While I expected to enjoy this book, I did not expect to become so invested in the outcome of the air race and the outcome of all of the participants. I found myself thinking about them at odd times throughout the day (and night) when I wasn’t actively reading.

The story is told in alternating timelines, with the past in Olivia’s point of view, and the present in Wren’s. I really liked both characters.

Olivia is such a strong female presence. She became a pilot when it was unheard of for women, fought to enter a daring race that most men couldn’t handle, and proved that she had what it takes. She cares about the people around her, loves her family, and can hold a grudge if hurt. I loved her strength, and her interactions with other key characters, such as Millie and Heath.

Heath seems a bit mysterious, though incredibly supportive of Olivia. He is her champion from the beginning, though he hurt her badly in the past. I was really rooting for him the entire way.

Felix was a bit harder for me. I think ultimately he was a good guy, but he took advantage of Olivia in a lot of ways and I think she was way too forgiving of him.

Millie was a good friend to Olivia, but I feel like she presented the opposite image. While she was daring and adventurous, she leaned more into her female wiles to get her way in things. And participating in the race as a passenger seemed a little attention hungry to me.

Wren is also a strong woman who is determined to make it on her own. While she isn’t as daring as Olivia was, she still takes chances in moving to the out of the way land he inherited. She doesn’t shy away from hard work, is curious and intrigued about the past, and doesn’t let anyone treat her badly.

Finally there is Pono. I really liked him, He seems gruff but is a softy underneath. He has his own demons to work out, but is supportive of Wren and helps her tackle the hard stuff.

The characters all really worked their way into my heart, and I was stressed for the resolutions on some of the plot lines. But the ending was perfect in my opinion, I loved the way things came together.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through Net Galley as part of the HTP Book Tours in exchange for an excerpt post during the tour event. All thoughts and opinions are my own.