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The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West
An extraordinary story, inspired by real events, of a female aviator who defies the odds to embark on a daring air race across the Pacific, perfect for fans of Great Circle and Her Last Flight.
1927. Olivia "Livy" West is a fearless young pilot with a love of adventure. She yearns to cross oceans and travel the skies. When she learns of the Dole Air Race––a high-stakes contest to be the first to make the 2,400 mile Pacific crossing from the West Coast to Hawai'i—she sets her sights on qualifying. But it soon becomes clear that only men will make the cut. In a last-ditch effort to take part, Livy manages to be picked as a navigator for one of the pilots, before setting out on a harrowing journey that some will not survive.
1987. Wren Summers is down to her last dime when she learns she has inherited a remote piece of land on the Big Island with nothing on it but a dilapidated barn and an overgrown mac nut grove. She plans on selling it and using the money to live on, but she is drawn in by the mysterious objects kept in the barn by her late great-uncle––clues to a tragic piece of aviation history lost to time. Determined to find out what really happened all those years ago, Wren enlists the help of residents at a nearby retirement home to uncover Olivia’s story piece by piece. What she discovers is more earth-shattering, and closer to home, than she could have ever imagined.
1927. Olivia "Livy" West is a fearless young pilot with a love of adventure. She yearns to cross oceans and travel the skies. When she learns of the Dole Air Race––a high-stakes contest to be the first to make the 2,400 mile Pacific crossing from the West Coast to Hawai'i—she sets her sights on qualifying. But it soon becomes clear that only men will make the cut. In a last-ditch effort to take part, Livy manages to be picked as a navigator for one of the pilots, before setting out on a harrowing journey that some will not survive.
1987. Wren Summers is down to her last dime when she learns she has inherited a remote piece of land on the Big Island with nothing on it but a dilapidated barn and an overgrown mac nut grove. She plans on selling it and using the money to live on, but she is drawn in by the mysterious objects kept in the barn by her late great-uncle––clues to a tragic piece of aviation history lost to time. Determined to find out what really happened all those years ago, Wren enlists the help of residents at a nearby retirement home to uncover Olivia’s story piece by piece. What she discovers is more earth-shattering, and closer to home, than she could have ever imagined.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2024
174 people are currently reading
9713 people want to read
About the author
Sara Ackerman
9 books1,534 followersSara Ackerman is the Hawaii born, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical novels set in the Islands.
Sara's books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review.
Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on FB @ackermanbooks.
Sara's books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review.
Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on FB @ackermanbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 512 reviews
January 18, 2024
Olivia West is a teenage girl and the daughter of a fisherman from San Diego who desperately wants to learn to fly, she works doing odd jobs at a flight school hoping one day she would get a chance to train to be a pilot and her perseverance pays off.
James Dole, the owner of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company and known as the “Pineapple King” comes up with the idea of an air race, from San Diego to Honolulu, flying over 2,400 miles crossing the Pacific Ocean and Livy wants to take part. Olivia discovers only men can register to be pilots, she meets with Felix Harding the owner of a monoplane and Livy's to be his navigator.
The story has a dual timeline its set in 1927 and 1987 and told from the two female main characters points of view Olivia West and Wren Summers.
Wren Summers is a struggling artist, her boyfriend cheated on her and she's broke. Wren can’t believe when she inherits a remote piece of land on the Big Island with nothing on it but a dilapidated barn and an overgrown macadamia nut grove.
Wren parents separated when she was a toddler, her mother has remarried and Wren hasn’t tried to find her father, and the land belonged to three of his aunts and for some reason it was left to her. Wren’s drawn to the place and changes her mind about selling it, the barn is full of old junk and something large shrouded by a tarp and she needs help to uncover it.
Wren meets Pono Willard, his family own a ranch nearby and his hobby is fixing cars. Wren starts working at the Malama Care Home, despite having no experience in aged care and she hopes someone will remember The Dole Derby and what happened to Olivia West?
I received a copy of The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West by Sara Ackerman from HarperCollins and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Ackerman is one of my favorite historical fiction authors and I was looking forward to reading her latest novel, combine her extensive knowledge of Hawaii and her writing skills and it makes for an exceptional and interesting story.
Both of the main characters are strong women, determined and Olivia overcomes the odds that are stacked against her, by becoming a pilot and getting the chance to cross the Pacific Ocean by plane, at the time it was dangerous and anything could go wrong in the twenty seven hour flight? Olivia could not only read a compass and maps and she was taught weather patterns and how to find her way using the stars by her father and it could be a lifesaving skill?
The stand out characters for me are Olivia, Wren, Heath, Pono, Mrs. Wagner, Myra, Scout and Pa’a the dogs, the motto of the story is go after what you want and defy the odds. The connection between the two women, sixty years apart is touching and took me by surprise and five stars from me.
James Dole, the owner of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company and known as the “Pineapple King” comes up with the idea of an air race, from San Diego to Honolulu, flying over 2,400 miles crossing the Pacific Ocean and Livy wants to take part. Olivia discovers only men can register to be pilots, she meets with Felix Harding the owner of a monoplane and Livy's to be his navigator.
The story has a dual timeline its set in 1927 and 1987 and told from the two female main characters points of view Olivia West and Wren Summers.
Wren Summers is a struggling artist, her boyfriend cheated on her and she's broke. Wren can’t believe when she inherits a remote piece of land on the Big Island with nothing on it but a dilapidated barn and an overgrown macadamia nut grove.
Wren parents separated when she was a toddler, her mother has remarried and Wren hasn’t tried to find her father, and the land belonged to three of his aunts and for some reason it was left to her. Wren’s drawn to the place and changes her mind about selling it, the barn is full of old junk and something large shrouded by a tarp and she needs help to uncover it.
Wren meets Pono Willard, his family own a ranch nearby and his hobby is fixing cars. Wren starts working at the Malama Care Home, despite having no experience in aged care and she hopes someone will remember The Dole Derby and what happened to Olivia West?
I received a copy of The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West by Sara Ackerman from HarperCollins and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Ackerman is one of my favorite historical fiction authors and I was looking forward to reading her latest novel, combine her extensive knowledge of Hawaii and her writing skills and it makes for an exceptional and interesting story.
Both of the main characters are strong women, determined and Olivia overcomes the odds that are stacked against her, by becoming a pilot and getting the chance to cross the Pacific Ocean by plane, at the time it was dangerous and anything could go wrong in the twenty seven hour flight? Olivia could not only read a compass and maps and she was taught weather patterns and how to find her way using the stars by her father and it could be a lifesaving skill?
The stand out characters for me are Olivia, Wren, Heath, Pono, Mrs. Wagner, Myra, Scout and Pa’a the dogs, the motto of the story is go after what you want and defy the odds. The connection between the two women, sixty years apart is touching and took me by surprise and five stars from me.
December 18, 2023
Have you ever wanted to do something so badly but the odds were stacked against you?
If so, you’ll enjoy reading about Livy who wanted to become a pilot at a time when this position wasn't open to women.
🛒What you’ll get:
Action-packed dual timeline features two inspiring women: a female aviator and a young woman who uncovers her buried history decades later
You may have heard of Charles Lindberg and his famous Atlantic crossing before and you may even know who James Dole is…but I bet you haven’t heard of the deadly air race across the Pacific from Oakland, CA to Honolulu, HI before! Inspired by Lindberg’s recent flight, the pineapple magnate decided to offer a prize to the first and second-place winners who could complete the 2,400-mile Pacific crossing. It was a tragic race. There were no female pilots in this 1927 race, just one female passenger, and this fact is what ignited the creative mind of Hawaiian author, Sara Ackerman.
This is where fact and fiction separate and Ackerman crafts an imaginary female navigator to star alongside real-life pilots and planes in this real-life tragic race for transpacific infamy. Only two planes (Dole birds) out of the fifteen entries landed in Honolulu both in real life and in this book - was Olivia West one of them?
I loved Olivia ‘Livy’ West’s character and could imagine this 16-year-old hanging around the hangar at Ryan Flying Company and School of Aviation hoping for a chance to find a pilot to take her for a ride. She would have grown up close to where The Spirit of St. Louis was manufactured and it would have fuelled her dreams. As she grew up, I began to see her adventurous side and loved how free-spirited she became. Running into Heath changed the trajectory of her life and I enjoyed filling in the backstory of her amazing legacy.
“I can be a pilot and a woman. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.”
Wren Summers’ 1987 timeline was beautifully meshed with the 1920s timeline, and the full connection was revealed towards the end of the story. Both timelines spotlighted women who were pushing the limits of their time but were not celebrated or even recognized.
“Go after what you want as though your life depended on it.”
It was fun to see Volcano House featured as we have great memories of our time at the caldera and our meal on the veranda overlooking it.
This fantastic book about pushing limits, second chances and beautiful beginnings, the concept of hānai and featuring a real-life aviation challenge is one historical fiction lovers will want on their list.
I’m excited about Ackerman’s November 2024 release set on Maui and centered around big wave surfing as much as I’m looking forward to her June 2025 novel set on Oahu and centered around an unsolved mystery in Waikiki.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequine Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
If so, you’ll enjoy reading about Livy who wanted to become a pilot at a time when this position wasn't open to women.
🛒What you’ll get:
Action-packed dual timeline features two inspiring women: a female aviator and a young woman who uncovers her buried history decades later
You may have heard of Charles Lindberg and his famous Atlantic crossing before and you may even know who James Dole is…but I bet you haven’t heard of the deadly air race across the Pacific from Oakland, CA to Honolulu, HI before! Inspired by Lindberg’s recent flight, the pineapple magnate decided to offer a prize to the first and second-place winners who could complete the 2,400-mile Pacific crossing. It was a tragic race. There were no female pilots in this 1927 race, just one female passenger, and this fact is what ignited the creative mind of Hawaiian author, Sara Ackerman.
This is where fact and fiction separate and Ackerman crafts an imaginary female navigator to star alongside real-life pilots and planes in this real-life tragic race for transpacific infamy. Only two planes (Dole birds) out of the fifteen entries landed in Honolulu both in real life and in this book - was Olivia West one of them?
I loved Olivia ‘Livy’ West’s character and could imagine this 16-year-old hanging around the hangar at Ryan Flying Company and School of Aviation hoping for a chance to find a pilot to take her for a ride. She would have grown up close to where The Spirit of St. Louis was manufactured and it would have fuelled her dreams. As she grew up, I began to see her adventurous side and loved how free-spirited she became. Running into Heath changed the trajectory of her life and I enjoyed filling in the backstory of her amazing legacy.
“I can be a pilot and a woman. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.”
Wren Summers’ 1987 timeline was beautifully meshed with the 1920s timeline, and the full connection was revealed towards the end of the story. Both timelines spotlighted women who were pushing the limits of their time but were not celebrated or even recognized.
“Go after what you want as though your life depended on it.”
It was fun to see Volcano House featured as we have great memories of our time at the caldera and our meal on the veranda overlooking it.
This fantastic book about pushing limits, second chances and beautiful beginnings, the concept of hānai and featuring a real-life aviation challenge is one historical fiction lovers will want on their list.
I’m excited about Ackerman’s November 2024 release set on Maui and centered around big wave surfing as much as I’m looking forward to her June 2025 novel set on Oahu and centered around an unsolved mystery in Waikiki.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequine Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 3, 2024
“I think my dear friend Amelia Earhart said it best, ‘Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?”’-Olivia West
This tale which was actually inspired by true life events, is told in two timelines. First spotlighting the adventures of spunky Livy West as she shows what women can do by joining an all-male flight contest in 1927 to fly across the Pacific. And, second, Wren Summers as she awkwardly learns how her life will change as she addresses in 1987, her inheritance of a remote piece of land in Hawaii.
At first, Wren’s reaction is to want to sell the land, because she is desolate and miserable and needs the money. But there is something magical about what exists in her late great-aunt’s barn that hints at a tragic piece of aviation history.
The question is how will this land and what Wren discovers tie back to Olivia West? And, what will Wren find that could change the trajectory of her own life? Including the love of a dog named Pa’a?
Will these stories eventually come together so that readers can unravel the mystery?
The Hawaiian landscapes could be a character in this story, they were so beautifully presented.
This is a delightful historical fiction story that features second chance moments, that shine a light on women’s accomplishments, while pushing boundaries, helping to find family, and lastly, a special dog, that somehow, captures this reader’s heart.
And without giving away anything, it is always nice when you can appreciate that by the time you reach the end, even if the story was slow at times, you feel right with the overall experience of the story.
“Because the people and the places, the beauty and the heartbreak, they were all part of the scenery – all part of one imperfect and splendid journey.”
This tale which was actually inspired by true life events, is told in two timelines. First spotlighting the adventures of spunky Livy West as she shows what women can do by joining an all-male flight contest in 1927 to fly across the Pacific. And, second, Wren Summers as she awkwardly learns how her life will change as she addresses in 1987, her inheritance of a remote piece of land in Hawaii.
At first, Wren’s reaction is to want to sell the land, because she is desolate and miserable and needs the money. But there is something magical about what exists in her late great-aunt’s barn that hints at a tragic piece of aviation history.
The question is how will this land and what Wren discovers tie back to Olivia West? And, what will Wren find that could change the trajectory of her own life? Including the love of a dog named Pa’a?
Will these stories eventually come together so that readers can unravel the mystery?
The Hawaiian landscapes could be a character in this story, they were so beautifully presented.
This is a delightful historical fiction story that features second chance moments, that shine a light on women’s accomplishments, while pushing boundaries, helping to find family, and lastly, a special dog, that somehow, captures this reader’s heart.
And without giving away anything, it is always nice when you can appreciate that by the time you reach the end, even if the story was slow at times, you feel right with the overall experience of the story.
“Because the people and the places, the beauty and the heartbreak, they were all part of the scenery – all part of one imperfect and splendid journey.”
February 8, 2024
A fantastic dual timeline historical fiction mystery/romance set in the 1920s and 1980s that focuses on the life of a young aspiring female pilot, Olivia 'Livy' West as she yearns to compete in the Dole Air Race. Unfortunately it quickly becomes apparent only male pilots will qualify for the cross Pacific race but she manages to earn a spot as navigator with another pilot. What follows is a tale of adventure and romance that was great on audio. I've loved the author's WWII stories but it was refreshing to read about a different time in history. Highly recommended especially for fans of stories like Great circle by Maggie Shipstead. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
March 10, 2024
TITLE: The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West
AUTHOR: SARA ACKERMAN
PUB DATE: 02.06.2024
I have been a huge fan of Sara Ackerman’s writing ever since the beginning. Ackerman writes stories about incredible women in history based on real life events. I enjoy reading historical fiction because it combines my love of fiction but with a twist - I’m actually learning too about historical events. Lately, I have been binging on Masters of the Air about an Air Force unit during WWII though the story is male dominated and doesn’t highlight the women in the Air Force, so in that vein, this book was the perfect read for me.
The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is set in 1927 about a fearless female aviator competing in a death-defying race across the Pacific to Hawaii, against all odds along a male dominated field. Then in 1987 Wren Summers uncovers the mystery of Olivia’s story when she inherits a land in the Big Island.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read - the story was immersive and fast paced - an exhilarating read about women pilots and the world of aviation in that slice of history. The lush setting of Hawaii truly brings me joy as well as the bit of romance and adventure.
AUTHOR: SARA ACKERMAN
PUB DATE: 02.06.2024
I have been a huge fan of Sara Ackerman’s writing ever since the beginning. Ackerman writes stories about incredible women in history based on real life events. I enjoy reading historical fiction because it combines my love of fiction but with a twist - I’m actually learning too about historical events. Lately, I have been binging on Masters of the Air about an Air Force unit during WWII though the story is male dominated and doesn’t highlight the women in the Air Force, so in that vein, this book was the perfect read for me.
The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is set in 1927 about a fearless female aviator competing in a death-defying race across the Pacific to Hawaii, against all odds along a male dominated field. Then in 1987 Wren Summers uncovers the mystery of Olivia’s story when she inherits a land in the Big Island.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read - the story was immersive and fast paced - an exhilarating read about women pilots and the world of aviation in that slice of history. The lush setting of Hawaii truly brings me joy as well as the bit of romance and adventure.
October 20, 2023
I may be Olivia West's biggest fan. I'd never heard of the Dole Air Race before reading The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West. Within, Ackerman takes readers on a captivating and white-knuckle journey through the skies of the 1920s, showcasing the entry of women pilots and navigators into the world of aviation. The character of Wren, set in the 1980s, is the perfect addition, bringing to life a down-on-her-luck woman who charts a new path for herself. Vivid details, lush settings, romance, action, and adventure—The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West has it all and will delight historical fiction lovers.
February 9, 2024
The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is a dual timeline story, based upon real events. in 1927,Olivia West is a teenage girl and the daughter of a fisherman from San Diego who desperately wants to learn to fly. She works, or rather volunteers, doing odd jobs at a flight school hoping one day she would get a chance to train to be a pilot, and eventually gets the chance. She wants to enter a dangerous air race from California to Hawaii, that takes twenty-seven hours. Only men are allowed to enter, so she accepts a position as a navigator. Being a pilot as well, pays off for Olivia and the pilot she was flying with. In the 1987 timeline, we meet Wren Summers, who inherits a remote piece of land on the Big Island. There is no house, just an old barn and some trees. She plans to sell the land, and live on the money she makes. While checking out the barn, she finds a piece of aviation history, and sets out to uncover Olivia's story.
I do enjoy a book where I learn something and this book does just that. The events this book was based on resulted in only two planes completing the race, with some disappearing. Olivia is a fictional character, but the events were real. Olivia is adventurous, perseverant and loves to fly. She won't take no for an answer, so figures out a way to participate. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is a mix of historical fiction and women's fiction. As with many dual timeline stories, I enjoyed the past story more than the present, as it had more adventure and kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to see how Olivia would fare and if she would make it to Hawaii. There were themes of women breaking into traditional men's roles, friendship, women supporting one another and a bit of romance. The secondary characters added a lot to the story and were all strong characters as well. If you enjoy a good, well researched historical fiction, or a dual timeline story, then I recommend you pick this one up. I did a read/listen and enjoyed the narration performed by Jennifer Robideau. She was able to pull me in a bit more with her storytelling skills.
I do enjoy a book where I learn something and this book does just that. The events this book was based on resulted in only two planes completing the race, with some disappearing. Olivia is a fictional character, but the events were real. Olivia is adventurous, perseverant and loves to fly. She won't take no for an answer, so figures out a way to participate. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is a mix of historical fiction and women's fiction. As with many dual timeline stories, I enjoyed the past story more than the present, as it had more adventure and kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to see how Olivia would fare and if she would make it to Hawaii. There were themes of women breaking into traditional men's roles, friendship, women supporting one another and a bit of romance. The secondary characters added a lot to the story and were all strong characters as well. If you enjoy a good, well researched historical fiction, or a dual timeline story, then I recommend you pick this one up. I did a read/listen and enjoyed the narration performed by Jennifer Robideau. She was able to pull me in a bit more with her storytelling skills.
March 17, 2024
4.5 stars for this fascinating dual timeline story. I loved it. (I may end up bumping it up after I re-read it.)
Our historical story is set in 1927 and features the very real Dole sponsored air race from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawai'i. Our heroine is Olivia West and we get to watch her achieve her dream of becoming a pilot. And we get to agonize along with her as she wages the day to day fight of being recognized as the equal of the male pilots. Let me say up front that I loved Livy.
Our more modern story is set in 1987. Honolulu based Wren Summers is not having a good time. She is broke, her long-term romance went sour. She's on the verge of having to move in with her mom when she inherits a parcel of land on the Big Island from a relative she had never heard of (the aunt of her long unseen father.) Her first idea is to sell the property, sight unseen, but then curiosity takes over. A quick trip to look at the property has her changing her mind, moving to the Big Island, and setting up housekeeping in the huge barn. A barn with an old truck and a couple of shrouded pieces of equipment already occupying the space. Thus begins Wren's new life, as she tries to unravel the mysteries she has inherited.
The book deftly moves back and forth between both young women. I don't want to say too much about how the stories are related to each other. The details of the air race are very scary; I just had to trust the author. Likewise, Wren's search for answers takes a few twists I did not foresee.
The author did a great job with the ending. I was very happy with how she tied it all together.
And I really appreciated her notes at the end about the race and the real participants.
The author is an auto-buy for me. I really curious as to what story she will tell us next.
Our historical story is set in 1927 and features the very real Dole sponsored air race from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawai'i. Our heroine is Olivia West and we get to watch her achieve her dream of becoming a pilot. And we get to agonize along with her as she wages the day to day fight of being recognized as the equal of the male pilots. Let me say up front that I loved Livy.
Our more modern story is set in 1987. Honolulu based Wren Summers is not having a good time. She is broke, her long-term romance went sour. She's on the verge of having to move in with her mom when she inherits a parcel of land on the Big Island from a relative she had never heard of (the aunt of her long unseen father.) Her first idea is to sell the property, sight unseen, but then curiosity takes over. A quick trip to look at the property has her changing her mind, moving to the Big Island, and setting up housekeeping in the huge barn. A barn with an old truck and a couple of shrouded pieces of equipment already occupying the space. Thus begins Wren's new life, as she tries to unravel the mysteries she has inherited.
The book deftly moves back and forth between both young women. I don't want to say too much about how the stories are related to each other. The details of the air race are very scary; I just had to trust the author. Likewise, Wren's search for answers takes a few twists I did not foresee.
The author did a great job with the ending. I was very happy with how she tied it all together.
And I really appreciated her notes at the end about the race and the real participants.
The author is an auto-buy for me. I really curious as to what story she will tell us next.
February 12, 2024
The Unchartered Flight of Olivia West is a superb read. Inspired by real events with a dual time narrative that is sure to both engage and thrill readers. In the historical timeline of 1927 is Olivia ‘Livy’ West who defies the odds to become one of the first female aviators embarking on a race across the Pacific Ocean. The more contemporary timeline of 1987 sees Wren who is down on her luck but finds she has inherited a remote piece of land in the Hawaiian islands. How the two timelines come together is well worth the read.
‘The whole world narrowed down to a pinhead, the words thundering in her ears. If there was one thing Olivia West knew about herself, it was this: tell her she couldn't do something and she would prove you wrong, whatever the cost.’
Stories of remarkable women from history are always gratifying and this one is no exception. Banned as a pilot but gaining a spot on 1927 aircraft to be navigator for the dangerous Dole Derby Race from San Francisco to Hawaii, Livy proves herself time and again. This is a story that is full of action, adventure, determination, strength and survival. Wren’s story from 1987, though not as strong, still proves to be the perfect addition for events to unfold.
‘… when they banked again and began another nosedive. That was when Livy understood that they only had one shot at making it out alive - she had to get herself into the pilot seat.’
This tale has it all - action, adventure and romance. If this plot and period appeals, you are sure not to be disappointed. Through the tears and triumphs, through the race and romance, The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is sure to win many fans the world over.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘The whole world narrowed down to a pinhead, the words thundering in her ears. If there was one thing Olivia West knew about herself, it was this: tell her she couldn't do something and she would prove you wrong, whatever the cost.’
Stories of remarkable women from history are always gratifying and this one is no exception. Banned as a pilot but gaining a spot on 1927 aircraft to be navigator for the dangerous Dole Derby Race from San Francisco to Hawaii, Livy proves herself time and again. This is a story that is full of action, adventure, determination, strength and survival. Wren’s story from 1987, though not as strong, still proves to be the perfect addition for events to unfold.
‘… when they banked again and began another nosedive. That was when Livy understood that they only had one shot at making it out alive - she had to get herself into the pilot seat.’
This tale has it all - action, adventure and romance. If this plot and period appeals, you are sure not to be disappointed. Through the tears and triumphs, through the race and romance, The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is sure to win many fans the world over.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
January 24, 2024
4.25⭐️
What a fun book!
While this book started off slightly slow for me, by the 30% mark I was fully invested in both Olivia and Wren’s stories and didn’t want to put it down. The Dole derby is a fascinating snippet of history that I didn’t know anything about, and it was so fun to learn about it! I really enjoyed the two main characters as well as all of the side characters. Highly recommend this book to any historical fiction reader or anyone wanting to dip their toes in the genre!
Favourite Quote: “No one’s ever written a rulebook on feelings, as far as I know”.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC of this book.
What a fun book!
While this book started off slightly slow for me, by the 30% mark I was fully invested in both Olivia and Wren’s stories and didn’t want to put it down. The Dole derby is a fascinating snippet of history that I didn’t know anything about, and it was so fun to learn about it! I really enjoyed the two main characters as well as all of the side characters. Highly recommend this book to any historical fiction reader or anyone wanting to dip their toes in the genre!
Favourite Quote: “No one’s ever written a rulebook on feelings, as far as I know”.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC of this book.
February 6, 2024
Another stellar histfic novel by one of my favorite authors, with her most spectacular cover yet! I love how Ackerman uses her intimate knowledge of Hawaii to make the real-life 1927 Dole Air Race from California to the islands come fully alive.
We feel we are there with fictional character Olivia (Livy) West, who participates as a navigator (women were banned as pilots) in the dangerous race 2,400 miles across the Pacific that some did not survive.
A dual timeline with character Wren in 1987, who discovers a surprising link to the race, adds depth to this compelling story that grips the reader with romance and tragedy, triumph and tears. Highly recommended!
We feel we are there with fictional character Olivia (Livy) West, who participates as a navigator (women were banned as pilots) in the dangerous race 2,400 miles across the Pacific that some did not survive.
A dual timeline with character Wren in 1987, who discovers a surprising link to the race, adds depth to this compelling story that grips the reader with romance and tragedy, triumph and tears. Highly recommended!
February 12, 2024
Another stunner from Sara Ackerman! This is the third book that I’ve read from the author, and the storytelling just keeps getting better and better. There’s so much to love about her latest—dual timelines, Hawaiian setting, strong female characters, tons of action, adventure, and even a little bit of romance. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is focused on aviation history, and just like all of Ackerman’s novels, it was SO well-researched and educational. Be sure to read the author’s note for insight on Ackerman’s inspiration for writing the novel. Historical fiction fans will adore this one!
February 9, 2024
Having recently finished “The Unchartered Flight of Olivia West” by Sara Ackerman, I am happy to have had the chance to read the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA.
This dual timeline historical novel set in the 1920's (Olivia) and 1980's (Wren) was fascinating for completely different reasons. Although the flight from California to Hawaii during the Dole Air Race competition portrayed intense drama, and was filled with aeronautical information and challenges of the times, I most enjoyed the story when it flipped to Wren's moments and artistic creations. Her inheritance of property and the mystery of her unknown family kept me interested in what she would discover next. Even though I sensed the big reveal before it happened, I enjoyed every moment that led Wren to uncovering all the mysteries of her own history, spiders and all.
This dual timeline historical novel set in the 1920's (Olivia) and 1980's (Wren) was fascinating for completely different reasons. Although the flight from California to Hawaii during the Dole Air Race competition portrayed intense drama, and was filled with aeronautical information and challenges of the times, I most enjoyed the story when it flipped to Wren's moments and artistic creations. Her inheritance of property and the mystery of her unknown family kept me interested in what she would discover next. Even though I sensed the big reveal before it happened, I enjoyed every moment that led Wren to uncovering all the mysteries of her own history, spiders and all.
February 20, 2025
Really 4.5. What an exciting and inspiring read. The two timelines worked well together. Each story had its own characters and highlights and they come together in a very beautiful and interesting way. If you like historically inspired novels based on actual events this is a book for you.
February 8, 2024
4.5 Stars
The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is the page-turning story of a female aviator who embarks on a daring air race from California to Hawaii in 1927. Olivia is adventurous in spirit and has a passion for flying. When she hears about the Dole Air Race, she is determined to qualify and participate. In a male-dominated field, this requires a great deal of strategizing and cleverness. In a 1987 dual timeline, Wren Summers inherits a remote piece of land on the Big Island. She plans on selling it and living on the money. However, she discovers a piece of aviation history in the barn that causes her to embark on a quest to uncover Olivia’s story.
Diving into a piece of history is always a benefit of reading well-researched historical fiction. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is the page-turning story of a female aviator who enters a daring air race from California to Hawaii in 1927. At a time when some pilots built their planes, the flight from the West Coast to Hawaii was twenty-seven hours long! Olivia is adventurous in spirit and loves to fly. When she hears about the Dole Air Race, she is determined to qualify and participate. In a male-dominated field, this requires a great deal of persistence and determination. Olivia can fly planes but she couldn’t break into this particular male-dominated race. She ended up as a navigator. In 1927, navigators (and pilots) relied on maps, weather patterns, a compass, stars, guts, and a great deal of luck. Fortunately, Olivia could fly as well as navigate because she had to fly the plane in this race when the pilot was unable to. In the real historical event (and in this story), only two of the planes made it from California to Hawaii. Some were lost and some were forced to turn back (or never made it off the runway).
I enjoy a dual-timeline story, but often I tend to be more engaged in one over the other….and it’s usually the past timeline that is most compelling. In this story, both timelines are good but, in my opinion, the 1927 timeline is most appealing. First, the race itself is tense and risky. Whenever the story switched to the 1987 timeline, I was eager to return to 1927 to find out how Olivia fared. The 1987 timeline (set in Hawaii) could be considered women’s fiction. While enjoyable, it was slower-paced (in comparison) and it took me longer to connect with the characters. The two timelines do connect in the end in surprising and satisfying ways.
Olivia is an imagined character in the very real and historic Dole Air Race of 1927. She is high-spirited, adventurous, and loves to fly. When she hears about the Dole Air Race, she is determined to qualify and participate. In a male-dominated field, this requires a great deal of courage and negotiating. The best she’s able to do is to land a position as a navigator. She’ll take it because she’ll do anything to fly. Fortunately, she can also fly because she needs to take a turn at the controls when the pilot is incapacitated. The story is historically interesting in many ways from the description of the planes to the flight itself to the risky race to the male-dominated field. Olivia is determined, clever, passionate, trailblazing, spunky, and brave. You will enjoy this likable, unforgettable, and inspirational character.
Thoughtful themes include defying the odds, going after what you want, trailblazing, starting over, and friendship.
If you are looking for a histic/women’s fiction mashup, Sara Ackerman does this well! A side of romance is usually an element in Sara Ackerman’s stories. The romances never overwhelm the story because there is always other substantial content. In this story, I enjoyed the slow-burn potential romance mixed with a spirit of competition in the 1927 timeline more than the insta-love of the 1987 timeline. I appreciate Ackerman for her closed-door romances.
Sara Ackerman is on my auto-buy author list, and I’m an Ackerman completist. Her histfic stories are set in Hawaii (what’s not to love?!). They are well-researched histfic and contain elements of friendship, women supporting women, thoughtful themes, and sweet romance. The stories are filled with vivid descriptive details and memorable characters. I can recommend them to anyone. Although I’ve enjoyed them all, my very favorite is Radar Girls.
I can enthusiastically recommend any of Sara Ackerman’s books and The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is no exception. Fans of histfic/women’s fiction, aviation history, and inspiring characters will enjoy this one!
Welcome to my stop on the HTP Winter 2024 Blog Tour for The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West. Thanks #NetGalley @HTPBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #TheUnchartedFlightOfOliviaWest upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is the page-turning story of a female aviator who embarks on a daring air race from California to Hawaii in 1927. Olivia is adventurous in spirit and has a passion for flying. When she hears about the Dole Air Race, she is determined to qualify and participate. In a male-dominated field, this requires a great deal of strategizing and cleverness. In a 1987 dual timeline, Wren Summers inherits a remote piece of land on the Big Island. She plans on selling it and living on the money. However, she discovers a piece of aviation history in the barn that causes her to embark on a quest to uncover Olivia’s story.
Diving into a piece of history is always a benefit of reading well-researched historical fiction. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is the page-turning story of a female aviator who enters a daring air race from California to Hawaii in 1927. At a time when some pilots built their planes, the flight from the West Coast to Hawaii was twenty-seven hours long! Olivia is adventurous in spirit and loves to fly. When she hears about the Dole Air Race, she is determined to qualify and participate. In a male-dominated field, this requires a great deal of persistence and determination. Olivia can fly planes but she couldn’t break into this particular male-dominated race. She ended up as a navigator. In 1927, navigators (and pilots) relied on maps, weather patterns, a compass, stars, guts, and a great deal of luck. Fortunately, Olivia could fly as well as navigate because she had to fly the plane in this race when the pilot was unable to. In the real historical event (and in this story), only two of the planes made it from California to Hawaii. Some were lost and some were forced to turn back (or never made it off the runway).
I enjoy a dual-timeline story, but often I tend to be more engaged in one over the other….and it’s usually the past timeline that is most compelling. In this story, both timelines are good but, in my opinion, the 1927 timeline is most appealing. First, the race itself is tense and risky. Whenever the story switched to the 1987 timeline, I was eager to return to 1927 to find out how Olivia fared. The 1987 timeline (set in Hawaii) could be considered women’s fiction. While enjoyable, it was slower-paced (in comparison) and it took me longer to connect with the characters. The two timelines do connect in the end in surprising and satisfying ways.
Olivia is an imagined character in the very real and historic Dole Air Race of 1927. She is high-spirited, adventurous, and loves to fly. When she hears about the Dole Air Race, she is determined to qualify and participate. In a male-dominated field, this requires a great deal of courage and negotiating. The best she’s able to do is to land a position as a navigator. She’ll take it because she’ll do anything to fly. Fortunately, she can also fly because she needs to take a turn at the controls when the pilot is incapacitated. The story is historically interesting in many ways from the description of the planes to the flight itself to the risky race to the male-dominated field. Olivia is determined, clever, passionate, trailblazing, spunky, and brave. You will enjoy this likable, unforgettable, and inspirational character.
Thoughtful themes include defying the odds, going after what you want, trailblazing, starting over, and friendship.
If you are looking for a histic/women’s fiction mashup, Sara Ackerman does this well! A side of romance is usually an element in Sara Ackerman’s stories. The romances never overwhelm the story because there is always other substantial content. In this story, I enjoyed the slow-burn potential romance mixed with a spirit of competition in the 1927 timeline more than the insta-love of the 1987 timeline. I appreciate Ackerman for her closed-door romances.
Sara Ackerman is on my auto-buy author list, and I’m an Ackerman completist. Her histfic stories are set in Hawaii (what’s not to love?!). They are well-researched histfic and contain elements of friendship, women supporting women, thoughtful themes, and sweet romance. The stories are filled with vivid descriptive details and memorable characters. I can recommend them to anyone. Although I’ve enjoyed them all, my very favorite is Radar Girls.
I can enthusiastically recommend any of Sara Ackerman’s books and The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is no exception. Fans of histfic/women’s fiction, aviation history, and inspiring characters will enjoy this one!
Welcome to my stop on the HTP Winter 2024 Blog Tour for The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West. Thanks #NetGalley @HTPBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #TheUnchartedFlightOfOliviaWest upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
November 22, 2023
“The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West” by Sara Ackerman was one of the most exciting and beautifully written books I have read. I predict this will be a bestseller for Ms. Ackerman without hesitation. It is the story of the tragic Dole Air Race which took place in 1927. I must admit that I was on the edge of my seat following the harrowing description of what it must have felt like crossing the pacific to Hawaii in an aircraft of that time. The story takes place in dual time frames and tells the story of two heroines whose past and present eventually intersect to bring the story full circle. Both stories will touch your heart and keep you riveted to every page. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book about a woman who had a passion for flying planes in the 1920’s. It’s well written and inspired by a true story. Wren who lives in the 1980’s finds out she has been left some property which turns out to tie in with Olivia from the 1920’s. Chapters alternate from past to present and it’s beautified together in the end.
