Is Frank Sinatra crooning in your ear as you read the title? Good, he should be, as the title and the song are closely linked in this coming of age story set in the golden age of air travel.

Beverly, wealthy heiress with a wanderlust for setting out on her own and Judy, a shy and polite girl with a mysterious past are fast friends when they are chosen as Pan Am Stewardesses in 1962.

Come fly with me is told in the alternating POV of both Beverly and Judy set in 1962-1963, with a handful of interludes from the present day. We do not know whose pov is set in the present day until roughly 70% of the novel has passed.

Through pluck and mettle Bev and Judy travel the international skies, form a found family, and promise to travel together beyond their time at Pan Am.

Tragedy follows Judy around, as Bev goes above and beyond to protect her new friend.

This is a riveting look at the early 1960's, travel and how women were treated in this era.

It is hopeful and feminist and a lovely read about women supporting women, making your dreams come true and striking out on your own.

Read the author's note after you finish. I can't get Sinatra's song, the locales and the girls journey out of my head, this book will stay with me for a long time.

Bon voyage and happy reading!

Thank you to Random House Publishing and to Ballantine Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio is based on the Golden Age of Flying, and focuses on the paths and adventures two young women take as they become Pam Am stewardesses in the early 1960s. Judy Goodman and Beverley Caldwell could not come from more different backgrounds in life, yet they become fast friends as they both take the ultimate life journey to join the skies with Pan Am Airways. This was a very exciting and poignant novel that immediately wraps you into the lives of the Pan Am stewardesses as well as all of the exotic locales they visit.
4 stars!

This book was a comforting, delightful, nostalgic, exciting historical fiction adventure. It made me long for the days when air travel was probably so glamorous and an actual event, and after I finished, I googled what happened historically to Pan Am Air because I was so curious why they folded. There was a thriller element with Judy on the run from her abusive husband, and a glorious friendship between Judy and Beverly. From the beginning we know that the story ends in tragedy, but it only adds to the emotional depths the author is able to reach.

Becoming a Pan Am stewardess is a dream come true for Judy and Beverly. For their own reasons they want to start a new adventure. I love this adventure. The training they had, the friendships that developed, and the lives that they lived brought the characters to life.

The friendships are what I enjoyed most in this book. Beverly and Judy had a true friendship. They shared their secrets, dreams, and hopes. Whether they were stationed together, flying together, or living together or not, their friendships were the most important thing in their lives. Without each other, they may not have succeeded as they did.

The ending…heartbreaking. I gasped and had tears. I know it was part of history, part of the Pan Am History but it was still heartbreaking.

1962 - the dawn of the jet set era - Pan Am was known for their high class elite stewardesses they hired for their many overseas flights around the world. Two young women, Judy and Beverly, both seeking an escape from their current lives they felt trapped in and desired to see the world. Their careers were not much like today's flight attendants. They actually had to cook the meals in an oven on board and prepare them from scratch!

I loved this book as it drew me back to the days when I was young and my family flew once on Pan Am and once on Braniff. We were dressed up like we were going to church as flying was such a special event. I enjoyed the friendships in this book, clean romance, and some suspense that built until the end!

A book I recommend - I read this one in a single day!

My thanks to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of this e-book.

I really enjoy this author's books. This is a historical fiction novel of Pan Am stewardesses in the 1960s. It feels like "Mad Men" meets "The Women." I enjoyed every aspect of this book, from the rigorous training of the stewardesses to the emotional plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and the published for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)

Beverly and Judy couldn’t have more different circumstances for wanting a coveted position as a PanAm Stewardess, but the reasons are the same…escape! It’s 1962 and PanAm flies to international locations. The book follows these two young women as they become friends from their initiation thru adventures, love and danger.

I’ve read many books by Camille Di Maio, but I think this is my favorite. I’ve really been enjoying more ‘recent’ historical fiction and this fit the bill perfectly. This book showed what it was like being a female in the early 60s, the limited choices they had. I loved the developing friendship between Beverly and Judy that ended up spanning a lifetime. The training these stewardesses went thru was mind boggling. From place settings to cooking, customer service and the amount of knowledge they had to pass before getting their wings. Story is told from both Beverly and Judy’s point of view. Present day is told thru memories and sets up a mystery that is slowly revealed. The title of the book and the correlation with Frank Sinatra’s famous song was followed throughout book. So many emotions from anger, laughter, friendship, first love and loss were felt while reading. I love that Ms. Di Maio’s books alway find a little known fact in history and brings it to the forefront. As with her other books, this is well researched. If you don’t usually read Author’s Notes, I suggest you do on this one.

1962, the new jet-set era, and Pan American (Pan Am) Airways is recruiting for its highly sought after position of stewardesses. For ambitious women across America, it is their dream role.

Some women will do anything to get a role with Pan Am, and there are two woman are even more desperate than the other hopeful recruits.

