The strength after the storm...
580369
This book wasn't something i would choose at first glance... I read the blurb, it was intriguing... a survivor who trying to put pieces of her life together after such tornado tragedy... its a heavy subject...fear.. confident... integrity.. it made you wonder... this book is a rollercoaster emotion.. you can see why it is when you read the book.. its worthy book to read.. to come out stronger after a tragedy.. its a winner..
131172
A powerful story of a womans strength and courage to free herself and her family from the clutches of domestic abuse. It appears that Roxys world is falling apart.  It is only through her faith and the support of her church, that she is able to turn her life around.  Christian romance readers will enjoy this story of strength and resilience.
4508939
It was hard to stop reading the first night.....I finished it the second night. When you think you have trouble....(and you  probably do) sometimes you will remember this book, and what these people went through, not just with the storm, but their precious boy., and you will remember another reason why you have to soldier on .  Blessings to the author and family ---
287971
Lord I know this story too. Just when you fantasyland believe the storm is over here the devil comes again. But trust and believe I know there is light at the end of the tunnel
4899858
I have such mixed reactions to this book; it's difficult to verbalize them.
Isaac's Storm is a powerful human story, one that leaves an imprint of death and sadness on the reader long after finishing the book. We can imagine what it must have been like for Isaac, who must have felt partially responsible for the loss of so many lives (including his wife and daughter).  I could also vividly imagine what it must have felt like to watch the walls of the house breath with pounding water, and the desperate attempts to save family from the onslaught of wind, water, and debris.
On the other hand, I was bothered by what seemed a bit of fictionalization. I was left to wonder whether Isaac and his brother, Joseph, were truly rivals or if the author expanded on that aspect of their relationship in order to make the book more interesting. Joseph seemed to take a back seat to his brother's importance, although it was Joseph who more accurately sensed the impending danger. It was Joseph who loved his brother enough to stay with him throughout the storm and even rescue his children.
I also had a difficult time getting excited about the first half of the book. This may be due to circumstance: I read the first half in 15-30 minute spurts on lunch breaks. Or it may be because of the context changes from chapter to chapter s in the first half (from Galveston to the history of the Weather Bureau). The last half of the book, read in one sitting, was much more interesting-but it also focused on a single timeline, leading us from the heart of the storm and the devastation that followed, into the final years of both Joseph and Isaac.
I'd recommend this book, but not as your first introduction to "historical" fictionalized non-fiction (if that made any sense at all).
3564607
This is truly a survival story.  When Benjamin is met with natural disaster, his whole life is turned upside down.

After circumstance forces him to relocate, Ben is at the mercy of government aid, FEMA benefits that he must fight for and the hunt for a job in an unstable market.  Each time that things seem to look up, fate continues to knock him down.

I was truly inspired by this young man's courage.  No matter the obstacles against him, he was very persistent in bettering himself.

I look forward to reading part two of this and to learn how the struggle has truly paid off.
Hats off to you Mr.  Patterson, you've done extremely well on your first novel.
2526121
My husband wants to be a storm chaser when he grows up. Thankfully, we live in California and he is a teacher... for now :) Vanessa and Logan are both in periods of transition when they unexpectedly reconnect. The perilous circumstances heighten the emotion and while they struggle in the here and now, several flashbacks share the sweetness of their love story and the tragedy when it went wrong. The book started out kind of slow for me with Vanessa an Ted planning their wedding, but it effectively contrasted with the energy of Vanessa and Logan's relationship once their paths collided. There is plenty of angst as Logan is filled with regret and seeking for a second chance, only to be shut down repeatedly by Vanessa. I had a hard time with how she felt their problems were Logan's fault, yet the flashbacks show how her refusal to communicate or compromise contributed to the disintegration as well. She does relent to spend some time with Logan, but instead of closure, their deep feelings are reawakened. The last part of the book moved in a direction I didn't anticipate, and it was interesting to see how things were resolved. The secondary cast of characters was well-rounded with Vanessa's high school friend Mindy (who was great), some elderly neighbors, parents, siblings, and Logan's storm chasing team members. Each served to help Vanessa and Logan in their pursuit to follow God's plan for their lives and find peace.

(Thank you to Howard Books and Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
721503
Through tragedy comes a heartfelt story of people over coming great odds (massive hurricane hitting lower NY).  Although maybe a typical story line for the author,  you still come to care for the characters and all that they go through. The book has some especially touching moments between the loss of good friends and the rekindling of new love.
1279214
The final part of the Jane Austen-based trilogy set in New Orleans deals with the disaster of Hurricane Katrina as it upsets the lives of the characters we got to know in previous volumes. Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and Chuck, Mari and Chris, Emma and George, Carrie and John Buford  are all in a stable, committed relationship in this book, and the disaster strengthens their bond as extended family and circle of friends. The tragedy of Katrina, the sometimes wrong decisions of those responsible for the safety of people are portrayed as a catastrophe documentary, and those of our heroes who are First Responders show their courage and dedication while they live through the horrors of trying to maintain order in the flooded city and among refugees. The perpetrators of the crimes in Volume I get their just desserts in the wake of the storm, precipitated by their decisions. I loved how the people of New Orleans showed their loyalty to the city, coming back and fighting for rebuilding what was lost. It is perhaps wrong to write I enjoyed this volume immensely because of the tragic content, but it was moving and reassuring in spite of it. This trilogy is one of my favourite books, I am glad to see it complete and look forward to read more of Jack Caldwell.
1312821
A dedicated group of people faced with the results of a horrific storm bond together to do what they can for those devastated by the cyclone.  In combining first hand accounts, remembered events, pictures drawings and poems, Cornelia Rohde has presented the reader with a beautifully strong as well as nuanced picture of this time and place
934500
This is a very, very good book. It had a major impact on me. My family lived through the Ruskin Heights tornado but were 4 blocks from the damage. The storm was part of our life stories but in a tangential way. We were observers of the carnage but suffered no physical loss. This book brought home to me the devastation the storm visited on those who were in its path. I have a much deeper understanding of the suffering that the victims endured. My heart goes out to them and my thanks go to the author who captured the trauma in such a sensitive and sympathetic manner.
4308914
I get some many emotions when I hear this song. Michael was there for so many people in his life.  But, in his death we are learning more and more, not many were there for him.  For many people in his life, he was only as good as the next thing he could do for them. In this song, I think he was telling, pleading with those, "this is all I want in return" is for you to be there.  Not just when times are good and you are benefiting.  But, can you tow the line when the storm comes, and hold me down
4473137
The love story in this book is truly inspirational as this young couple come  together in the aftermath of a hurricane and then are tragically separated due to their socioeconomic standing.  Their is "devine" intervention in them finding each other and eventually being able to be together and coming home. It reminds me Christ's teaching--if you have done for the least, you have done for me.
955478
This product is absolutely incredible and completely exceeded my expectations.  My basement flooded during Hurricane Irene due to a poorly functioning outdoor drain at the bottom of my walk up staircase.  Water collects at the bottom of the staircase and then overflows into the house once it reaches the door line.  I ended up ripping out all of the carpet in the basement due to the overwhelming moisture.

When I read about Hurricane Sandy heading my way, I had a quick flashback of Irene and decided to take action.  I created a temporary enclosure out of a tarp and some Gorilla Tape to keep water away from the walkup staircase and away from the drain.  It wasn't pretty, but it was all I had time to do.  When Hurricane Sandy came whipping through the area I wasn't at all confident that my structure would hold.  The winds were so powerful and the rain was relentless.  36 hours later, much to my surprise, my enclosure was in perfect condition.  The Gorilla Tape held everything together throughout the violent storm.  Absolutely incredible strength.  Thank you for saving my home.
3475309
For all the survivors and those that fought a good fight.
4584524
Sometimes our humble beginnings-the ones we can't wait to get away from-are the ones we're inevitably drawn back to. So is the case for successful newspaperman Brent Murphy when he becomes disenchanted with the fast pace of New York City and returns to his hometown Island of Galveston. His return coincides with an event of catastrophic proportions, the 1900 Galveston hurricane.

Mrs. Thompson, a native Texan, has crafted an engrossing tale of tragedy, sadness, courage, and most importantly, hope. Experience one of this country's most talked about storms through the eyes of these well-developed characters.  You will cheer for their bravery and cry over their loss. A wonderful tribute to the victims of the 1900 Galveston hurricane. A great read. Highly recommend.
1735206
"Praise You in the storm" was chosen as one of the songs at our 37 year old son's memorial.  I didn't pick it, I just wasn't able to concentrate well enough to think about the songs.  When it was played it was so moving for me.  It supported me with Truth at a time when I so needed it, and the lyrics brought me comfort, sorrow and also a knowing that someday we will see our loved one again in the Kingdom of God. That was April 22, 2011 and I can say with all honesty that I didn't think I would make it out alive, but here I sit remembering my dear son and the One and Only True God who has been so faithful to me and mine to be able to honor with a healed heart and spirit.