Blue Skies

This book took me back quite a few years. I worked in HR for an airline and this story is absolutely true without the hijack attempt. Robyn Carr really knows how to hold a reader's attention. Hoping this will become a series. With these same characters, I see several possibilities for more books that need to be written. Here's hoping.

I have yet to read a single thing that Ronyn Carr has written that I did not enjoy! It's been so long since I read it that I have no intention of even trying ! Just believe me when I say read it!!!! You will not be disappointed in any of her books! This is one of her earlier stories, but just as good , if not better than some!!!!!!!

They're trying to sell this book under a new title when it was published back in 2004. Oh yeah, they put one little line in light italics to say that it was previously published. Most of us did not notice that line. I and three of my friends did not notice that "warning" and bought the same book twice and I have to tell you we are plenty hot under the collar. If you're gonna do this, put a real warning in LARGE BOLD letters right at the top of the book's description. I thought this book was very good when I read the original. Maybe the reason you got so many bad reviews that said they were bored was because they HAD ALREADY READ IT!! Come on, Robyn, what are you trying to do to your favorite fans? Run us off for good? That's a shame.

I stumbled on the first Virgin River novel at a book swap and was hooked immediately. It is a dream world but her characters are so
Easy to like that I found it hard to put down and have gone on to read the entire series. I read the review on Blue Skies where the reader did not enjoy all the technical aspects of the airline business but decided to try it anyway. I am so glad I did as I found that information only added depth to the story. If you like Robyn Carr I think you will enjoy this book and I hope it is the start of a whole new series. I read it on my kindle and really like the notifications I get when one of my favourite authors, Robyn Carr being one, has a new book out.

Rating: 3.5 stars __Contains PG-13 sexual content
Note: Stands alone read.

GOOD READ. Entertaining, sometimes touching, storyline about a trio of friends dealing with life's difficulties, diverse and colorful characters, funny situations, strong extended family theme, educational subject matter, love-to-hate villain(s), and a surprise twist at the end. HOWEVER, the writing style is basic, sexist attitudes are clearly evident but are a reflection of the times, the #2 heroine's fixation on handsome, sexy pilots got a little irritating, but the major problem is the story covered too much territory, so it seemed shallow at times.

THE STORY revolves around three friend, airline pilot Nikki Burgess, and airline attendants, Dixie McPerson and Carlisle Bartlett. All three work for the same established Airlines and each has reached a crossroad in their life. Nikki's disastrous marriage/divorce is ending. Dixie is bemoaning another failed relationship with a sexy, scumbag pilot who's really married, and Carlisle can't seem to leave his abusive partner. Things change when Nikki lands the coveted chief pilot's job with a start up airline, and convinces Dixie and Carlisle to follow. Nikki loves the stimulating work and long hours, and THEN she learns she will be reporting to the newly hired Chief of Operations, a chauvinist, incompetent, "paper" pilot whom she has had run-ins with before. But the three friends stick together, help each other, and it all works out.

OVERALL, this is NOT a romance, but it is an engaging story. Unfortunately, the author misses the opportunity to delve more deeply into some of the emotional issues, which is too bad.

You may also enjoy the complex characters and storytelling of N. Bruhns, A. Stuart, or E. Palfrey. For sweet, funny, heart touching romances, try Susan Fox, Cara Colter, or Nikki Logan.

Nikki Burgess's life is thrown into chaos as soon as her ex-husband dies and she gets full custody of her two children. As an airline pilot, this is not the most ideal situation for her but she loves her kids and she is willingly to do whatever it takes to take care of them. Immediately, I thought this is a great start to a book about a woman who is dealing with the pain of the past and adjusting to life.

To top it off, Nikki has two best friends (also in the airline industry) that come with their own set of issues and her overbearing and materialistic mother to contend with. After discovering that her deceased ex-husband has left her and the kids with little to nothing, she jumps on the chance to be a pilot at a new airline in Vegas. This should be the perfect start to a new chapter in her life. Her friends and mother follows which I find to be a bit weird but they are an intricate part of the story. As she starts her new life, she faces the struggles of an older woman with kids, her own insecurities and a new boss.

Then there are the secondary characters, Carlisle and Dixie, both have interesting stories but the author doesn't focus on them. Well, she gives some insight to Dixie who meets a man that is not her "type" but Carlisle is left hanging dry. He has such a great storyline since he is the victim of abuse by his partner. He does get a HEA but it is thrown in and doesn't feel authentic.

