User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
Beatriz Williams delivers time and time again. This story is about a war correspondent in 1947 named Janey Everett who is in search of information about a lost war pilot named Sam Mallory. Her search brings her in contact with a female pilot named Irene Foster, who begins to unravel her story. So good.
Rating: really liked it
Happy publication day to Beatriz Williams!
*4.5 aviatrix stars (rounded up)
This is my kind of book – historical fiction with some romance and even a twist or two! Think Amelia Earhart and America’s golden era of aviation. There are a few aviation races, the beauty of Hawaii, and even war elements with the Spanish Civil War.
This one has dual storylines with photojournalist Janey Everett writing a story about the famous aviator, Sam Mallory, and his mysterious disappearance. Janey has spent years tracking down people associated with Sam, including his one-time flying partner, the equally mysterious Irene Foster. (This book seemed so realistic, I even looked up to see if these were real people!) Janey’s hunt takes her to Hawaii and she’s wondering if she’s found the elusive Irene Foster.
Alternating chapters give us the life story of Irene Foster, a ground-breaking aviatrix, and I loved reading those parts! Janey’s determined to get to the truth, but she might not like what she finds!
I savored the writing in this one, loved the pacing, and raced to the ending. The author has a clever homage to her publisher, William Morrow.
Thank you to NetGalley, Beatriz Williams, and Harper Collins/William Morrow. I highly recommend it!
Rating: really liked it
I love reading about the early days of aviation and have enjoyed other novels by this author so it isn't a big surprise I enjoyed this one. Out of the books I have read by Beatriz Williams this one is actually my favorite. The setting of Hawaii for most of the plot helped contribute to this overall relaxing feel I had while reading.
In 1947, Janey Everett travels to the island of Kauai in search for answers. She wants to find info about Sam Mallory, an aviation pioneer. Janey has tracked down a women named Irene Lindquist. Janey has strong suspicions Irene used to go by the last name of Foster. And well, Irene Foster was Sam Mallory's flying partner back in the day. At first Irene Lindquist denies everything, but slowly divulges details about her flying career and her personal relationships.
This book can be considered historical fiction but the author used her creative side when it comes to the characters and story. Some things were inspired by real life people and events, while others were a result of the writer's imagination. It is obvious Beatriz Williams conducted a bit of research on the early days of aviation and I think she came up with an interesting story.
This was a great book to sit back and unwind with after a hectic day. There really is something to be said about these easy, breezy reads and how they can help recharge your batteries. The story follows Janey and Irene and they were both strong female characters. And yes, you will most likely have a hunch at where the story is going, but it still is neat to watch it unfold.
Definitely recommend to all the historical fiction fans who need a break from World War 2 based stories.
Rating: really liked it
Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams was a lovely book. Now I will admit that I am drawn to aviation whether it be the Wright brothers or Charles Lindbergh or Amelia Earhart or Beryl Markham. I love the idea of flight and this book was a treasure. While it had shadows of Amelia Earhart and her missing flight, this went in an entirely different direction. I love historical fiction and as an avid reader of the books by Beatriz Williams, this kept me hanging on for all of the twists and turns as we navigated between the early flight shows where aeronautics began to the Spanish Civil War. Photographer and journalist Janey Everett tries to resolve the mystery of missing aviatrix, Irene Foster, who disappeared while on the last leg of a competition flying around the world. I don't want to give anything away in this exciting book. If you love flight and adventure and surfing, try this book. Perfect. The following dedication in Williams' book says it all:
"To the women and men who took to the skies in their frail machines and gave their lives to make human air travel an everyday miracle"
"I have often said that the lure of flying is the lure of beauty." --Amelia Earhart
Rating: really liked it
Her Last Flight is Beatriz Williams at her best. It’s Williams’ signature Historical Fiction genre that she has perfected but its different than most of her other books which are focused on family relationships. This book, set in two time periods, is loosely based on the life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Williams clearly did a large and thorough amount of research on flight during this period. Fascinating.
In 1947, Janey Everett, a photographer, is seeking to uncover the mystery of famed aviator and daredevil Sam Mallory. She has been led to the location of his crashed plane downed in 1937 while he was aiding the loyalists during the Spanish Civil War. She now hopes to find Irene Foster, legendary aviatrix who was believed to have perished during a race around the world a decade before although her remains were never found. Janey believes that Irene is the key to learning the true story of Sam. Her search brings her to Hawaii and the island of Kauai where Irene Lindquist, who runs local flying tours, is revealed to be the long, lost Irene Foster. Janey and Irene develop an interesting rapport and Irene slowly opens up to her.
The exciting story of how Irene and Sam meet and become a renowned flying team (and much more) is told in the form of a draft of a book Janey is starting to write. The growth of Irene and Sam’s relationship and their adventures was beautifully presented. Through the efforts of a cunning business manager, Irene emerges as a star and becomes a media sensation appearing in countless advertisements and appearing in films. She becomes perhaps the most famous woman in the world. Sam’s star fades.
Both timelines are equally captivating. Janey’s story is heartbreaking and her growing relationship with Irene and her family gives the reader hope that the truth being withheld by both women will be uncovered. And once it all comes together, what an incredible and satisfying ending.
This book truly has it all including two strong female characters who succeed in fields previously reserved for men.
Many thanks to Edelweiss, William Morrow / Harper Collins and the always incredible Beatriz Williams for the chance to read this fabulous book in advance of its June 30 publication. I have no doubt that this book will satisfy not only die-hard Williams fans but will bring her many new fans as well.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Rating: really liked it
In 1947, Janey Everett is a girl who doesn’t like to be in one place for too long, she’s a busy war correspondent and talented photographer. Janey arrives in Hawaii determined to find out what happened to aviation pioneer and dare devil Sam Mallory. He was flying a plane for the loyalist forces during the Spanish Civil War, he disappeared 10 years ago and no one has seen or heard from him since.
She believes the one person who might know what really happened to Sam is his ex student and co pilot Irene Foster? They were much more than good friends and Irene also disappeared in 1937 during an around the world flight organized by her rich husband George Morrow and why did she marry him when she really loved Sam?
Using her detective skills Janey discovers Irene Foster might be alive and now goes by the name Irene Lindquist? A female pilot who’s running a tourist business flying people around the Hawaiian Islands, she’s married and has two children. Janey is smart, she has done her research, she’s checked something’s out for herself and she has one ace up her sleeve. Despite denying she doesn’t know Sam Mallory Irene goes rather quiet when Janey mentions a plane has recently been discovered in the Spanish desert, they think its Sam’s and a skeleton was found at the scene.
What are the chances of two pilots who know each other; both disappearing around the same time in unusual circumstances and maybe flying really is a dangerous occupation! Irene Lindquist has some scars on one side of her face, Janey is pretty sure that Irene Foster didn’t and it adds to the mystery.
Janey and Irene are very similar they are strong minded women who worked in male dominant occupations, despite life's knock backs, difficult childhoods, both succeeded and are very determined women. As you continue to read the story it has so many twists and turns, and you really have no idea how it will end or if Irene Foster and Sam Mallory are alive?
I really enjoyed reading Her Last Flight; it has everything in one incredible and interesting story, love, romance, suspense, intrigue, deception and a mystery. It’s the best book I have read this year, five big stars from me and I highly recommend reading it. I have shared my review on Edelweiss, Goodreads, Twitter, Australian Amazon, Kobo, Facebook and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Rating: really liked it
California, 1928. Irene Lindguist is “athletic, a natural at surfing and pretty much any sport.” The story begins with a lot about beach, waves and surfing. That’s not something I was connecting with.
Kauai, 1947. Janey Everett, a photojournalist, doing research on forgotten aviation pioneer Sam Mallory. On this Hawaiian island, she approaches Irene.
I struggled from the very beginning to connect with any character. I also struggled with the style of writing. A lot of descriptions or dialogue was of no interest to me, because it didn’t move the story forward. It was meaningless to me. Also, many paragraphs starting with the same word was very jarring.
Maybe you were… Maybe you finally… Maybe you figured… There might be a point in this style of writing, but I didn’t find it engaging. It’s rather annoying.
There are many paragraphs almost in a row starting with “Oh…” or “Irene…”
This simply wasn’t the story nor the writing for me.
Rating: really liked it
2.5 Stars for Her Last Flight (audiobook) by Beatriz Williams read by Cassandra Campbell.
This seemed like it could have been a interesting book. It looks like it’s an adventure story. But the pacing was just too slow for me. And then it’s split up between two timelines which drags it out even more. But if you are looking for a story chronicling all of the nuances of smoking then this is the book for you.
Rating: really liked it
4.5 Beautiful Stars!
This was so beautifully done with threads that were interwoven and knitted together so well that most of it I didn't even see coming. I absolutely loved the historical details about planes and those brave pilots that really laid the foundation for flight today from both women and men alike. Truly an engaging story that kept me eagerly turning the pages as each story unfolded over time. And thought this wasn't about Amelia, I can totally see the similarities in these two characters and the whatifs of everything that happened on her fateful last flight.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Rating: really liked it
A story as suspenseful, beautiful and breathtaking as those first remarkable flights into the sky.
SUMMARY
Janey Everett is a photographer and war correspondent in 1947. She is on a mission to write a biography of the forgotten aviation pioneer Sam Mallory, who joined the loyalist forces in the Spanish Civil War and never returned. Janey is in Hawaii to track down Irene Lindquist, the owner of a local island-hopping airline, whom she believes might really be the legendary Irene Foster, who was Mallory’s flying partner. Foster’s disappearance during a round-the-world flight in 1937 remains one of the world’s greatest unsolved mysteries.
Mrs. Lindquist denies any connection to Foster. But Janey informs her that the wreck of Sam Mallory’s airplane has recently been discovered in a Spanish desert. Piece by piece, the details of Foster’s life emerge: from the beginnings of her flying career in Southern California, to her complicated relationship with Mallory, to the collapse of her marriage to her career manager and publicist, George Morrow.
As Irene spins her tale to its searing conclusion, Janey’s past also come to light. The duel between the two women takes a heart-stopping turn. Can we ever come to terms with the loss of those we love, and the lives we might have lived?
REVIEW
What if America Earhart had survived? What would her story have been? The author notes this book was not intended as veiled biography or theory of Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. Instead it’s a suspenseful and fascinating fictional story featuring two strong-willed women and the perseverance to get what they want in life.
HER LAST FLIGHT is so captivating, I had to keep reminding myself that this a work of fiction. Author, Beatriz Williams had me when Janey finds a long lost plane, crashed in the desert surrounding Bardenas Reales, Spain. From there you can’t stop reading because every chapter leaves you on the edge of your seat with a careful ascent to a stunning conclusion.
I loved the the way that Irene’s and Sam’s story in the years 1928 to 1937 was brilliantly told thru skillfully-crafted book excepts written by Janey. One of my favorite things was the organization of the chapters blending the past into the present days of the 1947 and alternating between Irene and Janey quests. The organization propels you through the story with a ride as breath-taking as those first flights into the sky
Williams writing magically transports us to another time, the years when aviation was still new, exhilarating, and fascinating. Both Janey and Irene are well developed characters; strong, independent women well ahead of their time. They are just another of my favorite things about this book.
Williams passion is historical fiction and she does it well. She lives with her husband and four children in Connecticut where she divides her time between writing and laundry. She is the bestselling author of 11 novels recently including The Glass Ocean and The Golden Hour.
Thanks to LibraryThing for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher William Morrow
Published June 30, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
Rating: really liked it
4.5 very strong stars! Beatriz William was brilliant when it came to writing Her Last Flight. This novel was loosely based on Amelia Earhart and her disappearance. I listened to the audio CD that was masterfully read by Cassandra Campbell. Beatriz Williams used a dual time frame to tell this story. Her Last Flight was an engaging and intriguing story that provided lots of twists along the way. I particularly enjoyed the ending since I didn’t see it coming. All the characters were well developed and believable. The female characters, in particular, were strong, independent and courageous.
Her Last Flight began in 1947 when Janey Everett, a photojournalist and war correspondent, found what she believed to be the bones of Sam Mallory, a re-known pilot in an abandoned and wrecked aircraft somewhere in the Spanish desert. Janey Everett’s curiosity about Sam Mallory and his disappearance became a compulsive curiosity to her. She was determined to find out all about Sam Mallory and write a biography about this sensational pilot. Janey wanted to discover everything about Sam Mallory’s life and that included his involvement with the elusive female pilot, Irene Foster. Foster had also disappeared after her last solo flight but Janey had been given a tip about Irene Foster’s whereabouts and so she found herself traveling to a small fishing village located on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. A woman by the name of Irene Lindquist resided there and Janey had a strong feeling that Irene Lindquist and Irene Foster were one and the same. Janey knew that Sam Mallory had taught Irene to fly and that she had become his flying partner. After that Sam and Irene each led their own spectacular flights. Foster had disappeared after she brilliantly circumnavigated the globe. No one had ever discovered where she disappeared to. When Janey first approached Irene, she was reluctant to talk to her. Irene slowly came around and revealed the details about her distinguished flying career and her relationship with Sam Mallory to Janey.
I am a big fan of Beatriz Williams’ books and Her Last Flight was no exception. It was masterfully written and featured strong , dominant, courageous and determined women. It was about love, family, trust and adventure. For me, the ending was unexpected and very satisfying. Cassandra Campbell’s narration really brought this story to life for me. I highly recommend this book.
Rating: really liked it
3 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was our September book club choice. This is a slow, quiet story about a young woman's search to write the biography of forgotten aviation pioneer Sam Mallory, who joined the loyalist forces in the Spanish Civil War and never returned.
She goes to a remote surfing village in Hawaii to seek out Irene Foster, Mallory’s onetime student and flying partner. Irene is hesitant to talk about Sam, but eventually starts to share her story. What at first seems like a straight-forward story turns into a twisty story of complicated relationships.
This is definitely not a book that I would have chosen for myself. It's a bit too slow for my taste and I didn't connect with any of the characters.
Rating: really liked it
HER LAST FLIGHT is another beautifully detailed book telling the story of two pilots, Irene Lindquist and Sam Mallory.
It is also about Janey Everett, a war correspondent/photojournalist, who is trying to get the story of Sam Mallory out of Irene who has hidden herself from the public.
The book smoothly moves back and forth between 1928 to 1947 telling the background stories of each character.
The characters are likeable for the most part, and pull you into the story.
HER LAST FLIGHT is a mesmerizing read and difficult to put down simply because of Ms. Williams' writing style and storytelling skills.
Historical fiction fans, aviation fans, and fans of Beatriz Williams will not be disappointed in this lush tale of passion, loss, and determination.
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: really liked it
I'm really struggling with the rating of this book! I think I will settle it with 3.5 stars.
I first want to say I have been waiting for this book since last year! So, my expectations were very high. If you've never read a Beatriz Williams book, don't start with this one. Start with The Secret Life of Violet Grant which is fantastic without question!
Her Last Flight started good. Finding bones in an old abandoned airplane! I was interested. Then, after a bit I got bored. Then, I couldn't believe the direction the book was going and I was really disappointed. I think what happened at sheep station in Australia left me upset. I think Irene would've put up more of a fight, even if after the fact. She never would've just walked away. Then, I wasn't really interested anymore. But, it's Beatriz Williams so I had to persevere and see if she redeemed herself in some way.
Around 75% the story got REALLY good! Then, I couldn't put it down, but I still felt there was too much blah blah rather than just fast-paced, let's get to the point. But I loved The direction the story went and the fact that good began to vanquish over evil (at least in my mind). Irene rebelled and quit being "proper". So, I loved that and then I truly was in mystery as to what happened and better yet, I cared.
Maybe another reader wouldn't find it boring at all. Maybe it was my mood. Who knows!? But I can now say I'm happy I read the book!
Rating: really liked it
Oh Beatriz Williams you sneaky devil!! Williams has hit it out of the park (again) with Her Last Flight. The more I read this author, the more I appreciate her novels and if you are a historical fiction lover you really can't go wrong with any of her books. I loved this book immediately and it was incredibly good on audio. The narrator for the audiobook is Cassandra Campbell and I was incredibly impressed with her skills.
Her Last Flight switches back and forth in between excerpts of Janey Everett's book about Sam Mallory and Janey's firsthand viewpoint. This kept the pace moving pretty quickly for me, even though the book was a slow burn overall (as most historical fiction is). The plot is very complex and there are a couple of reveals that I didn't see coming at all. I love the way Williams can weave a plot and different characters together to create nothing short of a masterpiece. It is also very obvious that she spent a lot of time researching this book and it was fascinating to read about women in flight.
I love how immersive Williams' writing is, and once again I felt like I was right there in the book. So much so that it felt like the story was fact rather than fiction. I also loved the strong female characters depicted in this book. Janey and Irene are two of my favorite characters, and there is nothing more empowering than reading about women that don't cower in what would be considered a man's job. Highly recommend
Her Last Flight for the historical fiction lovers and readers who already appreciate this author, with the audio being especially amazing!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
