The Airline Girl

The Airline Girls #1

by Lizzie Page

Audrey dreams of a life of adventure, even as she plans for a future as a homemaker. But when an unexpected opportunity promises a world of new experiences, will Audrey grab it with both hands – or stick to the path she’s always been on…?

England, 1947: In the rubble-filled streets of post-war London, nineteen-year-old Audrey is devastated to lose her job when the men return from war. But her mum needs her more than ever since she was injured in the bombings, and her beloved fiancé Martin wants her to focus on building their life together, so her future seems set.

Yet Audrey can’t help but wonder if there’s more to life than keeping a home and raising a family. And when she hears about a chance to train as one of England’s first airline stewardesses, her heart leaps. The problem is, Martin doesn’t want his wife working, and the airline itself insists that no married women need apply…

But there’s still a year until the wedding and Audrey’s mum insists she must seize the opportunity of a lifetime. And while hiding her engagement from her new bosses and the women training alongside her feels shameful, it’s nothing compared to the joy and pride she feels in the skies.

So when Martin insists they bring the wedding forward, her heart cracks at the idea of giving up her new life to be firmly grounded in London. She has a choice to make. Abandon her dreams and accept the future she always thought would be hers – or make a decision that will change her life forever…?

An inspiring, hopeful yet heart-breaking historical novel that will have you reaching for the tissues while encouraging you to go after your heart’s desires. Perfect for fans of Sandy Taylor, Call the Midwife and Camille di Maio's Come Fly with Me.

Genres: Historical Fiction

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2026

About the author

Hello and thank you for stopping by.

I love reading ALL the books, and I've always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to me to write historical fiction.

I live with my family by the sea in South East England. And with my dog. How did I forget my dog? I enjoy traveling and lived in Japan for several years. I've had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling - but being a writer is my absolute favourite.

I hope my novels help shine a light on the achievements, love and relationships of twentieth-century women, and that the books are entertaining and moving.

I'd love to hear what you think - feel free to send me a message on twitter @LizziePagewrite or on FB or leave a review here.

Happy reading,

Love Lizzie xx

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Our role is to look like mannequins, act like nurses, and smell like flowers.”

I was glad I persevered because, amid a slow-burning historical fiction novel filled with unlikable characters and the frustrating social restrictions of the times, there is a wonderful story about the benefits of cultivating bravery and a peek behind the curtain at the beginning of the airline industry.

The plot is centered around discovering if Miss Audrey Wright becomes an air hostess on Major Liker’s flagship Dreamgirls Airline at the cost of everything she currently holds dear.

Initially, I really disliked Audrey. Like, really, really disliked her. Towards the end, I could see that instead of letting fear limit her life, she bolstered her courage and took control of her future. Don’t get me started on Martin and his parents…I still don’t like them! And, Martin?! Martin is lucky I’m not an air hostess. I think I’d encounter ‘turbulence’ and his drink would end up in his lap!!!!

I appreciated the encouragement to rely on my gut feeling when I think something isn’t right, to grab hold of second chances, and to choose bravery over fear every time.

The paragraph about uncovering why people in the late 1940s weren’t as brave as we’d expect them to be, gave me pause and I know I’ll be thinking about this for some time. The exploration of 1947 society was both fascinating and frustrating - not the writing of it - the reality of it and the restrictive nature of it.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[linda hole · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know the feeling right? The feeling you want to live in the book, be friends with the main characters, see their changes , see their real life. Yup it is that kind of a book . Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Sue Plant · Rating 3 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

audrey accidently went into an interview for groundscrew and ended up training to be an air hostess.... for a new company

there are rules abound as its just after the war and women werent expected to have careers.... and newly engaged she doesnt want her employers knowing about her intending marriage a year away

as audrey struggles to understand her new job new training maybe she starts to realise slowly what her life could be...

its an interesting storyline though i struggled with it being written in the 3rd person but i cant wait to see how this series develops

[PamelaF1998 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie Page’s latest novel is wonderful! This is the first book I have read by her and I was thoroughly impressed. Given my love for historical fiction and the early days of commercial aviation, this story was right up my alley.

Set in post-war England, the story follows Audrey, a young woman who unexpectedly finds herself interviewing for a position as an "air hostess" for a new airline. Despite having never flown and being engaged to be married, Audrey accepts the role, intending to work only until her wedding. However as she completes training and begins flying, she discovers new friendships and begins to have new expectations and wants for her future.

Audrey is a very likable character and I particularly loved the supportive relationship she shared with her mother. The bond between the air hostesses was equally heartwarming, demonstrating female friendship in an era when women were pressured to prioritize marriage over careers. While the ending was a bit predictable, it didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. A fantastic five-star read! Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ellen (the_plentiful_library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and I love when they have a unique premise like this one.

1947, in post-war London the men are returning home from war and reclaiming all the jobs. 19 year old Audrey suddenly finds herself without work. Financially responsible for her ill mother and engaged to be married, Audrey needs a new job fast. She applies for a position as part of the grounds crew at a newly built airport but when she arrives it's an interview to be an air hostess. Audrey never imagined flying all over the world but now that the opportunity has presented itself she can't resist.

I loved the focus of gender roles in this story, especially the idea that a woman's purpose was to marry and bear children and so therefore I really enjoyed the exploration of Audrey challenging this stereotype and wanting more for herself. I also really enjoyed the insights into the set up of a new airline!

Thank you to Bookouture for the copy of this book to read and review. This one is out now 🙌🏼

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely thrilled this book is the start of a series. The Airline Girl is the first in this series by Lizzie Page coming out in February. I loved the story, writing and the main character Audrey.

At 19 Audrey loses her job as men return from the war in 1947, England. She has been helping her mother and her fiancé Martin is ready for them to begin their lives as husband and wife.

Audrey years for more than the typical life of staying home and raising children so when she gets the opportunity to train as one of England’s first airline stewardesses, she can’t wait, but stewardesses cannot be married.

She must hide her engagement and after all she has time to plan a future, if that is what she still desires.

A lovely novel and more to come, so I am beyond thrilled.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite an interesting historical fiction with stories of the war that altered lives, the new industry of airlines for passengers with air hostesses, the expectations of women. One of the air hostesses takes exception to the marriage bar law which mandates once a woman marries, she can no longer work. It is written in 3rd person from Audrey Wright’s point of view. Audrey was categorized as a mouse who stumbled into an Interview by accident with a less than supportive fiancé. This story is about Audrey’s growth as a person and the growth of the airline industry.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this digital advanced readers copy. I leave this review voluntarily.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, a great novel by Lizzie!! I loved this one as well, because as in her other books, Lizzie creates characters who feel real and you want to make them!!! Showing much sensitivity, wit and interesting historical details about post-war women's social position, this novel is delightful. I love the author's writing style, which is a pleasure to read as well as pleasing to the heart.
I can't wait for book 2 in this new series!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1947 in England when nineteen year old Audrey lost her job because of the returning men. She needed a job to care for her beloved mother who'd been injured in the bombings, and spent considerable time in hospital. When an unexpected opening arrived in her lap, Audrey applied to become one of England's first air hostesses, a job which terrified her (she was scared of heights) and also elated her. She was also engaged to Martin, with their wedding a year away - the "no married women" aspect of the contract saw her hiding her engagement, hoping all would work out.

Audrey's two roommates, Cheryl and Lola, were fun and outgoing. The three of them were soon firm friends. Their training would go for twelve weeks, and during that time the new planes would turn up. But Martin decided to bring the wedding forward, much to the sadness of Audrey. She was loving the training, the camaraderie, the whole airport, so different to anything she was used to. What would she do? She loved Martin, but loved her job too...

The Airline Girl is the 1st in The Airline Girls series by Lizzie Page and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Audrey is a great character, and the love between her and her mother stood out. Her mum supported her in everything she did, proud of her daughter for what she achieved. Lola and Cheryl were lots of fun, especially Cheryl, who was, at times, outrageous! All in all, a brilliant start to a new series by an author I enjoy. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Lizzie Page’s writing but this is a slight departure from her previous books. Slightly more light hearted I felt.

This is about the start and growth of the commercial airline business after WW2. It focuses mainly on 3 newly recruited air hostesses and their training.
This specific book is about Audrey and written from her view point. She is engaged to Martin, jobless and sees the advert for ground staff for Southend airport. It’s not clear how she gets interviewed as an hostess .
There, she meets Lola and Cheryl and flat shares with them. Lola is of German descent and Cheryl has her own dreams of marrying a pilot and having lots of fun on the way.
Audrey is insecure both in herself and emotionally. She gets swept along by the training and her relationship with Martin.
But she also helps overthrow the ban on married hostesses. She finds out later that two other girls at interview wouldn’t take the jobs because of the marriage ban.
And decides that marriage to Martin isn’t for her - he is obviously in love with Polly who was the beau of his elder brother who was lost in WW2.

Eventually the Dreamgirls get planes and into the air. The name fits the ethos of the airlines owner Major Liker - a womaniser if ever there was one.

This is well written and well researched and in some ways a fun read. I was born in the late 50s and air hostesses were always tall, thin, blonde and beautiful. Well they were in the films I saw or magazine pictures - and certainly not a job for me to entertain. . It was always a shock to meet one in later life and career and to find they were just ordinary people.

The story ties up nicely and it seems we may find out more about Lola in a later book. A satisfying read

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in post-WWII England (1947), The Airline Girl tells the story of 19-year-old Audrey Wright, who supports herself and her mother, who was injured in a building collapse during bombing in London during the war. When she loses her job in a chemist shop, Audrey treks out to Southend airport to apply for a grounds crew position but ends up interviewing for a stewardess position with one of England's nascent passenger airlines. When she is offered one of the spots to train for the position, at a very nice salary, Audrey accepts despite the misgivings of her fiance, Martin, and his parents, who lost their older son to a plane crash during the war. Audrey also feels compelled to hide her engagement, since only single women are allowed to be stewardesses. She moves to Southend, sharing an apartment with her two training partners, Cheryl and Lola, developing a strong bond with them and becoming part of the growing but relatively close-knit Southend Airport community. Over the course of the story, Audrey matures from a naive girl looking forward to marriage to an independent woman who realizes she wants more in life than to stay at home raising children. Faced with conflicting expectations from herself and the people she loves, will Audrey choose a secure but perhaps boring future, or will she follow her heart and dreams? I really enjoyed the characters and learning more about the early days of commercial airline travel! I was quickly invested in Audrey's story and rooting for a happy ending; you'll have to read the book for yourself to find out if she got it!

[Louise A-S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an Advanced Readers Copy in return for an honest Remember the opinion of this book are my own 📖 📚. The Airline Girl will be published on 4th February 2026
I have never read a Lizzie Page novel before but I am aware that she is known for writing emotionally resonant stories and this story is no different with this book.

I found this book very easy to read, and I could picture Audrey clearly from the start — she felt like a real person rather than just a character on the page. While I appreciated the detail and emotion in the story, it did move a bit slowly for my personal taste and never quite pulled me in as much as I’d hoped. That said, it’s an emotional and inspiring journey that nicely blends the cultural changes of the time with Audrey’s personal dreams and ambitions. If you enjoy character-driven historical fiction, especially stories about women stepping outside traditional roles during periods of change, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.

Set in a post war landscape the story follows 19-year-old Audrey, a young woman navigating the difficulties in life . The war is over, but for many women, the return of peace means a loss of independence as men return to reclaim their jobs.

Like many at the time Audrey is expected to follow a traditional path marry her fiancé and become a devoted housewife. That is until, when Audrey spots an advertisement for one of England's very first airline stewardess

[Monica Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't normally take a week to read a book but I found this one hard going.

I loved the premise of this book: a young woman, one of the first flight attendants, carving a new path, the empowerment of women etc. However, it wasn't quite like that.

Audrey lived with her mum, who had been injured in the war. The war might have finished but rationing continues and the country is still rebuilding. Audrey goes for a job at groundcrew at a new airline, but is offered a position as an air hostess. She doesn't tell anyone in her new world about her fiance.....

There are parts that were interesting: the push to get rid of the requirement for women to leave their jobs when they got married and I really liked Audrey's bond with her mum.

However, it was a bit of a meandering tale without a lot of depth, and Martin was downright awful! Considering his parents were introduced as very important people in Audrey's life, they suddenly disappeared from the story; would have been good to know what happened there. I figured out early on who might be a new love interest for Audrey but I didn't really care for him either.

All up, it was a strangely unsatisfying tale that could have been something really good.

I know authors put in a lot of effort to write their books and I try not to be negative but this particular book just didn't do it for me.

