I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Review based on final copy. All opinions are my own.
Sara Ackerman once again delivers a solid historical fiction set in Hawaii with The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West, albeit this time pivoting away from World War II to a new, lesser known event: the Dole Air Race, also known as the Dole Derby. I was surprised to learn about this, as while I admit I’m not super knowledgeable about local history, I’m surprised this never came up before in school, even in passing, given how tragic it was. But Ackerman gives the event its due, capturing the gravitas of the tragic bits, while also paying tribute to those who participated. I also liked how, while the story is fictionalized, the story serves to acknowledge the contributions of women to early aviation.
Olivia “Livy” West is a compelling heroine. I immediately resonated with her fearlessness and ambition, and I loved watching her come into her own as she made her dreams reality, even with massive odds, first being from a lower class upbringing and having to work odd jobs to afford training, and then in the race itself with all the challenges she and her fellow pilot, Felix, encounter.
I wasn’t sure about Wren at first, as while she has a solid story in her own right, with family issues, her boyfriend recently having cheated on her, and trying to get by as a struggling artist, the connection to Olivia’s story felt very tenuous at first, so I wasn’t expecting much from her arc. And her chapters were initially more spaced out between Livy’s, so the connection came about quite slowly. But as the connection became clearer, I became more engaged, and I loved how it all came together by the end.
This is a solid and original historical novel, and I’d recommend it to readers looking for historical fiction with new/less discussed settings.

The fictional account of a real life race to fly from the West Coast to Hawaii as told from a woman’s perspective. Livy not only wants to fly, but she wants to win this race for her family. There are stumbling blocks around the way and the foremost among them is that people simply don’t think a woman is capable of flying much less accomplishing such a feat. This book is filled with tragedy, love, heroics, and most importantly believe in oneself. Grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the read.

I’ve read several of this author’s books and have enjoyed each one. They are usually set in Hawaii like this one but usually has World War II as its basis, but I really loved the story of the Dole Air Race.

The two timelines of 1927 and 1987 told the story of two women…one wanting to go across the Pacific, the other trying to find herself after a bad break up and getting a surprise inheritance.

Well written and entertaining in both timelines.

Olivia West is a heroine to root for! A strong willed and capable pilot she is underestimated by those around her, but has the chance to prove her abilities as navigator in the 1927 Dole Derby. Vivid characters and real life drama keep this fictionalized tale true to the period. Dual timeline adds to the unfolding story as Wren, a young woman seeking purpose, discovers the story of Olivia West and revives the legend for a new era.

Like Sara Ackerman's other books, the history of The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is of Hawaii. This is the first I have read that is not centered around World War II. This book builds on 1920s history of the Dole Air Race. The pacing of the book is a little uneven, but ultimately it leaves the memory of a sweet story and a knowledge of a unique little snippet of history.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2024/02/the-uncharted-flight-of-olivia-west.html

Reviewed for NetGalley and a publisher’s blog tour.

Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fearless young pilot Olivia West wants nothing more than to take part in the 1927 Dole Air Race, a race across the Pacific from the West Coast to Hawaii. But flying is a field very much dominated by men and Olivia soon realizes there’s no way she will be allowed to qualify. In a last effort to be a part of it, she becomes a navigator for one of the pilots on this dangerous crossing to Hawaii. Sixty years later, Wren Summers inherits several acres of land in a remote part of the Big Island and plans to sell it and use the money to live on. But when she arrives to inspect the place, she finds an old barn where several interesting objects are stored that will reveal an unknown piece of history and lead her path to cross with Olivia’s.

Sara Ackerman has become an auto-read author for me over the last couple of years and I always enjoy her historical fiction novels, so I signed up for this blog tour immediately!

I’d never heard of the Dole Air Race before this and had no historical context when reading this book, which in a way was good as it’s more fun sometimes to just discover the story as it unfolds without constantly comparing it to the historical facts I know about the events.

The concept behind this book was definitely a fascinating one. It’s not the first book with the air race premise I’ve read – Stateless was similar, but the focus there was more on the mystery aspect. Here, the actual flight mechanics and the experience of a dangerous crossing was front and center and I really appreciated how much detail the book went into. The author did a marvellous job of setting the scene and raising the tension throughout the story and once the race began, it felt like I was right there next to the pilots on their flight.

The second timeline however, was rather lacklustre and I didn’t enjoy it. There’s wasn’t much action and all the interesting stuff was happening in the 1927 timeline, which made this much slower in comparison and after the first couple of chapters, I was speed reading through these just to get back to what was going on in the race.

This was a very easy to read book as is always the case with this author’s books and I flew through it in under 3 hours. The pacing was somewhat choppy though, starting off slowly, then progressing to the excitement of the race and then becoming slower again. In the future timeline, the plotline wasn’t really working for me, and I found the pacing to be on the slower side.

Olivia was a likeable character, determined and fearless, and it was very easy to root for her. Wren on the other hand, was a character who simply did not hold my interest and I ended up skimming so much of her POV chapters.

I liked the way Olivia’s story ended and the way the future timeline tied up those last few unanswered questions. One thing I didn’t understand is the very odd pacing of the plot. The race took until around the 30% mark to start and was finished before the 70% mark with very little excitement left after that which is what lowered my rating for this book.

Overall, this was a fun read and I enjoyed learning about this bit of history that I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about. I would recommend this book for historical fiction fans!

I really enjoyed this story! It's a dual timeline story set in 1927 with Olivia (Livy West) who loves to fly, is an excellent pilot and navigator, and is trying to participate in the Dole Race (a fictional character in a real-life race. The other timeline is 1987 with Wren Summers who just inherited a barn on some land in Hawaii from her great aunt. She heads out there to decide what to do with it and ends up uncovering a mystery there with the help of the people at an old folks home nearby. She also learns more about her family history on her Dad's side.

I enjoyed the stories in both timelines and felt that they both fit together very well. It was an interesting read learning about Livy who wanted to fly so badly, no matter what the risk. Since it was the beginning days of flying there was much more risk than nowadays. I learned about the Dole Air Race, or Dole Derby a deadly race from CA to Hawaii back in 1927. I enjoyed Wren's story as well as she decides what to do about her property and uncovers the mystery of Livy West and her family background. I definitely want to read more by this author.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade, Netgalley, and the author of this story.

I absolutely loved this book! Set in the late 20s around aviation, after Lindbergh’s flight, this book covers a female aviator and her dream of flying. Set in two time periods and two POVs; I loved this different era!

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This novel was interesting and I enjoyed learning about this aviator during the early days of flying. But I didn't find the story as engaging and the character development to be as well rounded as I was hoping. I'm sure this story will appeal to a wide variety of readers, but I found it underwhelming. More character motivation would be helpful to assist the reader in becoming captivated with the plot/protagonist.

"The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West" by Sara Ackerman is a compelling tale that intertwines the lives of two remarkable women, Olivia West and Wren Summers, across six decades. Olivia, a bold pilot in 1927, defies the gender norms of her time by participating in the perilous Dole Air Race. Her story of determination and bravery is a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by female aviators in the early 20th century. Fast forward to 1987, Wren Summers uncovers her great-uncle's legacy and Olivia's forgotten story, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and historical revelation.

Ackerman skillfully blends adventure, history, and mystery, creating an immersive narrative that celebrates the spirit of exploration and the enduring strength of women. The novel's rich historical backdrop and dynamic characters make it a captivating read, offering insight into a pivotal era of aviation history while exploring themes of resilience, identity, and the unbreakable connections that tie the past to the present. "The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West" is an engaging and heartwarming story that pays homage to the unsung heroines of aviation and the timeless pursuit of dreams.

The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West, by Sara Ackerman, was a thoroughly enjoyable experience! Told in two timelines, it is the story of a female aviator in 1927 and a floundering young woman in 1987. Both stories are set primarily in Hawaii, and the lush landscape of the islands is vividly described. Although both timelines are compelling, the 1927 story is the heart of the novel, providing color, history, and suspense. There were a few moments when the switch to 1989 almost hurt! Nonetheless, I enjoyed both stories and the way in which they were woven together. Thank you to Harlequin Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital ARC. It is my pleasure to highly recommend!

In 1927 James Dole, the pineapple magnate, announced a transatlantic air race from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawaii. It would be a treacherous undertaking, but with a prize of $25,000 to the winner and $10,000 to second place, many were onboard. Ackerman has written an historical fiction account of this race, called the Dole Derby. Written in dual timelines, she takes the reader along on the arduous journey. By race day there were only eight planes that took off as tragedy had already struck before race day. Eight planes, but who would win? Eight planes, but how many made it to Honolulu? How many lives were lost? The second timeline takes place in 1987, when down and out Wren Summers, inherits a dilapidated old barn on her family’s acreage in Kona. There she finds the remains of an old aircraft, not knowing that as she strives to find out its history, she’s about to change her own. This book was completely engrossing from start to finish. Ackerman’s meticulous research comes across on each page as she tells us a story about a bit of history that was new to me. Well done! Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Sara Ackerman, the author of “The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West, has written a memorable and thought provoking novel. The author usually writes about World War Two, and Hawaii, and in this book, Sara Ackerman steps away from that time period and uses two time periods, that ultimately converge: 1927 and 1987. This story is inspired by historical facts, and the genres are Historical Fiction, and Fiction. There is also Romance and Adventure.

In 1927, Olivia, “Livy”West, has always been obsessed with flying an airplane, and the sea. Olivia is quite observant of impending weather disasters, and seems to have an internal compass, when she is up in the air. Olivia is the only woman that actually flies in a great race across the Pacific. Because of the times, a man has to be the pilot, and she would have to be the assistant. Felix, the pilot gets ills and Olivia does much of the flying, but no one can know at this time. There is some talk of sabotage and some people and planes do not make it. Olivia does see a former “friend” that she was involved with that hurt her. The importance of winning the race is not only for the cash prize, but for the recognition, honor, and pride.

In 1987, Wren Summers discovers that she has inherited a barn and lots of land in a remote part of the Big Island from an aunt that Wren didn’t know well. At first, Wren is overwhelmed and thinks of selling it. She has no money. Then Wren meets a neighbor and they discover something special in the barn, that will change her life forever. Wren gets a job at a home for older retired adults, and discusses her family with them. Wren is not familiar with her father’s side of the family.

Sara Ackerman weaves the stories and timelines together effortlessly. I love the way the author vividly describes the scenery, landscape, animals, birds, and characters. I appreciate the theme that Women can do anything they really are determined to. The women characters show strength and courage despite obstacles. I highly recommend this memorable book to others.

I loved this book! As the author mentions in her very insightful note, this is her first non World War 2 book and I for one hope she continues to explore little known historical events, such as the Dole Air Race chronicled in this novel. The dual time lines moved the story forward while relating the history to current day Hawaii. Ms Ackermann has done her homework and presents a great story based in aviation history which she liberally adjusts to meet her story telling. I love the strong female characters: Livy and Wren. This book really has everything - great plot, wonderful location, romance, action, suspense and it’s not totally predictable. The ending came a bit fast for this reader’s taste but it would be a wonderful movie finale! Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the early read. I will definitely be referring others to this book.

Sara Ackerman knows how to write interesting and involving dual time period fiction. Her love of Hawaii is a delightful aspect of her books.

This title about early flight and the plight of women in a “man’s world” was a page turning read. The sense of setting, the feeling of flight, the interest that I had for the protagonist in this earlier time period, all kept me turning the pages.

I also enjoyed the more modern time setting and how the two time periods converged. Anyone who likes historical fiction should give this title, based on truth, a look.

Many thanks to the team at HTP and NetGalley for this book and the spot on the blog tour. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful story for fans of female historical fiction.
The story is duel timeline of 1927 and then 1987.
What a interesting journey we are taken on with reading The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West.
The story is based on real events which makes it even more intriguing.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

It's just after midnight and I am up well past my bedtime in order to finish this lovely story about two fiercely strong women told in alternating time lines and point of view. Olivia is a bold and persistent woman of the 1920s that won't take no for an answer when it comes to her dreams of flying the skies like a bird. 60 years in the future, Wren is an independent woman in her own path of finding belonging and happiness. While the ending was perhaps a bit predictable, it kept my eyes glued to the page and flying through to the end to see where Olivia and Wren ended up.

I love stories about remarkable women and this one was fantastic. Fast-paced, full of adventure, fun and inspiring. A story about survival, determination, strenght and love. Simply captivating!

Ackerman tells the story of an (imaginary) female aviator in the (historical) Dole Air Race of 1927. Written from the perspective of Olivia West in 1927, and Wren Summer in the 1980's, we have a chance to reflect on how much has changed and what hasn't in the intervening 50 years. There is great scene setting at the start of the race on the airfields of California where West learns to fly, and then in Hawaii at the end of the race and in the ensuing years. Both Olivia and Wren are interesting characters with romance interests that are pleasing but not center stage.

I look forward to more from this author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.25- Being a huge fan of historical fiction I always get excited when a book of that genre takes place outside of WW2. Because of that. And having just finished The Aviator’s Wife, I was really looking forward to reading this one.
In 1927, Olivia West is a rarity at the air field in San Diego since she is the only female pilot amongst all the men. Becoming of her growing up on her father’s fishing boat, she also processes a keen sense of the weather and is a stellar navigator. When she hears that James Dole is hosting an air race from Oakland, CA to Maui with prizes for first and second places, she jumps to enter. The only problem is as a woman she isn’t allowed to pilot a plane in the race and none of the male pilots will even consider her, except for her ex-boyfriend with whom she refuses to fly. When Felix Harding hears she’s a navigator, he invites her to fly with him and while she has her doubts, she agrees. In 1988 on the island of Oahu, Wren Summers’ life is not going as planned. She’s lost her boyfriend, her apartment, and her job all at once and she’s not sure where she’s meant to start picking up the pieces. When she gets a phone call that an obscure relative of her father’s on Hawai’i (The Big Island) has left her land and a barn, she figures that’s a good place to start. Never having known her father or any of his relatives, Wren is clueless as to why she’s been left this and what it all means, but she moves herself to The Big Island just the same. She’s intrigued when she finds two very old planes in the barn and goes on a mission to find out who this relative is and why the planes were left to her.
While I enjoyed parts of this book, I wasn’t as wowed as I was hoping to be. I loved the parts of Olivia and Felix flying over the Pacific. Sara Ackerman’s writing had my heart in my mouth and kept me at the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, the rest of it was just meh. I didn’t really care for Wren’s storyline until the end and I felt like it wasn’t needed at all. This book could have been told solely in Olivia’s timeline.
I love how it was based on the real event of The Dole Derby. I had never heard of this before even though this was the event that led to flights to Hawaii becoming a thing. I went down the Google rabbit hole learning about this race and the entrants and it truly is fascinating. I greatly appreciated that while Felix, Olivia, and their plane are fictional, they represent real people who took part in the race.
While I wasn’t 100% happy with this I am glad I read it. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West hit the shelves on February 6th.