Sea Planes Don’t Fly at Night
by Jeff & Clare Curtis
Genre: Non-Fiction Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: October 2019
Summary:
It was a small decision that changed their lives forever.
Successful young couple Jeff and Clare Curtis are enjoying a romantic babymoon in the Maldives when Clare goes into premature labour, nine weeks early. The nearest hospital is a storm-ridden boat ride away, as it soon becomes clear that the lives of mother and child are in jeopardy. Can they get medical help in time?
With the storm continuing to rage, the events that follow stretch Clare and Jeff’s mental, emotional and physical limits to breaking point. Working as a team, they call on their own resources, the assistance of strangers and even divine intervention – whatever it takes to save the life of their unborn child.
Clare and Jeff have written this book to thank the many people who did what they could to help save the life of their premature baby. In a world where segregation and violence are often seen as commonplace, the world they discovered was one of kindness and support. Join them on their personal journey back into the depths of their worst fears, as they retell their quest to save the life of their child and bring him home alive.
About the Author
Jeff Curtis has lived with his wife, Clare, in the Middle East for close to 14 years and is a true entrepreneur in every sense of the word. A former oil trader who has a little more time on his hands these days has experimented with a number of hobbies, in which he can now boast being a trained barista, racing driver, pilot and even a certified Reiki practitioner. Jeff is now first and foremost a family man who has immersed himself in the diversity of life in the Middle East and used his geographic location as a steppingstone to travel to many countries of the world and experience a host of cultures far removed from his European heritage.
Jeff discovered his writing talents when a real-life drama rocked the family that threw him and Clare into a life and death scenario. Jeff has managed to turn a life changing event into a gripping thriller as the couple take you on their personal journey in which they discover their true inner strengths, as well as a world that we sometimes fear has been lost, a kind one. Jeff writes with the emotion and drama, which the story demands, whilst sharing his own dry humor which helped them get through what was an unfathomable event.
seaplanes don’t fly at night by Jeff Curtis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
First of all, this book is not scary, but it is also not predictable. For the most part, while there is action, there’s nothing too upsetting. It deals with a high-risk delivery of a premature infant, and it does have an attempted molestation described in a bit of detail. However, except for the blood and dangers of a high-risk delivery, the action shouldn’t be too scary. Also, there is a bit of profanity, but since this is based on a true story and things are rather tense, I can forgive any of that. It’s not throughout the entire book, and when those words are used, I think most of us could relate to the feelings expressed.
This book was far different than what I expected. Having said that, I honestly don’t know what I expected. I love reading true stories, and in this world of indie publishing and indie movies, true stories are much easier to get out to general public than they used to be. This story is a perfect Lifetime story with a Hallmark ending. I never worried about the end, except I was fearing serious abnormalities that may be present and undetected within their premier. Thankfully, this is a couple who fought for the best healthcare for their child, and they never gave up. I applaud that kind of devotion and persistence, and I believe more people should be proactive with their healthcare regardless of whether they are in their home country or not. Had this couple not fought for their little one in order to get the best healthcare possible, I doubt little Cameron would have survived.
The account is relatable, but sometimes, it is a bit hard to follow. I don’t really fault the author as the father is the writer who is telling the raw, unvarnished story of their unbelievable, albeit harrowing, tale. I think a top editor might be able to organize the story a bit more when it didn’t seem to flow, but to be honest, this book is amazing as it is. I see that as an underrated story that could be read and enjoyed in an evening or two during this current healthcare crisis. It’s an excellent reminder of how hard one must fight to be heard at times, but also, two parents committed to their child can change the course of their own story by “sticking to their guns.”
