Having fled a less than savory life in Alluvial, North Carolina, Velva Jean set her sights on Nashville, Tennessee and a singing career at the Grand Old Opry. But upon arrival, she finds that her dreams of singing at the War Memorial would have to wait, but her voice found a good use as she became a singing waitress at the Lovelorn Café. Then her brother Johnny Clay shows up and introduces her to the world of flying and Velva Jean's whole world opens up to a whole range of new possibilities.

Signing on with the Women's Flying Training Detachment, Velva Jean joins women pilots from all over the country as they become the first women to fly in the service of our country during the World War II era. It was tough, it was exhausting, and there were accidents and even deaths, but these ladies who persevered become some of the most admired women of their time.

Jennifer Niven brilliantly captures the atmosphere of the era of the 40's in this fast-paced and absolutely charming story. Combining historical facts with a well-told tale of courage and valor, she presents a novel that is at once fascinating and inspiring. I can't wait to find out if Velva Jean has any more adventures up her sleeve in stories to come.

Book Summary