3 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Airline Girl
By Lizzie Page
3.5 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this eARC!

The Airline Girl takes place in 1947, England where the world is recovering from WWII and men are returning home. Audrey is shattered when she’s let go from her job and begins the search for something new with little prospects on the horizon. She gets a lead on a ground crew position at an airport, but mistakenly gets grouped in with women interviewing as airline hostesses.

Although engaged and her wedding only a year off, Audrey pursues the career despite the airlines rule of only single stewardesses. Audrey struggles to find her place between doting housewife or traveling career woman.

Ugh, Martin. I could just tell I wasn’t going to like Martin and that judgement held through. I felt like she put up with him far too long. Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of Mr. Andrew either - I would have been fine if she just pursued her career. I loved how supportive her mom was - and even how she learned to tolerate her father. I’m not sure that I would have put up with his nonsense.

A different side of WWII than I normally read, but definitely an eye opening novel of women post-war. I do felt like I spent the whole book in “training mode” and so little time with her actually in the air - I wanted more.

The Airline Girl will be published February 4, 2026

[Kimberly Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1947 and Britain is slowly, painfully, building back after the tragic war years. When nineteen-year-old Audrey loses her job at the pharmacy and her mother’s medical bills multiply, she is desperate to find a new position. Chance leads her to a new airport being constructed outside of London, and the offer to become an airline hostess.

For a naturally shy and risk-averse young woman, the choice is odd. Her fiancé and his family are adamantly against Audrey’s new opportunity. Initially, Audrey sees the well-paid position as a way to pay off medical debt and to pass time before she marries. But gradually, she falls under the spell of her new, exciting world, and its seductive promises of innovation, technology and travel.

This was a highly enjoyable coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the early days of commercial flight. The glamour and excitement of this new mode of transportation are enticing to the war-weary British public ready to embrace peacetime normalcy and progress. It is also a moving story of one young woman’s efforts to free herself from the fear and uncertainty she endured during the war years, and to discover if she possesses the courage to break free from her narrow world and to shape her own future. A highly recommended read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Airline Girl is the latest captivating story from the talented Lizzie Page and marks the first book in The Airline Girls series.

Set in 1947 London’s East End, we follow Audrey, who lives with her mother and is hoping for a promotion at the pharmacy where she works. However, she suddenly finds herself let go, leaving her anxious about how to support her mother without a job. While keeping this news to herself, Audrey comes across an opportunity to join the ground crew at Southend Airport, only to be unexpectedly offered air hostess training. Excitement mingles with apprehension as she navigates this new path. Once accepted, she shares the news with her mother and fiancé, Martin. However, she keeps Martin a secret due to a no-marriage policy at Likers. Audrey hopes to become an air hostess until their wedding in ten months, but Martin is pressuring her to move the wedding date up. This creates tension, leaving Audrey feeling uneasy. Will they overcome these challenges and grow as a couple, or will Audrey choose to forge her own path?

I love Lizzie’s novels, and The Airline Girl is no exception. Her characters are incredibly relatable, and the airport setting perfectly captures the essence of the era. From the very first page to the last, I was completely hooked, but be warned — tissues may be necessary!

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

The war has ended, but the evidence of its devastation is evident on the streets of London. Audrey, a nineteen-year-old recently unemployed, is now tasked with helping her mother at home after she was injured in the bombings. Meanwhile, her fiancé, Martin, urges her to focus on their future together.

However, Audrey yearns for more than just raising a family and maintaining a tidy home. She applies for a job as an airline stewardess, but Martin adamantly opposes it, wanting her to stay home and raise a family. The airline, however, strictly prohibits hiring married women. Faced with a crossroads in her life, Audrey must make a decision soon.

“The Airline Girl,” a captivating post-war story by Lizzie Page, explores themes of survival and the relentless pursuit of happiness. While the book initially broke my heart, it ultimately restored my faith in humanity. Audrey’s character and the choices she makes for her future are truly inspiring.

This is a phenomenal story of how people moved on with what little they had left after the war had ended. They were so resilient and strong in rebuilding their new life and create a better future, from the ashes and the rubble. I loved this book from cover to cover and I highly recommend it.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Airline Girls series. It’s 1947 and 19 year old Audrey is devastated to have lost her job. She’s not the only woman to lose her job at this time, due to the Second World War ending and the men who have returned are taking back their jobs. Yes very unfair but that was the way things were back in that time. Due to family circumstances Audrey desperately needs a job so when she sees an opportunity to train as an airline stewardess she jumps at the chance. One major thing stands in her way and that is her fiance Martin. However she is determined to make things work. This book was quite an eye opener for me in relation to how women were treated during the 1940’s: I did have some idea having read many historical saga books pertaining to that time. Although this was quite a slow burn of a read I was completely invested in the lives of Audrey and the two ladies who were training with her, Cheryl and Lola. Audrey came across to me as a very sensible young woman and I enjoyed seeing her character develop as the story progressed. I can see this series being one I’m really going to enjoy and I look forward to reading about Lola’s story in the next book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The story of a young English woman, Audrey Wright that takes place after World War II, she just lost her job at the local drugstore and is anxious to find another job quickly due to her impending marriage and her need to help support her mother.. Audrey applies for a job as a ground crew member for a new airline, she ultimately gets the job but it is as a air hostess for a new industry, in pending air travel for “ common people”. The story focuses on Audrey and her fellow trainees, their experiences in dealing with prejudices facing women and careers , marriage etc. Audrey was rather meek and naive in the beginning of the story but by the end of the story she becomes more comfortable, confident and very career driven. I enjoyed this coming of age story for this young woman who realizes that at 20 years old she is not quite ready to marry her fiancé, who seems rather indifferent to her at times, her mother overcomes some of her hardships and is focusing on her own life so she is not so dependent on Audrey. Audrey realizes she can “ spread her own wings “.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting if predictable read from Lizzie Page detailing the early days of commercial flying in the UK. The main character Audrey is on the expected post war pathway of early marriage, becoming a housewife and mother. Allowing her husband and men in general to dictate her role in life. I remember this time very well and to some extent lived it for a number of years. By chance Audrey gets the opportunity to step off this pathway and get a taste of a totally different life which offers her choices she never dreamed of. I did enjoy the characters of Audrey, Lola and Cheryl they were well written and fully formed. I also appreciated the way the author gave Barbara a second chance at life. Well deserved! I felt the storyline dragged a little at times in an effort to get it's point across but perhaps this is necessary with younger readers who don't have personal experience of the strength of the paternal society that existed in the middle of the 20th century.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the early days of air travel, this book is a fictional account of flight attendants beginning their careers. Audrey falls into the FA program almost by mistake, and is not confident that it’s the right path for her.

Audrey finds herself in a position that many women faced at the time, caught between societal norms and expectations of what women should do. Her fiancé is overbearing, his family feels the need to provide their input, making Audrey feel guilty about her wants and needs. On top of that, she feels responsible for her mother who is not well after being caught in a bombing a few years ago.

I empathized with Audrey throughout the book and was rooting for her to grow her backbone and follow her own path. I will definitely be recommending this book to my niece who is a newly minted flight attendant.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Morgan Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a historical fiction that hits on a lesser talked about era, then The Airline Girl is for you! Audrey, a young woman who has just been let go from her job is seeking a new adventure prior to her marriage to Martin. When an opening comes up for an airline hostess she sets her mind to it. However, in post-war England there are many rules about women working if they are married. Will the "need not apply" line keep Audrey from going after her dreams? Audrey is a charismatic, troubled and ambitious woman who simply wants to find some adventure before settling down and starting a family. Page does a wonderful job creating dynamic characters, a unique story, and enough drama to keep any historical fiction lover hooked. As someone who loves to travel, it was a fun new spin on reading about the start of the commercial airline business and women's place in that history. *rounded up to 4.25 stars*

[Summer Householder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to The Airline Girl because I grew up in the airline industry. My father worked for two different airlines before retiring and I once hoped to be in the industry myself as a flight attendant before my own plans changed. This is my first book by Lizzie Page, and I was thoroughly impressed.

Set in post-war England, the novel follows Audrey, a young woman who unexpectedly becomes an air hostess despite never having flown and being engaged to be married. What begins as a temporary job soon opens the door to new friendships and a new vision for her future.

