On Wings of the Morning

by: Marie Bostwick

Published by: Kensington Books

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

Morgan has lived under a smothering pile of secrets his whole life. Though he has fabricated a story about his absent father, Morgan still grew up with the stigma of having an un-wed mother. His only escape from his tightly bound soul is in the air, flying. It is only natural, then, that he will enlist and become a fighter pilot when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor.

Georgia has grown up under her own set of secrets and limitations. Though her unwed mother is ever searching for the man to rescue her from her woes, Georgia takes to the sky where flying gives her everything she perceives a man cannot. And as WWII progresses, Georgia will devote her time and energy flying for the WASP.

Through several brief encounters, the worlds of these two collide, sometimes creating sparks and other times friction. But will anything create the healing that each of them so desperately need?

On Wings of the Morning is a beautiful tale of heartbreak and aspiration, of overcoming and loss. I love the little known history behind the WASP and the minute details that set the period. I especially appreciated the realistic characters with realistic flaws—who didn’t always give in to their desires.

There were entire passages that made the writer in me mark for their beauty or poignancy. Unfortunately a couple also felt contrived. Without revealing too much, I need to say I’m also a little uncomfortable with the paternity “reveal.” Though it made good story, I felt the need to squirm at what the living family might think, even with the author’s disclaimer at the end.

Armchair Interviews says: This story was a fascinating concept with a beautiful ending and lovely writing.

Author’s Web site: http://www.MarieBostwick.com