WINDFALL

Author: Cindy Holby ISBN: 0843953063 12/2004 HISTORICAL Publisher: DORCHESTER
Time Period: Wyoming, Civil War Period - 1864

Jake—He awoke form months of unconsciousness with his body healed, but his mind full of unanswerable questions. Was there a woman waiting somewhere for him? A family? A place he belonged? Shannon—She had walked away from her abusive father and the only home she'd ever known. Could a soldier with no past be the future she prayed for? Grace—She had tried to be brave when the need to capture a traitor ripped her lover from her arms. Would it take even more courage to face him again now that his seed blossomed within her? Jenny—Her grandfather's beloved ranch had become a haven for all those she held dear, but now the greed of one underhanded land baron threatened everything they'd worked for. How could she keep the vision of her murdered parents alive for the generations to come? For each, life had exacted a heavy toll of tears and loss, but to each love would bring a blessing of an unlooked for Windfall.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Cindy Holby has written an excellent novel with numerous intertwining stories. There are many characters and couples in WINDFALL. This book follows Holby’s novels CHASE THE WIND, CROSSWIND and WIND OF THE WOLF. Those who have read these other novels will enjoy revisiting Jenny and Chase, Ty and Cat, as well as Jake and Caleb.

For me, WINDFALL was a very powerful and touching novel. I got very involved in the story and finished the book in a day. The novel is set during the Civil War, and I think that Holby does an excellent job creating characters and situations that are very real for the reader. The horrors of war are exposed throughout the novel, but characters like Jake and Shannon did not let the war stop them from realizing their dreams and finding love. Jenny and Chase face tough challenges in the wilds of Wyoming, but their love is as strong as ever.

There are a lot of names to keep up with, but I think that Holby does a superb job of introducing the characters in a manner that is not confusing to the reader. I had not read Holby’s other novels before this one, but I’m not ashamed to admit that after reading this one I rushed out immediately to find the others! Cindy Holby is obviously a very talented author and I look forward to reading more from her!

Carrye Syma