Vortex is a story about love, chasing storms by Kimberly Packard. I always enjoy the intriguing way this author can weave a story, keeping her audience captivated from start to finish. It requires particular talent to mesmirise readers, and Kimberley Packard has talent aplenty.
Elaina and Robert “Tuck” Tucker team up to chase dangerous storms. It is when she meets meteorologist, Seth Maddux, who is madly trying to resurrect his career, that sparks fly. This colourful collection of charismatic and entertaining characters provide endless flair and amusement, loving at its finest, and more thrills and spills than an adrenaline junkie could possibly dream of. Never lacking in content or good old enjoyment, Vortex was a fast paced, action filled drama that both impressed and satisfied my craving for a good story. 5 stars.
Kimberly Packard’s Vortex was a fully charged read. This story is more than just tornadoes and relationships – it involves self discovery, faces challenges and forging forward into the unknown. This story fully engulfed my imagination within the first several chapters. The story is set in the mid-west during tornado season, but the twisting destruction of the tornado is not the only twister related shifts that occur within the story. Kimberly Packard did an amazing job in tying the natural weather phenomena in the story to give additional depth into the story. This is one of those stories I would absolutely read again due to how well written it was. Beautiful in its destruction and dynamic in its re-building. Wow!
With this being my first read from this author, I didn’t know what to expect, but the synopsis totally drew me in so i took the chance. Was I glad I took it! This book held me captivated from the get go, it was fast paced, action packed and a book that is mentally visual to you that you feel as though you are there along side the characters. Kimberly Packard has an amazing writing style, with a brilliant plot and even better characters. You are brought along on a journey with these characters that brings you twists and turns throughout and emotional highs and lows, with the thrill of the chase, this book will bring you along on an amazing story.
This is a story I will read again, just to take it all in. I now will be looking forward to reading more of this authors work and what else she can bring! But do not miss this read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Chantelle Smithhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChantelle Smith2019-02-25 06:41:562019-02-25 08:42:40Vortex by Kimberly Packard – Review By Chantelle Smith
Vortex by Kimberly Packard was an heart pounding, original fresh read, that had me flipping the pages.
My first read by this author, I jumped in without much research into the book, and I was pleasantly surprised. Richly detail and fast moving, I found myself falling more and more into this uniquely refreshing read. I will say that if you are a fan of the 90’s movie twister, then you will love this book, as it had some similar themes.
This book was truly an outstanding read. The writing is topshelf and the MC was solid, complex and well rounded. She really pushed this story and it fit in perfectly with the equally solid and complex plot. I loved the added mystery of her past and the heart stopping moments that surrounded the storm chasing. Attention to detail was another driving point, I swear I could hear the swirling storm as I was reading.
So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that you will get captured by this heart clutching, emotional, pulse jumping read.
This book was an unexpected delight. Emotional and riveting, I found myself sitting in the front seat with storm chasers. The details allowed my imagination to run wild. The characters were relatively able and realistic. Packard does a wonderful job creating this universe and these characters.
Vortex by Kimberly Packard is a uniquely different story and one that I really enjoyed reading. I absolutely love Storm chasers and the whole thing scares the sh*t out of me but fascinates me immensely. I imagine it’s a tough job with so much risk, yet thrilling at the same time and this book was just how I imagined the chase would be. The story flows easily and is fast paced. This story is a really intense read and is definitely pulls at the emotions. I was on the edge of my seat many many times with my heart in my throat. It is full of danger and secrets and was heartbreaking and sad at times. I enjoyed reading about the complex and compelling heroine as she tries to piece together fragments from the past.
Elaina Adams is an independent and strong woman and has a knack to know when a simple cloud system and storm will turn in to a life threatening creature. It is her passion and she is on her way to getting her doctorate. She is putting herself in danger for answers that only a tornado can provide the answers to.
I would highly recommend reading this thrilling read.
WOW! I don’t quite know what I was expecting from this book when I started it, except that I knew it would be good, just as all Ms. Packard’s other books have been- but this far and away exceeded all my expectations and then some. Vortex by Kimberly Packard has just become one of my top 5 reads this year! I know that there is still a lot of the year to get through, but I am certain that come December, it will still be part of the top reads of the year- it’s just that compelling, edgy, mysterious, intriguing, and completely riveting!! I couldn’t put it down, reading the whole book in a matter of hours, but also at the same time, not really wanting it to finish. This would make a brilliant movie- and I would love to read more about Elaina (and Seth’s) storm chasing adventures in the future!! Hint, hint, Ms. Packard ?. The story was quite an exhilarating ride and took me on an adventure that I won’t soon forget! There is suspense, action, drama, danger, mystery, tension, twists, surprising developments, tornadoes, family relationships, secrets, self-discovery, storm chasing, second chances, betrayal, loss, a little romance, and sooo much more. I am most definitely addicted to Ms. Packard’s stories, with her Phoenix series amongst my favourite reads- but this one, seemingly unassuming book (to look at), has trumped them all! Ms. Packard orchestrated this story like a world-class maestro would a symphony, building the tension and intensity the whole way through- before finally reaching the zenith with a massive crescendo of adrenaline inducing, edge of your seat action. Much like a building storm I watched as all the elements melded together, roiling and surging- quite unpredictably, while holding me in complete anticipation and expectation- the whole way through. This is such a well thought out story, with intricately detailed elements and descriptions, full of intriguing tornado (storm) facts and information that really helped to set the mood and tone of the overall story. The intricately woven story is full of inter-connected details that showcase just how brilliant a storyteller (and writer) Ms. Packard really is! The story is told from several POV’s which added a lot of interest and gave the story more depth, drama, and intrigue. Highly Recommended reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2019-02-21 22:46:262019-02-22 07:38:12Vortex by Kimberly Packard – Review by Angela Hayes
While I commend those who do this, I could never be a storm chaser! I myself live in tornado alley but have thankfully never been in a tornado. I found myself reading so fast as I needed to know what happened next. Very fast paced and definitely wasnt expecting some things that happened.
I think I’ve read almost all of this authors books and I love them all, this one might just be my favorite so far.
Storm chasers are always fascinating to me and although it scares me to death Im thankful we have those out there willing to risk their lives so that our advanced warning systems are in the places they are.
This was no different than the rest of this authors books with the easy flow of the writing and the unique storylines. I loved the “twist” in this story and that it caught me off guard and how it absolutely did not end up like I thought it would.
I can not wait for the next opportunity for me to read this author’s work, and I also can not wait to be able to go back re read the ones I have.
VORTEX starts like a popular movie about tornadoes. I was comparing and thinking the whole book was going to be this way, when, much like a tornado, it took a turn and shifted completely. This is absolutely its own high energy/unique story.
This is the story of relationships and following you dreams. It’s very descriptive and multi layered. There are things that are not as they appear. It has some interesting movement along the way and held my attention.
The dog and his human’s connection was so cool to see. I often wondered who was “talking” to who.
Vortex by Kimberly Packard is a book unlike any I had read before. The plot was different from most of the books I have read recently and that captures my attention and kept me hooked. Part of what had me so fascinated with this book is that I just couldn’t imagine anything that would prompt me to do what Elaine does. And yet at the same time I felt like I was right there with her making those decisions, chasing all those storms. This book takes you on such an emotional journey. It’s been a while since I had to “sit” for a while once finishing a book but this one I certainly had to. An absolutely brilliant read I couldn’t recommend this more.
Wow I really had to step away for a moment after finishing this book. My emotions were all over the place. In fact while reading I ran through some crazy feelings. This is an amazing book that has many front facing features. I assumed it was about storm chasers (which it is) but there are other sides that come forward that had me whirling around trying to figure them out. I loved the idea of this book. It’s about the ultimate thrill that is crazy and scary as heck. Not everyone can or should do it.
What did I love about this? Besides everything?? Here are some specifics. The way the author referred to clouds and tornadoes as a child in the womb and then being born. Taking its first wobbly step as it gains confidence. Crazy how that is so true! The t-shirts that the MC wears. Such attention to detail…I loved it. The relationships that were built, the MC was smart and knowledgeable with a side of sassy, and her dog!!! For Pete’s sake I almost forgot Nimbus! He is a wonderful side character!
I literally could not put this book down. It opens with a bang and keeps going all the way through. This is not my first Kimberly Packard book and it won’t be the last. She know how to weave a story and write strong yet comfortable characters. If you want a thrill ride with attachment to the characters? Pick this one up!
This is the first book I have read from this author and she blew me away. I absolutely love a good romance story with some suspense but this book exceeded all my expectations. I was hooked on this story right from the start. You can’t help but to fall in love with these characters.
Elaina Adams is getting her doctorate in a very dangerous field. She is a storm chaser and she absolutely loves it. Elaina gets a feeling that a tornado is coming her way and she needs to help the public. She is trying to make more of a warning time for people to seek shelter in a tornado. Elaina’s plan goes wrong and she is almost killed. She has no idea how it happened but the tornado just left. As she was fighting for her life she had a vision about her past. Now Elaina is wanting to find out the truth about her childhood. She is then called into a meeting with her boss and she is told that her chasing will be documented. Elaina is not too happy about this but when she meets the handsome Seth things change. Will Elaina find out the truth about her past or will it be all blown away?
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance, suspense, and mystery. You will fall in love with all of these characters. Elaina is a strong and independent woman that knows what she wants. She absolutely loves her work and she would do anything for the people she loves. Seth is handsome guy that is trying to get his career back. He has strong feeling for Elaina but he doesn’t understand why. This is a very emotional story. There will be times of joy and also sadness but you will not be disappointed. This talented author will keep you at the edge of your seat until the end. I can’t wait to see what this author will have for us next.
The story Vortex by Kimberly Packard is a wonderful book that I enjoyed reading. The story is both emotional and takes you on a high-speed ride with storm chasers. It at times had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I loved reading about the character of Elaina Adams. She is strong, independent, and has a determination to get her doctorate. A memory has been awakened when she has a close encounter in a storm. She now finds herself looking for answers while putting herself in danger with each new storm she chases. Will Elaina find the answers that she seeks? There are also two other characters that play a part in this story. One of them is Seth Maddux. He is a man who is trying to get his career back on track. He also finds himself very attracted to Elaina. Robert Tucker or “Tuck” is a man that runs a storm chasing business. Because of betrayal, Elaina is forced to pair up with him. Tuck is a man that seems to be more out for himself, so I wondered what his motives were. This story has emotional and intense dialogue. It has times that are sad and heartbreaking. There are other times when the fast pace and danger that comes with chasing storms is felt. My emotions went up and down with the characters. Elaina is a character that I grew to care for with each chapter that I read. Don’t miss out on a story that will pull you in and won’t let go until the end. I would highly recommend reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2019-02-01 02:26:482019-02-01 07:07:07Vortex By Kimberly Packard – Review by Laura Furuta
Nope I couldn’t do it. I would refuse to do it. I couldn’t imagine someone asking me to get close to a tornado or hurricane. I don’t understand the thrill people get from being in danger. Elaina must have had a death wish. She was too eager to go into the middle of a storm. I didn’t like the way they put Heath’s life on her. She didn’t deserve it. But people say and do a lot when they grieve. Elaina has a lot of emotional and mental baggage and it made her stronger and more stubborn. Seth did a lot of soul searching and found his calling. The author developed the characters just right and it made the ending bitter sweet.
I loved this book! It is my favorite by this author yet! It is fast paced, creative and pulled me in right from the start. I loved how the creative characters made me feel as if I was right there in the story. This is a story of finding who you are, family and love. Elaina is a storm chaser and Seth is a meteorologist. What happens when they meet starts a twister of a journey that I couldn’t put down. I loved their chemistry and they made the story into what it is. A must read!
Constant spinning, round and round and round, temperatures rise and fall from stifling heat to chilling cold, emotions run high in anticipation of what will happen next… there’s a fine line between surviving a tornado and falling in love.
A close encounter with a tornado, during the final months of her doctoral studies, jogs a lost memory to the surface. Desperate to relive the vision and find answers, storm chaser Elaina Adams continually puts her safety at risk by placing herself in the path of dangerous storms.
When betrayal strikes, Elaina is forced to pair up with Robert Tucker. “Tuck” owns a storm chasing tour group and only cares about two things: chasing tornadoes and making his next buck.
Seth Maddux was climbing his way to the top as the star meteorologist for the Forecast channel, but an embarrassing outburst on camera sent his career on a downward spiral. Hoping to reignite his career with a promising field assignment, he meets Elaina and a different kind of flame sparks.
Family secrets surface and passions explode in this twister of a tale.
Vortex is a story of family, love, identity and determination set against the thrilling backdrop of Tornado Alley.
Kimberly Packard is an award-winning author of edgy women’s fiction. She began visiting her spot on the shelves at libraries and bookstores at a young age, gazing between the Os and the Qs.
When she isn’t writing, she can be found running, doing a poor imitation of yoga or curled up with a book.She resides in Texas with her husband Colby, a clever cat named Oliver and a yellow lab named Charlie.
Her debut novel, Phoenix, was awarded as Best General Fiction of 2013 by the Texas Association of Authors. She is also the author of a Christmas novella, The Crazy Yates, and the sequels to Phoenix, Pardon Falls and Prospera Pass. Her latest novel, Vortex, was released in early 2019.
The Yates weren’t too crazy. But Callie had a few loose. She ran herself thin just to care for the people around her. Just like being a mom you take on so much and don’t let anyone in to help. Callie has taken care of everyone for years. When do you start remembering that your not alone in life. It takes a lot of courage and love to do what Callie did. The author wrote this story to compel us to think outside the normal and to learn that happiness just needs a little faith. Reviewed by @gguerrero89
The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard is the perfect novella to curl up and read surrounding the holidays! Despite being short, the story packs a punch with great characters with depth. I really enjoyed Callie, the strong writing and emotion throughout the novella made me feel like she was one of my close friends. I would give this book 5 stars and encourage anyone to give it a go. It’s really a heartwarming read! Review by @fnbates
The Cray Yates by Kimberly Packard is a fast short read that you will want to finish in one reading. This is not my first book by Kimberly Packard and will not be my last. This story was a major emotional story for me. There were high points and low points. The story is so realistic that I could see Callie being a close friend. This story gave me hope that there is some Christmas Magic left in the world. This is a special story with a young lady, Callie who lost her mother. Callie being the oldest sibling took upon the role of “Mother” to her younger siblings and she grew up fast. There are many things stacking up against the Yates family. Will Callie be able to get some Christmas Magic or will the circumstances be so great that things will fall apart? You will have to read this short story to find the answers.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2019-01-06 16:26:302019-01-06 18:41:58The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard – Review by Erica Fish
The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard 5 out of 5 stars The Crazy Yates is written by Kimberly Packard and it’s the first book that I have read by this author. The characters are amazing, the storyline is great and the description is awesome. This is a short Christmas story about a family down on their luck but they have each other. Callie Yates loved her family unconditionally, how she simply stepped up to the plate and did what had to be done for her family. She soon realizes how she also had lost herself and how she needed to be reminded of what a true family is and let them in. I’m not going to say anything else because I don’t want to give anything away. I really enjoyed this book and author and will be reading more by her.
The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard. This is an amazing book. I wasn’t prepared for it to end as quickly as it did. I wanted it to continue which is the sign of a very good book. It’s the story of Callie Yates, the oldest daughter of 4 siblings. When her dad becomes very sick with anxiety and agoraphobic (won’t leave the house) she is stuck with taking care of the household including being the breadwinner. She works so hard and tries to give her siblings the childhood she never had. When she finds out her store is closing where she works, will the family be lost forever or will Callie find a Christmas Miracle? This book is so sweet, full of love and Christmas hope.
Note to self: Pay attention to book length. I was not prepared for this book to end so quickly! Like other Kimberly Packard books I have read, I didn’t want to put down The Crazy Yates, and read it in one setting. I highly recommend it and all her books. She writes in a way that you feel like you know the character. She is very descriptive and the characters are genuine and realistic. This is a short story about the Yates family, specifically Callie, the oldest daughter. She is left to look after her family when her father develops such bad anxiety and agoraphobia he cannot leave the house, and her mother cannot handle it and bails. Leaving Callie to raise and take care of her father, and younger brother and sisters. It seems like bad luck piled on bad. Will Callie get a Christmas miracle this year?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2018-12-31 20:08:462019-01-01 05:43:13The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard is a Christmas novella that broke my heart a little bit while reading. I felt so bad got Callie at first, when it rains it pours especially with the bad and that is the case for Callie and her family.
Helping raise her younger siblings and being the sole financial support has caused her to grow up way too soon. As the oldest she felt like it was duty, which I understand since I had to do the same thing.
One fateful trip to Amarillo changed so much for Callie and her family for the better.
This is definitely a feel good Christmas story. But I would love to see more of the Yates family.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2018-12-31 17:23:512018-12-31 18:22:12The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard – Review by Robin Rankin
This book was a very short read but full of emotion. I enjoyed reading this story, I wish it would have been longer. Callie is a young but strong woman trying to take care of her family, but feeling like she’s failing. Although there are some struggles having teenagers and an agoraphobic father in the house, there is also a very strong family bond. Will the Yates be able to overcome their struggles? Will Callie make the right decision and tell her family? To find these things out you must read this emotional story. I recommend this book.
The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard is a heartwarming short story. This book will draw you into the characters and have you invested in them in no time at all. Callie is a girl who just needs a break. But will she be able to find one? Not only Callie but her whole family is one that you cannot help but fall in love with. The authors managed to pack so much into this little book but it doesn’t at any point seem rushed. This is a great short story to lose yourself in easily.View all my reviews
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2018-12-30 15:04:082018-12-30 15:48:29The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard – Review by Kerry Baker
This was a short read about some really lovely characters. It didn’t take me long at all to get in this story and I really loved Callie. I could honestly feel that she had the weight of the world on her shoulders with everything that she had to do around the house and everything that she had been doing for her family for so many years. At times I easily forgot how young she actually was. It was pretty clear how much Callie’s family meant to her and so she did everything she could to try and support them in their time of need. I loved that the magic of Christmas shone through in this story and at a time where Callie really needed it! The ending to the story was really sweet and I would absolutely love to read more about this family again in the future.
This short and sweet Christmas novella is the perfect addition to your holiday reading list. It is engaging, sweet, and a quick read. It pulled me in immediately and had me smiling from beginning to end. Enjoyed this work from Packard and definitely recommend it to others.
After writing this review, I am going to find out if this is part of a longer story or series. I’m invested in the Yates Family and want to know how it all turns out.
A quick and easy read that centers around the Christmas holiday and it reminds us why we still believe in ” Santa Claus”. Bleak from the very beginning, this story is not a all puppy dogs and butterflies yet it allowed me heart to swell and believe in happy endings.
It is clean and YA friendly and I things any age group could enjoy it.
The Crazy Yates is a delightful Christmas novella by Kimberly Packard. It is only about 60 pages long but it is filled with magic of what a real family and magic of Christmas is. The writer has packed a full story into those few pages and at no point did I feel that it was a rushed job, we had the beginning, middle and end and it also made us more curious about whatever happened to the mother and whatever will happen to Callie, what her dreams will be and where the life takes her. I loved the unconditional love that Callie had for her family, how she simply did what had to be done and how she also had lost herself and how she needed to be reminded of what a true family is … Thank you dear writer for giving us a reminder and I did go and call my mother and talked to her for a long time after I had finished the book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jana Teppihhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJana Teppih2018-12-26 07:48:102018-12-26 19:52:56The Crazy Yates by Kimberly Packard – Review by Jana Teppih
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
