Leaning on Air - by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

About the Book

They last spoke as teens...But on a country road twelve years later, a surprise encounter reunites ornithologist Celia Burke with veterinary surgeon Burnaby Hayes, and they plunge into the most unusual romance of her life. After a decade of marriage, Celia and Burnaby have found a unique and beautiful rhythm. Then tragedy strikes while Celia hunts for the nest of a research hawk near the Snake River. Reeling with grief, she's certain Burnaby won't understand her anguish or forgive the choice that initiated it. She flees to kindness at a remote farm in Washington's Palouse region, where a wild prairie and an alluring neighbor convince her to begin anew. But when unexplained accidents, cryptic sketches, and a mute little boy make her doubt her decision, only a red-tailed hawk and the endangered lives of those she loves can compel her to examine her past--and reconsider her future.

Book Synopsis

When loss drives hawk-researcher Celia from her veterinarian husband, can a vast land and a quiet boy reunite them?

They last spoke as teens . . . but on a country road twelve years later, a surprise encounter reunites ornithologist Celia Burke with equine surgeon Burnaby Hayes, and they plunge into a most unexpected love story.

After a decade of marriage, Celia and Burnaby have found a unique and beautiful rhythm. Then tragedy strikes while Celia hunts for the nest of a research hawk near the Snake River. Reeling with grief, she's certain Burnaby won't understand her anguish or forgive the choice that initiated it.

She flees to kindness at a remote farm in Washington's Palouse region, where a wild prairie and an appealing neighbor convince her to begin anew. But when unexplained accidents, cryptic sketches, and a mute little boy make her doubt her decision, only a red-tailed hawk and the endangered lives of those she loves can compel her to examine her past―and reconsider her future.

A soaring tale of wonder, loss, redemption, and restoration from Cheryl Grey Bostrom, the award-winning author of Sugar Birds.

• A beautifully crafted story that brings the Pacific Northwest setting to life.
• A compelling contemporary novel about love and loss.
• Explores the challenges of a marriage when one partner is neurodivergent.
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Winner of 2024's American Fiction, Readers' Favorite, and International Book Awards

Review Quotes

A captivating story. . . . exquisite writing.--Washington State Magazine

Leaning On Air is . . . an exquisitely nuanced love story told with gorgeous prose and salt-of-the-earth characters. A poignant and authentic characterization of the power of love and of the land, and the capacity each has for restoration.--BookTrib