I loved it! Excellent historical fiction, I am impressed with the scope of the author's research and her beautiful storytelling. This riveting story is inspired by true events.

Zander Dabney, a tender soul, who up to this point has only been participating in army drills, soon comes face to face with the evils of war in a horrific battle. " A sob caught in his throat and tears stung the backs of his eyes. There was no name for what he felt just now. He was numb. Just numb. Words that should have been directed to his Maker crumbled to dust and scattered to the wind." His Sergeant said "I have a son a few years younger than you. I'd give my life to protect him from what you went through yesterday."

Such a difficult time in history. This beautiful story captures that devastating time, with honesty, and hope. From the horror and difficulties of war, how to cope with faith in the face of evil and betrayal, a sweet romance with the shopkeepers daughter Lola, funny little brothers, the love of family, and Rampart his trusty horse. I couldn't put it down.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. I highly recommend this series for historical fiction lovers. So happy to hear there will be another series where the stories of this family continue!

Another gripping story in this series. Such a reminder of family becoming extended and inclusive of others and what a difference that can make to the community.

In Tempest Winds by Kendy Pearson is the third book in the series (see below) and details the ending of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln. I'm not sure if it is the last in the series as there was an ending that I did not expect.

In Tempest Winds is the story of Zander (yes, the books need to be read in order). I shed many tears for the trials that Zander endured while serving in the war. I shed tears at the conclusion of When the Mountains Wept but shed more in this book. Zander was the more relatable character in this series. If there is a book four, I want to know the conclusion of Zander's story.

Releases May 7th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Award-winning series, West Born of Rebellion's

① WHEN THE MOUNTAINS WEPT
② WHEN HEAVEN THUNDERS
③ IN TEMPEST WINDS

In Tempest Winds by Kendy Pearson is the third book in her series, West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm. Let me just say, each book was equally engaging, pulling at my heart with tragedy to making me laugh out loud. The characters are endearing, enticing the reader to join them around their dinner table. The best part was that God was at the center of this loving family. Just as life should be.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

Kendy Pearson continues her birth of West Virginia series with Zander Dabney's story. Zander, the quiet and sensitive brother has waited for three years before feeling he must enter the war. He joins the Calvary with his faithful and talented horse, Rampart. It is not at all what he expected. Harder still is the fact that he has big boots to follow in. His brother Fin is well known, and other soldiers have thrust the younger brother in his shadow. Taunting him about what Fin has accomplished and asking what he has to offer.
The battle at Cloyd's Mountain leaves Zander in a devastated state. His faith in God has been crushed after what he has seen and endured. He is so bitter toward God, lost in anger and grief.
Lola Wade works hard for the family mercantile that her father owns. Young brother Felix accompanies her and helps where he can. They travel to a post to set up wares for the local soldiers to purchase what they need. One soldier in particular ends up capturing her heart. Zander. Then, her world changes drastically in the midst of war.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley and this is my own unsolicited opinion. It is an excellent book and story of lost faith and a hard journey back to God.
Once again, the author continues the Dabney family story in a heart touching way. I love this family of characters she has created and the people they draw into their lives. I got right into the story and actually forgot to record the date I started and finished the book so added an approximate set of dates after the fact. The series has really touched on the heartbreak and loss of the U.S. Civil War. It delves into how the average citizens, businesses and families were deeply affected and even altered. What a story this is with the stress of the battles and town invasions, loss and despair. This is a series to read more than once, it's that good, that intense. It's an excellent series and book for anyone who enjoys a look into the lives of those in a fictional account of actual historic events with real people included in segments of the story. This book will work for a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the series of three.
I'd give it more than a five-star rating here if I could.