What do you think?
Rate this book
Texas Whirlwind
A summer storm in Galveston mirrors the whirlwind of problems Emma Hayes encounters after she adopts Haitian twin girls and runs into her old high school love-ending in a battle for custody when strangers contest the adoption. Is it true that she bought love with her ready-made family or can she trust the One that the even wind and waves obey? A Christian romance.
Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2002
102 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Blythe
26 books292 followersEver since I tucked paperback romance novels in my school textbooks, I've
been a fan of Christian romance. Getting to write them is even more fun.
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Bonnie-Blythe/...
been a fan of Christian romance. Getting to write them is even more fun.
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Bonnie-Blythe/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 1, 2014
Emma Hayes acts on faith and adopts twin girls from Haiti. Yet she soon discovers that as a single parent things aren't easy. When she moves back to Galveston, Texas, she reconnects with her high school sweetheart, Travis Taylor. Only now he's Dr. Taylor and her daughters' doctor. Soon both realize that they still have feelings for each other. But a sudden custody suit puts their budding relationship on hold.
This was a cute book. I adored the twins. I thought that the characters could have been developed a little more. I also thought that the relationship between Emma and Travis could have been a little more in depth. Still it was a fast read.
I read this book for the Category Author/Letter B in Scattergories.
This was a cute book. I adored the twins. I thought that the characters could have been developed a little more. I also thought that the relationship between Emma and Travis could have been a little more in depth. Still it was a fast read.
I read this book for the Category Author/Letter B in Scattergories.
September 23, 2025
Are you kidding me?
I read it all the way through. Sometimes, you just can't help but wonder. Ok the tale was sweet, but it could've been so much more. it mentions Houston and Galveston, both places I know about. There's A woman who adopted twins from a third world country, there's also an old love who made something of himself inspite of her parents predictions. There are his and her ex lovers who are beyond twits. There is a meddling old church woman, geez was any other cliche left out?! Well, it made me laugh out loud when I reached The End.
I read it all the way through. Sometimes, you just can't help but wonder. Ok the tale was sweet, but it could've been so much more. it mentions Houston and Galveston, both places I know about. There's A woman who adopted twins from a third world country, there's also an old love who made something of himself inspite of her parents predictions. There are his and her ex lovers who are beyond twits. There is a meddling old church woman, geez was any other cliche left out?! Well, it made me laugh out loud when I reached The End.
January 14, 2018
The romance between Travis and Emma really happened when they were teens. Emma's parents were globetrotters and they took her with them when they left Texas, they didn't think Travis was any good for Emma, and have criticized her decisions pretty consistently every since she turned 21...... or 25, when she received a trust fund.
Emma is now in her 30's, has found Jesus [it's Christian romance, par for the course], and adopted two Haitian twins. The story explains that the mother died, the father couldn't feed them, so he gave them up to the orphanage and has already died. So the twins have no family, their adoption by Emma has gone through, it's just the matter of formalities with a six-month probation.
Emma has returned to Galveston, Texas, where her parents have an unoccupied rental property and begun to settle in to being a new mother. Her first order of business is to get the twins checked out, and so Travis becomes their doctor.
Travis is having a casual relationship with Lucy, who has motives of getting Travis to move to Houston where her father is....... anyway, that doesn't last. Lucy aims at revenge. When a married couple begin disputing Emma's adoption (because they saw the picture of the twins on the website, wanted to adopt them and have insisted on those twins even after they were adopted; sued Emma, sued the orphanage). Lucy manipulated her uncle, a judge, to land the case.
Emma's ex-fiancee, Stephen, came into the picture, pressuring Emma for money. He eventually fell in with Lucy and has been manipulating events as well. The ending of the book seemed rather rushed, and ended abruptly, with both Emma and Travis declaring their love after the judge confronted Emma with questions of why she didn't marry Travis when she could have.
Emma is now in her 30's, has found Jesus [it's Christian romance, par for the course], and adopted two Haitian twins. The story explains that the mother died, the father couldn't feed them, so he gave them up to the orphanage and has already died. So the twins have no family, their adoption by Emma has gone through, it's just the matter of formalities with a six-month probation.
Emma has returned to Galveston, Texas, where her parents have an unoccupied rental property and begun to settle in to being a new mother. Her first order of business is to get the twins checked out, and so Travis becomes their doctor.
Travis is having a casual relationship with Lucy, who has motives of getting Travis to move to Houston where her father is....... anyway, that doesn't last. Lucy aims at revenge. When a married couple begin disputing Emma's adoption (because they saw the picture of the twins on the website, wanted to adopt them and have insisted on those twins even after they were adopted; sued Emma, sued the orphanage). Lucy manipulated her uncle, a judge, to land the case.
Emma's ex-fiancee, Stephen, came into the picture, pressuring Emma for money. He eventually fell in with Lucy and has been manipulating events as well. The ending of the book seemed rather rushed, and ended abruptly, with both Emma and Travis declaring their love after the judge confronted Emma with questions of why she didn't marry Travis when she could have.
July 29, 2019
Emma's parents have moved her all over the world, and she has never felt truly settled and loved. When she volunteers at a Haitian orphanage, she falls in love with a set of 2 year old Haitian twin girls. She adopts them and then heads to Galveston, Texas where she had spent her high school years and had fallen in love with her high school boyfriend. Travis is now a pediatric doctor. When Emma takes the girls for an evaluation, they reconnect. But after a broken engagement, Emma wants to handle everything herself and not depend on anyone until Travis' ex-girlfriend, turns her world upside down. Will she lose everything she has come to love?
Sweet contemporary Christian romance that kept me rooting for Emma from start to finish. She needed to learn to depend on God first and foremost and allow others to help her and not see it as losing control. Travis was patient, understanding and caring as the connection between he and Emma once again took hold.
Sweet contemporary Christian romance that kept me rooting for Emma from start to finish. She needed to learn to depend on God first and foremost and allow others to help her and not see it as losing control. Travis was patient, understanding and caring as the connection between he and Emma once again took hold.
December 29, 2025
Sickly sweet with paper thin characters. A woman adopts two special needs twins from Haiti despite not having a home, a job, or any kind of support system in place. She moves back to Galveston, Texas, where she grew up and runs into an old boyfriend, who is now a doctor. There's a incredibly implausible courtroom battle for custody of the twins and multiple eye rolling moments borne from a shallow theology. For example, when Emma comes to Galveston, she moves a luxury rental home owned by her parents.
Emma looked up at the house, inappropriately referred to as a “beach house”, which brought images of a snug little cottage to her mind. This place had three bedrooms, a professional chef’s kitchen, and home theater system. When it had become vacant in between the usual string of wealthy renters, Emma decided it was the providence of God.
Was it really God's providence that your parents own a bunch of luxury beach homes?
Emma looked up at the house, inappropriately referred to as a “beach house”, which brought images of a snug little cottage to her mind. This place had three bedrooms, a professional chef’s kitchen, and home theater system. When it had become vacant in between the usual string of wealthy renters, Emma decided it was the providence of God.
Was it really God's providence that your parents own a bunch of luxury beach homes?
June 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
June 27, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Hard to not put it down but couldn’t stay up all night😂😂
Will definitely recommend it to my friends
Will definitely recommend it to my friends
October 23, 2020
I love this group of prayer warriors, what a beautiful group of believers in our Lord.
June 6, 2015
‘Texas Whirlwind’ is the story of Emma, a young single woman who has adopted some toddler twins from Haiti. Emma takes the twins to a local doctor for a checkup, only to discover that he is a former boyfriend, Travis. The story alternates their viewpoints, as well as that of one or two other characters.
Travis is very good with the twins, and it's clear almost from the beginning that he and Emma will get together eventually. Much of the book is then taken up with their introspective wonderings, which I found a bit tiresome after a while.
There’s a dramatic incident around the middle of the book, leading to a great deal of tension in the latter half, and I thought that was well-paced and exciting. I couldn’t quite believe in the villains as they’re one-dimensional and there doesn’t seem to be any real motivation for what they do, nor when, at the end, one of them has a change of heart. I thought the ending, while in a sense satisfactory (and predictable) was rather too abrupt.
The Christian side of the book is almost incidental. The main characters belong to a church, and prayer is seen as essential (and sometimes transcribed). But it's not at all pushy, Christian-wise.
Overall I thought it a pleasant read; the adoption theme is quite unusual, and the two main characters, introspection apart, are likeable and believable.
Travis is very good with the twins, and it's clear almost from the beginning that he and Emma will get together eventually. Much of the book is then taken up with their introspective wonderings, which I found a bit tiresome after a while.
There’s a dramatic incident around the middle of the book, leading to a great deal of tension in the latter half, and I thought that was well-paced and exciting. I couldn’t quite believe in the villains as they’re one-dimensional and there doesn’t seem to be any real motivation for what they do, nor when, at the end, one of them has a change of heart. I thought the ending, while in a sense satisfactory (and predictable) was rather too abrupt.
The Christian side of the book is almost incidental. The main characters belong to a church, and prayer is seen as essential (and sometimes transcribed). But it's not at all pushy, Christian-wise.
Overall I thought it a pleasant read; the adoption theme is quite unusual, and the two main characters, introspection apart, are likeable and believable.
August 2, 2012
Blythe puts you in Galveston Tx right away. I thought Travis was a really nice, honest and loyal character. Emma has her problems which showed her human side, but she was kinda annoying in the way she responded or handled her problems. I thought the twins were cute. I felt Blythe did a good job in showing her knowledge of the medical and legal professions. It kept me interested.
