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Daughters of Fortune #1
Written on the Wind
Book 1 of the Daughters of Fortune series. Cameron Hayes' determination to distance herself from her famous father and establish herself as a journalist finds her back in her beloved Russia, now threatened by Hitler's greed. In Moscow she meets Dr. Alex Rostov, a once-prominent US surgeon who has been forced to return to his Russian homeland. Anger over the politics of war brings Alex and Cameron together, but will tragedy ultimately drive them apart? Cameron's sisters, Blair and Jackie, have each set out on paths certain to dismantle a family already fragmented by turmoil, within and without. Long-held secrets shimmer just beneath the surface of a family united only in name...will the trauma of war be the catalyst for peace?
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
14 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Judith Pella
97 books236 followersJudith Pella is a bestselling, award-winning author whose writing career spans two decades. Her in-depth historical and geographical research combines with her skillful storytelling to provide readers with dramatic, thought-provoking novels. She and her husband make their home in Scapoose, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 25, 2014
I was very confused after I read some of the other reviews because I felt almost as if they were speaking of a different book completely. The book was exciting and I loved the characters. I'm very picky concerning books and I couldn't put this one down.
May 3, 2015
I'm going to be honest, I only read this book because I heard that some of the characters from The Russians series (also by Judith Pella) show up in this book. I had been sorely disappointed with the end of that series and was hoping perhaps I could find some closure here. Which means right out of the starting gate, I had a severe bias.
Unfortunately, it only got worse from there.
Look, even if I had just picked up this book, with no expectations whatsoever, I still would have given it one star. It deserves it. It's that bad.
Let's start with the writing which is something you should never have to criticize in something written but there you go. It's not as if the author can't write or string words together, she can and quite well. But nothing clicked together. I never felt anything. I never thought any deeper than the words I read. I never stopped and contemplated how beautifully something was worded (which is my prerequisite for any great book). Every second was pure torture. Every second I was bored out of my mind. I constantly was flipping ahead going, "So when's this thing going to get exciting?"
Answer: Never. Like ever.
Seriously though, this book took me a month and a half to read. And no, I didn't start reading it and then stop and not pick it up for a couple of weeks, I read it every day. I have read books this long in a day. I read Les Miserables in two weeks. Books should never, ever take a month and a half to read. And it goes to show how much of a chore reading this book was for me because when I was done, I was relieved. "Yes! I'm done this stupid book, now I can get back that fifteen minutes of my life I have been spending every day reading it!"
I even started to read the second book in this series until I realized that sometimes I can be a very stupid chick.
But if writing was the only problem then this book would be getting higher than one star. Let's talk about the story which is even more frustrating since it could have been good. I find human drama fascinating so the journey of three American sisters through World War II could have been very interesting. It's not. It's not even close.
First there's Jackie, our stereotypical Christian who has a better life than anyone else just because she is said Christian. She's friends with this Japanese guy whose name currently escapes me (Sam???) and who I hate for his even more stereotyped depiction of being pretty much white in every way except in terms of his ethnicity. Like, the guy disowns his own country, speaks and behaves entirely in an American way, and doesn't ever resent white people for the way they horribly treat him which left me with the unfortunate implication that it's okay to be ethnically Japanese as long as you're white about it. Not only would having the guy hate white people be more realistic, it would also have made for a far more interesting plotline as he and Jackie find themselves drawn to each other, despite their morals.
But we couldn't have had an interesting book, could we?
Then there's Blair and she likes parties or something. There's a guy and she deceives him into thinking she's actually a good Christian girl which I really hate because then we the readers are just waiting for the inevitable reveal of her lies and everyone getting upset. It's pretty boring.
And finally, there's Cameron. She's a reporter and ends up in the Soviet Union and then becomes attracted to this hot Russian Alex guy but she also likes this reporter guy and blah blah blah.
Don't care about any of this. Moving on.
Well, what about The Russians people I was mentioning earlier? Did they ever show up? Honestly though, it's my fault for thinking it would end any other way. A mistake I won't repeat.
Okay then. Was there anything I did like? Yes, two things. Well, more like one and a half.
One: The scene where Cameron visits that hospital in the Soviet Union. I just thought it was such a cute little scene, especially when this Russian boy asks her out on a date and she says he knows nothing about her and he says he's seen enough. It was cute and lovely and ended far too quickly and was perhaps the only moment in the book where I wanted to read more.
Half:
Just...ugh. This book actually sucked some of the life out of me. Judith Pella, you can do better than this, I know you can.
Unfortunately, it only got worse from there.
Look, even if I had just picked up this book, with no expectations whatsoever, I still would have given it one star. It deserves it. It's that bad.
Let's start with the writing which is something you should never have to criticize in something written but there you go. It's not as if the author can't write or string words together, she can and quite well. But nothing clicked together. I never felt anything. I never thought any deeper than the words I read. I never stopped and contemplated how beautifully something was worded (which is my prerequisite for any great book). Every second was pure torture. Every second I was bored out of my mind. I constantly was flipping ahead going, "So when's this thing going to get exciting?"
Answer: Never. Like ever.
Seriously though, this book took me a month and a half to read. And no, I didn't start reading it and then stop and not pick it up for a couple of weeks, I read it every day. I have read books this long in a day. I read Les Miserables in two weeks. Books should never, ever take a month and a half to read. And it goes to show how much of a chore reading this book was for me because when I was done, I was relieved. "Yes! I'm done this stupid book, now I can get back that fifteen minutes of my life I have been spending every day reading it!"
I even started to read the second book in this series until I realized that sometimes I can be a very stupid chick.
But if writing was the only problem then this book would be getting higher than one star. Let's talk about the story which is even more frustrating since it could have been good. I find human drama fascinating so the journey of three American sisters through World War II could have been very interesting. It's not. It's not even close.
First there's Jackie, our stereotypical Christian who has a better life than anyone else just because she is said Christian. She's friends with this Japanese guy whose name currently escapes me (Sam???) and who I hate for his even more stereotyped depiction of being pretty much white in every way except in terms of his ethnicity. Like, the guy disowns his own country, speaks and behaves entirely in an American way, and doesn't ever resent white people for the way they horribly treat him which left me with the unfortunate implication that it's okay to be ethnically Japanese as long as you're white about it. Not only would having the guy hate white people be more realistic, it would also have made for a far more interesting plotline as he and Jackie find themselves drawn to each other, despite their morals.
But we couldn't have had an interesting book, could we?
Then there's Blair and she likes parties or something. There's a guy and she deceives him into thinking she's actually a good Christian girl which I really hate because then we the readers are just waiting for the inevitable reveal of her lies and everyone getting upset. It's pretty boring.
And finally, there's Cameron. She's a reporter and ends up in the Soviet Union and then becomes attracted to this hot Russian Alex guy but she also likes this reporter guy and blah blah blah.
Don't care about any of this. Moving on.
Well, what about The Russians people I was mentioning earlier? Did they ever show up? Honestly though, it's my fault for thinking it would end any other way. A mistake I won't repeat.
Okay then. Was there anything I did like? Yes, two things. Well, more like one and a half.
One: The scene where Cameron visits that hospital in the Soviet Union. I just thought it was such a cute little scene, especially when this Russian boy asks her out on a date and she says he knows nothing about her and he says he's seen enough. It was cute and lovely and ended far too quickly and was perhaps the only moment in the book where I wanted to read more.
Half:
Just...ugh. This book actually sucked some of the life out of me. Judith Pella, you can do better than this, I know you can.
June 1, 2017
Review possibly to come
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April 19, 2020Interesting series from a female journalist's perspective during WWII behind Russian boundaries. Sequels include a sister stuck in the Philippines and another sister who married a fellow Japanese college student friend. Three perspectives in one family. A political history during wartime
November 28, 2013
Strengths: Cameron Hayes is a relatable character. I appreciated that Pella wrote her as a nonbeliever, and not in a 'tsk tsk shame shame' way. Nor does Cameron have a glorious conversion. She moves by increments.
The backdrop of WW2 era Russia/United States is lushly portrayed.
Even characters like 'bad boy' Johnny Shanahan are portrayed sympathetically.
Weaknesses: Blair, Jackie and the rest of the Hayes family fall into stereotypes, and are honestly awkward to read about.
Pacing is a little slow for my taste.
I enjoyed this novel, and would consider reading the rest of the series.
The backdrop of WW2 era Russia/United States is lushly portrayed.
Even characters like 'bad boy' Johnny Shanahan are portrayed sympathetically.
Weaknesses: Blair, Jackie and the rest of the Hayes family fall into stereotypes, and are honestly awkward to read about.
Pacing is a little slow for my taste.
I enjoyed this novel, and would consider reading the rest of the series.
August 23, 2022
A great piece of historical fiction that takes place during World War II. Three daughters of a prominent journalist, find it impossible to get along with their cruel father. All of them take a different path to escape his influence. Their mother is a woman of Faith but only one daughter follows her mother's example. Blair and Cameron reject her faith and follow their own way. The book is realistic. There is no quick solutions to the problems any of them face and the story leaves the reader eager to move on to the next book in the series.
June 30, 2012
I really liked this book. Even though there would be no way that any newspaper would have let a woman be a foreign correspondent during World War 2 even if it was in Russia, I still liked the plot. It's fun, exciting, and written well despite being a little too feministic for the time period.
Also, I do find it interesting that the books talk about all three daughters in each book and follow out their lives even though each book seems to focus specifically on a certain one's story.
Also, I do find it interesting that the books talk about all three daughters in each book and follow out their lives even though each book seems to focus specifically on a certain one's story.
July 25, 2008
My sister got me into this series of historical fiction. It's set during WWII (a particular favorite of mine) in California and follows sisters in their different lives during this period. All the books were good, quick reads and definitely pulled me in. However, there were some religious themes that made me a bit uncomfortable overall.
January 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this book as both a writer and avid reader. I enjoy history, and I find myself reading more and more books about World War II. I'm very interested in the Eastern front. The book covers some of it from an American journalist's point of view in Russia. I plan to read the rest of the books in the series.
December 23, 2015
I enjoyed the book and especially the author's obvious knowledge of history and WWII, however I hate the way it ended so abruptly. I 'm sure that this is so we will want to read the next installment in the series...which I did and there is STILL no "happily ever after"!
Guess I'll have to read the next one
Guess I'll have to read the next one
December 10, 2009
A dramatic story set in the early 1940s in the U.S. and Soviet Union, especially strong in the area of family relationships. Well researched as the author's books always are, although I found the writing itself weak.
May 15, 2010
This was my introduction to Judith Pella and I liked it. Good historical info about the Russians entrance into the war and a fictional account to go with it. Look forward to more from this author.
August 9, 2015
Excellent story, by best-selling author. First in the Series and I just got the next 2 books! Daughter of Publisher makes good on her own when she leaves the country and is in danger in war-torn Europe. Read this for a wonderful adventure.
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November 15, 2022Rating removed to DNF status.
Just could not plow through this book. Gave it over a month, with a couple of other books thrown in, but still could not get into it. Moved slowly and gave a lot of historical background into Russia during WWII.
Going to set this book aside with hopes of picking it up again one evening, when I can't sleep, and I need something to help other than counting sheep.
Just could not plow through this book. Gave it over a month, with a couple of other books thrown in, but still could not get into it. Moved slowly and gave a lot of historical background into Russia during WWII.
Going to set this book aside with hopes of picking it up again one evening, when I can't sleep, and I need something to help other than counting sheep.
September 5, 2018
A friend recommended this years ago and I'm finally getting around to reading it. The story is set in 1941 and is centered on three American sisters who follow different paths as the world around them is at war. Cameron, the oldest, is a journalist who defies her newspaper publishing father and becomes a war correspondent for a rival newspaper. She ends up in Russia after Hitler breaks his non-aggression pact. Blair, the middle sister, makes one bad decision after another and tries to drown her sorrows in alcohol before marrying a very decent Christian man who is an Army officer. He learns of the extent of bad decision making the day before he is sent to the Philippines. Jackie, the youngest, is a college student who falls in love with a Japanese graduate student, a major no-no in those days. Faith or lack of faith plays a major role in this book. This is the first in a trilogy and I'm looking forward to seeing where the war takes this family and the rest of the characters.
March 25, 2010
Obnoxious. The characters were interesting, but terribly cliche, which doesn't necessarily destroy their believability. And although I'm actively Christian, the blatantly obvious theological tie-ins were awkward. Not to mention the dialogue was like a poorly scripted play... Example: "You know, Orientals exalt sons too. Women are little better than slaves. I hope I am not like that with my children. Ill love boys and girls equally." Jackie: "Sometimes I wonder if it's possible to ever please ones parents." Sam: "I see this is a depressing conversation. Would you like to talk about something else?" Jackie: "well, I really should be going"... And on and on. So uncomfortable. ABSOLUTELY not the best historical fiction I've ever read.
July 20, 2012
Writers of Christian fiction are certainly not afraid to let their readers know that they value faith, prayer and living a good moral life. This comes out very loud and clear no matter what story they are telling. I think that "Christian" fiction portrays these values and practices even more strongly than Mormon fiction. Sometimes I think Mormon fiction tries to play down the "Mormon angle," whereas Christian fiction writers write so that no one can miss what they are trying to proclaim. And there are certainly no "R" rated scenes or bad language! This is a very interesting story about the individual paths taken by 3 sisters at the outbreak of World War II. Because it is the first book of a trilogy, it ends with many unanswered questions, and unresolved relationships. I will read on.
November 2, 2013
This is the first installment of a WWII historical novel series. The story lines track three Los Angeles sisters, although the oldest, Cameron, is the focus of this book. She is an aspiring newspaper reporter in a field dominated by men, including her father, who owns a paper. Cameron goes to Russia to cover the Eastern Front. I appreciated a look at war-time Moscow.
