relatable you will enjoy this book.
Thank you so much to T.W. Bellen for the audio version of this book. It was an educational, thought provoking, intense and enjoyable story and the narrator did a wonderful job presenting it.
Years later Twyla lives in Hawaii and was up in the skies as the attack on Pearl Harbor begins. When her fiancé ships off to war, Twyla finds herself left behind at home, desperate to find a way to join the cause. Soon she finds herself getting a coveted spot in the women’s ferry pilot training program based out of Texas known as the W.A.S.P. where the women train to transport fighter planes.
This book gives a special glimpse into one of the lesser-known roles that women pilots played during WWII. It portrays their strength and ferocity in the face of danger and their refusal to give up all the while being told they did not belong.
Twyla and the Warbirds: Family Lost was an unexpected little treasure. It is a story about bravery, courage, resilience, strong women, friendship and love. On a personal note, I loved the different slang expressions Twyla used. They were so endearing and made me smile. I also enjoyed the relationship she shared with her granddaughter to whom she is recounting the story.
If you are a fan of historical fiction with strong female characters who are down to earth and relatable you will enjoy this book.
Thank you so much to T.W. Bellen for the audio version of this book. It was an educational, thought provoking, intense and enjoyable story and the narrator did a wonderful job presenting it.
December 29, 2024
“Twyla the Warbirds: Family Lost” by T. W. Bellen is an enthralling and emotional journey that blends fantasy, adventure, and family dynamics. The story follows Twyla, a young girl who discovers a hidden legacy linked to the mysterious Warbirds. Bellen does a fantastic job of crafting a world that feels both magical and grounded in real-world struggles, particularly the themes of loss and belonging.
What stood out me most was Twyla’s character development. She is relatable, strong, and complex, making it easy to root for her as she faces the challenges thrown her way. The relationship between Twyla and her family, especially the tension created by her journey, adds a layer of emotional depth that elevates the story.
The pacing is steady, with just enough action and suspense to keep readers engaged. The Warbirds themselves are fascinating creatures, and the authors descriptions of the fantastical elements are vivid without being overwhelming. However, there were moments where I felt some parts of the plot could’ve been explored more deeply, and certain characters could’ve been flushed out a bit further.
Overall, “Twyla and the warbirds:Family Lost” is a captivating read for those who love well-crafted fantasy with heart. It strikes a great balance between magical adventures and personal growth, and I’m excited to see where Twyla’s journey takes her next. Highly recommended for fans of middle grade fantasy!
What stood out me most was Twyla’s character development. She is relatable, strong, and complex, making it easy to root for her as she faces the challenges thrown her way. The relationship between Twyla and her family, especially the tension created by her journey, adds a layer of emotional depth that elevates the story.
The pacing is steady, with just enough action and suspense to keep readers engaged. The Warbirds themselves are fascinating creatures, and the authors descriptions of the fantastical elements are vivid without being overwhelming. However, there were moments where I felt some parts of the plot could’ve been explored more deeply, and certain characters could’ve been flushed out a bit further.
Overall, “Twyla and the warbirds:Family Lost” is a captivating read for those who love well-crafted fantasy with heart. It strikes a great balance between magical adventures and personal growth, and I’m excited to see where Twyla’s journey takes her next. Highly recommended for fans of middle grade fantasy!
November 26, 2024
This is a heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and the sacrifices that define us.
Twyla Campbell is a character that immediately captures your heart. She’s strong, intelligent, and relatable, and her journey from rural California to the skies of war-torn Europe is written almost in a poetic way. This book, though, is light to read and full of art.
What sets this book apart is the author’s obvious passion for aviation history and his commitment to portraying the often-overlooked roles women played during this pivotal time. The details about the planes, the training, and the friendship of the pilots immerse you in Twyla’s world without ever feeling overly technical.
The blend of historical accuracy with personal story makes this a standout. It’s a story about finding yourself when everything around you is in chaos and discovering unexpected family in the unlikeliest of places.
Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a powerful, character-driven story with visual art, Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost is a must-read. I closed the book feeling inspired and profoundly moved. I can’t wait to see where Twyla’s journey leads next in Family Found.
Twyla Campbell is a character that immediately captures your heart. She’s strong, intelligent, and relatable, and her journey from rural California to the skies of war-torn Europe is written almost in a poetic way. This book, though, is light to read and full of art.
What sets this book apart is the author’s obvious passion for aviation history and his commitment to portraying the often-overlooked roles women played during this pivotal time. The details about the planes, the training, and the friendship of the pilots immerse you in Twyla’s world without ever feeling overly technical.
The blend of historical accuracy with personal story makes this a standout. It’s a story about finding yourself when everything around you is in chaos and discovering unexpected family in the unlikeliest of places.
Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a powerful, character-driven story with visual art, Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost is a must-read. I closed the book feeling inspired and profoundly moved. I can’t wait to see where Twyla’s journey leads next in Family Found.
July 25, 2025
Just wow, this book is my very first historical story and it was to say the very least - captivating and thrilling!
A dive into history and a woman's place among the army, I found myself immersed fully into Twyla and her story - her past, pain, trauma, love and hard work but also her unrelenting determination that got her exactly where she wanted.
The author is a very skilled story teller and knows how to convey emotions and transport you back in time. You'll feel yourself wishing you were in the cockpit or flying thousands of feet above the ground trying to connect with the women of the past and the women of our current and future. The only way we can change the future is to relive the past. I loved the book - struggled with the military aspects despite my own personal attendance to the JROTC program and living close to base.
I highly recommend it to girls who want to fly the skies and rival the preconceptions that women have limits and don't belong where men are or someone looking for something different and inspiring.
Can't wait to see where Book 2 takes us - that cliff hanger has me in a chokehold!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this for you! I enjoyed it very much and the change of scenery and pace!
A dive into history and a woman's place among the army, I found myself immersed fully into Twyla and her story - her past, pain, trauma, love and hard work but also her unrelenting determination that got her exactly where she wanted.
The author is a very skilled story teller and knows how to convey emotions and transport you back in time. You'll feel yourself wishing you were in the cockpit or flying thousands of feet above the ground trying to connect with the women of the past and the women of our current and future. The only way we can change the future is to relive the past. I loved the book - struggled with the military aspects despite my own personal attendance to the JROTC program and living close to base.
I highly recommend it to girls who want to fly the skies and rival the preconceptions that women have limits and don't belong where men are or someone looking for something different and inspiring.
Can't wait to see where Book 2 takes us - that cliff hanger has me in a chokehold!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this for you! I enjoyed it very much and the change of scenery and pace!
November 2, 2025
I finished Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost, and honestly, I was kind of hooked. Twyla’s life starts off tragic, she loses her family in a plane crash as a kid, but then she basically says, “I’m not letting this stop me,” and learns to fly, joins the Women Airforce Service Pilots in WWII, and ends up in all sorts of crazy situations, even getting arrested on the Eastern Front.
Twyla is amazing, she’s tough, smart, and determined, but still really relatable. I loved how the story mixes history and aviation; you get the thrill of flying, the danger of war, and even little details that make it feel real, like aviation terms and illustrations. It’s not just “fun adventure,” though there are heavy moments with loss and trauma, so it hits emotionally too.
The pacing can be a bit all over the place sometimes with flashbacks and time jumps, but honestly, I didn’t mind. It keeps you on your toes. And fair warning, the ending leaves you wanting the next book immediately.
Overall, it’s a really engaging read, especially if you like strong female characters, historical adventure, and a little bit of edge-of-your-seat tension. Definitely a book that’s easy to get lost in for a weekend.
3.5/5
Twyla is amazing, she’s tough, smart, and determined, but still really relatable. I loved how the story mixes history and aviation; you get the thrill of flying, the danger of war, and even little details that make it feel real, like aviation terms and illustrations. It’s not just “fun adventure,” though there are heavy moments with loss and trauma, so it hits emotionally too.
The pacing can be a bit all over the place sometimes with flashbacks and time jumps, but honestly, I didn’t mind. It keeps you on your toes. And fair warning, the ending leaves you wanting the next book immediately.
Overall, it’s a really engaging read, especially if you like strong female characters, historical adventure, and a little bit of edge-of-your-seat tension. Definitely a book that’s easy to get lost in for a weekend.
3.5/5
December 1, 2024
Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost is a captivating journey that took me by surprise. Even though it’s not my usual genre, Twyla Campbell’s story as a fighter pilot gripped me from start to finish.
The heart of the book is Twyla’s life, told through her perspective as a fighter pilot from a family of aviators. The suspense surrounding her experiences, particularly during moments like Pearl Harbor, was compelling and kept me hooked. I don’t usually read this genre, but the portrayal of Twyla’s journey, combined with historical context, made it impossible to put down.
Twyla is a remarkable character whose strength, vulnerability, and relationships (especially with her granddaughter)bring emotional depth to the story. It’s not just a war tale; it’s about legacy, survival, and connection across generations. The book also blends historical events with personal stories in a way that feels grounded and real, using moments like Pearl Harbor to heighten suspense and add depth.
The ending left me stunned with a twist I didn’t see coming. It’s both tragic and thought-provoking, showcasing the book’s emotional complexity. I couldn’t stop thinking about it afterward.
The heart of the book is Twyla’s life, told through her perspective as a fighter pilot from a family of aviators. The suspense surrounding her experiences, particularly during moments like Pearl Harbor, was compelling and kept me hooked. I don’t usually read this genre, but the portrayal of Twyla’s journey, combined with historical context, made it impossible to put down.
Twyla is a remarkable character whose strength, vulnerability, and relationships (especially with her granddaughter)bring emotional depth to the story. It’s not just a war tale; it’s about legacy, survival, and connection across generations. The book also blends historical events with personal stories in a way that feels grounded and real, using moments like Pearl Harbor to heighten suspense and add depth.
The ending left me stunned with a twist I didn’t see coming. It’s both tragic and thought-provoking, showcasing the book’s emotional complexity. I couldn’t stop thinking about it afterward.
June 7, 2025
Review: Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost by T.W. Bellen
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost is a WWII story that took me by surprise—in the best way. I don’t usually read this genre, but the description piqued my curiosity. The story centers on Twyla and her family of army pilots, set during the time of World War II.
Twyla narrates the story to her granddaughter, starting with her family's background before diving into her own journey. She recounts how she joined the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and all the challenges they faced as female pilots during wartime.
The book is fast-paced and shifts between past and present. Some of the lingo went over my head, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story—it actually made it feel more authentic. My favorite part was Twyla’s unwavering determination to achieve her dream despite the many obstacles in her way.
The ending caught me by surprise, and now I can’t wait to read the next installment.
If you enjoy historical fiction—especially stories set in WWII—you’re going to love this one.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost is a WWII story that took me by surprise—in the best way. I don’t usually read this genre, but the description piqued my curiosity. The story centers on Twyla and her family of army pilots, set during the time of World War II.
Twyla narrates the story to her granddaughter, starting with her family's background before diving into her own journey. She recounts how she joined the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and all the challenges they faced as female pilots during wartime.
The book is fast-paced and shifts between past and present. Some of the lingo went over my head, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story—it actually made it feel more authentic. My favorite part was Twyla’s unwavering determination to achieve her dream despite the many obstacles in her way.
The ending caught me by surprise, and now I can’t wait to read the next installment.
If you enjoy historical fiction—especially stories set in WWII—you’re going to love this one.
January 27, 2025
Twyla and the Warbirds is such a captivating read! T.W. Bellen does an incredible job bringing to life the untold stories of women pilots during World War II. Twyla Campbell is such a relatable character—her determination to overcome tragedy and fight for a place in a male-dominated world is so inspiring. The scenes of aerial combat are intense and vivid, and you can tell the author put a lot of care into capturing the historical details.
I especially loved Twyla’s friendship with Marina, a brave and quirky Russian pilot. Their bond added so much heart to the story. There were a few slower parts, but the emotional depth and action more than made up for it. It’s not just a story about war—it’s about resilience, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
If you’re into historical fiction or just love stories about strong women, you’ll really enjoy this one. I can’t wait to see where Twyla’s journey takes her next!
I especially loved Twyla’s friendship with Marina, a brave and quirky Russian pilot. Their bond added so much heart to the story. There were a few slower parts, but the emotional depth and action more than made up for it. It’s not just a story about war—it’s about resilience, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
If you’re into historical fiction or just love stories about strong women, you’ll really enjoy this one. I can’t wait to see where Twyla’s journey takes her next!
July 19, 2025
What a ride! Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost totally surprised me—in the best way. Twyla’s story is full of heart, history, and high-flying adventure (literally—she flies planes!). She’s brave, stubborn, and totally easy to root for.
The book jumps around in time, which was a little confusing at first, but once I caught on, I was hooked. There’s drama, war, family secrets, and girl-power moments that had me cheering.
The illustrations by T.W. Bellen are such a great bonus—they don’t just decorate the pages, they bring the story to life! These drawings add a whole new layer of emotion and help you really picture the moments as they unfold. It’s like getting a visual sneak peek into Twyla’s world!
Also, heads-up: there’s a helpful glossary at the end—but it would’ve been even better up front. Still, this was such a fun, fast read with lots of action and emotion. If you’re into WWII stories with strong female leads, grab this one!
The book jumps around in time, which was a little confusing at first, but once I caught on, I was hooked. There’s drama, war, family secrets, and girl-power moments that had me cheering.
The illustrations by T.W. Bellen are such a great bonus—they don’t just decorate the pages, they bring the story to life! These drawings add a whole new layer of emotion and help you really picture the moments as they unfold. It’s like getting a visual sneak peek into Twyla’s world!
Also, heads-up: there’s a helpful glossary at the end—but it would’ve been even better up front. Still, this was such a fun, fast read with lots of action and emotion. If you’re into WWII stories with strong female leads, grab this one!
January 24, 2025
5 stars
First off, I would like to thank the author for reaching out to me and giving me a copy of an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
To start, this is not the kind of book I normally would gravitate to but, after speaking to the author about it via email, I agreed to give it a try. I am not sure I will seek out books like this in the future but, I did enjoy this book.
Like some other reviewers have said, this book follows Twyla in their quest to become a pilot in WWII. I found this book interesting because it does have a lot of historical information here, which would be good for education and history buffs, and then more current information about the actual story. One thing I did find is that the book tends to flop back and forth between eras, which I did not love, but it is not a bad thing. I just prefer to read without flashbacks.
First off, I would like to thank the author for reaching out to me and giving me a copy of an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
To start, this is not the kind of book I normally would gravitate to but, after speaking to the author about it via email, I agreed to give it a try. I am not sure I will seek out books like this in the future but, I did enjoy this book.
Like some other reviewers have said, this book follows Twyla in their quest to become a pilot in WWII. I found this book interesting because it does have a lot of historical information here, which would be good for education and history buffs, and then more current information about the actual story. One thing I did find is that the book tends to flop back and forth between eras, which I did not love, but it is not a bad thing. I just prefer to read without flashbacks.
May 7, 2025
The depth of this book: astounding.
The suspense in this book: captivating.
Historical information: on point.
The emotional depth of this book was so engaging. And using the events of Pearl Harbour exacerbated the tether to Twyla and her story. She became tangible and took a real space in my heart whilst reading.
It highlighted the unity needed in these dire times, and brought hope, but also loss.
This book shows a true legacy and the heroics needed in the war time effort(s).
Plus, the twists, turns, and plot twist(s) left me begging for more.
I would absolutely recommend this read.
I could not put it down.
The writing is easy. And the book is the perfect length: short but packs a mighty good punch!
If you love other books like “The Nightingale” by Kristen Hannah, this is a no-brainer read!!!
Writing on behalf of Chamma_reads (TikTok)
The suspense in this book: captivating.
Historical information: on point.
The emotional depth of this book was so engaging. And using the events of Pearl Harbour exacerbated the tether to Twyla and her story. She became tangible and took a real space in my heart whilst reading.
It highlighted the unity needed in these dire times, and brought hope, but also loss.
This book shows a true legacy and the heroics needed in the war time effort(s).
Plus, the twists, turns, and plot twist(s) left me begging for more.
I would absolutely recommend this read.
I could not put it down.
The writing is easy. And the book is the perfect length: short but packs a mighty good punch!
If you love other books like “The Nightingale” by Kristen Hannah, this is a no-brainer read!!!
