Radar Girls - by Sara Ackerman (Paperback)

About the Book

"An extraordinary story inspired by the real Women's Air Raid Defense, where an unlikely recruit and her sisters-in-arms forge their place in WWII history ... Daisy Wilder prefers the company of horses to people, bare feet and salt water to high heels and society parties. Then, in the dizzying aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Daisy enlists in a top secret program, replacing male soldiers in a war zone for the first time. Under fear of imminent invasion, the WARDs guide pilots into blacked-out airstrips and track unidentified planes across Pacific skies. But not everyone thinks the women are up to the job, and the new recruits must rise above their differences and work side by side despite the resistance and heartache they meet along the way. With America's future on the line, Daisy is determined to prove herself worthy. And with the man she's falling for out on the front lines, she cannot fail. From radar towers on remote mountaintops to flooded bomb shelters, she'll need her new team when the stakes are highest. Because the most important battles are fought--and won--together"--

Book Synopsis

"A fresh, delightful romp of a novel."--Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

* SheReads Most Anticipated Historical Fiction of Summer 2021 pick * Book Reporter Summer Reading pick * BiblioLifestyle Most Anticipated Summer 2021 Historical Fiction Books selection * Greatist Best Historical Fiction Books pick *

An extraordinary story inspired by the real Women's Air Raid Defense, where an unlikely recruit and her sisters-in-arms forge their place in WWII history.

Daisy Wilder prefers the company of horses to people, bare feet and salt water to high heels and society parties. Then, in the dizzying aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Daisy enlists in a top secret program, replacing male soldiers in a war zone for the first time.
Under fear of imminent invasion, the WARDs guide pilots into blacked-out airstrips and track unidentified planes across Pacific skies.

But not everyone thinks the women are up to the job, and the new recruits must rise above their differences and work side by side despite the resistance and heartache they meet along the way.
With America's future on the line, Daisy is determined to prove herself worthy. And with the man she's falling for out on the front lines, she cannot fail.

From radar towers on remote mountaintops to flooded bomb shelters, she'll need her new team when the stakes are highest. Because the most important battles are fought--and won--together.

This inspiring and uplifting tale of pioneering, unsung heroines vividly transports the reader to wartime Hawaii, where one woman's call to duty leads her to find courage, strength and sisterhood.

"A wow of a book...[that is] a captivating story of friendship, heartbreak and true love. Highly recommend!" --Karen Robards, New York Times bestselling author of The Black Swan of Paris

Don't miss THE GUEST IN ROOM 120, Sara Ackerman's enthralling new novel with dual-timelines intertwining a 1905 mystery surrounding Jane Stanford's mysterious death in Honolulu and a 2005 writer's quest to uncover the truth at the same historic hotel...

More captivating stories from Sara Ackerman:

• The Maui Effect
• The Unchartered Flight of Olivia West
• The Codebreaker's Secret
• Red Sky Over Hawaii
• The Lietenant's Nurse
• Island of Sweet Pies & Soldiers

Review Quotes

Readers love Radar Girls!

[A] thrilling work of historical fiction, inspired by true events from World War II, we loved the incredible development of the characters, who all grow in confidence and form tight bonds under these brutal circumstances...A deep dive into women's history with a sprinkle of romance and friendship, Radar Girls is an unforgettable tale.--Apple Books Review

"A fascinating exploration of yet another group of amazing women that history elected to ignore and then forget. Fans of World War II historical fiction will definitely want to pick this one up." --Hypable

"Enthralling... A great addition to the current trend of tales illuminating little-known aspects of women's lives during WWII." --Booklist

"This historical fiction novel is empowering... Deliciously visceral, readers will be transported into the dreamy Hawaiian backdrop." --Bookriot

"Radar Girls is a fresh, delightful romp of a novel featuring the little-known women of Hawaii recruited after Pearl Harbor to staff the islands' radar stations. Heroine Daisy is thrown into the deep end guiding in wounded Air Force pilots and listening for Japanese attacks, while juggling family troubles and a budding romance, but she and her radar-girl gang of irrepressible friends live up to their work, their duty, and their code name Rascal in sparkling fashion. Sara Ackerman never disappoints!" --Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

"Once again Ackerman delivers a powerful story about a little-known piece of women's history with compassion and an unforgettable cast of characters. Daisy is a heroine to cheer for as she gives all she has for her country, the man she loves and, most importantly, herself." --Noelle Salazar, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Flight Girls

"Radar Girls is a transporting, evocative novel with a unique slant on Hawaii in the immediate aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Ackerman skillfully tells an absorbing story while also crafting an ode to friendship and the strength of women faced with crisis, giving unsung heroes a triumphant and resonant voice." --Kaui Hart Hemmings, New York Times bestselling author of The Descendants

"Radar Girls is a wow of a book! I loved Daisy Wilder and her friends and this engaging look into a fascinating, little known slice of WW2 history, the creation of the Women's Air Raid Defense (WARD). The lush tropical paradise of Hawaii, left reeling in the aftermath of the horrifying attack on Pearl Harbor, provides the perfect setting for this captivating story of friendship, heartbreak and true love. Highly recommend!" --Karen Robards, New York Times bestselling author of The Black Swan of Paris

"As warm as the Hawaiian sun, Radar Girls made me love the islands that Daisy and her friends stepped up to protect in World War II. Their work to safely guide ships and planes in the Pacific theater was heroic, and one more proof that there were no "women's" and "men's" jobs, just a job to be done for the good of all. Brave, determined and fun, the WARDs preserved their home, and the big-hearted generosity of the people who live there." --Anika Scott, bestselling author of The German Heiress

"The perfect escape, Radar Girls delivers a pitch perfect combination of fascinating history and unforgettable characters. I loved being transported to Hawaii and learning about these adventurous, smart women who answered the call of duty at a critical time. Sara Ackerman weaves together a wonderful story about friendship and love set against the turbulence and fear of a nation at war." --Elise Hooper, author of Fast Girls

Praise for the novels of USA TODAY bestselling author Sara Ackerman

"The Lieutenant's Nurse illuminates the attack on Pearl Harbor with a riveting drama told from a unique perspective. Sara Ackerman brings a time and place to vivid life, putting a human and heroic face on events that changed history. I savored every page!" --Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"A fascinating novel chronicling the attack on Pearl Harbor and its aftermath... Red Sky Over Hawaii effectively deals with war and its casualties, the science of volcanoes, psychological problems during wartime, and the development of love and true friendship in the midst of tragic circumstances." -Bookreporter.com

"Set against the backdrop of the attack on Pearl Harbor, The Lieutenant's Nurse is an emotional and heartfelt tale of love and courage. Depicting a dramatic period in history, Ackerman's richly detailed and evocative writing transports the reader, bringing Hawaii to life." --Chanel Cleeton, USA TODAY bestselling author of Next Year in Havana

"Ackerman has a real talent for writing vivid descriptions and compelling characters.... I couldn't put this one down. Highly recommended." -Historical Novel Society, Editor's Choice, on The Lieutenant's Nurse

"A dramatic saga of motherhood, loss and the possibility of renewal... With a sensitive touch and an instinct for authenticity, Ackerman depicts the fraught nature of wartime relationships...mixes romance, suspense and history into a bittersweet story of cinematic proportions." --Bookpage on Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers