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Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Found

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“There is no such thing as a female fighter ace in this war!”

It is 1944, and Twyla Campbell has been transporting fighter planes to Alaska for the Army Air Force, President Roosevelt, and Premier Stalin. In Fairbanks she befriended Marina, a Russian pilot with indefatigable courage and an odd sense of humor. When tragedy struck again, Twyla boarded a transport, only to find herself arrested on the Eastern Front scheduled for execution.

Her best friends, and fellow ferry pilots, scour the country for their lost sister.

After a horrifying night of survival on the battlefield, Twyla reunites with Marina, now captain of an all-female combat squadron, under the authority of handsome and highly capable, Commander Valentine Markov.

As the Russian Army pushes toward Berlin, Twyla will learn how to fly combat on the deadliest front of WWII. The Boonville Redhead from nowhere-California, will live with loss, fight for her people, and discover her true identity among a family of Warbirds.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2024

8 people want to read

About the author

T.W. Bellen

2 books10 followers

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Ilyana Guinn.
113 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2025
She was a warrior with aspirations and a mission. During WWII; a war of loses, pain, tears and fears, was also a war that gave her knowledge, strength, opportunities and new beginnings. This is the thing about sacrifice; sometimes it goes unnoticed. Will Twyla ever get the recognition she deserves? After all she faced and looked at death right in the eyes countless times. One thing is certain though; death always touches us at some point. If you are into Historical fiction, this is book two of the series and by far my favorite. Not my typical genre, yet I really enjoy this duo-logy very much.
Profile Image for Heather McGough.
49 reviews
May 21, 2025
Twyla & the Warbirds is a powerful, heartwarming story set during World War II, focusing on the often-overlooked women pilots who fought not just for victory, but for recognition and belonging. Twyla’s journey is one of grit, growth, and unexpected sisterhood, and I found myself completely pulled into her world. T.W. Bellen brings history to life with emotional depth and vivid detail. It’s more than a war story — it’s about found family and the strength of women who dared to fly.

Highly recommend for fans of character-driven historical fiction with a lot of heart!
Profile Image for Mana.
859 reviews29 followers
May 18, 2025
Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Found by T.W. Bellen is an outstanding contribution to World War II literature. It offers a fresh perspective by combining gripping action with profound emotional depth, setting it apart from conventional narratives in the genre.

Twyla, the main character, is portrayed as a multidimensional figure who experiences fear, anger, and vulnerability. This portrayal makes her a relatable figure for readers, presenting a realistic representation of personal growth amidst the chaos of war. Her evolution from ferry mission pilot to combat pilot with the Warbirds showcases her resilience and determination.

The internal conflict Twyla faces as she battles her self-doubt and finds strength captures the essence of human perseverance. Her journey is a mirror of the struggles faced by many individuals in critical times, emphasizing authenticity in character development.

Twyla’s friendship with Marina breaks away from typical portrayals of female relationships in war stories. Their dynamic is rich and genuine, characterized by disagreements, humor, and support, emphasizing the strength and complexity of their bond. Highlighting such a profound friendship challenges traditional narratives, showcasing the importance of solidarity and camaraderie, especially among women, in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Commander Markov is portrayed as a multifaceted leader who combines strength with empathy. This character serves as a vital element in the story, illustrating the nuanced role of leadership under pressure.

Twyla's struggle to assert herself in a male-dominated field is articulated as a key theme. This exploration is not only historically significant but remains relevant, reflecting ongoing challenges faced by women in similar contexts.

The theme of creating a sense of family amidst adversity is central to the narrative. It underscores the critical role of human connections in navigating chaos, resonating with real-life experiences beyond the scope of the story. Bellen’s narrative style excels in painting vivid pictures, particularly in depicting aerial combats and tranquil sceneries. These descriptions enrich the storytelling by immersing readers in the setting. The book balances intense action with quieter, reflective scenes, enhancing depth and engagement with the narrative.

The inclusion of aviation details adds authenticity and caters to enthusiasts, seamlessly integrating technical aspects without overwhelming the reader. Supplementary illustrations enhance this authenticity.

The focus on female pilots not only adds uniqueness to the narrative but also enhances its impact. Far from a typical war story, Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Found is a raw and heartfelt tale, that leaves a deep impression. It provokes contemplation on the nature of family and courage during upheaval, encouraging readers to ponder long after the story concludes.

Profile Image for Ahdee.
79 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2025
📖Book Review📖
Twyla and the Warbirds: Family Found by TW Bellen

"𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝. 𝐓𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞-𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲."

⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ (4.5)

This book is a story of courage, hope and survival. 💕

The “Family Found” title of this book has so much more meaning than I initially thought it would be. It picks up almost exactly where it left off - Twyla seems to be where she isn’t supposed to be, and yet, just exactly where she should be. This, was the life-changing turning point of her life.

The scenes are much more intense - there are more blood, more deaths, and more suprises. I really thought that if this is a movie, I’d be at the edge of my seat.

Also, this time, it isn’t just the war between lands that Twyla is fighting against, she’s also going through a battle within herself. I felt her struggle of wanting to go home, or choosing to stay knowing that she can do more. Her, discovering something about herself and her family. Finding friends amidst war, finding “family”, finding “love”. She has gone through so so much, I can’t even put it into words, but she survived. She’s a survivor.

Towards the end, there was a part of the book where Grandma Twyla voiced out that it should’ve been her that died when she was just a child, not her Babushka. Then Little Twyla told her that “But Gram Gram, you saved so many people durting the war.” — And this just made so much sense. Because “Everything happens for a reason”, every thing that happened and are happening, it’s because it’s how it supposed to be. If Grandma Twyla had died then, who knows how what chain of events whould’ve or would’ve not happened.

And while there are some things that I wish have occured, I kinda understand why it can’t or wasn’t shown. I did not expect to be emotional at the end of the book, but knowing Twyla’s journey and how it gets there. I felt sad, I felt joy, I felt satisfied. 😌

Thank you again @twbellen for sharing with me this beautiful story of Twyla! I hope more peope will get to know her through your work!
Profile Image for Kylie Weigh.
64 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2025
Twyla once again finds herself immersed in the middle of war but this time disoriented and no direction. She finds family in a group of fighters - who actually believe in the power of women and the force they actually can bring to the military which will pave the way to more than just women taking up in ranks in our military service. She's forced to push herself to the limits, push her loss away to redefine what it means to take life by the throttle and thrust forward, no thinking and no hesitation. Never giving up, you can find yourself absorbing Twyla's strength and courage that she must make to survive. 

A compelling story of war, love, loss, discrimination, equality and the battle of proving their worth to not only fly but fight and be better than just eye candy; but more importantly the family you find within your battalion, your formation. 

You'll find yourself completely immersed in this tale of dedication, domination and history; clawing the edges of your seat. The writer knows what they're doing and able to convey emotion, imagery and deep understanding of what it took to get where we are today. Giving the voice and the spotlight to women before our time, and what will be after our time and how we can take the world by storm too if we only allow ourselves to be defined by ourselves and not those around us - scared of the power we truly hold.

Major thanks to the author for instilling power and writing a story that will inspire the young girls of tomorrow who wish to pilot and fight.
Profile Image for Aarti.
22 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2025
Twyla & the Warbirds Family Found follows Twyla’s journey on the Eastern Front of WWII. This was my first time reading about the Eastern Front, and I was fascinated by the vivid details. Twyla must constantly adapt in order to survive. I felt every bit of Twyla’s turmoil as her life spiralled out of control under the unpredictable nature of war zones.

My favourite part of the book was Twyla’s powerful transition from ferry pilot to combat pilot. I also enjoyed reading about the bonds between the characters, which beautifully highlights that family isn’t always blood related. Just like in Book I, we come across many likeable characters whom we quickly grow fond of.

I was especially looking forward to the exploration of Twyla's ancestral heritage, and I wasn’t disappointed. This installment addressed every question I had from Book I.

The combat-heavy story moves at a fast pace that keeps the reader hooked throughout. Twyla and the Warbird Family Found is packed with action, love, loss, and sacrifice. The storyline flows so seamlessly that it blurs the line between fact and fiction. The author’s vivid writing transports you straight into the cockpits of the combat pilots.

The ending is both wholesome and emotive. This deeply moving book leaves a lasting impact, showing how people in war-torn nations placed their country above all. It is also intriguing to reflect on how the dynamics of international politics have shifted since WWII.

Many thanks to author T. W. Bellen for providing me with a copy.
Profile Image for Nanasbookreviews.
1,815 reviews52 followers
June 15, 2025
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Found by T.W. Bellen is the second book in this compelling historical series.