I'm a fan of Robyn Carr and I do love the Virgin River series. I have read other books by Ms. Carr and enjoyed them as well, so I didn't go into this book comparing the book to the popular series. With that being said, there are several components about this book that distracted and annoyed me. First, I wouldn't call this book a romance. There is very little romance in it. Sure, all of the characters have some small romantic interactions but the primary focus of this book is not romance. I would label it more Chick-lit.

The author constantly pours aviation information on each page and after a while it becomes tedious. Some of the fact drilling could have been removed and more could have been focused on romance or more character development for the main character, Nikki. She is basically a mess in her personal life and she needs people to hold her up. Her friends become a real clutch for her and I typically like stronger women in my stories or at least some growth.

If the characters had more dimensions and the story focused more on them and not aviation, I think this could have easily got more than three stars from me.

Reviewed by Samantha

Heat Level: Mild

This review was originally posted on The Season site (theseasonforromance dot com)

While I’ve enjoyed reading Ms. Carr’s Virgin River series, this book felt like a retread of other romance novels of hers, particularly ‘The House on Olive Street’ where the author takes several main characters and spins subplots around their lives.

In this book, a new airline is getting off the ground (pun sadly intended) and Nikki Burgess is given the opportunity to be a chief pilot. She’s the survivor of a bad marriage and even worse divorce. She’s probably one of the more relatable characters in the novel. Dixie McPherson is saddled with the “coffee, tea, or me” reputation given to many flight attendants in the 1960s and 1970s, but she’s really a homebody who wants one special man. Carlisle is the third main character, a flight attendant who masks his abusive relationship with jokes.

Carr’s husband works in the airline industry, and she has done her homework. However, the details of maintaining and purchasing planes, dealing with airport security, and other minutiae of the industry become tedious to read after a while. I just didn’t get into this book as much as I have her other novels, and she is one of the better romance writers out there.

I LOVED THIS BOOK...until the final chapter, which read more like a hastily written epilogue due to publication deadline. I felt ripped off of the climactic scene where character Bob Billings is confronted with his shenanigans and fired. The relationship between Nikki and Sam was rushed. It’s that old fallen off a cliff type ending. I hate it when that happens! Two more chapters would have been a much more well-rounded ending.

There was way too much aviation information. I don't think it added to the overall plot of the story. the characters were not well defined-
I kept getting lost in the minute details of jobs and aviation jargon. Took much too long to get involved in the story. I read much of Robyn Carr's Virgin River and Grants Pass and I guess I expected the same smooth style.

I really like Blue Skies even though I gave it three stars. I liked it because it is set in my world, the world of aviation. I am a pilot and female so I recognized so much of what Nikki had to put up with. My world was not airlines but general aviation but pilots and the aviation world is much the same no matter where you work. The three was for the romance. There was not that much of it and it was only near the end of the book. I did love the one between Dixie and Danny. It was sweet and fun. Much of the book is about the airline business after 9-11 and Robyn Carr must have done a lot of research as she got so much right. Reading about all the problems in the industry and then everything that has to be done for a start up was interesting and that was most of the book. Long on airline facts and short on romance

This book is nothing like the Virgin River series and I'm glad it wasn't. I love the River series and have the whole set. I really liked this book as it was a different side of writing for Robyn Carr, drawing on her own husbands life as a pilot and an excutive in the commercial airlines. I was so facinated in learning about the airline industry and what its like to start up a new airline. She developed all the characters so well that you became part of their lives. It wasn't a big romance book with lots of sex in it, which I liked. I think it would have taken away from the real story line of this book. The strong bonds and friendship between the three main characters was heartwarming and very realistic. I "awwwwwed", I laughed and I cried. Makings of a great story. Robyn Carr never ceases to amaze me and how she can touch your very soul. EXCELLENT!

I simply enjoyed this book so much! The story line about the airline industry held my attention, adding depth and interest. The three main characters Nikki, Dixie and Carlisle were relatable with both strengths and weaknesses and all showed growth through out the plot. It was great to see a woman, Nikki excel in positions normally held by men. Carlisle, a homosexual man is in an abusive relationship. This isn't a usual storyline and I applaud Ms. Carr for showing that domestic abuse victims aren't exclusively women. I think my favorite aspect of the story though was how Nikki, Dixie and Carlisle weren't related by blood, but they were still very much each other's family. I've read many books by Robyn Carr and this so far was my favorite!

If you are interested in the workings of the airline industry after 9/11, you'll find this book really interesting. If not, consider skipping this. The plot involves three main characters, each working in the airline industry. The focus is more on their working lives than their personal lives. They each get involved with significant others, but the significant-other characters aren't well developed and we don't get much insight into why they develop relationships. If you love Robyn Carr for the themes of relationships and redemption that are the hallmark of most of her novels, you'll be disappointed with this one.

From the back cover description, and even from the cover photo, this sounds like fairly frothy chick-lit, a tale of three friends starting new lives to get away from disappointing or even hurtful pasts. I'd have enjoyed it if this was actually what the book is about.

It's not. It's mostly about a new airline start-up in the post-9/11 world, with frequent jabs at cabin crew and pilots who have the temerity to complain about being underpaid (which, in that industry, unfortunately tends to be very true), and at passengers who dare to expect decent service and respect from staff. (Yes, I'm aware that some passengers do go too far and behave badly enough to deserve public humiliation but, again, there's no need for such a focus on it).

In reality, the only character the author spends much time and attention on is Nikki, the brilliant pilot who never puts a foot wrong in her working life - but is something of a disaster in her personal life, so much so that her gay best friend and her two kids have to find her a house and organise all the moving. We just scratch the surface of Dixie, the experienced cabin crew member with a bad habit of falling for the wrong men, and her romance with Danny Adams, who is very different from her usual type.

As for the third member of the trio of friends, Carlisle barely gets any attention whatsoever. He's a victim of partner abuse, so there could have been a very interesting story there focusing on his recovery process, and also on the way he is viewed by those handling his police and legal complaint - after all, victim support services for relationship abuse are generally geared towards women, and even carry that in their names/service descriptions: support programmes for 'woman abuse', women-only shelters and so on. But, no, Carlisle somehow becomes Nikki's nanny cum babysitter, until he gets a convenient 'happy ending' which is completely out of the blue and ignores any trauma he may still be experiencing.

We get to know minor characters far better than either Dixie or Carlisle, and it's clear that Joe Riordan, the airline owner, is based on Carr's personal hero, lauded in the author's foreword - who, again, gets far more page space and general rounding than Nikki's eventual HEA. As for the incompetent Bob Riddle, what was the point of his inclusion? Or of Nikki's painstaking researching of his faked credentials and of his mistakes around the airline, in the end?

What, too, is the point of the cover photo?

Don't waste your time - or your money. It's not terrible, but it's not what it says on the tin, and what you get instead isn't particularly riveting.

In Phoenix forty-seven years old, wealthy tax law specialist Drake Cameron apparently dies of a massive coronary though he seemed in perfect health. His fourteen year old daughter April found his boy in their bathroom. His ex-wife commercial pilot Nicole Burgess knows that the funeral does not have that many attendees because when the domineering Drake labeled a person as an enemy combatant, they would be freed from Gitmo fast, regardless of the alleged incident. She felt lucky to escape with her sanity from their marriage but still feels depression and guilt that she lost custody of her children to him.
Drake's nasty lawyer informs Nikki that her former spouse left his children with nothing and even her child payments vanished without a trace. She is irate and her trust in men is devastated further. She marvels how her airline's friend Dixie McPherson can still seek about everlasting love. As a potential dangerous situation occurs with lives on the line, Nikki learns loving relationships with no time for hatred and ire are what matters, but will she and her copilot live longer enough for her to display the lesson learned?
BLUE SKIES is an engaging character study that provides insight into airline personnel. The story line predominantly soars with Nikki as the pilot, but also adds depth by a solid glimpse at Dixie and another pal. The suspense comes late in the plot, but besides adding tension, this is the device that enables Nikki to finally see clearly the BLUE SKIES smiling at all she has. This is one author who proves a Carr can fly.
Harriet Klausner

I never put spoilers in my reviews.
Robin Carr is a fabulous storyteller. A storyteller draws you in, sometimes in spite of yourself.
This book surpassed my expectations; expertly drawing an infinite range of emotions with her skillful writing. The strongest one she leaves you with, in every book, is hope. We can all use a little hope in our hearts.
I'm always renewed in spirit when finished with one of her books, you will be, too.

I actually read this twice. I started it a second time not remembering that I had read it...then remembered how engrossed I had become. The second read was nearly as good as the first. Robyn Carr taught me much about the airline industry, and the consequences to that small part of the industry as a result of 9/11. Good character development: real people, with all their foibles...but a "feel good" story, none the less.

Blue Skies by Robyn Carr
Nikki had gotten custody of their children when her ex husband, Drake died.
She used to get gifts of aviation, like planes and things for it.
Now she's relocated her family to Las Vegas, chief pilot of a new airline and her friends are joining her.
Loved hearing the behind the scenes of the pilots and stewardesses and air marshals.
Bit confusing keeping everybody straight as there are many crew and friends.
Relationship troubles and joys with the parents and many others are in the book.

This book is not a romance in the sense we've become used to recently. There is - Thank God! - no graphic sex scenes, just a few brief references. Each of the three main characters finds true love but all find themselves, a life that makes sense and a connection with their family first. The characters, major and minor, are extremely well developed and real-to-life. The emphasis on aviation is strong - so you'll either love it or hate it. If you've wandered through the airport or sat in a plane wondering what it's like to be on the crew, then this book is definitely for you. (Think Pan Am without the 50s politics!) There is much humor and plenty to engage your mind as well as your heart. This is the best book I've read in ages - I absolutely could not put it down!

I love airplanes and flying and REALLY enjoyed this book pulling me into the world of aviation! I can see how some who aren't interested in that could like it less, but it's my favorite yet!
I really appreciated the sweet romances involved too.

You can feel Carr's passion as well as her knowledge for airplanes and those who fly or fix them. She wraps a romance around her knowledge of the aviation field and puts it in an airport and airline setting.
Nikki Burgess, the main character is quite believable and likable. Her sidekicks, Dixie and Carlisle gives Carr the opportunity to express some of the more unsavory aspects of romance. Unique treatment of bringing Nikki and her heartthrob together through catastrophic events brings a little thriller feeling to the plot.

I loved this story! What interesting characters! Not only did this story explore and champion friendships and working relationships, it also told the story of a woman finding a place and her success in a field where men were traditionally hired. This book will entertain you and will inspire you to go after your career goals.

Another great Robyn Carr book!

what a great read! I bought this because i enjoy the RIver series-but this was so much better! Robyn Carr did a fabulous job with the characters, you really got to know them. You get swept up in the excitement of the startup of a new airline-which she makes very interesting, even to a layman. Much more to this book than your average romance-paperback. Hope to see more like this from this talented author.

I absolutely devour anything Robyn Carr writes. Blue Skies was no exception, while I missed the characters of the Virgin River series, I throughly enjoyed Blue Skies. I actually have a friend that is a pilot in Vegas and that was the clincher.
I did not find the details of the airline industry tedious, it set the story for me..... keep the stories coming I'm a die hard fan.

I loved this book!!!! From the glimpses into the aviation industry, to the relationship Nikki had with Opal--from the old to the new, Robyn Carr covered it!! Her handling of the 9/11 issue was well done without being maudlin--and without taking political sides. Her characters are witty, sharp and bright--believable!! If you want a wonderful read, I highly recommend you grab a copy of Blue Skies!!!

Is there a 'typical' book by Robyn Carr? If you mean well written, romantic, serious, humorous, moralistic or wonderful? Well Blue Skies might not be set in the coast of California but it is as enjoyable as 'those other books'!

The only problem I see is - there doesn't seem to be a Book 2! Darn! These characters are so large and full of life! I hate to say Good Bye...

After eagerly waiting a year for her next book, I am sorry to say that it was a big letdown. I have found her other books to be fun and sweet (especially the trilogy), but this book kept me wondering if it was really written by her. The romance label on the spine is misleading, since there is very little romance at all in this book--it is more a behind-the-scenes look at a start-up airline. I found myself skipping pages--the explanations of the airline were dull, and far too detailed. The characters were one-dimensional and cliched. The suspense at the end was only slightly interesting, and the 'and they all lived happily ever after' ending felt trite.

This is a fabulous novel about strong and funny women finding their way to success and fulfillment. It's flawlessly written, filled with authentic details about the topic and most importantly, a moving tribute to the strength, humor and joy of women trying to make their way through life. Carr's voice shines through with vibrancy and heart. DON'T MISS IT.

Robyn Carr does it again! Gives us wonderful real characters we can cheer for along with a good story. I loved the in-depth look at the airline industry and the people who make it fly. Robyn has a gift for building strong heroines with vulnerabilities that make them real and human. And I love her touches of humor. Give yourself a treat and read BLUE SKIES!!!!

I have to agree with an earlier review written. The story was good, but not very romantic. The details of the airline industry did get rather tedious to read about. Wish there had been more of a romance theme since I did buy it in the romance section of the bookstore.

I enjoyed this book but I don't think it was up to Robyn's standard. I thought the star of the book should have been more involved with the romance. But because I enjoy reading her books I recommend it to all.

This book is classic Robyn Carr, good characters, sold story line, good pace and nicely put together. It does exactly what you expect it to and there is nothing wrong with that! If you enjoy Robyn's other stand alone stories then you wont be disappointed.