"On of her most intiguing works"

In 1905, Black Owl went east to formally study veterinary medicine. Three years later, to the elation of his family, especially his mother, he has graduated and has returned to his home in Bear Valley to set up his practice. Blackie rents a facility from Joey McBride and begins offering his services though some of the Anglos reject him because of his Indian heritage.

Soon Joey and Blackie begin to fall in love. His family supports Blackie marrying Joey. By example like their parents did much earlier, his two older siblings have recently established mixed marriages. However, her side led by her grandmother and her brother remember the Little Big Horn; they prefer to run the Indian out of town.

Madeline Baker continues her strong early historical romance series with the engaging tale of the third child Blackie, who has adopted much of white heritage. The story line is loaded with Native American life that enables the audience to feel a period of major transition. Though the characters behave very typical of the sub-genre, including books by Ms. Baker, fans will fully embrace this warm exciting star-crossed romance while looking forward to the Daniel Blue Hawk's novel set in another decade or two.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted October 3, 2002

Summary

Some folks say they are just two kids who should never have met—a girl from the wrong side of town and a half-breed determined to make his mark on the world. Their families fought on opposite sides at the Little Big Horn; there can be no future for them. But when Black Owl looks at Joey, he sees the most beautiful girl in the world. And when she presses her lips to his, she is finding her way home. In each other's arms, they find a safe haven from a world where hatred and ugliness can only be conquered by the deep, abiding power of courageous love.