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 a powerful attorney with influential 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? [Goodreads]
Into the Whirlwind by author Elizabeth Camden
to release August 1.13
Publisher Bethany House
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A novel that captivated me...
From the historical realities of the Chicago fire that impacted the lives of thousands
and Ms Camden's characters specifically, this was a story of perseverance.
Physical as well as relational. Characters were exceptionally well drawn and authentic to their personalities. Frustrating, delightful, confusing and confused. I cared about them.
Their choices and outcomes were so far reaching, I was fully engaged in their lives -
dreams, plans, futures - wanting them to see behind the scenes with my benefit as a reader.
A unique topic with excellent insight into the intricacies of relationships, class distinctions, business integrity, scruples, gender conflicts, motivation, and physical disabilities.
Emotionally charged scenes as our protagonists fled through the streets to escape the advancing fire. Camaraderie in the aftermath. The horrors of plundering as goodwill dissipated.
Love and loyalty from unexpected sources.
And then the
discriminate business actions that cost our protagonists personal trust and love...
Will Mollie be willing to set aside her comfort in book keeping and routine?
Will Zack step back to allow another suitor to step forward?
or is he still a whirlwind force Mollie must reckon with?
I was more than ready for the light to dawn on the romantic entanglements!
For clarity and resolution. For love to win!
For Mollie to choose the whirlwind...
I enjoyed days reliving the satisfaction of Zack and Mollie's story.
I highly recommend this book
and wish you all the patience needed while anticipating its
August release...
ps - to set the record straight -
It wasn't a cow that kicked over a lantern that started the fire.
A newspaper reporter admitted to making up that story.
Not a good thing since Mrs O'Leary ended up a recluse because of it.
But I, for one, am definitely glad Elizabeth Camden made up this story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elizabeth Camden, author of The Lady of Bolton Hill, The Rose of Winslow Street, and Against the Tide, received a master's in history from the University of Virginia and a master's in library science from Indiana University. She is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida. Find more at www.elizabethcamden.com.
With appreciation to Bethany House Publishers for the copy to read and review without obligation.
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