A Flying Affair

Stewart (The Hatmaker’s Heart) continues her rich recreation of the Roaring ’20s, this time exploring women who fly. Mittie Humphreys, an adventurous and skilled Kentucky horsewoman, dreams of flying her own plane with the likes of Amelia Earhart. Torn between her passion for the air and her fear of letting down her parents, Mittie remains close to her beloved show horses even as she pursues aviation. When Ames Dewberry, the dashing barnstormer and performance pilot, introduces her to stunt flying and air races, Mittie begins flying lessons with the handsome British pilot Bobby York. As she moves into serious competition with other women aviators, Mittie is caught between the two men, as well as between her family’s expectations and her own dreams. Danger, thrills, and heartache ensue as she opens new vistas with a growing sisterhood of courageous female pilots. Compelling action scenes, clever dialogue, and believable characters add spice and depth to a multidimensional tale. Though faith plays a backseat role, and the main character is less well-developed than others, the historical detail and vivid action scenes anchor an enjoyable story. Agent: Sandra Bishop, Transatlantic Agency. (June)