WINGS OF PROMISE, by Bonnie Leon

Kate Evans is a pilot, and not just any pilot--she's a bush pilot in Alaska in the 1930's. The pages of Wings of Promise are filled with the challenges she faces. The elements threaten, as do some of the male pilots who work for the same flying service that employs Kate.

On the emotional front, Kate's heart is also in danger. Dr. Paul Anderson agrees to be a bush doctor, and he and Kate spend time together both in the air and on the ground. But who is Paul Anderson, really? If a man refuses to discuss his background, is he hiding something sinister? This dilemma chews at Kate as she fights her attraction to the handsome physician.

Fortunately Kate has Mike Conlin in her life, a fellow pilot who understands her love of flying. As their friendship deepens, Kate feels she's found the perfect mate--until the unexpected happens.

Leon brings Alaska and its dangers to vibrant life in Wings of Promise. This story kept me awake turning pages late at night. I guarantee it will have the same effect on you.

MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND, by Helen Simonson

I received Major Pettigrew's Last Stand as a gift, and I loved it! Major Ernest Pettigrew (Retired) is the quintessential English gentleman. A widower, he lives in the quiet country village of Edgecombe St. Mary, puttering with his roses, playing golf, and pretty much living life as he's always lived it.

One day, a Pakistani shopkeeper, Mrs. Ali, calls on him to collect for the ailing paperboy, and finds the major in shock over the news of his brother's sudden death.

Thus begins an unlikely friendship, and a heartwarming tale. As his acquaintance with Mrs. Ali progresses, the major has to deal with village opinion, a pompous son, and his own prejudices.

The fun in reading this gentle book is watching the sixty-something major emerge from his cocoon of British reserve to embrace life.

If I were to rate this book as a movie, it would be PG13. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand is general market fiction, and as such has a few situations that might not be suitable for younger readers.

That said, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand was a joyous book to read. I thoroughly recommend this gem of a tale, and hope Simonson soon graces us with another story of village life in England.