Speak Through the Wind

Crossroads of Grace #2

by Allison Pittman

After a lifetime of mistakes…can Kassandra ever be forgiven?
New York City, 1841

When Reverend Joseph plucks a gravely wounded child from the mean streets of Manhattan’s rough Five Points District, he intends to give her a real home. And though Kassandra flourishes in the preacher’s house, learning Bible verses at his knee and going to school, as a young teenager she makes the first of many devastating decisions, running away from the only haven she’s ever known.

What follows is a waking life in a tiny room above a brothel, the loss of a child, a lover’s rejection, and finally, life as a prostitute. As circumstances lead her further and further from the reverend’s secure home, an ashamed Kassandra is certain that neither God, nor Joseph, will ever forgive her.

Feeling as though she has nothing left to lose and nowhere to go, Kassandra leaves behind her hopes of redemption and heads west to California, where she is transformed into the woman known as Sadie. Unfortunately, nothing in her life is pointing to a happy ending, and Sadie is forced to grapple with the Once you’ve passed the point of no return, can you ever go back?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian Historical Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Allison Pittman is the author of For Time and Eternity, Stealing Home, the Crossroads of Grace series, and her nonfiction debut, Saturdays With Stella. A high-school English teacher, she serves as director of the theater arts group at her church. She is also the co-president of a dynamic Christian writers group in the San Antonio, Texas area, where she makes her home with her husband and their three boys.

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

SUMMARY: When Reverend Joseph plucks a gravely wounded child from the mean streets of Manhattan’s rough Five Points District, he intends to give her a real home. And though Kassandra flourishes in the preacher’s house, learning Bible verses at his knee and going to school, as a young teenager she makes the first of many devastating decisions, running away from the only haven she’s ever known.

What follows is a waking nightmare: life in a tiny room above a brothel, the loss of a child, a lover’s rejection, and finally, life as a prostitute. As circumstances lead her further and further from the reverend’s secure home, an ashamed Kassandra is certain that neither God, nor Joseph, will ever forgive her.

Feeling as though she has nothing left to lose and nowhere to go, Kassandra leaves behind her hopes of redemption and heads west to California, where she is transformed into the woman known as Sadie. Unfortunately, nothing in her life is pointing to a happy ending, and Sadie is forced to grapple with the question: Once you’ve passed the point of no return, can you ever go back?

REVIEW: This is book 2 in the Crossroads of Grace Series. While it was well written, I did not find it as interesting as Book 1. It focuses on one of the characters from Book 1, Kassandra. My favorite part was when the characters from Book 1 reappeared toward the end of Book 2. I almost felt like this was a prequel to Book 1 and would have been better as Book 1.

Kassandra bothered me as a character. Yes, she did have some bad things happen to her; but she seemed to keep repeating the same cycle of mistakes over and over without ever learning from them. Reverend Joseph had great intentions, but I would have liked to see him as a stronger character especially after he married. The outcome of Kassandra's plight when she returned to Rev. Joseph's house was very predictable when his wife wanted to take her off to Connecticut before the baby was born.

I have to agree with many other reviewers who commented that this was dark and depressing throughout most of the book. The part that was about faith and forgiveness seemed only a small part at the end that felt rather rushed. I love Pittman's writing but just wasn't drawn into this book like I was in her others I have read.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "I did what I thought was safe and convenient. But to do what is right in this world, to follow God's directive is rarely that."

"God don't have to punish us for our sins, girl. We do enough of that ourselves."

"You can't just make your own decisions and then hope that those were the ones God wanted you to make."

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only read this book because I had read that the characters from the first in the series, Ten Thousand Charms, make an appearance, and I was curious about what had happened with them. If you're in the same boat, don't bother; you will still get no resolution about that storyline.

Kassandra/Sadie's story is interesting, but I didn't find myself as drawn in by it as I did Ten Thousand Charms. I think I sort of felt like Kassandra just went through the whole book repeating herself over and over again, which might have been sort of the point as the books are Christian-themed and all about excessively sinful people finding their way to -- or back to -- God. Which is fine, but I just wasn't convinced by Kassandra for some reason, although I liked her as a character. I also feel like there were some discrepancies between this and the first novel. However, I was happy that at least Kassandra was granted a proper ending of sorts, which was my main problem with Ten Thousand Charms.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is written rather brilliantly (frankly, I was suprised!), it's just not my cup of tea. The author has a wonderful way with words, and definitely posesses the skill to tell a great story. However, I was just not quite comfortable with the "terms" in which it was told. Maybe it would be okay for an older woman who understands or has been through some of the same things as Kassandra (the heroine). But I don't really want to spend my time reading a whole novel about things I don't even understand and have no wish to at this point in time. Let's just say it's rather... graphic.

That being said, if you want to try it, by all means, go ahead! It's a beautiful story of love, hatred, forgiveness, and grace.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written Christian novel about redemption and forgiveness. There were two Scriptures that came to my mind while reading Kassandra's story. The first is "No matter how often honest people fall, they always get up again; but disaster destroys the wicked." (Proverbs 24:16 GNT) Then, the second is "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." (2 Timothy 2:13 NASB) This novel is the second in the Crossroads of Grace series, but it is more of a companion novel than a sequel, because it takes one of the characters from Ten Thousand Charms and gives her a full story. Anyhow, I really enjoyed this novel and am glad I randomly remembered this series while at the library and decided to read this second installment of it.

A few great quotes:
"God don't have to punish us for our sins, girl. We do enough of that ourselves."

"You can't just make your own decisions and then hope that those were the ones God wanted you to make."

[jaimedannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is not quite what I expected, I am enjoying it, but went read it again.
my ratings:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I will probably read it again and it has a place in my library.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyed it. Good characters, great story. if nonfiction, great information, interesting topic.
⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Glad I read it, but won't read again.
⭐⭐: okay, I won't read it again, it will not be kept for my library.
⭐: I didn't like it, don't recommend it.

[Jenny Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book and it does eventually tie into book number one. It had so many highs and lows though and I think that some of the bad things that happened to the women could have been left out of the story.

[Kristina Seleshanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pittman is an enormously talented writer and this novel is one of her finest. My favorite of her books is The Seamstress, but Speak Through the Wind is a close second. Hard to put down, moving, gritty as real life, and packed with the enduring message of grace, it is a must read.

[Janet Merrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book spans many years and much of the subject matter is dark and difficult to read. With that being said, the novel is beautifully written and kept my interest throughout. Even though she made some bad choices, I really cared about Kassandra and was always pulling for her. Lovely story.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of editing errors in this ebook.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story about God's grace and redemption.

[C. Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in middle school we had a "field trip" to the library. I remember randomly picking this book off the shelf and taking it home. It's a wonderful story of a girl who has a difficult life and is stumbling while she realizes what love really is.

TW: abuse, grief

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review from my old blog...

Once again I came across a book that I cannot remember putting on my list or why I did so but I was not disappointed.

A review that I read somewhere compared the book to Redeeming Love (one of my absolute favorite books of all time) and to Janette Oke, a beloved author from my childhood but not one now. (Her writing style is very cliche).

With that sort of information in my mind before I opened the book I had no idea what to expect. I didn't even really know what the basic idea of the story was because of the library stickers on the back covering half of the summary.

Mrs. Pittman did not disappoint. I never thought that I would discover a story so like Redeeming Love but this book rivals that story. Of course, I would not have liked the book if the plots had been similar or dealt with similar things. This book certainly was not a copy but dealt with many of the same issues.

Mrs. Pittman creates such a well of sympathy and empathy for Kassandra. Her life is so full of trials and things that happen beyond her control that seem to knock her down just when she gets her feet under her again. This series of events draws on the well of sympathy in the reader. In addition, Kassandra makes her own horrible mistakes... things that we finite humans are so prone to do. ("prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love") The trouble that Kassandra's poor decisions plunge her into draws on the well of empathy in the reader. I wonder what I would do if I were faced with the same choices as Kassandra.

Allison Pittman is a new favorite author of mine. I definitely am going to sample more of her work.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Crossroads of Grace series by Allison Pittman is a great follow-up, although it focuses on a completely new character. However, the protagonist from the first book does appear towards the end and has a nice tie-in.
Kassandra is first seen on the streets in Five Points, New York, where she does her best to survive on her own. An accident lands her in the home of a respected reverend, and immediately her situation improves, as she becomes an adopted daughter of sorts. Yet, as she grows up in the truth of scripture and knowledge of Reverend Joseph's affection, she's not sure what her place in life really is or if she truly belongs. Further confusion comes from the enticements of a delivery boy, and before Kassie realizes what's happened, she has left the safe haven of the reverend's home and made her bed back in the poverty of Five Points. Her lover makes no intention of marrying her, unless that is, she can provide him with a son. Determined to do so, Kassie's world turns upside down yet again when tragedy hits and she is left with nothing but shame and sorrow.
Gripping and painful, this tale offers the hope that no matter how far you've run or how much you've sinned, you can always return home and find forgiveness in God's grace.

[Dundee Library]

This second book in the Crossroads of Grace series by Allison Pittman is a great follow-up, although it focuses on a completely new character. However, the protagonist from the first book does appear towards the end and has a nice tie-in.
Kassandra is first seen on the streets in Five Points, New York, where she does her best to survive on her own. An accident lands her in the home of a respected reverend, and immediately her situation improves, as she becomes an adopted daughter of sorts. Yet, as she grows up in the truth of scripture and knowledge of Reverend Joseph's affection, she's not sure what her place in life really is or if she truly belongs. Further confusion comes from the enticements of a delivery boy, and before Kassie realizes what's happened, she has left the safe haven of the reverend's home and made her bed in back in the poverty of Five Points. Her lover makes no intention of marrying her, unless that is, she can provide him with a son. Determined to do so, Kassie's world turns upside down yet again when tragedy hits and she is left with nothing but shame and sorrow.
Gripping and painful, this tale offers the hope that no matter how far you've run or how much you've sinned, you can always return home and find forgiveness in God's grace.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very hard book for me to rate. The ending definitely does an excellent job of showing God's grace and His willingness to forgive us not matter what has happened in our life. Even though that part made me feel the book was worthwhile to read, it was, unfortunately, a very small portion. The author is an extremely good writer, and I have given at least one of her other books five stars. This book was well done also. However, such a large portion of the book dealt with such horrible circumstances, horrible and destructive choices, and abusive relationships that it did not feel uplifting to read. Much of it was dark and depressing, even though the ending redeemed that somewhat. The characters were interesting and fully developed. Perhaps that is why it made me sad; I ended up caring about Kassandra and what happened to her. Impulsiveness, jealousy,greed,pride, and survival all play a pivotal role in the events of Kassandra's life.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the second book in the CROSSROADS OF GRACE series, Allison Pittman has again crafted a story of God's grace and redemption. Taking place in the 1800's of New York and San Francisco, SPEAK THROUGH THE WIND follows the life of the orphaned Kassandra as she struggles with a sense of belonging. Raised by the compassionate Reverend Joseph, Kassandra is made to believe her presence in his house is not being looked upon favorably by those in his congregation. So, she decides to steel away with Ben, a delivery boy who promises to take care of her. This starts her spiral into an unplanned pregnancy, rejection from Ben, prostitution, and a life that is filled with tragedy.

I enjoyed SPEAK THROUGH THE WIND as much as TEN THOUSAND CHARMS. Though at times I wondered how much tragedy one tired soul could endure, SPEAK THROUGH THE WIND is truly a story of redemption and unconditional love.

[Tanisausa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you ever think about the past? No you past, but somebody else.
This book tell about a long forgotten past, New York in 1841, about a girl who had nothing, get every thing and then give all up in a horrible choice that changes her life forever or, if you wish, just put her back where she was at the start, poor and alone , but now she is older and the world grow scarier.
You do follow ten year of her life, always remember, its easy to forgive what you done but impossible to forget the past.
Very good book and, sometimes you fell like you want to tell her: dont do this, dont follow him, stay here you are! but then you see that still have a lot pages to read, and hope came along telling you that every thing will be alright. But if ....

Read it, you will like it.

[Laura Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters were believable, the plot interesting. Very sad, but interesting. I think Pittman stayed true to human nature and decisions real people would have made.

I didn't enjoy the part where the characters from the first book were mentioned. It was a new way to do a second in a series, but I had to skip over most of that part because I already knew it. And because the author was obviously trying to get through it because it was necessary, it was boring and without feeling. That was the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. I would give it 4 3/4 if I could.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another good novel of Pittman's. I enjoyed delving in to another character's life, while connecting the dots between Gloria and Kassandra from the first in this Crossroads of Grace series. The only thing I wish was different is the inconclusive ending. What happened to Biddy? What is Kassandra and the Reverend's relationship now?
Is there any more to the story that developed in Ten Thousand Charms?

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I have already reviewed this book once, I will not take the time to write a complete review again. However, I will note that Ms. Pittman's ordering of the books in the series seems a bit odd. She plops Gloria down amongst these characters in the first book as if the first book is really the second or third. The introduction of the characters really happens in the second book. I find that odd. Be that as it may. I still really love this book.

[Heidi Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one of my all time favorite books. I have never even read the first or third book (they can all stand on their own), but this is a book I read every year. It is heartbreaking, uplifting, and just beautiful in my opinion. As someone who has suffered from baby loss (after reading for the first time) the story became even more impactful to me. I cannot say enough about how much I truly love this book.

[Vicki]

I didn't even finish this book.
I did read all through the first book of this set..& while I like it & give it 5 stars, I didn't like the end that much.
And just personally the ending is a big part for me.
I didn't finish this one cause while its not about the same characters. In all 3 books the girls r or become prostitutes.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down! you met her in the first book, now find out her story. I can't wait for book #3 out in June 08

(adult topics, not recommended for <16)

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright. I'm profusely fascinated with prostitution so this book was interesting. Makes me thankful I live in a time where women have societal purpose and have choices.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever tie-in to the first book in the series, Ten Thousand Charms. Must read all in the series!

[Martha Valasek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it a bit disturbing.

[Lupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this as much as the first book but I heard the third book is the best. Looking forward to it.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok. I didn't really connect with this character. I liked Ten Thousand Charms much better.

[Cheri Rasmussen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting light and predictable, but it was well written and did give a few surprises.