Kate Evans may be a woman in a man's profession, but as Alaskan bush pilots go she's one of the best. She often works closely with doctor Paul Anderson, bringing much needed medical services to far flung people in the forbidding wilderness. But when a new boss who is against women pilots takes over the airfield, Kate's dreams and even her life are at stake. Can she prove her worth? Or will she die trying? And will she ever be able to truly surrender to her growing love for Paul? Full of highflying adventure and tender personal moments, Wings of Promise is the exciting second book in the Alaskan Skies series.
Bonnie Leon is the author of twenty-three novels, including the recently released One Hundred Valleys, To Dance With Dolphins, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons. Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, and even Africa. She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother. Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
Exciting and unpredictable! Bonnie Leon explores Alaska in the Great Depression through the eyes of Kate Evans, a pioneering bush pilot - with two appealing love interests. Note: This is the second in a true series - please read "Touching the Clouds" first to see how Kate makes her initial mark in Alaska.
I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska, but never thought I’d take a tour like Bonnie Leon created in Wings of Promise.
Forget IMAX. The tour with Kate brought me on a tour of the wilderness, showed me the Northern Lights, and flew me over snowy mountains in her airplane. We delivered the mail, even a litter of smelly pigs, and often brought the doctor to ill natives. We flew low over the trees searching for lost polar bear hunters, and made several treacherous landings on the ice—and I didn’t even get motion sick.
People joined us along the way. Paul, the doctor she loves who breaks up the romance because he lost his first wife and thinks because Kate is a pilot, he’ll lose her. Michael, her friend who loves her fiercely and wants to marry her. Lisa, who seems a perfect match for Paul. Then there’s her irritable boss, and someone I hope we don’t meet who is putting water in her fuel tank.
This is the third book in Bonnie Leon’s Alaskan series. The author is an accomplished novelist and Wings of Promise keeps you reading as you discover Alaska, danger and romance with Kate.
I wondered how the novelist was able to put us in the airplane with Kate, and go through so many intricate flying maneuvers without being a pilot herself. Turns out one of Alaska’s flying champions, Gayle Ranney helped make the scenes in the book possible.
Title: WINGS OF PROMISE Author: Bonnie Leon Publisher: Revell August 2011 ISBN: 978-0-8007-3360-5 Genre: Inspirational/historical romance
Kate Evans is still flying as a bush pilot over Alaska, but now she’s helping her fiancé Paul Anderson as he becomes a bush doctor. She is spending lots of time with Paul, which she enjoys, but that means less time flying charters and other jobs that pay her, so she’s making less money.
Plus, fellow pilot Mike Conlin seems to still be holding a romantic interest in Kate and he doesn’t seem willing to step aside for Paul. Mike is a really nice man and she appreciates his friendship and his wisdom, but Kate doesn’t appreciate the complications of a romantic triangle.
Paul seems to be harboring secrets though, and Kate isn’t sure about their relationship. She longs for clarity. But when a terrible tragedy occurs her mind might be made up for her.
WINGS OF PROMISE is the second book in the Alaskan Skies series by Ms. Leon. I didn’t find it as spell-binding as the first book, though it did have its tense moments when one had to keep reading. I appreciated all the information about what a bush pilot and bush doctor had to do as part of their jobs. And I had to admire Kate’s courage as she was asked to do some unexpected duties.
If you are looking for a good historical romance set in Alaska, then you will love WINGS OF PROMISE. It is full of the adventure that one would expect in the Alaskan wilderness. $14.99. 320 pages.
Kate Evans is up in the air again, literally! After being rescued from a plane crash, she has recovered and is ready to fly again. In fact she is flying in the clouds and walking on them too. She is in love with a capital L, however she isn't sure of herself or of this new romance. Plus she hates the fact that she has hurt Mike's feelings. He was her first friend in Alaska and is a good friend. However when Paul decides that he cannot face loving another person who might die in her dangerous career as a bush pilot, Kate walks away with a broken heart and Mike is there for her. Will the love and friendship between them be enough to keep them together?
Once again Bonnie Leon has hit a homerun with this book, however I was kind of stumped by what felt like a quick wrap up at the end, and I do look forward to Book Three in this series. A great story with lots of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You do not want to miss this second book in this story! 320 pages US $14.99 4 stars.
This book was another book I was given, and chose to review because I loved the story!
Bonnie Leon's second novel in her "Alaskan Skies" series takes the reader back to the bush country of Alaska in 1937. Kate Evans, a bold female pilot, has finally found love with Paul Anderson, a doctor. But Paul's fears over Kate's dangerous job threaten their relationship. When a tragedy occurs, Kate must overcome her own fears about flying to do what she feels is her purpose in life. Kate and Paul both must learn to trust God with their fears so that they can move forward with their lives.
Leon's novel is full of exciting adventure scenes involving the Alaskan bush. She really made me feel that I was there in Alaska with her vivid descriptions of the countryside in all of its harsh and wild beauty. I also really related to the lessons on trusting God in the midst of your fears.
Wings of Promise is the second book of the series. This book picks up a few months after the first book left off and about 18 months after we first met Kate. She is an established bush pilot loved and respected by many. What I liked most about this particular book is that it addressed our fears in that when something bad or tragic happens we are too scared to continue, to live our lives without fear, and we run from the things we love. It is hard to overcome personal tragedy and once Kate uncovers and faces her fears it provides a freedom like she has never known. P.S.- Amelia Earhart and her around the world flight is mentioned in this book.
I enjoyed continuing the story of Kate Evans, female bush pilot in Alaska. Kate loves life in Alaska and loves the thrill of piloting over the wild terrain and helping others. But her personal life is a little more complicated. She is torn between her feelings for Paul, a doctor who is running from his old life in San Fran, and Mike, a fellow pilot and great friend. Will Paul's fear of losing Kate cause him to drive her away? Will Kate feel more than friendship love for Mike? This is #2 in the Alaskan Skies series. Book 1 is Touching the Clouds.
The second installment in the Alaskan Skies series, Wings of Promise picks up and dives back into the life and times of Kate, our "fearless" lady push pilot running mail and other deliveries in the remote areas of Alaska. Bonnie Leon's ability to draw the reader a picture has you feeling every bump and wobble as she takes off and lands in her various regular spots. This one was a nice, quick read.
The fun part about reading a series, is that you get to know the characters like family. It wouldn't be so unusual or remarkable to read a novel about a woman pilot of today. However, reading of one in the 1930s who is a bush pilot in the rugged Alaskan wilderness is a unique and a fun read. It is a christian based novel. I have enjoyed how Bible verses offered comfort and answers in times of adversity. It was an enjoyable read and I'm on to book three in the series now.
I really enjoyed this series-Alaskan Skies-by Bonnie Leon. This book, Wings of Promise, left no disappointment! The characters, time period and details on flying and all it's obstacles were all written in a quite memorable and action-paced way. This is definitely worth a read. I look forward to more Bonnie Leon reads.
I have a new favorite author! I loved this story as much as the first in the series. There's tons of action and adventure and some tears. An emotional ride. A wonderful read for folks who love bush pilots, romance and outdoor adventure! Highly recommended. :)
I was thinking at the beginning where is this going...but I was quite pleased. The plot was the type that kept me wondering what next? Good read and can't wait to read the next, but I do put time between series books just to keep the new one fresh and on its own.
I was privileged to endorse this excellent novel. It's a terrific story with a good balance between action and romance. Wonderful descriptions of Alaska and its people.
Leon writes a beautiful series of a woman Bush pilot in Alaska and the relationships and heartaches she endures. Hope there is soon to be a book #3. (ARC copy)
This was a pretty good middle book. The story moved along. I'm looking to see it through the 3rd book. I still love the setting of the story and find that restful and enjoyable.
“Skrzydła nadziei” to drugi tom trylogii Niebo nad Alaską amerykańskiej pisarki Bonnie Leon. Seria opowiada o losach Kate Evans - jedynej pilotki w zdominowanym przez mężczyzn lotniczym środowisku Alaski lat 30., a także Paula Andersona - lekarza, uciekającego przed własną przeszłością. Akcja drugiej części rozpoczyna się krótko po zakończeniu pierwszej - Kate udowodniła już wszystkim, że jest dobrą pilotką i w pełni zasługuje na to, aby wykonywać swój ukochany zawód. Również w jej życiu prywatnym wszystko wydaje się układać: jej związek z Paulem kwitnie, dzięki niej mężczyzna wraca także do zawodu lekarza, niosąc pomoc potrzebującym w licznych alaskańskich osadach. Ciągle jednak nie potrafi pogodzić się z utratą żony, a niebezpieczny zawód Kate napawa go strachem, że utraci również ją… Oboje czeka wiele bólu i trudnych decyzji. Co okaże się silniejsze: strach czy miłość? W tym również miłość do latania…
Chociaż lotnictwo nigdy nie leżało w kręgu moich zainteresowań, to jednak lubię powieści o silnych kobietach, łamiących stereotypy - z radością powróciłam więc do lektury losów Kate. Bonnie Leon i tym razem nie zawiodła, tworząc kolejną wciągającą, emocjonującą i mądrą powieść, łamiącą serce, ale i podnoszącą na duchu.
Przede wszystkim po raz kolejny zaimponowała mi ilość pracy, jaką autorka musiała włożyć w poszukiwania informacji na temat życia na Alasce w pierwszej połowie dwudziestego wieku, a w szczególności na temat realiów pracy pilota w tamtych czasach. Efekt jest na tyle autentyczny, że czytając o wszystkich lotach Kate, o maszynerii wewnątrz samolotu i sposobie jej używania, można by pomyśleć, iż Bonnie Leon sama spędziła niezliczone godziny za sterami.
Na kartach powieści znowu spotykamy znane już z pierwszej części grono ciekawych bohaterów, pierwszo- i drugoplanowych. Z jednej strony Kate jest jeszcze odważniejsza i bardziej pewna swoich umiejętności, a z drugiej, wskutek pewnych tragicznych wydarzeń, przyjdzie jej zmagać się z niepewnością i strachem, których do tej pory nie doświadczyła. Cały czas pozostaje jednak blisko Boga i potrafi nie obwiniać Go za ciężkie doświadczenia, które ją spotykają, ale wręcz przeciwnie - w Nim odnajduje ukojenie. Paul trochę stracił w moich oczach w stosunku do pierwszego tomu, nie potrafiłam zgodzić się z niektórymi z jego decyzji, chociaż rozumiałam, co je spowodowało. Cieszę się jednak, że postanowił wrócić do porzuconego przed laty zawodu, co wymagało z jego strony sporej odwagi. Powieść skupia się na tej dwójce bohaterów, ale mamy również okazję zajrzeć, co słychać u Townsów, Turchików, Patricka i Sassy, a nawet rodziców Kate. Autorka ma niezaprzeczalny talent do tworzenia wyrazistych postaci, nie tylko głównych, ale i tych pobocznych.
Mimo lekkiego stylu, wiele tematów poruszanych w tej książce do lekkich nie należy. Śmierć bliskich, życie w ciągłym poczuciu winy, trudne warunki życia na Alasce, gdzie łatwo można paść ofiarą żywiołów, złamane serce, czy rezygnacja z części siebie - to tylko część problemów, które dotykają naszych bohaterów. Mimo to w powieści nie brakuje też humoru, ciepła i kojącego zapewnienia, że jest ktoś, kto nad wszystkim czuwa.
“Skrzydła nadziei” to wspaniała opowieść o różnych odcieniach miłości, o bólu, który może ukoić tylko Bóg, oraz o przezwyciężaniu własnego strachu. Ciekawa jestem, jakie nowe perypetie wymyśliła autorka dla swoich bohaterów w trzeciej części cyklu i mam nadzieję, że wkrótce będzie mi dane się tego dowiedzieć.
This is the second of the series and I liked it, but not as much as the first one. In this one I didn't care too much for how wishy washy the main character was, especially where her love life was concerned. I did however love all the descriptions of Alaska and what it is like to be a bush pilot in Alaska. This book brought the setting and the danger to life.
Like a roller coaster, this book is filled with highs and lows! I felt a revelation from God in my own disappointments and these words of encouragement and times of crying were just what I needed!
Well written. Great love story, suspense.. Woman bush pilot in Alaska.. I lived in Alaska couple of years, could appreciate the weather and living conditions. I would this adult book.
In this Christian novel, Kate and Mike are set to get married when Mike’s plane goes down and he doesn’t survive. She leaves Alaska and flying. Back home she decides that flying is her purpose in life. Alaska calls her back, and Paul is waiting. Recommended.
This is the second trilogy that I have read from Bonnie Leon and it comes with a great story of characters just like the Sydney Cove trilogy. It give you thrills and suspense and it pulls at the heart strings. Can't put it down and I look forward to other books by Bonnie Leon!
3.5 stars. I did like this book. I liked the adventurous spirt of the main character and the flying stories. The one thing I didn't like so much was her love life, she annoyed me by going from one guy to another.