ON WINGS OF THE MORNING is a gentle story of two young people, Morgan Glennon, and Georgia Carter, who are forced at an early age to face the bleak realities of life. Morgan’s mother, Eve, provides him with love, stability, and the strength to grow. He knows from a very young age that it is his destiny to fly. Morgan has never met his father, the only thing he knows about him is that he was a barnstormer with whom his mother fell in love but who left her pregnant and alone. Growing up in Oklahoma with just a mother to raise him brought many snide comments to Morgan. So maybe that is why he finds such bliss in flying. When World War II breaks out, Morgan drops out of college, enlists, and becomes a pilot.

Georgia Carter, born in Florida, grows up fast with Delia, her neurotic mom. Because of the endless moves from town to town, she learns to trust only herself. When she is seven, the big news of the day is Charles Lindberg’s flight across the Atlantic. When he returns to the states, there is a victory tour. Charles Lindberg and his plane fly to all forty-eight states. When Lindberg stops in Chicago, Georgia, along with most of Chicago, witnesses Lindberg’s arrival. When Georgia hears a roar coming from the sky, and looks up, she sees “The Lone Eagle.” That is the moment she decides that she will learn to fly, have her own plane, go anywhere she wants to go, and not rely on anyone. Georgia accomplishes this goal...right before Pearl Harbor is bombed.

As America enters the war, a frantic call goes out for women to help, from working in factories to flying military cargo planes. Georgia is among a small group of women who are trained to fly. This group is called the W.A.S.P. (Women Air Service Pilots). It is during this time Georgia and Morgan first meet; Morgan is on leave, but because both have lost so many friends, they are skittish and awkward around each other. After meeting Morgan, Georgia knows what and whom she needs in her life. When she finally lets Morgan know what she is feeling, he puts her off because he is reporting back to active duty. Georgia is shattered and retreats back into her shell.

The backdrop for ON WINGS OF THE MORNING is World War II and how it brought people together, split families apart with the loss of loved ones, and changed the world forever. The story is told in the main characters’ voices. This caused some confusion to this reviewer over who is telling the story. Morgan and Georgia are both strong characters, yet Georgia is difficult warm up to. Morgan is kind and compassionate, while Georgia is afraid to trust. Secondary characters’ contribute much to the story. Morgan’s mother, Eva, is a warm caring person; her story is told in the prior novel, FIELDS OF GOLD. Georgia’s friends from W.A.S.P. blend seamlessly into the story; they are an eccentric band of women who sacrificed much to do their patriotic duty, then faded away. Charles Lindberg, “The Lone Eagle,” as a civilian, taught pilots life saving skills, and even flew missions as a civilian. While Charles Lindberg’s part in history is very well documented, and in his youth he was a barnstormer, some of the actions attributed to him left this reviewer uncomfortable.

ON WINGS OF THE MORNING will carry you back to the era of pre-World War II and the war. This story will mesmerize those who love fiction of this time period. The romance is a tender love story between two lonely people. For those of us whose parents lived through this era and have shared their stories, relax and enjoy this read; you will have a feeling of deja vu.

Deborah C Jackson