Poor Splendid Wings

by Patricia Veryan

Engaged to a beautiful American actress, Michael Owens finds his planned life complicated not only by the perils he faces as a member of a bomber crew during World War II, but also by his attraction to a lovely English widow.

Genres: Romance, Historical, World War II, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

512 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Patricia Valeria Bannister was born in London. After World War II, she married Allan Louis Berg and moved to the United States; she lived on the West Coast and was the author of many historical novels from 1978 until 2002, using the pen names Patricia Veryan and Gwyneth Moore.

At the time of her death, she was living in Bellevue, Washington, USA.

Reviews

[Janga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking in places--but such a great read! I'd love to see it reissued as an ebook.

[Lhenry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to find this long out of print book and I treasure my copy! The only WW2 story Veryan ever wrote, it still has all the hallmarks of her great novels - a blend of romance intrigue and adventure with characters that jump off the page. The scenes in the air battles are heart pounding. There are some deeply sad scenes - and the idea of how war affects soldiers, and civilians is brought home without being overdone.

I fell in love with the hero, Mike. Also the second hero, Joe. Also the "dark horse" Roger who I wish she had written a sequel about it! Vicky is a strong, appealing, supportive heroine without being unbearably perfect. And one of the many things Veryan does well is write a believable child, Sally, who is crucial to the uplifting ending without prop of plot point.

Probably my all time favorite book by an all time favorite author.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get this through my library. Veryan is one of my very favorites, and this departure from her usual Georgian period does not disappoint. There is some lovely romance here, some thrills, chills, a mystery, and some all too real depictions of the waste that is war. I really cared about her characters.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read this book in years but I have been searching online forever to try and buy it - it is very hard to find. It is a historical romance during WWII and it is so touching and fulfilling to read. If you can find it, BUY it!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I managed to hunt down and read almost every single Patricia Veryan novel there is, when I was a teenager. It's hard to remember anything specific about them, other than the fact that I liked them. I'd classify them as romantic mysteries.

[Jodi Henley · Rating 1 out of 5]

God, this thing was horrible. I think she is best suited for the Regency and Georgian period. It amazes me that it's become a collectible.

[Monique]

I cannot believe I managed to find a copy. This book is hands down the hardest of hers to find.