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Love Takes Flight
Volunteering in the Amazon to escape a broken heart, American R.N. Camille Ringold fears she has lost the chance to be married to a doctor and live well in suburbia. Serving two weeks with missionaries living out a sacred calling, she considers whether a more meaningful life might be hers.
When the Wings of Help plane is hijacked, she and missionary pilot Luke Strong escape into the jungle. Aided by a river village, they recover the plane, but she may be fired for returning to the U.S. late. Two weeks become four when she chooses to care for Luke through his malaria. Priorities change as experiences of faith mount. Where is the intersection of God’s will and her selfish desires?
When the Wings of Help plane is hijacked, she and missionary pilot Luke Strong escape into the jungle. Aided by a river village, they recover the plane, but she may be fired for returning to the U.S. late. Two weeks become four when she chooses to care for Luke through his malaria. Priorities change as experiences of faith mount. Where is the intersection of God’s will and her selfish desires?
412 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
1 person is currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Lee Carver
23 books19 followersLee Carver is once again failing at retirement, a hybrid author in every sense: fiction and nonfiction, traditionally and independently published. She also does freelance editing, formatting, and print book and e-book uploads as well as being a Stephen Minister, singing alto in the choir, crocheting with Prayer Shawl Ministry, and playing piano, among other activities. Married forty-nine years to a very supportive man, they have two adult children and five grandchildren.
During her husband's international career, Lee lived and reared their two children in Greece, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Indonesia, Brazil, and Spain. She has visited about 49 countries, settings which become material in her novels. After her husband's retirement, they served as volunteer missionaries in the Brazilian Amazon, where he used his military training as a pilot. The Carvers have settled in Fort Worth, where they remain active in aviation and community missionary concerns.
www.LeeCarverWriter.com
http://LeeCarverWriter.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/lee.carver.507
https://www.pinterest.com/leecarver2
During her husband's international career, Lee lived and reared their two children in Greece, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Indonesia, Brazil, and Spain. She has visited about 49 countries, settings which become material in her novels. After her husband's retirement, they served as volunteer missionaries in the Brazilian Amazon, where he used his military training as a pilot. The Carvers have settled in Fort Worth, where they remain active in aviation and community missionary concerns.
www.LeeCarverWriter.com
http://LeeCarverWriter.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/lee.carver.507
https://www.pinterest.com/leecarver2
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 1, 2020
This book is LONG. When I picked it up as a kindle book, I had no idea how long it was going to be (no chapter index to look at either). The first part of it didn’t feel that long, but then it started to drag and just went on and on and on.
The first part of the story takes place down in Brazil in the Amazon. I enjoyed that part of the story overall. It was interesting learning about things down there, about their cities, the small tribal villages, some of the creatures, and the mission work that is being done. It gave me a greater appreciation for the things I have here that I take for granted. There were a few times when things were hinted at or described that, while I know they are that way in real life, I would be slightly uncomfortable knowing it was in there if I handed this book to a guy.
The characters were likable and it was interesting watching them “work” either as a nurse or a pilot.
The second part of the book I didn’t really enjoy. For one, it sounded all rather dramatic and fake. Yes, I’m sure things like that have and do happen, however, with all the other stuff that had happened it just felt overdone. And I was really confused by all the ice and bitter cold down in Alabama and Georgia and the fact that everyone was able to drive just fine in it. Huh?
All that being said, there were things I really didn’t like.
One was the fact that while Camille is a Christian, she almost never reads her Bible, hardly ever prays, and certainly doesn’t seem to pray about such things as relationships and God’s plan for her. At least not much. She also isn’t willing to tell her parents that the guy she had been dating but had broken up with had deceived her and was then trying to manipulate her. It almost felt like she didn’t trust her parents to believe her or something.
I didn’t like that Luke only seemed to be interested in Camille at first because he “needed” to get married. It just seemed like he would have almost married anyone who would take him because he was getting desperate. Then he’s kissing Camille but thinking that he can’t marry her because she’s going back to the States and it won’t work. Okay, if you’re convinced a relationship isn’t going to work, why are you still pursuing it?
Then we have a doctor guy who is clearly stalking and trying to manipulate Camille, but she doesn’t want to say anything because she might get fired as a nurse? Huh? Not only that, but he does all sorts of other things, knows her entire medical history, her phone number, parents name, number, address, her social security number–things she never told him, and yet she still hesitates about pressing charges against the guy! I mean come on! At the end of the book we don’t even find out what happened to him. All we know is that she’s going to fill out some forms against him. It felt like a lot of drama build up and then no resolution for it.
While this was a Christian book, there were many times when the Christianity felt forced to me. Almost as if things had been tossed in after the story was written to make it “more Christian.” Neither of the main characters seemed to have a real deep relationship with God. I wanted more. Something deeper that wasn’t there.
It was clean in the sense that there were no bad words and no one did anything inappropriate (except Doctor Guy and that was just hinted at).
Overall, there were parts of this book that I enjoyed, parts I didn’t like, and parts that were just okay. I won’t be reading it again, and I don’t think I’ll recommend it.
The first part of the story takes place down in Brazil in the Amazon. I enjoyed that part of the story overall. It was interesting learning about things down there, about their cities, the small tribal villages, some of the creatures, and the mission work that is being done. It gave me a greater appreciation for the things I have here that I take for granted. There were a few times when things were hinted at or described that, while I know they are that way in real life, I would be slightly uncomfortable knowing it was in there if I handed this book to a guy.
The characters were likable and it was interesting watching them “work” either as a nurse or a pilot.
The second part of the book I didn’t really enjoy. For one, it sounded all rather dramatic and fake. Yes, I’m sure things like that have and do happen, however, with all the other stuff that had happened it just felt overdone. And I was really confused by all the ice and bitter cold down in Alabama and Georgia and the fact that everyone was able to drive just fine in it. Huh?
All that being said, there were things I really didn’t like.
One was the fact that while Camille is a Christian, she almost never reads her Bible, hardly ever prays, and certainly doesn’t seem to pray about such things as relationships and God’s plan for her. At least not much. She also isn’t willing to tell her parents that the guy she had been dating but had broken up with had deceived her and was then trying to manipulate her. It almost felt like she didn’t trust her parents to believe her or something.
I didn’t like that Luke only seemed to be interested in Camille at first because he “needed” to get married. It just seemed like he would have almost married anyone who would take him because he was getting desperate. Then he’s kissing Camille but thinking that he can’t marry her because she’s going back to the States and it won’t work. Okay, if you’re convinced a relationship isn’t going to work, why are you still pursuing it?
Then we have a doctor guy who is clearly stalking and trying to manipulate Camille, but she doesn’t want to say anything because she might get fired as a nurse? Huh? Not only that, but he does all sorts of other things, knows her entire medical history, her phone number, parents name, number, address, her social security number–things she never told him, and yet she still hesitates about pressing charges against the guy! I mean come on! At the end of the book we don’t even find out what happened to him. All we know is that she’s going to fill out some forms against him. It felt like a lot of drama build up and then no resolution for it.
While this was a Christian book, there were many times when the Christianity felt forced to me. Almost as if things had been tossed in after the story was written to make it “more Christian.” Neither of the main characters seemed to have a real deep relationship with God. I wanted more. Something deeper that wasn’t there.
It was clean in the sense that there were no bad words and no one did anything inappropriate (except Doctor Guy and that was just hinted at).
Overall, there were parts of this book that I enjoyed, parts I didn’t like, and parts that were just okay. I won’t be reading it again, and I don’t think I’ll recommend it.
March 27, 2015
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be a missionary? What the dangers and sacrifices are? Right away you are taken to the Amazon with Camille Ringold who volunteered for a short mission trip to escape personal problems back at home. Camille a nurse never expected to be changed by her experience at the Amazon but with the help of Luke Strong, her faith became challenged and she began to see her purpose in clarity. Luke Strong was born into the missionary life and flies for Wings of Help that has missions in the Amazon. Luke understands the people, the culture and his calling. He longs for a wife, however, he desires to have one with the same calling as him and that has limited his choice for a wife. The relationship between Luke and Camille is challenged with trust, faith and a deep love for the things of God.
The prose was not cheesy as some Christian fiction can be, but it shared the heart of the mission field and the sacrifices they make. I enjoyed it in the safety of home and it is a great reminder to be praying for those that are called. I also appreciated that this book touched on not everyone is called and what that calling looks like.
