Winds of Fate — Robert F. Deburgh

Winds of Fate takes place during World War II, but you cannot call it a war story. It is the story of Charlie Cross and his wife Doretta, both civilians but ultimately tied to the military, Charlie as a Service Pilot with Air Transport Command and Doretta as an instructor with the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Charlie flies the Hump from India to China, one of the most dangerous operations in World War II. According to the author, "The Hump gobbled men and airplanes like a child would eat Christmas candy. This operation is little known and little publicized yet these men managed to bring into China all the supplies that were needed to continue the war against the Japanese. The lessons learned became the basis for the Berlin Airlift and modern day military transport." Doretta serves as a WASP, operating against male prejudice, difficult flying conditions and sometimes flying dangerous aircraft. The ladies who took on the duties of a WASP did an amazing job of flying military airplanes and doing many jobs male pilots did not want to do here in the US. Winds of Fate is a fast paced well-written novel that everyone will enjoy reading. You do not need to be a fan of aviation or World War II stories to appreciate this book. The reader will be entranced by the action, brought to tears when someone is lost and filled with happiness when true love is found. Anyone who loves a great story will find it difficult to put this book down once you get started.