Blog Tour: Wings by Pete Abelas

Synopsis

Wings is a stirring, cross-generational account of the love of flying inspired by the true story of Walt, a WWII RAF pilot, and his grandson Scott who has his sights set on becoming a modern day airline pilot. Wings weaves together two tales: one set in war-torn northern England, and the other set in the modern-day Illawarra region of New South Wales. As Scott learns about the sacrifices and difficulties Walt overcame to take to the sky, he battles his own challenges in order to follow his dream. As Scott progresses, his grandfather declines – Walt loses his wife, his sight and his hearing – but throughout these difficulties is still there to offer support and encouragement. In following Scott's progress towards his dream, Walt also keeps alive the wonder of his own youth. With insights into the modern day aviation scene and life in the Royal Air Force of World War II, this is a must for anyone who has an interest in history, aviation or simply an old fashioned love story.

Excerpt

Sam Walmsley, the local butcher, called out over the counter. “What can I do for you, son?” His blue eyes twinkled cheerfully beneath white, bushy eyebrows. His head was bald, although a thick, white moustache adorned his upper lip.

“It’s not what you can do for me – it’s what I can do for you. I’m a boy and I’m looking for a job.”

Sam hired him on the spot.

Walt started work the next morning at seven. His main task was delivering meat to customers in the village and surrounding countryside. He was also responsible for cleaning the shop, sharpening the knives and cleavers, and assisting with serving customers. Collectively, these tasks occupied him for fifty-six hours a week.

He bought himself a better bike on payments to be paid off at the rate of sixpence a week over six months. In addition to weekday and Saturday morning deliveries, he often rode into the countryside on a Saturday afternoon with a tent, a small Primus and a few cans of baked beans for a weekend of camping. He covered hundreds of square miles on these expeditions, usually camping in fields alongside rivers or streams. He enjoyed many aspects of these jaunts – the solitude, the exercise and the close experience with nature.

He established himself as an integral part of Sam’s business, and as the months passed, settled into a routine of working and camping. His work was typically diligent and focused, although on one particular morning this was not the case.

Walt had been working at the butcher’s for a couple of years by this time and was now sixteen years of age. As he polished the inside of the window, his attention was diverted. Instead of concentrating on the task at hand, his gaze was directed at a point across the street. A petite young girl with the most attractive face Walt could imagine was examining the wares in Kenyon’s Gift Shop. 

Meet the Author

Pete heralds from the city of Wollongong, just south of Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia, where he lives with his wife and four kids. His love of reading eventually led him to take up writing, a difficult task which presents rewards and challenges in equal measure. A Painted Room is Pete’s second book, and follows his debut novel, Wings (2012).

When he’s not working, reading, writing or enjoying the company of his family, Pete likes to sneak away for a bit of exercise – either tennis, golf or a refreshing swim. 

You can find more about Pete at his website and blog (http://peteabela.com). The blog contains a number of bad jokes and puns. You have been warned.