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Surrender #1
Surrender the Wind
From the award-winning, bestselling author of The Winds of Fate comes a novel about a love that crosses the boundaries of civil war.
When Confederate General John Daniel Rourke is severely wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness, he’s captured and sent to a prison camp. On his way there, Union soldiers mistake him for dead and toss him from the train into the New York countryside, where he lands at the feet of Catherine Fitzgerald, a schoolmistress.
Rourke wakes to find the mysterious and strong-spirited beauty nursing him back to health. He’s intrigued but unaware of her true identity as the heiress to the Union’s ammunitions manufacturer, and their fiery battle of wits and wills commences.
Yet when outside forces begin to envelop them in a larger conspiracy, their own war begins. Torn between family loyalties and manipulated by a powerful leader from the Irish underworld, Catherine and Rourke will have to fight on both sides of the secession line to win the most significant battle of the fight for their love.
Filled with detailed battle scenes and breathtaking twists, Surrender the Wind has won “the Marlene” and “the Catherine” Romance Writer’s Awards.
When Confederate General John Daniel Rourke is severely wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness, he’s captured and sent to a prison camp. On his way there, Union soldiers mistake him for dead and toss him from the train into the New York countryside, where he lands at the feet of Catherine Fitzgerald, a schoolmistress.
Rourke wakes to find the mysterious and strong-spirited beauty nursing him back to health. He’s intrigued but unaware of her true identity as the heiress to the Union’s ammunitions manufacturer, and their fiery battle of wits and wills commences.
Yet when outside forces begin to envelop them in a larger conspiracy, their own war begins. Torn between family loyalties and manipulated by a powerful leader from the Irish underworld, Catherine and Rourke will have to fight on both sides of the secession line to win the most significant battle of the fight for their love.
Filled with detailed battle scenes and breathtaking twists, Surrender the Wind has won “the Marlene” and “the Catherine” Romance Writer’s Awards.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
96 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth St. Michel
10 books114 followersElizabeth St. Michel is the award-winning and bestselling author of The Winds of Fate, for which she was a quarter-finalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and was a number-one hit on the Amazon bestseller lists.
Her second novel, Surrender the Wind, garnered several awards, including the Holt Medallion and the National RONE Award in honor of literary excellence in romance writing. She divides her time between New York and the Bahamas.
Her second novel, Surrender the Wind, garnered several awards, including the Holt Medallion and the National RONE Award in honor of literary excellence in romance writing. She divides her time between New York and the Bahamas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 22, 2019
Always love story at this era
July 2, 2017
I could not put this book down. Excellent Civil War history and romance. Looking forward to more from this talented author.
July 17, 2018
This is my first book by Elizabeth St. Michel and it certainly won't be my last! From the moment I started this book I was captivated by the characters and this adventurous, romantic tale. Catherine Fitzgerald is a beautiful, feisty, independent, free thinking and charitable young woman in a time when the socialites didn't worry about getting their hands dirty with the poorer classes, she certainly stands out from the crowd. Whilst in hiding from outside threats she meets the very handsome, heroic, strong, courageous, honourable General John Daniel Rourke. From the moment this book starts it is witty, amusing, poignant and emotionally moving. Elizabeth captures the horror and misery of the American Civil War and I found that in one chapter I would be overwhelmed with sadness and in the next, I'd be laughing out loud because she is a wonderful wordsmith and this book is very cleverly written. John and Catherine's tale is so entertaining and passionate, the sexual tensions oozes off the pages! But it is also the sub plots of the Rourke brothers, his Adjutant and other characters that enhance this tale. The Rourke brothers rapport and closeness is wonderful. I loved this book and thoroughly recommend it!!
July 8, 2018
WOW!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is very well written. I could not put it down! I have read a few historical fiction books, this one definitely stands out. Fabulously written, very engaging. I enjoyed every word of it! I highly recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is very well written. I could not put it down! I have read a few historical fiction books, this one definitely stands out. Fabulously written, very engaging. I enjoyed every word of it! I highly recommend!
December 21, 2017
I am not a fan of Civil War books but enjoyed reading this one because it was funny and sad, even made me cry. The heroine was a very strong woman that made you fall in love with her as she faced many obstacles to get the happiness that was denied her.
