leaning on air | book review

about the book

They last spoke as teens...

But on a country road twelve years later, a surprise encounter reunites ornithologist Celia Burke with veterinary surgeon Burnaby Hayes, and they plunge into the most unusual romance of her life.

After a decade of marriage, Celia and Burnaby have found a unique and beautiful rhythm. Then tragedy strikes while Celia hunts for the nest of a research hawk near the Snake River. Reeling with grief, she’s certain Burnaby won’t understand her anguish or forgive the choice that initiated it.

She flees to kindness at a remote farm in Washington’s Palouse region, where a wild prairie and an alluring neighbor convince her to begin anew. But when unexplained accidents, cryptic sketches, and a mute little boy make her doubt her decision, only a red-tailed hawk and the endangered lives of those she loves can compel her to examine her past—and reconsider her future.

A soaring tale of wonder, loss, redemption, and restoration from Cheryl Grey Bostrom, the award-winning author of Sugar Birds.

-A beautifully crafted story set in the Pacific Northwest that brings the setting to life.

-A compelling contemporary novel about love and loss.

-Explores the challenges of a marriage when one partner is on the autism spectrum.

-Includes discussion questions for book clubs

publisher: tyndale house publishers

release date: may 7, 2024

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review

what a beautiful story! as it alternates between heartbreak and hope, cheryl grey bostrom's leaning on air delves into the complications of tragedy, grief, marriage, family, and moving forward—and holding onto faith through it all.

"'i want to see everything through the eyes of that little bird, who behaves as if rotten fires are a given in life, but who acts as if all will be well anyway.'"

after ten years of marriage, celia and burnaby have hit a breaking point. one traumatic loss—for which celia feels responsible—sets off a string of unforeseen circumstances and has her running to a rural washington farm to recover. burnaby, of course, isn't ready to give up their marriage. this new setting—and the people with it, however, just might be what they need to find each other again.

i easily enjoyed leaning on air. the setting makes for a beautiful backdrop as the characters face the challenges that continue to confront them, and the conversations reconciling faith with science proved to be oh so interesting. despite all the heartbreak, there is plenty of hope to be found in the pages of this story—i recommend it.

now, i need to go read sugar birds to see where it all began for celia and burnaby. (obviously, leaning on air can still be read on its own though.)

i received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.