Mollie Knox inherited her father’s business, the 57th Illinois Watch Company. She was no stranger to it, she was just as much an expert as the other employees, all of which were like family. They made the best, most expensive watches in the country and had an exclusive contract to sell them at Hartman’s in Chicago. Everything was going along fine, until October 8, 1871. Mollie had been asked downtown to talk with Hartman’s lawyer, Zack Kazmarek. She smelled smoke in the air, but didn’t think too much of it. But, this day and night turned into terror as the fire spread across the town. Zack, who had always been strictly business with her, was now fighting with her through the crowds to get to her apartment, to rescue her lawyer, who was blind. Together they battled, suffered, burned, coughed throughout the night trying to save everyone and everything they could.

This is a story of rebuilding after all is lost. Of not giving into fear, but pushing past it in order to get order back in their lives. A closeness was forged between people of all kinds during that fire, some would last a lifetime and others would be betrayed. There is romance, suspense, and even a little bit of humor in this book. It’s a book that you will be immediately drawn into and will not want to put down.

This is a Christian novel, but it’s not “preachy” like I’ve heard other reviewers of Christian fiction complain about. This novel weaves their faith through their lives like a breath, sometimes hard to catch, sometimes the breath gets knocked out of them, but like breathing, it comes back to a regular flow eventually for them. One verse that comes to mind after finishing this book is “...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31. ( )

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I have read several stories about the Great Chicago Fire and I am always glad when I can read another one. And I loved Into the Whirlwind. There is so much history recorded this this book that at times, to be honest, it did get boring. I was so into the characters that I wanted to read about them!

Molly Knox was working go save the company her father left for her, which was ruined by the fire. Spending so much time with lawyer Zack Kazmarek, there was an attraction that couldn’t be denied. I liked Molly from the start but Zack, he was kinda whack in the beginning but then he grew on me. The information and talk about the fire was interesting, because I enjoy talk about that time in history. And reading this author’s take on what it might have been like back then was fun and entertaining. If you enjoy historical fiction that is good clean fun, this is one you will enjoy. Why not grab your copy today! And hope you enjoyed as my as I did!!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

( )

Amazing historical fiction and romance. So many parts of Chicago are covered, so many characters (good and bad) are introduced. Once you start,
you just keep reading.

Elizabeth Camden’s historical romances continue to gather accolades from critics and fans alike. Set in late 19th-century Chicago, Into the Whirlwind introduces Mollie Knox, who’s just lost her successful watch company in the Great Chicago Fire. To win Mollie’s heart, influential attorney Zack Kazmarek offers his help, leaving Mollie to put her faith in a man she hardly knows. ( )

This is the first book I've read that took place during the great Chicago fire. I liked learning about it and also watchmaking. I liked Millie and Zack, but Col. Lowe kind of gave me the creeps, which was probably intentional. I enjoy the books of Elizabeth Camden and will probably read more. ( )

Both of the main characters are idiots. Everything they do brings them more pain. Abandoned less than halfway through. ( )