‘Meticulously researched and brings into focus the sterling work of the women of the ATA … An engrossing story, with a strong, likeable female protagonist facing issues we still face today.’ Historical Novel Society magazine In the midst of war, she knew her place was not at home… The most ambitious of three sisters, Lorraine ‘Raine’ Linfoot always dreamed of becoming a pilot. As a spirited … becoming a pilot. As a spirited seventeen-year-old, she persuades her hero Doug Williams to teach her to fly.
When war breaks out in 1939, Raine is determined to put her skills to good use. She enlists in the Air Transport Auxiliary, becoming one of a handful of brave female pilots flying fighter planes to the men on the front line.
Raine embraces the challenges of the job, despite its perils. But when Doug is reported missing after his Spitfire is shot down, she realises the war could tear apart not only her country, but also her heart…
A gripping story of family, friendship and courage, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas, Nancy Revell and Call the Midwife.
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A Sister’s Courage by Molly Green has Lorraine “Raine” Linfoot determined to be a pilot from the age of fourteen. In February of 1939, Raine learns that her father is unable to pay for lessons and her mother forbids her from taking them. Raine hangs around the aerodrome in Biggin Hill where she makes the acquaintance of Doug Williams who helps her get a job and teaches her to fly. Raine gets her pilot’s license just before war is declared. When the Air Transport Auxiliary opens their ranks to women, Raine is thrilled to apply. Raine gets accepted and is happy ferrying planes around England. She writes to Doug regularly who is in the RAF and is devastated when his plane goes down. Doug is declared missing presumed dead. Her mother has never accepted Raine’s position as a pilot and will do what she can to get Raine to give up the dangerous and unfeminine occupation. After a time, Raine begins dating Alec Marshall, a pilot. She fears, though, that what happened to Doug could happen to Alec. Life is difficult during the war, but they must push forward if they are to survive and win. A Sister’s Courage is the first book in The Victory Sisters series. Raine, Suzanne and Ronnie Linfoot are three close sisters with a kind, accountant father and a controlling French mother. Raine is an independent, stubborn woman who knows what she wants to do with her life. I enjoyed reading about Raine’s flying experiences before and during the war. I like that the author included Pauline Gower who was a woman ahead of her time. There is some background on Pauline and the ATA included at the beginning of the book in case you are unfamiliar with the pilot or the organization. I thought A Sister’s Courage was easy to read, but the pacing varied. I found the middle of the book to be slow. Raine is a strong female character who desired to be a pilot and did what was needed to achieve her goal. I like that she stood up for herself (most of the time). Raine’s immaturity especially when dealing with her mother went with her young age. Of course, Raine’s mother was a difficult, manipulative woman. The two of them butted heads because they had similar stubborn natures. Simone, the mother, was an unlikeable character (a turn off). I enjoyed the beginning of A Sister’s Courage when it dealt with Raine becoming a pilot and joining the ATA. However, the book then became more of a romance instead of a story about a female pilot in the ATA. I wanted less romance and more high-flying adventures. A Sister’s Courage has a proud pilot, a monster of a mother, romantic relationships, and a wicked war.
Raine Linfoot is the oldest of three sisters living in England as the novel begins in the late 1930s. Her dream had always been to be a pilot ever since her father allowed her to take an airplane ride at a fair when she was younger. With no income and no way to pay for lessons, she felt like her dream wouldn’t be realized. Plus her mother was totally opposed to her daughter learning to fly. She liked to watch the planes land at a nearby air strip and met Doug there who offered to teach her to fly and helped her get a job at a local air base. When she first hears about the Women’s Air Transport Auxiliary, she knows that this is what she must do with her life. Even though she has less air time than the other applicants, she is accepted into the group and begins her training. In training she is faced not only with learning how to successfully fly different planes but is also faced with extreme prejudice from the male ground crew who feel that women have no business flying. As Raine forms new friendships she becomes a strong woman who has achieved her dream. There is also a lot of romance in this novel – too much for me – as two different men fall in love with Raine and she has to make a choice.
This is the first book in a trilogy about the three sisters. The next book, due to publish in the spring is A Sister’s Song.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
I love historical fiction, especially books focused on WWII. Lorraine is an amazing woman and her desire and willingness to do what was necessary to help win the war was admirable. The characters were well developed and made you become invested in their lives, their efforts, and the story. The fact that the story was told from the point of view of the women, was a great way to present the story. There is a romantic element but it doesn’t overwhelm the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Enjoyable story
An easy read
Just right for reading on the beach
I love all of Molly Green’s books and will follow her throughout her writing career!
A Sister’s Courage, is the first in a three book series set in WWII. There are three Sister’s whom all have their own dreams for their future. Their mother has other ideas for them. Their story plays out in the three books.
The plot was great. The characters were developed well and you could easily identify with their trials and accomplishments. It did have twists and turns.
Enjoy books about women’s roles in WWII. I Look forward to reading the other two sisters stories. Enjoyed the information about flying and the challenges the women faced. In was interesting in England that they were housed in private homes and often had to arrange their own transportation after delivering a plane.
Honestly I got to 40% after 2 tries to get into it. Its slow, boring, and just plain awful. The story really goes nowhere.
Excellent telling o one of the little known but vital activities which allowed the skies to defeat the Natzis.
Good read.
Its breath taking