Member Reviews

“Come Fly With Me” is Camille Di Maio’s newest novel and focuses on the Golden Age of travel when airline passengers were not herded like cattle, squeezed into impossible to fit in seats.

Judy and Beverly have different reasons to become Pan Am stewardesses. In fact, they’re literally “flying away” from their troubles. Judy is fleeing a marriage while Beverly flees the expectations of being part of New York society. The two become friends as their new positions lead them on paths of self-discovery.

I recently read Ann’s Hood memoir (“Fly Good”) of being a flight attendant and this novel stays true to that history with the author’s extensive research of the aviation industry in the sixties. While the female characters, especially Judy and Beverly, were exceptionally well developed, the attention to male characters were more stereotypical. That would not be such a problem but part of the novel focuses on these “strong” women falling for these men.

Overall, this is a good read for someone who wants to glimpse a time in our history when flying itself was an enjoyable experience.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Net Galley for a chance to read and review this book.

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Wow, this book blew me away! It was like traveling back in time. I thoroughly enjoyed Judy and Beverly’s story as Pan Am stewardesses. The historical context in the 1960s was also fascinating. Quick read that’s bound to thrill you until the very last devastating page.

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Reading this book felt like stepping into a time machine bound for the glamorous 1960s, with all its optimism, turbulence, and promise of adventure.

The story centres on Judy and Beverly, two women who couldn’t be more different. Judy, a small-town woman fleeing a suffocating marriage, and Beverly, a New York socialite searching for freedom, form an unshakable bond as they navigate the life of Pan Am stewardesses. Their adventures take us around the world, but the real magic lies in the friendship they build along the way.

Their friendship is the beating heart of this novel. Judy and Beverly are so different in their personalities and backgrounds, yet they share the same fierce determination to reclaim their futures. Watching their friendship blossom through shared adversity was a joy, and honestly, it made me cry more than once.

Camille clearly has a gift for capturing the spirit of the era. You can almost hear the clinking of cocktail glasses at 35,000 feet, feel the swish of a perfectly pressed uniform, and taste the longing for something more. The jet-set life isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, with destinations like Paris, Hawaii, and Hong Kong adding a rich sense of wanderlust.

What struck me most, though, was the depth of the storytelling. Yes, there’s glamour, but there are also bruises life leaves behind. The novel doesn’t shy away from the heartbreak, the sacrifices, or the secrets that shape Judy and Beverly.

One of my favourite quotes: “For that is what we should live for. That is what we die for. Love. And I have known it so very well.” It’s a reminder of the fragility and beauty of life, perfectly encapsulating the bittersweet tone of the story.

The ending... You might see part of it coming, but that doesn’t make it any less sad. It’s not a perfect, tied-up-with-a-bow conclusion, but then again, life rarely is. And that’s what makes this book so special.

If you love stories about the power of female friendship, the courage it takes to rewrite your story, and the magic of chasing the horizon, this is the perfect book for you. This was my first Camille Di Maio novel, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Prepare to have your heart soar, and maybe break a little too. It’s worth it.

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I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book had me remembering my childhood, when flying in an airplane was not an everyday occurrence and being a stewardess was something to be proud of. Years ago I remember watching a TV series about Pan Am stewardesses.

This book follows two women with very diverse backgrounds. There is Judy, who is escaping a horrible marriage and Beverly, who is escaping a life she had no say in.

The book explores the growth of the two friends growing in their chosen field. This book sucked me in and I didn't want to say goodbye to either lady.

I highly recommend it. Let's go and Come Fly with Me ❤️

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Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 rounded up.
I love it when the writing fits the decade perfectly.
Set up the plot perfectly, and the research it must have taken for all of this information about aviation in the 60s paid off, making it feel very immersive. I enjoyed both Beverly and Judy and was rooting for them throughout the entire story. However I felt like the pace at first was a bit slow and the resolution happened so fast I think for me it could have been a bit more balanced.
I took my time reading this book because I was enjoying it but this backfired because of the pace that ended up being so slow that I could have read it at a normal pace.
Another thing that annoys me when authors of english books want to write something in french is that it always seems as though they used Google Translate to do so when it would have been so easy to do some research and correct the mistakes, that always takes away some of the joy of reading a book for some reason, I hope these will be corrected before publishing.

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Fun book set in a time that is rarely portrayed: the high point of air travel as a luxury. Great characters, wonderful settings. All around good read.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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

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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!!!!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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