RISING WIND

Author: Cindy Holby ISBN: 0843958650 8/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: DORCHESTER
Time Period: 1774 Williamsburg, Fort Savannah

Last of the Duncans Leaving behind the Highlands for the New World at the tender age of ten, Connor Duncan quickly learned that only the fit and the fortunate survive. He was both, becoming a scout and an expert marksman.a man to be reckoned with. He knew his way through the backwoods as well as any Shawnee, but he was far less comfortable in the drawing rooms of Williamsburg. What was a rough-hewn frontiersman like he to do with a sheltered beauty like the governor's niece? But there seemed to be no way to avoid the "Virgin Widow," especially when she insisted on accompanying him on a dangerous mission through the wilderness to Fort Savannah. Neither capture, nor torture, nor the violent birth pangs of a young nation could keep them apart or stop the founding of a brand new dynasty of Duncans.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

The next book in Cindy Holby's Wind Series is called RISING WIND. This story pulled me in from the first page and I couldn't put it down until I read the last! If you haven't read any of Holby's Wind Series, don't fret, because each book stands alone. RISING WIND is a terrific addition to this popular series.

Right away I fell in love with the hero, Connor Duncan. He's been through so much in his twenty-eight years—from being practically born on the field after the Battle of Culloden, to years later watching his mother's rape and hanging, to witnessing his friend's brutal murder by the Indians. Connor has no love for the redcoats and is simply happy living in the wilderness of the Blue Ridge. His assignment now is to be a guide and escort a small caravan of English through the wilderness to Fort Savannah.

Caroline Murray is determined to accompany her brother and Connor to Fort Savannah not only to meet up with her father, but also to spend more time in getting to Connor. I probably would have done the same thing, without realizing the dangers that could occur during the trek. I really liked Caroline. She's a strong heroine and has the fighting power to stay alive when it seemed that death was at her door. She and Connor are absolutely perfect together.

RISING WIND is simply a wonderful historical romance. The action is non-stop and I couldn't get enough of the sexual tension between Connor and Caroline. The historical references the Holby used throughout the story only added more spark to the already brilliant plot! If you only read one book by Cindy Holby, than this book should be the one.

RISING WIND by Cindy Holby, without a doubt, receives a Top Pick from me.

Julie Kornhausl