Out of the Whirlwind

The Appomattox Saga #5

by Gilbert Morris

Burke Rocklin, Clay's irresponsible brother, returns home with one goal: to marry an heiress. He fixes his sights on Belinda King, a spoiled but beautiful young heiress who leads him a merry chase. But Burke's plans are waylaid by the Second Battle of Manassas, where he is critically wounded. In a coma, stripped of his possessions by scavengers, he is mistakenly transported to the Union army hospital. When he finally comes out of his coma, he does not know who he is. And so he is placed in Ward K -- the ward for "hopeless cases."

There he encounters Grace Swenson, a devout Quaker who has come to Washington to help nurse the wounded soldiers. Grace's constant care and support draw Burke back from his depression, and soon they begin to fall in love.

What neither one knows is that the future holds terrible trials for them both -- including betrayal, a court martial for treason, and the threat of death!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Historical, Civil War, Historical Romance

316 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 1994

About the author

also published under the name Gilbert L. Morris

Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris

Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to reiterate this. I love this series but I hate that it portrays that some blacks didn't mind being owned why white people. They felt like part of the family.

Anyway moving on. This book is about Clay's younger brother Burke. He comes home and sets his sights on marrying a rich girl. Unfortunately for him all of the girls want a man in uniform so he signs up to be an engineer. As anyone would know he ended up fighting and was knocked unconcious. Raiders stole his clothes and jewelry and he ended up in a hospital with no memory.

There he meets a Quaker named Grace. She has been through a lot, and she goes to feel needed working at one of the overflowing hospitals.

She starts working in the ward of hopeless cases and begins praying with the men and from that the man they call John Smith (who is Burke) finally speaks.

Because he can speak and there is nothing wrong with him he gets kicked out and Grace takes him home to her family farm. Obviously in that time they fall in love.

Also going on in this book is Clay and Melora sharing a few stolen kisses. They both think it is too soon after Ellen and Clay has many concerns because of the war and their age gap.

A trail takes place and the Rocklin family is put to the test. Clay fights to help Burke find his way to God and Burke makes Clay realize that he should not wait with Melora.

The end with Clay and Melora? My little romantic heart is still pitter pattering!

[Summer Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Appomattox Saga. Less dramatic than some installments of this series, but enjoyable. The main characters were relatable. I appreciated some of the themes. Maybe the amnesia plot and the last-minute rescue were a little cliche, but it was an engaging read nonetheless.

[Emily Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps my favorite in the series! I absolutely loved this love story! Excellent story of love, finding oneself and learning about the power of God.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome historical fiction, with well developed character and plots.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY good story--neat characters and conversations

[Solana Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!!!!!

[Danae Mckain · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are predictable...but I enjoy historical fiction and the author does a good job of really putting in what was going on during the Civil War at the time.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the feel of this Civil War era read.

[Emock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the ensemble cast and how the "bad" characters are redeemed. Gospel presentation is good. Historical portions are sometimes choppy. I like the saga, although sometimes scenes jump abruptly. Overall, enjoyable.

I especially love Clay, Melora, Dent, Raimey.