What do you think?
Rate this book
Silver Wings, Santiago Blue
Four women arrive in Sweetwater, Texas, determined to earn the silver wings of an army pilot and the blue uniform of the WASPs
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1984
72 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dailey
391 books1,842 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 31, 2012
The many wonderful reviews here reflect the story-telling power this book has.
The only thing I can add is a little background regarding the dedication "To Harriet "Tuffy" Call ..." etc.:
When she set out to write the book, Janet Dailey paid an extended visit to my mother former WASP Hariett "Tuffy" Call. It was late in my mother's colorful life when the book came out and from time to time, I'd ask her which of the characters was actually based on her memoirs.
My mother would smile a wistful smile and gently change the conversation.
When my mother passed at age 73, I asked that question of my sister. She was very close to my mother and I was certain that she would have the answer.
My sister was surprised that I didn't know. "Why, all of the characters were taken from mama's memoirs - except the one who died."
I re-read the book and realized that each of the characters - with the one exception - portrayed a very real facet of our mother's spectacular personality. For Janet Dailey to have given any one character all of our mother's traits would have made the book completely unbelievable!
As it stands, though, it's something very special to be able to look into the past of a very real, complex and exciting person as our mother was!
The only thing I can add is a little background regarding the dedication "To Harriet "Tuffy" Call ..." etc.:
When she set out to write the book, Janet Dailey paid an extended visit to my mother former WASP Hariett "Tuffy" Call. It was late in my mother's colorful life when the book came out and from time to time, I'd ask her which of the characters was actually based on her memoirs.
My mother would smile a wistful smile and gently change the conversation.
When my mother passed at age 73, I asked that question of my sister. She was very close to my mother and I was certain that she would have the answer.
My sister was surprised that I didn't know. "Why, all of the characters were taken from mama's memoirs - except the one who died."
I re-read the book and realized that each of the characters - with the one exception - portrayed a very real facet of our mother's spectacular personality. For Janet Dailey to have given any one character all of our mother's traits would have made the book completely unbelievable!
As it stands, though, it's something very special to be able to look into the past of a very real, complex and exciting person as our mother was!
January 18, 2024
An outstanding, enthralling and engaging historical novel centered around the women who flew as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) for the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) during the Second World War.
July 26, 2011
I have to read every WASP book I can get my hands on and normally despite the repetition.. (I already know the details of Camp David, the planes they flew, their training..) I love them. This one upon reaching the 100 page mark, however, began to irritate me and I bailed at 200.
Why: When the Houston class joins the Sweetwater class, you got a bunch of GROWN women acting like bratty high school girls.. "This is OUR table." OMG. Grow up. This whole bit of drama was stupid.
The second thing that caused me to no longer take this book seriously is when Eden takes off her blouse and sunbathes while flying. Um, duh. The women are always wearing their ugly flight, "zoot" suits and she would NOT be flying in just a blouse and bra. No way, no how. So even if she did zip down her flight suit and take her blouse off, she would have had immediate covering at her disposal.
Ridiculous. At that point, I no longer cared for the characters either. I liked Eden though she is spoiled and rich, but Rachel? Perhaps she entered the story too late. I didn't feel anything there and Mary Lyn is supposed to be a main player but there is very little about her.
Why: When the Houston class joins the Sweetwater class, you got a bunch of GROWN women acting like bratty high school girls.. "This is OUR table." OMG. Grow up. This whole bit of drama was stupid.
The second thing that caused me to no longer take this book seriously is when Eden takes off her blouse and sunbathes while flying. Um, duh. The women are always wearing their ugly flight, "zoot" suits and she would NOT be flying in just a blouse and bra. No way, no how. So even if she did zip down her flight suit and take her blouse off, she would have had immediate covering at her disposal.
Ridiculous. At that point, I no longer cared for the characters either. I liked Eden though she is spoiled and rich, but Rachel? Perhaps she entered the story too late. I didn't feel anything there and Mary Lyn is supposed to be a main player but there is very little about her.
