In Shirley S. Rhode’s Crosswinds , the turbulence of love meets the storm of war. Nettie and Derrick are a married couple on the brink of collapse after enduring the heartache of two miscarriages, and with Derrick enlisting in the military, their fragile relationship is tested. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and perseverance as both Nettie and Derrick embark on individual journeys of survival. It’s a gripping, inspirational romance filled with raw emotion, showing us that sometimes the most powerful battles are fought in the heart. What Does It Mean To Love Amidst War? The central conflict in Crosswinds is not just the battlefields of Europe, but the battlefields of Nettie and Derrick's hearts. War amplifies their marital struggles, stripping their relationship bare and forcing them to confront issues they might have ignored. War is not simply a metaphor here but an active participant in their lives, particularly as Derrick feels
When you meet someone who instantly brings calm, joy, and warmth into your life, it feels like a rare gift. This is the story of that kind of relationship—one built on love, loyalty, and true companionship. With a few life lessons sprinkled in, this story will tug at your heartstrings, while making you smile at the little quirks of life. --- Meeting Someone Who Feels Like Sunshine—Is It Real or Just a Dream? They say that sometimes in life, you cross paths with someone who instantly makes you feel calm, refreshed, and like you’re finally breathing easy. Well, they never say where you’re likely to cross paths with this person. A park? A coffee shop? Maybe, a garden centre while shopping for plants you probably won’t water? Trust me, the last one is truer than you think. It was one of those days when life felt a little too heavy, and I had escaped into my usual weekend ritual of "shopping for houseplants and pretending I know how to care for them." The air was heavy with the sm