Great story set in 1960's USA during the heyday of Pan Am. Strange to think that only unmarried women could work as cabin crew and married women had to leave. A strong story.

This book is a gem. Learning about the stewardesses at Pan American airplanes back in the day was fascinating and the characters and absolute gems. Each time I put the book down, I missed the people in the story! Of course, now I feel bereft, having finished it. There was so much heart and soul in this book, I fear I won’t find one up to its. Muster for a while. Make sure to read this with tissues, as the story pulls on your heartstrings throughout. This is the best 2025 book I have read so far (and I have read many!) Thank you so much, NetGalley and the publisher for the wonderful experience of reading this book. I won’t soon forget! I plan to read more from this author in hopes of finding another gem!

I’ve anticipated this book for several years and it did not disappoint. Totally worth waiting for. I have read most, if not all of Camille Di Maio’s books, which I have found to be beautifully written, heartfelt stories, often with intriguing history as a result of her extensive research.
It is in the early 1960s, and Pan American Airlines is accepting applications for Stewardesses. Although such glamorous positions attract many young women, Judy Goodman is desperate to get far away from her abusive husband. She’s been hiding a little money each week in preparation of being able to leave. She is thrilled to actually be selected for one of the coveted positions which will enable her to get far away. Beverly Caldwell also wants an escape from her privileged, New York society life to a life of her own choosing. Although Judy and Beverly come from completely different backgrounds, they become fast friends as they embark on many exciting adventures in the friendly skies
The characters in this captivating story are strong, loveable and memorable, and as this story at times, is a bit of a wild ride, it takes you along to many interesting and often exotic destinations, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

AMAZING.
This book captures such multifaceted sides of women in the 60's. I had never read a story about Pam Am or the impact and haven it was for women; it was a breath of fresh air in the historical fiction space. The two main characters go through heart-wrenching journeys and find themselves working for Pam Am as stewardesses. LOVED THE LOVE STORIES WE RECIEVED. They were focused on just enough for them to feel deeply rooted in truth, but not too much to where it took over our main idea of the women. This is my first book by Camille Di Maio, but definitely won't be my last. Amazing storyteller.

Come Fly with Me takes readers back to the glamorous yet challenging world of 1960s air travel, following the intertwined lives of two women who forge a remarkable friendship, despite their differences.
The author captures the highs and lows of their lives, from international travel to the weight of personal struggles. Fans of historical fiction and stories of female empowerment will find Come Fly with Me a delightful and inspiring read.

Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. This is the story of two young ladies, Judy Goodman and Beverly Caldwell, who became stewardesses for Pan American Airlines in 1962. I loved comparing all of the strict rules of that time compared to flying today. I also enjoyed reading about the fashions of that time as well as the descriptions of the places where they visited. I also thought the surprise ending created some suspense in the story. Highly recommend!

Absolutely loved Come Fly with Me. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and Camille Di Maio did an amazing job with the accuracy and bringing in parts of fiction and romance that made the whole book a page turner. Flying with Pan Am and Beverly’s and Judy’s love for Frank Sinatra put me right in the time period with them. I loved watching their friendship develop along with watching them develop into the women they both wanted to be. I was in tears at the end and loved how it all connected.

Such a lovely written book with a twist I didn’t see coming! A story of love in many ways! I definitely recommend taking the time to real this book!

Loved this book and characters as well as the insight it gave into the earlier years of aviation with PanAm taking you into the glamour of being an air hostess. Meeting in training we are introduced to Judy who is ruining away from an abusive marriage and Beverly coming from a privileged background and wanting to break the mould . A deep friendship grows as the story progresses and I devoured this book … a great read

I loved this booked!!!! My five star rating for this book!! When I started reading my first thoughts took me to my Barbie and my stewardess outfit I had, her little travel case and hat, it was one of my favorite outfits for her. I remember thinking this is what I want to be when I grow up, this was around 1964 so a lot of little girls dreams as they played Barbie. I read this book in one sitting, it was just enticing, it was full of emotion. Thank you for such a wonderful story. I will recommend this book to others, enjoy as I did!!!!

Queue Frank Sinatra’s ‘Come Fly With Me’ album, pour yourself a Cosmopolitan and give yourself time to binge-read this fabulous book.

I really enjoyed being swept back to the Golden Age of air travel and rooting for two women who chose to make their bruises and scars of life a catalyst for metamorphosis by enrolling in the Pan Am flight attendant program.

Beverly Caldwell lived a privileged life in New York and had everything a person could want but she wanted something ‘different’.

Judy Goodman also wanted something ‘different’ and was encouraged by a neighbour to leave Pennsylvania and rebuild herself.

Both women were flying towards something as well as flying away from something. It was interesting to read about the career and lifestyle expectations for young women in the early 1960s versus those today. I appreciated the author's reminder that it’s never too late to make up for old mistakes and transform ourselves. It was good to read about those who facilitated a way out and held the light; we all need a friend like Ronelle Rorbaugh. In fact, we should strive to be more like Ronelle - chosen sisters to each other.

Things I’ll remember for quite some time:
💙there is beauty in slowing down and appreciating the little joys in life
💙careful not to choose security over love or comfort over relationships
💙choose to use the bruises in life as an opportunity for metamorphosis
💙to place more of a value on the hunger of a purpose

Camille Di Maio is an auto-read author for me because of her ability to quickly invest her readers in her characters’ journeys. Di Maio’s characters tug on my heartstrings and I truly care about what happens to them.

I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Loved this- just my kind of historical fiction. As an aside, I loved the short lived TV series about Pan Am, and this felt like a mashup of that and a Fiona Davis book. Light but not weightless, with real character development and historic context. Love stories that aren't consuming or silly, and dark notes that aren't gratuitous nor glossed over.

Super great, will be looking for more from Camille De Maio!

Really enjoyed this book - interesting read, based on a solid real life history of females in aviation.
If I had any criticism, it would be that the two female leads weren’t particularly different in character, despite their vastly opposite backgrounds, making it a bit difficult in places to keep track of which one was which.
I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the places they travelled to, also the fashions of the time - really good bringing everything to life.

Judy and Beverly are two great protagonists coming to the aviation business from very different walks of life. I loved seeing how their friendship developed. Di Maio did a wonderful job of conveying what it was like to be a stewardess during this time period, including the extensive training they went through.

The pacing is a bit slow.

The historical details are evocative and help immerse the reader in the time period. This novel provides an insider look at a lifestyle many would assume to be glamorous.

Both Beverly and Judy are trying to find their own path. Along the way, ,they make surprising discoveries about their identities and sense of self.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

I LOVED this book and kept thinking about it whenever I wasn't reading it, and since I've finished it- always a sign of an excellent book. I thought Judy's story was utterly fascinating and I admired her strength and bravery enormously. Beverley was just as interesting to read about and such a kind and inclusive soul. The sisterly friendship that Beverley and Judy developed was lovely to read about and I was just as absorbed by life as a PanAm stewardess and the incredibly high standards they had to adhere to and the adventures on offer for those that managed to meet that standard. It was just a glorious book and I would absolutely recommend it and will be suggesting it as my book club read as soon as it is out!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
When I was a teenager I wanted to be a stewardess, so was really looking forward to this book. The first third of this story was fascinating: who knew the extensive training the young women had to undergo! I would have failed for my eyesight alone...
But unfortunately the rest was so disappointing, it focussed on two young women who were ok, but I wasn't interested in their love lives...I wanted romantic, fabulous, adventurous travel stories, not love stories.

In her latest novel, Come Fly With Me, Camille di Maio immerses readers in the glamorous world of 1960s Pan Am stewardesses. We're introduced to two women whose lives couldn't be more different - Beverly, a wealthy New York socialite, and Judy, an abused housewife - but who both find the courage to escape their limited prospects and take to the skies.

Di Maio's extensive research into the aviation industry during this era shines through in rich historical details that transport the reader. From the rituals of pre-flight preparations to the thrill of international destinations, we're given an insider's view of the stewardess lifestyle - both its privileges and challenges.

But this book is more than just a nostalgic look back at a bygone era. Di Maio deftly weaves in deeper themes of identity, family, and finding the courage to forge your own path. Beverly's discovery of her Filipino heritage and Judy's harrowing experience with domestic abuse add important emotional weight to the story.

Ultimately, Come Fly With Me is a celebration of the bonds of chosen family and the power of women to transcend the constraints placed upon them. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction that offers both glamour and grit.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. 5 out of 5 stars!

For many women in the 60s, being a stewardess, especially for Pan Am, was a dream to travel, freedom, and more. Beverly is from an upper class NYC family, and she's applied and gone to training without letting them know. She is determined to make a life for herself.

Judy is a small town woman, but she is in an abusive marriage. She sees this as her way out. The problem is that stewardesses then could not be married.

The storyline goes between the two women, and to present day for one of them.

I loved the characters (all of them,) the plot, and the heart in this novel. This is my favorite Camille Di Maio book yet!

I loved the history of becoming a stewardess and the things they were responsible for on board (whew! It was a lot!)

I highly recommend Come Fly With Me. You won't be sorry.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #ComeFlyWithMe #PanAm #stewardess #CamilleDiMaio

Come fly with this book! Fly and fly away! (Hopefully Frank Sinatra loved my song! Lol) I loved how this book right from the start involves not one woman but two! Two different stories, two different backgrounds, creating a novel that makes your heart do somersaults and experience a multitude of emotions. 🍵

Beverly and Judy are Yin and Yang in this 1960s era adventure! Judy is leaving an abusive relationship to fly away in the skies and make a new living on her own terms. Beverly grew up in a very wealthy New York society world! Paving her own way is her yellow brick road deal among the clouds! 💗

The writing style of the book definitely was up to my pace! Sometimes with historical fiction you find books that repeat the same information, which is totally fine! But sometimes it's nice to move forward and jump on each cloud and see what's next right away! This book definitely has that element. 🍾

My friend and I always talk about going back in time and becoming stewardesses! I get to brag to him now telling him I have some historical information to share! 📖

I love aviation history a lot! And I was very glad that the author gave extra detail as a background element combining with the whole book! 🧁

The female friendship in this book really caught my eye! Female friendships truly bind the pages of every book and this story did not disappoint at all! I really really loved it! 🌅

Bravo! 🎙️

This is the story of two very different women who become friends while going through training to be a Pan Am stewardess in the 1960s

Beverly is from NYC elite. She grew up with everything, but has a strained relationship with her parents.

Judy is from small town PA. Her parents are both dead and she is married to abuser. She signs up for Pan Am to get away from her husband even though it is their requirement stewardesses not be married.

The characters were relatable and the story intriguing. It was interesting finding out how it was to work for Pan Am. Great read.

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