The book started out strong. There was a lull or slow part but Blythe was able to suck me back into the book.
The reason I rated this book a 3 is because of the ending. I felt the story was reaching the climax and the plot was getting thicker...or whatever phrase you want to use and then it just ended.
There was absolutely no resolution. I can't imagine that the author has another book in mind to continue the story, so I find the ending absurd.
Why did the judge do what he did? What happened with Stephan and Lucy? Were all Emma's problems solved. There was no resolution between Travis and Emma.
I felt Blythe was a decent writer. I felt the ending ruined the story. I really hate it when authors do things like this. It was such a let down because I was committed and rooting for the characters, then they were just gone.
Overall, really unnecessarily disappointing.
The book started out strong. There was a lull or slow part but Blythe was able to suck me back into the book.
The reason I rated this book a 3 is because of the ending. I felt the story was reaching the climax and the plot was getting thicker...or whatever phrase you want to use and then it just ended.
There was absolutely no resolution. I can't imagine that the author has another book in mind to continue the story, so I find the ending absurd.
Why did the judge do what he did? What happened with Stephan and Lucy? Were all Emma's problems solved. There was no resolution between Travis and Emma.
I felt Blythe was a decent writer. I felt the ending ruined the story. I really hate it when authors do things like this. It was such a let down because I was committed and rooting for the characters, then they were just gone.
Overall, really unnecessarily disappointing.
July 26, 2012
This was a delightful little tale - just right to curl up with on a wet day.
Emma is a independent strong willed young woman who has just returned from Haiti with twin girls whom she has adopted. Enrolling them at a local medical practice she is surprised (understatement of the year) to find her old boyfriend Travis is the physician assigned to treat them.
So begins a tale of unrequited love which has never died - even though Emma has been away for many years. The twists and turns which add to the tale - the fight to keep the twins when another couple claim that they should have adopted them, sickness of the twins and Emma's slightly uncomfortabe reawakening of her feelings for Travis fill the story out nicely.
My only criticism was that the ending felt just a little rushed. Ending mid scene in the courtroom, admittedly the resolution was there, but if ever as story cried out for an epilogue it was this one.
Still highly recommended as a fun lightweight read with a hint of suspense.
Emma is a independent strong willed young woman who has just returned from Haiti with twin girls whom she has adopted. Enrolling them at a local medical practice she is surprised (understatement of the year) to find her old boyfriend Travis is the physician assigned to treat them.
So begins a tale of unrequited love which has never died - even though Emma has been away for many years. The twists and turns which add to the tale - the fight to keep the twins when another couple claim that they should have adopted them, sickness of the twins and Emma's slightly uncomfortabe reawakening of her feelings for Travis fill the story out nicely.
My only criticism was that the ending felt just a little rushed. Ending mid scene in the courtroom, admittedly the resolution was there, but if ever as story cried out for an epilogue it was this one.
Still highly recommended as a fun lightweight read with a hint of suspense.
February 17, 2013
This book was well written. I’ve read Bonnie Blythe before and appreciate her talent. I mostly enjoyed this book, though it was occasionally a bit melodramatic for my tastes. I’m not counting this as a flaw. I just prefer a love story where the characters have a little fun together between long looks and aching hearts. Here you have two people with a history who are tentative to restart a relationship. I bought their reasons and hoped for a happy ending for them. At one point, however, both characters have vindictive exes reappear and stoop even to illegal means for revenge. This felt either unrealistic or unflattering to the main characters for associating with those people or both. The ending was a bit abrupt as well. But the story overall was satisfying. I liked it and have at least one more by this author in my reading queue. Will probably look for a comedy or two in between though.
September 29, 2012
A couple of things about the weather in Houston caused me to think I wouldn't like this book. I'm glad I decided to read a little further because I was hooked as soon as I found out Emmaline Hayes, single and on her own, had adopted twin toddlers from Haiti. Romantic conflict begins as soon as Emma's path crosses that of her high school sweetheart and doesn't let up. I passed the 50% mark about eleven one night, the plot thickened with a threat to the adoption, and I read into the wee hours to finish the book. It's a good read and I recommend it.
November 1, 2012
y main trouble with this story? It left me wanting more. But then, I've always been that way, hating to see things that I like come to an end. I suppose it's a change of pace versus the waiting that often comes with reading series novels.
The story of Emma, her adopting two sweet little girls from Haiti, and Travis -well, it's simply heart warming. I truly laughed, felt the familiar twinge in my heart in Emma's moments of questioning her parenting ability, cried, and cheered!
This is a great quick read.
Happy Reading!
