Leaning on Air by Cheryl Grey Bostrom is a powerful novel with deep connections to nature, a strong sense of place in the Pacific Northwest, and compelling writing. It's very emotional, exploring themes of motherhood, heartbreak, grief, and faith. Content warning: miscarriage.

The characters have depth, and the author shows us their positive and "negative" traits. Celia and Burnaby’s relationship is unique in its illustration of the intimacies of marriage when one partner is on the autism spectrum. I especially appreciated reading this in a Christian fiction novel.

A thread of mystery runs through this plot when unexplainable events begin happening on their farm. This story and its characters will stay with me for quite some time, and I'm eager to read Sugar Birds, the author's previous novel.

I was provided complimentary copies of this novel in print and audio formats; all opinions are my own.

The story delves deep into family and marriage relationships, set in the beautiful PNW. It started off a bit rocky and rushed (it is a ''stand-alone sequel'), then I quickly came to love these characters. I thought I was almost finished with the book, and I thought it was going to wrap up quickly with a nice little bow. Then I realized I was only 3/4 of the way through the book, and I had no idea what was coming! Restoration? Redemption?

Definitely a 5-star read! I definitely want to go back and read Sugar Birds, then re-read Leaning on Air!

SPOILER/TRIGGER WARNING: miscarriage and marital issues.

4.5⭐️s rounded up. A difficult subject matter of miscarriage, death and grief, and how a marriage can struggle under the weight of it, but a beautiful look at how love can respond with grace and patience and selflessness.

I thought miscarriage and the grief and loss from it was dealt with well and sensitively. Having 2 earlier miscarriages than Celia’s, it resonated with what she felt. While my processing was different, I understood how she internalized and blamed herself - it’s something women often do well unfortunately. Also, the section on how a young child looks at trauma and blame I thought was also very insightful.

I loved the romance of a spouse struggling to win the other in an existing marriage. It’s not one that I’ve read often and it was a refreshing change. The selflessness and process of that was inspiring.

Also, I loved the characteristic of Burnaby being autistic and having to navigate a relationship like that and the challenge it brings. As a mom of an autistic kid, I loved the perspective.

The only detractor for me was it felt like there was a concept of God causing the suffering and of calling a child to heaven when they died. In all my experience of deeply difficult circumstances that God was very much in the midst of, I can’t subscribe to that. God allowing suffering, of course, using it for sure - but not causing it. Maybe I completely misunderstood what was in the book or it was a character’s faulty view at one point, but that was disappointing for me.

Overall tho, the book was excellent and I really enjoyed it.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

what a beautiful story! as it alternates between heartbreak and hope, cheryl grey bostrom's leaning on air delves into the complications of tragedy, grief, marriage, family, and moving forward—and holding onto faith through it all.

"'i want to see everything through the eyes of that little bird, who behaves as if rotten fires are a given in life, but who acts as if all will be well anyway.'"

after ten years of marriage, celia and burnaby have hit a breaking point. one traumatic loss—for which celia feels responsible—sets off a string of unforeseen circumstances and has her running to a rural washington farm to recover. burnaby, of course, isn't ready to give up their marriage. this new setting—and the people with it, however, just might be what they need to find each other again.

i easily enjoyed leaning on air. the setting makes for a beautiful backdrop as the characters face the challenges that continue to confront them, and the conversations reconciling faith with science proved to be oh so interesting. despite all the heartbreak, there is plenty of hope to be found in the pages of this story—i recommend it.

now, i need to go read sugar birds to see where it all began for celia and burnaby. (obviously, leaning on air can still be read on its own though.)

i received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.

Outstanding narration. Powerful, poignant, intense novel. The first half of the story was so intense and left me so raw, I would have to stop reading for a bit or else I would have binged this novel. Burnaby is autistic and this creates some unique challenges for him as an adult. He and Celia do marry and she adapts to accommodate him. For example, touching and intimacy are difficult. They are both passionate about their work and support one another. Several tragedies strike and problems ensue. This book is very romantic and faith filled. I enjoyed every moment of this book and will read it again. I was blessed with a free ARC, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily. One of my favorites for 2024 and I highly recommend.

As someone who has also struggled with infertility and loss, this one got me hard. I know just how much she wanted to turn away and not face her issues and especially not face her husband. I was so glad to see that she found a new life, the life that felt like it was made for her. Not everyone gets to have all their dreams come true, sometimes we have to just find some new dreams. This one was a beautiful redemption story.

Bostrom shares with us the unconventional romance between Celia and Burnaby who seem to keep finding their way to one another, though, when tragedy strikes, we are provided insight into how they cope and where they’re led.

