The Four Winds

 The Four Winds is by author Kristin Hannah. I have read many, if not all, of her books, with The Nightingale being, by far, my favorite. 

The Four Winds begins in 1921 in Texas with the main character, Elsa. Elsa had been ill when she was young, and so her parents never allowed her to do much of anything, including going to school after she turned fourteen. She was told that she was not pretty like her sister and by 1921, she was considered a spinster.  However, one night she began considering her life and what she wanted  She realized that if she didn't do something, she would live and die in her parent's home never knowing what it was like to have her own family.  And she was ready to change all that.

Elsa cut her hair and secretly made a new dress for herself, then one night announced to her parents that she was going to the speakeasy that night.  Her parents forbade it, but she ran off and went.  And there she met a younger man than herself, a good-looking Italian man named Rafe.

By 1934, Elsa had been living with Rafe's parents ever since her and Rafe's quick marriage. The drought had settled over the area and Elsa had to make a decision for her and her children. Elsa decided to leave Texas with her children for California as a part of the Dust Bowl migration, with the promises of jobs and a good life. 

Things aren't always as promised and rough times were ahead for the family.  

The novel is about Elsa's strength and love for family that she never knew she had. It's a rather heartbreaking story, but also one of hope.  It has stayed with me ever since I finished the book.