Matching Leopard PJ’s?
See those big smiles? You’re looking at Dana McNeely and me on our first Whirlwind adventure–October 2022.
Though we’d corresponded through email and social media for more than ten years, we’d never met in person until she traveled from Arizona to North Carolina to join my merry band of writers at the Outer Banks for a weeklong retreat.
It was bedtime, and we shared a hotel room near the Raleigh airport before making the long drive to the coast the next day. You never really KNOW a friend until you see what sort of pjs they pick out…
When she emerged from changing into her “comfy” clothes, and my pjs were nearly identical to hers, we both laughed hysterically. Leopard-print pjs were only the first confirmation that we had more in common than our love for biblical fiction. Let me assure you, however–even if she wasn’t a dear friend, I’d still recommend her books!
Book Description
A king’s downfall and a love that transcends war…
Spurned by potential suitors, Miriam travels to Jezreel to care for her cousin’s son. There, the precocious seven-year-old works his way into her heart. When Arameans swarm the land like locusts, Miriam focuses on the safety of her young ward but promises adventures beyond the city walls when the war ends.
Gershon, a quiet and kind vintner, is happily building a life for his wife, son, and aging parents. But when his wife dies during childbirth and war looms on the horizon, he must make a decision—will he take a new wife before his heart can mend?
Meanwhile, Dov, a young officer crosses paths with the “bird girl” he remembers from the past. That she is a beautiful woman matters not, as he is a career soldier. Unexpectedly charged with leading Ahab’s army against the Arameans, Dov anticipates death and defeat in Samaria, but when a prophet pledges victory, Dov vows to fight to the end.
When an unlikely victory brings freedom, a bright future seems imminent. Then one afternoon Miriam witnesses a tragedy and must flee with the boy to keep them both safe. With henchmen on their trail, will they find refuge—and her heart the home she’s longed for?
My Review
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 ½ Smiles
As a huge fan of Dana McNeely’s first book, Rain. I was a little nervous to pick up the second book in her Whispers on the Wind series. When an author’s debut novel is nominated for a Christy award, it’s sometimes tough for the sequel to measure up. I need not have worried! Whirlwind blew me away (pun intended)!
I’ll never read the story of Naboth’s vineyard the same again. Whirlwind gave flesh and bone, heart and soul, to an intricate family tree of Israelites and tied together two families. One was in Samaria, the other in Jezreel. Stellar writing and beautifully layered characters made the many names memorable and various locations distinguishable.
Miriam’s relationships were heartfelt and relatable with her family, Gershon, his young son (Jaedon), and later with those in Elijah’s camp of prophets. I loved the added details about a family of eagles and the training process of one to hunt for the family. Other details about food preparation, clothing, weapons, and war added to the delightful flow of the story, lending authenticity without feeling contrived or encyclopedic.
The pacing was good overall—no sagging middle. Though fight descriptions were well thought out, lengthy battle scenes slowed the story in a couple of places. There were no loose threads. No relationships left untended. This story kept all the subplots spinning and brought all to that spectacular moment—no spoiler for Bible readers—when Elijah the prophet is carried away in a Whirlwind. The event may seem rather dull when you read my words or mysterious when you read it in 2 Kings 2. But I assure you, when you read Dana McNeely’s version of the Whirlwind, Elijah’s farewell in that chariot of fire will leave you breathless.
Author Bio
Dana McNeely dreamed of living in a world teeming with adventure, danger, and romance, but she had a problem—she also needed a lot of peace and quiet. She learned to visit that dream world by stepping into a book. Better yet, hundreds of books. Soon, she began writing her own stories, fact and fiction.
Inspired by the Bible stories of Elijah, Dana wondered why the prophet came to stay with the widow of Zarephath and her son. Who were they? What was their life, before? How did the boy change after he died, saw the other world—and came back?
Those questions led to Dana writing RAIN, in which she built her dream world of adventure, danger, and romance. Peace and quiet, however, have remained elusive. No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies.
For more information, CLICK HERE to check out Dana’s website and learn more!