A special thank you for the Author and Goodreads for the win and the opportunity to post a honest review.
The prose was not cheesy as some Christian fiction can be, but it shared the heart of the mission field and the sacrifices they make. I enjoyed it in the safety of home and it is a great reminder to be praying for those that are called. I also appreciated that this book touched on not everyone is called and what that calling looks like.
A special thank you for the Author and Goodreads for the win and the opportunity to post a honest review.
January 21, 2015
Great read. There's no better way to put normal people in adventurous, exciting, and even dangerous situations than through missionary or volunteer work. I enjoyed the Brazilian setting, made be want to cruise down the Amazon.
July 15, 2024
Love Takes Flight transports the reader to the Brazilian Amazon, with all its challenges, threats, and true-to-life excitement. Camille, who volunteered as a nurse, hopes to escape her modern American hospital for two weeks to calm her broken heart. When the Wings of Mercy plane is hijacked, she and missionary pilot Luke Strong flee into the jungle. Life among the missionaries triggers her realignment of priorities. Where is the intersection of God's will and her selfish desires?
December 3, 2014
Love Takes Flight is the latest novel by Lee Carver. Her first offering was a historical World War II novel called A Secret Life. This story, while contemporary romance is no less filled with adventure!
Camille Ringold is an American nurse whose dream of marrying a doctor and living a fine life in the suburbs is destroyed. To escape the shame and give herself time to heal she volunteers to serve for two weeks in the Amazon. She is forced to face the harsh reality of life in the jungle and the desperation of the lost souls she learns to love.
On a mission of mercy the Wings of Hope plane is hijacked and she and missionary pilot Luke Strong barely make it away alive but have to survive in the jungle. Luke has been a challenge for her, a woman used to finer things and afraid of flying. But his faith compels her to dig deeper within to seek God's leading. Her heart plays tug of war with the growing attraction to the handsome pilot and her struggle to give up on the more comfortable life she temporarily has left behind.
Returning home she is confronted with the persistent pursuit of the rejected lying doctor and she discovers that the dangers of the Amazon are nothing compared to what was waiting for her at home from this man.
Does she have the faith to risk it all for love? Is that even what God is asking of her or is it another escape? And as much as she adores Luke Strong, would he ever consider her as a possible partner in ministry and life?
This is a fast paced book filled with adventure and a realistic look at the hardship faced by those who serve indigenous people groups who desperately need to hear the gospel. I loved the way Camille's struggles are portrayed. No idealistic dreams of saving the world but the reality of just how much sacrifice is involved is told with brutal clarity. Luke Strong is not a perfect hero either but is steadfast and lives up to his name as he protects and guides Camille . . . only to find him being saved by her dedication.
I loved this story and highly recommend it. Lee Carver is a master story-teller with an eye to detail that will make you feel like you are right there with the characters.
Camille Ringold is an American nurse whose dream of marrying a doctor and living a fine life in the suburbs is destroyed. To escape the shame and give herself time to heal she volunteers to serve for two weeks in the Amazon. She is forced to face the harsh reality of life in the jungle and the desperation of the lost souls she learns to love.
On a mission of mercy the Wings of Hope plane is hijacked and she and missionary pilot Luke Strong barely make it away alive but have to survive in the jungle. Luke has been a challenge for her, a woman used to finer things and afraid of flying. But his faith compels her to dig deeper within to seek God's leading. Her heart plays tug of war with the growing attraction to the handsome pilot and her struggle to give up on the more comfortable life she temporarily has left behind.
Returning home she is confronted with the persistent pursuit of the rejected lying doctor and she discovers that the dangers of the Amazon are nothing compared to what was waiting for her at home from this man.
Does she have the faith to risk it all for love? Is that even what God is asking of her or is it another escape? And as much as she adores Luke Strong, would he ever consider her as a possible partner in ministry and life?
This is a fast paced book filled with adventure and a realistic look at the hardship faced by those who serve indigenous people groups who desperately need to hear the gospel. I loved the way Camille's struggles are portrayed. No idealistic dreams of saving the world but the reality of just how much sacrifice is involved is told with brutal clarity. Luke Strong is not a perfect hero either but is steadfast and lives up to his name as he protects and guides Camille . . . only to find him being saved by her dedication.
I loved this story and highly recommend it. Lee Carver is a master story-teller with an eye to detail that will make you feel like you are right there with the characters.
June 16, 2015
Love Takes Flight
How blinded we can get by our dreams. We focus so much on what the other person can contribute to our dreams and goals that we fail to see the ugliness and deception they might carry in their baggage. Then just because the person doesn't belong to the stereotype we are looking for, we send them on their way, thinking that they are the biggest threat to out future and dream and so loose the blessing God wants to bring to us through them.
Even though this novel, vividly and beautifully written, seems to be more about the missionary's life and the exotic Amazonian Brazil, to me this book was a great lesson on life's choices.
God of all knows our hearts deepest desires and unbiasedly wishes us happiness, so we have to trust in Him alone. Then we need to step away from from our, greatly detailed, plan for life and keep and open mind and heart. You just might see this whole life in a different way and realize your naïveté. Know, the man once deceitful enough to cheat and lie will do it over and over again. The Bible has a verse on that in Proverbs chapter two. Don't think that if he is cheating his wife to be with you that once he gets what he is after he wont play the same card on you.
I totaly loved this book- the beauty and dispair of the amazon was so vivid that I felt like i was there one moment and the next i wished that I could be there to make their life better somehow. We are blessed with so much, yet we complain probably the most. Camille's inner struggles and external dangers were the were the perfect example of what girls struggle with today. They need resque and guidance and they need The Lord. I'm afraid they often choose the charming but dangerous and deceiving Brad over poor and humble but with true heart Luke.
Total recommend for all readers! This book will touch you like no other.
Disclaimer: I have recied a free copy of this book from Prismbook group, in exchange for my honest opinion.
How blinded we can get by our dreams. We focus so much on what the other person can contribute to our dreams and goals that we fail to see the ugliness and deception they might carry in their baggage. Then just because the person doesn't belong to the stereotype we are looking for, we send them on their way, thinking that they are the biggest threat to out future and dream and so loose the blessing God wants to bring to us through them.
Even though this novel, vividly and beautifully written, seems to be more about the missionary's life and the exotic Amazonian Brazil, to me this book was a great lesson on life's choices.
God of all knows our hearts deepest desires and unbiasedly wishes us happiness, so we have to trust in Him alone. Then we need to step away from from our, greatly detailed, plan for life and keep and open mind and heart. You just might see this whole life in a different way and realize your naïveté. Know, the man once deceitful enough to cheat and lie will do it over and over again. The Bible has a verse on that in Proverbs chapter two. Don't think that if he is cheating his wife to be with you that once he gets what he is after he wont play the same card on you.
I totaly loved this book- the beauty and dispair of the amazon was so vivid that I felt like i was there one moment and the next i wished that I could be there to make their life better somehow. We are blessed with so much, yet we complain probably the most. Camille's inner struggles and external dangers were the were the perfect example of what girls struggle with today. They need resque and guidance and they need The Lord. I'm afraid they often choose the charming but dangerous and deceiving Brad over poor and humble but with true heart Luke.
Total recommend for all readers! This book will touch you like no other.
Disclaimer: I have recied a free copy of this book from Prismbook group, in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 8, 2014
Ms. Carver brings us an eye opening glimpse of missionary life as Camille Ringold ventures on a short mission trip to Brazil. Deathly afraid of flying, she finds herself with The Wings of Help group and its attractive missionary pilot, Luke Strong.
He coaxes her through take offs and landings and she marvels at his knowledge, strength and relationship with God. She went on this two week trip to forget her past yet he has dedicated his entire life to his calling.
But the mission field changes Camille. Helping the sick gives her new purpose as she beings to wonder if she could live her life here, too. When their plane is hijacked and Luke becomes ill with malaria, she misses not one, but two flights home. Her state side job is in danger and when she returns to Alabama, she quickly finds out her life is in danger, too. She’s in more peril at home than in the jungles of Brazil.
Luke who has also flown home for the winter months and to recuperate under his mother’s care rushes to Camille’s side. Is he just looking for someone who will return to the mission field with him or someone who will be his lifelong partner? Will Camille manage to untangle herself from her past?
From Anaconda bites to broken bones to malaria, all cared for under impossible conditions, this inspirational look at the mission field leaves the reader with a deep appreciation of their own more fortunate circumstances. Ms. Carver’s amazing ability to paint the scenery as well as the development of her character’s emotions using her poignant words touches the heart.
He coaxes her through take offs and landings and she marvels at his knowledge, strength and relationship with God. She went on this two week trip to forget her past yet he has dedicated his entire life to his calling.
But the mission field changes Camille. Helping the sick gives her new purpose as she beings to wonder if she could live her life here, too. When their plane is hijacked and Luke becomes ill with malaria, she misses not one, but two flights home. Her state side job is in danger and when she returns to Alabama, she quickly finds out her life is in danger, too. She’s in more peril at home than in the jungles of Brazil.
Luke who has also flown home for the winter months and to recuperate under his mother’s care rushes to Camille’s side. Is he just looking for someone who will return to the mission field with him or someone who will be his lifelong partner? Will Camille manage to untangle herself from her past?
From Anaconda bites to broken bones to malaria, all cared for under impossible conditions, this inspirational look at the mission field leaves the reader with a deep appreciation of their own more fortunate circumstances. Ms. Carver’s amazing ability to paint the scenery as well as the development of her character’s emotions using her poignant words touches the heart.
December 3, 2014
This is a wonderfully descriptive, emotional story. I was transported to the unfamiliar world of the Amazon river, along with the heroine Camille, and the story drew me in right away. Camille and Luke brave many difficulties, dangers and adventures as they work together with other missionaries to help the river people of the Amazon. As they fall in love, they must work out their own tangled emotional pasts, and Camille must decide what she wants her future to be.
This is a highly satisfying story, full of faith, sacrifice and love. I was touched, moved, thrilled and entertained by this wonderfully crafted story. Don't miss this book!
This is a highly satisfying story, full of faith, sacrifice and love. I was touched, moved, thrilled and entertained by this wonderfully crafted story. Don't miss this book!
February 2, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I've read a few things by Ms. Carver and enjoyed them, so I started the story, hoping it would be good since I hadn't read a missionary romance before. It exceeded my expectations. I went to bed late because I was reading, and I spent all morning the next day finishing the book because I wanted to know how the story ended. Each chapter showed me parts of the Amazonas, and how much most missionaries love what they do. I highly recommend Love Takes Flight. It's an excellently written story.
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2016
From the opening sentences of Love Takes Flight to the closing words, I was immersed in the author’s words from bone chilling to excited to fearful to hopeful to wonderfully satisfied with this beautiful story of courage, commitment, and courtship. Definitely did not want to read “the end.”
You can bet I'll be first in line for Lee Carver's next book. Sure would like to see a sequel.
The Amazon region has always held a fascination for me and after this story, even more so. Definitely a must read. And what a wonderful Christmas present this would make for all your friends.
December 5, 2014
The characters, the description of the amazon and it's relation to the story was done with care and attention to detail. All of these parts came together with a story line that kept moving and changing, keeping my interest. Anytime I get to the end of a book and am not ready for it to end, I consider that a great book. That is the case for Love Takes Flight.
July 28, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a pilot and a nurse in the Amazon! I could feel the humidity, smell the odors, experience the fear of flying, taste the Amazon morsals!, see the blackness of the River Negro, feel the heat and fear of the black water, and understand the need for God's constant presence with them. This was a page-turner book for me! Enjoy, this is a must-read for everyone!
December 20, 2014
You will be immersed into life as a missionary in the Amazon. Colorful descriptions of the village,the river and excellent depiction of the natives and the struggles of bringing medical help to them. All of that along with a suspenseful storyline and romance!
Totally enjoyable read!
Totally enjoyable read!
March 21, 2015
Lee Carver weaves such a lifelike tale with characters you feel for sure, actually exist! The story never pauses in a moment of slowness. Just when you think you need to lay the book down, it spins off in another exciting direction!!! I highly recommend this missionary tale of hope and love!!!
April 3, 2015
Great Read! this book has it all - excitement, adventure, romance, and a touch of mystery, all in an exotic setting, yet nothing nasty or profane. Don't miss it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews