"An exciting Indian-frontier romance"

In 1810, Timothy Ambrose flies into a rage at what his daughter Emily wears. As he calls her names like "Satan's Spawn", she tries to explain that she has no other dress as Father Richard ripped the one she is wearing when he accosted her. Refusing to listen, Timothy beats her before informing his wife that they are leaving behind this whore in the Territory of Michigan wilderness.

Sioux Chief Swift Foot seeks the spirit world on a quest. Instead he finds a frightened Emily and protects her from the danger of the wild. He takes her back to his people, but on the journey they fall in love. However, Swift Foot cannot be the tribe chief and marry a white. Responsibility forces him to abandon a stunned Emily.

Trapper John Cartier is lonely so when he finds Emily he hopes that God has answered his prayers for a companion. He falls in love with her, but Emily knows that love hurts and refuses to fall under the beguiling spell of her host.

The seventh tale in Susan Edward's "White" series, WHITE DAWN, is an exciting Indian-frontier romance that is actually a prequel to the first novel (see WHITE WIND). The angst-laden story line is fast-paced as readers see the story of Sarah Cartier's parents, both of whom are delightful characters seeking yet fearing love in a cruel world. Though at times the emotion is too melodramatic, fans will appreciate this engaging story and look forward to the other prequel tale starring the parents of Golden Eagle (Swift Foot and Small Bird).

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 10, 2002

Summary

Emily Ambrose had her share of dark days. Her birth father abandoned her in the wilds of the Michigan Territory, and Indians slaughtered her adoptive missionary parents. Of that had come some good, though; through her rescuer, she'd discovered passion. Yet he, too, was destined to leave. After one summer of bliss, Swift Foot was gone, and Emily found herself in the care of a trapper.

She was no longer looking for love. That had come and gone, and now Emily was seeking safety. Big John Cartier promised it. But the handsome mountain man also pledged something else. He vowed a steady devotion, a desire to vanquish all the dangers yet to come. In his arms, Emily began to understand: The hot sparks of a season's passion flare bright, but they fade. It is the unquenchable flame of true love that lights one's life. And with that knowledge came a surety that tomorrow would be brighter than any day she's ever known.