Winds of Promise

Wayward Wind #1

by Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene

Tells the adventurous story of twenty-eight-year-old pilot Rafer Maddox as he undertakes an 18,000 mile journey around Cape Horn to California's gold country to foil a plot to repossess his new paddle wheeler "New World"

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

218 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

BODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.

Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.

Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.

Reviews

[Megan Cooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this story from start to finish! Some might think the plot a bit slow, but I personally didn't mind it. The characters were very well developed and the ending, when everything came together was absolutely perfect!

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction with a touch of romance and Christian thread. One of Brock and Bodie Thoene's early books which I found interesting, but it didn't have the strong faith thread that their later books have.

Based on the run on California after the discovery of Gold, it focuses on the roles of the paddle wheelers that got the miners up and down the western coast of California. It was interesting to read about how they competed with one another as well as the illegal things that took place in order to garner money from the miners especially those who were down on their luck.

[Beth Yeaw D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy historic fiction about the steamboats in the northern California delta during the gold rush.
There was a lot of information about the boating and less about the character development and plot that I would have preferred but over all it was an enjoyable read especially after having lived in California.
It’s part of a series as well so maybe the next one has more of what I wish for. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Joanna Bair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this as a teen 25 years ago but man how writing styles have changed.
There wasn’t much plot and it felt like a sort of history book. I learned a lot but that’s about it.
There’s a teeny romance but it’s weird cuz she’s married for most of the book.
Christian fiction and the Thoene’s have come a long way.
Read their Zion covenant if you want a good older one instead.

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had quite a bit of adventure, mostly aboard a steamship and I learned a lot about the delta, steamships, gold mining and what the Sacramento area was like in the 1850's.

[june page · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most boring books i have read in a while!!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a historical novel set during the time of the California gold rush. It was interesting, but I felt like I learned more about the setting and about steam riverboats than I did about the characters.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her two 'Zion' series were better.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all. Action, blood, and romance. It would be a good book to read as a couple and it is really short. I couldn't put it down.

[Sarah Holmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

[Linda Brendle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Bodie and Brock Thoene's books. This series is good but doesn't have the same punch as their Zion Legacy series and A.D. Chronicles series.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good historical fiction--a little light--hope the remaining books in the series live up to the usual Thoene standards.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting adventure!
This book has been included in Legends of the West, Vol. 2 under the title "Delta Passage" by the same authors.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Thoenes are two of my favorite authors, but I really didn't care for this story. It was not nearly as good as their other books.

[Donna Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay... not my favorite Thoene book but full of history, interesting characters, and more. Shorter than most of her books. Good if you like to read about the California Gold Rush.

[Wandac]

Enjoyable read of historical fiction. Boats going to the gold fields in the gold rush of California.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was very hard to get into. I'm hoping the rest of the series is better.