Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: Speak Through the Wind - 2nd in the Crossroads of Grace Series
Author: Allison Pittman
Publisher: Multnomah Books
ISBN: 10-59052-625-2
Release Date: April 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Year/Setting: Mid 1800s/New York, San Francisco, Wyoming Territory
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: None (Implied)
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Minimal though Moderate/Intense is implied
Allison's Website:
allisonpittman.com
To say the least Kassandra has had a hard life. Though at a very young age she was rescued off the streets of New York and brought to Reverend Joseph’s house. She found a home and was taught God’s goodness and love. Even with Reverend Joseph’s patience and love, Kassandra never felt she was truly home, or really fit in.
At the ripe old age of fifteen, Ben Connor sweeps Kassandra off her feet. Looking for a place to truly belong, Kassandra goes with Ben and lives with him in the city’s poorer area. Ben has established himself as the "owner" of Mott Street. His tavern and "protection" for Mott Street vendors gives Ben the run of the street. Kassandra is happy in the beginning. Soon she becomes pregnant and sadly it ends tragically and soon after Kassandra becomes disillusioned. She’s seen life at it’s worst but she’s not sure that after all she’s done she’ll be welcomed again in Reverend Joseph’s home. Stepping out in faith for the first time in a long time, she sets out to try. Ben follows her and lures her back before she can reach Reverend Joseph. This time not as his personal lady but as one of several prostitutes Ben keeps.
Kassandra is numb to this life after a while and again circumstances eventually lead her to once again try to go back to Reverend Joseph’s. With another baby on the way, she’s not sure of her welcome but asks God to help her and forgive her for her choices. Reverend Joseph’s arms are wide open and between the two they find a healing of sorts. Unfortunately, Reverend Joseph’s new wife is not convinced that their home should also be Kassandra’s and her baby’s.
Kassandra is forced to leave and wait out her pregnancy in Cape Cod. Thinking she’ll go back to Reverend Joseph’s home after the baby is born, Kassandra looks forward to her child and enjoys her time on the coast. It’s when her baby is born that she’s badgered into leaving her child and departing for San Francisco. Wanting what’s best for her child, she very reluctantly agrees, knowing God will direct her way.
With little money and knowing no one, she arrives in San Francisco. Kassandra is quickly befriended by a sophisticated madam, Jewell, and falls right back into her old life. She’s now disillusioned with God wondering why he would lead her back to this life but feels she has no choice.
Though life is easier here than in New York, it is not without it’s hardships. Soon Jewell and Kassandra decide to leave California and go where there’s adventure and the possibility of getting rich, to the silver mines of Wyoming. It’s here that Gloria and Biddy come into their lives and both affect Kassandra in different ways. Biddy shows Kassandra, again, that God loves all His children, forgives no matter what we’ve done and the choices we’ve made. Gloria gives Kassandra a way to once again reach out to Reverend Joseph’s welcoming arms and the child she’s left behind.
Kassandra’s story, though heart breaking kept me turning the pages, wondering how or if she was going to get out of her hardships and when good would finally come to her. At times I felt there was not enough good for Kassandra and too much suffering, but all the characters had a powerful affect on me bringing many emotions to the surface.
Ms. Pittman writes a heart-wrenching story that strongly touches the reader. Her writing is very detailed, though at times I felt I was losing the story in the detail. The inspirational message is not preachy or overbearing and truly leaves the reader knowing God’s love and forgiveness for us.
Speak Through the Wind is a powerful story that speaks to heartbreak, tragedy, compassion and love with all the emotions that go with it.
Trudy
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