{"title":"Alena Dillon","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our Alena Dillon collection, where you will discover the captivating worlds crafted by a talented author known for her insightful storytelling and engaging narratives. Alena Dillon has a remarkable ability to weave intricate tales that blend historical and contemporary fiction, creating an immersive experience for readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong her celebrated works, \u003cem\u003eEyes Turned Skyward\u003c\/em\u003e stands out as a compelling piece of historical fiction. This novel explores the faced challenges and triumphs of women across generations, offering a profound look into the resilience of the human spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eThe Happiest Girl in the World\u003c\/em\u003e, Dillon delves into the realm of general fiction with a story that navigates themes of ambition, pressure, and the pursuit of happiness. This book provides a nuanced portrayal of the struggles faced by a young gymnast, capturing the complexities of reaching for one's dreams amid adversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlena Dillon's books are perfect for readers who appreciate stories that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining. Whether you're a fan of historical narratives or contemporary tales that reflect real-life emotions, you'll find Dillon's works both enriching and inspiring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore her books today and lose yourself in the poignant and powerful stories that have captivated readers around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"eyes-turned-skyward-by-alena-dillon-9780063144767","title":"Eyes Turned Skyward","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eEyes Turned Skyward\u003c\/em\u003e is a powerful examination of the cost—emotional, familial, generational—when women are denied their right to soar... Alena Dillon's poetic prose and complex characters will linger long after the last page is turned!\" — Kate Quinn, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the author of \u003cem\u003eMercy House\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Happiest Girl in the World\u003c\/em\u003e comes a brilliant, dual timeline novel about a daughter discovering her mother’s past as a female pilot during World War II and the consequences of women’s contributions remaining unrecognised.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKathy Begley is an empty nester, the primary caretaker of her ailing mother, and the emotional support for her laid-off husband. She’s also returning to the office after two decades to work under a borderline inappropriate boss. Then a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony invitation arrives, and she uncovers an unfathomable family secret: her mother, Peggy Mayfield, wasn’t just a tempestuous wife and mother. She was a Women Airforce Service Pilot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePeggy jumped at the opportunity to become a WASP, the first American females to fly military aircraft. She wore men’s uniforms, sweated, studied, trained, and soared. She also danced, drank, played poker, and fell in love with adventure, new friends, and her commanding officer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce a spunky flyer, Peggy is now filled with regret as she confronts the end of her life, but Kathy is determined to make her last months count by securing Peggy long overdue recognition, appreciating her anew, and forgiving her before it’s too late.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEyes Turned Skyward\u003c\/em\u003e is an unforgettable novel about unheralded female heroism, the transformation of misogyny, inheritance, and ultimately, reconciliation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46544147415276,"sku":"9780063144767","price":50.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/12651773482210.jpg?v=1749764507"},{"product_id":"the-happiest-girl-in-the-world-by-alena-dillon-9780063019041","title":"The Happiest Girl in the World","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Propulsive, transfixing, and disturbing. I could not set the book down. Harrowing and fearlessly honest, \u003cem\u003eThe Happiest Girl in the World\u003c\/em\u003e is a haunting read because it couldn't have done justice to its subjects – fictional and real – any other way.” —Popsugar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne of \u003cem\u003eGood Morning America\u003c\/em\u003e's Best Books of April!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the acclaimed author of \u003cem\u003eMercy House\u003c\/em\u003e comes a gripping new novel about a young woman’s dreams of Olympic gymnastic gold—and what it takes to reach the top.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor Sera Wheeler, the Olympics is the reason for everything. It’s why she trains thirty hours a week, starves herself to under 100 pounds, and pops Advil like Tic Tacs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor her mother, Charlene, hungry for glory she never had, it’s why she rises before dawn to drive Sera to practice in a different state, and why the family scrimps, saves, and fractures. It’s why, when Sera’s best friend reports the gymnastics doctor to the authority who selects the Olympic Team, Sera denies what she knows about his treatments, thus preserving favour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir friendship shatters. But Sera protected her dream—didn’t she?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSera doubles down, taping broken toes, numbing torn muscles, and pouring her family’s resources into the sport. Soon she isn’t training for the love of gymnastics. She’s training to make her disloyalty worthwhile. No matter the cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Happiest Girl in the World\u003c\/em\u003e explores the dark history behind an athlete who stands on the world stage, biting gold. It's about the silence required of the exceptional, a tarnished friendship, and the sacrifices a parent will make for a child, even as a family is torn apart. It’s about the price of greatness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46553711182060,"sku":"9780063019041","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/11394513482210.jpg?v=1750078768"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/alena-dillon.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}