Review: In Tempest Winds by Kendy Pearson Is a Riveting Civil War Saga that Is Impossible to Put Down
- Book Nerd
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
In Tempest Winds is the third installment in Kendy Pearson's series, West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm, and it takes the reader on an enthralling journey through the pages of history.
In Tempest Winds Plot Summary
Zander Dabney has been living in the shadow of his war hero brother, Fin--a fierce Blazer Scout--and when Zander enlists in the army, the horrors of war shake him to the core, testing his endurance, and crushing his faith.
While stationed at a garrison in New Creek, West Virginia, Zander is soon smitten by Lola Wade, a mercantile owner with struggles of her own--rising costs, a young brother to raise, an ageing father to care for, and a thief dipping into the store's till.
When the enemy attacks New Creek through a series of deceptive maneuvers, everything changes for Lola and Zander. Their love is tested as Lola realizes she can't be with a man who is at odds with God, but before the two can figure things out, Zander is betrayed, falsely accused, and captured by the enemy.
During his time as a prisoner of war, Zander not only shows extraordinary bravery during trials that many don't survive, but also, he reconnects with God and feels the Almighty's invisible hand at work in his life. Will it be enough to sustain him through the ravages of war? Will he see his family and Lola again?
Review: In Tempest Winds by Kendy Pearson Is a Stirring Novel About Struggle, Faith, and Love During War Time
In Tempest Winds is a work of Christian Historical fiction set during America's Civil War, but many of the details are based on actual places and events.
Pearson brilliantly weaves fact and fiction into a compelling portrayal of a dark time in American history when friends and family were pitted against each other and suffered pain, hardship, sorrow, and loss due to the atrocities of war. The research involved in this novel is impressive, as timelines, battles, geography, personalities, leadership, battalions, and more are historically accurate while simultaneously fictionalized to showcase storytelling at its finest.
The novel is well-layered emotionally, as personal sacrifice and epic war scenes are balanced with romance, an emphasis on close-knit family bonds, a man's love for his horse, the redemptive power of God, and the hope that is within reach despite life's tumultuous seasons.
Pearson's writing style is gorgeous and stands in stark contrast to many modern novels that have been edited to bare bones, or "dumbed down," to make them easier to consume by today's readers. Beautiful prose paints the scene for each page, and Pearson's use of period dialect is masterful.
The overarching theme of faith included In Tempest Winds still resonates today. Humanity continues to face trials and uncertainty, yet God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and is near to all those who cry out to Him.
Order In Tempest Winds by Kendy Pearson
In Tempest Winds is a May 7, 2025, release that will race up the charts. Order yours here.
In Tempest Winds is Book 3 in the series, and while you can read it as a standalone, you'll have a deeper and broader understanding of the time period, family dynamics, and background if you start at the beginning of the saga.
ORDER BOOK ONE: When the Mountains Wept
Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear.
Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital. He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past. She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost.
As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known, even as he must face the horrors of war and the evil it breeds. But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option.
ORDER BOOK TWO: When Heaven Thunders
His family is missing. Bushwhackers are sleeping in his bed. This war just got a heap more personal for Union Sergeant Fin Dabney.
Fighting guerillas in your own neck of the woods comes at a high price. Neighbors, kin, and even Fin’s best friend are on the wrong end of a rifle. But not all battles are fought amid smoke and blood. When Fin faces a murderer from his past, flesh and spirit collide, but only one can prevail.
Melinda Jane has waited a lifetime for Fin to declare his intentions. But now she has moved on to other interests—with disastrous results. Her choices have cost her Fin’s love and possibly her life.
Why was it he could draw down on the enemy and look death in the eye, but he could not bring himself to deal plainly with Melinda Jane? He never told her how he feels. Now he may never get the chance.
About Kendy Pearson
Kendy Pearson is a veteran high school teacher and an accomplished musician. She is also a music instructor, worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast.
When she discovers a pocket of American history omitted from the schoolbooks, she enjoys digging in and turning that pocket inside out. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace. She is the recipient of five Cascade Awards, two Genesis Awards, and a Crown Award.
Kendy enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. She also relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and Maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.
Visit Pearson's website to sign up for her newsletter, schedule her to teach a writer's workshop, invite her to speak at your women's group, and MORE!
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Review: In Tempest Winds by Kendy Pearson
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