The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West - by Sara Ackerman

About the Book

In 1987, when she inherits a piece of land, Wren Summers finds a small plane in disrepair and her great uncle's journal that tells the story of Livy Jones, the woman who piloted his plane when he fell ill, and, with new purpose, works to secure Livy's place in the aviation hall of fame.

Book Synopsis

An exciting page-turner about a fearless female aviator competing in a death-defying race across the Pacific. Brilliantly told... My favorite read this year!" --Andie Newton, USA TODAY bestselling author of A Child for the Reich

This extraordinary novel, inspired by real events, tells the story of a female aviator who defies the odds to embark on a daring air race across the Pacific.

1927. Olivia "Livy" West is a fearless young pilot with a love of adventure. She yearns to cross oceans and travel the skies. When she learns of the Dole Air Race--a high-stakes contest to be the first to make the 2,400 mile Pacific crossing from the West Coast to Hawai'i--she sets her sights on qualifying. But it soon becomes clear that only men will make the cut. In a last-ditch effort to take part, Livy manages to be picked as a navigator for one of the pilots, before setting out on a harrowing journey that some will not survive.

1987. Wren Summers is down to her last dime when she learns she has inherited a remote piece of land on the Big Island with nothing on it but a dilapidated barn and an overgrown mac nut grove. She plans on selling it and using the money to live on, but she is drawn in by the mysterious objects kept in the barn by her late great-uncle--clues to a tragic piece of aviation history lost to time. Determined to find out what really happened all those years ago, Wren enlists the help of residents at a nearby retirement home to uncover Olivia's story piece by piece. What she discovers is more earth-shattering, and closer to home, than she could have ever imagined.

Review Quotes

"[An] exciting, high-stakes saga." --Woman's World, "This Week's Best New Books"

"In her whip-smart sixth novel, Sara Ackerman takes readers on one woman's hair-raising aerial journey from California to Hawaii, and on another's quest to uncover a piece of lost aviation history. . . . Vivid, insightful, and as fast-paced as Livy's beloved plane, Ackerman's narrative is a delight for fans of aviation, historical fiction, and strong women." --Shelf Awareness

"Ackerman captivates once again with a soaring tale of strength, survival, and determination. Livy and Wren are two women born in two different times, each refusing to be victims of their circumstances as they strive to beat the status quo of their eras. It is a splendid journey indeed." --Noelle Salazar, USA Today Bestselling author of The Flight Girls

"In this gem of a novel, Sara Ackerman delivers a fun, fast-paced tale of courage, grit and adventure while shining a spotlight on a slice of history that's flown under the radar. The lush historical details and effortless prose make the book soar, while the white-knuckle action keeps you flipping the pages as fast as you can. Ackerman remains unmatched in creating strong, inspirational women who grab hold of your heart on page one and refuse to let go. At once charming and exhilarating, The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West should be at the top of every must-read list." --Brianna Labuskes, bestselling author of The Librarian of Burned Books

"Ackerman takes readers on a captivating and white-knuckle journey through the skies of the 1920s, showcasing the entry of women pilots and navigators into the world of aviation. The character of Wren, set in the 1980s, is the perfect addition, bringing to life a down-on-her-luck woman who charts a new path for herself. Vivid details, lush settings, romance, action, and adventure--The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West has it all and will delight historical fiction lovers." --Jenni L. Walsh, bestselling author of The Call of the Wrens and Unsinkable

"An unforgettable trip full of insight and intrigue. Olivia West and Wren are unstoppable, spirited heroes ahead of their time. Sara Ackerman has taken a chapter of forgotten history and turned it into pure magic. A must-read!" --Jasmin Iolani Hakes, author of Hula

"The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is an exciting page-turner about a fearless female aviator competing in a death-defying race across the Pacific. Brilliantly told, readers of historical fiction will appreciate Ackerman's depth of research, unique and unforgettable characters, and descriptive prose. I adored Livy's spunk and determination and rooted for her every step of the way. My favorite read this year!" --Andie Newton, USA Today bestselling author of A Child for the Reich