Have you ever read a book that left you speechless as you finished the last page? A book that you have to just sit back and absorb for a moment?
A Soft Breath of Wind by Roseanna M. White was that sort of book for me.
FUN FACT: Pictured is the second edition of A Soft Breath of Wind. The original edition features a different cover, and while that one is beautiful too, I’m obsessed with the new one! Both covers were designed by the author, who is also MY cover designer! Doesn’t she do a fabulous job?
A gift that has branded her for life
Zipporah is thirteen when the Spirit descends upon her, opening her eyes to a world beyond the physical goings-on of the villa outside Rome she has always called home. Within hours, she learns what serving the Lord can cost. Forever scarred after a vicious attack, she knows her call is to use this discernment to protect the Way. She knows she must serve the rest of her life at Tutelos, where the growing Roman church has congregated. She knows her lot is set.
Yet is it so wrong to wish that her master, the kind and handsome young Benjamin Visibullis, will eventually see her as something more than a sister in Christ?
Samuel Asinius, adoptive son of a wealthy Roman, has always called Benjamin brother. When their travels take them to Jerusalem for Passover, the last thing he expects is to cross paths with the woman who sold him into slavery as a child the mother he long ago purged from his heart. His sister, Dara, quickly catches Benjamin’s eye, but Samuel suspects there is something dark at work.
When Dara, a fortune-teller seeking the will of a shadowy master determined to undermine the Way, comes into the path of Zipporah, a whirlwind descends upon them all.
Only the soft wind of the Spirit can heal their scars…with a love neither divination nor discernment could foresee.
First off, let me address the most distinctive aspect of this book–the heavy supernatural theme. I know such things as seeing angels and demons, and other supernatural aspects addressed in this book, can seem strange and even off-putting to our modern minds. However, I know what God did throughout the Bible, particularly in the days of the early Church, and what I have heard of and seen Him do with my own eyes in our present day. I know these sorts of things are very real–back then and today. So while it is hard to wrap my mind around having the gift of seeing into the spiritual realm, I do not doubt that such is possible. God works in many mysterious and mind-boggling ways. Who is to say He has not or would not give someone a gift like Zipporah’s?
All that being said, I would encourage you not to be scared off by the spiritual aspects of this book, but approach them with an open yet discerning heart and mind. While I don’t agree with Roseanna on everything, I appreciate her willingness to dive into these topics not often discussed in fiction, even in most Biblical fiction. This aspect of her Biblical novels is something I really love, and makes them stand out as some of my favorites I’ve read. I really wish she’d write more–come to think of it, she actually does have a new BibFic book coming out next year with Guideposts! So YAY!
Now, on to my thoughts on the rest of the book!
Roseanna really kept me on my toes with this one. From the external and internal conflict to the romance, it was hard to predict how things would play out. Up until the last chapter, my heart was jumping as I held my breath, waiting to see if and how things would end happily for Zipporah and the rest of the residents of Tutelos. I won’t tell you if things do have a happy ending, as I wouldn’t want to cheat you out of that same measure of suspense! Seriously—I was on pins and needles the entire time!
As for Zipporah’s love story, there are not one, not two, but three different men that are potential love interests at various points in the story. And for a while, I really wasn’t sure which man she would end up with. I thought I knew who I wanted her to be with, but by the time I realized who was actually the right man, I was like, “Oh, YES! Why did I not realize sooner how perfect he is for her?!” **insert all the heart eyes** The moment Zipporah realized someone really and truly loved her, even with all her scars, was well worth the time and pain it took to get there!
This book sincerely challenged my spirit in many ways. It made me more aware of the very real spiritual battles we face on a daily basis. It reminded me of the importance of being sensitive to the evil influences we may be unintentionally allowing into our lives. It stirred in me a greater desire to be sensitive to the Spirit’s whispers to my heart, calling me to prayer, or telling/warning me to do or not do something. If our spiritual forefathers had to be so vigilant against the unseen enemies vying for their destruction, how much more should we be vigilant in these last days, when the forces of hell are at work more than ever?
Above all, this book reminded me of God’s ability to redeem even the worst of people and situations. I believe this and say so all the time, and yet, while reading about Dara and her wickedness, I wanted nothing more than to see her reap the consequences of her ill deeds. I don’t want to spoil the story by saying too much, but let me just say that the outcome of the conflict convicted me. I literally felt ashamed of myself for thinking, even for a moment, that someone like her shouldn’t have the chance to be forgiven. Roseanna reminded me through this fictional story that real-life people and situations, no matter how bad, can be turned around for the glory of God. What the enemy meant for evil, God can always work out for the good of His people. And no one, no matter what they have done, can be forgiven—if they are willing to seek it.
Thank you, Roseanna, for another soul-stirring Biblical tale that challenged and uplifted my spirit! You’ve once again astounded me with your writing prowess, and crafted characters that have burrowed their way into my heart forever. Zipporah’s courage and unwavering faith will not be soon forgotten!
5/5 Stars for this gripping novel! It is a MUST read for all Biblical fiction lovers!
NOTE: This book is the sequel to Roseanna’s debut novel, A Stray Drop of Blood. That book was fabulous, but I think I loved this one even MORE (though I think I’m in the minority on that)! You can definitely read them out of order, but for maximum understanding and enjoyment of the characters and their backgrounds, I recommend you read them in order!
