In 1912, Women Weren't Meant to Fly - an Editorial Review of "Beyond the Sky's Edge" (Hold Sept 8)
Book Blurb:
They tried to keep her grounded.
Livvie Newcomb dreams of more than what society dictates. When a tragedy strikes, she is drawn into the daring new world of aviation at Kinloch Field in St. Louis, where flying machines promise freedom unlike anything she has ever known.
Yet in 1912, women weren't meant to fly.
Facing ridicule, financial hardship, and fierce opposition, Livvie refuses to abandon the sky. As mysterious acts of sabotage threaten her training and long-buried secrets begin to surface, she must protect her family while proving she belongs in aviation before someone succeeds in grounding her for good. She finds an ally in a young instructor who understands both the risks of flight and the cost of courage. But as the threats mount, will Livvie be willing to risk everything for a chance to claim the life she's always wanted?
Author Bio:
Pat Wahler is an award-winning writer of historical fiction and women's fiction. A frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, her work has also appeared in Reader’s Digest, Storyteller Magazine, and many other publications. Based on true events, Pat's debut novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, became an Amazon #1 bestseller in Historical Romance, was awarded Best First Novel of 2018 by Western Fictioneers, and won the 2019 Walter Williams Award for a Major Work. An avid reader, she loves historical fiction and any story with heart. Pat enjoys the chance to interact with readers, and is particularly fond of visiting with book clubs. She makes her home in Missouri with her husband and one highly opinionated Peek-a-Poo pup.
Editorial Review:
Title: Beyond the Sky’s Edge
Author: Pat Wahler
Rating: 4.2
“An enormous gas-powered balloon rose mere yards away against a backdrop of clear blue sky. For a moment, Livvie Newcomb felt as if she’d been submerged in the ocean and put face-to-face with some strange species of red-and-yellow-striped whale. But the sight of three burly men clinging with all their might to a wicker basket beneath the balloon brought her back to earth.”
This is how “Beyond the Sky’s Edge” by Pat Wahler begins, with a moment of raw, trembling hesitation. The book is a richly drawn work of historical fiction that follows a young woman’s journey from the constraints of early 20th-century society to the boundless freedom of the open sky. Inspired by the real-life stories of pioneering female aviators like Katherine Stinson and Harriet Quimby, the novel is both a tribute to those who dared to dream and a deeply personal story of one woman’s fight for autonomy, purpose, and truth.
“She gently disengaged herself from Marjorie, wishing the girl hadn’t raised such dire possibilities. Self-consciously Livvie rubbed her hands down the sides of her blue linen day dress, leaving a clammy trail on the fabric. “I said I would, and I will.” She didn’t want to appear a coward after Sally had dared her to accept the challenge during their short trolley ride from Kansas City to the fair at Overland Park’s exhibition field. But all at once, the fearsome notion of stepping aboard the balloon gave Livvie an intense urge to chew her fingernails.”
This opening scene introduces the reader to Livvie Newcomb’s defining internal conflict- her simultaneous terror and longing for the sky. The balloon ride does not feel like just a thrill-seeking adventure rather, the first crack in the shell of her constrained existence. The reader watches her grapple with fear, peer pressure, and the weight of others’ expectations. They also feel the weight of her friends’ stares, the pressure to prove herself, and the dizzying terror of leaving solid ground. Yet when the balloon lifts and the world falls away, they also share her awe, even as they feel the first stirrings of liberation and a sense that Livvie has glimpsed something beyond the life she was living.
““For some time now, I’ve been saving money. I kept it in my jewel box.” Livvie chose her words with care. “This morning it was there. Tonight, it isn’t.” “Are you sure you didn’t misplace it?” Voice mild, her expression didn’t change. Not even a twitch…“There are matters you are too naïve to understand. Parents have a duty to protect their children from reckless impulses…” “You took it.” The words escaped Livvie’s mouth before she could stop them. “Didn’t you?” The slap came swift and sharp, cracking through the room like a gunshot. Livvie staggered back as her hand flew to her burning cheek.”
Here, Livvie’s dream to learn to fly has been shattered by the very person who should support her. The reader knows the theft of her savings is not just a financial blow but a deep violation of trust, and that the slap is both literal and symbolic, marking the moment when Livvie realizes she must fight for herself because no one else will. The reader feels Livvie’s shock and betrayal as if it were their own, even as they understand that this is not a simple disagreement but a battle for Livvie’s very identity. This moment also primes them for Livvie’s determination that will see her find another way and overcome every obstacle thrown in her path.
The machine rose higher, then she leveled it off to carve a wide arc across the sky. Livvie kept her eyes forward, ignoring the green blur below. Breathless with wonder, she sketched a circle over the field. This is what flying was meant to be. Leaning slightly into another turn, she felt more bird than girl.”
After all the setbacks, the fear, the sabotage, and the heartbreak, Livvie is finally where she belongs. The reader feels her triumph as if it were their own, remembering how much this moment cost. They remember the stolen money, the disapproving parents, the broken engagement, the crashed aeroplane, and the sabotage. They have watched Livvie struggle, cry, and persist. This is not the end of her story, but the beginning of her future, a moment that speaks to perseverance, courage, and the unyielding belief that one’s dreams are worth fighting for.
Pat Wahler’s prose is a quiet triumph. She writes with a clarity and emotional intelligence that makes the reader feel every tremor of fear, every surge of hope, and every moment of heartbreak. Her descriptions of early aviation are vivid and authentic, beautifully immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of Kinloch Field. The dialogue is natural and period-appropriate, capturing the voices of a generation on the cusp of change. What truly stands out, however, is Wahler’s ability to balance personal drama with historical resonance. Livvie’s story is deeply intimate, yet it speaks to a larger narrative- the struggle of women to claim their place in a world that told them they didn’t belong. The reader never feels lectured instead, they are invited to walk alongside Livvie, to feel her fears and triumphs as their own. The novel is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and the enduring strength of family, even when family is the source of the greatest pain.
“Beyond the Sky’s Edge” will resonate deeply with readers of historical fiction particularly those who love stories of strong women breaking barriers. It will also appeal to readers who enjoy family sagas, coming-of-age stories, and tales of early aviation. Anyone who has ever dreamed of defying expectations and reaching for the sky will find a kindred spirit in Livvie Newcomb. Additionally, this is a book for those who believe that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to move forward despite it. It is for readers who understand that the greatest adventures often begin with a single, trembling step into the unknown. Livvie’s story will stay with them long after the final page, a reminder that the sky is not the limit—it is only the beginning.
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
Comments