February 14, 2024
Finished reading: January 19th 2024
"Funny how dreams were dreams, and then one day, if you were lucky - or persistent enough, they became reality."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
February 10, 2024
3.25- Being a huge fan of historical fiction I always get excited when a book of that genre takes place outside of WW2. Because of that. And having just finished The Aviator’s Wife, I was really looking forward to reading this one.
In 1927, Olivia West is a rarity at the air field in San Diego since she is the only female pilot amongst all the men. Becoming of her growing up on her father’s fishing boat, she also processes a keen sense of the weather and is a stellar navigator. When she hears that James Dole is hosting an air race from Oakland, CA to Maui with prizes for first and second places, she jumps to enter. The only problem is as a woman she isn’t allowed to pilot a plane in the race and none of the male pilots will even consider her, except for her ex-boyfriend with whom she refuses to fly. When Felix Harding hears she’s a navigator, he invites her to fly with him and while she has her doubts, she agrees. In 1988 on the island of Oahu, Wren Summers’ life is not going as planned. She’s lost her boyfriend, her apartment, and her job all at once and she’s not sure where she’s meant to start picking up the pieces. When she gets a phone call that an obscure relative of her father’s on Hawai’i (The Big Island) has left her land and a barn, she figures that’s a good place to start. Never having known her father or any of his relatives, Wren is clueless as to why she’s been left this and what it all means, but she moves herself to The Big Island just the same. She’s intrigued when she finds two very old planes in the barn and goes on a mission to find out who this relative is and why the planes were left to her.
While I enjoyed parts of this book, I wasn’t as wowed as I was hoping to be. I loved the parts of Olivia and Felix flying over the Pacific. Sara Ackerman’s writing had my heart in my mouth and kept me at the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, the rest of it was just meh. I didn’t really care for Wren’s storyline until the end and I felt like it wasn’t needed at all. This book could have been told solely in Olivia’s timeline.
I love how it was based on the real event of The Dole Derby. I had never heard of this before even though this was the event that led to flights to Hawaii becoming a thing. I went down the Google rabbit hole learning about this race and the entrants and it truly is fascinating. I greatly appreciated that while Felix, Olivia, and their plane are fictional, they represent real people who took part in the race.
While I wasn’t 100% happy with this I am glad I read it. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West hit the shelves on February 6th.
In 1927, Olivia West is a rarity at the air field in San Diego since she is the only female pilot amongst all the men. Becoming of her growing up on her father’s fishing boat, she also processes a keen sense of the weather and is a stellar navigator. When she hears that James Dole is hosting an air race from Oakland, CA to Maui with prizes for first and second places, she jumps to enter. The only problem is as a woman she isn’t allowed to pilot a plane in the race and none of the male pilots will even consider her, except for her ex-boyfriend with whom she refuses to fly. When Felix Harding hears she’s a navigator, he invites her to fly with him and while she has her doubts, she agrees. In 1988 on the island of Oahu, Wren Summers’ life is not going as planned. She’s lost her boyfriend, her apartment, and her job all at once and she’s not sure where she’s meant to start picking up the pieces. When she gets a phone call that an obscure relative of her father’s on Hawai’i (The Big Island) has left her land and a barn, she figures that’s a good place to start. Never having known her father or any of his relatives, Wren is clueless as to why she’s been left this and what it all means, but she moves herself to The Big Island just the same. She’s intrigued when she finds two very old planes in the barn and goes on a mission to find out who this relative is and why the planes were left to her.
While I enjoyed parts of this book, I wasn’t as wowed as I was hoping to be. I loved the parts of Olivia and Felix flying over the Pacific. Sara Ackerman’s writing had my heart in my mouth and kept me at the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, the rest of it was just meh. I didn’t really care for Wren’s storyline until the end and I felt like it wasn’t needed at all. This book could have been told solely in Olivia’s timeline.
I love how it was based on the real event of The Dole Derby. I had never heard of this before even though this was the event that led to flights to Hawaii becoming a thing. I went down the Google rabbit hole learning about this race and the entrants and it truly is fascinating. I greatly appreciated that while Felix, Olivia, and their plane are fictional, they represent real people who took part in the race.
While I wasn’t 100% happy with this I am glad I read it. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West hit the shelves on February 6th.
April 1, 2024
This novel centers on two different women from different time periods. We first meet Olivia “Livy” West in the 1920s, who is an aspiring young pilot with a big opportunity to enter the Dole Air Race and be the first to reach Hawaii. Wren Summers is our second main protag in the 1980s who has just inherited an abandoned piece of land in Hawaii that happens to have some fascinating surprises. In their stories, Livy will do whatever it takes to achieve her ambitions of being a great pilot while Wren will slowly embrace the land she has despite having an awfully harsh life.
“Uncharted Flight” is probably one of my favorite books this year and it’s also a wonderful surprise that flys high. Both stories are full of emotions involving determination, discovery and adventure. Livy’s story is very the most eye catching as it has a more fascinating tale to tell, yet Wren’s is still a great story that will slowly connect the two together in a very warming way. I really hope more readers pick up Ackerman’s novel as it’s a really incredible one that soars so far. A (100%/Outstanding)
“Uncharted Flight” is probably one of my favorite books this year and it’s also a wonderful surprise that flys high. Both stories are full of emotions involving determination, discovery and adventure. Livy’s story is very the most eye catching as it has a more fascinating tale to tell, yet Wren’s is still a great story that will slowly connect the two together in a very warming way. I really hope more readers pick up Ackerman’s novel as it’s a really incredible one that soars so far. A (100%/Outstanding)
September 22, 2023
I haven't read any Sara Ackerman before getting this book and I am so glad I requested it! The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is one of my most favorite reads in a long time. I found the 1920s chapters to be completely captivating. I wanted more Livy!! Wren's chapters set in the 1980s slowly grew on me as the book went on and by the middle/end, I loved both characters! The pace is wonderfully done, keeping you in the action and the setting descriptions made you feel like you were IN the book. Love love love, I cant wait to recommend when it comes out in Feb 2024!
July 7, 2025
From the first chapter, this book drew me in. The dual timeline was well done, and I found d myself fully invested in both! Rooting for Olivia West in her Dole race and for Wren to find family and love! The history of the early days of flying and the race was fascinating, and I learned so much. This is a joyful read that encourages you to follow dreams and tell someone you love them while you can.
February 10, 2024
I love stories about remarkable women and this one was fantastic. Fast-paced, full of adventure, fun and inspiring. A story about survival, determination, strenght and love. Simply captivating!
June 15, 2024
I can’t decide which story I liked more—the 1927 story or the 1987 one! Both intriguing and I liked how they were intertwined at the end. Couldn’t put the book down!
February 24, 2025
4.7 I always love stories that are based on a true story. Then I have to look up and see how much of the story was true. There really was a Dile race from Oakland to Hawaii. The rest was fictional character characters, but I found it very interesting.. I never had heard of the DOLErace before.
An extraordinary story, inspired by real events, of a female aviator who defies the odds to embark on a daring air race across the Pacific, perfect for fans of Great Circle and Her Last Flight.
1927. Olivia "Livy" West is a fearless young pilot with a love of adventure. She yearns to cross oceans and travel the skies. When she learns of the Dole Air Race––a high-stakes contest to be the first to make the 2,400 mile Pacific crossing from the West Coast to Hawai'i—she sets her sights on qualifying. But it soon becomes clear that only men will make the cut. In a last-ditch effort to take part, Livy manages to be picked as a navigator for one of the pilots, before setting out on a harrowing journey that some will not survive.
1987. Wren Summers is down to her last dime when she learns she has inherited a remote piece of land on the Big Island with nothing on it but a dilapidated barn and an overgrown mac nut grove. She plans on selling it and using the money to live on, but she is drawn in by the mysterious objects kept in the barn by her late great-aunt––clues to a tragic piece of aviation history lost to time. Determined to find out what really happened all those years ago, Wren enlists the help of residents at a nearby retirement home to uncover Olivia’s story piece by piece. What she discovers is more earth-shattering, and closer to home, than she could have ever imagined
An extraordinary story, inspired by real events, of a female aviator who defies the odds to embark on a daring air race across the Pacific, perfect for fans of Great Circle and Her Last Flight.
1927. Olivia "Livy" West is a fearless young pilot with a love of adventure. She yearns to cross oceans and travel the skies. When she learns of the Dole Air Race––a high-stakes contest to be the first to make the 2,400 mile Pacific crossing from the West Coast to Hawai'i—she sets her sights on qualifying. But it soon becomes clear that only men will make the cut. In a last-ditch effort to take part, Livy manages to be picked as a navigator for one of the pilots, before setting out on a harrowing journey that some will not survive.
1987. Wren Summers is down to her last dime when she learns she has inherited a remote piece of land on the Big Island with nothing on it but a dilapidated barn and an overgrown mac nut grove. She plans on selling it and using the money to live on, but she is drawn in by the mysterious objects kept in the barn by her late great-aunt––clues to a tragic piece of aviation history lost to time. Determined to find out what really happened all those years ago, Wren enlists the help of residents at a nearby retirement home to uncover Olivia’s story piece by piece. What she discovers is more earth-shattering, and closer to home, than she could have ever imagined
January 4, 2024
A story of determination, spunk, and bravery! A dual timeline that converges at the right moment.
It’s the 1920’s and Olivia West is a fearless pilot. She is determined to be part of the Dole Derby, an air race from California to Hawaii. Dominated and run by men, Olivia finds the will and grit to be a navigator for one of the pilots. What ensues is a harrowing journey to the Hawaiian islands.
In 1987, Wren Summers learned she had inherited property on the Big Island. What she finds in the dilapidated barn will ultimately intersect her story with Olivia’s.
Sara Ackerman is a great storyteller. From the first page, I was drawn into the story of Olivia and Wren. Both characters showed us how to be fearless in the face of adversity. The fact that this story is part fiction and part fact fascinates me.
I highly recommend this book. Pre-order today! This book will be published on February 6th. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author for the e-ARC.
It’s the 1920’s and Olivia West is a fearless pilot. She is determined to be part of the Dole Derby, an air race from California to Hawaii. Dominated and run by men, Olivia finds the will and grit to be a navigator for one of the pilots. What ensues is a harrowing journey to the Hawaiian islands.
In 1987, Wren Summers learned she had inherited property on the Big Island. What she finds in the dilapidated barn will ultimately intersect her story with Olivia’s.
Sara Ackerman is a great storyteller. From the first page, I was drawn into the story of Olivia and Wren. Both characters showed us how to be fearless in the face of adversity. The fact that this story is part fiction and part fact fascinates me.
I highly recommend this book. Pre-order today! This book will be published on February 6th. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author for the e-ARC.
August 20, 2024
3. 5 stars. I always love reading a book that takes place in Hawaii, my home away from home. If you've never been to Hawaii, Ackerman does a great job of painting the setting, as she does in all of her novels. I thought the start of the book was a bit slow, but once it gets going, Ackerman does a good job of keeping you interested in the story and what's going to happen next. While it's not a book that I will re-read, I am glad to have picked it up and learn about a time in aviation history I didn't know anything about.
August 8, 2025
Reading about Hawaii in Hawaii was chef’s kiss! Interesting story that was easy to read and lots of girl power. Loved how the two characters came together. I’m glad Olivia got her recognition in the end! Who run the world!!!! GIRLS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
3 stars (Audible). Post WWI/Pre WWII. It gave me "Hazelbourne Ladies..." vibe, but in Hawaii. Interesting book, based on a true story, but overall just an average execution.
February 24, 2024
What an inspiring woman! This book started off a bit slow for me and I kept wanting more character development and less flying information-that was necessary after all. However, it picked up and I was all in! Passion, bravery, history and love with dual timelines. Fast narration via library audio app, Hoopla.
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