The Aviatrix

Marsh’s refreshing debut follows a female-run flying circus in the Roaring ’20s, led by headstrong, forward-thinking women. Pilot Mattie McAdams taught WWI ace Leo Ward, a family friend, everything he knows about flying—so she’s frustrated when he and her brothers return from the war and shut her out of business decisions about the McAdams family’s struggling flight school. Running off to join Vera Jones’s Flying Flappers promises independence and an opportunity for Mattie to contribute toward saving the flight school. Leo follows, intending to look after her, but he soon realizes she doesn’t need a babysitter; what she needs is a supportive partner who can help her achieve her dreams and defy the negative press that paints the circus as doomed to fail. Leo and Mattie’s sweet romance is endearing but surprisingly tame given the wild flappers they tour with. Still, the 1920s atmosphere and defiant characters are sure to please, particularly the scenes in which the ladies of the circus sneak out to speakeasies. Readers looking for chaste historical romance outside of Regency England will delight in Marsh’s fresh, fun premise. [em]Agent: Jessica Watterson, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (June) [/em]