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Hope #1
Flight 259
Life has not been fair to Jenna Davis. After losing everything she considered her world three years ago, her only hope has been holding on and trying to survive. When she finally decides she must find a way to go on with life, she boards a plane destined to visit a friend across the country. But she hadn’t counted on meeting a handsome stranger and his young son on the flight, nor could she have prepared herself for what life would throw at her next. Can Jenna find love again after tragedy strikes or is she destined to go from one tragedy to another forever?
Scott Browning was devastated when his marriage broke up. With his young son, Lane, he is learning to pick up the pieces and go on with life. On his way home from a visit to his parents, Scott meets a young woman who will change everything, just before his own life is thrown into question. Most couples think about love at first sight. Could this one be love at first death?
Scott Browning was devastated when his marriage broke up. With his young son, Lane, he is learning to pick up the pieces and go on with life. On his way home from a visit to his parents, Scott meets a young woman who will change everything, just before his own life is thrown into question. Most couples think about love at first sight. Could this one be love at first death?
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2017
1246 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Staci Stallings
72 books582 followersA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
June 28, 2018
Christian women's fiction/romantic suspense. I think it was more intense than your average romance, so I think it falls more into women's fiction, but it's suspenseful as well. I think this one falls between 3 and 4 stars for me, because the latter part of the book was unrealistic to me. I didn't think the characters behaved realistically in delaying returning to real life and depending on others. But, I appreciated the overall story and Staci Stallings' error-free writing.
October 24, 2017
Fighting Against the Memory of a Ghost
The negatives: it was hard to keep track of the minor characters as the story jumped around so much without any warning or lead-in. Also, there were a few times that sentences were repeated. Clearly, this should have been picked up in editing. I also felt the story dragged on too long and it should have been wrapped up much more concisely. I also thought Jenna was often overly dramatic and she could be annoying at times.
The positives: great storyline, engaging characters (especially Scott and Lane), really enjoyed the plot, great price for a full novel, available on KU. Clean, Christian romance.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
The negatives: it was hard to keep track of the minor characters as the story jumped around so much without any warning or lead-in. Also, there were a few times that sentences were repeated. Clearly, this should have been picked up in editing. I also felt the story dragged on too long and it should have been wrapped up much more concisely. I also thought Jenna was often overly dramatic and she could be annoying at times.
The positives: great storyline, engaging characters (especially Scott and Lane), really enjoyed the plot, great price for a full novel, available on KU. Clean, Christian romance.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
December 14, 2017
FLIGHT 259 was part of the Whispers of Love romance collection (which I am a verified buyer of) but it dissolved and the authors published separately. I am reading these stories slowly (as I have time) as there was like eleven or twelve different stories in the collection.
Jenna and her mom don't get along and Jenna doesn't even try. I think she could've been a lot nicer to her mom, but she wasn't. It didn't exactly endear Jenna to me, even though she was sweet as sugar to everyone else and went above and beyond. I do understand Jenna's grief, I also understand her mom.
Scott is not the most understanding Dad in the world, and he, like his dad had anger issues. I understand the get it done mentality that most men have, and the lack of patience with kids.
Okay, the accident - this is pre-9-11 so the airport, airplane scenes are not exactly up to current - but it is realistic to the 1990s. However, I fail to see how a laptop case is strong enough to keep a grown man lodged into his seat so that a woman had to swim back to rescue him. I had to suspend belief there and in several other places.
Overall, it was an engaging story - would they survive? Would they get together? Would Scott and his ex-wife reconcile? Will they make peace with their parents? It was edge-of-the-seat at times.
Not the best story I ever read. Choppy at times. Lots of different point of views. But not the worst story either. Definitely engaging.
I bought this in the Whisper's of Love collection. I was not required to write a review.
Jenna and her mom don't get along and Jenna doesn't even try. I think she could've been a lot nicer to her mom, but she wasn't. It didn't exactly endear Jenna to me, even though she was sweet as sugar to everyone else and went above and beyond. I do understand Jenna's grief, I also understand her mom.
Scott is not the most understanding Dad in the world, and he, like his dad had anger issues. I understand the get it done mentality that most men have, and the lack of patience with kids.
Okay, the accident - this is pre-9-11 so the airport, airplane scenes are not exactly up to current - but it is realistic to the 1990s. However, I fail to see how a laptop case is strong enough to keep a grown man lodged into his seat so that a woman had to swim back to rescue him. I had to suspend belief there and in several other places.
Overall, it was an engaging story - would they survive? Would they get together? Would Scott and his ex-wife reconcile? Will they make peace with their parents? It was edge-of-the-seat at times.
Not the best story I ever read. Choppy at times. Lots of different point of views. But not the worst story either. Definitely engaging.
I bought this in the Whisper's of Love collection. I was not required to write a review.
September 22, 2022
Synopsis:
The main characters are Jenna Davis, Scott Browning, and his toddler son Lane. Jenna Davis is taking a trip; the purpose is to move on with her life that has been on hold for three years. Scott and Lane are taking a trip; the purpose is to return home to New Jersey and his medical practice after their two-week vacation with his parents. Disaster hits the flight, many die, but Jenna, Scott, and Lane are rescued and delivered to the hospital. We follow their recuperation and their developing relationship. The book concludes with the Ceremony to Honor the Survivors and Heroes of the Disaster of Flight 259.
Reflections –
This book started with great promise, as it pivoted into the Disaster of flight 259, the story was totally engrossing. Just like that, this story sailing to the top of my “wow” books that can’t be beat list. But then, chapter upon chapter, I became less enchanted with the plot. Once you got into to the last chapter it closed nicely, but all the in-between chapters caused my rating to slip from five to two. What were some of the reasons?
I do not like “insta-love,” and that is the best way to describe what Jenna and especially Scott experienced. The relationship spent a fair amount of time emphasizing their “desire” for one another, but no emphasis on agape-type love. They were bonded because of the crash, but both had prior serious issues they had not recognized or handled previously. Any counselor would say these issues could adversely affect the chance of a successful, long-term relationship. Their communication skills were nil. Scott didn’t communicate that he was a doctor, divorced, or even where he specifically lived. Jenna did not talk about being a widow, her nightmares, her former husband or her daughter. They really didn’t know one another, but two weeks later (max) they are engaged.
Jenna’s mother, Janis Neely was an odd character; she had experienced the same trauma three years ago that Jenna had experience. We are not apprised of her inner-struggles and conflicts, but outwardly, she held Jenna tightly and controlled her greatly. Because of this, I missed some of the initial shattering of Jenna’s grip on life. As soon as Janis landed in Detroit she made for tension-filled situations. Darci, of World airline was nice, but she didn’t keep the story from starting to slow down as the story moved into the middle of the book. Darci also missed Jenna’s huge emotional/mental struggles, but was more focused on her physical injuries, which slowed down Jenna’s recuperation.
This book was labeled Christian contemporary fiction, but Christ did not anchor or center their lives. God’s name was as an emergency genie, quick prayer answerer. God’s name was also expelled in anger. We never saw a relationship with God, we did not see them seeking God’s regular guidance. We did not see any of the characters following Philippians 4:8-9 “whatsoever things are true, honest, just…think on these things…these things Do and the God of peace will be with you.” None of the characters sought out a church to attend while in the Detroit/Windsor area. No, a Christian worldview was missing from this book.
This book could have been a five plus, but for me it just didn’t measure up to my initial expectations (2.8).
The main characters are Jenna Davis, Scott Browning, and his toddler son Lane. Jenna Davis is taking a trip; the purpose is to move on with her life that has been on hold for three years. Scott and Lane are taking a trip; the purpose is to return home to New Jersey and his medical practice after their two-week vacation with his parents. Disaster hits the flight, many die, but Jenna, Scott, and Lane are rescued and delivered to the hospital. We follow their recuperation and their developing relationship. The book concludes with the Ceremony to Honor the Survivors and Heroes of the Disaster of Flight 259.
Reflections –
This book started with great promise, as it pivoted into the Disaster of flight 259, the story was totally engrossing. Just like that, this story sailing to the top of my “wow” books that can’t be beat list. But then, chapter upon chapter, I became less enchanted with the plot. Once you got into to the last chapter it closed nicely, but all the in-between chapters caused my rating to slip from five to two. What were some of the reasons?
I do not like “insta-love,” and that is the best way to describe what Jenna and especially Scott experienced. The relationship spent a fair amount of time emphasizing their “desire” for one another, but no emphasis on agape-type love. They were bonded because of the crash, but both had prior serious issues they had not recognized or handled previously. Any counselor would say these issues could adversely affect the chance of a successful, long-term relationship. Their communication skills were nil. Scott didn’t communicate that he was a doctor, divorced, or even where he specifically lived. Jenna did not talk about being a widow, her nightmares, her former husband or her daughter. They really didn’t know one another, but two weeks later (max) they are engaged.
Jenna’s mother, Janis Neely was an odd character; she had experienced the same trauma three years ago that Jenna had experience. We are not apprised of her inner-struggles and conflicts, but outwardly, she held Jenna tightly and controlled her greatly. Because of this, I missed some of the initial shattering of Jenna’s grip on life. As soon as Janis landed in Detroit she made for tension-filled situations. Darci, of World airline was nice, but she didn’t keep the story from starting to slow down as the story moved into the middle of the book. Darci also missed Jenna’s huge emotional/mental struggles, but was more focused on her physical injuries, which slowed down Jenna’s recuperation.
This book was labeled Christian contemporary fiction, but Christ did not anchor or center their lives. God’s name was as an emergency genie, quick prayer answerer. God’s name was also expelled in anger. We never saw a relationship with God, we did not see them seeking God’s regular guidance. We did not see any of the characters following Philippians 4:8-9 “whatsoever things are true, honest, just…think on these things…these things Do and the God of peace will be with you.” None of the characters sought out a church to attend while in the Detroit/Windsor area. No, a Christian worldview was missing from this book.
This book could have been a five plus, but for me it just didn’t measure up to my initial expectations (2.8).
May 16, 2018
Flight 259: A Contemporary Christian Romance Novel: The Hope Series Book 1 is by Staci Stallings. This book was first written in 1997 prior to advances in technology which made communication in emergencies extremely possible. When Staci updated the book, she continued to leave those out. Having prayers in the book was a novel idea at the time. This is an adventure, thriller, and love story all rolled into one. The descriptions of the crash are so realistic that you think you are actually there. It is amazing how realistic the entire book is. The aftermath of the crash is just as heart-wrenching as the crash. The book is simply fantastic.
Jenna Davis of Middleton, Texas had reached the end of her rope. She could not stand to be near her Mother for another minute. She was tired of her judgmental attitude and her ability to guilt Jenna out. Jenna was holding on by a thread as it was. She had witnessed the fiery deaths of her husband, daughter, and Father in a car accident. She has been having nightmares for three years and she didn’t feel like she had made any progress. She decided to leave to visit a friend near Newark. However, she missed the first flight and had to rush to make a flight that would connect with the flight into Newark. When she got on the plane, she decided to exchange her seat so a couple could sit together. She took the aisle seat next to a cute two-year-old and his gorgeous Dad. The Dad made her head spin so she distracted herself by playing with the little boy.
Dr. Scott Browning and his son, Lane, were headed home from visiting his parents. The flight was a long one with a stop in Texas and then Chicago before heading to Newark. Scott wasn’t looking forward to trying to entertain Lane for such a long trip. He had a snack and toy back packed and he put it at his feet where he could get it quickly. He then tried to settle his vivacious son down. By the time they got to Chicago, Scott was a wreck. Not much was working to keep Lane settled for long. He just hoped the trip was uneventful. Then Jenna sat down and his whole world rightened itself.
Jenna has a way with little ones and soon had Lane in her capable hands and he was behaving. Jenna and Scott exchanged some information about themselves; but both withheld crucial information about their marriages. When something hit the plane, no one was ready for it. Scott hurt his arm and was concussed by hitting his head against the window. When Jenna saw the only way to survive was to evacuate the plane, she took Lane and left. Scott was powerless to move as his foot was stuck. Jenna was determined not to let another father and child die if she could help it so after handing Lane off to someone, she headed back to the plane to get Scott. Would she get him out? What would happen to their lives after this?
Jenna Davis of Middleton, Texas had reached the end of her rope. She could not stand to be near her Mother for another minute. She was tired of her judgmental attitude and her ability to guilt Jenna out. Jenna was holding on by a thread as it was. She had witnessed the fiery deaths of her husband, daughter, and Father in a car accident. She has been having nightmares for three years and she didn’t feel like she had made any progress. She decided to leave to visit a friend near Newark. However, she missed the first flight and had to rush to make a flight that would connect with the flight into Newark. When she got on the plane, she decided to exchange her seat so a couple could sit together. She took the aisle seat next to a cute two-year-old and his gorgeous Dad. The Dad made her head spin so she distracted herself by playing with the little boy.
Dr. Scott Browning and his son, Lane, were headed home from visiting his parents. The flight was a long one with a stop in Texas and then Chicago before heading to Newark. Scott wasn’t looking forward to trying to entertain Lane for such a long trip. He had a snack and toy back packed and he put it at his feet where he could get it quickly. He then tried to settle his vivacious son down. By the time they got to Chicago, Scott was a wreck. Not much was working to keep Lane settled for long. He just hoped the trip was uneventful. Then Jenna sat down and his whole world rightened itself.
Jenna has a way with little ones and soon had Lane in her capable hands and he was behaving. Jenna and Scott exchanged some information about themselves; but both withheld crucial information about their marriages. When something hit the plane, no one was ready for it. Scott hurt his arm and was concussed by hitting his head against the window. When Jenna saw the only way to survive was to evacuate the plane, she took Lane and left. Scott was powerless to move as his foot was stuck. Jenna was determined not to let another father and child die if she could help it so after handing Lane off to someone, she headed back to the plane to get Scott. Would she get him out? What would happen to their lives after this?
February 28, 2021
I have read this author before. This particular book, the author states, was written around 1997, prior to their being a Christian Contemporary Romance genre. I suspect that she had to give something to publishers and decided to dust this one off and polish it up some. She does state that she deliberately did not update technology from the time when she wrote it to the time it was published.
Likes:
*Lane is cute
*Jenna's comfort with children is explained by her teaching and by her being a mother.
*Scott's parents do seem to really care about him and about their grandson, Lane. (Even if in Scott's mother's case, that care seems to come in the form of spoiling her grandson, which makes Lane's behavior harder on Scott after their visits.)
Dislikes (and things that did not make sense to me):
*My main complaint, which is true of most romance genre books, is that there is only a short time that the two characters know each other before they end up engaged. I have heard people tell me they knew from the first time they met their prospective spouse that he/she was "the one" but even so, most of them did not get engaged in the matter of a few weeks after meeting each other. I do worry that some readers might get an unrealistic view of romance from reading books like these.
*Both characters need to work on their communication skills. Scott doesn't reveal he's a doctor or his history with Amber; Jenna doesn't reveal she's a widow and that she lost a child in the accident. Neither really talks to each other about their feelings for each other.
*Scott really needs to tell his mother to stop spoiling her grandson so much and explain what problems this behavior causes after Lane is no longer in that environment. (Note: I'm not saying she shouldn't be able to spoil him some, but it does sound like she went somewhat to excess during their visit at the beginning of the book.)
*The length of time Scott and Lane take to convalesce seems off. Scott, I'm sure, can afford to stay in a hotel, but I'm not so sure about Jenna and Janis. Is the airline paying for this hotel all that time? I'm not sure that's realistic.
*Jenna and Janis must have a mound of flight change fees by now (unless the airline is waiving them as a thank you for not suing us about the plane crash). I can't count how many times one or the other claims they're leaving only to change their plans. Even right at the end, Jenna and Janis have tickets to go to Texas. We don't know if either of them use them.
Likes:
*Lane is cute
*Jenna's comfort with children is explained by her teaching and by her being a mother.
*Scott's parents do seem to really care about him and about their grandson, Lane. (Even if in Scott's mother's case, that care seems to come in the form of spoiling her grandson, which makes Lane's behavior harder on Scott after their visits.)
Dislikes (and things that did not make sense to me):
*My main complaint, which is true of most romance genre books, is that there is only a short time that the two characters know each other before they end up engaged. I have heard people tell me they knew from the first time they met their prospective spouse that he/she was "the one" but even so, most of them did not get engaged in the matter of a few weeks after meeting each other. I do worry that some readers might get an unrealistic view of romance from reading books like these.
*Both characters need to work on their communication skills. Scott doesn't reveal he's a doctor or his history with Amber; Jenna doesn't reveal she's a widow and that she lost a child in the accident. Neither really talks to each other about their feelings for each other.
*Scott really needs to tell his mother to stop spoiling her grandson so much and explain what problems this behavior causes after Lane is no longer in that environment. (Note: I'm not saying she shouldn't be able to spoil him some, but it does sound like she went somewhat to excess during their visit at the beginning of the book.)
*The length of time Scott and Lane take to convalesce seems off. Scott, I'm sure, can afford to stay in a hotel, but I'm not so sure about Jenna and Janis. Is the airline paying for this hotel all that time? I'm not sure that's realistic.
*Jenna and Janis must have a mound of flight change fees by now (unless the airline is waiving them as a thank you for not suing us about the plane crash). I can't count how many times one or the other claims they're leaving only to change their plans. Even right at the end, Jenna and Janis have tickets to go to Texas. We don't know if either of them use them.
March 3, 2021
I wanted to like this book, and the premise was really appealing. The first part of the book (the plane crash and rescue) was compelling, and I thought oh, good, a strong heroine who gets to save the hero (one of my favorite types of character). Unfortunately, it just didn't live up to its potential. There was an incredible amount of head-hopping/changing point of view - sometimes every paragraph - which was exceedingly distracting. The editing was sub-par and there were some plot holes.
Jenna is a broken person, for sure, but I got annoyed with her whiny attitude, and her repeated avoidance and fake happiness became almost too at much times, as did her constant capitulation to her mother (I wanted her to get a backbone and tell her mother to eff off). She couldn't seem to make a single decision herself, constantly acting as if she had no control or say in where she went and what she did with her life. And, of course, there was her constant denial of her feelings for Scott.
I honestly couldn't figure out why Scott was so intent on sticking around. Did he "fall in love" with his rescuer (like patients sometimes fall for their nurse?) Or was he "in love" with her primarily because of how good she was with his son? He just didn't seem real to me; he was too patient, too understanding... just not very masculine. (I didn't need him to be an alpha male, but I wanted him to stand up for himself and push Jenna to get real with him and well, walk away if that’s what it took.) The climax was also somewhat odd, leaving me to wonder if the author was trying too hard to show that Scott saved Jenna as much as she'd saved him.
The parents of both characters played an outsize role in this story, which I found odd. It often felt like the H/H were teenagers rather than adults of 29 and 32. Also, this was billed as Christian romance, but the main characters didn't have a single conversation about God or faith or their struggles with same (just one scene where Jenna yelled at God about how unfair he was and she hated him). This story was rife with opportunities to do so, and that was another disappointment for me.
