"star-crossed Indian romance"

Her parents died when Jeanine was young. Her bossy Uncle Fred Hunter the local sheriff raised her. By 1901, Jeanine was curator of the Duluth Art Museum, did lectures on local Minnesota art, had books published and owned her own house yet Fred still tried to order her about. Now Jeanine wants to write a book about the Chippewas starting with a visit to the former owner of her house Judith McMahon, who married a tribe member. Fred tells her to avoid the savages before leaving. His Deputy Cameron Tyner stays behind allegedly to keep Jeanine from bolting, but instead informs her he plans to teach her life's secrets.

Jeanine escapes, but soon becomes a prisoner again of Chief Lone Wolf a Chippewa with a vow of vengeance made to his mother involving chiefs and white female brides. As Jeanine and Lone Wolf begin to fall in love, both must deal with prejudicial relatives and an odious Cameron who has other plans for the artistic niece of his boss.

She may change the century and the locale, yet when it comes to the Savage world of Cassie Edwards, the theme remains the same. This well written reprint of a 1990s novel is a solid tale of star-crossed lovers dealing with bias and animosity that threatens to destroy their love. The lead couple is a delightful pair as both have strong ethics to help them survive the maelstrom their relationship causes. The secondary characters are balanced with counterweights between the Indian and white sides such as Fred and Lone Wolf's mom having similar traits. Still Cassie Edwards' fans will welcome the splendor of a fine tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 29, 2003