What I think you should know:
When The Pilot Falls is a Christian Historical Fiction, Fairytale Retelling by April Hayman It. is the second book in the Ever After Mysteries Series, a series of standalone novels set in the 1920s, all as different fairytale retellings. This story is set in 1923 and features Willie Labeau, a female stunt pilot.

What you might need to know:
I will be honest somehow I have never read “East of the Sun, West of the Moon”, however that did not diminish my enjoyment of this story!

What I think about this book:
Growing up I was fascinated by Amelia Earhart and other female groundbreakers so I was excited to read a story with a female pilot. Hayman created a really fun, strong Heroine whose story I could not wait to read. Hugh was an interesting character, I loved seeing Hugh and Willie’s relationship grow. This story had everything it needed to create a wonderful story; Excitement, Friendship, Danger, Organized Crime and Love. I can’t wait to read more in this series and by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

A romantic mystery full of unexpected twists and turns, April Hayman pens the third installment in the Ever After Mysteries, “When the Pilot Falls.” I have to say that this is now my favorite book in the series, due in part to the fact that I am unfamiliar with the original fairy tale from which it is adapted, “East of the Sun, West of the Moon.” As such, I truly went into this one without any idea of the plot or characters, and I love that because it kept me in anticipation throughout. As always, I avoid reading book summaries, so I became privy to the crime itself alongside the figures in the story and was unable to predict the outcome. To me, that is the best kind of mystery!

Hayman confronts some of the most challenging issues of 1920s America while infusing the narrative with humor and intriguing characters. Opening in Kansas in 1923, “When the Pilot Falls” features barnstormer Willie Labeau, an intrepid female pilot who speaks her mind and has no problem wearing trousers. Her philosophy is likewise straightforward: “Everything was simpler in the air. She only had to worry about the plane.” However, as a woman in a predominantly male profession, she is considered easily replaceable, and when she ends up back at home, she laments to her father that “I’m just so tired of it. Of trying to prove myself over and over. And when I do the right thing, it doesn’t do me any good.” He tells her that “If things were that bad, you might have asked for help before it got out of hand. But that’s in the past and something to learn from for the future,” a reply that proves to be prophetic in the next leg of her journey. She becomes a Hollywood stunt pilot, working for Hugh Taylor under the curious condition that she doesn’t pry into his family life. Things seem nearly idyllic until her new life comes crashing down when Hugh vanishes.

There is a plethora of action and background in each chapter of “When the Pilot Falls,” yet it never feels overwhelming or confounding. The story is clean, with references to characters praying but no overt religious content. Estie, an African-American female pilot, is my favorite secondary character. Not only is she groundbreaking in aviation, she is loyal and dauntless, as are her family members. They contribute so much to the second half of the story, and they are witty and enterprising. Conversely, Queenie makes a repulsive villainess, and Hayman uses her character and the era of Prohibition to great effect in establishing the climax of the plot. It all makes for a story that flies along so quickly that it’s nearly impossible to put down!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

When the Pilot Falls takes a traditional fairytale and turns it into a book set in the 1920s. As part of the Ever After Mysteries series, this book captured my imagination and my sense of adventure. Willie Labeau flies planes despite being a woman. Hugh Taylor needs a stunt pilot in Hollywood. When Willie unexpectedly finds herself without a job, Hugh along with Willie’s family convinces her to go to Hollywood.

Once they arrive in Hollywood, they seem to live an idyllic life until it isn’t. Hugh refuses to talk about his family, but Willie knows he needs to talk. Eventually, Hugh disappears, and Willie sets out, determined to find and rescue him. Twists and turns take the reader through the end of the story.

The ending of this book, along with the epilogue, provides the perfect conclusion to this story. So if you enjoy mysteries with adventure thrown in, along with fairytales, check out this book for yourself. I promise it will be worth your time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I really enjoyed reading about a woman pilot with the setting in the early 1920s. Willie is an exception character with fierceness and skills that other pilots wish they had. She wasn’t well received as a pilot because who ever heard of a woman pilot. I cheered when she took to the skies and did stunts that took my breath away. Her life changes when she goes to Hollywood as a stunt pilot. What an exciting time she had as she improved her skills.

Hugh was a large man but I think his demeanor was quite gentlemanly when it came to being around Willie. His size may intimidate others, but not Willie. She finds him intriguing but he will not share anything about his family. Willie was a little upset that he didn’t trust her enough to confide in her.

I wasn’t familiar with the fairytale this story was loosely based on so I had to read it. My curiosity got the best of me and I had to know more details to see how the author interpreted the fairytale. I must say her creativity was amazing and I love the direction she took readers where greed, power and jealousy are found in several characters. I liked how Hugh protected Willie by going away. There is where the story really gets good.

We are introduced to Queenie who happens to be a pilot like Willie. I did not like Queenie at all because she was arrogant, prideful and deceitful. There is much at stake for Queenie and her family as they are involved with dealings that could put them behind bars. Her tricks find Hugh in a situation that could cost him his happiness. The action starts when Willie and Queenie decide to fight for the person they love. The author captivated me by how these two women were going to duel it out. What an edge of your seat moment as the planes come to life as danger draws near. Who will win the race? Can Hugh be saved from making a big mistake? These questions can be found in the pages of this story that draws on the emotions of greed and deception to take what they want. In the end, does greed pay off?

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Travel back to the days of bi-wing planes and stunt shows in this intriguing tale of hidden pasts and thwarted love. Set during prohibition, this story has the glamour of Hollywood stunt flying and a criminal family feud.
The heroine, Willie, is a female stunt pilot with tenacity who will not let obstacles like crashing her plane get in her way. The hero, Hugh, is a man of conviction and stands by his word.
This was an engaging, exciting story and took us into the world of a mobster kingpin and his manipulative daughter. A nice, quick read with a solid faith thread and justice prevailing.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* ( )