Burnaby has his quirks but he seems to know who he is, what he wants. Celia, on the other hand, still seems to be navigating the uncertainties in life.

I think there are many relatable circumstances throughout and their seeking of God for support, comfort, peace of mind, direction isn’t heavy throughout but shines through when needed most.

Leaning on Air was a beautifully emotional telling. The characters were vividly-described, complex and pulled on my heartstrings. The setting of Palouse, Washington, was so serene with detailed descriptions. The love story and marriage of Celia and Burnaby was layered with loss, complications, misunderstandings...and redemption. Bostrom's words and language weave this story so well, causing me to turn page after page in anticipation. Celia's struggle to come to grips with loss and Burnaby's fight to serve her with God's help is a poignant, realistic journey.
The narration was easy-to-understand and did not take away from the story. I will be seeking out more of the author's work immediately.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for this ARC.

The narrator did a great job but I did not enjoy the book. It was just nowhere near as good as Sugar Birds.

This book was sad and emotional and should have a big, huge, trigger warning about miscarriage and stillbirths. I tried to get beyond that but it was in every chapter along with talk of religion. I'm not one to usually read christian genres. I tried to love this book as much as everyone else seems too but it's not what I was hoping for.

Celia turns her back on her husband. Her autistic husband. After the loss of their third pregnancy at several months Celia goes off the rails. Even though she KNOWS that Burnaby is a bit on the special side, suffering from autism. She knows that he has a special way of dealing with things and this loss should be no different. She starts out knowing that it's ok to go looking for a tagged bird and then starts having severe contractions. Blames herself. Blames him. I understand that this is a horrible thing. Been there myself. But she can't just decide that on a whim it's all her fault or his. Or that he blames her. She knows that he thinks differently and weighs all the info. He'd never blame her. For a love that is suppose to be as strong as theirs it came across as awful weak. Again I understand it's a special time after the loss of another fetus.

I didn't enjoy anything about this book. The grandmother out of nowhere was a bit out there for me also. I did not experience any of the feelings that it seems other reviewers did. I wish this author the best but this was not a good sequel for Sugar Birds. At least not to me.

Thank you #NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. This is my true thoughts about this book.

3 stars

This novel is a deep theological discourse hidden within the words of a wonderfully written fictional tale that connects the concepts of the trinity, oneness in marriage, quantum physics, prayer, and grief. This may be the most perfect book I’ve read.
I will leave it to others to share a synopsis; the blurb pales in comparison to the author’s ability to present existentialism and entanglement in heart changing ways through storytelling.
The story loses a 10 year stretch of time rather suddenly which was a short lived distraction. This is forgivable; the narrative is so well written that the loss of a decade is a small price to pay.
I forgot that I was listening to a narration; Katie Zuckerman’s soothing voice placed me inside the story as a silent witness. In the epigraph, she pronounced the initialism NIV (New International Version) as an acronym, sounding like an abbreviation of the word niveous. This made me giggle.
Readers should be aware that there is a recurring theme of pregnancy loss as well as one fairly graphic loss of a live birth premie. This occurs early in the story so it’s not really a spoiler and I believe it’s important enough as a potential trigger warning to share this information. Another content consideration is temptation to have an affair.
I listened to this audiobook free courtesy of #netgalley in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

This was an interesting read, and one that makes you think too…

It revolves around two main characters…Celia and Burnaby.
They knew each other as kids, and by chance run into each other again, years later.

He is on the autism spectrum… and experiences some of the oddities that some of these folks have. He’s had a crush on Celia for years, but never expects that she might reciprocate…

As they spend time together they see that it just might actually work out!

As the years go by, life and its many seasons happen…and they grow apart.

Unfortunately, they still have much learning to do…

As Celia starts to drift away, she makes some friends on a nearby farm…and things really begin to change in her life.

But as multiple incidents occur, she begins to reconsider her life…and all she has, and all she’s missing…

Christian based, and some good and bad feelings emerge throughout…

I totally enjoyed the characters, but for some reason, it just felt a bit choppy to me…and for that reason, I’m giving only 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Still good, but I felt like it’s missing something…

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which releases on 5/7/24, in exchange for an honest review.

#LeaningOnAir by #CherylGreyBostrom and narrated by #CadyZuckerman.

