Written on the Wind–A Review by Patsy Ledbetter
Written on the Wind by Judith Pella and published by Bethany House (2002), will definitely inform you about World War II. This is the first book in the Daughters of Fortune series. There are four books in the series. Many things I read in Written on the Wind , especially regarding Soviet Union and World War II, I had not known before. It will also make you think of what is most important in life, relationships with the Lord and loved ones.
The story is mainly about Cameron Hays, a journalist for the newspaper her father owns, The Los Angeles Journal. He inherited it from his father-in-law many years ago. Keagan Hays is fifty years old and extremely pig-headed. He is selfish, self-centered, and seemingly unconcerned about his three daughters: Cameron, Blair, and Jackie, as well as his wife Cecelia.
When Keagan informs his daughter Cameron that he will not send her to Russia to cover stories about the war, she goes to work for his competitor. Max Arnett, the editor of The Globe, considers sending her to cover news stories in the Soviet Union.
When Cameron was a young girl, her family moved to Russia for six years as her father was working over there. She really loved it and always wanted to return. Her father sends Johnny Shenahan to Russia, telling Cameron it is way too dangerous for a woman to go. Johnny is one of Cameron’s best friends, but she feels betrayed by her father. She wants his approval and is determined to prove herself to him, despite his indifference to her.
Jackie, the nineteen-year-old youngest daughter in the family is the only one of the siblings following the Lord. The others have been turned off, hurt by their father’s rejection. They are all looking for love, but the oldest two want to present themselves as strong and in need of nothing. Throughout the books, they all draw closer to the Lord and realize their need for him.
Cameron and Johnny both end up in Russia and their eyes are opened in many ways. They realize they can’t just send articles back due to intense censorship. They endure many air raids as the Germans bomb the area. They also meet others who have struggled and endured much.
Different events take place in the story, and when it concludes, you are ready to start on the next book. I learned a lot from this story and enjoyed it very much. I know you will as well. It is best enjoyed by readers eighteen and above.
Patsy Ledbetter has written poetry, short stories, devotionals, and book reviews for many years. She has also been a drama instructor, special needs teacher and substitute teacher. She and Kevin have been married for 41 years. They lost their oldest son Craig when he was 33. They now have three children, Vanessa, Bethany and David. They also have five grandchildren, Elyse, Aurora, Hayden, Molly, and Hudson. Kevin has been a music pastor most of his life and together they serve the Lord in a local church. Patsy loves to read, pray, and spend time outdoors and with family and friends. Her main desire is to bring glory to God through all the talents He has given her.
