Cover Image: Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War

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It’s hard to express how much I really enjoyed this book. Much more than I thought I would when I started it. World War II stories have always intrigued me, especially since my father in law served in the navy during that time.
This is about the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots). They served under the military although they were considered civilians. Peggy (Mama Bird), Jolene (Nightingale), and WASP Brown (Brownie) were all close friends and excellent mechanics and aircraft pilots. They all flew within the US transporting supplies and soldiers various places to free up the soldiers needed for the war. Their courage and expertise amazed me and made me proud to be a woman. Men were still under the impression that females should not be pilots and didn’t trust them.
When in Cuba, Peggy accidentally hears some news that she just can’t let go of. When the commanders will not comply with her request, she and her two buddies plan a secret “mission”. Flying without permission on a junked plane that they pieced together was just the beginning. Throwing in a hurricane and high winds just added to the suspense of the whole situation.
Peggy’s two young daughters and her mother added enjoyment to the story and yes a little romance was included for those of us that like a taste of love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

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This fabulous novel set during WWII is fast-paced and includes realistic faith struggles and day-to-day work experiences of women contributing to the cause. The WASP – Women Airforce Service Pilots – program was not new to me, but I learned more about what women did to free men to fight overseas. WASP was made up of civilian women willing to do what they could for the country they loved. At times it is a pulse-pounding thriller, at times a front-row seat to a woman’s struggle while feeling the Lord turned away from her, and at times a tender family drama with a chance for romance that did not overtake the story.

Major Howie Berg was sent stateside after being seriously injured when being shot down over Germany. He was unhappy with his new assignment. One of the areas he was to oversee at Bolling Field in Washington DC was the work of the WASPs assigned there. Most men did not think women should be involved with the military or fly, even though most of their flying was ferrying planes for overseas use.

Peggy had lost her father and brother in The Great War. She always wanted to fly. George and Peggy had officially met and got to know each other over the plane she bought to repair and fly when she was seventeen. Once married, they had a business delivering people and parcels until the war began. George did not object when she became a WASP. Her mother lived with them and cared for their young daughters while Peggy was at work. Fifteen months ago, Peggy lost her husband over Germany.

Peggy, call name Mama Bird, and two other women did not adhere to the myth that they could not do what men did in the military. Her two closest work friends were Brownie and Nightingale. They flew a variety of planes, repaired them, trained new men to fly, and even flew planes towing material to be used by new recruits as target practice for the “big guns”.

The women heard about three American soldiers who disappeared and were thought to be held captive in Cuba, despite Cuba being an ally. They learned that the military would not go on a rescue mission for them, and why, and were furious. Howie did not like it, either. When his plane went down, had anyone tried to find him before a farmer helped him? Mama Bird and her friends were determined to do something, especially after she met the wife of one of the men. I was beyond impressed with how the author designed what the women knew, learned, and did!

I loved the premise, the characters, and the incredible risk the women took. I had much empathy for Peggy and her faith struggles and how well the author portrayed them. Her daughters and mom had the most to lose when she chose to go on a mission not sanctioned by the military, but the women believed they would be safe. I appreciated the tremendous, detailed research the author did, and the background shared in the author’s notes. This novel was not based on an actual documented event, yet it could have happened. I highly recommend this to women of all ages who like Christian novels about women enduring in a very tumultuous time, faith challenges, and a stateside view of WWII military airfields.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, the publisher, and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

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I always take an interest in books centered around historical moments in time. This story takes me to WW II and the women who served in WASP. Each character in this story was so interesting to get to know..

Peggy was one strong woman. She really had it all together. Her bravery was pretty amazing to read about. She did what most men and women could not do or even think about doing..

What is the bravest thing you did? I can't think of anything that compares with what happened in this book.

I enjoyed the interaction between the women and their bond to each other. It was frustrating to read how they had to prove their worth to the men in the military almost on a daily basis. But they sure did that and more!

I received this ebook from Celebrate Lit to review.

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This is an entertaining and informative novel about the many women who flew to aid the U.S. military during WW II. Davis does a good job of showing the many skills the women needed in flying and maintaining the aircraft. The also highlights the prejudice the women experienced in a role traditionally reserved for men. The character development was good, revealing the determination the women embraced. I did feel the secret mission was unbelievable but it made the novel exciting.

The novel contains a good message of believing God even when disaster has happened. Peggy had lost her husband to the war effort. It was good to see her faith in God restored. Both Peggy and Howie had to overcome obstacles before a possible romance could blossom. Their relationship added a nice human factor to a novel about the war effort.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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An engaging historical read that gives the readers a glimpse into the life of a WASP during WWII.

I liked that Peggy is a mother, and experienced pilot. She is a good friend, and knows what she is talking about. I loved how well researched the book was and how it showed the work and dedication that the women put into their jobs serving their country. Peggy is a courageous heroine and I liked that she didn't back down from a challenge when lives were on the line.

Howie isn't pleased to be stationed stateside because of an injury. But Howie is a gentleman, he sees that the women want to work and prove themselves, and he is ready to learn from his mistakes. I love how he quickly befriends Peggy's daughters, and how he stands up for the women under his command.

Overall, this is a well written read with great characters, faith, friendship and love. I loved how it showed the pride that the women took in their work as well as their bravery serving their country. Engaging read filled with faith, love and daring. Definitely recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes; the heroines of WWII. Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women’s Airforce Service in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy’s jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her three daughters; until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an ally.

My review: This was an enlightening story of what the WASPS had to endure during WWII. Peggy is a widow who has been flying and repairing airplanes since was a teen. She is task with flying planes that aren't fit to fly and repair them. She is braver than a lot of the men she works with. By the middle of the story she discovers some men are being held in Cuba. Peggy and two of her co WASPS set out to rescue them. A great story of courage against great odds.

I was given this book by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

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What a story! I love the main character. I had no idea what to expect from the book but found it so very interesting. I knew a little about the WASPS who were an integral part of the protection and service to out country during World War II. I had no clue just how much these brave women were counted on to to. I also didn't realize the battle they had with men.
From start to finish this is such a good story. WASP Witherspoon is a stubborn and very brave mother of two children who is serving her coughing try. Major Berg is the Army officer who works with the WASPS on base. He has a lot to learn about the program and the particular ladies under command.
This story is fascinating and well researched. I enjoyed learning about the various things the WASPS had to do. The blatant disrespect and disregard for the safety of the women is just unreal. I am pleased with the show of faith, acknowledgement of prayer in this story.
I want to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for my copy of the book. It is an excellent read.

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This is book 4 of the Heroines of WWII series, a Christian Historical Read. Peggy is a widow, mother and pilot for the Women's Airforce service, part of women who wanted to help during the War era. Her service always kept her close to home and safe. She goes on a run and finds that an issue of soldiers has come up, she needs to help. However, when helping turns into a dangerous and life threatening mission. She is told not to do the mission, however, she can't leave men behind. Will she save the soldiers? Will she go against her superiors orders? Can she stay safe and return to her children?
If you like a history inspirational read, this is the book to read. You will be amazed at the courage and commitment it takes Peggy to do what is right. It is book 4 of the series, but all books can be read as a stand alone as each one is about a different women during the war.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

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This series about unsung heroines during WWII is proving to be entirely delightful! I love how the author of this installment combines WWII history and unique weather occurrences (multiple hurricanes) to create a really unique plot that truly sets it apart from other genre novels.

The read also really got me thinking about the dichotomy between following orders and following a higher calling to save others, which sometimes are at odds. I’m typically such a rule follower, this really stretched me—but in a good way. Well done.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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An excellent book to read and learn from!
I'm an avid fan of historical fiction and It always amazes me how these authors do their research spot on.
I learned so much just from this one novel.
I definitely loved how this new to me author brings her characters and the events in their lives to life again.
I so enjoyed it. I felt like I was there!
The author does a remarkable job of showing us that not even these women were perfect and how their faith was shaken.
Peggy, Brownie and the other ladies are fine examples of strength, courage and love for what they do to help the 2nd WW.
The WASPS were awesome! I couldn't have admired a group of ladies more!
One scene in particular was my favorite.
I'm going to let you read it and decide which are your favorite characters, scenes etc.
5 stars for sure!
You'll not want to put this book down and these women will leave you thinking about them.long after the story is over.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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I really enjoyed Mrs Witherspoon Goes to War by author Mary Davis. It was fun to get lost in the many wonderful contributions that the WASPS (Women Airforce Service Pilots) made during WWII. This is what I love about historical fiction, it had me googling and finding a YouTube video called "WASPs Women Air Service Pilots in World War Two".

In this story, Peggy Witherspoon is no stranger to loss. She lost her father and brother in WWI, and her husband 15 months ago during WWII, which causes her to have a bit of a crisis of faith. She is one capable and strong woman pilot. Her call sign is Mamma Bird, she and her fellow WASPS Brownie and Nightingale take you on a wild ride. She butts heads with her new boss, Major Berg, and sparks fly. And she has two little girls Wendy and Junie who are cared for by her live-in mother when Peggy is working. This is a beautiful journey of hard work, patriotism, and faith.

I found the story so enjoyable, the characters engaging, and the author does a beautiful job painting a picture of what it might have been like at that time in history, and places you directly there.

I loved the dolphin scene, but won't say any more.

I recommend Mrs Witherspoon Goes to War to historical fiction fans and to read more about the WASPS. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

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Peggy Witherspoon has joined the WASPS as she is both a pilot and an airplane mechanic. She is now assigned to a base in Washington D.C. and is busy ferrying repaired planes to their needed destination. Even though she is a widowed mom of 2 daughters, she still is enthralled by what she is able to do for the War effort. Her friends, Jolene and Brownie, are ready for any adventure perhaps even one that is not condoned by their base commander.

Well written with a wonderful glance into the the world of the WASPS during World War II. Mary Davis, a new-to-me author, did such a wonderful job of depicting the problems the WASPS put up with from the men in the military along with showing how capable they were of doing the work that men were doing and sometimes even outperforming the men.

Peggy aka Mama Bird (her flight name) was such a strong, courageous, determined young woman. She looked out not only for her crew but also for the men who were fighting the war. I thoroughly enjoyed the developing relationship between Major Berg and Peggy but loved how it played in the background and did not overwhelm the main story line. Davis also did an excellent job of winding a faith thread throughout the plot wherever it was appropriate.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

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This book is a wonderful addition to the WWII series. The WASPs provided an important service during the war as described in this story. I loved the courage and determination of Peggy and her fellow pilots. I loved the author's attention to detail when describing the challenges the WASPs had. Loved the dolphins! Recommended!

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Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War
by Mary Davis
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022
Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance



I am reviewing a copy of Mrs Witherspoon Goes to War through Barbour Publishing, Barbour fiction and Netgalley:



If you’re looking for a story full of intrigue adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes!


Peggy Witherspoon is a Widowed Mother as well as a pilot whose flying for the Women’s Airforce Service in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. The majority of Peggy’s jobs are safe are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her three daughters until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an “ally.” Will Peggy go against orders to help the men—even risk her own life?



I give Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War through Barbour Publishing five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

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I always enjoy reading about anything about the Second World War. I was so excited to be able to read and review Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis. This book is one of a series by Barbour Publishing called Heroines of WWII.

I loved this book. I felt that it portrayed an accurate although the fictional story about the WASPS in WWII. The characters were believable and the patriotism flowed throughout the book. The WASPS took great pride in their abilbity to free men to fight overseas and to do the work that they couldn’t do. Even though these women were competent pilots who took pride in their work, it was also very dangerous. Also very telling was the attitude of the men on the ground who resented women pilots. Many of the women perished in plane crashes and injuries from our men sabotaging their planes. Some took the liberty of causing planes to fail to result in a pilot’s death. “Women should be housewives and mothers, not pilots” was their motive.

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I have really been enjoying this series, Heroines of wwII.
I have learned so much from it and have seen so many brave women in the pages of this series.
In Mrs. Witherspoon Goes To War I was very impressed with Peggy Witherspoon's war effort .
She has had an interest in flying and fixing planes from a very young age when men discouraged her and told her she couldn't do it. She is now a WASP (Women's Air force Service Pilots) despite men still telling her she doesn't measure up. She doesn't let this hold her back though, she has confidence in herself and knows she is well trained and equipped for the job.
Despite going through many trials and tribulations this woman is strong. "Mama Bird" is a widow and mother but she also demands the men she works with don't treat her any differently than they would a fellow male co-worker.
I was very impressed by all the research the author put into this book. I learned a lot. I look forward to what comes next in this series.

Published February 1st 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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Was God using this man’s simple considerate actions to aid in welding her heart back together?

Imagine wanting to fly so badly that you use all your money to buy a plane that doesn’t work with the intention of bringing it back into usable form. This is the beginning of the story of WASP Margaret (Peggy) Deny. Not only did she earn her wings and fly that plane, she became a leading member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots that were stationed just outside of DC. These incredible ladies were able to do almost everything it took to keep the lousy planes they were given in the air.

Major Howie Berg, injured in Europe, is now responsible for the base where the WASPs are stationed. Finding it difficult to accept the capabilities of these highly skilled women, they found it prudent to make plans without his knowledge. Could they possibly manage to safely follow through on those plans without help?

Another wonderful book in the Heroines of WWII, this ARC was received through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

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Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis. I find stories about the WASPS and flying amazing. This book is no exception the descriptions of the planes and the wiring of the instrument panel. If you love reading about women pilots and the WASPS activities you will love this book. Remember to keep kleenexes handy.

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If you enjoy those rescue movies that are so exciting but a bit unrealistic, you will likely enjoy Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War. In her Author's Note Davis discusses the many details she researched, from the expectations of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) down to fifth grade spelling words of the day, so that she would get the details right. One of the main things that makes the plot seem a bit unrealistic is the interactions between the WASPs and the Army officers regarding their rogue rescue mission. However, as I mentioned before, it is an exciting tale.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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This latest installment in the Heroines of WWII series was another winner. It’s been so fun to discover how different each author’s voice and style is in these stories!

In Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War (such an interesting title!) war-widowed mother of two, Peggy Witherspoon, hasn’t let go of the ambition she’s held onto since she was a little girl--to fly planes. Not only does she get to fulfil her dream, but she does it on a grand scale when she joins the first Women’s Airforce Service (WASPs).

I love reading a good stateside story of WWII, because I want to understand what times were like here on the home front for the generation that preceded mine. Without being set on the front line, this story showed the wartime effort everyone was involved in back in the U.S., some, like Mrs. Witherspoon, more than others. I felt like the author did her legwork when it came to researching this story too, from the technicalities of repairing and operating a plane, to what was going on with the WASPs at that time.

Okay, now onto the romance. The hero, Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg, was a good egg. Coming to terms with being grounded after his own war wounds, his position in supervising the WASPs under his command made for a good setup in how he and Peggy meet and eventually fall in love. Their romance was a slow build, careful and tender—realistic considering she’s a widow and a mother, and she’s not as young as most romance heroines in fiction. I liked that. The gently developed realism in their relationship worked for me.

Then there was the dangerous rescue attempt. Okay—no spoilers—but this is when the story really had me turning pages. If you’ve been enjoying the Heroines of WWII series, don’t miss Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War.

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