Beverly, desperate to escape her family, despite the privilege of her upbringing. She knows that there is more to the World than glitzy parties and champagne, and is determined to make her mark on the world.

Judy, trapped in an abusive marriage, the Pan Am job is her only hope of escape and survival. But Pan Am do not accept married women.

Can Judy overcome the first hurdle of the application? Or has her escape plan failed before it can even be put into action.

The two of them have very different lives and upbringings, but they are more alike than they first realise.

As they embark on a rigorous training regime together, they become firm friends. Both sense that the other is holding something back, but each of them is a little afraid to let their truths escape.

When they do, they realise they are even more alike.

There is a tragic ending to this novel, which is hinted at most of the way through, but it is handled sensitively and is worth the tears that will inevitably fall.

I LOVED this one!

In 1962, many young American woman dreamed of becoming Pan Am stewardesses and living a life of jet set travel and glamour and Judy Goldman and Beverley Caldwell are desperate to join that elite team. The each have their own reasons - and their own secrets . . .

Although I was just starting school in 1962, I have always been fascinated by the glamour of those days. I enjoyed the American drama series about Pan Am but this novel is different, with an enticing storyline and plenty going on. It's beautifully written, a terrific read and one I'm very happy to recommend. For me, 5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

I loved this story!

Judy is running away from an abusive husband. Beverly is a rich socialite looking to get out of her gilded cage. As different as these two are, they become best friends when they both become Pan American Stewardesses.

I do not think I have ever read a story about Pan Am and their stewardesses. I loved learning about all the training and the weird rules…like they all had to wear the same color of lipstick. This is completely fascinating and different.

Not only that, the story surrounding the characters is addicting and will keep you so entertained you will not want to stop reading!

This is a story about friendship, but it is also about love, family and relationships. You do not want to miss this one.

Need a unique, great, historical fiction tale…THIS IS IT!

Grab your copy today.

In exploring the lives of these aspiring young flight attendants, Come Fly with Me takes readers inside this glamorous and extremely exclusive world. But, despite the fact that it’s set six decades ago, its meaningful message about fighting for yourself, your dreams, and your friends is a timeless one.

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com and aired on Shelf Discovery.

The year is 1962. Career options for women are limited, and one of the most sought-after positions is that of an airline stewardess, particularly with Pan American Airlines (Pan Am). Two young women from diverse backgrounds become friends after landing their dream jobs. Beverly Caldwell, raised in Manhattan in a wealthy yet suffocating environment, yearns for more. Judy Goodman, trapped in an abusive marriage in a small Pennsylvania town, seeks the perfect escape. Together, the two new friends undergo training and embark on their careers, hoping for an exciting future. The story shifts to the present, where an elderly woman in Mo’orea, French Polynesia reflects on her past.

In Come Fly with Me, author Camille Di Maio skillfully depicts the early era of jet travel. Flight attendants, known then as stewardesses, adhered to strict rules, such as maintaining a certain weight and staying unmarried. Although the role was glamorous, most did not remain in it for more than eighteen months, as marriage and motherhood were the more conventional routes. This captivating tale of friendship blended with nostalgia offers an engaging read. Now, if only I could stop humming the Frank Sinatra song, "Come Fly with Me."

4.25 stars.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about reading a book that transports you to another era, and in this case, I was taken straight to the 1960s.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲 it’s a beautiful story about two women from different backgrounds and their journey as they join the Pan Am training program.
I was so engrossed in it that I read it in one sitting, and the ending left me absolutely breathless. I loved every moment of it.

COME FLY WITH ME is the latest outstanding novel by Camille Di Maio. Set in 1962, it is an engrossing story about the beginnings of the glamorous jet-set age aboard the iconic Pan Am Airlines. We meet two young women from very different backgrounds who are both trying to escape their current lives. Judy Goodman is running away from her oppressive marriage in a small town in Pennsylvania. Beverly Caldwell wants to break free from the expectations of New York society. The pair meet when trying to earn a coveted spot on the elite team of stewardesses for Pan Am Airlines. The training is grueling, but they get to experience amazing adventures around the world. This is an emotional story of friendship, love and loss that perfectly captures the culture of the time period as well as the lifestyles women of the time were expected to have. I enjoyed every minute of this book. The enduring friendship of the main characters was heartwarming. I loved that they would do anything for each other. As always, Camille Di Maio has written a perfectly plotted and researched novel that touched my heart. Highly recommended! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