Jenna is a broken person, for sure, but I got annoyed with her whiny attitude, and her repeated avoidance and fake happiness became almost too at much times, as did her constant capitulation to her mother (I wanted her to get a backbone and tell her mother to eff off). She couldn't seem to make a single decision herself, constantly acting as if she had no control or say in where she went and what she did with her life. And, of course, there was her constant denial of her feelings for Scott.
I honestly couldn't figure out why Scott was so intent on sticking around. Did he "fall in love" with his rescuer (like patients sometimes fall for their nurse?) Or was he "in love" with her primarily because of how good she was with his son? He just didn't seem real to me; he was too patient, too understanding... just not very masculine. (I didn't need him to be an alpha male, but I wanted him to stand up for himself and push Jenna to get real with him and well, walk away if that’s what it took.) The climax was also somewhat odd, leaving me to wonder if the author was trying too hard to show that Scott saved Jenna as much as she'd saved him.
The parents of both characters played an outsize role in this story, which I found odd. It often felt like the H/H were teenagers rather than adults of 29 and 32. Also, this was billed as Christian romance, but the main characters didn't have a single conversation about God or faith or their struggles with same (just one scene where Jenna yelled at God about how unfair he was and she hated him). This story was rife with opportunities to do so, and that was another disappointment for me.
February 24, 2021
More than just a Contemporary Christian Romance.
I read Flight 259 a few years ago. Last week, my mother told me there were more books in the series she thought I should read. So, I decided I would read this first book again before I started reading though the other books in the series. I am so glad that I did decide to reread this story. It is such a wonderful story in so many ways.
I was hesitant to read this book at first because after losing my husband and soul mate in 2013, I was afraid the story would hit too close to home and hurt my heart to read it. I am so glad that I conquered that fear as this story blessed my heart. I went through nearly a full box of tissues reading this story. But it was worth it!
I went through one-on-one grief counseling in 2014 and 2015 with a secular health professional. While it was helpful, it did not help me understand "why" did this happen the way it did and "how" am I going to get through this grief to find my new normal. I was "stuck" in my grief. In 2018, I joined GriefShare, a faith-based grief support group which helped me immensely, I learned some coping skills, but still wasn't completely satisfied with the "why and how" I still didn't fully understand. While reading Book 3, I finally began to understand the "why and how". I have not made so many notes while reading a book (other than when I was in school) than I did while reading through Book 3. This series has been a Godsend to me. I highly recommend it to anyone. Besides being a very inspirational Contemporary Christian Romance Series, I found it to be a great roadmap for understanding and navigating the grieving process through the grief counseling provided to the characters in the story. There are just so many good reasons to read this series. I hope you do yourself a favor and pick it up today.
I read Flight 259 a few years ago. Last week, my mother told me there were more books in the series she thought I should read. So, I decided I would read this first book again before I started reading though the other books in the series. I am so glad that I did decide to reread this story. It is such a wonderful story in so many ways.
I was hesitant to read this book at first because after losing my husband and soul mate in 2013, I was afraid the story would hit too close to home and hurt my heart to read it. I am so glad that I conquered that fear as this story blessed my heart. I went through nearly a full box of tissues reading this story. But it was worth it!
I went through one-on-one grief counseling in 2014 and 2015 with a secular health professional. While it was helpful, it did not help me understand "why" did this happen the way it did and "how" am I going to get through this grief to find my new normal. I was "stuck" in my grief. In 2018, I joined GriefShare, a faith-based grief support group which helped me immensely, I learned some coping skills, but still wasn't completely satisfied with the "why and how" I still didn't fully understand. While reading Book 3, I finally began to understand the "why and how". I have not made so many notes while reading a book (other than when I was in school) than I did while reading through Book 3. This series has been a Godsend to me. I highly recommend it to anyone. Besides being a very inspirational Contemporary Christian Romance Series, I found it to be a great roadmap for understanding and navigating the grieving process through the grief counseling provided to the characters in the story. There are just so many good reasons to read this series. I hope you do yourself a favor and pick it up today.
September 26, 2022
Texan Jenna Davis had had a rough three years since the death of her father, husband, and daughter in a fiery car crash she witnessed. Her mother has become difficult, so in desperation, she decides to go to a friend's home in New Jersey. New Jersey Dr. Scott Browning's life has also gone sideways when his wife cheated on him leaving him with his 2-year-old son. He's returning to NJ from a Boise visit with his parents. Both end up on the same plane from Chicago to Newark, and in one of the back rows together, where Scott is having a difficult time with Lane. When the plane run into problems in a storm over Detroit, it crash lands into a bridge and then the river, severing the tail. Only the people in the very back of the plane are able to exit into the icy January cold before it sinks. Jenna gets Lane to safety and then goes back for Scott, who has injured his shoulder and his foot is stuck. Jenna is able to free him and get him out far enough for rescuers to get them both. A variety of mishaps and miscommunications hinder their recovery and reunion, but eventually all is cleared up and the two get their HEA.
A bit heavy on the preaching, but an interesting/unusual story.
A bit heavy on the preaching, but an interesting/unusual story.
September 3, 2022
This was my first book by Staci Stallings and I was blown away by it!
A young widow decides to fly to New Jersey to visit a friend to help herself get some distance from the tragic memory of seeing her husband, young daughter and her father killed in a car accident. She misses her original direct flight and is instead rebooked to connect through Chicago.
On the plane to New Jersey she meets a handsome man who is traveling with his 2 year old son Lane, and nearly at his wits end trying to entertain his son and keep him happy while confined to an airplane seat.
The seemingly randomness of how these characters end up sitting together on the same plane and how their lives are changed forever as a result is incredible.
The story is told from multiple character’s POVs to give a wide-angle view of the story. Jenna’s tragic past is heartbreaking which makes her strength and courage so amazing. Scott is caring, compassionate and supportive while opening his heart to love someone who may never be ready to love him back. Lane is an adorable little guy who will melt your heart.
A young widow decides to fly to New Jersey to visit a friend to help herself get some distance from the tragic memory of seeing her husband, young daughter and her father killed in a car accident. She misses her original direct flight and is instead rebooked to connect through Chicago.
On the plane to New Jersey she meets a handsome man who is traveling with his 2 year old son Lane, and nearly at his wits end trying to entertain his son and keep him happy while confined to an airplane seat.
The seemingly randomness of how these characters end up sitting together on the same plane and how their lives are changed forever as a result is incredible.
The story is told from multiple character’s POVs to give a wide-angle view of the story. Jenna’s tragic past is heartbreaking which makes her strength and courage so amazing. Scott is caring, compassionate and supportive while opening his heart to love someone who may never be ready to love him back. Lane is an adorable little guy who will melt your heart.
July 17, 2018
A truly beautiful story
I absolutely loved this well-written story! It was everything a story should be. I loved the start as Jenna tore herself away from her smothering narcisstic mother, to start a new life as a widow after losing her adored husband and little daughter in a fiery violent crash, which she witnessed, to her "chance" meeting with a handsome doctor struggling with his toddler son on a long flight. I loved how her maternal instincts kicked in, as she calmed Lane. I loved her heroism when she saved his son's life, then went back for him. Read it! This is story telling at its best. Superb Staci Stallings. I stayed up until the early hours trying to devour this wonderful book. Passed out eventually and woke to another 3 hours of pure reading pleasure. I will definitely read more by this Christian author.
I absolutely loved this well-written story! It was everything a story should be. I loved the start as Jenna tore herself away from her smothering narcisstic mother, to start a new life as a widow after losing her adored husband and little daughter in a fiery violent crash, which she witnessed, to her "chance" meeting with a handsome doctor struggling with his toddler son on a long flight. I loved how her maternal instincts kicked in, as she calmed Lane. I loved her heroism when she saved his son's life, then went back for him. Read it! This is story telling at its best. Superb Staci Stallings. I stayed up until the early hours trying to devour this wonderful book. Passed out eventually and woke to another 3 hours of pure reading pleasure. I will definitely read more by this Christian author.
March 9, 2020
This was an exciting book set in the current day. The words were well chosen. The characters were realistic, approachable and easy to identify with. The things that happened in the fiction story could really happen in life for several reasons. God can give us supernatural strength in many instances. Also, history has had many times with unusual stories of amazing acts of bravery not credited to God.
I would have appreciated more credit to God. But, I understand that some people who pray don't have a personal relationship with Him that extends to their entire life.
This book showed realistic struggles that humans go through in their relationships and in the past experiences we have.
I enjoyed it and I hope you do as well.
I would have appreciated more credit to God. But, I understand that some people who pray don't have a personal relationship with Him that extends to their entire life.
This book showed realistic struggles that humans go through in their relationships and in the past experiences we have.
I enjoyed it and I hope you do as well.
August 10, 2017
This story grabbed my heart on page one and held it to the end. There were multiple and frequent point of view changes which I would have expected to be confusing but were not. To the contrary, they added depth and richness to the story as none of the characters were ever flat. We always knew what they were thinking and how they felt. Scott and Jenna were good people, likable and the immediate connection made sense. I was rooting for them to get together and for Jenna to experience happiness again. Well done Ms. Stallings!
March 21, 2021
Christian references, but not Christ centered
This was a good story, but was stretched out a little too long. The main character would talk about God, say a quick prayer, but it was never about having a true relationship with Jesus. They both struggle with sexual desire, but never once did he mention not having premarital sex because they wanted to honor God. God loves us so much and wants to have an intimate relationship with us. His desire is for us to surrender all of our life to him, because He wants to experience all of his love, grace, and mercy.
This was a good story, but was stretched out a little too long. The main character would talk about God, say a quick prayer, but it was never about having a true relationship with Jesus. They both struggle with sexual desire, but never once did he mention not having premarital sex because they wanted to honor God. God loves us so much and wants to have an intimate relationship with us. His desire is for us to surrender all of our life to him, because He wants to experience all of his love, grace, and mercy.
September 20, 2021
Danger can bring out the good in a person or the bad
Jenna left home because her mother was always giving her a hard time and blamed her for her husband's death. Jenna was on her way to see a friend when the plane she was on crashed. The reason she survived was because she gave her seat to a newly married couple. Jenna was able to save two other people before the plane went under the water. This is a story full of all kinds of adventures and surprises. You will not want to put this book down! Have tissue on hand!
Jenna left home because her mother was always giving her a hard time and blamed her for her husband's death. Jenna was on her way to see a friend when the plane she was on crashed. The reason she survived was because she gave her seat to a newly married couple. Jenna was able to save two other people before the plane went under the water. This is a story full of all kinds of adventures and surprises. You will not want to put this book down! Have tissue on hand!
September 1, 2022
Plenty of drama and action in this tale of a plane crash and its aftermath. Jenna Davis and Scott Browning are both likeable, sympathetic characters, and their personal backstories fit well with the novel's plot line. Scott's toddler, Lane, is the magnet that draws Jenna and Scott together, both before and after the crash.
The romantic scenes between Jenna and Scott become repetitive as they keep putting themselves into a situation from which they have to pull back before it's too late. The rapid switching of scenes and POV gave a choppy feeling to the novel as a whole.
If you like drama and romance, I think you'll like Flight 259.
The romantic scenes between Jenna and Scott become repetitive as they keep putting themselves into a situation from which they have to pull back before it's too late. The rapid switching of scenes and POV gave a choppy feeling to the novel as a whole.
If you like drama and romance, I think you'll like Flight 259.
November 19, 2023
The writing needs work. Jumps way too frequently between POV. Every paragraph is a different person, with 4-6 perspectives in a single chapter constantly switching back and forth. It’s dizzying.
The author also really needs to work on putting in some research on a topic before writing. A patient is never discharged from the hospital without social workers making a plan for discharge. A random employee of the airline isn’t going to be the one to teach the patient how to walk with crutches, where are the physical therapists? Sooo many plot holes.
The author also really needs to work on putting in some research on a topic before writing. A patient is never discharged from the hospital without social workers making a plan for discharge. A random employee of the airline isn’t going to be the one to teach the patient how to walk with crutches, where are the physical therapists? Sooo many plot holes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2024
Jenna is a grieving young widow that decides to visit a friend for a different view. Boarding an ill fated plane, she changes seats with a couple that want to sit together and winds up sitting next to a young father and his son. As the plane crashes, Jenna is able to save both herself the boy(Lane) and his father(Scott). Jenna has a lot of healing to do both physically and mentally. This story follows the path of these three survivors. I found myself feeling all the feels. This is a stand alone story but there are other books in this series that I can't wait to read.
September 11, 2017
Not Exactly What I Expected
This was a decent book; however, it simply wasn't what I expected, and that's what I get for putting my expectations on this or any other author. It's simply not fair to either of us. All that being said, the book was well written and did have the Christian values as stated. The next time I have a migraine, I simply won't read a book that isn't guaranteed to be funny!
This was a decent book; however, it simply wasn't what I expected, and that's what I get for putting my expectations on this or any other author. It's simply not fair to either of us. All that being said, the book was well written and did have the Christian values as stated. The next time I have a migraine, I simply won't read a book that isn't guaranteed to be funny!
September 19, 2017
Not a Flight of Fancy
If you've ever had a phobia about flying, this is not the book for you; but if you're looking for a book to occupy a rainy day, then this book will keep you wondering if all will be well at the end. Couldn't put it down. Thankfully, chapter one of the sequel is included resolving the story. This book has fewer stars due to the sloppy proofreading and editing of the Kindle version. Nevertheless, I'm not sorry I bought it.
If you've ever had a phobia about flying, this is not the book for you; but if you're looking for a book to occupy a rainy day, then this book will keep you wondering if all will be well at the end. Couldn't put it down. Thankfully, chapter one of the sequel is included resolving the story. This book has fewer stars due to the sloppy proofreading and editing of the Kindle version. Nevertheless, I'm not sorry I bought it.
November 6, 2017
Sweet story
The suspense at the beginning hooked me. I couldn't put it down. The second half of the book was a little slow for my taste...I would have liked a little more suspense and drama. The only thing I would change for sure is how when she cursed, ranted, and raved at God, she never repented and it stuck out like a sore thumb to me. Otherwise, I'm excited to continue reading Jenna and Scott's story.
The suspense at the beginning hooked me. I couldn't put it down. The second half of the book was a little slow for my taste...I would have liked a little more suspense and drama. The only thing I would change for sure is how when she cursed, ranted, and raved at God, she never repented and it stuck out like a sore thumb to me. Otherwise, I'm excited to continue reading Jenna and Scott's story.
February 21, 2018
Jenna world was now one of survival, losing her world three years ago. Final wanting a new start, away from her mother and memories, she takes an airplane. Only to change seats, and sit by a young boy and his father. Again she is thrusted into survival, for herself, and the two beside her. What follows,could something come from that, or was it clouded just in thanks. For Jenna, could she open to a new beginning. Very well done, of healing and second changes. Readers will enjoy, and the series.
July 22, 2018
It's hard not to think about crashes when boarding a plane. This story begins when Jenna sits next to Scott and his little boy on a flight. The plane goes down in a storm, and Jenna saves Scott's and Lane's lives. She didn't bargain on love. Especially when that was the farthest thing from her mind or desire. But, here it was. Now what? I was on the edge of my seat, almost like being on that plane!
July 30, 2018
Flight 259
I have been on a Christian fiction hiatus because I have been kind of disappointed with this genre, but Flight 259 was a good reintroduction back into the Christian fiction world. I felt that the romance happened too quickly, but I loved how the author showed the emotional turmoil Jenna struggled with while falling in love again. I'm excited to see what will happen next to Jenna and Scott.
I have been on a Christian fiction hiatus because I have been kind of disappointed with this genre, but Flight 259 was a good reintroduction back into the Christian fiction world. I felt that the romance happened too quickly, but I loved how the author showed the emotional turmoil Jenna struggled with while falling in love again. I'm excited to see what will happen next to Jenna and Scott.
November 3, 2022
What a rollercoaster of emotions
A really well written book. You can't put it down until you see how it's all going to work out. The trauma is incredible; the rescue, amazing; the effect of selfless kindness in the face of incredible odds, inspiring. Jenna is truly an outstanding and memorable character. May we all be as gracious, selfless, and giving as she is. The story stays with you even after you finish the book. A number of really good characters with outstanding traits.
A really well written book. You can't put it down until you see how it's all going to work out. The trauma is incredible; the rescue, amazing; the effect of selfless kindness in the face of incredible odds, inspiring. Jenna is truly an outstanding and memorable character. May we all be as gracious, selfless, and giving as she is. The story stays with you even after you finish the book. A number of really good characters with outstanding traits.
December 19, 2025
disjointed and absolutely impossible to read!!!
I read the authors note that said that this book was from the late 1990s and to please give it some brace for that reason. However, this book is so disjointed. Going from paragraph to paragraph from one perspective to another. It’s all over the place. It’s impossible to read. Very disappointing. I really hope this author fully rewrite this book Because the premises interesting. DNF.
I read the authors note that said that this book was from the late 1990s and to please give it some brace for that reason. However, this book is so disjointed. Going from paragraph to paragraph from one perspective to another. It’s all over the place. It’s impossible to read. Very disappointing. I really hope this author fully rewrite this book Because the premises interesting. DNF.
September 3, 2017
.The book keeps flowing.........torches on so many emotions including having to wait a little longer for the next one..................I certainly hope the wait goes quickly and that there is also a third
I can't begin to believe that anyone wouldn't enjoy this...the little bit of religion mixed into the story was perfect and certainly added to the book
I can't begin to believe that anyone wouldn't enjoy this...the little bit of religion mixed into the story was perfect and certainly added to the book
November 29, 2017
Fantastic book, I heard of this author after she came up on my recommendations for kindle books. I decided to give this a try and really enjoyed it a lot. I am looking forward to the other two books in the series. this author sounds really good and I don't think this will be the last I will be reading by her.
January 14, 2018
My Review
In short, I loved this book. While I'm not a big reader of romance, I liked the directions the author took with this first book of he series. It was a book tha made me look at my own losses, and how I dealt with them. It was some emotional reading but I couldn't put the book down. I look forward to the next book and hope it's as much of a pate-turner.
In short, I loved this book. While I'm not a big reader of romance, I liked the directions the author took with this first book of he series. It was a book tha made me look at my own losses, and how I dealt with them. It was some emotional reading but I couldn't put the book down. I look forward to the next book and hope it's as much of a pate-turner.
August 18, 2018
The Plane
A most beautifully written story and a young Woman who gave her all in a Plane crash! When you save a Life, that person is forever a part of you in one way are another. Love was hard to come about because of difficult circumstance that had to be worked through by Jenna. It is easy to give this 5🌟 get ready because you can not put this Book down! Enjoy
A most beautifully written story and a young Woman who gave her all in a Plane crash! When you save a Life, that person is forever a part of you in one way are another. Love was hard to come about because of difficult circumstance that had to be worked through by Jenna. It is easy to give this 5🌟 get ready because you can not put this Book down! Enjoy
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