Written by: Amber Polo
Treble Heart Books
ISBN: 978-1-936127-05-04
273 pages
$11.95
4.5 Stars
Amber Polo pens a high flying contemporary romantic suspense with “Flying Free.” Set in the picturesque Arizona desert, “Flying Free” will take the reader on a journey of love, laughter, and finding oneself.
The novel starts with forty-year-old Amelia (Lia) Bedford in training to get her pilot’s license. Lia has to get her license as a condition of her father’s will if she wants to receive her inheritance. Lia comes from a big city in Texas to live in a small airport flying community near Sunrise, Arizona. For Lia, the change is uncomfortable, despite how the community members try to make her feel welcome.
Lia isn’t the only new member of the airpark. Seth is a renter, brought in as a consultant for a retreat that Branock Industries is building. Seth is unlike any man Lia has met before. For one, he’s into mediating. He’s also vegan and a Buddhist. Soon, the community takes Seth under their wing.
Lia gets to know the type of man her father was through the Sunrise Airpark Community. She learns how vibrant and alive it is, and realizes it was what was missing her in her life. Soon, Lia takes a chance and embarks on an affair with Seth.
Complications arise when an unknown company begins buying land around the airpark, and Chance Branock begins making a movie about the residents. Seth sees the movie and realizes it will discredit the older members of the airpark. Seth thinks Chance is up to no good and voices his suspicions to Lia. Has Lia grown to care for her spunky, good natured neighbors, or will she let Branock Industries get their way?
Polo’s writing is crisp and engages the reader. The pace of the story moves well, slowing down in just the right spots before picking up again. The story captures a unique and authentic voice that rings true with the reader.
Characterization is where Polo shines. Her characters, especially her supporting cast, are unique, rich, and well developed. Lia, the heroine, is full of complexities. I love the thought put into her name, Amelia, invoking the famed female aviator, Amelia Earhart. The novel’s title not only reflects Sunrise Airpark, but it has a deeper meaning for Lia as she learns to fly free for the first time in her life and be true to herself.
Polo’s descriptions are rich and vivid. She uses a good economy of words to paint her setting, which doesn’t weigh down the reader. Her dialogue is sharp, witty, and unique to each character. The supporting cast is very strong and well developed. It was a joy to get to know Flo, Barney, and Berg.
There are no love scenes and maybe only an intimate kiss or two, making the novel “sweet” by romance standards. “Flying Free” will take the reader on a ride of the wings of love.
StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.
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