Into the Whirlwind

Set against the backdrop of the 1871 Chicago fire, this glimpse by Camden (The Rose of Winslow Street) into the past is a sweet, emotion-filled romance to warm the heart and touch the soul. As the sole proprietor of the watchmaking and stewardship enterprise begun by her father, Mollie Knox must not only manage the business end of the exclusive manufacturing venture, but also care for the company’s employees, most of whom are disabled Civil War veterans. In the wake of the blaze, Mollie must team with Zack Kazmarek—a Polish dockworker-turned-lawyer who has intimidated her for years—to find a way to save herself, her adopted family, and her business. When a figure from Mollie’s past appears, difficulties arise all around. While a light read, the cast of characters is varied and lovingly detailed, colorful and bursting with life. Subtle references to faith are unevenly woven throughout the simple story, and some of them are too subtle. Cleverly disguised life lessons balance the uncomplicated storytelling. Agent: Seymour Agency. (Aug.)