What do you think?
Rate this book
Silver Wings
Amory is working as a social secretary for a well-to-do family. While trying to keep her employer's preacher nephew from having his heart broken by houseguests, she has plenty of time to worry about the ill aunts she has left behind to earn money for and the dashing pilot for whose soul and safety she is praying.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1931
51 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 23, 2015
Love Grace L Hill's books!
August 1, 2016
As usual, I enjoyed this book from one of the late greats in Christian fiction.
August 26, 2016
I read this book as a child and loved it. It is a great read for a family to read together. There is some suspense and romance and a taste of life in the 30's.
April 23, 2010
I read a lot of GLH as a young teen, basically to get points for my teen group at church. Most of them I think are really fluffy and dull. I remember this one being pretty good for a change. If you actually love GLH (for some reason), this is one of the best.
July 17, 2020
Another sweet, super Christian G.L. Hill romance--what can I say? The plot of this one focused more on the spiritual growth of various characters, rather than the development of a romance, though.
Setting: Briarcliffe, New York, contemporaneous to the copyright of the book, which was 1931. Some of the young men were mentioned as having served in the "war," which I presumed to be World War I. Alaska was also somewhat of a major setting. I quite liked the name "Briarcliffe" to be named as the primary setting, and the descriptions of nature were just lovely (nothing how I think of Briarcliffe, though--I imagine it's a vastly different place a century apart). As is common with G.L. Hill books, the contrast between cultured/uncultured people, country/city people, and spiritual/worldly people were clearly delineated. The era of the story was also shown well many times through Gareth's plane, communication through radio, and the interest of the country in new flying feats.
Characters: First, Amory, who was part of the reason this book earned five stars. To put it simply, she was me. Except I am not as good, sweet, trusting, and courageous as she was. So really, Amory was what I want to be. Her unwavering faith in God was so admirable, and her worry about propriety (how certain gestures might appear to others) was so sweet and realistic (as in, like me) that she was so fun to read about. She was so shy, too, and just adorable.
John Dunleith was amazing--a very godly man, and the kind whose stories I'd probably love to listen to all day long. I was kind of unsure of his age, because of his seeming many experiences, but he was a young man--and also saved for only five years?? But the important personality traits were shown, so not much was left lacking. His treatment of Diana, as well as Ned, was precious.
Gareth didn't have much of a unique personality, now that I think about it. But he was quite endearing and a great hero, mainly because of the spiritual development part of his character arc. Not only that, but he was so very charming, particularly at the end.
Diana was an interesting character, and I did like her. Her character arc might not have been the most realistic, but it was still sweet.
Also, as a note on the minor characters, Mr. Whitney's outbursts were great, Barry was a good character to have action and develop Dunleith's strong character, and Ned was pretty fun, too.
Plot: I was considering Hill's (arguably unrealistic) romance plots, and how I enjoy them so much, despite the possible overly Christian people and perspectives. The ending is perfect, generally, and the good characters' faith in God is strong. And though that's not how we usually see people in real life, I wonder if that's somewhat like God, with His big picture, sees His children. From a human perspective, everything might not end happily, but with God, there's always a happy ending, and I think Grace Livingston Hill is able to capture that in her "unrealistic" story, therefore making her stories speak more accurately and insightfully about life than other "real-life" plots.
Faith content: Very heavy, and honestly more important than the romance. Some spiritual themes that the characters delved into include the following: the return of Christ, being saved/born again ("finding God"), the afterlife and being at peace with death, etc. It was beautiful to read about specific characters gaining deeper knowledge of Christianity, primarily from reading God's own Word. Also, the romance between two certain characters (who will remain nameless because of spoilers) was a gorgeous picture of Christ's love toward human beings.
Silver Wings ranks near the top of G.L. Hill books I've read so far. I probably don't have to mention I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys her romances. And anyone who wants to read an encouraging book--a book that shows what could be if people trust in God, characters to aspire to, and a big picture of life that only God can see at once.
Setting: Briarcliffe, New York, contemporaneous to the copyright of the book, which was 1931. Some of the young men were mentioned as having served in the "war," which I presumed to be World War I. Alaska was also somewhat of a major setting. I quite liked the name "Briarcliffe" to be named as the primary setting, and the descriptions of nature were just lovely (nothing how I think of Briarcliffe, though--I imagine it's a vastly different place a century apart). As is common with G.L. Hill books, the contrast between cultured/uncultured people, country/city people, and spiritual/worldly people were clearly delineated. The era of the story was also shown well many times through Gareth's plane, communication through radio, and the interest of the country in new flying feats.
Characters: First, Amory, who was part of the reason this book earned five stars. To put it simply, she was me. Except I am not as good, sweet, trusting, and courageous as she was. So really, Amory was what I want to be. Her unwavering faith in God was so admirable, and her worry about propriety (how certain gestures might appear to others) was so sweet and realistic (as in, like me) that she was so fun to read about. She was so shy, too, and just adorable.
John Dunleith was amazing--a very godly man, and the kind whose stories I'd probably love to listen to all day long. I was kind of unsure of his age, because of his seeming many experiences, but he was a young man--and also saved for only five years?? But the important personality traits were shown, so not much was left lacking. His treatment of Diana, as well as Ned, was precious.
Gareth didn't have much of a unique personality, now that I think about it. But he was quite endearing and a great hero, mainly because of the spiritual development part of his character arc. Not only that, but he was so very charming, particularly at the end.
Diana was an interesting character, and I did like her. Her character arc might not have been the most realistic, but it was still sweet.
Also, as a note on the minor characters, Mr. Whitney's outbursts were great, Barry was a good character to have action and develop Dunleith's strong character, and Ned was pretty fun, too.
Plot: I was considering Hill's (arguably unrealistic) romance plots, and how I enjoy them so much, despite the possible overly Christian people and perspectives. The ending is perfect, generally, and the good characters' faith in God is strong. And though that's not how we usually see people in real life, I wonder if that's somewhat like God, with His big picture, sees His children. From a human perspective, everything might not end happily, but with God, there's always a happy ending, and I think Grace Livingston Hill is able to capture that in her "unrealistic" story, therefore making her stories speak more accurately and insightfully about life than other "real-life" plots.
Faith content: Very heavy, and honestly more important than the romance. Some spiritual themes that the characters delved into include the following: the return of Christ, being saved/born again ("finding God"), the afterlife and being at peace with death, etc. It was beautiful to read about specific characters gaining deeper knowledge of Christianity, primarily from reading God's own Word. Also, the romance between two certain characters (who will remain nameless because of spoilers) was a gorgeous picture of Christ's love toward human beings.
Silver Wings ranks near the top of G.L. Hill books I've read so far. I probably don't have to mention I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys her romances. And anyone who wants to read an encouraging book--a book that shows what could be if people trust in God, characters to aspire to, and a big picture of life that only God can see at once.
June 24, 2018
it lacks some of the excellent plotting of her earlier books but doesn't have some the...iffy bits of her last books. Also managed to include unnamed minor Inuit (I'm guessing) characters without playing any of the usual "savage" cards. It isn't one I'd recommend as a starting point to a new reader of her books, but neither would I say "Ehhhh, maybe skip this one."
I'm left thinking that it's better than the last couple I reread but it's missing something. I think for such a faith based writer it's easy to get too preachy (not too bad in this book) but it's also easy to not put in *enough* about a person's path to the cross. It's that assumed knowledge thing. This book teeters on that cusp but doesn't quiiiite fall off into failure...I think?
I'm left thinking that it's better than the last couple I reread but it's missing something. I think for such a faith based writer it's easy to get too preachy (not too bad in this book) but it's also easy to not put in *enough* about a person's path to the cross. It's that assumed knowledge thing. This book teeters on that cusp but doesn't quiiiite fall off into failure...I think?
January 12, 2022
Ugh, what a waste of pages! I'm sorry I spent my energy reading this book when I'm on my sick bed with very little energy and strength. If I wasn't already vomiting, I'd probably start doing so now after reading this sickeningly saccharine story.
Pros: it's over
Cons: characters- stupid, 1 dimensional, unrealistic; plot- insta love crap, falling in love with someone who is actively trying to undermine you crap, fishing and flying and falling down drunk crap, tons of bad people and situations with no resolution crap
Basically this book was garbage. Not one of GLH's best. It may be slightly better than my old nemesis, Dawn of the Morning, but I will not be rereading it, nor will I recommend it. But, one more down in my quest to read all the GLH books!
Pros: it's over
Cons: characters- stupid, 1 dimensional, unrealistic; plot- insta love crap, falling in love with someone who is actively trying to undermine you crap, fishing and flying and falling down drunk crap, tons of bad people and situations with no resolution crap
Basically this book was garbage. Not one of GLH's best. It may be slightly better than my old nemesis, Dawn of the Morning, but I will not be rereading it, nor will I recommend it. But, one more down in my quest to read all the GLH books!
October 10, 2021
I love all of Grace Livingston Hill books. She has her settings in the early 1900's when it was a simpler time of life. Silver Wings is romantic and has a poor girl working for a rich family who live in a mansion. A pilot who takes risks with his life, has never heard of the salvation message and is quite interested in finding out what it is all about. But one of the rich girls wants him to have nothing to do with religion.
May 8, 2020
Two sets of hearts, drawn together by a Power beyond their understanding!
I read this book a few years ago, but I had forgotten how exciting it is! I enjoyed immensely rereading it! Grace Livingston Hill always made the Gospel very clear & I love how the naughtiest, most worldly girl in the bunch came to saving faith against all odds. No one is beyond the touch of God!
I read this book a few years ago, but I had forgotten how exciting it is! I enjoyed immensely rereading it! Grace Livingston Hill always made the Gospel very clear & I love how the naughtiest, most worldly girl in the bunch came to saving faith against all odds. No one is beyond the touch of God!
January 23, 2024
A Satisfying Read
An honest picture of how hearts operate and how God can move to do the impossible. Very engaging story! An excellent example of a Proverbs 31:25 woman is the main character.
An honest picture of how hearts operate and how God can move to do the impossible. Very engaging story! An excellent example of a Proverbs 31:25 woman is the main character.
November 27, 2019
Great book!
March 1, 2021
Quite enjoyed this one.
May 4, 2021
Great read, love this
Innocent romances,faith and character builders, historians will like the coming of age in America found in the background. Lovely story.
Innocent romances,faith and character builders, historians will like the coming of age in America found in the background. Lovely story.
May 15, 2024
This was the book of my heart that I never forgot in my teens
September 10, 2019
Although the blurb only mentions one, this title follows two stories and actually spends more time on the story of Diana and John than that of Amory and her flyer. This worked well for me because I found Amory a little too meek and submissive, while Diana is quite the character and has a good foil in John who is up to all her tricks.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews