ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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?
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 3 Stars
MY THOUGHTS:
I have read all of Elizabeth Camden's previous books and loved them! So I was anticipating great things when I requested to review this book, however I was slightly disappointed.
The story started off differently than I expected, it begins with the main characters trying to escape the fire. This was a different way to start it and, while I somewhat liked it, I would have preferred to have gotten to know the characters a bit first. It was so intense yet I felt disconnected from it. Thankfully, since the story goes back in time six days, the scene is somewhat repeated later on but by then I had so much time to think about why they were where they were and so it wasn't as intense for me as it may have been. I can't help it when I read something I like to try to figure things out before the book tells me...and I usually do to some degree. Now, don't get me wrong, the author does an AMAZING job of describing the fire - I felt as though I was right there and could smell the smoke and see the flames. The problem was more with my connection with the characters.
I liked Mollie a lot. I thought she was a great character, once I got to know her. The way she is keeping her family business going was wonderful and when the fire destroys her workshop I felt her pain. I also loved how the watch company employed many of veterans from her father's army troop and that her father said that any of the men from his troop would also have a job with his company if they wanted one.
Now for Zack. He is a character I am torn in my feelings. In the beginning of the story I LOVED him! It's sweet how he cares for his family, Mollie and even for people who need help. However, there was a point in the story where a certain thing is revealed, something he denied knowledge of but then we find out he lied, and it completely changed my opinion of him. Later on I could see a few good points to him, but that one issue really tipped the scales and made it really hard for me to care for him.
Overall, it's a good read about what it was like during and after the Chicago Fire, but I would recommend borrowing it first.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
I have read all of Elizabeth Camden's previous books and loved them! So I was anticipating great things when I requested to review this book, however I was slightly disappointed.
The story started off differently than I expected, it begins with the main characters trying to escape the fire. This was a different way to start it and, while I somewhat liked it, I would have preferred to have gotten to know the characters a bit first. It was so intense yet I felt disconnected from it. Thankfully, since the story goes back in time six days, the scene is somewhat repeated later on but by then I had so much time to think about why they were where they were and so it wasn't as intense for me as it may have been. I can't help it when I read something I like to try to figure things out before the book tells me...and I usually do to some degree. Now, don't get me wrong, the author does an AMAZING job of describing the fire - I felt as though I was right there and could smell the smoke and see the flames. The problem was more with my connection with the characters.
I liked Mollie a lot. I thought she was a great character, once I got to know her. The way she is keeping her family business going was wonderful and when the fire destroys her workshop I felt her pain. I also loved how the watch company employed many of veterans from her father's army troop and that her father said that any of the men from his troop would also have a job with his company if they wanted one.
Now for Zack. He is a character I am torn in my feelings. In the beginning of the story I LOVED him! It's sweet how he cares for his family, Mollie and even for people who need help. However, there was a point in the story where a certain thing is revealed, something he denied knowledge of but then we find out he lied, and it completely changed my opinion of him. Later on I could see a few good points to him, but that one issue really tipped the scales and made it really hard for me to care for him.
Overall, it's a good read about what it was like during and after the Chicago Fire, but I would recommend borrowing it first.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
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If you would like to read the first chapter of Into the Whirlwind, go HERE.
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