The Wind

Publisher's Summary

The American Revolution reaches the Gulf Coast 

Gabriel is a simple sailor, doing the bidding of his Captain and King, when he is swept up in a storm that changes his life in ways that he could never have anticipated. Carlotta yearns for her lost home, and is searching for her lost husband, but both remain elusive in a world that has been turned upside-down by forces far outside of her control. 

When the storm that is Governor Bernardo de Gálvez breaks over them both, neither will ever be the same - and nor will their world.

©2012 Lars D. H. Hedbor (P)2018 Lars D. H. Hedbor

Makes history so much fun

It's a different execution from the more generic history textbooks we often get. I really like the way the author and narratated gave us this info.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great book!

The author does a great job telling the story and the different characters. I would recommend this book to anyone

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Historical Fiction Done Right

While not typically in genres that I read – The Wind was an awesome tale of Revolutionary War-time West-Florida and is really a story about people.

In the introductory chapters, we learn that there is a storm and that Gabriel lands on a beach in an attempt to shelter from the storm. In the morning a woman finds and greets him while looking for her lost husband. She heals Gabriel out with the help of her father. Once we get into the story we find out that there is much more going on (and really anything more would be a spoiler!)

Hedbor’s storytelling is just that – it’s reminiscent of the older stories that you hear from “way back when”. Obviously, he’s telling a story about a long time ago but you get that authentic and honest feeling when you listen to it. He was able to bring a story about a time and a place that I don’t know much about and draw me deep into the sand and the ocean of that area.

I think with the popularity of Hamilton – this era of history is going to become more and more popular and Hedbor’s The Wind is just one of many Revolutionary War timed stories. I love the fact that he picks a certain place and just goes deep into it. He brings stories that you definitely didn’t hear or read in History class and makes them jump off of the page. I can honestly say, growing up in Pennsylvania that I knew very little about Florida (or the Spanish’s involvement in some of the battles). But after reading The Wind I feel like I know more (even though the story is fictional) and it makes me want to read more on the subject.

Couple this with the narration of Shamaan Casey and you have a rousing tale that’s well performed. The combination of Hedbor’s writing style and Casey’s ability to make the story jump off the page and you have a Historical Fiction book that really stands out.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Very Enjoyable.

The Author has a unique approach to explaining the strategic importance and role that each area of the Country played in the American Revolution... And based on wall researched fact ... It is a thought provoking book. and makes You aware of the possible eventualities that "could" have played a part or even changed the outcome. The Narrator has an amazing voice. Easy to listen to and very well articulated. I enjoyed this book immensely. This book was provided free of charge in exchange for a fair review... Thank You!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The American Revolution, another view

Here you are drawn into the American Revolution from the eyes who helped fight, the Spaniards. Here in the Gulf of Mexico, you are taken through the lives of those affected by the war and those fighting for it. This is a wonderful story that shows you not only about the life of one but how they helped those wishing to be free from the British rule. The author did a fabulous job writing this and I must say I learned something new about the revolution and the narrator did a wonderful job telling the story and am very impressed with his ability to place the accent perfectly. Bravo to you both!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

wonderful

a wonderful way to tell history it was very enjoyable and very fun I loved the narrator and the book itself it was a very very good listen

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Enjoy history and little known stories?

An interesting story. Great characters. Historical fiction that is well written. I would read other books by this author.

Narration by Shamaan Casey makes the story enjoyable to hear. I would listen to him again.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

War, glorious war.

First, I have to start off by stating that I got this book free of charge in exchange for a review, but as I always state, this does not in any way impact my review. My reviews are always honest and my own.

The history of this era comes alive in this poignant and evocative story about colonists in West-Florida and Spanish involvement in the war. To be sure, Hedbor sheds light on events in Florida that have been overlooked in other fiction about this era. Like the other novels in this series, Hedbor is a brilliant storyteller when it comes to focusing on one or two individuals and how the war and the times affected them.

I have become a big fan of Hedbor's fiction and the books in the series. He's a wonderful writer with a powerful grasp of history and the people who made it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wonderful Historical Drama

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.

This is a historical fiction story set during the Revolutionary War. Here, the story takes place in the South [Florida, Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico]. Gabriel is a sailor but has been washed ashore after a storm. He is found by Carlotta, who is searching for her hisband after the storm. She nurses him back to health. Spain has entered the Revolutionary War and Gabriel is recruited as Carlotta continues her search for her lost husband.

Having grown up on the east coast, I was very familiar with the Revolutionary tales/wars in that region. I was not that familiar [although I had an inkling] with the events occurring in the south and Spain's involvement. This, in particular, was very interesting to me. I do enjoy historical fiction - when the author, as he does here, is able to deftly weave historical fact/people in with fictionalized characters.

The narrator did a great job, had wonderful pacing and his narration was a compliment to the written word.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Surprises in history!

historical-fiction, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, mariners, US-gulf-coast, American-Rev-War

Did you know that the city of Galveston is named for an important Spanish leader of the Battle of Mobile in 1780? Do you have the imagination to envision life aboard a merchant vessel that year during several hurricanes? Read about all of it from the perspective of one Spanish seaman who goes from the river trade to a war involving the British, Spain, and the treacherous weather of the North side of the Gulf of Mexico. The book is excellent for too many reasons to list, and the narration by Shamaan Casey transforms it into world class.
I won the audiobook in a giveaway.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Learning History Through Stories

This is another tale in this wonderful collection of modern tales of colonial America. Each gives the listener a different perspective of the time. Here we have a sailor who, from adversity, reaps rewards beyond his expectations. A second thread follows that of a wife who's husband is lost at sea. This is a well written and researched tale that immerses the listener, through first rate narration, in the historical period.