Synopsis:~
As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, Mollie Knox’s future looks bright until the night the legendary Great Chicago Fire destroys her beloved city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating fire.
Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago’s finest department stores, is a force to be reckoned with among the city’s most powerful citizens. Bold and shrewd, he’s accustomed to getting exactly what he wants–until he meets Mollie Knox, the beguiling businesswoman just beyond his reach.
In the tumult as the people of Chicago race to rebuild a bigger and better city, Mollie comes face-to-face with the full force of Zack’s character and influence. Zack believes this may finally be his chance to win her, but can Mollie ever accept this man and his whirlwind effect on her life, especially with her treasured company on the line?
My take:~
Elizabeth Camden pens another detailed and romantic historical novel, Into the Whirlwind, set against the backdrop of the tragedy that was the Great Chicago Fire. Ripe with fascinating historical detail about the ferocity of the fire and the aftermath of lost dreams and shattered futures, this is a story that tugs at the heart. Mollie is an intriguing heroine, a woman ahead of her time with a head for business matched only by her caring nature. Zack is engaging from top to toe, his Polish heritage, charismatic nature, brashness, and lack of tact gives him a uniqueness among most literary heroes. Each aspect of this novel held my interest ~ the fire, the watch company, the department stores maneuverings, and the restoration of both city and broken hearts ~ all confirmed that Elizabeth Camden is a force to be reckoned with in this ever popular genre.
With thanks to Bethany House for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Zack (Into the Whirlwind)
Review of The Lady of Bolton Hill
Character spotlight on Bane & Lydia (Against the Tide)
Visit Elizabeth’s website and blog
Visit Into the Whirlwind’s Pinterest page
Buy Into the Whirlwind at Amazon or Koorong
August 16, 2013 at 2:24 am
Sounds like another winner! Fabulous review, Rel – definitely convinced me I need to read this one. ASAP. 😉
So far, I think Bane has been my favorite literary hero of Elizabeth’s. It was so poignant to experience the change in him. I am a bit concerned that I may feel about Zack as I did about the hero in ‘Winslow Street’ (I wasn’t near as fond of him) but I’ll keep an open mind!
August 17, 2013 at 3:56 pm
Rissi » She did a wonderful job with Bane. Zack is one of a kind and I’ll think he’ll pass your test! Let me know if he does!
August 16, 2013 at 11:25 pm
Good to read another glowing review for this one! So hope I get the chance to read it soon… Thanks for sharing, Rel.
August 17, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Ganise » I’m really enjoying Elizabeth’s writing, Ganise – hope you get to read this one, too.
August 17, 2013 at 10:22 am
Great review, Rel! Glad you loved it, also!
I think what did it for me was that, in the beginning, Zach is wholly smitten, and that was adorable. It seems the trend these days is for the hero and heroine to dislike each other/find the other annoying. Which is fine. But it was refreshing to see a hero completely head over boots for the heroine–and then in the middle conflict and tension and the development of not just attraction or strong admiration, but love. 🙂 Made for a great read. 🙂
August 17, 2013 at 3:52 pm
Rachelle Rea » I agree, Rachelle. I so enjoyed that Zack was faultlessly direct about his intentions – no hidden thoughts or plans – he was honest about what he wanted and went after it 🙂