The story of Emma, her adopting two sweet little girls from Haiti, and Travis -well, it's simply heart warming. I truly laughed, felt the familiar twinge in my heart in Emma's moments of questioning her parenting ability, cried, and cheered!
This is a great quick read.
Happy Reading!
July 31, 2012
This was a very emotional story. Good undertones of trusting in God to lead you through the storm. Emma and Travis aren't just up against their past history, but vengeful exs, a crooked judge and battered hearts. I enjoyed the story alot, I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, though everything was pretty much closed. I wouldn't have minded a glance into the future to see what happened, guess I'll just have to imagine it.
May 1, 2015
Texas Whirlwind is a story with conflict, love and devotion, all within a Christian fellowship of people who live their faith. Emma feels God has guided her to adopt two Haitian twin girls. Travis, her long ago high school sweetheart, becomes the girls' doctor and helps Emma with the challenges and conflict that comes her way. This is an inspiring story where people trust in their faith to find happiness. The happy ending was the bonus.
June 25, 2014
This book was ok...some parts were really good and some parts could have been better ...I think the thing that bugged me the most was the constant use of exclamation points...it seemed like ever other sentence had one. Why so many? Are they yelling at each other ? Ugh I don't know... But the plot seemed pretty good I just wished the author would have been able to make the story a little more cohesive...
July 6, 2014
This book got off to a really good start and it was an interesting read. However, halfway through the story, I just became very frustrated with the heroine of the book. She drove me crazy with the way she treated Travis and I kept wanting her to figure things out and straighten up!
The writing was good and did keep me interested, but the ending was very, very sudden and did not fulfill my expectations.
This is a good, light read, although not a favorite.
The writing was good and did keep me interested, but the ending was very, very sudden and did not fulfill my expectations.
This is a good, light read, although not a favorite.
June 16, 2016
Trust and faith in God as well as one another are themes in this sweet christian novel. The characters draw you in and you find yourself routing for the leading man, frustrated with the struggles of the female lead, and laughing over the antics of the nosiest matchmaker in their church. I loved that "prayer first" was a repeated mantra.
July 5, 2014
Emma adopts twin girls from Haiti despite her parents' and fiance's disapproval. She moves back to Texas where she discovers the girls' pediatrician is her old high school sweetheart, Travis. Emma wants to prove she can make it on her own with her daughters but Travis and his elderly matchmaking neighbor have other ideas.
November 14, 2014
I enjoyed the story....the characters were very likeable, albeit a little predictable. The author kept my interest throughout the story but I found the ending came too quickly....I would have liked to follow the characters for awhile longer. Perhaps a sequel? If you like a romance or have a heart for orphans or Haiti, I think you'd enjoy it!
January 22, 2015
A story of tested love but the ending...
This story of tested love from past to present was good up to a point. I was cheering for Travis to win over Emma's reluctant heart. The book had good characters throughout. My only complaint was the ending. It seemed very rushed and ended abruptly.
This story of tested love from past to present was good up to a point. I was cheering for Travis to win over Emma's reluctant heart. The book had good characters throughout. My only complaint was the ending. It seemed very rushed and ended abruptly.
August 17, 2011
This is the first book I've read from this author. I really enjoyed it. The whole dynamic of the twins, her connection to her old flame, and her own feelings of inadequacy made for an interesting and fast paced plot. I couldn't put it down!
September 5, 2012
A new author I discovered through a free Kindle book. I liked this writer's style and hope to read more of her books. Perhaps the story was a bit predictable but I appreciated Ms. Blythe's highly descriptive and entertaining story-telling.
May 13, 2014
No thanks. The heroine cannot let go. It is tiresome. The ex girlfriend revenge is belabored! Please allow someone some happiness. The ending is rushed! No thanks. Seems to be a theme reading other reviews for your other books.
October 24, 2013
This was a clean, light, easy read. I got a little annoyed at how deeply the characters were stuck in their ruts. If this is a book about faith, show some and move forward already! I wasn't completely satisfied with the end as I felt people got away with bad behavior and no consequences.
July 3, 2014
I am a big fan of Bonnie Blythe's books but this one has been my least favorite. The main character is naive, indecisive and completely unsure of herself, and while these types of people are common they are really hard to enjoy reading about.
October 18, 2014
Loved this book. A single mom adopting twin girls returns to one of the many towns she has lived in. The girls get sick and the adoption is challenged. All because of exes of both main characters. Once you start this book you won't want to put it down.
January 9, 2015
Ok but a little boring
The main character was too wishy washy, vacillating constantly over every decision. It made me wonder how she got through life if every decision was an exercise in self doubt.
The main character was too wishy washy, vacillating constantly over every decision. It made me wonder how she got through life if every decision was an exercise in self doubt.
July 26, 2012
Heart-warming story with Christian values.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews