The time is 1962 and Judy Goodman is going to escape from her abusive husband Henry. She took the train and interviewed for a job as a Pan Am stewardess. Back then there were not many career options for women, and this was a way for her to escape. Her neighbor Ronell gives her the right plan and means to get away. Beverly has grown up as the daughter of the king of Wall Street. She is a wonderful and loyal friend who wants to have a life of her own and see the entire world. Meeting each other in their training group will change both of their lives forever.

We get alternating POV chapters from Beverly and Judy, almond with shorter interludes by a present-day unnamed octogenarian, we aren’t sure of her identity until the 3rd act.

This is a classic “women’s book club” historical fiction book, with criticisms of the patriarchal culture of the time while still indulging in the nostalgia for the time period. This was very respectfully done. The ending was quite emotional. I would love to read this in the lobby of the TWA hotel, this is a classic aviation travel setting. There is a wonderful playlist on Spotify someone made called TWA hotel. It would be perfect to listen to as you read.

The audiobook narrators had good performances with intonation and pacing. It was easy to follow on audio.

As for me, I was gifted the audio version by NetGalley/lake union/brilliance audio. This was in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published 2/18/25