Velva Jean Learns to Fly
Velva Jean Hart, the fiercely independent heroine of Jennifer Niven's spectacular debut novel, Velva Jean Learns to Drive, returns in a captivating adventure that literally sends her soaring. Bristling at the limitations faced by a woman in rural Appalachia and fueled by the memory of her late Mama telling her to "live out there," Velva Jean hits the road to pursue her dream of singing at the Grand Ole Opry. But after a string of auditions, she begins to lose hope-until her brother pays her a surprise visit and treats Velva Jean to a flying lesson that ignites a brand-new dream: to become a female pilot. Funny, poignant, and utterly unforgettable, Velva Jean Learns to Fly will have fans cheering all over again.
"1100482707"
Velva Jean Learns to Fly
Velva Jean Hart, the fiercely independent heroine of Jennifer Niven's spectacular debut novel, Velva Jean Learns to Drive, returns in a captivating adventure that literally sends her soaring. Bristling at the limitations faced by a woman in rural Appalachia and fueled by the memory of her late Mama telling her to "live out there," Velva Jean hits the road to pursue her dream of singing at the Grand Ole Opry. But after a string of auditions, she begins to lose hope-until her brother pays her a surprise visit and treats Velva Jean to a flying lesson that ignites a brand-new dream: to become a female pilot. Funny, poignant, and utterly unforgettable, Velva Jean Learns to Fly will have fans cheering all over again.
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Velva Jean Learns to Fly

Velva Jean Learns to Fly

by Jennifer Niven

Narrated by Emily Durante

Unabridged — 13 hours, 16 minutes

Velva Jean Learns to Fly

Velva Jean Learns to Fly

by Jennifer Niven

Narrated by Emily Durante

Unabridged — 13 hours, 16 minutes

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Overview

Velva Jean Hart, the fiercely independent heroine of Jennifer Niven's spectacular debut novel, Velva Jean Learns to Drive, returns in a captivating adventure that literally sends her soaring. Bristling at the limitations faced by a woman in rural Appalachia and fueled by the memory of her late Mama telling her to "live out there," Velva Jean hits the road to pursue her dream of singing at the Grand Ole Opry. But after a string of auditions, she begins to lose hope-until her brother pays her a surprise visit and treats Velva Jean to a flying lesson that ignites a brand-new dream: to become a female pilot. Funny, poignant, and utterly unforgettable, Velva Jean Learns to Fly will have fans cheering all over again.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Jennifer Niven and Her Novels

“An endearing portrait of a young woman with a big heart—Velva Jean Learns to Fly illuminates the power of going after a dream and the courage it takes to never let go.”—Beth Hoffman, bestselling author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt
 
“Besides creating a gutsy heroine, who, despite the repressive times, never becomes bitter, Niven’s writing shines overall. Cheers to Niven, Velva Jean, and the two further books of her remarkable story to come.”—Booklist (starred review)
 
“Readers who enjoy Fannie Flagg and other down-home Southern writers will be entertained by this saucy adventure sprinkled with a gamut of human emotions.”—Library Journal
 
“A tasteful blend of comedy, inspiration, and endurance...filled with love, despair, and life-threatening adventures. Niven delivers another tale full of hope, heartbreak, and nostalgia.”Publishers Weekly
 
“A very special World War II novel....Jennifer Niven’s ongoing portrayal of this totally engaging young woman set within a stunning vision of the American South during WWII is a major achievement. The explorations of the Nashville music industry and the WASP initiative are rich in evocative detail.”—Southern Literary Review

“Velva Jean’s story delves into the contributions made by amazing women during World War II and tells a compassionate story about adventure, love, and war. This is a wonderful book—very hard to put down.”—Ann Howard Creel, author of The Magic of Ordinary Days
 
“A sweeping adventure that takes the reader from the streets of Nashville to the belly of a WWII bomber.”—Benjamin Percy, award-winning author of Red Moon and The Wilding
 
“In this fun, fast-paced, heartwarming sequel to Velva Jean Learns to Drive, we follow the beloved young heroine from her mountain home to Nashville. But soon after Pearl Harbor is attacked, Velva Jean begins singing a new song—one full of patriotism, courage, and feisty independence. The perfect read for any girl of any age who years to soar beyond her dreams.”—Susan Gregg Gilmore, author of The Funeral Dress and Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen

“From the ballads of the Grand Ole Opry to the magnificent women of Avenger Field, Jennifer Niven spins a tall tale that is utterly heartfelt and rings true.”—Sherri L. Smith, award-winning author of Flygirl

“Putting this one down is a near impossibility. The descriptions of the work, the prejudice, fear, and bittersweet success of becoming a female pilot seemed so real I felt as if I were sharing every step with Velva Jean.”—Nancy E. Turner, award-winning author of These Is My Words
 
“I devoured Velva Jean Learns to Fly and immediately began spreading the word: This one is not to be missed!”—Cassandra King, author of The Same Sweet Girls

“Who would have thought that a young woman's adventures in World War II would capture my attention—and keep it? This gripping, heartwarming action-adventure tale stays with you long after you turn the last page.”—James Earl Jones, Tony Award-winning and Emmy Award-winning actor

Cassandra King

"I devoured Velva Jean Learns to Fly and immediately began spreading the word: This one is not to be missed!"

American Library Association

"You don't have to read the first to become completely engrossed with the second, but once you meet Velva Jean, you're going to want to!"

Library Journal

It is 1944, and Velva Jean Hart is ferrying pilots from the United States to England as part of the Women's Air Service Pilots (WASP). In addition to her patriotism, Velva Jean hopes to find her brother Johnny Clay, who went missing after D-day. On Velva Jean's first flight to bring supplies to Allied forces in France, her B-24 Liberator is hit and the pilot mortally wounded. As copilot, Velva Jean is forced to crash-land in occupied France, losing her entire crew and all but a handful of operatives aboard. Thanks to French spy Emile and his team, she is enlisted into a different kind of fight against the Germans. VERDICT Niven (Velva Jean Learns To Fly) continues her heroine's growth from small-town Southern girl. Velva Jean uses her native smarts and tricks she learned in WASP training to make a creditable "weapon of war." The author gives her plenty of hurdles to overcome, as well as a bit of romance, while readers learn more about the role women played in World War II. Recommended for readers who enjoyed Marie Bostwick's On Wings of the Morning.—Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal

JANUARY 2012 - AudioFile

Narrator Emily Durante quickly engages listeners in the latest adventures of the intriguing Velva Jean Hart (whether or not they’ve heard the prequel, VELVA JEAN LEARNS TO DRIVE). For the heroine, Durante establishes a North Carolina accent that never flags and a tone that clearly defines her feisty grit. These make it clear why Velva Jean leaves home to seek her “life’s dream”—to sing at the Grand Ole Opry—and then learns to fly, establishing “a home in the sky” as one of WWII’s female pilots. As war, sexism, and love buffet Velva Jean, Durante reveals her tender side, creating a perfect harmony of moods, song lyrics, and carefully researched period details into a melodious novel. S.W. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID: 2940171296193
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Publication date: 09/30/2011
Edition description: Unabridged
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