October 13, 2017
Also, not too keen on sympathetic Confederate generals, especially in today's political climate. The racial aspect of the Civil War - which was HUGE - was almost completely ignored.
Still, the overall writing was quite good and the author clearly did her research, so I'll give an extra point. No local angle, other than the author being from Rochester.
Still, the overall writing was quite good and the author clearly did her research, so I'll give an extra point. No local angle, other than the author being from Rochester.
July 25, 2016
Elizabeth St. Michel has done it again! She has a way with words that draws you into the characters and you actually feel like you are in the moment with them. Her descriptive scenes make you feel their emotion. You want to sympathize with them and, at times, laugh with them. Though the setting is the Civil War, love is love, one that has not changed through time. A great story line that leaves you wondering how things will end. It was an amazing read. Look forward to her future books.
September 5, 2021
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "⭐"
Wonderful: 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 "🥰"
Para tudo!! For Everything!! 🥰🥰
Elizabeth St. Michel ganhou meu coração com esse livro.. Não vejo a hora de ler os demais, pois com certeza me encontrarei perdidamente apaixonada por ele... 🥰🥰
Confederate General John Daniel Rourke and Catherine Fitzgerald 🥰🥰🥰
Definitivamente eu me vi querendo mais desse livro... Ela fez o que era certo, e salvou a vida dele.. Ele se viu sendo salvo por um anjo, ambos estão do lado oposto na luta que acontece, mas o amor não escolhe o lugar e nem lado, ele escolhe pessoas e corações.. E aqui está uma linda história de amor... 🤩🤩🤩 Mas com um vilão, que meu senhor é um monstro... E merecia morrer... ☠☠ Mas claro que sempre existem anjos que estão disposto a resgatar e salvar quem precisa ser salvo...
Mas o principal é o casal que enfrenta tudo para ficar juntos, até uma guerra entre Sul e Norte... Mas devo dizer tudo foi lindo é maravilhosos, o começo e o fim, então nem tenho o que dizer,, o meio da história me encontrei matando, salvando e chorando por pessoas que não mereciam morrer... 🥰🥰🥰
Here's the tip,, a wonderful reading!! 🥰🥰
Happy reading, and until the next reading!! 😘😘
Wonderful: 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 "🥰"
Para tudo!! For Everything!! 🥰🥰
Elizabeth St. Michel ganhou meu coração com esse livro.. Não vejo a hora de ler os demais, pois com certeza me encontrarei perdidamente apaixonada por ele... 🥰🥰
Confederate General John Daniel Rourke and Catherine Fitzgerald 🥰🥰🥰
Definitivamente eu me vi querendo mais desse livro... Ela fez o que era certo, e salvou a vida dele.. Ele se viu sendo salvo por um anjo, ambos estão do lado oposto na luta que acontece, mas o amor não escolhe o lugar e nem lado, ele escolhe pessoas e corações.. E aqui está uma linda história de amor... 🤩🤩🤩 Mas com um vilão, que meu senhor é um monstro... E merecia morrer... ☠☠ Mas claro que sempre existem anjos que estão disposto a resgatar e salvar quem precisa ser salvo...
Mas o principal é o casal que enfrenta tudo para ficar juntos, até uma guerra entre Sul e Norte... Mas devo dizer tudo foi lindo é maravilhosos, o começo e o fim, então nem tenho o que dizer,, o meio da história me encontrei matando, salvando e chorando por pessoas que não mereciam morrer... 🥰🥰🥰
Here's the tip,, a wonderful reading!! 🥰🥰
Happy reading, and until the next reading!! 😘😘
April 5, 2021
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I was surprised by how much I loved it. I went into it thinking it would be okay but definitely not. Well written and just a great adventure. I will read the next in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. I was surprised by how much I loved it. I went into it thinking it would be okay but definitely not. Well written and just a great adventure. I will read the next in the series.
June 7, 2017
Great story
This is my first book by this author, I can't wait to read the next one. I loved this book
This is my first book by this author, I can't wait to read the next one. I loved this book
August 15, 2016
It's been a while since I have read a book about the Civil War as riveting as this one. I fell into this book on page two and could barely put it down. The lush descriptions of the southern countryside, the witty repartee between the characters, the factual descriptions of battles woven into the story lines, and the rich characters' storylines kept me glued to the pages.
Stories about the civil war got me hooked on the historical romance genre in the beginning. Lately there have been very few. The interest in the civil war seems to be rebounding - to my delight.
Catherine Callahan Fitzgerald runs from her NY City plush lifestyle to escape a criminal's clutches. He plans to force her into marriage to gain access to one of the wealthiest families in the country, and the power and influence it brings with it. He is brutal and mean and she cannot stand his tactics. She runs and seeks shelter in the town where her uncle has his catholic parish. While taking a walk one night - some Union soldiers kick the body of a dead confederate soldier off a train, rather than allow it to continue on to the prison. Hiding in the dark to avoid being seen, the body rolls towards her, hitting her feet as the train passes. Thinking the soldier dead, she convinces herself that she needs to bury him. She digs the hole in the rain storm and tries to settle the very large body into it, when he wakes up! The dead body is one LIVE General John Daniel Rourke, one of the finest Generals in the Confederate army. Before asking her not to leave him, he passes out in fever.
Catherine makes the decision to nurse a sworn enemy back to health. In doing this, she realizes she is going against all the tenants of good moral judgement, as far as society was concerned. But her heart tells her he is no different than her brothers who was lost in the war months earlier. She realizes that she has to do this. Little does she realize that healing General John Daniel Rourke will change her life in ways she cannot imagine at this moment.
St Michel blends so much in their story that I found myself laughing (several, no- many) times. I even cried a few time. The emotions just poured forth. I was emotionally hooked and will forever think on this as one of my favorite Civil War novels. With her words, St. Michels breathed humanity in a war that was anything but humane. Through John and Catherine, she puts into perspective a period of time that tore apart our nation, leaving it to heal by a very tenuous thread. I enjoyed their story and look forward to more of St. Michel's stories about the Rourke family.
Five stars.
September 30, 2016
This is one of the best books I've read about the Civil War. Catherine was a real character - her personality reminded me of a friend of mine and John's emotions and reactions to her were authentic. I couldn't put this book down. It made me smile, laugh, and hope all in one reading. I can't wait for the rest of the brother's stories. I'm looking forward to reading how the brothers' interactions are shown.
This book was so captivating that I actually read it on the Kindle app on my phone while my husband drove us to our errands last night. I stayed up later than I should have and was up reading before the kids got ready for school. I couldn't put it down!
Great viewpoints of the North and South's position on the war, especially after visiting Gettysburg for the 150th Anniversary.
This book was so captivating that I actually read it on the Kindle app on my phone while my husband drove us to our errands last night. I stayed up later than I should have and was up reading before the kids got ready for school. I couldn't put it down!
Great viewpoints of the North and South's position on the war, especially after visiting Gettysburg for the 150th Anniversary.
July 27, 2019
Surrender the Wind: Will Passion Become Love!
I have read a few books centered around the Civil War by two authors I follow, and I'm happy to say, Elizabeth St. Michel has become another favorite. This beautifully written book is filled with passion, adventure, humor and characters I fell in love with as soon as I met them. Centered around the Civil War with many unexpected twists, it pulled me in from the first page and kept me entertained, rooting for the hero and heroine to the very end. I am looking forward to the next one. JudyE
I have read a few books centered around the Civil War by two authors I follow, and I'm happy to say, Elizabeth St. Michel has become another favorite. This beautifully written book is filled with passion, adventure, humor and characters I fell in love with as soon as I met them. Centered around the Civil War with many unexpected twists, it pulled me in from the first page and kept me entertained, rooting for the hero and heroine to the very end. I am looking forward to the next one. JudyE
December 18, 2016
4.5/5.0
With twists and turns that include New York's Irish gangs, soldiers from both sides, and Lincoln's Washington DC, this tale will have readers wondering "what next?" throughout the entire book.
Read full review in the 2016 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
With twists and turns that include New York's Irish gangs, soldiers from both sides, and Lincoln's Washington DC, this tale will have readers wondering "what next?" throughout the entire book.
Read full review in the 2016 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 2, 2023
Review coming soon...
April 22, 2020
(I write reviews as I read.)
The book started nicely enough, lots of humor and intellectual arguments. Although I was disappointed it was an Western book. Idk why, but when I read the plot all I could think of was a Scotsman and an English lady. I’m not a huge fan of western so finding out it was a western book was disappointing.
I always prefer books where the marriage between hero & heroine takes place swiftly so that definitely appealed to me here.
I wished Catherine had the same fire she had with John with Mallory. She was too submissive and I hated that Mallory had his way, even for a time.
I also didn’t like how quickly John believed she betrayed him. There had too much together for him to think so. I thought after a while he’d think it over and realize there was a chance he was wrong. Somehow he didn’t -was disappointing.
I also wonder why the writer tried to vilify the North who clearly were the good guys while making the south seem like the good guys -the people fighting to keep blacks as slaves. Definitely makes me wonder if she’s racist.
Brigid and Ian’s relationship was so ... bleh. I knew before they met that they would end up together but the writer could have done a better job at it. It could’ve been a sweet story on its own.
The book started nicely enough, lots of humor and intellectual arguments. Although I was disappointed it was an Western book. Idk why, but when I read the plot all I could think of was a Scotsman and an English lady. I’m not a huge fan of western so finding out it was a western book was disappointing.
I always prefer books where the marriage between hero & heroine takes place swiftly so that definitely appealed to me here.
I wished Catherine had the same fire she had with John with Mallory. She was too submissive and I hated that Mallory had his way, even for a time.
I also didn’t like how quickly John believed she betrayed him. There had too much together for him to think so. I thought after a while he’d think it over and realize there was a chance he was wrong. Somehow he didn’t -was disappointing.
I also wonder why the writer tried to vilify the North who clearly were the good guys while making the south seem like the good guys -the people fighting to keep blacks as slaves. Definitely makes me wonder if she’s racist.
Brigid and Ian’s relationship was so ... bleh. I knew before they met that they would end up together but the writer could have done a better job at it. It could’ve been a sweet story on its own.
April 29, 2022
I've just finished Surrender the Wind by Elizabeth St. Michel. This is a thoroughly engrossing story of an unlikely match between John Rourke, a Confederate General, and Catherine Fitzgerald, heir to the Fitzgerald Rifle Company. On a rainy night, this wealthy New York socialite meets up with General Rourke. He falls at her feet, literally, because he has been severely wounded. At first, she thinks he is dead, so she digs a shallow grave and struggles to push him inside. But then, a hand grabs her around the throat. She is terrified. He is confused and in pain, bleeding profusely from his wounds. Together they manage to get him out of the shallow grave and onto flat ground and finally, into the tiny cabin Catherine is using. Catherine nurses him back to health. They banter in a love/hate relationship. He is a commanding general used to giving orders, while she is a wealthy socialite accustomed to having her way. There is much conflict, much tension, much tragedy in this book, but there is also a great deal of love. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 22, 2020
Enjoyable
This is the first book I’ve read by Elizabeth St. Michel, a FB friend who hails from the town I grew up in. I don’t normally read historical fiction but decided to give this one a try. I liked the storyline, most of the characters, the family dynamics, the locale descriptions and living conditions, suspense, finding true love and a HEA. I liked that Catherine was feisty and stood up for herself and her beliefs, and how she cared so much for others. She and John are a good match.
I would like to find out more about Brigid and Ian, Jimmy, and Dr. Price. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series to see what happens to the next Rourke brother.
This is the first book I’ve read by Elizabeth St. Michel, a FB friend who hails from the town I grew up in. I don’t normally read historical fiction but decided to give this one a try. I liked the storyline, most of the characters, the family dynamics, the locale descriptions and living conditions, suspense, finding true love and a HEA. I liked that Catherine was feisty and stood up for herself and her beliefs, and how she cared so much for others. She and John are a good match.
I would like to find out more about Brigid and Ian, Jimmy, and Dr. Price. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series to see what happens to the next Rourke brother.
December 11, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. This book is fantastic, the story is so beautiful and full of emotions, I couldn't put this down until I ended. The characters are so real and so well written that you can easily find yourself or a friend reflected on them, you start to love and care for them. Amazing book!!! can´t wait to read more from Elizabeth St. Michel.
I really enjoyed this, it was the first book that I have read from this Author and I wasn't disappointed. thank you, Elizabeth. I highly recommend this book
I really enjoyed this, it was the first book that I have read from this Author and I wasn't disappointed. thank you, Elizabeth. I highly recommend this book
December 27, 2019
A love story between North and South
The action just keeps coming in this story. It's a well written story of a lady from the north and the soldier from the south whose life she saves. It references several civil war battles and the military men who fought them. It also speaks of the lawless ruthless men who.took advantage of the war for their greed.
The action just keeps coming in this story. It's a well written story of a lady from the north and the soldier from the south whose life she saves. It references several civil war battles and the military men who fought them. It also speaks of the lawless ruthless men who.took advantage of the war for their greed.
December 6, 2020
A wonderful escape with intelligent and passionate characters
Wonderful historical romance. I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t wait to see how it all continued to unfold. One of the better civil war era novels I have read in a long time. The protagonists are intelligent and passionate. I couldn’t resist being swept into this book.
Wonderful historical romance. I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t wait to see how it all continued to unfold. One of the better civil war era novels I have read in a long time. The protagonists are intelligent and passionate. I couldn’t resist being swept into this book.
October 31, 2017
Great plot
I thoroughly enjoyed this Civil War story and it's characters as the Southern officer and Northern lady tangle and loyalties become intertwined and meshed. Great characters, and a plot that kept me reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Civil War story and it's characters as the Southern officer and Northern lady tangle and loyalties become intertwined and meshed. Great characters, and a plot that kept me reading.
October 14, 2019
Surrender the Wind
Wow. Now , I can't wait for the next installment in the Rourke family. I loved Catherine and John's story. It draws you in immediately and doesn't release you until the conclusion. I sincerely hope all the Rourkes get their story told.
Wow. Now , I can't wait for the next installment in the Rourke family. I loved Catherine and John's story. It draws you in immediately and doesn't release you until the conclusion. I sincerely hope all the Rourkes get their story told.
December 3, 2019
Civil War Romance
I just realized how wrong my title is.......there is nothing civil about war.
With that said, this story was interesting, with a battle for control between the two main characters. Fortunately there is a HEA.
I just realized how wrong my title is.......there is nothing civil about war.
With that said, this story was interesting, with a battle for control between the two main characters. Fortunately there is a HEA.
May 3, 2020
WOW
Absolutely fabulous. I am on to the second book in this series and can't wait for the others. What a fabulous story teller. Highly recommend. Hope to eventually read all her books but especially want to read the other books in this series.
Absolutely fabulous. I am on to the second book in this series and can't wait for the others. What a fabulous story teller. Highly recommend. Hope to eventually read all her books but especially want to read the other books in this series.
November 10, 2020
This is a brilliant book. A romance set in the midst of the American Civil War that will keep you enthralled until the end. I've given it 5 stars because that is what is deserved. Well written, well researched and a pleasure to read.
February 19, 2021
I've enjoyed reading "Surrender the Wind" it deserves more than 6 stars.
But I'm a little dissatisfied with the cover picture of the book. Although general John Daniel Rourke had black hair but the man in this picture has dark blonde hair!
But I'm a little dissatisfied with the cover picture of the book. Although general John Daniel Rourke had black hair but the man in this picture has dark blonde hair!
July 19, 2022
A classic
I had always wished for a story like this, and to be truthful I almost have given up hope. Somehow this story found me. It is simply an amazing story of love, duty, honor and surrender of the heart.
I had always wished for a story like this, and to be truthful I almost have given up hope. Somehow this story found me. It is simply an amazing story of love, duty, honor and surrender of the heart.
May 3, 2019
Fun historical romance written by a friend from high school. Just enough civil war history to keep my interest. Fast and fun read.
January 3, 2022
Outstanding read
Loved this book. Excellent character development. A laugh out loud jewel and definitely a romance. Highly recommend reading this outstanding book!
Loved this book. Excellent character development. A laugh out loud jewel and definitely a romance. Highly recommend reading this outstanding book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews