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 is an inspirational romance filled with raw emotion, showing us that 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 drawn to his military duty over staying home with his grieving wife. Can love survive distance, grief, and personal demons?
When I first picked up Crosswinds, I was intrigued by its premise: a married couple ripped apart not just by external forces, but by internal ones too. Derrick’s decision to join the war—leaving his pregnant wife behind—is one that feels both noble and selfish, adding a moral complexity that propels the plot forward. Nettie’s desperation, her anger, and her eventual empowerment through her work at the family’s silk mill make her a character that readers can root for.
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What sets Crosswinds Apart From Other War-Time Romances?
There are plenty of books out there that tell love stories during war. But Crosswinds stands apart due to Shirley Rhode’s portrayal of emotional trauma. Rhode doesn’t sugar-coat the experience of war or gloss over the emotional baggage that both Nettie and Derrick carry. The two are weighed down by guilt, sorrow, and a sense of failure. For Nettie, it’s the miscarriages, a devastating and largely invisible kind of grief that many women endure. For Derrick, it’s his perceived inability to be the husband and protector that Nettie needs.
As the novel unfolds, I was struck by Rhode’s portrayal of Nettie’s gradual transformation from a passive, grieving wife to a woman taking charge of her life. After Derrick leaves, she channels her grief into her father’s silk mill, helping the employees who, much like herself, are burdened by their circumstances.
What I appreciated about Rhode’s writing is her ability to navigate these themes without turning the narrative into a melodramatic tear-jerker. The characters are flawed, but this only makes them more relatable. They feel like real people, struggling through an extraordinary period in history.
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Is it a traditional romance?
Not quite. Although Crosswinds fits within the framework of an “inspirational romance,” it doesn't follow the typical formula. The love story is there, yes, but it is complicated by trauma, separation, and the demands of war. This is not a book where the couple shares moments of light flirtation or romantic candlelit dinners. It is a raw and sometimes painful look at a marriage that is fraying at the seams. Nettie and Derrick are two people clinging to love, but barely able to recognize the person standing in front of them.
Perhaps what gives this story its emotional heft is its foundation in realism. The stakes are high, but not in the typical "will they or won't they" way. We aren’t wondering if Nettie and Derrick will end up together; instead, we are invested in whether they will survive their respective journeys with their sense of self intact. Can they rebuild their relationship, or will it be lost to the crosswinds of war and personal failure?
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"A Famous Quote?" Yes, There is one
One quote I believe encapsulates the essence of Crosswinds, is when Nettie confides in her sister about Derrick leaving:
"Even learning I am having a baby didn’t keep him home. And he is fully aware of what happened before."
This one line alone lays bare the complexities of their relationship. Nettie’s words resonate with the pain of a woman who feels abandoned, not just physically but emotionally. It is not just about whether Derrick physically returns, but whether he will ever emotionally return to her.
What’s the most memorable part of the story?
For me, the most memorable part of Crosswinds is Nettie’s decision to take control of the silk mill. In the midst of war and personal devastation, she rises to the occasion and makes changes that improve the lives of the employees. It is a small victory in the grand scheme of things, but it is precisely these small victories that give the novel its emotional weight. In a time when Nettie feels powerless in so many areas of her life, this is something she can control.
As readers, we see Nettie’s determination. It also serves as a beautiful counterpoint to Derrick’s struggles, who, on the other side of the world, must confront his own failings. Will he prevail? It’s a question that lingers throughout the book, driving both the reader and the narrative forward.
How does the book handle war?
Rhode presents war not in graphic detail, but in its impact on the home front. The absence of men, the fear of telegrams announcing deaths, and the shifting societal roles make war ever-present, even for characters not on the battlefield. While we see glimpses of Derrick’s experience, the story predominantly remains with Nettie. This perspective allows Rhode to explore how women’s roles changed during this time—taking over businesses, supporting each other, and facing their own battles of emotional survival.
Should you read Crosswinds?
Crosswinds is not just for fans of inspirational romance; it’s for anyone who enjoys stories of personal growth, historical fiction, or relationship dynamics that go beyond surface-level conflicts. Rhode shows personal and global tragedies are often intertwined, and how love is not about grand gestures but about sticking together through the most painful parts of life.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy love story, Crosswinds may not be it. But if you want something with emotional depth, something that feels real, and something that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, then this is the book for you.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Crosswinds part of a series?
No, it’s a standalone novel. However, Shirley S. Rhode has written other books, including Sisters in the Sun.
2. Is this book only for women?
Not at all! Although it has a female protagonist, the emotional themes are universal. It will appeal to anyone interested in stories of resilience, love, and personal growth.
3. How long is the book?
The book is 170 pages, making it a relatively quick read.
4. Does the book have a happy ending?
Without giving too much away, let’s say the ending is bittersweet but ultimately satisfying. There’s a sense of hope and redemption for the characters.
5. What makes this book different from other war-time romance novels?
Its focus on the internal battles—grief, loss, and personal failure—sets it apart. The war is ever-present, but it’s the emotional toll that takes centre stage.
Tushar Mangl is the author of The Avenging Act. He writes on Personal Finance, books, investments, mental health, and the art of living a balanced life. He seeks to create a greener, better society.
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