Book Review: Claire Holloway Is Winging It by Angela Ruth Strong

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Claire Holloway Is Winging It by Angela Ruth Strong follows Claire, a retired ballerina who has recently become a flight attendant and is about to begin her new career in the friendly skies. After a devastating injury ended her ballet career, she’s starting over and learning how to build a life that looks completely different from the one she planned. Claire stumbles through the early weeks of her new routine, making friends and learning her craft, while trying to figure out who she is without dance. On the way to her new job, she runs into First Officer Nathan Stuart, a pilot for the airline. When he stops to help her and offers a few helpful pointers as she finds her footing, they strike up a friendship.

Nathan dreams of being a husband and a father, but after losing his hometown sweetheart, he isn’t sure what comes next. Still healing from a devastating breakup, he’s drawn to Claire, but soon realizes she’s dating someone else. He has to reconcile his attraction with the reality that she’s taken, that she’s oblivious to what he’s feeling, and what it looks like to be a good friend to her.

This story is thought-provoking, filled with moments of deep reflection, as well as the silly antics of passengers, flight attendants, and pilots. It’s easy to see how the author’s real-life experience as a flight attendant adds authenticity and charm. Some moments made me laugh, others made me think, and all of it kept me entertained.

At its heart, this is a story about growth. Claire is rediscovering herself after losing ballet, learning who she is now, what she wants for the future, and where God is in all of it. For Nathan, meeting Claire stirs up hope, but their friendship also requires restraint. He learns to be the bigger person, to care about what’s best for her without trying to sway her away from a boyfriend who doesn’t seem to appreciate her the way he should.

With guidance from an older pilot, support from friends, and a steady reliance on God, Claire and Nathan find peace in their circumstances. While there’s romance here, it’s really a story about two people learning to trust God’s plans and seek His will. I really enjoyed the strong faith thread throughout, the thoughtful writing, and the entertaining glimpse into the men and women who make air travel possible for us all. Recommended for readers who love gentle romance with humor, heart, and purpose.

Purchase Claire Holloway Is Winging It at most retailers or find it on Amazon.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Angela Ruth Strong. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Book Blurb:

After Claire Holloway's dream of becoming a ballerna plummets, she's left with her boyfriend as her only support. . . until she decides to become a flight attendant for the free travel. Based out of state, she moves into a crash pad with a gaggle of other flight attendants, and her fear of losing Wyatt seems to become a reality.

First Officer Nathan Stuart — a bit cynical since he and his fiance broke up — meets a somewhat frazzled Claire on her very first day in the Seattle airport. When they end up on the same crew, he takes her under his wing, and they quickly bond.

When Claire's once-supportive boyfriend's attitude sours into resentment, she's left wondering whether her newfound joy is the right way to go. Pulled between two men and her new career, Claire must learn to listen for God's direction the same way her flight crew follows air traffic control.

In this hilarious rom-com, readers will lift off into the turbulent skies of romantic adventures as Claire navigates God's plan for her life.