Crosswind

by Pat Valdata

Ellen Horvath, whose college education is interrupted by personal tragedy, finds herself in the cycle of Life's realities, at a time and place chosen by Fate. Crosswind is her story, as she sorts through barriers and obstacles, until she finally discovers a world so appealing her life is changed again. This book is about a segment of Ellen's life, but the characters and personal interactions, and the outside influences on her life, can't help but make each reader think of his/her own life, and the combination of choices and circumstances that puts us where we are.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Pat Valdata is fiction writer and poet. Her poetry book about women aviation pioneers, Where No Man Can Touch, won the 2015 Donald Justice Poetry Prize and has just been released in a revised edition by Wind Canyon Books. Her most recent novel, Eve’s Daughters, was published by Moonshine Cove in November 2020. Her other novels are Crosswind and The Other Sister, which won a gold medal from the Árpád Academy of the Hungarian Association. Her other poetry titles are Inherent Vice and Looking for Bivalve.

Pat has an MFA in fiction writing from Goddard College and retired in 2020 from teaching creative writing and English for the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, and so many pilots I know, can relate to this story in many ways. Ellen's life was completely flipped upside down in a matter of weeks and she takes us on a journey of discovery; through every twist and turn she finds happiness in the strangest of circumstances. Becoming a pilot is hard, in less than a year, Ellen decided she not only wanted to experience flight, but she had to find out how to ditch her day job and make her dreams come true. All pilots struggle with the 'how' but the 'why' is so very clear. Thanks to great friends, and a wonderful airport team, Ellen conquers her fears.... it takes a village!

I'm inspired to get more glider time in the logbook, thanks to the author, Pat Valdata! I am an instructor based in the relative area that this book is based on, and have experienced great lift near the Delaware river. If you've ever wanted to be behind the controls, I recommend a discovery flight!

[Prue Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished reading Crosswind yesterday. What an excellent, engaging read. I couldn’t put it down and was close to tears a couple of times but then up, soaring in the sky. You can’t beat that!
Although this book was published nearly 30 years ago this story is as relevant today as it was then because it’s about the power of resilience. Ellen Hovarth, the 21 year-old main character, is suddenly left without the support of parents and has no income. Not surprisingly she feels she has very few options. This story shows that with just one small, but positive, step life can open out onto unexpected horizons.
A terrific read for anyone who is feeling powerless or for anyone needing to be reminded we always have choices because the narrative encourages readers to realise that true growth often begins with a single act of hope. Actually, it's a terrific read for everyone who enjoys a good story, well told.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written story about a young woman who loses her parents. The tales of her meeting new friends and finding happiness are very uplifting.