About the Book
Book: To Love A Falcon
Author: Nancy C. Williams
Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling
Release Date: November 7, 2023
When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her to Siberia.
Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians.
A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance…igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs?
Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart?
To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Nancy C. Williamsgrew up on “Nancy Drew” books…and occasionally still tells people her middle name is “Drew,” just to get their reaction. Following in the steps of the intrepid sleuth, Williams is an adventure enthusiast who loves hiking, snow-skiing, taking photos, sharing a good laugh, and enjoying a good mystery. She’s a history buff, too, with an affinity for antiques and fascinating stories from the past. Her writing career began with five years in the “Mad Men” world of ad agencies, crafting ads and commercials for ceiling fans, soft drinks, and pest control, among others. Then, during nearly a decade of editorial work at Federal Express headquarters, Williams traveled the globe (often in FedEx jet cockpits) and collected memories of international cultures. She also taught PR at a Christian college for a decade, sharing strategies and practices to the next generation of professionals. These days, blogs and novels are at the top of her “fun stuff to-do” list. She’s serious, though, about serving Jesus Christ…as a prayer warrior and writing for God’s glory, striving to encourage others on their spiritual journeys. When she’s not writing, look for her on the Appalachian Mountain trails with her beloved husband and mini-schnauzer.
More from Nancy
Want to know more about the real-life murder of a Russian naval officer…during a top-secret World War II mission? It’s a fascinating story that sparks even more questions, such as, what if the slain officer had a fiancée back home who didn’t know he was killed?
“To Love a Falcon” is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of life in post-WWII Siberia, the persecution of Christians by an anti-religious régime, and the plight of loved ones left at home who waited for lost soldiers. There’s a dash of suspense, romance, and fairy-tale lore thrown into the mix, too!
My father-in-law, who served in the U.S. SeaBees for the top-secret mission, had shared some of the details about the murder…and, I knew an old Russian fairy tale called “Finist the Falcon” that would serve as the perfect template for telling his story. I have my own personal story from Siberia (my husband and I adopted our son from there in 1999), but I learned many more interesting facts during research about this mysterious, challenging place—still largely uninhabited to this day. Our son, who is now a pilot, also helped tremendously in delving into the MiG-9, the first jet-powered fighter aircraft developed in Russia.
I hope you’ll join me on this adventure into the risks of untested flight…the murderous threats of anti-religion zealots…the relationship between a plucky female aircraft mechanic and a charming test pilot…and the possibilities of love and forgiveness in a snowy wilderness. Maybe you’ll fall in love with Siberia, too!
My Impressions
“But forgiveness begins in your heart. It breaks the chains of bitterness. It releases you from bondage. You will be like a bird set free from a cage, who soars into joy.”
“To Love a Falcon”- what a beautiful double or even triple entendre title for this novel by Nancy C. Williams that ties so many story threads together into a magnificent Russian 1940s tapestry. I was a little worried the focus on WWII planes would be either beyond me or boring, but Williams presents the MiGs and other planes, plus mechanical info in a very understandable way for the non-airline mechanic. It is amazing and fun to see Katya, a woman mechanic who is valued for her great knowledge. Or is she sent to the special secret MiG-9 camp for a more sinister reason, as she fears?
The verse from Esther, about “such a time as this” is used by Katya and her father as they consider her Siberian assignment. Frankly, in this novel, so many characters are divinely placed and are indispensable to the furtherance of the amazing tale. Watch for plot twists!
It was quite interesting to see Williams base the “Narrow Path” on the American Underground Railroad, which immediately comes to mind when you read of Katya’s and Ivan’s work. The author’s notes at the end confirm this and recount the author’s real-life connection to the story.
I would encourage you to take the time, before you read the book, to familiarize yourself with the Russian fairytale upon which it is based. Once I read the synopsis of Finist the Falcon, I found the similarities of the fairytale and this retelling very intriguing and the differences applaudable! Bravo, Ms. Williams!!
I received a copy of the book from the author and from Celebrate Lit. I also purchased my own e-copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“None of us deserve forgiveness, especially me. But it’s a gift that, once it’s given away, does not require the recipient to be thankful. The giver is the one who is grateful, free from bondage to bitterness…especially when we forgive ourselves.”
“We must remember His faithfulness to us in the past as evidence that He will carry us into the future He has planned for us.”
My Rating
Magnificent! I love the way Nancy C. Williams blends the Russian fairytale with that of a female, Russian, Christian, airplane mechanic at the end of WWII.
Blog Stops
Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 25
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 26 (Author Interview)
An Author’s Take, January 27
For Him and My Family, January 28
By The Book, January 29 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 30 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31
Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, February 1
Texas Book-aholic, February 2
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 3 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 4
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 5
Through the Fire Blogs, February 6 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/29b03/to-love-a-falcon-celebration-tour-giveaway
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions 