The Source of the Wind

by Ella Capek

PAIN IS NEVER FOR NOTHING. NOT IF YOU USE IT.

WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, YOU'LL KNOW JUST ENOUGH.

Raphi Cohen is a twenty-four-year-old preschool teacher, who just got broken up with for the fourth time by the same girl. It’s a torturous loop she’s stuck in. But that’s what love is, right?

When Raphi's best friend Jeremiah forces her into therapy for her relationship woes, she finally finds the courage to follow her gut, leave London, and end her relationship for good. But it's when Raphi discovers a disturbing truth about one of her students, that she's got no choice but to confront her own traumatic childhood.

What Raphi doesn't know, as she embarks on a journey to help her student and herself, is that there’s always help available. There are always sources of support, that will provide her with what she needs. Including some that are more, let’s say, magical.

An uplifting and heartwarming novel about one young woman’s journey to learn how to transmute her pain into her greatest gift.

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THE SOURCE OF THE WIND is an uplifting women's fiction novel penned by author Ella Capek, that includes themes of hope and rehabilitation after trauma, found families and learning how to use your pain as your gift.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2025

Reviews

[clara ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

➥ 4 stars ⋆˚࿔

this was such an interesting book. it wasn’t what i was expecting but it surprised me in a good way.

rest of my review to come<3

➥ favorite quotes :

“And what were you doing in London?“
“Nothing in particular.” She smiles, looking in every direction but at me. “I was just kind of wandering around, keeping myself busy in the area, just in case.”
“Just in case what?” I grin.
“Well…” She chuckles, her cheeks turning pink. “Just in case you wanted me around.”
── this part had me LOSING MY MIND i love them so much

“For as long as we are human, there is always more to learn and more to heal. That is the difficult yet wonderful task of being a human being.”

➥ highlights & more (total) :

- 672 highlights
- 132 notes
- 4 bookmarks

── .✦ thank you to booksirens for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raphi, a Jewish twenty-four-year-old preschool teacher who struggles with mental health issues and childhood trauma. Arella, a soul spirit guide who observes the earth from a place above called Home. The dual point of view is very interesting and beautifully written. 


Raphi finds herself stuck in a vicious cycle with her on-again/off-again manipulative and verbally abusive girlfriend, Georgia, until it comes to an end. Raphi’s best friend, Jeremiah, concerned about her mental health and well-being, urges her to seek therapy. After reluctantly agreeing to it, she meets Dr. Shalhoub and we witness her difficult and heartbreaking healing journey. Raphi soon discovers that one of her preschoolers is going through a difficult time. As she does what she can to help the child, she meets and befriends resident advocate Claire.


This is a heavy read and a tear-jerker, but I cried happy tears too. As I’ve said, it’s a healing journey for Raphi, and it’s so well-written, beautiful, and intense. It was an amazing read and though it made me very emotional, I would read it again and again. I recommend this as a must-read and a full box of tissues on hand.



“We accept the love that we think we deserve.”

—The Perks Of Being A Wallflower


I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[T. Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a journey, to say the least—one that I am grateful I was able to follow. It started off right in the middle of an argument which I love because, as much as I enjoy a slow burn, some books are too slow for my taste.

That being said, I found myself wishing this book was longer!


Raphi is the main character and deals with some pretty debilitating mental health issues caused by childhood trauma. She has anxiety and hates herself for it. She’s in a relationship with her girlfriend Georgia, who is manipulative and toxic, and while Raphi understands that Georgia manipulates her, she isn’t brave enough to do anything about it.

They eventually break up for good, and Raphi’s journey of uncovering her true self begins.

There is a second perspective in this book, that of Arella, and I initially thought she would be some kind of love interest who would come in to help Raphi on her healing journey, but nope—she was so much more!

Arella is Raphi’s spirit guide; however, probably you wouldn’t pick up on that right away because she speaks very fondly of the name Taddeo, which we later find out is Raphi’s soul name.

Claire ended up being the love interest I was hoping for, and I enjoyed the dynamic between her and Raphi.

In a scene with Arella where souls were planning to incarnate on Earth, The Council of the Elders says:

“‘Very few souls remember where they come from while on Earth. And as you know, having a trusted support system can make or break a life.’ I nodded in agreement. I have gone though some difficult lifetimes, so I know firsthand.”

There was something about that statement that really spoke to me. I think it’s the way Arella talks about her past experiences with such detachment, because she already knows that she had to experience those difficulties for a reason.

The scenes with the spirit guides were very fascinating to read, and I enjoyed being able to see things from both a human’s perspective, and a higher one.

There were intimate therapy sessions throughout the book, and within these sessions, the therapist teaches Raphi breathing exercises to help with her anxiety, along with how to tap into her childhood wounds to heal, both of which can be beneficial tools for readers on their own journeys.

Opportunities eventually begin to open up for Raphi, and that is how she discovers her purpose. Suddenly, life feels worth living again. It’s as if all the pieces have finally clicked into place.

Toward the end of the book, Raphi goes to visit a psychic who tells her that she’s a fighter and that Arella, her spirit guide, is proud of her.

*Cue the tears.*

Imagine how many of our spirit guides are showering us with unconditional love and praise while we’re down here belittling ourselves. It was a great reminder that even when we feel alone and abandoned, we never truly are. There are always spirits on our team rooting for us, even if we can’t see them.

The book ends on a beautiful note with a final message from Arella, stating that she’s proud Raphi has reached a point where the past no longer holds her back, and talks about how there were so many divinely orchestrated moments in her life that she isn’t even aware of.

There is so much more I’d like to discuss about this book, but I don’t want to ruin the experience for those of you who want to read it!

[gay_chaos_gremlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was interesting. I didn't really know what to expect going into it but I ended up really liking it!!!


The Chapters that were from Arella's point of view confused me a lot at first but it all ended up coming together in such a nice way at the end. The pacing felt a bit off to me, I don't know exactly why tho. I really liked the dynamic between Claire And Raphi, and as soon as I read how old Claire was I knew they would end up together. Overall a super sweet book, loved the plot, the message and the characters. Also thank you for an ARC of this book!!! 4.5 stars rounded up!!!

[Victoria Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, wow. I have not been taken on a journey like this in a long time! I would recommend this book to anyone, even if this isn't their "usual" genre.

I'll admit it was a bit confusing at first when we were introduced to Arella. I was honestly completely lost as to the role this character had, as it almost seemed like they were speaking to me directly at times. As the story progresses I started to kind of piece it together and what I really enjoyed is how Capek wrote the character in a way that they could fit any belief system the reader has. It wasn't just one religion or belief system and I have never encountered that and enjoyed that much more than I thought I would.

The hard work that Raphi has to do to come out on the other side of her struggles is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. I connected with the struggles Raphi was going through so much and really felt like this was a fictional self-help book for lack of a better description.

The way that Capek is able to tell Raphi's story while almost engaging directly with the reader is profound and not something I have encountered before. I would recommend this 100 times over and I definitely have gained valuable perspective.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the beginning of the book and the struggles of Raphi. Then I felt it stalled a bit. I wish Raphis’s feelings had been more explored in the story because there was so much more there. I am really happy that I kept reading because this story really touched me. Arella’s story confused me a lot but it was so beautifully explained when everything was put together.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Adir Toobaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn’t just a story—it’s an experience. You can’t help but grow attached to the characters, and it’s almost impossible to put down. It’s the perfect blend of realism and fantasy—even for someone like me, who never reads fantasy. Most importantly, it stayed with me beyond the pages, sparking thoughts and inspiring me to take action to make my own life better, with a little more faith in a gust of wind.

[Maria S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Source of the Wind is much more than a book, much more than a love story. It is an emotional journey through the soul of Raphi, who from early childhood has been confronted with the bitterness of life. The book is almost a memoir of a young woman, a textbook for self-improvement and spiritual guidance. Written in the first person, the story leaves the feeling that you are reading the diary of a suffering but ready for change soul and draws you to walk with her the path to this change. A path that is almost never easy, but promises happiness over the horizon. The Source of the Wind gives a kind of explanation of what everyone has wondered about at a certain period of their life - why are we on Earth, is there something more than our existence here and what is the meaning of all difficulties. Before reading this book, make sure that it will not affect your spiritual wounds, but even if the subject seems difficult to you, give it a chance, because sharing misfortune has a therapeutic effect and can help you find your own path to a happier life. I would give it 10 stars if I could, but it's only 5. I recommend The Source of the Wind to anyone looking for a more serious read, one that will give you plenty to think about and offer you a different, more positive worldview.

I want to thank the author for the advance review copy, and I am leaving this review with honesty and voluntarily.

[Michael Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd really like this book. This is a combination of real life and fantasy.

Raphi Cohen Is a preschool teacher and has many problems. She loves kids and that's very close to them. There are trigger points Ford readers such as suicide, mental problems, and child abuse. There are also spare guides involved but that's the fascination of this book. I recommend this book for all readers

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.