September 14, 2013
This epic is a wonderful piece of historical fiction about the WASPs--Women's Army Service Pilots--who ferried planes for the Army, as well as other missons, even ones that other male pilots refused to fly. These women were volunteers but were given officer's status and privileges. Even so, they were not officially Army and were denied the benefits they deserved until 1977--years after they were disbanded due to prejudice (and jealousy).
The story centers around four main women, though there were numerous others. It tells about their struggles, triumphs, loves, heartaches, and battles against male prejudice. Most men, and even the women's families, did not want women flying because they reasoned women were not capable. However, these ladies had a passion for flying, and flying they did and served their country with honor!!!!
The story centers around four main women, though there were numerous others. It tells about their struggles, triumphs, loves, heartaches, and battles against male prejudice. Most men, and even the women's families, did not want women flying because they reasoned women were not capable. However, these ladies had a passion for flying, and flying they did and served their country with honor!!!!
January 5, 2021
Beautiful and very sensitive tale of the first WASPS to do their part in the WWII effort.
The women who volunteered were already licensed pilots. Thought they were civilians, they were given officer status; however, they were given little respect and were often the object of ridicule and insults. These were mostly from men who did not want women in the military because they were not "fit" to do a man's job. Even many families did not approve, but these women had a passion to fly, an fly they did--everything from single engine props to the huge B-52 bombers, and did so successfully.
They encountered deaths, primitive living conditions, junky planes and prejudice and became mighty warriors. To bad it took Congress from 1943 to 1977 to recognize them as part of the military.
Don't miss this novel! It reflects a real struggle in our history that is told brilliantly and with a great deal of feeling and emotion.
The women who volunteered were already licensed pilots. Thought they were civilians, they were given officer status; however, they were given little respect and were often the object of ridicule and insults. These were mostly from men who did not want women in the military because they were not "fit" to do a man's job. Even many families did not approve, but these women had a passion to fly, an fly they did--everything from single engine props to the huge B-52 bombers, and did so successfully.
They encountered deaths, primitive living conditions, junky planes and prejudice and became mighty warriors. To bad it took Congress from 1943 to 1977 to recognize them as part of the military.
Don't miss this novel! It reflects a real struggle in our history that is told brilliantly and with a great deal of feeling and emotion.
February 17, 2012
Did you ever dream of flying? For four women, the dream has come true. This fictional account of women in the military during the They are some of the first female pilots in the Women’s Air Command. Their job is to mostly to get planes and other supplies to the men who will fly them in combat missions during World War II. After going through training together, these women share a bond. They share their loves and losses, and the difficulties of living the life they have chosen. Should they quit and stay home with children or follow their dreams where they may lead? Follow these women as they travel to new places and forge a path for women everywhere. It is an inspiring journey.
June 28, 2013
Fascinating reading about the efforts it took for women to be recognized by the military as female pilots during WWII. The lives of Cappy, an army child with a military boyfriend; Marty a free-spirit type; and Mary Lynn with a husband in the war all seemed very real. The way the rich girl, Eden, behaved seemed far fetched except when she was with the mechanic.
February 14, 2015
More of a romance novel than a thriller, it does provide insight into America's WWII's woman flyer program, the WASPs.
June 7, 2023
I think the aunties gave me this book and it looks like they got it from a Brockton public library book sale. The part about the women pilots during World War II was interesting but the story itself was like a romance novel and not a good one at that.
September 27, 2024
Yet another story about WWII but, such a good one! A group of women who love to fly and their trials, hopes and grief about how they became WASP's. Based on true events but really interesting story of several women.....poignant and very real.
September 21, 2025
I loved this story, so many elements to it.
Many years after reading it I went to the cinema to watch A League of Their Own and I could not get over how many similarities there were between Silver Wings and League. Was this a coincidence?
Many years after reading it I went to the cinema to watch A League of Their Own and I could not get over how many similarities there were between Silver Wings and League. Was this a coincidence?
November 16, 2019
Really enjoyed it!
May 28, 2024
Nice fictional read about the ladies who became WASPS.
February 14, 2025
Great read
April 29, 2025
story about the WASPS during World War II. a little tedious, but almost somewhat informative
July 4, 2013
As Moças de Azul.
Janet Dailey.
1987
Este romance com certeza é um dos mais realistas que Janet escreveu. Todas as estórias da autora são intensas, as emoções estão sempre à flor-da-pele, há reviravoltas e momentos de clímax.
Neste livro temos todos os sentimentos que normalmente estão presente, mas, a diferença está no final real. É tão realista que o "romance" fica em segundo plano, para termos uma aula da cultura patriarcal americana e de certa forma mundial.
Porque apesar do mundo ser mais democrático e termos presidente mulher, 1.° ministra e outros cargos de importância na chefia de um país, mas quem toma realmente as decisões no cenário político e econômico ainda são os homens.
Apesar do imperialismo machista mundial, esse livro ainda deve ser lido, pelos mesmos motivos que normalmente lemos os romances da Janet, apenas não esqueça que a estória é mais real que normal.
Recomendo!!!
Janet Dailey.
1987
Este romance com certeza é um dos mais realistas que Janet escreveu. Todas as estórias da autora são intensas, as emoções estão sempre à flor-da-pele, há reviravoltas e momentos de clímax.
Neste livro temos todos os sentimentos que normalmente estão presente, mas, a diferença está no final real. É tão realista que o "romance" fica em segundo plano, para termos uma aula da cultura patriarcal americana e de certa forma mundial.
Porque apesar do mundo ser mais democrático e termos presidente mulher, 1.° ministra e outros cargos de importância na chefia de um país, mas quem toma realmente as decisões no cenário político e econômico ainda são os homens.
Apesar do imperialismo machista mundial, esse livro ainda deve ser lido, pelos mesmos motivos que normalmente lemos os romances da Janet, apenas não esqueça que a estória é mais real que normal.
Recomendo!!!
February 20, 2015
Years ago I read a book called Silver Wings and Santiago Blue--at least that's the way I remembered the title. It was, as I remembered, a nonfiction account of the WASPs, the Women Army Service Pilots, and I have wanted to reread it since I returned it to the library and have tried to find it. When I found this book, I thought it must be the book--although it is clearly fiction by a well-known romance novelist--but if it is, it doesn't live up to my memory. The historical parts are fascinating and could have stood on their own, perhaps in the setting of individual stories, without the promiscuity, adultery, and even an abortion for convenience, as well as the steamy sex scenes, in this book. I doubt that these women, who give in to their worst impulses despite being self-disciplined enough to become highly skilled pilots, really represent the women who courageously and effectively served as WASPs in World War II. I'm sorry this isn't the book I remember.
February 12, 2015
Silver Wings, Santiago Blue was not only my introduction to author Janet Dailey, but also my introduction to the Women Airforce Service Pilots/WASPS. This historical fiction describes the brief, yet immensely important role of young civilian women pilots trained and placed in service between 1942 and 1944 to relieve their male counterparts for combat duty during WWII. The historical aspects were well researched and presented in a compelling novel centering around four out of the one thousand WASPS who assisted in the war effort. Though subjected to blatant discrimination and harassment and placed in dangerous and deadly flying situations, these courageous, ambitious, capable women bonded by their love of flying and loyalty to country proudly served. They have my respect and admiration. Good flying!
June 25, 2014
Just realized that I never actually wrote a review for this book.
Dailey's indepth look into the lives of American women serving as military pilots during WWII remains high on my list of historical fiction. SW, SB tells a great story about some the unsung heroes of the war, and details the hostility, danger, and challenges they faced along the way. Almost 20 years after reading, I can still remember devouring this novel and loving the women, many of whom were presented as brave and complex people complete with flaws and weaknesses.
