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Whirlwind by Dana McNeely is a very different novel when compared to Rain (Book One in the Whispers on the Wind series), but equally strong ... Beginning like a perfect storm, and ending like a tranquil starry night, Whirlwind by Dana McNeely is a perfect example of how God can take any disastrous circumstance, and turn it into something beautiful.
Spurned by potential suitors, Miriam travels to Jezreel to care for her cousin’s son. There, the precocious seven-year-old works his way into her heart. When Arameans swarm the land like locusts, Miriam focuses on the safety of her young ward but promises adventures beyond the city walls when the war ends.
Gershon, a quiet and kind vintner, is happily building a life for his wife, son, and aging parents. But when his wife dies during childbirth and war looms on the horizon, he must make a decision—will he take a new wife before his heart can mend?
Meanwhile, Dov, a young officer crosses paths with the “bird girl” he remembers from the past. That she is a beautiful woman matters not, as he is a career soldier. Unexpectedly charged with leading Ahab’s army against the Arameans, Dov anticipates death and defeat in Samaria, but when a prophet pledges victory, Dov vows to fight to the end.
When an unlikely victory brings freedom, a bright future seems imminent. Then one afternoon Miriam witnesses a tragedy and must flee with the boy to keep them both safe. With henchmen on their trail, will they find refuge—and her heart the home she’s longed for?
I was a BIG fan of Rain by Dana McNeely when it was first released. No, wait. That's an understatement... I will ALWAYS be a MASSIVE fan of RAIN by Dana McNeely. That book took me by surprise, shocked me, intrigued me, thrilled me, and made me all different kinds of emotional when I read it — including when I turned to the very end and saw that there would be a sequel to the first book in the Whispers on the Wind series.
I. Was. Thrilled. I gasped, I searched the internet for any news I could, and I anxiously waited for the next book to be published.
Now, all this time later, I can safely say that I had good reason to be so excited. Whirlwind by Dana McNeely is a very different novel when compared to Rain, but equally strong. For the most part, it follows the "bird girl" character of Miriam, who has grown up considerably since the events of the first story. She faces new problems, new threats, new challenges, and struggles along the way to find healing.
As I read this book I felt like I was catching up with old friends. Each time a name appeared or was mentioned that I recognized from the first book, I got giddy over it. I couldn't wait to see what had transpired, how they'd changed, or what news they had! Yes, I am one of those people that forgets fictional characters are, well, fictional. But can you blame me when they're brought to life so well by such an amazing author? While Miriam's journey was especially poignant, the character I enjoyed reading the most was Dov, a young, handsome, military hero with conundrums of his own. I felt that he experienced some of the most significant growth and change, and I enjoyed watching his heart grow and soften toward other characters as he made some big, impactful decisions that changed the course of the story. Every time he appeared, I couldn't help but smile.
And... Well... That major surprise event at the end? Yeah, I was definitely grinning from ear to ear for that one!
In summary, this book lives up to its name. WHIRLWIND. From the first page to the last, I was swept up in the adventure of a fast-paced, constantly moving narrative. I felt the love story (no spoilers here on which characters are involved with which!) was the driving force in the plot, but when you add to that mysterious prophets, wrongful deaths, a quest for justice, and a major war... Let's just say your imagination is sure to get blown about by each twist and turn, in the best way possible. Beginning like a perfect storm, and ending like a tranquil starry night, Whirlwind by Dana McNeely is a perfect example of how God can take any disastrous circumstance, and turn it into something beautiful.
Get your copy of Whirlwind by Dana McNeely NOW, and don't forget to catch up and read Rain first if you haven't already!
"It began with the music and Elijah's voice. Another voice too, like the whisper of God. His voice and the wind, became one, a force that drew me in. A whirlwind. And I saw our future." Stars twinkled where they shone though the branches. Miriam felt tears come to her eyes. He gazed at her with concern, reaching his finger to gather a tear, its calloused tip rough on her cheek. "You saw our future ... and it brings tears?" She nodded, feeling her face crumple with the effort of holding them back. "Only because it is so beautiful." — Dana McNeely, Whirlwind
*I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.