I like dual timeline historicals, but am a bit surfeited with World War I and II versions. So this one, set in the 1920 and 1980s was a real treat. The settings, California and Hawaii, were decently evocative of both those places, and the glimpses into the early years of aviation were fascinating. Highly recommended for fans of this genre.

I may be Olivia West's biggest fan. I'd never heard of the Dole Air Race before reading The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West. Within, Ackerman takes readers on a captivating and white-knuckle journey through the skies of the 1920s, showcasing the entry of women pilots and navigators into the world of aviation. The character of Wren, set in the 1980s, is the perfect addition, bringing to life a down-on-her-luck woman who charts a new path for herself. Vivid details, lush settings, romance, action, and adventure—The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West has it all and will delight historical fiction lovers.

Sara Ackerman has always been a favorite author of mine. No matter what she writes, I know that I will be in for a treat. "The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West" was no different, and I am so grateful to Netgalley and the Publisher for this wonderful gift! It was that good. Ms. Ackerman is always delightful to read, and her plots and characters are always very original. This one I believe has been her best yet! I loved it, and I could not put it down. I highly recommend this book, and all of her others as well!

“The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West” is a historical fiction book by Sara Ackerman. I knew about the Dole Air Race before reading this book - the dangers, the “craziness” of someone sponsoring a race, and that many lives were lost in the attempt to reach Hawaii. I rather wish that I’d read the author’s note before reading the book, because I think Ms. Ackerman’s note did a fantastic job separating the truth from fiction in such a great manner. Anyway, to the book - as is so common for me when reading dual POVs separated by time periods, I so much preferred the POV of Livy’s in the past. I never warmed up to Wren, though I wanted to. If the early days of flight interests you or a female pilot’s early days of flight interests you, you may want to pick this book up. Yes, there’s a bit of a love story in both timelines, but in Livy’s it’s rather sweet [I felt it was a bit of insta-love in Wren’s]. Plus, that cover - what a fantastic cover.

I haven't read any Sara Ackerman before getting this book and I am so glad I requested it! The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is one of my most favorite reads in a long time. I found the 1920s chapters to be completely captivating. I wanted more Livy!! Wren's chapters set in the 1980s slowly grew on me as the book went on and by the middle/end, I loved both characters! The pace is wonderfully done, keeping you in the action and the setting descriptions made you feel like you were IN the book. Love love love, I cant wait to recommend when it comes out in Feb 2024!