Into the Whirlwind is a turbulent love story set amidst the rubble of Chicago as Mollie endures the challenge of survival and the triumph of rebuilding the city. This stand-alone novel is steeped in history and filled with rich characterization, emotional impact, and beautiful prose. I greatly enjoyed this character-driven drama and will be reading more of Elizabeth Camden's work.
There's often a tendency to skim over descriptive passages, but not so in this book! Elizabeth excels at capturing the feel of a historical event, bringing it to life and making you feel as though you are there. The story begins on October 8, 1871, as the raging Chicago fire is destroying everything in its path: "The fire had burned a four-mile path along Lake Michigan that was almost a mile wide. More than a hundred thousand people had been left homeless, and half the businesses in the city had been burned out." One of the disastrous results of the fire was the collapse of the local insurance industry, and I loved how Elizabeth creatively worked this into her narrative through Zack's efforts in reform.
Mollie and Zack are strong leading characters. 26-year-old Mollie Knox excels at business and runs her father's 57th Illinois Watch Company. She is a hardworking, compassionate leader who trains fifteen wounded veterans from her father's military unit in the art of high-end watchmaking and devises ways to keep the company afloat.
Zack Kazmarek is an attorney for Hartman's, the only store in Chicago that could afford to carry Mollie's expensive watches. Zack is a bold, confident man, protective of those within his care - and he embodies characteristics that we love in a hero - he is hardworking, honest, loyal and kind. It was especially touching to see how he loved and cared for his Polish immigrant parents.
While the fire taught Zack how important Mollie was to him, she wasn't ready for a relationship. "Zack was a wild, unpredictable force of nature, while she lived in an orderly world of ticking watches and production schedules." And to further complicate matters, the handsome and gentlemanly Colonel Richard Lowe comes sweeping in to rebuild Mollie's company. "He was Lancelot without the pesky adultery problem."
As much as I admired Mollie as a caring employer who struggled to succeed in business because she was a woman, she wasn't my favorite heroine. I felt that she made some bad decisions out of pride, with heartbreaking results in one instance, and I cringed at her often harsh, unfeeling words spoken to Zack in anger. On the other hand, I felt that Mollie not being a "perfect" character added to the depth and enjoyment of this story.
There is a strong cast of supporting characters, especially in the wounded veterans who work with Mollie. I also came to love Sophie, the young girl rescued by Zack and Mollie during the fire. "Extraordinary in her insolence" at first, she blossomed when given the opportunity to find purpose in life through hard work and being part of a team.
Into the Whirlwind is a fascinating and engrossing story that I highly recommend to all readers.
This book was provided by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
There's often a tendency to skim over descriptive passages, but not so in this book! Elizabeth excels at capturing the feel of a historical event, bringing it to life and making you feel as though you are there. The story begins on October 8, 1871, as the raging Chicago fire is destroying everything in its path: "The fire had burned a four-mile path along Lake Michigan that was almost a mile wide. More than a hundred thousand people had been left homeless, and half the businesses in the city had been burned out." One of the disastrous results of the fire was the collapse of the local insurance industry, and I loved how Elizabeth creatively worked this into her narrative through Zack's efforts in reform.
Mollie and Zack are strong leading characters. 26-year-old Mollie Knox excels at business and runs her father's 57th Illinois Watch Company. She is a hardworking, compassionate leader who trains fifteen wounded veterans from her father's military unit in the art of high-end watchmaking and devises ways to keep the company afloat.
Zack Kazmarek is an attorney for Hartman's, the only store in Chicago that could afford to carry Mollie's expensive watches. Zack is a bold, confident man, protective of those within his care - and he embodies characteristics that we love in a hero - he is hardworking, honest, loyal and kind. It was especially touching to see how he loved and cared for his Polish immigrant parents.
While the fire taught Zack how important Mollie was to him, she wasn't ready for a relationship. "Zack was a wild, unpredictable force of nature, while she lived in an orderly world of ticking watches and production schedules." And to further complicate matters, the handsome and gentlemanly Colonel Richard Lowe comes sweeping in to rebuild Mollie's company. "He was Lancelot without the pesky adultery problem."
As much as I admired Mollie as a caring employer who struggled to succeed in business because she was a woman, she wasn't my favorite heroine. I felt that she made some bad decisions out of pride, with heartbreaking results in one instance, and I cringed at her often harsh, unfeeling words spoken to Zack in anger. On the other hand, I felt that Mollie not being a "perfect" character added to the depth and enjoyment of this story.
There is a strong cast of supporting characters, especially in the wounded veterans who work with Mollie. I also came to love Sophie, the young girl rescued by Zack and Mollie during the fire. "Extraordinary in her insolence" at first, she blossomed when given the opportunity to find purpose in life through hard work and being part of a team.
Into the Whirlwind is a fascinating and engrossing story that I highly recommend to all readers.
This book was provided by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book from this author. I enjoyed the unique historical setting. It was evident a lot of research when into this novel. I the beginning of the book I really felt like I was experiencing the fire!
This book also has a lot more substance than you normally find in Christian fiction. It's not just a romance novel - there's a back plot involving Mollie looking out for a group of Civil War veterans that is very touching.
Unfortunately, the romance element was my least favorite part of this book. Mollie and Zack acted like high schoolers most of the time, refusing to be mature and talk things out. A love triangle (or more like love quadrilateral) developed. I didn't like the way Mollie and the colonel's relationship was handled. It felt like author gave him a bunch of random flaws all of a sudden just so Mollie would have an excuse to break up with him.
This book also has a lot more substance than you normally find in Christian fiction. It's not just a romance novel - there's a back plot involving Mollie looking out for a group of Civil War veterans that is very touching.
Unfortunately, the romance element was my least favorite part of this book. Mollie and Zack acted like high schoolers most of the time, refusing to be mature and talk things out. A love triangle (or more like love quadrilateral) developed. I didn't like the way Mollie and the colonel's relationship was handled. It felt like author gave him a bunch of random flaws all of a sudden just so Mollie would have an excuse to break up with him.
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up (reading level and moderate romance)
Best for Ages: 18 and up
Description: After her father's death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire. Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes. While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?
How can I even begin to describe how much I loved this book? Maybe if I tell you that Elizabeth Camden is now my favorite author you will start to understand. I dont think I have ever read an author with such well-developed characters. Against the Tide and this book had characters that I fell in love with so much that I loved a plot that I wouldnt normally like.
I so understood Mollie. I feel as if she is a real person and I could meet her someday. She was an excellent heroine who had her strengths and her flaws. She thrives on order but is forced to live in chaos after the Chicago fire. Her response was so real and understandable, as well as courageous at the same time.
Zack At first I didnt like him, then I loved him, then I hated him, and then I wanted to marry him. He was that well written. Like Mollie he was deep. He had his strengths and his flaws. I loved how complex he was. His parents? They added such a wonderful dimension to the story.
One thing I was asked about while reading this book was how the love triangle worked. Typically, I dislike love triangles because someone (usually the girl) ends up looking really stupid. They spend half the book trying to decide which guy, and I want to scream at the character because the choice is obvious. Into the Whirlwind was very different. Yes, the main girl does struggle to choose between two guys. However, her struggle is very real and understandable. I totally got why she wasnt sure and why she considered another guy. I also think the resolution was very believable, not sappy-roll-your-eyes like many love triangle endings.
The setting of this book was amazing. I really do feel like I was there during the fire. I came away knowing a lot more about it than I did before. Having seen a few nature disasters in our area (the Bastrop, Texas fire took place not too far from where I live) I have an understanding of how people react. Elizabeth Camden captured the emotions and feelings so well.
I cant say enough about this book. You just have to buy a copy for yourself and let yourself be sweptInto the Whirlwind.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Best for Ages: 18 and up
Description: After her father's death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire. Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes. While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?
How can I even begin to describe how much I loved this book? Maybe if I tell you that Elizabeth Camden is now my favorite author you will start to understand. I dont think I have ever read an author with such well-developed characters. Against the Tide and this book had characters that I fell in love with so much that I loved a plot that I wouldnt normally like.
I so understood Mollie. I feel as if she is a real person and I could meet her someday. She was an excellent heroine who had her strengths and her flaws. She thrives on order but is forced to live in chaos after the Chicago fire. Her response was so real and understandable, as well as courageous at the same time.
Zack At first I didnt like him, then I loved him, then I hated him, and then I wanted to marry him. He was that well written. Like Mollie he was deep. He had his strengths and his flaws. I loved how complex he was. His parents? They added such a wonderful dimension to the story.
One thing I was asked about while reading this book was how the love triangle worked. Typically, I dislike love triangles because someone (usually the girl) ends up looking really stupid. They spend half the book trying to decide which guy, and I want to scream at the character because the choice is obvious. Into the Whirlwind was very different. Yes, the main girl does struggle to choose between two guys. However, her struggle is very real and understandable. I totally got why she wasnt sure and why she considered another guy. I also think the resolution was very believable, not sappy-roll-your-eyes like many love triangle endings.
The setting of this book was amazing. I really do feel like I was there during the fire. I came away knowing a lot more about it than I did before. Having seen a few nature disasters in our area (the Bastrop, Texas fire took place not too far from where I live) I have an understanding of how people react. Elizabeth Camden captured the emotions and feelings so well.
I cant say enough about this book. You just have to buy a copy for yourself and let yourself be sweptInto the Whirlwind.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
This was my first time reading Elizabeth Camden and even though I wasnt sure what to expect, I felt like this was a book I had to read. It only took 50 pages for me to become hooked and it was easy for me to fall in love with the story. Mollie is not your typical business owner. She has taken over her fathers watch making company which employees the veterans he served with during the Civil War. Mollie has an excellent mind for business and keeping the figures organized, but one day Zack Kazmarek insists on meeting with her and gives her a proposition that stuns her. She has one week to make a decision with the company resting on her shoulders and not knowing if Zacks deal is realistic or shady, she takes her time making the decision. Just as Mollie figures out the exact reasons for Zacks conditions on his proposal, a fire attacks the city of Chicago.
Mollie immediately springs to action navigating her way through the city to save the merchandise from her company as people flee in chaos to escape the fast spreading destruction. It becomes difficult to see and to breath, there is pandemonium everywhere and as Mollie rushes to make sure all is safely in order, time is running out for her to escape. This is without a doubt one of the most vivid scenes Ive ever read in a book and I felt like I was there with Mollie and Zack trying to get to safety and by some miracle able to think clearly from one move to the next. I was amazed that Mollie never panics or loses focus and she puts her own safety last as shes helping others. Camden describes this part of the story with such accuracy on how people reacted and the horror of the fire taking over, I wouldve thought she had been there! I cried not just with the immense devastation that falls on Chicago, but also the unity that comes afterwards and the hope strangers from around the country bring in. Thats exactly what happens after a disasterfor a moment everyone forgets their differences and pulls together to help a community in need.
One of my favorite parts was when the person comes out into the darkness shouting for the people of Chicago NOT to lose hope even in this catastrophe (it even gave me hope reading this): Ive got nothing left, the strange man yelled into the wind. I have lost everything but my wife and my two hands and my hope, he shouted. God gives every one of us hope, brothers. Tonight we sleep, tomorrow we rebuild. This is Chicago! Do you hear me, brothers? This is Chicago!
We are a city of broad shoulders and strong backs. We are alive, and God is good. Mark my wordsin one year this city will be bigger and stronger than before. Dont despair!
Our city will rise again! he shouted. Out of tragedy we will build something great. Dont despair, Chicago. Dont despair!
Even with his temperament and arrogance, Zack instantly becomes a hero for me as he risks his life to help Mollie go through the fire. It wouldve been nice if he couldve stated his feelings for her before disaster strikes, but sometimes it works out best this way. The fire is only the beginning of how Zack comes to Mollies aid. Even though I didnt agree with some of his business tactics, I immediately recognized his constant sacrifices for her. Of the two men vying for Mollies affections, Zack is the one who really understands her.
My favorite characters in this story are the minor ones. Frank is Mollies second father and a constant support of advice she can lean on. His impact on the story is felt throughout. Then theres Dr. Buchanan who Mollie meets after the fire. He becomes part of Zacks family and a good friend to Mollie. Lastly is Anka. She moves with her family to Chicago after the fire and doesnt speak any English. She provides some of the comic relief with her language barrier and even though she has the smallest part of the plot, she enhances the story greatly.
Even though there is a slight love triangle in the story, its a minor point in the plot. I dont enjoy love triangles so that was the only reason I was hesitant about reading this book. It wasnt a problem. This book vividly recounts the impact the fire has on everyone, how the people get their businesses back, how the nation unites to help Chicago, and how Mollie and Zack are impacted both professionally and personally. Im also not very big on historical fiction, but this author brilliantly takes a real life event and puts it into a perspective that will grab the readers attention from the very start! Everything about this story is touching, accurate, and realistic. I highly recommend this book; it had me turning pages late into the night to see that all was set to rights.
I want to thank Bethany House Publishers for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Mollie immediately springs to action navigating her way through the city to save the merchandise from her company as people flee in chaos to escape the fast spreading destruction. It becomes difficult to see and to breath, there is pandemonium everywhere and as Mollie rushes to make sure all is safely in order, time is running out for her to escape. This is without a doubt one of the most vivid scenes Ive ever read in a book and I felt like I was there with Mollie and Zack trying to get to safety and by some miracle able to think clearly from one move to the next. I was amazed that Mollie never panics or loses focus and she puts her own safety last as shes helping others. Camden describes this part of the story with such accuracy on how people reacted and the horror of the fire taking over, I wouldve thought she had been there! I cried not just with the immense devastation that falls on Chicago, but also the unity that comes afterwards and the hope strangers from around the country bring in. Thats exactly what happens after a disasterfor a moment everyone forgets their differences and pulls together to help a community in need.
One of my favorite parts was when the person comes out into the darkness shouting for the people of Chicago NOT to lose hope even in this catastrophe (it even gave me hope reading this): Ive got nothing left, the strange man yelled into the wind. I have lost everything but my wife and my two hands and my hope, he shouted. God gives every one of us hope, brothers. Tonight we sleep, tomorrow we rebuild. This is Chicago! Do you hear me, brothers? This is Chicago!
We are a city of broad shoulders and strong backs. We are alive, and God is good. Mark my wordsin one year this city will be bigger and stronger than before. Dont despair!
Our city will rise again! he shouted. Out of tragedy we will build something great. Dont despair, Chicago. Dont despair!
Even with his temperament and arrogance, Zack instantly becomes a hero for me as he risks his life to help Mollie go through the fire. It wouldve been nice if he couldve stated his feelings for her before disaster strikes, but sometimes it works out best this way. The fire is only the beginning of how Zack comes to Mollies aid. Even though I didnt agree with some of his business tactics, I immediately recognized his constant sacrifices for her. Of the two men vying for Mollies affections, Zack is the one who really understands her.
My favorite characters in this story are the minor ones. Frank is Mollies second father and a constant support of advice she can lean on. His impact on the story is felt throughout. Then theres Dr. Buchanan who Mollie meets after the fire. He becomes part of Zacks family and a good friend to Mollie. Lastly is Anka. She moves with her family to Chicago after the fire and doesnt speak any English. She provides some of the comic relief with her language barrier and even though she has the smallest part of the plot, she enhances the story greatly.
Even though there is a slight love triangle in the story, its a minor point in the plot. I dont enjoy love triangles so that was the only reason I was hesitant about reading this book. It wasnt a problem. This book vividly recounts the impact the fire has on everyone, how the people get their businesses back, how the nation unites to help Chicago, and how Mollie and Zack are impacted both professionally and personally. Im also not very big on historical fiction, but this author brilliantly takes a real life event and puts it into a perspective that will grab the readers attention from the very start! Everything about this story is touching, accurate, and realistic. I highly recommend this book; it had me turning pages late into the night to see that all was set to rights.
I want to thank Bethany House Publishers for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
