Wind of the Spirit

Once again, J.M. Hochstetler brings the past alive in her newest addition to her American Patriot Series. WIND OF THE SPIRIT is a wonderful blend of historical events and the fictional romance of characters Elizabeth Howard and Jonathon Carleton. If American History had been taught like this when I went to school, I'd have aced every test.

In J.M. Hochstetler's third novel in the American Patriot series, WIND OF THE SPIRIT ramps up the pace, adventure and passion as this tale set in the American Revolution continues. The odds against the rebels succeeding have drastically increased. Despite Elizabeth Howard's intelligence to General George Washington, British forces under General William Howe win the Battle of Brooklyn, sending the American militia into disarray. Fighting alongside her patriots as a young lad, Elizabeth is nearly killed before British troops capture her. Recognizing Generals Clinton and Cornwallis talking together about their plans to surprise the rebels, Elizabeth fears they will see through her disguise and realize she is the spy, Oriole. She whistles to her horse, Night Mare, who breaks free and runs straight to Elizabeth. She catches the trailing reins, vaults onto Night Mare's saddle and spurs her horse to jump the fence. She rejoins Washington's militia in time to escape to York Island with them, but their numbers are decimated. There she finds Colonel Charles Andrews, who tells her he is sure her love, Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton is not only alive but also the Shawnee war chief White Eagle. White Eagle's reputation for driving white settlers out of the Ohio territory is gaining British attention, and Charles convinces her that they must find the Indian chief before the British, who intend to hang him for treason. With intense drama and brilliant prose, J. M. Hochstetler rivets readers through their journey to find Jonathan and to the Shawnee Indians' fight for survival that is as just a cause as the Americans' fight for independence. Captured and forced to live among the Shawnee when they try to convince Jonathan to return with them, Elizabeth and Charles come to love the `savages' just as Jonathan does, but White Eagles' enemy, Wolfslayer, endangers them all. In Jonathan's battle for supremacy over his Indian nemesis, Elizabeth faces he is more Indian than white and the lure of his people is stronger than even their love. Can she redeem him? We won't know until the next book comes out. J.M. Hochstetler has set an incredible challenge to herself. By focusing on Elizabeth and Jonathan's love story through this series, she risks agitating readers' patience in seeing their love resolved. I know I'm beginning to feel the waiting as a torture. If it were not for her incredible writing, I would be scanning through the book to find out whether they indeed marry before I actually began reading the book. This may be a parallel lesson God asks of us when He seems to make us wait for answers while teaching us patience and trust.

I could't wait to read book #3 of the American Patriots series by J.M. Hochstetler! It was so good to get reacquainted with these characters, following Elizabeth and Andrews as they searched for Jonathan and their startling reunion among his adopted people, the Shawnee. Hochstetler ramps up the drama at every turn, taking the reader through a full range of emotions. The only criticism comes in realizing we must wait for the next sequel to this compelling story! GREAT job, Hochstetler!

J.M. Hochstetler is able to bring history to life with her exceptional prose and attention to detail. If you want a Last of the Mohicans type adventure with a hearty dose of romance and realism, buy these books! My only regret is that she doesn't write fast enough and there aren't enough books like hers! Wonderful, inspiring, educational reading! Bless you, J.M.! I use your books for my own research!

The long-awaited continuation of Elizabeth and Carleton's story has arrived, and boy was it worth the wait. If you love history and romantic themes and find tribal culture fascinating, you will love this book. Wind of the Spirit carries you away--literally--to another time and place. The perfect combination of setting and fabulous wording pulled me into the story, and the emotional scenes kept me turning the pages. This story doesn't drag but keeps building while educating the reader about history at the same time. In regards to sensuality and tension--move over Deeanne Gist--cause Hochstetler goes places most CBA authors can't. However, the tension is so well done and is so beautifully written, I wouldn't change a thing. The author shows love as the holy experience it truly is . . . when it occurs the way God intended. Not many books captivate me like this one did. I couldn't stop reading Wind of the Spirit because a good portion of the time and the story was filled with delicious conflict. It's honest and emotionally moving, not to mention daring and edgy. Plus, the passion the characters have for who they love is scrumptious. Wonderful story!