I just finished Anne Mateer’s debut novel, Wings of a Dream.
I loved it!
I’m not a big historical fan but I was hooked from the beginning. Anne drew me in with real characters and a compelling story.
Rebekah Hendricks yearns to live a life of adventure, far from her small Oklahoma hometown. She and a visiting young aviator plan a soaring future. Arthur returns to his air field in Texas and Rebekah’s presence is also needed in Texas: to tend to her ailing aunt. Arriving just before her aunt dies of the Spanish Influenza, Rebekah finds herself with her aunt’s four young motherless charges to care for. Their father is off fighting in World War I. Rebekah’s heart and emotions careen like a panicked horse when Arthur’s plans diverge from hers. The local sheriff comes calling. Then the children’s father returns. Should Rebekah follow her dreams or her heart?
Set in 1918 and 1919, I felt Anne Mateer really made the era come alive. Whether people are battling Spanish Influenza or Swine Flu, World War I or Desert Storm, hearts and human nature are much the same.
I’m so pleased to be able to highly recommend Wings of a Dream. Let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: I know Anne personally and I was furnished a copy of Wings of a Dream for review purposes, but neither factor influenced my review and recommendation. They just made my life a little easier.
Thank you for your sweet words, Carrie. I am quite honored and humbled by them. It especially thrills my heart to hear friends who don't usually read historicals say they enjoyed the journey with Rebekah. I am very grateful.
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