Written on the Wind

Title: Written on the Wind
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Series: The Blackstone Legacy, book 2
Major Themes: Historical Fiction, New York City, Russia, Survival
Synopsis: When her work contact and friend disappears into the Russian wilderness, Natalia Blackstone must figure out how to help him.

After reading Carved in Stone, and realizing who the sequel was about, I knew I wanted to read it. It took several months before Written on the Wind came available, but when I saw it come through, I snatched it up. What a fun story! I don’t enjoy Camden’s writings as much as some of the other authors I read frequently, but she brings a lot of perspective and historical interest into her books, and I appreciate that.

I also appreciated that this book was partially based in Russia. Although not everything felt realistic (in one section, especially, a character should have frozen or starved to death and didn’t), overall it was a beautiful look at the Russian country and culture that I haven’t seen elsewhere. I’ve read a couple of other books set in Russia lately, so it was fun to get the perspective this book has, as well.

Natalia Blackstone’s life is the bank her family has been running for several generations now. Few people understand—or appreciate—her talents in the business, but she finds it fulfilling, and sees no reason why a woman would want to tie herself down with a husband and children when the economic world is ever-changing and exciting. Over the last three years, Russian Count Dimitri Sokolov has been working closely with her as he oversees the construction of a new railroad on the Russian frontier. When he disappears one day and is replaced by a no-nonsense businessman, Natalia is worried. What happened to him? Why was he replaced, with no word to her on the change? Meanwhile, after a horrific event on the banks of the Amur River, Dimitri finds himself stripped of his title and lands for cowardice and dereliction of duty while at his post. Shipped off to Siberia to work out what could amount to a life sentence, is there any hope he’ll see his beautiful home again—or meet Natalia, who he’s come to love, though they’ve never met?

Written on the Wind was a fun story to read. It’s not the kind of book I’d want to read all the time, but occasionally is good. As with Carved in Stone, I found the descriptions of New York high society fascinating, and the glimpse into the financial world in the 1920s especially intriguing. Then with the Russian element added into the picture, it brought a lot of body to the story. Count Dimitri was so sweet, and his love of God’s creation was something I could relate to. I appreciated, especially, his dedication to trying to figure out what the Lord wanted him to do and then following through with that.

One thing I didn’t appreciate so much was the romantic element of the book. One of the characters decided to wait until another character was ready to proceed with their romantic relationship—and then just a few chapters later, they were alone together, and his passion had grown so much he kissed her anyway. I found that disappointing, because when it comes to Christian Fiction, I always appreciate seeing themes of love, respect, and putting oneself down for another coming through—and this instance, as well as several other scenes in the book, it felt like lust took over 

Do I recommend this book? Yes, I think so. It wasn’t a standout read, but I’m not sad I read it, either. I’m looking forward to the conclusion of the series, as I’ve gotten to know several characters in the family now, and they intrigue me. If you’re looking for a fairly light historical read, this could be a good option.

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: “For pity’s sake” is used in ch. 5, swear is used in ch. 5, “good heavens” or a variant is used in ch. 9, 27, 28, and 37, and goodness is used in ch. 24 and 25. In ch. 2, there’s a mention that a man cut a slit in his scalp to try to save a diamond for use later. In ch. 3, there’s a mention of smoking and a woman lights votive candles. In ch. 4, people get drunk and a man steals something and gets hurt. In ch. 7, a man has guns pointed at him, and he is beaten up. A man is almost killed in ch. 8, confesses he was a horse thief, and people come across a dead man. A man has terrible frostbite in ch. 10, threatens to commit suicide, and another man gets hurt. Multiple times throughout the book, and especially in ch. 13 and 24, there is a description of a massacre where thousands of people were killed. People drink wine in ch. 25. A woman sees another woman nursing a baby in ch. 28. There is a mention of a man who was blown up by a bomb in ch. 32. A man is hurt in a farm accident in ch. 35, and a station is blown up by a bomb in ch. 37. In ch. 39, a woman is praying with icons.

A man hugs a woman (not his wife) in ch. 12, they hold hands in ch. 13, and a man flirts in ch. 15. In ch. 17, there is a mention of a “full-bodied embrace” (it came across with lustful connotations to me), of marital relations, and a woman holds a man’s hands. A man desires a woman in ch. 18, and there is some touching in ch. 19. In ch. 20, a man desires a woman again and kisses her. There are rumors of a man’s misconduct in ch. 21, and a woman holds a man’s hands in ch. 22. In ch. 23, there is a mention of a man who had an affair with his housekeeper (this is also mentioned in ch. 24), and some more touching and kissing. More touching in ch. 24, kisses in ch. 25 and 26, and in ch. 27, there are insinuations that people had an affair (they hadn’t) and a couple hug. There are some kisses in ch. 28, and 33, a mention of the marriage bed in ch. 34, and a woman kisses a man’s hand in ch. 39.

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