Audrey is a very likable character, and I especially loved the supportive relationship she shares with her mother and the strong bond between the air hostesses. While the ending was a bit predictable, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. A solid five-star read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book basically given the time period as I know there were so many restrictions for women in the workplace during that period. My mother had to give up her job at a women's magazine when she started showing her pregnancy with my older sister. I did find it hard to connect with the main character, Audrey, because she tended to be so meek and docile. I realized that she was just a product of the era and I kept reminding myself of that but with others being the opposite I failed. It's a good story but it tended to take a little long to get off the ground (pun intended) and you really didn't get to enjoy many of her experiences in the air. Perhaps they will be more explored in future books. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 3.5 stars rounded up.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

1947 post war London book one.
Audrey Wright wants more out of life than a forthcoming marriage to her belovered Martin Wright and applies for a job in a position as ground crew at Rochford Airport.
The interview itself actually turns out to be a twelve week course to become a air stewardess its a lifetime job come true for her with a excellent salary, meaning she would have to hide her forthcoming marriage for now but telling both families can she go ahead?
Along with Lola and Cheryl the three become Major Likers dreamgirl airline top hostesses.
To travel, to see the world this job is certainly a dream.
What a lovely start to a new series, as we take this journey with the characters, fun, witty, so enjoyable, a good excellent book one, to carry on with more in the series from the characters.
I loved it.

[Fátima Chib · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for sending me this arc!!
What a wonderful and uplifting story, as an historical-fiction lover this book was exceptionally good and I would highly recommend it to everyone, even if it's not your usual genre because the writing is very moving and you are going to conect a lot with our characters.
Audrey, our female main character, was faced with so many hard decisions to make and you as a reader cannot help but root for her, also the female friendships in this book were sooo heartwarming I love the dynamic between the outgoing Cheryl and our brave Lola and how they always supported Audrey no matter what, aswell as how they fighted for women's rights in the airline world!
This book introduced me to Lizzie Page, an amazing storyteller dare I say, and I'm so grateful for this arc!
Publication date: 4/2/2026

[Chel (chel.chapters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Airline Girls is a heartwarming historical fiction novel that explores what happens when women choose ambition and adventure over the traditional expectations of marriage. Set during the early days of commercial aviation, the story follows some of the first airline hostesses as they navigate independence, friendship, and the thrill of a brand-new industry.

This was a sweet, uplifting read with a charming cast of characters and a strong sense of camaraderie. I loved getting a glimpse into this fascinating slice of history while following women who dared to dream bigger than what society expected of them. If you’re a historical fiction fan looking for something lighter and more feel-good (without the heaviness many historical fiction novels carry) this is a great pick. Overall, a solid four star read.

[Jamie Garity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Pub Day! The Airline Girl is a moving historical novel set in postwar England, following nineteen-year-old Audrey as she navigates the tension between the life expected of her and the future she quietly dreams of. When she’s given the chance to train as one of England’s first airline stewardesses, Audrey must balance family responsibility, love, and ambition in a world where married women are not allowed to fly.

As the mother of a flight attendant, this story deeply resonated with me. The women fighting for basic rights and workplace opportunities in this novel paved the way for careers my daughter and so many others have today. I especially loved the dynamic friendships and the way the book captures the unique bond within the aviation community, built on trust, teamwork, and shared experience. An emotional, inspiring read that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Airline Girl is a post-WW2 story by Lizzie Page. Women’s roles had to change to meet the needs at home with so many men in military service because of the war. Life would never be the same after the war for women or for men, never again would roles go back to what they had been before WWII. Audrey is an honest portrayal of this new ideal.

You can count on Lizzie Page giving you a strong female leads but one who rises to the occasion when faced with the challenge of unrealized dreams. Strong friendships, characters fully developed and social dilemmas in a changing world are all part of this story as Audrey and new friends go through their training. Looks to be part of a new series so I can’t wait for The Airline Girl to soar.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! I read it in under 2days. Well written stories like this highlight what the early women pioneers succeeded in changing for future generations of young women. It’s hard to fathom the obstacles that women faced after the War. Having successfully done ‘men’s jobs’ during the war years and then being told they were unsuitable to do them, once the boys started returning home, would have been beyond frustrating. The idea of a ‘marriage bar’ is also now unimaginable. The Airline Girl is a peek at women in the early years of the commercial aviation industry. Well worth the read!
Thank You to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Lizzie Page for the opportunity to read and thoroughly enjoy this ARC.