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Posted by Dina Sleiman November 09, 2012

A Flight of Fancy This is a book I was waiting for. I thoroughly enjoyed book the Daughters of Bainbridge House series by Laurie Alice Eakes. It sparked my interest to learn more about the heroine’s endearing sister Cassandra, her complicated love life, and most of all, her love of science and hot air balloons. Then when I saw this gorgeous cover, I knew that despite my mile high to-be-read list, I had to take time for this one.

The story opens in 1812 with high drama as Cassandra and her fiancé are attacked in their carriage while engaged in a passionate sort of encounter that was frowned upon in the Regency Era. When Cassandra is nearly fatally burned, she feels God is punishing her, and she determines to end things with Lord Whittaker once and for all. Her father supports her decision, going as far as to threaten the fiancé.

Perhaps the most confusing element of the story is how Cassandra ended up at Lord Whittaker's country home, but I was willing to suspend my disbelief because I know and trust this author, and sure enough, by the end, everything worked out. While there, she focuses on her dream, hot air ballooning. She is helping to design a balloon, and despite her recent scrape with death, longs to fly it herself.

Meanwhile, Lord Whittaker is caught up in dangerous espionage and simultaneously trying to win Cassandra back. This novel is full of excitement, twists and turns, heartache and redemption, adventure, romance, and even a touch of humor.

My favorite element was the hot air ballooning. The descriptions were so heavenly I felt as though I was flying myself. The science behind these early flights fascinated me as well. The other aspect of the book I enjoyed was seeing this passionate heroine learn to forgive and accept herself, although it was difficult seeing a young woman being so hard on herself for something that would seem so natural today. It served as an important reminder that God seeks to gently restore us, not punish us or leave us to wallow in guilt.

I love reading about strong heroines who aren’t afraid to go against society to live their dreams, and Flight of Fancy was no exception.
Have you enjoyed any of Laurie Alice's books? This week we discussed a female race car driver and a female hot air balloonist. What sort of adventures have some of your favorite heroines had?
Labels: Book Recommendations







