Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

"What the Wind Knows" is a blend of a romantic novel and historical fiction, with a little fantasy mixed in. Hard core fans of any of these genres might object to the blend. For my own tastes, the book achieved a nice balance. I've read romance novels that are too separate from the world and historical fiction that is too immersed in the factual details. The plot was cleverly woven. The transitions between history and fiction were excellent: visible enough that the reader could recognize the history, and seamless enough that the story flowed smoothly. The fantasy device of time travel was executed with little explanation or fuss, adding a little mystery to the plot. The plot ingredients added up to an interesting and gripping story, though it falls short of being a "thriller". The three main characters were drawn carefully and they were appealing. Their actions were consistent with their personalities. The several minor characters (including the historical ones) were likewise interesting and distinct. The writing was clear. The action was vividly presented and the introspections didn't overly impede the advancement of the plot. The advantage of the blend of genres is that the history was conveyed in the context of "real" personalities. I think the author did a good job of conveying the political and emotional cross currents at a time of turbulent developments in Ireland. Profanity and sex were relatively mild, a plus for me. I enjoyed the book. I recommend it for readers who enjoy a little history combined with a good tale.