Writing on behalf of Chamma_reads (TikTok)
July 15, 2025
A story of women pilots trying to make a change of what was known as a men’s war. This is an emotional story where grams tells her granddaughter the story of how she became a pilot. It’s jumps back and forth between the past and the present and also tells the story of other women and their journey. It’s a war and we have encountered several losses. These were times where women wanted to make a change and be a part of something bigger; but men weren’t accepting of women doing what they thought was a man’s job. It’s an emotional story, there are some trigger warnings that include sexual assault briefly. There’s losses, yet it’s inspiring full of determined women, love, friendship. It ends in a huge cliffhanger in all ends. What really happened to Lewis? Is Cornelia okay? Where is Owl? Omg! Twyla? What happened to her at the end after her capture?
August 11, 2025
First I thank the author for a copy of the ebook to review. Honored!
This historical fiction is what I would consider a stream of consciousness story. There are multiple time periods as Gram Gram Twyla recounts to her granddaughter her life growing up, finding love in both heroics and flight to becoming a Women’s Air Force Service Pilot. I found myself rereading pages to level set the scenes multiple times.
The WASPs training and flights were the most linear portion of the story. It was so interesting to read about these courageous female pilots, both needed yet resented by the male servicemen. A true story of grit and resilience for the good of the wartime efforts. The mighty four pilots created in this section were my favorite characters! The end of the book has a brief synapses of the facts behind them and the locations from history.
I like the fact that Twyla overcame so much of her past and went on to follow her heart, find love and overcome the dark beginning. I appreciated and celebrated Lewis and Wiley, her heros. Hope book 2 brings forward more of their story and hopefully a hail mary for the cliffhanger ending!
This historical fiction is what I would consider a stream of consciousness story. There are multiple time periods as Gram Gram Twyla recounts to her granddaughter her life growing up, finding love in both heroics and flight to becoming a Women’s Air Force Service Pilot. I found myself rereading pages to level set the scenes multiple times.
The WASPs training and flights were the most linear portion of the story. It was so interesting to read about these courageous female pilots, both needed yet resented by the male servicemen. A true story of grit and resilience for the good of the wartime efforts. The mighty four pilots created in this section were my favorite characters! The end of the book has a brief synapses of the facts behind them and the locations from history.
I like the fact that Twyla overcame so much of her past and went on to follow her heart, find love and overcome the dark beginning. I appreciated and celebrated Lewis and Wiley, her heros. Hope book 2 brings forward more of their story and hopefully a hail mary for the cliffhanger ending!
April 10, 2025
I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable read. I don’t often read books set in WWII, but I liked this one. Twyla was a likeable and relateable protagonist, and it was easy to root for her. It was interesting to read about the W.A.S.P., and the friendships Twyla makes there were well-written. However, the plot could have been stronger. At times, detailing planes and flights were prioritised over the plot. I also didn’t like the cliffhanger ending. There was little closure, so it felt like the book was cut in half. Still, I had a good time reading this, and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
Favourite characters: Lewis, Wiley, Naomi
Will I re-read? Possibly
Will I read the rest of the series? Definitely
This was an enjoyable read. I don’t often read books set in WWII, but I liked this one. Twyla was a likeable and relateable protagonist, and it was easy to root for her. It was interesting to read about the W.A.S.P., and the friendships Twyla makes there were well-written. However, the plot could have been stronger. At times, detailing planes and flights were prioritised over the plot. I also didn’t like the cliffhanger ending. There was little closure, so it felt like the book was cut in half. Still, I had a good time reading this, and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
Favourite characters: Lewis, Wiley, Naomi
Will I re-read? Possibly
Will I read the rest of the series? Definitely
July 8, 2025
Excellent read ! I loved the strength and courage Twyla portrays snd her love of flying. This is a great entertaining and suspense story well done.. the illustrations and perfect in depicting certain scenes. All thanks to the author for a copy of both books.. so glad I read this. I wish more authors would write about the courageous women in the past. While Twyla is a fiction book there were actually female fighter pilots. Jeannie Marie Leavitt (née Flynn; born c. 1967) is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) general officer. She became the U.S. Air Force's first female fighter pilot in 1993, and was the first woman to command a USAF combat fighter wing.[2] so this book fits right in. There are other themes in the book also. Read your copy today you will not be disappointed. 🩷🩷🩷💙
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