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Book Title: Leaning on Air
Author: Cheryl Grey Bostrom
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Cady Zuckerman
Publisher: Dreamscape Media- Tyndale House Publishing
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 345

Story reunites ornithologist Celia Burke and veterinary surgeon Burnaby Hayes. We observe their lives from college to their professional careers

Celia and Barnaby have experience grief. The two struggle with disappointment.
When Celia sees an injured Red-tailed hawk, struggling to fly; her thoughts are to put him out of his misery, however, she watches his struggle and determination to fly. This observation has made her realize the power of hope.
The story touches a lot of emotions. it will leave you with a feeling of faith, hope and of course love. Just as the Red-tailed hawk was determined to soar; this story will leave you with a belief that things will get better.

If you have never been to Southeastern Washington State, the detailed descriptions of the magnificent natural world of the Palouse will have you putting it on ‘your bucker list’.

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media/Tyndale House Publishing for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 7, 2024.

Celia Burke and Burnaby Hayes were school buddies but after that, they went their separate ways. She studied ornithology and he became a veterinary orthopedic surgeon. Even though it was an unlikely meeting, their paths cross again and they fall in love and marry.
Burnaby is autistic and suffers from sensory problems. Married now ten yeas they’ve figured out how to understand each other’s needs for the most part. But, Celia’s needs are not being met. They want a family. Unfortunately Celia’s pregnancies have not been successful. There is disappointment after disappointment. The latest loss was as Celia was searching for a research hawk when she miscarried. The baby is born alive but sadly she soon dies. Celia wants to see her baby. Coldly, Burnaby merely says the baby is dead then he walks out. Celia thinks he is blaming her as she blames herself. 
This blow to their marriage seems unreconcilable.

Celia learns she has a grandmother that she was unaware of. She wants to know her grandmother and moves in with the kind woman. Strange things begin to happen on her grandmother’s farm.
While at the farm in Washington’s Palouse region, she becomes attracted to a neighbor who suggests she leave behind the past and begin anew. Unexplained accidents, cryptic sketches, and a mute little boy make her doubt her decision. A red-tailed hawk and the endangered lives of those she loves make her reexamine her past and reconsider her future.

I wasn’t a fan of the narrator’s voice changes to distinguish the characters.

Leaning on Air has a good plot, and likable characters, but the ending felt a bit rushed, like the author was done with it and trying to tie up the loose ends. This is a love story that shows how the power of God is strong despite our own faults.

Leaning on Air
Cheryl Grey Bostrom
Celia Burke and Burnaby Hayes went to school together but went their separate ways. She studied ornithology and he became a veterinary orthopedic surgeon. They met again along a lonely country road. They had a quick and unusual romance. Burnaby is autistic, he loves Celia, but suffers from sensory problems. After ten years of marriage, they have learned to work together but Celia’s needs are not being met. The two want a family. Her pregnancies have not been successful. She is pregnant again and felt her baby move for the first time. It looks like this pregnancy is going to be successful, but it isn’t. Celia was searching for a research hawk when she had a miscarriage. When she comes to in the ICU unit she wants to see the baby. Burnaby merely says she was dead then he walks out. Celia thinks he is blaming her as she blames herself.
Their marriage suffers a blow that seems irreconciled. Celia discovers she has a grandmother that she was unaware of. She wants to know her grandmother and moves in with the kind woman. Strange things begin to happen on her grandmother’s farm in Washington’s Palouse area. Celia meets a neighbor which she finds tempting. A fire, the death of a friend, accidents, and a child afraid to speak all make Celia wonder what she should do. Burnaby wants his wife back and is trying hard to convince her he loves her.
This story demonstrates Christian values and beliefs. Death was explained to a child as a snail shell. I found this explanation uplifting. What a beautiful way to explain death. Burnaby’s faith was strong, and he tried to reach out to her but it isn’t easy. I love the characters in this tale. I love the plot. I did think the ending was a bit rushed, like the author was trying to tie up all loose ends. This is a love story that shows how the power of God is stronger than all of our adversities.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book for review.

Leaning on Air - Cheryl Grey Bostrom 4.5 stars

What a roller-coaster of emotions packed into this book! This book follows Celia and Burnaby, who knew each other as teens and reconnected 12 years later and end up married. After a decade of marriage, they find themselves going through some of the toughest years of their marriage with many traumatic events. Celia is devastated with the after effects of everything she has endured and Burnaby is trying so hard to make their marriage work. We follow this couple on their journey to overcome tragedy together and we see how God is involved the entire time.

This was was such an impactful story - especially to me as an Autism Boy Mama. I specifically loved the introduction when Burnaby is explaining how God has been with him through his autism - when he is explaining what's helped him in his growth - the way it was explained means a lot to me because as an Autism Mama, we worry about our own children with the unknown of "will our children be able to make the decision to follow Christ?" Seeing Burnaby's story and faith in God gives me hope for my own son to be able to make that decision one day for himself.

I love how Burnaby truly fought for his marriage with Celia. Calling over and over, trying to diagnose her in what she's going through, following her to the ends of the earth to make sure she is ok because he cares so much for her. He may not always be able to express it in the best way because he is autistic and he struggles with sensory issues in being touched, but he truly loves her. I also love how he talked to Celia about how the Lord loves their child and understands what it's like to lose one. It was beautiful and got me so emotional. Celia is skeptical of God throughout the story.

With Celia and Burnaby's jobs being very involved in science as an ornithologist (person who is an expert on birds) and a veterinary surgeon, you will see all kinds of nerdy details on physics but thankfully, the author explains everything along the way. It was very interesting to learn more about their professions. You also learn a lot about Washington State's Palouse - which is one of the most serene and pastoral farm areas of the state. It certainly made me research this area to see how beautiful it was for myself!

This story may have been filled with grief and trauma, but God was moving throughout this story and through Celia and Burnaby's marriage issues and reconciliation. I think the only thing that could have made this a perfect 5 stars was seeing a bit more faith development with Celia and a little more detail of how things played out in the end but I really enjoyed this!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Content Warnings: Detailed miscarriage, grief surrounding miscarriage, parental and other family member deaths, mental abuse from a parent, fade to black marital sex scene.

This book blended science, nature and spiritual elements into the storyline. I can appreciate when and author can vividly describe a scene so that I'm able to visualize it completely. The author explored some nature elements that provided some really great information I was not aware of about birds and various ways these characters took it upon themselves to understand it. I am not religious and don't really enjoy reading a heavily religious themed book so at first I was a little put off by that aspect but it really tapped into the spiritual side of the soul and nature combined. That part felt easy to understand and relate to. Overall, the story was very interesting and I liked the authors use of description to really pull me in.

"Leaning on Air" by Cheryl Grey Bostrom is a modern day Christian fiction novel. The story, set in rural Washington State was well written and it's one I can see being used by book clubs since there is a lot in here to unpack and discuss. This was my first book by this author and after reading this one I will be adding her other books to my TBR list.

Trigger warnings for potential readers - this book touches on mental abuse from a parent, infant loss, marital issues and autism in an adult and a child in the story. The author portrays the events and emotions in a tasteful and beautiful way and brings people together despite these struggles. The main set of characters work through these things together in a loving way and bring faith in God into the story. There is a mystery to the story and I love the way she reconciles the characters to one another and provides a "found family" type of feel.

I do highly recommend this book to fans of Christian Fiction looking for stories of marital issues and reconciliation. I know from one of my reading groups that this topic is one that people look for as a source of encouragement and this book has those elements.

The audiobook was well done and the book is has male and female narrators. There are several perspectives in the story from adults and a child.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a chance to listen to an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a roller-coaster for me. I almost didn't grab it, and then I almost DNF'd.
In the beginning, I was not into Celia and Burnabys' relationship. It was honestly cheating. They were kissing and professing love/lust for another while she was engaged. The breakup after the kiss could have happened before she left home if she was so unhappy. As soon as she ended her relationship, they were immediately getting married? No sex and kissing kept to a minimum as if trying to portray some type of virture? Nah, I wasn't down for it.
At first, I did not like Celia, and then my heart broke at all the trauma she endured. I quickly became emotionally attached to her and wanted so much good for her. Barnaby was hard to connect with, and I honestly was not drawn to his character as I was others in the book. I loved the second chance aspect. It's my fav, especially in marriage. I was eating that up!
The narrator was so good! Especially at portraying the emotional turmoil the characters were in. Gut wrenching. With that said, I did not like the kids' narration. It felt unnatural and extremely immature. I get 6 year olds are young but they are past the baby talk stage, and baby talk is an "ick" for me. I typically dont like kids in books, but i understand the need for the childrens POV here. It was done well minus the baby talk.
Overall, I am so glad I stuck around because this was too good! One, I would definitely re-read again! Thank you, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

This book is a surprise in all the best ways. First and foremost, my heart soared to realize that one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum. The author expertly weaves the challenges that can bring to marriage and intimacy for both partners throughout the story while staying true to what ASD is. This is a tale of hurt, brokenness, grief, joy, elation, forgiveness, hope all wrapped up with a bit of mystery and intrigue to sweeten the pot. The narrator did a wonderful job, as well. An amazing read-highly recommend!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.