Wings of the Morning

Kensington Chronicles #2

by Lori Wick

Victoria “Smokey” Simmons stands silently on deck as her father’s body is lowered into the Atlantic, asking God for the strength she will need to command the Aramis alone. Not wanting to remain at sea forever, Smokey dreams of the time when she can trade her life aboard ship for a home and family. When she meets another captain, Dallas Knight, Smokey believes her dream will finally come true. But circumstances beyond their control and the schemes of a cunning pirate threaten to destroy this young couple’s hope for the future.

Wings of the Morning carries readers on a tender journey of love in which painful events become lasting blessings in the Father’s care.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Romance, Historical

273 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."

Reviews

[Haylee Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this!!!! ❤️If you haven’t read any of this series yet….you kinda need to.😏😂

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling and beautiful adventure!
I instantly fell in love with the main characters Smokey and Dallas. Smokey was such an interesting character to get to know, and it was so much fun to go on her journey. Dallas was super swoon-worthy and a perfect fit for Smokey. Their faith throughout the novel was admirable. I loved how their relationship progressed, and I was rooting for them right from the beginning.
The plot was also really good! It had the most action and plot twists out of all the novels in this series, and it was thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. I was furiously turning the pages to reach the end, and the ending was both satisfying and delightful.
I adored seeing Sunny and Brandon again and was delighted to meet little Sterling.
Overall a great novel. I would highly recommend it!

[Harper Daisy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is just like not a good book at all like I can’t even say the author is terrible bc it is exactly what it attempts to be (religious propaganda with basic relatable characters that are “aspirational). Like yeah there’s zero style and it feels like ai wrote it but it was made to be mindless Christian tales not like a masterpiece

[Brielle Stoltzfus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not too many thoughts on this one. It’s a super old book so the writing style is very…. Simple and eccentric. It didn’t help that I was reading ACOMAF as my physical book, and nothing holds a candle to that.

There was some fun adventurous moments on the sea, and Smokey had some fun character at times, but other times she was so basic I just couldn’t get a handle on her.
The relationship between Dallas and Smokey just felt lacking to me too. I wasn’t feeling the emotional connection.
I guess I just had some pet peeves that lowered my star rating, including the plot conflict.
It was a quick read and definitely fun to try something different ◡̈

[Marie Freundl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book would be completely detached from the first of the Kensington series, but I found to my delight that the had Sunny and Hawk in this story and Hawk played a definitive role at the end. I am in awe of the her way of showing us our main character Smokey. Smokey was and is a character you fall in love with every time you read her story. She is the most interesting and complex character in the story and I adore her! I can't wait to see what Lori Wick has for us in the third book of this series.

[Haley S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book that I could read over and over again! (Don't ask how many times I have read it! Lol!) It is exciting, romantic, adventurous....Overall, amazing. If you ever feel like reading any if those genres read this book! Smokey is my hero! Dallas, I fell in love with, who couldn't! I would recommend this to any teen who is like me and romantic!

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chokehold this book had on me when I was younger😂 Dallas Knight was the man of my dreams; I mean that earring though ;) As I got older though, I got slightly annoyed with the whole lack of communication thing going on but I do still enjoy the story.

[Ryianna Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually my favorite book in the Kensington Chronicles. :) I love the characters.
There's such strength, love and devotion involved here.
Relience and trust in the Lord are heavily evident and that is just such a blessing when I'm feeling down. :)
5 out of 5!

[Tiffany Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of my all time favorites that I have read and re-read. This story is about a legendary sea captain who is just "daddy" to a little girl. She grows up to become the captain herself but lack certain social traits. She falls in love and goes through some very trying times. Very good book!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read this for the fifth or sixth time and will be reading it again:) One of my all time favorites.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Unrealistic, but lots of adventure and romance.

[Erica Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this!!!

[Dannielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another re-read from high school (15ish years ago). Just as I remembered it!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful read!! The cover doesn't do this book justice!! Victoria aka Smokey, has always worked and lived on q huge ship. Her father was a famous sailor who taught her everything. Once he passed, she became the well known captain all around the world. What happens when everyone finds out this known captain is a woman? What happens when a pirate invades Her ship? There of course is a romance where she learns how to be more lady like and all of the things she never was taught on an all male ship. God is intertwined in this story and throughout she prays for help and guidance. A really good read that I'm glad that I picked up for a dollar at a random bookstore.