Thank you Netgalley & Lake Union Publishing for an eARC ♥️

I just finished reading this amazing novel about two women, Judy and Beverly, who become stewardesses for Pan American Airlines in the 1960s. I mean, can you think of a more glamorous job? Flying around the world, meeting new people, and living the high life... it's like a dream come true!🤩
But what made this book even more fascinating for me is that I used to be obsessed with the TV series Pan Am. I loved how the show captured the excitement and adventure of that era, and this book brought all those memories flooding back.❤️
But here's the thing: Judy and Beverly aren't just looking for adventure - they're also running away from their pasts. Judy's escaping an oppressive marriage, while Beverly's breaking free from the constraints of New York society.
As they navigate their new lives as stewardesses, Judy and Beverly face all sorts of challenges. They have to deal with strict rules and etiquette, not to mention the occasional creepy passenger (ew!). But they also experience the thrill of exploring new destinations, meeting new people, and discovering what they're truly capable of.
Through it all, Judy and Beverly form a deep and abiding friendship that helps them through the tough times. And let me tell you, they face some tough times! But they also discover the power of female friendship and the importance of following your dreams.❤️
So if you're looking for a novel that's all about adventure, self-discovery, and the power of female friendship, then this is the book for you! Trust me, you won't regret it.👍🏽

The true draw of Come Fly With Me is in its rich details and sense of place. I felt like I was in each destination with Beverly and Judy, experiencing life in the early '60s. It was the perfect escape from a cold Minnesotan winter.

Camille di Maio (favorite author) and master storyteller returns with a dazzling and beautifully written heartfelt tale of two women, best friends, back to 1962 and the glamorous Pan American Airlines with COME FLY WITH ME.

You will be transported to the Golden Age of Air Travel!

About...

Judy Goodman and Beverly Caldwell meet but do not realize how each other will impact one another's life. They both are striving for a position as stewardesses for Pan American Airlines.

Judy is running away from an abusive marriage in small-town Pennsylvania. As a stewardess, she is not allowed to be married, but she must keep this a secret to leave her husband and make an independent life for herself.

Beverly is leaving behind the New York society that will allow her to pursue a future of her own. She does not want to marry someone her dad thinks is good for business.

Enter the world of rules, adventure, etiquette, social, and culture above the clouds. The two women form a friendship and are loyal to one another. They both have secrets, sacrifice, and tragedy.

My thoughts...

"COME FLY WITH ME is enthralling! Beautifully written, meticulously researched, and richly evocative.”

Everything Camille Di Maio writes is meticulously researched and elegantly told with grace and finesse. All her books are fascinating and bring to life a piece of important history, leaving you feeling empowered, informed, and enriched.

I have read every book she has written; she is a top writer. If you have not read her books, I highly recommend them. Her prose is lyrical and vivid, and her characters are heartfelt and highly relatable. You will find a piece of yourself in Judy and Beverly. Friendships in this story are formed from shared adversity, scars of life, and shared experiences. I love books set in this period and enjoyed the friendship between these women.

The title fits the Frank Sinatra song, and the 1960s come alive on the page. You will be in awe of these courageous women who risked their lives —flexible, adventurous, organized, and fearless. Their bravery will inspire you.

Told from POV: Judy, Beverly, and Mo'orea, French Polynesia.

Audiobook...

I read the ebook and listened to the audiobook narrated by the talented Carly Robins, Dominique Salvacion, and Sherri Slater, elevating the story and making the characters come alive for an engaging listening experience.

Recs...

COME FLY WITH ME is for fans of the author and those who enjoy strong women and historical fiction.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Brilliance Audio for an advanced review and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Feb 18, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
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I chose this book based on the subject matter, Pan Am stewardess life in the early 1960's. It was a fast and enjoyable read, although I think some aspects of the fictional story, thoughts and actions of the characters, were not authentic for the time. This is a pattern I have found in recent "historical fiction" written by younger authors and set in years that I experienced first hand, which leads me to prefer memoirs instead. That said, this novel should appeal to anyone interested in well-researched details of the stewardess training and life in the 60's melded together with truly fictional characters as imagined by the author. My rating would be 3.5 stars.

The premise of this book hooked me from the very start! It holds a special place in my heart, bringing a wonderful sense of nostalgia as a former flight attendant. I was completely captivated by the story, unable to put it down as it transported me to the glamorous early days of air travel. The depiction of Pan Am was fascinating, and I loved learning new details about the airline and the era. You could tell a lot of research and thought went into this book.

At its core, this novel is a beautiful tribute to friendship. The bond between Beverly and Judy was the most compelling part of the story, and it has stayed with me long after turning the last page.

This was such an immersive and beautifully written novel, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone!

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio.

I enjoyed this historical fiction set in 1962 about 2 Pan Am stewardesses and the glorious days of air travel. Judy and Beverly couldn't be more different but they both want to be stewardesses for Pan American Airlines and they form a friendship during their training.

I liked the training aspect and how much went into their training. This book reminded me of the TV show Pan Am. I liked seeing Judy and Beverly's friendship grow.

I didn't like the present-day snippets -- while it provided some mystery and dropping hints, I would have preferred for this book to just be set in the 1960s.

Overall I enjoyed this book and loved reading about flight attendants!