"A wonderful story brimming with romance and adventure. Complex characters and surprising plot twists kept me riveted! What a page turner!"—Rosalie More, Author of Allegiance and Honor Among Thieves

"If you like a well-researched historical tale, then give Challenge The Wind a try. Highly recommended. The drama, action, and romance will keep you glued until the end."—Marianne LaCroix, Love Romances

"...A powerful American Revolutionary War tale that dispenses a deep look at the impact of war on a family and those who come into their circle. The novel captures the souls of the audience through its powerful characterizations. However, the key to this strong historical story is the underlying theme that no matter how noble the cause war is hell on not just the combatants, but the loved ones waiting behind for news that those they cherish still live."—Harriet Klausner, #1 Reviewer Amazon.com

"Readers who enjoy this time period and well-developed characters will appreciate Debra Tash's Challenge The Wind as an excellent read."—Deena Johnson, The Word On Romance

"With the right balance of history, action and love...a book to be remembered. I recommend this artfully written novel to anyone, especially history buffs." Cynthia Ward, eBook Reviews Weekly

"Tash brings the complex Revolutionary times to life and fills a believable story with characters the reader will care about. Challenge The Wind is interesting, entertaining and recommended."—Ron Bieman

Matthew Smith glanced back over his shoulder to check the progress of the four men who had deserted with him. Their scarlet coats seemed to glint in the cool autumn shade of this wretched New York woodland. The men had their muskets slung over their shoulders as two of them carried Quinn on a stretcher. The sergeant had to be a strong man to have survived this long with the wounds he'd suffered at the battle of Saratoga.

Matthew focused on the way ahead. They must have traveled thirty miles or better in the last few days. He hoped the foraging party of British regulars General John Burgoyne had sent out in early September hadn't reached here. The packs Matthew and his fellow deserters carried were all but empty of food.

He paused at the sound of a snapping branch off to his right. A strand of his shoulder-length, blond hair fell across one of his blue eyes, but he didn't bother to tie it back in place now. He stood alert as the padding of the men's footfalls treading behind him mixed with the tinkling noise of the breeze rustling through the trees overhead. A shower of fire-orange and red leaves wafted down to join the forest litter at his feet. Matthew listened hard; certain someone or something was out there. He turned slowly as he slipped his Brown Bess musket from his shoulder. The men behind him came to a halt and looked about as well. Matthew cocked his head, but couldn't hear or see anything that gave him an indication they were being watched. He waited another moment, then waved the men on.

They'd gone a little ways before Matthew spotted what looked to be a trail through the thick undergrowth. He turned slightly and began to follow it, his musket still in his hands. Then he saw a clearing just up ahead. Matthew brought their party to a halt and studied the cluster of buildings there. What looked to be a main house, its wooden siding a weathered gray, stood across the clearing. Off to the left was another structure that couldn't be any larger than one room. It might be a dwelling as well for it had a stout chimney of smooth rock. Behind the main house, to the right, was a barn with a wood-shingled roof. It was connected to the main house through what looked like an enclosed passageway.