"Fine nineteenth century historical romance"

In the 1860s Dakota Territory, Renait O'Brien struggles to keep her family together. However, when one of her siblings envisions their brother lying in a pool of blood, Renait knows she must find him to keep him safe. However, to succeed she must embrace her Sioux heritage that she has ignored in recent years.

Sheriff Tyler is attracted to Renny who rejects his offers to help her with her family. He accepts her refusals until he learns she is going on a quest into the Badlands alone. He insists on coming with her as he will never allow the woman he loves to travel alone into potential danger. He blithely ignores her rejection of his protection. On the trail, Renny struggles with her growing awareness of the half of her culture that she chose to ignore and with trepidation that her brother is going to die. Tyler keeps her focused except when he steals kisses that make her forget everything but him. However, he is a man of honor and knows the quest must come before his desire.

As always in a Susan Edwards' "White" tale, the reader receives a colorful vivid description of life, this time in the Civil War era Dakotas. Fans will also appreciate the fine starring couple as Renny is an intrepid individual struggling to do the right thing for her family, which in her mind meant ignoring her Indian bloodlines, and the man who would willingly die for her. Though the multitude of story lines including some that just disappear makes it difficult to track the escapades of the lead couple, the author's myriad of fans will enjoy her latest nineteenth century historical.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 14, 2006