I've read a couple of the books in this series, and I have thoroughly enjoyed them, but this one just kept me on the edge of my seat.

Peggy Witherspoon was also called Mama Bird, the WASP pilot and mother to two little girls. She was also the widow of a pilot who was shot down in Germany. While at the time, the WASPs were not part of the military, but were adjunct to the Army. They were not allowed to fly any missions, but were used for training other troops or for ferrying cargo. While these were important functions, the ladies in the WASPs felt they could do more. As it was, the WASPs were required to do the maintenance, repairs, and all inspections on the planes they flew, something Peggy was quite adept at doing. She had bought a plane before she married and with a manual, took it apart, repaired it and put it back together.

When ferrying a plane from Connecticut back to Bolling Field in Washington, DC, Peggy notices smoke coming from the instrument panel of the plane. Major Howie Berg, the one in charge, orders her to ditch the plane and bail out, but Peggy will not do that because there is no safe place to let the plane crash without causing collateral damage in the way of civilian casualties. With the help of another WASP pilot, she lands the plane safely, only to find out that the mechanics in Connecticut had allowed a frayed wire to pass inspection. The Major was not pleased at her disobeying his order, but in contemplating her reasoning, he would have commended a male pilot for the same actions. He just can't wrap his mind around allowing a woman to be the person she is called to be and at the same time protecting her as he'd been taught to protect women his whole life.

On a supply run to Cuba, Peggy finds out that there are three American soldiers who have been taken prisoner and are being held on the northwest end of the island. She is not one who can let the situation lie, even though no one in any position of power will do anything about it. She goes to the airplane graveyard at Bolling Field to find a worthy candidate for rebuilding. Nightingale and Brownie join with her in the endeavor. Somehow Maj. Berg finds out what they are doing and while he cannot give his approval for the mission, he aids them as much as he is able without jeopardizing his career.

Mary Davis has given Peggy a full gamut of emotions and has made her a well-rounded character that is not only strong, but also likable and relatable. Peggy has lost touch with God, but finds her way back to Him and finds the fullness of life He intends for her to enjoy. Howie is a wounded pilot who will probably never fly a military mission again, but works hard to overcome his handicaps. He knows firsthand some of the things Peggy is going through and that makes him a sympathetic character. Nightingale/Jolene is a "takes no prisoners" type of character who is Peggy's equal in the air and on the ground. Brownie is an extraordinary navigator who can memorize maps at the drop of a hat. Her abilities complement the other two. Peggy's mother and daughters add just the right amount of mischief to the plot and make it all the more enjoyable.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, with a fantastic dolphin rescue at sea.

Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War is one of the most exciting and fascinating historical reads of the year. I simply couldn't put it down.

I was mesmerized by Peggy Witherspoon and the close band of WASPs that joined together. They are strong, determined, selfless and more courageous than most enlisted soldiers.

The storyline was fast-paced, full of adventure, family relationships, and unknown challenges. As I read through the pages, it kept getting even better. It ran the gamut of my emotions.

If you read one historical novel this year, I suggest it be this one. I just can't say enough about how it touched my heart. You will remember and feel a connection to the story long after you turn the last page. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I would. Can't wait to read more of her work.

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War is Mary Davis’ contribution to the historical series, Heroines of WWII. I thought it was a fabulous addition to the series. I enjoyed going back in time to the second world war in 1944. I quickly felt a connection to Peggy. I admired her bravery and courage. I loved getting to know her. She wounds up being quite adventurous and finding herself in danger and action. The historical details were vivid that made me feel as though I was part of her story.

I am giving Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Heroines of WWII.

I received a copy of Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion

One of my favorite things about WWII fiction is learning about the many roles women fulfilled in the absence of or to free up men to fight. When I was first introduced to the WASP’s, I immediately wanted to learn more about these brave women who often went above and beyond but received no acknowledgement from the military though they worked right along side of them and performed the same duties with much lower pay and none of the benefits received by a member of the armed services. So…all I had to do was see the mere mention of WASP in the description of this book and I knew I had to request to read it. So thank you very much to NetGalley, Barbour Publishing and Mary Davis for granting my request and giving me access to this gem of a book.

Peggy Witherspoon always wanted to be a pilot. She bought and fixed up her first plane at a young age and together with her husband, had a small air ferrying business. Things were great, a successful business, two daughters and a marriage that supported and nurtured all of their dreams…both individually and combined. Enter WWII. Peggy had given up flying to be a mother but when her husband became one of the casualties of war, she returned to flying and joined the Womens Airforce Service Pilot program. A respected WASP, her role became challenged when Major Howie Berg was stationed at her airfield after experiencing an injury that took away his own wings. With a bit of a rocky start, these two formed a bond that not only caused them to develop both mutual respect and admiration for each other but also something more, something deeper. When Peggy accidentally overhears that three soldiers are being held captive in Cuba and that the US military has no intention of a rescue mission, Peggy takes matters into her own hands and comes up with a plan to rescue the men herself. Is she successful….you have to get a hold of this book and find out!

After reading the authors notes…despite this being a work of fiction, Ms Davis did extensive research in to the WASP organization, hurricanes and so much more to bring this story to life. She shed light on the unspoken and often forgotten heroines of WWII. Thank you!

I will admit I found this one to be a little to far fetched. I can not see the government especially a widowed mother having a job that would put her in danger. Those jobs tended to go to younger single women. That alone kept me for fully enjoying the story.

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War is an another excellent addition to Barbour’s Heroines of WWII series. It drew me in immediately and kept me riveted to the end. Set in 1944, this well-written story aptly portrays the courage, confidence, and selflessness of the Women Airforce Service Pilots during the war. Historical figures and events are seamlessly woven into the fictional story. Detailed descriptions of the art of flying show evidence of extensive research and add authenticity and interest to the narrative. I loved the excitement and suspense of the “mission that wasn’t a mission”. I appreciated the strong spiritual element especially Peggy’s faith journey back to God. Wonderful characters, a fast-paced plot, sweet romance, and inspiring spiritual truths combine to make a captivating, entertaining read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Barbour Publishing Heroines of World War II series covers a variety of fascinating topics pertaining to women’s involvement and efforts on the home front and abroad in the Second World War. In this book the heroine, widow Peggy Witherspoon, is trying to move on with her life since her husband was shot down while serving in Europe. She is a member of the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and based in Washington, DC, piloting stateside flights so that airmen can be freed for combat duty. A supportive mother, sweet daughters, a kind and handsome superior officer and numerous acts of courage made this a riveting drama that I had trouble putting down. Inspirational messages of faith and trust were beautifully woven into the story. For example, “This was her. A sad flower with only tattered bits left. Only God could fix a flower this damaged.” Without revealing spoilers, there were a few times I found myself holding my breath in anticipation of what was going to happen next! The many background details and information pertaining to aircraft, equipment, the weather, the military, and more demonstrated the depth of research completed by author Mary Davis in the writing of this book. I highly recommend this book and the series!

I received an advance review copy from the publisher and NetGalley via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Davis is an excellent historical fiction that focusses on the vital and under appreciated work that the WASPs performed in the US during WWII. It is the newest book in the Heroines of WWII series. I just loved this!

I learned so much about the history of the WASP service unit and what it all composed of from within this book. I knew about the WAAF service units in England during WWII, but knew much less about the groups that were of similar comparison within the US. It was fascinating to see all of the roles that these strong, brave, intelligent, and irreplaceable women played within the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots. The author clearly has done her research, and I basked in the glow of her knowledge and expertise while learning and enjoying this book. These women were vital, and so under appreciated and not even paid or recognized as a true military component.

Peggy Witherspoon is a force to be reconned with. She is a mother of two, still grieving for the loss of her beloved husband that died while flying in combat during the same war. Her faith strained at the beginning of the book, is finally returned, flourishing during all of the obstacles presented to her professionally and personally.

I loved the transformations that took place for her during this novel, her relationship with Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg, and also the happiness she found in general. Through this book, she found her faith and hope in God again, she found love, forgiveness, and acceptance. I also love that Howie found these things as well in regards to his injury in the line of duty, and with his ability to open up and find love and purpose again.

There was suspense, action, history, and romance. This book had all the elements I was looking for. The author’s note gave a wonderful reference.

I highly recommend this novel, as well as the entire Heroines of WWII series.

5/5 stars

Thank you Barbour Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my NG account only at this time and will post it to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, Christian Book, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/1/22 per Publisher request.

MRS WITHERSPOON GOES TO WAR by MARY DAVIS is a heartwarming story of courage, faith and romance, which takes place in 1944 at Bolling Field, Washington D.C.
WASP Peggy Witherspoon, code name Mama Bird, is an experienced pilot, and does not take kindly to Major Howie Berg treating her and her fellow pilots differently to the men under his command, until she realises that he has been brought up to look after women. He has been grounded due to injury, and, although he is grateful to be alive, he resents having to walk with a stick. Being careful to avoid being regarded as fraternizing, the two of them become friends, with Howie becoming a firm favourite with Peggy’s mother Muriel, and daughters Wendy and Junie. I like to see the strong family relationships and the way the author gives us insight into Peggy’s struggles with faith due to the death of her husband. We see how the war has broken both Howie and Peggy, and it good to see their determinatin to do all they can to end the war.
When Peggy overhears a conversation between soldiers in a hangar in Cuba, she and her fellow pilots Brownie and Jolene, decide to take matters into their own hands.
These three women show incredible bravery and patriotism, and their exploits will keep you on the end of your chair!
I highly recommend Mrs Witherspoon Goes To War as an enjoyable, exciting and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.