The second daughter, Blair, hopes for a career as an actress but finds herself in sleazy nightclubs. Jackie, the youngest, is still in college and falling in love with a Japanese-American student.
Readers should be aware that nothing is resolved in this book. The last scene is the morning of 7 Dec 1941. You might want to have volume 2 waiting the wings before getting too engrossed in this one.
The second daughter, Blair, hopes for a career as an actress but finds herself in sleazy nightclubs. Jackie, the youngest, is still in college and falling in love with a Japanese-American student.
Readers should be aware that nothing is resolved in this book. The last scene is the morning of 7 Dec 1941. You might want to have volume 2 waiting the wings before getting too engrossed in this one.
July 6, 2014
I love historical fiction and this book takes place in my favorite time period - WWII. 3 sisters born to a tyrant publisher who was not too happy that he had all 3 girls. The oldest, Cameron follows in his footsteps and becomes a reporter. Blair rebels and ends up becoming a drunk and singing in a seedy nightclub. Jackie the youngest is a strong Christian, attends UCLA and ends up following in love with a Japanese boy. The story follows Cameron as she becomes a reporter for a rival of her father's. She ends up in Russia during the first attacks of Hitler. She becomes involved with a Russian family and a doctor and her life is slowly starting to change.
October 17, 2008
Yep, it's another historical novel :) This story is about three young ladies who are daughters of a Los Angeles Newspaper tycoon and how they each chose to make their own way in the world during World War II. It is a bit predictable in some ways, but not overtly. The main character is the eldest daughter who is also a journalist, but who can never measure up in her father's estimation. He basically never forgave her for being female. At the moment she's in Russia to 'get the story' as Russia is falling to Hitler...more later :)
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October 20, 2016I am a huge fan of Judith Pella. I have read all her Russian series, and now I am starting this one. I recommend reading her Russian series first, because in "Written on the Wind" she mentions characters from that series. However, you don't have to. She writes the book in a way that just gives enough information on her Russian characters to encourage her readers to pick up her Russian series. I was not disappointed at all with this book, and I am looking forward to reading the second one in the "Daughters of Fortune" series. I recommend this book to those who love World War II.
May 3, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read, and I enjoyed the variety of characters. Judith Pella has always been a favorite author of mine. The main characters are not "traditional" christian characters, and it is rewarding to see them struggling with their faith (or lack of) and the everyday things that many of us struggle with from time to time. I recommed it, and will be buying the next one!
February 25, 2011
Judith Pella's "Daughters of Fortune" is a very good series. This is the first book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is set during the 1940s, both pre-war and during the WWII years. The series follows three sisters who end up in different countries during the war, pursuing different career paths. It also follows their separate love lives. With the war, much is desperate. I found this to be a very absorbing family saga.
July 2, 2013
Historical Christian Romance Fiction
Historical aspect: interesting & well-researched, without sounding like a dry history book
Christian aspect: annoyingly pat
Romance aspect: cloying (*shudder*)
There is also a subtle racism throughout the book that might drop jaws, or at least merit an eye-roll & a groan. I do believe the author thought she was being very "open-minded" and "radical," and certainly had no malicious intent, however.
Historical aspect: interesting & well-researched, without sounding like a dry history book
Christian aspect: annoyingly pat
Romance aspect: cloying (*shudder*)
There is also a subtle racism throughout the book that might drop jaws, or at least merit an eye-roll & a groan. I do believe the author thought she was being very "open-minded" and "radical," and certainly had no malicious intent, however.
September 20, 2016
Cameron, one of three sisters, leaves for Russia on assignment as a journalist. There she experiences Russian censorship as she tries to get the truth of the war into print.
pg 389 -.....a seed of grain planted into the earth must first die before it can bring forth fruit. That's what change does. It kills certain things in us so that something new may grow. My hope has always been that the new growth will be better than what came before."
pg 389 -.....a seed of grain planted into the earth must first die before it can bring forth fruit. That's what change does. It kills certain things in us so that something new may grow. My hope has always been that the new growth will be better than what came before."
April 3, 2008
Loved it! Classic Judith Pella! I would venture to say that I may even like this series better than The Russians. You even get to see a few overlapping characters from that series in these books. I would highly recommend this book/series.
October 4, 2007
This book had some iffeee things in it but it got alot better as the series progressed.
December 30, 2015
Interesting and helpful in history, but not so much in other things (like romance).
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June 25, 2008I thought it was great! It made me want to get the rest of the series right away.
July 15, 2008
Here I go on yet another historical fiction series. I'm eager to get my teeth into the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews