Tim is a hotshot American pilot who takes a job ferrying war planes over the Atlantic Ocean to the British Isles during WWII. But when he realizes that his ex-girlfriend Carol is working as a dancer in a London nightclub, he decides to join the RAF to be close to her. Tim is selfish, proud, and flirts with anything in a skirt. He resents being assigned as co-pilot on a bomber team; he thinks he should have his own fighter plane. But when he sees the courage and sacrifice of his fellow pilots, he begins to realize that he needs to get his values straight and become a better man to be worthy of Carol.

This was very interesting to read about WWII from a novel written in the middle of the war. I learned quite a lot of history!

This book feels like a Clark Gable movie where all the pilots are "hard-boiled" and jaded, and everybody is "tight" most of the time and trying to look cool smoking their cigarettes. They say things like, "See ya, doll" and "Forget it, pal."

But there are a few serious moments about the war where brave soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice in a battle to save their friends. And we meet the mother of one of the dead pilots, and she is so sweet and patient in her grief, and happy to meet her son's friends. It was really lovely and inspiring.

However, I just hated Tim. Even though he has a change of heart towards the end, I still felt like he did NOT deserve Carol. He's such a selfish jerk for most of the book!

The writing is really fun and engaging. It's a delightful adventure and an interesting window into history.