[Nessa]

D.N F. 50%

I know I should have just trudged on and finish the book but honestly, I REALLY WANTED TO LIKE THE BOOK BUT!

a) There was no chemistry I could feel from the characters
b) The writing style was fine but I just couldn't sink into it
c) Where is the passion? The attraction was dull and felt forced, like the author was TELLING us instead of SHOWING how.
d) A total BORE in the romance department.

I waited until half the book and still nothing except for a sudden kiss that seriously HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE. And the romance was UNBELIEVABLE!

OUR HERO: Dallas didn't appear commanding and is a very different kind of hero I am used to. He kind of blends into the background and that's not good. A hero has to be noticeable even if he doesn't portray the rake or brooding type. I have read about bookish heroes who are not alpha but they still hold their own candle. Dallas was boring and didn't intrigue me and he was sort of JUDGEMENTAL.

OUR HEROINE:
She may be a captain but I don't feel much strength from her. Not commanding, overly shy and just a tad adept at the ropes. She too blended into the background and all of a sudden she felt love at first sight for Dallas who doesn't give a fig about her initially.

OVERALL:
The story was draggy, the romance was washed out and the plot...I couldn't really understand it. Perhaps this isn't my cup of tea. With all the positive reviews I think it built my hopes up and now it has CRASHED AND BURNT.

I CANT URGE YOU TO READ IT BUT BECAUSE OTHERS VOUCH FOR IT, SHOULDN'T MEAN THAT YOU CANT GIVE THIS A CHANCE.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria "Smokey" Simmons, the lone daughter of a legendary skipper, becomes the captain of her late father's ship. As much as her role at sea suits her, Smokey dreams of pursing a future on land. Perhaps Dallas Knight, captain of another ship, might be a part of that future—but Smokey's run-in with a cunning pirate might destroy any hopes of her dream in Wings of the Morning, a novel by author Lori Wick.

Even though I decided not to finish the first book in the Kensington Chronicles series, I'm glad I still went on to read this second one. I was intrigued by the thought of a woman captaining a ship in the nineteenth century, but I wondered if the author would abandon that uncommon feature of the plot early and let the rest of the book settle into a storyline more identical to her other novels. I've seen it happen before.

So I was pleased to find that this entire book is indeed about Smokey as a captain and the related adventure and adversity that comes with being who she is. I liked the mixture of confidence and vulnerability, awkwardness and sharp skill in this heroine. While the story's romantic and spiritual aspects become schmaltzy in various places, the reading loses some of its historical feel at times, and the author does essentially "gush" over the characters now and then, this tale also has some grit and wit to it.

I quite enjoyed this novel by one of my personally most-read authors, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutelty LOVED this book! Out of the Kensington Chronicles, this one is my favorite. Full of adventure and romance, it's wonderful. I read it in one day! :)

I have noticed that other people have not liked this book as much as the other ones in this series, but for some reason I still liked this one the most. I think that when you can relate to the character in some way the book is more enjoyable. I don't know if this is relating to the character, but I also have long(not waist length though, but it used to be) black hair. And to be really honest here, I think since I am an adolescent I enjoyed the romantic aspect of this book. So those are just my musings as to maybe why I liked this book extremely.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A recurring them in the book is that the heroine runs away. again and again and again.
This is not an endearing behavior. It really detracts from the main character.

Lori Wick writes some books with great leading female characters. The boot talks of Smokey's strong character traits but doesn't back them up. Shes smart but does more dumb than smart things. Shes one of the best captains ever, but she just stays in her cabin.

I'm disappointed with the good ratings this book received

[Heather Wood]

This book just doesn't hit the same way it did in the 90s. It was boring. The romance felt forced (still not sure what was attractive about Dallas besides his looks?) There was a lot of telling instead of showing. The characters acted inconsistently (granted, I do too), sometimes being straightforward and other times refusing to communicate. But worst of all, their behavior was completely out of line for their time period. It was jarring and in no way the 19th century.

[Judine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming off "The Hawk and the Jewel," this one wasn't nearly as satisfying. One fairly significant event was left in the air; also, the "strains" put on the primary relationship felt forced (he loves her, he's jealous and turns her out of the house; he brings her back, gets jealous, and she runs away. . . ). There were enough back and forths to make me dizzy.

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smokey is the captain of her ship, and her father was a famous sailor. Dallas has a hard time believing she could be who she is.
Fun book. Interesting, and full of action. I am enjoying this series, and am looking forward to the next one.

[Marsha Streator · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as The Hawk & the Jewel. Going to continue reading the series. Really enjoy Lori Wick's writing style - really easy, quick reading.

[Kelly Heslip · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Kennsington Chronicles series does not disappoint. It was a great adventure at sea and in the heart. Can't wait to read the next book!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book of the Kensington Chronicles was a well written and entertaining historical Christian romance novel with a thread of suspense towards the end. The character development was good for both "Smokey" (Victoria) and for "Dallas" (I don't remember his real name), but their story was my least favorite one of the series. Other than some cameo appearances by Brandon and Sunny, this story has a completely different cast of characters than the first book although Dallas was briefly introduced in the end of The Hawk and the Jewel, which would have been just fine if the plot and setting hadn't also been completely different from those in the first book of the series. I think my shock about how different Wings of the Morning really was greatly affected my perception of the book. Anyhow, in this novel, actually in the whole series, I appreciated how important being a Christian and trusting God was to the plot. Overall, I really enjoyed both this novel as well as the rest of the series.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of the Morning is my favorite Lori Wick novel (so far I've read all the Kensington Chronicles, A Place Called Home Series, and The Yellow Rose Trilogy).

The romances in the novel play out so beautifully without being overly saccharine, angsty, or contrived. While there are some high drama obstacles, the characters face true-to-life hurdles in coming together.

There's plenty of adventure and action on the high seas to add to the excitement of the novel. We get to see Smokey in her element, being a totally awesome sea captain. She strong, confident, and an expert sailor and businesswoman. And very believably, having been raised by a loving, yet rough around the edges, legendary sailor, she has gaps in her knowledge of how women were expected to behave in "polite society." It makes her all the more authentic, endearing, and captivating.

This one is staying on my shelf as I know I will read it again in the future.

[Ruthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one felt a little more like a famous five type of adventure for young adults, however I really enjoyed it! The women in these books certainly have a lot of character and even though it is meant to be like a Jane Austen type novel, it felt as though it was written with a slightly more American point of view. I loved that Brandon and Sunny returned! They will probably remain my favourite but I’m so happy for Dallas and Smokey. The twist at the trial was very easy to predict. However, because I’d taken a break from reading it at a big moment, the reveal felt good, even if it was fairly swift and the story moved on without returning to find out the consequences of the upturned courtroom.
I appreciated the Christian base that it continued to show throughout story. The characters pretty much always turned to prayer when difficult moments occurred.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite all time book. I am not for rereading books, but this book has been a favorite for over 10 years and I have read it four times. It is a great story of a strong woman who meets a man who can love her for who she is. A story about the cherished friendships between women who see past the outside trappings into the heart of another kindred spirit. If you like a good story with a few twists and turns but a happy ending then this is a great book for you. It is a comfort read for me.
A female ship captain in the 1800's WHAT! That is all I am going to say. The rest you have to find out for yourself.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

**SPOILER ALERT **

I love Lori Wick books and I probably will read this again but I was kind of disappointed with one of the main characters. Dallas sees Smokey as basically riff-raff/trash on their first meeting. Then later when he finds out who she is he’s more interested in her mostly for selfish gain. He doesn’t respect her when he boards her ship and sails as a crew member but gradually that begins to change. He doesn’t believe her initially about the abduction. Everything she does and is she has to prove to him, repeatedly. If this had been real life (me) - I would’ve just left the guy. He doesn’t deserve her.

[_little_hobbies1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this book I liked so much more than the first one. I loved the intrigue of sailing the sea, and her being a female captain and the logistics behind it, such as originally concealing her identity so that she would be respected.

This book was less preachy while also staying true to it’s christian themes, which was a nice change to the previous two Lori Wick books I read.

Lori Wick’s writing, while not being a favourite of mine, is so easy to read, and I finished this book in a day. I also liked how it was interconnected to the previous book and we got to see Sunny and Brandon again briefly (I’ve managed to get over how I felt about their book in the past few days).