I have three recommendations for you this month featuring books that will transport you by land, by air, and by sea! And after reading all three of these books, I am grateful for modern travel both by air and by sea, and for the reminder that the support of community and love of family is universal and needed in our society today.
The first recommendation is Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks. This storm-tossed romance is beautifully written with depth and heart and enough details that readers will almost feel the salt spray as if they were on the ship with the characters. Miss May Byam’s father has been branded a criminal and taken away in irons, leaving her and her mother desperate to support themselves. May takes a position as a lady’s maid on a ship, but a difficult meeting with the ship’s chaplain makes her wonder if she’s made the correct choice. The chaplain, Elias Doswell is nursing a broken heart, but is intrigued by the new lady’s maid and wanting to make amends for the awkwardness of what happened when they first met. As they grow closer, battles with the French hang over them, threatening their love and their lives. Can they survive the rough waters ahead?
There are so many layers to this story of love and redemption set against the backdrop of England’s war with France. Elias is struggling with feelings of self-worth and where he fits in the world. May is also struggling with that after her father’s betrayal, but the way they deal with their internal issues is vastly different. Readers will easily identify with each character as they work through overcoming the emotional and physical obstacles in front of them. Most of the story takes place on a ship and the author does a phenomenal job in explaining intricate details about life at sea in the 1800s that never feels overwhelming or like a textbook. The entire cast of characters is easy to visualize and some will be familiar to those who have read, “Georgana’s Secret.” Across the Star-Kissed Sea is an emotionally satisfying adventure romance with just enough tension and suspense through battles of the sea as well as battles of the heart to create a story that readers won’t want to put down!
Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing, 348 pages, available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook.
My second recommendation is Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore. This is a historical fiction based on the little-known, but true story of Nancy Harness who became a pilot during WWII, defying all societal expectations for women of the time. Ms. Moore pulls you into Nancy’s life from the first page, with enough details and research woven in to really give readers a glimpse of all Nancy went through to accomplish what she did. We get to know Nancy as a teen when she discovers her love of flying and how she managed to rise through the ranks of a very male-dominated profession and excel in it. Nancy faced what appeared to be insurmountable opposition and difficult wartime losses, but her perseverance and courage served her well as she worked to make a place for herself and the women who would follow her in her chosen field. She held to her goals and dreams and in the process changed the face of aviation forever.
The author seamlessly weaves together the technical aspects of flying and the difficulties Nancy faced not only with being a pilot, but also with her life outside the cockpit—from the women she mentors and becomes friends with to her rival pilot, Jackie Cockran. But one of the most important relationships in Nancy’s life was with her future husband, Bob Love. His support and her marriage to him shaped her future endeavors and how she reacted to difficult circumstances surrounding her efforts in the aviation field. This emotional and inspirational story is a can’t-miss, especially for those readers who love WWII books and learning more about the history of women in aviation.
Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing, 474 pages, available in hardback, ebook, and audiobook.
The last recommendation I have is Love Lights the Way by Julie Coulter Bellon. This small-town romance centers around high school teacher Karissa Mead who has struggled to find love until a new policeman, Benson Wright, moves to town. Everyone in town is certain he’s the one for her, but she’s not so sure. Karissa’s students just want to help her along on the path to love and Ben’s grandma is always nudging them together, but no matter what, every time she sees Ben nothing seems to go right. After a fire at the school, Karissa is able to open up to Ben and they find some common ground and begin to grow closer. Fate seems to be against them, however, when Karissa is put in a dangerous situation and her life is on the line. Ben will need to use every skill he has to save her and show her love is worth fighting for.
This sweet story features a little comedy, a lot of heart, and a dash of suspense. A fun, satisfying read to cozy up with on a cold winter evening!
Love Lights the Way by Julie Coulter Bellon, published by Stone Hall Books, 218 pages, available in paperback and ebook.
After winning $10 in a second-grade writing contest, Julie Coulter Bellon knew she wanted to be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now an award-winning author of thirty-two books. She is also a podcast host for Authors Off the Page and Book Chat with Julie.
