What do you think?
Rate this book
The Windswept Saga #0.5
A Zephyr Rising
A British heiress in WWI England must confront her family’s plans for her future as she searches to find her place in a changing world.
August, 1914: A few days after Britain declares war on Germany, English heiress Ginger Whitman already senses changes sweeping her town. But nothing shocks her more than the arrest and attacks on German nationals, including the local butcher she’s known all her life. After witnessing his English wife and children left destitute, Ginger is determined to help.
Ginger’s appeals to those in a position of power are met with indifference. In a country seized by spy fever, chaos and destruction threaten to boil over—and Ginger must act quickly before a serious miscarriage in justice destroys an innocent family.
A Zephyr Rising is the prequel novella to the Windswept WW1 Saga, a historical fiction series featuring a strong female protagonist navigating family drama, spies, steamy romance, and epic adventure in the British Middle Eastern front of the First World War. This novella contains depictions of violence.
August, 1914: A few days after Britain declares war on Germany, English heiress Ginger Whitman already senses changes sweeping her town. But nothing shocks her more than the arrest and attacks on German nationals, including the local butcher she’s known all her life. After witnessing his English wife and children left destitute, Ginger is determined to help.
Ginger’s appeals to those in a position of power are met with indifference. In a country seized by spy fever, chaos and destruction threaten to boil over—and Ginger must act quickly before a serious miscarriage in justice destroys an innocent family.
A Zephyr Rising is the prequel novella to the Windswept WW1 Saga, a historical fiction series featuring a strong female protagonist navigating family drama, spies, steamy romance, and epic adventure in the British Middle Eastern front of the First World War. This novella contains depictions of violence.
190 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2022
42 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle McCormack
16 books233 followersAnnabelle McCormack writes historical romantic fiction, fantasy romance, and contemporary romance packed with sprawling adventures, epic love, and soulmates who just can’t stay away from each other (even when the world is falling apart). If there’s a sweeping love story with high stakes and deep emotions, she’s probably writing it—or at least dreaming about it while chasing down her next cup of coffee.
When she’s not wrangling words, she’s wrangling five home-schooled kids, a couple of dogs, and an unreasonable amount of books in Maryland. If life had more hours (and less laundry), she’d be traveling, painting, or becoming a professional pastry chef. For now, she’s content with baking, reading, lifting heavy things at the gym, and plotting her next great escape—er, novel.
Follow her adventures (both literary and domestic) on Instagram, or sign up for her newsletter at her website!
When she’s not wrangling words, she’s wrangling five home-schooled kids, a couple of dogs, and an unreasonable amount of books in Maryland. If life had more hours (and less laundry), she’d be traveling, painting, or becoming a professional pastry chef. For now, she’s content with baking, reading, lifting heavy things at the gym, and plotting her next great escape—er, novel.
Follow her adventures (both literary and domestic) on Instagram, or sign up for her newsletter at her website!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 11, 2022
Ready for an armchair travel? Need an epic historical adventure? Heartfelt romance? Strong heroines? This is THAT series and you'll want to start with THIS book.
First of all, thank you to Annabelle McCormack for this gifted copy. It came as a special treat on a day when I needed it most.
Secondly, what a gorgeous cover and apt title! British heiress Virginia Whitman certainly is a zephyr rising.
Thirdly, how lovely to get the back story on one of last year’s favourite heroines! This prequel answers questions surrounding her suitor, the catalyst for her career choice, the fulfilment of prerequisites prior to enlisting, as well as the reasons for her parents’ indifference and her brother’s influence in Ginger’s life. I loved getting to know Ginger Whitman on a grander scale.
McCormack writes to allow her readers to experience empathy for her characters. With such importance put on this powerful connection, you’ll feel Lady Virginia’s frustration at the gaiety despite Britain being at war, anxiety at not wanting to wed who her parents have chosen for her, elation at the prospect of finding a way to help, and hope, not only for her future but for those of the Martin family who’ve been wrongfully treated. You’ll love McCormack’s characterization and her strong character voice.
I learned about the Aliens Restriction Act and how it affected the town butcher’s family, the role of Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, the importance many placed (above all else) on making their political loyalties known, and the inner conflict many felt at wanting to show support for the war yet remaining warily fearsome.
I absolutely loved this plucky heroine who dares to question her destiny, who is willing to settle for being called a “merry old maid” rather than marry someone she doesn’t love, who fiercely stands up for what she wants rather than what is expected of her, and who has an insatiable sense of adventure!
