This book was so well-written and I really enjoyed it. Following the life of two newly hired PanAm stewardesses, this book beautifully explains explores friendship, love, loss, and trauma. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book!

The 1960s brought us the golden age of flying in which Pan Am and TWA were front and center of that dream of jetting off to dreamed-of destinations – both those who delivered top-notch service and their pampered passengers. Judy and Beverly wanted to live that dream, each winning coveted spots as stewardesses for Pan Am. Judy escapes an abusive marriage to live her travel dreams, and Beverly wants much more than her limited life as a New York socialite.

With the goal of being shaped into uniform paragons of beauty and poise, the women begin their glamorous careers in a training camp in Florida. The requirements to adhere to strict rules regarding makeup, hair, dress, and comportment are all designed to lure passengers. The women are also expected to speak at least two languages and have a college degree. Training includes world geography, rigorous safety training, and much more.

The book’s details of the job’s requirements and training is fascinating, but unfortunately is all too brief, and the variety of passengers crossing the paths of the women in their travels is lacking in the novel. Instead, the novel becomes centered more on romance. Judy falls instantly in love with one of her instructors, and Beverly falls for a passenger she meets on one of her first flights. The novel switches between Judy’s and Beverly’s points of view and leaves the reader inside their heads with far too much trivial and trite inner dialogue. This book is for the romance reader, but readers who want a well-rounded picture of the airline industry in this time era would be better served reading one of the many memoirs written by stewardesses, such as Come Fly the World by Julia Cooke.

Historical Novels Review, February 2025

Come Fly With Me is a charming, light-hearted romance with just the right amount of adventure. Di Maio’s writing and the setting make it an easy and enjoyable escape.

This was a highly pleasurable read, quite joyful but with sadness at the end. Two young women want to escape their current lifestyle, one in an abusive marriage the other from a rich controlled background, so they apply for a post as air stewardess for Pan Am. Set in the early sixties, the book takes you back to when plane flight was luxurious and exciting. The two women fit 8n with pan ams strict code of conduct and thoroughly enjoy exploring the world, finding companionship with each other and their colleagues. Both of them also find love. This is an engaging book, based on personal testimony, stressing the 8mportance of friendship and family.

I really enjoyed this book! The early 60s PanAm Airlines vibes were really there and that is exactly what I wished for from this book. I liked both main characters and I thought they were a great lead through the story. I loved how different they and their backgrounds are, but how much they become friends and support each other. Judy is shy in the beginning and grows significantly during the book and becomes way more self confident. I loved that about her. Beverly starts off sounding like a rebellious teenager to some extent but matures in my view, which I appreciated. No spoiler, but toward the end I just find that the time lapses between the chapters were too long. Other readers might enjoy that though. I enjoyed the read and the journey with Judy and Beverly and all in all, if you love PanAm or flight in the 60s, this book is for you!

This was a quick and enjoyable read, but I just felt like something was missing. I loved the Jet Set vibes and the premise of the book, but the friendship between the two protagonists left me wanting more. I wish there was less focus on the romantic storylines and stronger emphasis on their friendship. But overall, I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for an easy read and is a fan of this era.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced reader copy of this book and the chance to review.

I am a big fan of Camille Di Maio's previous books as I just love her writing, and I was so excited to be given the chance to read and review her new novel, Come Fly With Me. This book centers around the friendship between two women, Beverly and Judy, who end up becoming stewardesses for Pan American Airways during the height of the Jet Age. Both of these women have their own unique stories to tell and both are running away from something at the time of them meeting each other and beginning to train as stewardesses. This book was simply delightful and I found myself returning to it again and again whenever I had the chance to see what was going to happen next. The author did an amazing job transporting the reader to tropical places like Hawaii and Mo'orea, an island in French Polynesia. There is a twist in the book that I did not expect at all and that left me feeling very surprised. I also loved the pacing of the novel and the supporting characters in the book. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for their next favorite historical fiction read!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this story about two ladies from very different backgrounds becoming Pan Am Stewardesses in the 60’s and forging a deep friendship. I loved the peek into that high-flying role that was seen as so glamorous!

This was my first Camille DiMaio book and I loved it! Back in 1962, Pan Am stewardesses (yes, that's what they were called back then, not flight attendants) were considered to be the most elite of all the airlines. Many young women interviewed for their training program and very few were hired. Judy Goodman and Beverly Caldwell wouldn't seem to have much in common - Judy coming from working class Pennsylvania and Beverly from old money upper class Manhattan - but they become best friends. Judy is running away from a miserable marriage while Beverly is trying to escape from a destiny that doesn't feel right to her. They're both harboring deep secrets as they travel the globe to exciting locations and begin to remake their lives. Camille DiMaio's writing is excellent and her characters are beautifully developed. I look forward to reading more of her books. Thanks to #netgalley #lakeunionpublishing and #CamilleDiMaio for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read multiple books by Camille DiMaio and one is better than the next. I read this whole book, believe it or not, on a plane! Fascinating story about what it was like to be a Pan Am stewardess at the time. Full of sisterhood, women supporting women and intriguing characters. Not until the final third of the book do you find out who is talking in the present day. Truly enjoyable!

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio.

I was a bit hesitant in this one as my only experience with books by Camille Di Maio have been historical fiction. Which I guess technically this one was. However, it quickly hooked me in. Both Beverly and Judy were interesting characters and the bits from the future where you didn’t know which character it was made me want to keep reading to find out. I also found Judy’s story very interesting as she was from Red Lion, PA which is very close to where I live and I have family there as well. It was fun to hear the author reference things I’m familiar with. Overall, seeing the relationships develop in this story was well done on many levels. And the ending pulled at the heartstrings a bit. A good read!

Absolutely a perfect book! I loved this one as soon as I saw the cover. Then I started reading. I was dreaming about the book at bedtime so I got up and started reading again and didn't quit until I finished. Wow, how I loved this! Judy and Beverly are each trying to escape a life that they had been living. Those two lives couldn't have been more different, but as soon as they had their first conversation, they became friends. Pan Am had a reputation as cream of the crop when it came to their Flight Attendants. Judy and Beverly had to work hard to join the program and when they did they each felt like they achieved their dreams. The past doesn't always stay buried and each of them will experience elements from their past coming back to them. Judy a secret relationship and Beverly problems with her family.

There are two timelines here; one is a present day and the other is in the early 60s, when the girls were a Pan Am Stewardess (old fashioned term but that was the title then). I'm highly recommemding this one! It is my first 5 star read of 2025 and you will see it again on my Book of the Month list.

5.0 stars
HIGHLY recommend

As usual, Camille Di Maio writes another fantastic historical fiction novel. It is her best yet AND I know that I say this with every one of her books! This one is set in the early 1960's and is about the stewardesses (the period title) of Pan Am.

This novel includes interesting characters, settings, and storylines with beautiful writing. Her topic this time, The Golden Age of Travel sounds much more civilized and elegant than now. I love how the stewardesses were almost like rock stars!

What a roller coaster ride of a story that gives a satisfying conclusion, but is so thoughtfully done.

You did it again, Camille. You hit this one out of the park!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4561633110 - posted 1/23/2025
Books by Dorothea blog: https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/01/review-come-fly-with-me-earcebook.html- posted 1/23/2025

If you love to fly, work in the airline industry, or just like the era of Pan Am and Frank Sinatra you will love this book! The dual timeline is so well done. The suspense of what you know is coming is bittersweet. Definitely recommend reading Come Fly With Me by Camille Di Maio.

I’ve always loved mid-century settings and stories about flight attendants, so Come Fly With Me was an absolute delight to read. Camille Di Maio’s storytelling transported me to the glamorous and challenging world of Pan American Airlines in the 1960s, where two women from vastly different backgrounds form a deep and transformative friendship.

The story is beautifully told through a dual timeline of “then” and “now.” Judy Goodman is escaping an abusive marriage in small-town Pennsylvania, bravely carving out a new life for herself with the help of a kind neighbour. Beverly Caldwell, on the other hand, is fleeing the gilded cage of New York high society, determined to create a future of her own choosing instead of being tied to the man her father has selected for her. Their paths cross during flight attendant training in Florida, where their shared passion for adventure and new beginnings forges a powerful bond.

The book brilliantly captures the demanding yet exhilarating life of a 1960s flight attendant. From long-distance romances to the excitement of experiencing faraway destinations, Di Maio’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in a bygone era of travel. The story also touches on the restrictions of the time, particularly the rule that married women could not continue working as flight attendants.

While there are romantic elements, the heart of this book lies in the relationship between Judy and Beverly. Their friendship is the true star of the story, and it was a joy to watch how it shaped and changed each of them over the course of the novel.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Lovely historical fiction novel about two young women who become stewardesses for PanAm during the height of glamourous international airline travel in the early and mid-1960s. Beverly and Judy each have their own reasons for wanting to join the ranks of PanAm. They come from very different backgrounds, but their friendship blossoms as they learn the ropes of being a stewardess and also room together as they start to travel the world and find love. The research for this novel really shines through - readers will be transported to 1960s Miami, Hawaii and San Francisco, with lots of details about the fashion and food of the era.

PS - All the extra stars from me for the references to York County, Pennsylvania, which hardly ever gets a shoutout in novels!

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

****Publishing February 18, 2025***

Beverly and Judy both become Pam Am Stewardess. Each had their own reasons and desires to do so. Pam Am at the time was the only airline that flew internationally, so it was an honor to be chosen. They wanted to experience the world. Beverly is from a wealthy family, while Judy, from the exact opposite, leaves an abusive marriage. Will they be able to create the new life they are seeking?

I was drawn in from the first page by this author’s writing and story telling . I really enjoyed reading about Beverly and Judy’s experience of becoming a Pam Am Stewardess, their friendship, and the experiences and adventures they had! A well-researched book that is a must-read for those who love Historical Fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a big fan of anything Mid-Century, Sinatra or 60s related in general so I was very excited to check out “Come Fly With Me” and this book did not disappoint. I loved the relationship between Beverly & Judy and it was such a good friendship for two women from very different backgrounds. I loved how being a stewardess was such a big goal for each of them but for different reasons. And even though it’s obvious from the start that one of them doesn’t survive to this trip back to French Polynesia, it was still a sad but sweet ending. The whole book had such a great feeling of the Jet Age and felt so authentic. I absolutely loved it.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review this book!!

Judy and Beverly become close friends during Pan Am stewardess training. It is the 60's and the height of Pan Am's influence. The hostesses are known for their beauty, intelligence, and coolness under pressure. Beverly is from a rich family in NYC and wants to go out on her own and see the world. Judy is escaping an abusive husband and wants to do good on her own. Both women form a found family and make careers in Pan Am.

I really liked this book, with a few small caveats. I loved the characters and relationships and obstacles that went thru. I loved reading about the Pan Am selection and training process. I didn't love the inserted diary entries that were written to someone throughout- it really took me out of the otherwise great book. I wish those had not been added. I also didn't love the ending.

If you have any interest in the history of air travel and like a different historical fiction with interesting characters, this one is for you.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio is a phenomenal dual timeline Historical Fiction jam packed with determination, courage, secrets, friendship, family, heartache and hope. The author's gorgeous storytelling, vivid descriptions, fascinating historical information, varied characters and thought-provoking life lessons made this so easy to rate five stars.

In 1962, Judy lives in a small town in Pennsylvania and discovers the true nature of her husband. Thanks to her neighbour Ronelle, she finds to courage to leave him. She has good reason to want...and need...a coveted Pan Am Airlines stewardess job but the process is rigorous and only a percentage are successful. Beverly is from high society New York and her magnate father's life goals are wealth and status. She is restless and needs an escape from societal expectations. After a stressful interview, both girls are hired into the elite club and become dear friends. The adventures begin immediately as they train and practice, practice and train. The galley and pool stories are amongst my favourites. But the romantic stroll...sigh...

The stewardess training process in the glamorous jet set age intrigued me and caused me to think about things travelers such as myself take for granted. Travel is eye opening and life changing and I'm so glad that is captured here along with hunger of the heart, the very same hunger which which resides in me. Like Beverly, I crave the different.

Experiencing other cultures, food, traditions, architecture and climate really expands one's perspectives and the allure in the 1960s must have been particularly attractive to these young ladies. So many excellent and likeable characters but my favourites are Judy, Beverly, Ronelle, Beverly's mother (loved her growth!), Joe and Mark. But the stories aren't all roses. Loss comes in many forms.

The italicized entries between chapters tugged at my soul. The author also includes one of her own stories in the novel. Lovely touch. And I beamed at what she says at the end!

My sincere thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this enchanting novel.