A new bit of WW2 history for me about the RAF training airfield in Texas thru the majority of the war, and I also wasn’t aware of the criminal classification Americans were given if they joined up before the US did, initially barring them from returning.

There were periods of the book that were a little slower but for the most part I enjoyed the story of Jessie and Kitty as they worked with the cadets and officers who came to the airfield. The struggles Jessie faced as a female pilot and instructor was very indicative and typical of what many women in the war faced in that type of role, and I think conveyed well. The second half of the war was a little glossed over but I get it, as the focus was supposed to be focused on the initial pre-US-participation at the airfield.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not totally sure how I feel about this one. It was an interesting story line and I didn’t completely see the ending coming in the middle of it, although I partially did. But it felt like only part of a story. The ending just felt abrupt and like a “wait, that’s it?” Type of ending. It told Mirjam’s story but only unfinished pieces of Henneke’s, let alone anyone else.

The other thing about the storyline is it was just really sad and heavy hearted. While WW2 stories in and of themselves are not meant to be *happy* stories, as it’s focused on characters working thru the atrocities and intense struggles in that setting, normally there is at least some sort of uplifting and positive outcome described. This didn’t feel like it did that. And maybe that’s part of the partial-story feeling, like it ended with only some closure. But it really didn’t redeem much of anything beyond basic self-forgiveness for a couple of the characters.

All in all, while the story was good and the historical aspects interesting, it just felt half-done for me and therefore was a little disappointing.

I enjoyed Maggie’s stubborn and spitfire character who wasn’t afraid to fight for what she wanted and for those she loved. Her grace and forgiveness towards St Clare was admirable. I didn’t feel like I completely connected with St Clare but I mostly liked his character nonetheless. He was a good opponent to Fred and was realistically flawed.

Well written and an easy read. The story was delightfully not super predictable, and it often had you guessing what was next, while rooting for the characters.

The main reason for my reduction in rating is that I thought Margarete was a little unbelievable in how transparent her anxiety seemed. For Nazis who jumped at any little vulnerability and were good at sniffing out resistance, I found it difficult to believe she would have stayed under cover that long and not blown it. For someone in her position just knowledge of her identity wouldn’t be enough to fool people or break in the process.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.