Historical fiction lovers, this saga needs to be on your summer reading list...NOW!
First of all, thank you to Annabelle McCormack for this gifted copy. It came as a special treat on a day when I needed it most.
Secondly, what a gorgeous cover and apt title! British heiress Virginia Whitman certainly is a zephyr rising.
Thirdly, how lovely to get the back story on one of last year’s favourite heroines! This prequel answers questions surrounding her suitor, the catalyst for her career choice, the fulfilment of prerequisites prior to enlisting, as well as the reasons for her parents’ indifference and her brother’s influence in Ginger’s life. I loved getting to know Ginger Whitman on a grander scale.
McCormack writes to allow her readers to experience empathy for her characters. With such importance put on this powerful connection, you’ll feel Lady Virginia’s frustration at the gaiety despite Britain being at war, anxiety at not wanting to wed who her parents have chosen for her, elation at the prospect of finding a way to help, and hope, not only for her future but for those of the Martin family who’ve been wrongfully treated. You’ll love McCormack’s characterization and her strong character voice.
I learned about the Aliens Restriction Act and how it affected the town butcher’s family, the role of Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, the importance many placed (above all else) on making their political loyalties known, and the inner conflict many felt at wanting to show support for the war yet remaining warily fearsome.
I absolutely loved this plucky heroine who dares to question her destiny, who is willing to settle for being called a “merry old maid” rather than marry someone she doesn’t love, who fiercely stands up for what she wants rather than what is expected of her, and who has an insatiable sense of adventure!
Historical fiction lovers, this saga needs to be on your summer reading list...NOW!
July 27, 2023
The reading goal today was historical fiction, which allowed me to finally take this book I have been eager to read off my nightstand. A Zephyr Rising, the prequel Novella to the Windswept WWI Saga, was just as wonderful as I expected! I loved getting the backstories on the characters and storylines, and honestly, even though I read Windswept (book 1) and Sands of Sirocco (book 2) recently, this just made me want to continue the story and reread them! I am excitedly awaiting the release of the third installment, Whisper in the Tempest.
Annabelle McCormack has such a flowing writing style that keeps me captivated and completely engrossed in the story, picturing every last detail in my mind. She definitely has done her research, so although it is historical fiction, I still felt like I was learning more about historical events.
The cover is beautiful! I can’t decide which cover in the series I like best because they are all equally stunning.
I was originally introduced to Annabelle McCormack through winning Once We Met (book 3 in the Brandywood Small Town Romance series) in the Goodreads Giveaways, and I now have read everything she has published. I loved her writing style enough to explore this historical fiction series as well. I have never been disappointed with her books and would recommend all of her books if these are genres you enjoy! I am happy that there are three more books, one from each series plus a standalone, to be released by the end of the year! Way to go, Annabelle! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Annabelle McCormack has such a flowing writing style that keeps me captivated and completely engrossed in the story, picturing every last detail in my mind. She definitely has done her research, so although it is historical fiction, I still felt like I was learning more about historical events.
The cover is beautiful! I can’t decide which cover in the series I like best because they are all equally stunning.
I was originally introduced to Annabelle McCormack through winning Once We Met (book 3 in the Brandywood Small Town Romance series) in the Goodreads Giveaways, and I now have read everything she has published. I loved her writing style enough to explore this historical fiction series as well. I have never been disappointed with her books and would recommend all of her books if these are genres you enjoy! I am happy that there are three more books, one from each series plus a standalone, to be released by the end of the year! Way to go, Annabelle! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 11, 2022
This is the prequel to Windswept by Annabelle McCormack. Have you read Windswept? I did and gave it a 5 star review. It was an exciting historical romance that I’m still thinking about! So in this novella (150 pages) we get to see a deeper look to before. It had arranged marriages, the war coming with Germany and Ginny trying to have some control of her life.
It was compelling and gave me a close look at the prejudice before the war even before it invaded parts of Europe.
My jaw was clenched and I felt injustice at what was happening and I couldn’t put it down! Annabelle this was awesome and brought so many things to light.
I highly recommend this if you want a good, well written narrative. I hope you pick this up and get a glimpse of this authors talent.
Really excited about book 2❣️
It was compelling and gave me a close look at the prejudice before the war even before it invaded parts of Europe.
My jaw was clenched and I felt injustice at what was happening and I couldn’t put it down! Annabelle this was awesome and brought so many things to light.
I highly recommend this if you want a good, well written narrative. I hope you pick this up and get a glimpse of this authors talent.
Really excited about book 2❣️
July 10, 2022
Thrilling, fun, and full of heart, A Zephyr Rising is exactly what you want from a prequel. An intriguing back story with plenty of action, more of the characters you love (and love to hate), and the making of a passionate, fearless young woman who you can't help but to root for. It's an integral part of the Windswept saga and a wonderful introduction to its heroine.
July 11, 2022
A Zephyr Rising is the prequel novella to the Windswept WW1 Saga. Beginning in August, 1914, shortly after Britain entered the war, the country seems to have changed almost overnight.
Those who’ve read Windswept (like myself) know Ginger Whitman is a formidable woman. Here, we get to see some of the events that forged her courageous spirit. With nods to Downton (think Mary’s determination with Sybil’s heart), she isn’t afraid to speak her mind, even when others vehemently disagree, and goes to great lengths to do what she knows is right.
In addition to examining a woman’s changing place in the world (arranged marriages, suffrage, and wartime work are all expertly woven into the plot and characterization), the book references the harshness of the 1914 Aliens Restriction Act and is perfect for fans of The Storms of War by Kate Williams.
I will say, having read Windswept, that for as nice as it was to see Ginger’s formative years, some of her interactions- particularly with her brother Henry- were bittersweet. Right in the feels!
It was also nice getting to know new characters, such as Madeline and Gran, whom I hope to see more of as the Windswept Saga progresses.
I received an ARC from the author. These opinions are my own and are being expressed freely and without bias.
Those who’ve read Windswept (like myself) know Ginger Whitman is a formidable woman. Here, we get to see some of the events that forged her courageous spirit. With nods to Downton (think Mary’s determination with Sybil’s heart), she isn’t afraid to speak her mind, even when others vehemently disagree, and goes to great lengths to do what she knows is right.
In addition to examining a woman’s changing place in the world (arranged marriages, suffrage, and wartime work are all expertly woven into the plot and characterization), the book references the harshness of the 1914 Aliens Restriction Act and is perfect for fans of The Storms of War by Kate Williams.
I will say, having read Windswept, that for as nice as it was to see Ginger’s formative years, some of her interactions- particularly with her brother Henry- were bittersweet. Right in the feels!
It was also nice getting to know new characters, such as Madeline and Gran, whom I hope to see more of as the Windswept Saga progresses.
I received an ARC from the author. These opinions are my own and are being expressed freely and without bias.
September 27, 2022
The truly beautiful thing about Ginger is that she is human enough to make huge blunders and have only gotten in her mess by trying to help others. In her quest to atone for her mistakes, she is reminded that she has no useful skills to offer outside running a house. Once the idea of becoming a nurse is introduced to her she knows it is her path forward. Now she just has to clear the roadblocks (mostly from her father) and deal with Stephen.
August 2, 2022
Lovely prequel to Windswept
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ginger's pre-WWI life in this prequel to Annabelle McCormack's Windswept. Now I'm even more excited to read Scirocco, the next chapter in Ginger's story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ginger's pre-WWI life in this prequel to Annabelle McCormack's Windswept. Now I'm even more excited to read Scirocco, the next chapter in Ginger's story.
September 24, 2022
Fantastic prequel! Gives you a great background to the characters and flows right into book 1! Loved it.
March 27, 2023
Wow So Exciting!!!
I can't wait to read the first book WINDSWEPT after reading this prequel it was so exciting & riveting!! I love sagas like this never get enough of them!!
I can't wait to read the first book WINDSWEPT after reading this prequel it was so exciting & riveting!! I love sagas like this never get enough of them!!
September 26, 2023
A British heiress in WWI England must confront her family’s plans for her future as she searches to find her place in a changing world.
August, 1914: A few days after Britain declares war on Germany, English heiress Ginger Whitman already senses changes sweeping her town. But nothing shocks her more than the arrest and attacks on German nationals, including the local butcher she’s known all her life. After witnessing his English wife and children left destitute, Ginger is determined to help.
Ginger’s appeals to those in a position of power are met with indifference. In a country seized by spy fever, chaos and destruction threaten to boil over—and Ginger must act quickly before a serious miscarriage in justice destroys an innocent family.
