This is a shameless plug for a book by my wonderfully talented sister. I’m not a regular reader of historical Christian romance fiction, but this had me intrigued! And it was truly gripping and enjoyable. It has planes, bombs, page-turning cliffhangers, romance, mystery, joy, tragedy, chivalry, transformation, meticulously researched history, foodie treasures, you name it.
It’s based partly on experiences of our grandfather, who was a WWII bomber pilot: for more of the history, see my post about my grandfather’s part in a WWII mission over Modane.
Here’s the blurb:
RAF Bottesford, November 1942
Maggie Morrison joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force for a free ticket into the romance she craved, away from her sleepy life as a vicar’s daughter. But the men of Bomber Command are careless with the hearts of women. She hides the pain of her broken heart and mother’s sudden death behind calm confidence on the airfield radio, as the last voice men hear before they fly into danger.
Australian pilot Alec Thomas is a gambling man on a winning streak. Every night when he flies with RAF Bomber Command, the odds of surviving are fifty-fifty. And every night so far, he’s made it back to English soil. But as the battles over Europe intensify, Alec’s luck feels less certain.
When Alec bets with his crew he can get Maggie to kiss him before the year is out, he has no idea it’s the most important wager he’ll ever make. But pursuing her leads Alec to reexamine everything he believes about his so-called luck, prompting him to question what—or who—is behind it all. Even if Alec can win his bet, can his risk-taking ways win her heart? Or will his luck in the brutal air war over Europe run out before their first kiss?
Heart in the Clouds by Jennifer Mistmorgan