Member Reviews
A well researched and well written book, this is the perfect read for any historical fiction or WWII fan. An interesting story with insight into the WASPs, this fictional story feels as though it could be a true account of the women in the time period. 4/5 stars, highly recommend!
Beyond the Horizon by Ella Carey is the first book I have read by her. It definitely will not be the last. Ms. Carey wrote a wonderful story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. This story was very well researched and well written, with well-defined believable characters. This book was full of vivid descriptions that made you feel everything. I really had a hard time putting this book down. I actually read it in two days. The ending was a little surprising to me but nice. I highly recommend this book to historical fiction readers you will not be disappointed.
Ella Carey, Author of "Behind the Horizon" writes a captivating, intriguing, intense, and page-turning novel. Genres are both Historical Fiction and Fiction. The timelines for this story are both at the height of World War Two, and 1977. The location for this story takes place in both Texas and North Carolina. The author vividly discusses and describes the "Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and the discrimination, treatment, and lack of respect shown between men and women. The themes for this story are friendship, second chances, looking for the truth, fighting for what is equal, right, and sisterhood. Ella Carey describes the characters as brave, courageous, and bold. There is loyalty and betrayal.
Eva Scott has always loved flying planes and is given lessons by a good friend. Eva and her friend Nina apply and join the WASP during the war. The two best friends meet other women and form a special bond and sisterhood. The women are not treated equally to the men in the training, and some of the equipment seems to be faulty.
After a devasting accident, where Eva loses her memory, she returns home and gets married. For thirty years, Eva hasn't discussed the war, flying, or her friends. Eva's eighteen-year-old son convinces her to help recognize the WASPS. In doing this, Eva has no idea how her life and others will change.
I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel for readers who appreciate historical fiction.
At the height of WWII, Eva Scott dreams of flying. When herself and best friend Nina are accepted in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), they leave California for training at Avengers Field in Texas, and eventually stationed to the formidable Camp Davis in North Carolina.
Vastly outnumbered by men and often facing contempt, discrimination and even sabotage, Eva and her friends manage to stay true to their mission and each other. Until a fatal assignment sees Eva’s dreams crashing to earth.
Decades later, Eva finds herself embroiled in the fight to gain military recognition for the WASP. But will she discover a truth that will change her life forever?
As a lover of history, and therefore historical fiction, I didn’t hesitate to request an ARC of this book. WWII happens to be a particular interest of mine, however, I find most novels are told from the British side of events. This story is based in America, and their participation in the war, especially the involvement of the female pilots that aided the airforce. Something I knew little about before reading this title.
I found the friendships Eva had with the other girls to be very realistic and likely representative of the time. Women from all forms of class and culture were thrown together, often forging unbreakable bonds in the face of wartime.
Each chapter started with a paragraph from 1977, with Eva being questioned by Congress as part of the fight for militarisation for the WASP. This was then followed by a flashback scene to Eva’s time as a pilot. Whilst, the story was fiction it was clear to see that the author had done a great deal of research into events that really happened. There are a few sad moments that serve to prove no one came through the war without some kind of loss.
There was a small twist towards the end, one I had begun to piece together throughout reading and therefore I didn’t feel the shock factor that others perhaps did. The conclusion for me was a little too neat, but I enjoyed this book and feel I learnt a great deal from it.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, Ella Carey for giving me the chance to read and review her new book: Beyond The Horizon.
Beyond the Horizon is a historical story about Eva Scott and a special group of brave women who during WW II joined the Women's Air Force Service Pilots Scheme. Male pilots are busy defending the skies and fighting in the Pacific. Female pilots are desperately needed in America during WW II to transfer and test planes.
Eva and her fellow pilots, Nina, Helena, Rita, Nancy and Beatrice start five months of intense training in Avenger Field in Sweetwater Texas, it's extremely demanding both physically and mentally.
On a daily basis they have to deal with hot weather, very basic living conditions, and use or wear flying equipment designed for men.
The girls are very focused, determined to pass and they soon become best friends.
After they graduate, Eva, Nina and Helena are sent to Camp Davis in Carolina, here they deal with more shocking discrimination, sabotage, its a dangerous place to live and work.
During one mission tragedy strikes, Eva's plane crashes and will she ever fly again?
Years later, Eva goes to Washington and gives evidence in an investigation into how badly the members of the WASP's were treated during and after WW II. Eva finally discovers what really happened after her plane crashed all those years ago and how she was betrayed by two people.
I loved Beyond The Horizon, it's a story about WW II, friendship, secrets, justice, Eva confronting her past, discovering the truth and understanding the accident wasn't her fault. I received a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and I gave the book four stars.
Readers of historical fiction who are not familiar with the WASPS will find this novel interesting both for the detail and the story. Eva desperately wanted to join the new team of female pilots and was lucky - and talented enough- to make the cut but she didn't know what she was in for. Told in flash backs from a ceremony in 1977, this is her story, as well as that of her brave colleagues, especially her girlhood friend Nina and her special friend Helene. These women were undervalued- and it lead to disastrous results. There's a romantic element here as well, although I think the bigger romance was with the airplanes. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of Carey will appreciate this latest addition to her shelf.
It is easy to tell that this is an extremely well researched tale of the women who learned to fly as part of the war effort but who also dealt with so many obstacles to their being accepted as equal to their male counterparts. The story is well told and the characters are interesting and likely representative of the many types of ladies who did decide to become pilots. What I had a little trouble with was the amount of detail in the technical parts of the book. I felt as though I was reading both a fictional story and a non-fiction description of what it was like to fly back then. It was enjoyable but I think I might have personally liked a bit less of the technical stuff about flying since this is fiction. And yet with all that said, the story is captivating and worth reading. There was a twist to the end and I both liked the way things were tied together and yet also felt that it was a little too neat.
Wonderful historical fiction! This is a well researched book about the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) during WWII. It tells how the women bonded, under difficult circumstances, and at times outright discrimination, then, decades after their service, had to fight Congress to be recognized as military. The characters are well developed, and there’s a good little twist toward the end that I did not see coming. A very enjoyable read!
Beyond the Horizon hooked me from the very beginning! I tore through this book, completely captivated by the story. I loved that it went back and forth in time, providing details that fleshed out the story. I have to admit that I did not see the ending coming. It was unexpected, but perfect. This book sent me to the internet to find out more - always the sign of a good read.
Such a wonderful story and one that i will stay in my mind for a while to come. I knew about the brave women fighter pilots and how courageous they were, but i now know so much more. Well worth a read. Hope to read more books by this author.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers. This is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given.
Beyond the Horizon is an inspiring and heartbreaking story of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots(WASP) program during WWII. A must read for historical fiction fans!
BOOK REVIEW:
Release Date - October 15, 2019
Beyond the Horizon by Ella Carey
A truly wonderful read! I thank author, Ella Carey for sharing this stunning narrative, one of heart and heroism.
Beyond the Horizon is a wonderful and informative look into the lives, families and friends of the women who became the WASP division of the military during the 1940's at the height of WWII.
Each and every character is written as real and believable and ones you'll enjoy in getting to know. The research is nothing short of very well done and the storyline- inspiring, intriguing, heart-breaking and entertaining.
If you're a fan of Historical Fiction, and even if this is not your go-to genre, please consider reading Beyond the Horizon-a story of dreams, bravery and strength. The fighting against discrimination, sabotage and contempt with harsh loyalty and focus, and the fight for recognition.
A beautifully moving story...full of emotion.
I thank author Ella Carey for my ARC of Beyond the Horizon, not only for my reading enjoyment but in order for me to review yet another stellar read from this author.
5 Stars
#EllaCarey
#BeyondtheHorizon
#LakeUnionPublishing
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book
trained pilots in the war only they are women...they were the wasps pilots and they went unrecognised doing their jobs
they are laughed at and reviled by most of the men in the forces but they are needed for the jobs so that the men could go to the front...
they worked hard and were trained hard and had to be held accountable for their actions in work and out, higher standards to be kept at all times even if the men were better fed and housed and even clothed but these wasps were fighting for their own place in history...to be acknowledged
this is their story and its brilliant
this author captured their story and i was gripped right to the very end
I love historical fiction, and this did not disappoint. Written by talented novelist, Ella Carey, whose own mother flew in WWII in Australia, it was well researched with strong charismatic characters.
Eva Scott has been hooked on flying from a young age and hates her riveting job at Lockheed in Burbank California. When she learns that a pioneering female pilot has been recruiting women to test repaired airplanes for the Air Force, she and her friend Nina form a pact to join them. So begins their story, that is told during 1944 and Eva’s own story in 1977, as part of a group, fighting for official recognition of the WASP’s history and accomplishments.
This is a riveting tale of these woman’s strength and courage under deplorable and dangerous conditions, as they fought for equality in a male dominated military, then and 30 years later. I loved the sisterhood and camaraderie of their group. I received this ARC for my honest review and thank #LakeUnionPublishers #NetGalley #Ella Carey for the opportunity! Five stars all the way.
This is a fictional account of the real-life stories of the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) in WWII. Many of the events are real, but the characters are all fictional. The story if from the point of view of Eva Forrest, née Scott. She is testifying at the 1977 congressional hearings on giving the WASPs military recognition. The book opens with Nina and her husband Jack and son Alex at a market. Her son has met women organizing for the WASPs to testify in front of congress, and it triggers a flashback for Eva. She was in a horrible crash, that killed her co-pilot Helena. It is after this that she defies her husband and decides to testify, unless the records are militarized she cannot access them to find out what happened the day of the crash, and she fears she is to blame for her friend’s death. The remaining chapters start out with a question from congress and Eva’s response, then it moves into a flashback to 1943/1944. We follow Eva from her choice to join the WASPs with her best friend Nina up until the fateful accident.
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of very strong women characters overcoming discrimination. I felt that at times the timeline jumps were jarring. Sometimes Carey forgets to give lead ins that 3 months have passed, or that someone has entered the room. This happened more at the beginning then the middle and in, but it caused me pause. I also felt like a good portion of the book was spent on Eva and Nina getting into the WASP program, and training in Sweetwater. The parts once they were assigned to Camp David and aftermath of the crash seemed really short, but maybe it was because the storyline had really picked up by then. I admit I spent the last part of the book crying, from the moment the hearing needed until the end of the book. It was so heart wrenching in a good way. Needless to say this was a book "Couldn't Put Down" as I finished it in two days.
A STORY OF RESTORATION!
I’ve read many of Grace Greene’s books and while I’ve enjoyed them, none have touched me like Wildflower Hope. Wildflower Hope is Book 2 in the Wildflower House Series. This book may be read as a stand alone as Greene gives sufficient background so the reader won’t be lost. However, to be enjoyed to it’s fullest, it should be read in sequential order.
In Wildfire Hope, Greene has continued the story of Kara Hart. Hart is a strong woman who has suffered immeasurable grief and is trying her best to be an overcomer. She wanted to fulfill her father’s dream for the Wildflower House but comes up with a more dynamic plan on her own. Her plan is risky and will require blood, sweat and tears - and maybe not just her own. Greene includes many of the same characters from WILDFLOWER HEART and also introduces some exciting new characters.
The main theme of this book is restoration - 1) the restoration of Wildflower House and grounds into a retreat center for artists, writers and other creatives to come and work undisturbed, 2) the restoration of families for so many, many different reasons, 3) the restoration of dreams for the future, 4) the restoration of possible romance, 5) the restoration of cherished friendships and most importantly 6) the restoration of FORGIVENESS. Oh what a difference maker that is for everyone!
I was provided an ARC of this book by Lake Union Publishers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
I received an advanced reading copy from Lake Publishing and the author Ella Carey in exchange for an honest review.
A well written story of courage and sacrifice and the contributions of WASP during WWII. Loved this book. Well laid out and the characters were likable and I could identify with them. (except the males...it always astounds me the level of sexism that existed before WWII!!)
4 stars!
I am a big fan of Ella Carey’s stories and I devoured this one, it was a compelling read for me hearing how the wonderful woman from America took to the skies during World War 2 to do what they could to support their country, the battles they fought with some of the men and the military then and years later to win the recognition they deserved.
The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was what Eva Scott wanted to join she wanted to be a pilot and do her bit for the war effort, she grew up in Burbank California her best friend Nina also had this dream and they had been taught by their friend Harry to fly, both worked in the airplane manufacturing plant, but as soon as they had the chance they joined up, at their training camp they met Helene, these three woman became the best of friends.
They arrive at Camp Davis determined to not complain and do what has to be done under circumstances that would never be accepted in this day, with more men than woman and deliberate sabotage that could cause danger, they stayed on course to become the best pilots. A terrible accident changes all of their lives Eva returns home injured and heart-broken but gets on with life marries Jack and has a son never knowing what has happened to her friends.
Thirty odd years later Eva finally gets a chance to help the WASP’s get the military recognition that they should have been given in the first place, but she also gets answers to what had happened in the past.
This story shows the strength and courage that Eva, Nina and Helene as well as the other WASPs went through, the friendships that were made, and the loves that were lost and found during a time of war, the story is moving and at times heart-wrenching, I shed tears but I also cheered these woman on, and it has such a beautiful ending one that left me smiling. Thank you MS Carey for another keeper.
Girls can Fly
Beyond the Horizon is the story of the Wasps, lady flyers in WWII. These brave girls left their homes and trained to fly airplanes at an abandoned military base with civilian flight instructors. They flew for the military on many different assignments and under much discrimination from the men.
I was very interested in this part of history. I had heard the Wasp units mentioned briefly before but didn't know that much about them. It is amazing what they accomplished and that they finally were allocated Military rank and benefits thirty years later.
Eva's story was heartbreaking. There was so much love between her and Nina. Then later Rita, Helena and Bea all fellow wasps. I think what Jack did was so wrong.
I loved this book, loved the ending, and would recommend it to anyone wishing to read a great book.
Thanks to Ella Carey, Lake Union Publishing, and Net galley for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of the book.
From the first page, I was entranced in author, Ella Carey’s, latest book, Beyond the Horizon. This historical fiction book was based on World War II’s Women’s Airforce Service Pilots and how they gained military recognition. Protagonist, Eva, was so very relatable. This book had me running through a gambit of emotions, the sign of a truly good read. I can’t wait to get started on Carey’s backlist books!