In this installment, Twyla is transporting fighter planes to Alaska for the Army Air Force. While in Fairbanks, she befriends Marina, a Russian pilot. Later, Twyla finds herself in a harrowing situation when she’s arrested on the Eastern Front. As her friends search for her, she manages to reunite with Marina—and there, she learns to fly combat missions in extremely dangerous conditions.

This book is more intense than the first, with a strong focus on Twyla’s experiences during World War II. She goes through incredibly difficult phases, and the emotional depth is striking. The story highlights how undervalued female pilots were at the time, yet how fiercely they fought for their people. Twyla’s resilience in the face of loss and her ability to form deep friendships is truly admirable. She’s a strong, relatable character you can’t help but root for.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, especially stories centered on courageous women in wartime, this is a must-read.
Profile Image for Chasity Trimble.
460 reviews20 followers
November 2, 2025
Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Found picks up right where the first one left off, and honestly, it’s a wild ride. Twyla’s flying planes to Alaska, making friends with a Russian pilot, and somehow ends up arrested on the Eastern Front. So things get intense fast.

Twyla is still such a badass, stubborn, brave, and totally someone you want to root for. I loved the found family vibes too. All the women in her squadron really have each other’s backs, which makes all the danger and chaos feel a little warmer.

It’s heavy in places, war, capture, life-or-death situations but that’s part of what makes it so gripping. And the aviation/WWII setting? Super cool if you’re into historical stuff with strong female characters doing things people didn’t expect women to do back then.

Overall, it’s the kind of book you get lost in, feel nervous for Twyla, cheer when she wins, and immediately want to talk about. Thoroughly enjoyed the series.
2 reviews
May 25, 2025
WWII historical fiction. FMC was assigned to a WASP unit ferrying pilots to and from Alaska during the war efforts. Tragedy strikes and Twyla hops on a plane without thought to its destination. She is taken prisoner, scheduled for execution, and finds an unlikely ally after the prison is bombed. Rescued by another female pilot, Twyla thinks she’s in the clear. That is until she learns that female pilots don’t just ferry men to and from their planes. There’s a unit of Women fighter pilots fighting at the front, and she is determined to join them! It’s here that Twyla finds her family both lost and chosen. The writing and audio are immersive and excellent! Buckle up though; you’re not going to want to put it down!
Profile Image for Timea.
46 reviews
April 17, 2025
I liked this book more than the first. The story was more exciting, and it was intriguing to see Twyla grapple with her emotions while trying to adept to this very different world. I liked that she struggled, and wasn’t instantly the best at everything. However, I thought the romantic subplot was a bit unneccessary. I understand it’s special circumstances, but it felt like one moment she was trying to accept the loss of her husband, and the next she was having feelings for another man. But all in all, I’m happy to have read this duology!

Favourite characters: Lily, Marina
Will I re-read? Possibly
Will I read the rest of the series? I already have
Profile Image for Readwithsamijo .
56 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2025
A beautifully written book!

I read book one and really enjoyed it, but this just came into its own. Where book 1 centers on building a rapport, this book is where the story literally comes to life!

It shows the determination and grit women had to show and fight for during the war. The feeling of not fitting in but desperately trying your best. To show that you can do things if given a chance.

It really made me appreciate our women fighters even more than I already did

If you love historical fiction definitely pick this series up!

All my thanks go to T W Bellen for the chance to read a copy
4 reviews
January 9, 2025
A Yank in Stalin's court.
The desperately needed continuation of Twyla's misadventures in WWII. What a ride!
No idea there were women so skilled and brave on the Eastern Front --until I started researching Raskova's regiments.
All the questions, from Book I, will be answered in "Family Found. "

You've come to the right place. Tell a friend.

Good hunting!
T.W. Bellen
Profile Image for Neil.
163 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2025
Showing a woman with a can do attitude, and the skill to back it up, this the kind of story that could be a real inspiration for young adult readers. If you are looking for a light read that brings you into the world of WW2 aerial combat you should give this series a try.
Profile Image for Amanda.
331 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2025
The conclusion of Twyla's story. We also get to know a bit more about her family. There are some big reveals in this book. I was kept engaged throughout the story and enjoyed my read.
Profile Image for Jess.
138 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2025
Amazing ending to the duology, I highly recommend these audios!
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