The Summer Skies

A Novel

By: Jenny Colgan

Narrated by: Eilidh Beaton

New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan takes us to the gloriously windswept islands of northern Scotland, where we meet young Morag McGinty, who runs the puddle-jumper flights that serve the islands’ tiny but proudly feisty population.

Morag MacIntyre is a Scottish lass from the remote islands that make up the northernmost reaches of the UK. She’s also a third-generation pilot, the heir apparent to an island plane service she runs with her grandfather. The islands—over 500 dots of windswept land that reach almost to Norway—rely on their one hardworking prop plane to deliver mail, packages, tourists, medicine, and the occasional sheep. As the keeper of this vital lifeline, Morag is used to landing on pale golden beaches and tiny grass airstrips, whether during great storms or on bright endless summer nights. Up in the blue sky, Morag feels at one with the elements.

Down on the ground is a different matter, though. Her grandfather is considering and Morag wonders if she truly wants to spend the rest of her life in the islands. Her boyfriend Hayden, from flight school, wants Morag to move to Dubai with him, where they’ll fly A380s and say goodbye to Scotland’s dark winters.

Morag is on the verge of making a huge life change when an unusually bumpy landing during a storm finds her marooned on Inchborn island. Inchborn is gloriously off-grid, home only to an ancient ruined abbey, a bird-watching station, and a population of one: Gregor, a visiting ornithologist from Glasgow who might have just the right perspective to help Morag pilot her course.

Flies Away With Our Hesrts

A sweet and gently funny book. Two unlikely acquaintances find their ways to healing and freedom. Poetic beauty of nature and truth set in the stunning Scottish Western Isles. savor!

Best Yet!

I have been reading Jenny Colgan books for the last couple of years. I was drawn by the destinations first, having a thing for Scotland and the northern British Isles. I have really enjoyed every single book I've read. BUT, there is always one you love the best... and this one is it. Great characters, great story. I really loved all the stuff about flying and the old Otter. Best Colgan book yet!!! Waiting for Colgan's next book.

Loved it!

I really enjoyed this story and the characters - always the feisty, smart, kind female characters.

The Right Fit 

In the beginning the amount the main character was in her head and commenting on things, got a little long, and in the middle of the story when she was stranded, their relationship, or the way they acted to toward each other just seemed out of sorts, and it put me off a bit. I didn’t like either character for a bit, but eventually I realized they were so much alike that they actually worked really well together, and I totally enjoyed the last half of the book 

As brilliant as summer skies!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read my next Jenny Colgan story. Ellidh Beaton's narration is the best I've heard of the few hundred audio books I've listened to! An audio book I can't wait to recommend to others.