AN author has turned her experience of being a female RAF engineer into a comedic novel.

Anne Connolly, from Maldon, joined the Royal Air Force aged 17 and has now turned her memories into a book.

The novel, A Wing and a Prayer, follows main character Bee McBrien who ditches hair and beauty for a career in the RAF.

The story aims to put a refreshing take on a woman in a man's world and to resonate with readers who enjoyed a life in the forces, as well as inspiring others to follow their dreams.

Anne said: “Finding herself as the RAF’s only female engineer, Bee has many obstacles to overcome, heartbreak and adversity as she begins an improbable romance.

“With laughter, danger and forbidden romance, the story is set in many beautiful locations.

“Shining a light on the British ‘firm’ style institutional organisations and how silly the wonderful armed forces can be, my novel is based on factual knowledge of life and experience of the same journey as the character Bee.”

The novel has many five-star reviews on Amazon.

Laura Roberts said: “This book made me both laugh and cry, beautifully written.

“An amazing story that you can’t put down. Small chapters make it easy to fit in reading on a busy schedule. Highly recommend.”

Deborah Kingston, said: “Having served in the RAF I thought this would be an interesting book to read. But you don’t have to have a service background as it was fiction.

“I loved the way the writer conveyed the experience of joining the RAF. As someone who joined many years ago, I couldn’t help seeing the similarities.

“But it was written in a way that I couldn’t help but laugh. Oh and how I laughed. Proper out-loud giggles.

“The writer might not have realised how amazing funny, certain scenes were.

“This is definitely a romcom in the making. Absolutely well worth a read. Looking forward to the sequel.”

A Wing and a Prayer is available on Amazon for £16.99 hardcover, £8.65 paperback and £3.50 in Kindle format.

Profits made from the sale of the book will be split between the Invictus Games and supporting Ukraine.