A Zephyr Rising is the prequel novella to the Windswept WW1 Saga, a historical fiction series featuring a strong female protagonist navigating family drama, spies, steamy romance, and epic adventure in the British Middle Eastern front of the First World War.
A great introduction to the “Windswept” series - definitely read this prequel first. It is really good to get to know the characters and the story behind them. Highly recommended 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August, 1914: A few days after Britain declares war on Germany, English heiress Ginger Whitman already senses changes sweeping her town. But nothing shocks her more than the arrest and attacks on German nationals, including the local butcher she’s known all her life. After witnessing his English wife and children left destitute, Ginger is determined to help.
Ginger’s appeals to those in a position of power are met with indifference. In a country seized by spy fever, chaos and destruction threaten to boil over—and Ginger must act quickly before a serious miscarriage in justice destroys an innocent family.
A Zephyr Rising is the prequel novella to the Windswept WW1 Saga, a historical fiction series featuring a strong female protagonist navigating family drama, spies, steamy romance, and epic adventure in the British Middle Eastern front of the First World War.
A great introduction to the “Windswept” series - definitely read this prequel first. It is really good to get to know the characters and the story behind them. Highly recommended 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 27, 2022
This is a beautifully written story of love and loss set against the backdrop of the first few weeks of war in August 1914 - a time fraught with uncertainty and tension. This is a prequel to last summer’s Windswept. We backtrack three years (give or take) and meet Ginger on the lawns of her English estate, far from the sandy desert where we meet here at the outset of Windswept. War has just been declared and Ginger’s biggest concern of the day is helping her mother set up a garden party turned fundraiser. Frivolity soon turns to fear as tensions rise, even in their own small English village. There’s no mistaking Ginger’s tenacity and her will to do the right thing (sound familiar) when the Martin family is under threat for their German ancestry.
Her will to fight and sudden urge to care for the injured Martin boy brings Ginger to London where she tangles with Stephen Fisher, her brother Henry, contacts at the Home Office and last but not least, Doctor James Clark. We get a taste for the tension that is fraught in the pages of Windswept and just a hint of the backroom dealings and secrecy that cause so much heartache and pain for Ginger's family.
Her will to fight and sudden urge to care for the injured Martin boy brings Ginger to London where she tangles with Stephen Fisher, her brother Henry, contacts at the Home Office and last but not least, Doctor James Clark. We get a taste for the tension that is fraught in the pages of Windswept and just a hint of the backroom dealings and secrecy that cause so much heartache and pain for Ginger's family.
February 2, 2023
Short and clean with much insight as to the beginnings of WWI and the effect on society. As one who likes closure, typically not into prequels, but this one drew a reader in from the start. It did complete its goal of depicting the main character's home life and expectations of the upper class of England in the era. Though, I was surprised by the overall polite interactions as a whole. Sets the stage for the the following books of the series.
February 2, 2026
Yes this is a novella, but I don’t know if I’ve ever read one as good as this. The wind swept saga is fantastic. I actually read this which is supposed to be a prequel, after I had finished the series. I still loved reading it. There is a new book out just released in October but the audiobook has not been released yet. That’s what I’m waiting for this is the book on Jack .
January 28, 2023
Wartime
A wonderful read with engaging characters that I found hard to put down. A wealthy woman whose father wants her to marry her brothers friend so he can have an alliance with that family but she doesn't love him and she just wants to be a nurse to aid the war effort
A wonderful read with engaging characters that I found hard to put down. A wealthy woman whose father wants her to marry her brothers friend so he can have an alliance with that family but she doesn't love him and she just wants to be a nurse to aid the war effort
July 3, 2023
No inicio do século XX mulheres nobres não tinham o menor preparo para a vida além de se casar, cuidar do marido e dos filhos, mas a protagonista desta narrativa decide que quer muito mais, e luta por isso. Muito bom.
November 18, 2023
This is a prequel novella to the Windswept series. It was a great, short read that provided the backstory for the next three novels in the series. More importantly, some events provided the impetus for Ginger to immediately take action to help.
July 3, 2022
A good appetizer for the saga.
August 11, 2022
Nice quick summer read
Enjoyed the book. I can not wait to read the sequel. Nice plot. Strong female characters. Truly an enjoyable beach read.
Enjoyed the book. I can not wait to read the sequel. Nice plot. Strong female characters. Truly an enjoyable beach read.
November 11, 2023
Love, love this series. Can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews