Release: November 1st 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Source: NetGalley
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N
__
__
World War II brings together six remarkable young flight nurses, who face the challenges of war and its many heartbreaks and victories as unsung heroes, in this inspiring novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.
Audrey Parker’s life changes forever after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Her brother, a talented young Navy pilot, stationed there, poised to fulfill their late father’s distinguished legacy. Fresh out of nursing school with a passion and a born gift for helping others, both Audrey and her friend Lizzie suddenly find their nation on the brink of war. Driven to do whatever they can to serve, they enlist in the Army and embark on a new adventure as flight nurses.
Risking their lives on perilous missions, they join the elite Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron . And they fly into enemy territory almost daily to rescue wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Audrey and Lizzie make enormous sacrifices to save lives alongside an extraordinary group of nurses. Alex, who longs to make a difference in the world. Louise, a bright mind who faced racial prejudice growing up in the South. Pru, a selfless leader with a heart of gold. And Emma, whose confidence and grit push her to put everything on the line for her patients.
Even knowing they will not achieve any rank and will receive little pay for their efforts, the “Flying Angels” will give their all in the fight for freedom. They serve as bravely and tirelessly as the men they rescue on the front lines, in daring airlifts, and are eternally bound by their loyalty to one another.
About the Author:
Danielle Steel has been one of the world’s bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy’s Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children’s books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood..
Flying Angels Review:
I don’t know how Danielle Steel manages to release so many beautiful novels each year, but “Flying Angels” was one of her highlights this year, and I enjoyed it!
What’s different about this story is that it strays from the usual romance that the author is famous for writing. Instead, we get strong women who find themselves aboard the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron during WWII. The author depicted the scenes wonderfully, and it was clear that she had done ample research on the subject and how nurses operated during the time. The author also included the after-effects of the emotions that the warriors face realistically. For instance, I thought the scenes when Alex checks in on Petty Officer Stanley were well penned.
However, the highlight of the tale is in its characters, which the author shines in depicting. Whether it be Audrey, Pru, Lizzie, or Emma, the author wrote the backstory of all the characters wonderfully. Each of them faces various challenges, and it was inspiring to see how they survived and became stronger. Also, the author adds some shocking moments where some of the core members pass away, which I did not expect. Moreover, I loved the close bond between Lizzie and Alex and Pru and Emma. I also enjoyed the small moments where Audrey shares with her mother. However, Alex was probably my favorite of them all, as she leaves her posh aristocratic life to help others.
Overall, if you are a fan of historical fiction, particularly regarding World War II, you should indeed check out “Flying Angels.” It is an emotional story that will make you reach out for the tissues.
