When Heaven Thunders picks right up from the close of When the Mountains Wept. The Dabney family are staying in Dr. James Hill's home. They are still reeling from the great losses they have experienced. They keep busy and help others wherever they are needed.
Brother Fin is part of an elite team that searches out bushwackers and Confederate troops in the area. It is a struggle knowing that men in opposition have created terrible circumstances where father may be fighting son, neighbor against neighbor even best friends against one another. Fin has a cousin who fights against him. It is enough in itself to be fighting this war and seeing devastation and death without the possibility of having a loved one in sight during an encounter.
I received an e-copy of this book from the author and Pear Blossom Books via NetGalley. This is my unsolicited opinion of the book.
This is so well written, capturing the fear, heartache and terrible division of the country during the U.S. Civil War. Pearson does not gloss over or romanticize the hardships for soldiers and their families. I really appreciate the family she has created and their deep faith.
Fin and Melinda Jane are main characters in this second book of her series; West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's War. I learn from deeply researched addition of true events that are smoothly inserted into the story. Each Dabney family member is changing in part due to the war but also as they mature and face hard times together but sometimes apart. Melinda has loved Fin for a long time and is questioning if God has other plans for her which adds conflict to romance.
Fin's scouting partner, Noah, is an excellent character. They come to trust and depend on one another through dangerous travel.
I love this series and recommend it to those who love to read historical fiction based on actual people and events. I give this book a 5-star rating.

The West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm, Book 2 is even more of a compelling and captivating story than the first, which I would not have thought possible. Yet When Heaven Thunders by Kendy Pearson certainly was just that. Fin’s experiences brought the story to life for bringing into the horrors of war. It was as if I could feel the ground shaking, the bullets whizzing by and the heartbreak of fallen comrades. Along with this was the sorrow and hesitation of facing a friend on the opposite side in the mist of battle. Then there was the compassion of some while also seeing the needless brutality of others. Along side of all of this was the faithfulness of God no matter the circumstances.

It sounds as if all I read was about war and fighting but that is not true. The relationship building among the characters wis outstanding too. This is a swiftly moving carefully plotted story. When Heaven Thunders is wonderful storytelling that has historical facts intertwined. I loved it, now I highly recommend it.

A delightful story as the second in the series. It could be read as a stand alone book. The characters hold fast to faith and integrity in dire circumstances. It's a huge reminder that we each need to keep treasured in our hearts God's words and principles.

When Heaven Thunders by Kendy Pearson is book two in the West Virginia Born of Rebellion Series (book one is When the Mountains Wept). Although James and Gus (Augusta) from book one are only mentioned a couple times, I enjoyed reading more about her brother Fin (Phineas) Dabney and his experiences as the Civil War wages on. Fin realizes the uncertainty of life and vows to tell Melinda Jane how he truly feels about her when he returns from the war. Meanwhile on the home front, Melinda Jane and Fin's siblings leave the farm to stay with Gus and James in Charleston (West Virginia).

The Civil War pitted family against family, friend against friend, and neighbor against neighbor. The struggle not to choose a side and the struggle to choose which side when forced created division. Pearson does an excellent job of depicting the inner turmoil of the characters.

Released Oct. 1, 2024. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a great book! The story was very well written and the pacing was perfect. The written in this book was very easy to read and enjoy!

We continue to follow the Dabney family through the Civil War Era in this 2nd book of the series.
The author doesn't disappoint. Living around the areas mentioned, I can picture all that is happening in the book as if I'm there. The author writes in a way that we can see and feel what the characters are.

When Heaven Thunders by Kendy Pearson is a thrilling fictional story set amongst true events of the Civil War. It’s the second book in her series entitled West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm. The description of landscape and war tactics are equally compelling, drew me deeper into this riveting tale of patriotism, family love, of course, romance and battling bitterness through treacherous trials. Learning that God’s will and direction are always best are some of my most favorite parts of this book. And to think, book 3 is coming soon. Yay!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

I find this West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm series to be completely captivating, page-turning, thought-provoking, and inspirational! I am SO glad to be immersed in this captivating second story in the series, When Heaven Thunders, with it's wonderful characters and many new ones. What a compelling story from the first line "His family is missing. Bushwackers are sleeping in his bed. This war just got a heap more personal for Union Sergeant Fin Dabney" to the last line. Continuing in the tradition of the first story in the series, this one, set in the civil war is also heart-warming, heart-breaking, and authentic. I could not put it down and cannot wait for more! I highly recommend this excellent civil war historical fiction, When Heaven Thunders (book 2), and When the Mountains Wept (book 1). Waiting (not patiently ha!) for book 3! Author Kendy Pearson with her impeccable research, and beautiful story-telling crafts an absolute winner with this series!