Highly recommend for folks who like historical fiction, women-centered stories, and/or pioneers who broke barriers.
Dailey's indepth look into the lives of American women serving as military pilots during WWII remains high on my list of historical fiction. SW, SB tells a great story about some the unsung heroes of the war, and details the hostility, danger, and challenges they faced along the way. Almost 20 years after reading, I can still remember devouring this novel and loving the women, many of whom were presented as brave and complex people complete with flaws and weaknesses.
Highly recommend for folks who like historical fiction, women-centered stories, and/or pioneers who broke barriers.
August 11, 2016
O poveste despre cum femeile din SUA au devenit piloți în anii 40 ai secolului trecut, cât de greu le-a fost și impactul acestora în cel de Al Doilea Război Mondial. Femei, război, cică mari piloți - am văzut o adunătură de tinere care habar nu aveau în ce se bagă și pentru ce, în plus niște răsfățate și pseudo intelectuale. Nu mi-a plăcut niciuna dintre ele, iar toată cartea e practic ”mă bag ca musca-n... ca să-mi salvez țara”.
Am dat două steluțe doar pentru că existau, pe ici pe colo, câte un paragraf decent și o acțiune cât de cât animată.
Am dat două steluțe doar pentru că existau, pe ici pe colo, câte un paragraf decent și o acțiune cât de cât animată.
November 17, 2008
Really enjoyed this book. Got right into the military way of life.
Back Cover Blurb:
Novel about the first WASP, the Womens Airforce Service Pilots, and their efforts in WWll. This is women performing men's jobs, in a man's world. In spite of disapproval of family, friends, and lovers, four women arrive in Sweetwater, Texas determined to earn the silver wings of an Airforce Pilot and the Santiago blue uniform of the WASPs.
Back Cover Blurb:
Novel about the first WASP, the Womens Airforce Service Pilots, and their efforts in WWll. This is women performing men's jobs, in a man's world. In spite of disapproval of family, friends, and lovers, four women arrive in Sweetwater, Texas determined to earn the silver wings of an Airforce Pilot and the Santiago blue uniform of the WASPs.
February 20, 2012
This book was something else. I really enjoyed learning about the history of women in aviation, if it was the abridged version. I can recall hearing of WASPs before, but I was truly ignorant of all they did during WWII. I admire how Ms.Dailey has paid tribute to those brave women and kept her story very realistic.
February 6, 2014
Janet Dailey was primarily a romance writer, and this book follows that pattern. It also is dotted with gratuitous steamy sex episodes. Nevertheless, the story of the WASP pilots who trained at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, is compellingly told. Women will find it more appealing than men, but the underlying story is important, and unfortunately largely forgotten today.
August 15, 2016
I wanted to love this book about the WASPs in WWII but I just didn't. There were too many characters telling the story and too much switching between voices. I didn't end up caring a great deal for any of them and I felt they were all underdeveloped. I feel like there is a book to be written about these women and their contribution to the war but this book isn't it.
February 19, 2010
I read this book many years ago, but it always stayed with me. I found the story of the women pilots during WWII fascinating. I'm currently reading Flygirl, and it brought back memories of this book.
September 27, 2012
One of the best books I've read. Set during WWII and focused on the WASP who were recruited to do domestic flying so our boys could fly missions overseas. I highly recommend this book especially if you find womens history of helping the home front during this war interesting!
December 14, 2023
I loved this story, so many elements to it.
Many years after reading it I went to the cinema to watch A League of Their Own and I could not get over how many similarities there were between Silver Wings and League. Was this a coincidence?
Many years after reading it I went to the cinema to watch A League of Their Own and I could not get over how many similarities there were between Silver Wings and League. Was this a coincidence?
Read
February 12, 2008Dailey, Janet
Read
August 20, 2008F Dai
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews