"... A novel that will keep you invested until the last page." Sally Ferguson, book reviewer "Windblown is a compelling read, one of those books where once the reader starts the first line, the entire book must be read." George Clever, author of Dancing with Grandfather Nearly a decade ago, plans for a terrorist attack that would eventually rock the eastern shores of Africa fell into the hands of the wrong man. His how to warn the right people before it's too late? He almost made it. Nine years later, Cassie Wright works to unveil the mystery shrouding her father's death while struggling to learn to trust again. Marine SSG Jake Richards seeks healing from past trauma as he transitions to civilian life while serving others through humanitarian work. Unseen forces of light and darkness swirl around these two, drawing them, their friends, and their families into a maelstrom of global proportion as the terrorists devise a new and appalling attack that will make far more impact . . . . . . And only those anchored in bedrock will survive. A native of the Washington, D.C., suburbs, A.K. Coulter has lived her entire life among military veterans and government employees. Aside from being a bookworm and a research nerd, she enjoys sharing God's grace in both spoken and written form. She has taught writing, tutored, and worked with various non-profit organizations in editing and formatting their written publications. She is a member of the ACFW, My Book Therapy, the Sinclairville Write Circle, and the Busti Writers Group. Her fiction has earned several awards, most notably, the Frasier Bronze and the ACFW Genesis awards. You may connect with her at akcoulter.com.
A realistic look at the human cost of global conflict.
Governments divided among themselves and against each other. Cultures and religions at war. Individuals caught between grace, violence, and the search for meaning.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the way Coulter wove information into the story through minor characters—people reading newspapers, searching online, overhearing conversations they weren’t meant to hear. It was masterful showing rather than telling, and it made the world feel alive and real.
And of course, there’s an intriguing friendship pulling everything together.
“Vengeance may belong to the Lord, but Richards was here to help Him accomplish it.” Jake Richards knows he’s lost without his faith. PTSD is no small thing, and as a military veteran now working with the CIA, he understands the difference between vengeance and revenge, even if he struggles to live it out.
“To my way of thinking, even God couldn’t thwart terrorism overseas. Or maybe He just didn’t want to. Maybe He didn’t care.” Cassie Wright lost her father, and her faith, in a Nairobi embassy bombing. Now she’s trying to find her way back into an independent life, and she’s not about to let God off the hook.
Jake and Cassie are great friends, and without a shared faith, that’s all they will ever be.
My favorite character, however, is Mahad, a grandfather trying to raise two grandsons in a refugee camp. He is deeply ashamed that his son has joined the terrorists. He has no faith in the Muslim religion and instead chooses to align himself with the God of love. Mahad ultimately gives his life so his grandsons can have a future that refugees are rarely granted.
My absolute favorite lines: “Dear God, where am I? he wondered. More importantly, where are You? Right here.”
So much truth and history in this story, you don’t walk away unmoved.
Masterfully crafted from beginning to end. So much to ponder and enjoy while the story unfolds in this first book of the Elements of Grace series. I love how the action in each section is related to a different kind of wind (I'm sure I did not know their subtle differences!) From page one you will be captivated by the evil plans of terrorists, the desperation of innocent masses, the bravery of those who seek to confront, and a loving Father who loves, guides, and draws us to Him.
I was astonished by this author’s meticulous commitment to research. From culture to regional history, from military tactics to radio equipment and operations, everything about this book felt intentional and understood. A.K Coulter seamlessly wove fact and fiction into a highly plausible story while also presenting the gospel message. I highly recommend this for your next read!