I was lucky enough to win an autographed copy of this sweeping novel set during WWII. I was a bit apprehensive about reading "Christian Fiction", but was pleasantly surprised to find the genre has completely evolved since my last attempt.

Great read. Loved the writing. Loved the strong characters. Loved the details that can only come from extensive research. Can't wait to find more books from Julie Lessman! ( )

Gabriella (Gabe) O’Connor’s past has prepared her to fight for what she wants. With World War II raging, she determines to help one way or another—even if it means faking her way across the ocean or facing the officer that sees only the trouble she has caused.

Julie Lessman’s A Wing and a Prayer finally highlights the character about which I have been wondering since reading her Winds of Change. There, Gabe is a young child, becoming a part of the O’Connor family. Now, she has grown—but without losing her stubborn, fierce-hearted nature. Seeing her again made this story all the more enjoyable. As her time with Lieutenant Alex Kincaid unfolds, she still has plenty of growing to do, and it is both entertaining and encouraging to follow as she learns.

Fans of Lessman (and historical romance) are sure to enjoy this first book in the Cousins O’Connor series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

A Wing and a Prayer by Julie Lessman is a wonderfully long book. Between the romantic tension and Gabe’s adventures, the story kept my attention engaged and I didn’t want to stop reading. I rooted for Gabe and Alex even when it seemed it wouldn’t work out. I appreciated the deeply woven theme about how trust is essential to love. Gabe, being the stubborn character that she is, takes a long time to mend her ways and work out a healthy relationship with Alex. I loved this because it made her character growth authentic and satisfying.

I would have given this book five stars, but I think it needed another round of edits. The first third seemed a bit littered with poor word choice, choppy scenes, and repetitive thoughts/feelings. (I did receive an ebook arc, so perhaps some of those issues will be remedied before its release.) I also felt like there was a bit of patriarchy/authority overload. I suppose it was true to the social dynamics of the WWII time period, especially within a military atmosphere. However, Alex’s statements about his parents’ marriage and Patrick’s (the father-patriarch) treatment of Gabe, who is a grown woman, were just too much.

A Wing and a Prayer by Julie Lessman starts the Cousins O’Connor series, but actually continues the O’Connor family saga that began with A Passion Most Pure. When the O’Connor family meets up, it was hard to keep all the characters straight in my mind. However, I think if I had read the prior novels about this family, it would have been easier. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this ebook by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )