Historical fiction novel So Wild the Wind by Bonnie Hobbs takes place on the Texas Gulf coast, 1866.
A ship crashes on the rocks of the rugged Texas coast and widow Alida Garrison is washed ashore. Lost at sea is her son, along with other family members. Rafe Bishop, a crippled Union soldier, rescues her during the raging storm and carries her to a healer for care.
Alida slowly recovers, both from her near-drowning and also from the loss and guilt of losing her son. She meets William, a little boy starving for love and attention. William’s father, hardhearted former Confederate officer Martin Cooper, cannot let go of the South’s surrender.
As Alida gains strength she befriends little William, and becomes acquainted with the man who saved her. In the meantime, Rafe is trying to piece together the circumstances leading to that shipwreck, plus others that have foundered on the rocks. Had the ships been misled by guiding, or misguiding, lights?
Alida becomes Williams’s governess, but is soon entangled in the mysterious and dangerous undercurrents in Cooper’s castle-like house.
So Wild the Wind is the story of loss, greed and love. The author’s knowledge and research of the area and era is apparent. I enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it.
Sounds like a wonderful read. It will go on my list.
Irene, you’ll enjoy this book. It’s a part of history I hadn’t previously known about.
I have Bonnie’s first novel: Sweet Justice—a signed copy. A most intriguing tale, so I will plan to read her latest ASAP. Once again your summary has left just enough—but no spoiler alerts. Glad I’m on your mailing list.
I found this an exciting, interesting novel. You’ll enjoy it Judith, I’m sure.