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Full Circle
From the moment she arrives at the North Dakota Sioux reservation, an idealistic young missionary teacher clashes--both professionally and passionately--with Black Hawk, a fierce member of the Sioux determined to preserve his people's traditions. Original.
508 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
112 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne Bittner
84 books623 followersI am a USA-TODAY best-selling author with 41 years, 76 books, and numerous writing awards behind me. My major genre is historical romance. I have always written for standard publishers but am now writing strictly for Amazon so I have more freedom to write real history. My most recent publication is SHADOW TRAIL, the 6th book in my Outlaw Hearts series. I also wrote and published my first full-length contemporary story, DANCING BENEATH YOU, in September 2022, a romance involving mystery and a depiction of reservation life in the Badlands of South Dakota. My best sellers are my SAVAGE DESTINY series (7 books) and my OUTLAW HEARTS series. See my website (www.rosannebittner.com) for details on all my books - most available for Kindle and in print. I am known for great love stories filled with real history and high emotion. I have also written many Native American stories, all based on real history.
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 5, 2020
I was attracted to this book by it's theme. A new author to me and I think she proved remarkable knowledgeable accuracy throughout based on the theme. While I have read few books on Native Americans and can understand the basic activities of the Indians so I had no trouble moving with the story. The Indians also had Christianed names which were tad hard to remember, with many characters and two names for a person it takes a while to remember them as the characters appears repeatedly.
Evelyn Gibbons was of a different mind, sheltered, educated and of independent spirit. Daughter of a preacher Evelyn longs for something "beyond a simple home life and babies", so when an opportunity comes to teach the Indian children added to it seeing a vision of an Indian warrior on a spotted horse compelled her to charge. Moving to live on a remote reservation with no modern facilities near the broken tribe of Indians Evelyn was determind to bring out the Indian children and educate them. It was not easy. Not only she desired to teach the children but took few matters in her hands.
- Seth and his adoptive daughters.
- Making pairs between two obivious admirers.
- Helping/ capturing the whites whose prejudices harm the Indians.
- Finding the vision warrior.
Black Hawk was a Sioux widow, who saw his wife and baby son brutally killed by the whites. Living in the hills away from prying eyes with his only living son, Hawk lives among with his people preserving the Sioux traditions. Hawk despises the Whites and he has been breaking the smuggling of whisky traders who were were selling whisky to the Indians by the whites which was making the Indians mad and lazy. Hawk was a hard man. He keeps his son away from the white traditions determined that his son will grow knowing on Sioux customs and traditions. Hawk holds his prejudices until he meets Evelyn - the woman of his vision.
This story revolves on American Indians who were subjected to follow the white traditions. Their environmental, economic and social factors ignored. Among this strives a forbidden love - a White woman and a Sioux warrior. The story starts slow and is lengthy. People like Seth Bridge, Luke Smith, Marty Able and Sergeant Fubal Diemond who misuses and mistreat the conditions of both the Whites and the Indians.
There are some harsh treatment of Hawk to a woman and tendency to do whatever he wants is right may be passable since the story blends his behaviour into it as if it's natural. Treachery is the highlighted part of the story which brings misunderstandings between the Whites and Indians. This book was a great read. I'll be checking more books from this author.
Add note: The events of this story is true and only a character of this story. (I did not mention this character) The rest of the characters are fictionous.
Evelyn Gibbons was of a different mind, sheltered, educated and of independent spirit. Daughter of a preacher Evelyn longs for something "beyond a simple home life and babies", so when an opportunity comes to teach the Indian children added to it seeing a vision of an Indian warrior on a spotted horse compelled her to charge. Moving to live on a remote reservation with no modern facilities near the broken tribe of Indians Evelyn was determind to bring out the Indian children and educate them. It was not easy. Not only she desired to teach the children but took few matters in her hands.
- Seth and his adoptive daughters.
- Making pairs between two obivious admirers.
- Helping/ capturing the whites whose prejudices harm the Indians.
- Finding the vision warrior.
Black Hawk was a Sioux widow, who saw his wife and baby son brutally killed by the whites. Living in the hills away from prying eyes with his only living son, Hawk lives among with his people preserving the Sioux traditions. Hawk despises the Whites and he has been breaking the smuggling of whisky traders who were were selling whisky to the Indians by the whites which was making the Indians mad and lazy. Hawk was a hard man. He keeps his son away from the white traditions determined that his son will grow knowing on Sioux customs and traditions. Hawk holds his prejudices until he meets Evelyn - the woman of his vision.
This story revolves on American Indians who were subjected to follow the white traditions. Their environmental, economic and social factors ignored. Among this strives a forbidden love - a White woman and a Sioux warrior. The story starts slow and is lengthy. People like Seth Bridge, Luke Smith, Marty Able and Sergeant Fubal Diemond who misuses and mistreat the conditions of both the Whites and the Indians.
There are some harsh treatment of Hawk to a woman and tendency to do whatever he wants is right may be passable since the story blends his behaviour into it as if it's natural. Treachery is the highlighted part of the story which brings misunderstandings between the Whites and Indians. This book was a great read. I'll be checking more books from this author.
Add note: The events of this story is true and only a character of this story. (I did not mention this character) The rest of the characters are fictionous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
Rating: 1.5 ugh / 5
(Spoilers ahead, but who cares?)
I think I'm going to remove this author from my to-read list henceforth. I've just given her WAY too many chances, but my conclusion is this:
this author is one sadistic lady.
I mean, as though the sexual abuse of little girls wasn't bad enough, she also gives a graphic scene of the hero with another women, even AFTER he already met the heroine.
I. Fucking. HATE. THOSE!
And so do almost all readers, as that's NOT what we want to read when we're picking up a historical romance, or a romance of any kind!
JUST. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What makes it worse is that this author actually CAN write fairly well and bring history to life; it's just her personal plot choices that mess up everything.
So, sorry not sorry, goodbye, Ms. Bittner. You are officially OFF my shelves henceforth.
(Spoilers ahead, but who cares?)
I think I'm going to remove this author from my to-read list henceforth. I've just given her WAY too many chances, but my conclusion is this:
this author is one sadistic lady.
I mean, as though the sexual abuse of little girls wasn't bad enough, she also gives a graphic scene of the hero with another women, even AFTER he already met the heroine.
I. Fucking. HATE. THOSE!
And so do almost all readers, as that's NOT what we want to read when we're picking up a historical romance, or a romance of any kind!
JUST. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What makes it worse is that this author actually CAN write fairly well and bring history to life; it's just her personal plot choices that mess up everything.
So, sorry not sorry, goodbye, Ms. Bittner. You are officially OFF my shelves henceforth.
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️.25
This “historical” novel was published in 1994 and is my first Rosanne Bittner. This author does/did not write the type of books that appeal to me. I might describe it a Harlequin Historical romance. It was weak on historical accuracy. Her villains are so villainous as to be unbelievable. The sex scenes are written largely to titillate. I’ll stay away from any others like this!
The ATY Goodreads Challenge - 2025
Prompt #28 - two books with a pair of opposites in their titles: Book 1
This “historical” novel was published in 1994 and is my first Rosanne Bittner. This author does/did not write the type of books that appeal to me. I might describe it a Harlequin Historical romance. It was weak on historical accuracy. Her villains are so villainous as to be unbelievable. The sex scenes are written largely to titillate. I’ll stay away from any others like this!
The ATY Goodreads Challenge - 2025
Prompt #28 - two books with a pair of opposites in their titles: Book 1
June 14, 2014
This book was ok but gee the author really lets her characters drone on. What could have been said in one page or less is dragged out to at least three. It leads to a lot of frustrating repetition.
August 6, 2025
Full Circle (1994) is another deeply emotional Bittner masterpiece! Please just know it’s now going on my very favorite Bittners list … and I’ve read about 50 of her books over the years.
It’s 1892 and 20 year old Evelyn Gibbons arrives at the South Dakota Sioux reservation to teach at the school. She’s independent, follows her heart and feels it is her calling to be a teacher for the Sioux. She soon discovers that the way to get the kids to attend is thru Black Hawk who’s greatly admired… he’s a widower and lives off reservation with his young son. He’s determined to preserve Sioux traditions.
In this unusual story of an unlikely romance both of them have had visions / dreams of each other before even meeting. I usually don’t like such stories but it definitely works in Full Circle and is quite believable.
There’s a secondary story of treachery, alcohol smuggling and truly evil men out to exploit the Sioux. The most disturbing parts are the sexual exploitation of young girls and more… all written in graphic detail. So very gut wrenching and tragic! This is a fast paced story which builds tension right from the beginning as it juxtaposes the beautiful love story against the dreadful scenes.., it continues right up until the cliffhanger HEA.
A highlight… the first deeply passionate sex scene in Chapter 20. I had to reread it several times because it’s one of the best I’ve read in ages.,, exquisite, sensual and sizzling hot.
“They belong together… heart, soul, spirit and body.”
Overall, another satisfying powerful Bittner HR… rich with danger and an emotionally charged love story that overcomes the prejudices of the day. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
It’s 1892 and 20 year old Evelyn Gibbons arrives at the South Dakota Sioux reservation to teach at the school. She’s independent, follows her heart and feels it is her calling to be a teacher for the Sioux. She soon discovers that the way to get the kids to attend is thru Black Hawk who’s greatly admired… he’s a widower and lives off reservation with his young son. He’s determined to preserve Sioux traditions.
In this unusual story of an unlikely romance both of them have had visions / dreams of each other before even meeting. I usually don’t like such stories but it definitely works in Full Circle and is quite believable.
There’s a secondary story of treachery, alcohol smuggling and truly evil men out to exploit the Sioux. The most disturbing parts are the sexual exploitation of young girls and more… all written in graphic detail. So very gut wrenching and tragic! This is a fast paced story which builds tension right from the beginning as it juxtaposes the beautiful love story against the dreadful scenes.., it continues right up until the cliffhanger HEA.
A highlight… the first deeply passionate sex scene in Chapter 20. I had to reread it several times because it’s one of the best I’ve read in ages.,, exquisite, sensual and sizzling hot.
“They belong together… heart, soul, spirit and body.”
Overall, another satisfying powerful Bittner HR… rich with danger and an emotionally charged love story that overcomes the prejudices of the day. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
April 29, 2019
3.5 Stars
This book has a great ending, but it had a slow start. The hero definitely had a hard side. Of course, for the times, and the fact he’s a native Indian made his actions tolerable. He us kind and caring of the heroine and definitely loves his son. Happy reading/listening!
This book has a great ending, but it had a slow start. The hero definitely had a hard side. Of course, for the times, and the fact he’s a native Indian made his actions tolerable. He us kind and caring of the heroine and definitely loves his son. Happy reading/listening!
November 7, 2023
It was ok I didn’t like having the girls mistreated.
March 1, 2017
Another great read from Rosanne Bittner. Evelyn Gibbons is a sheltered young missionary at a South Dakota Indian Reservation, where she will be teaching Indian children. the Indian population are not happy with the white people; as they have come in an taken children away from the Reservation to educate them. Evelyn is hoping to be able to reach the children in their own environment. She is not looking for love.
Black Hawk is a proud warrior; who saw his wife and child killed in fight with the white soldiers. He is raising his remaining son in an isolated place to teach him the ways of their people's traditions and customs, and to try to keep him safe and away from the white people that he finds dangerous. Black Hawk despises the white people that have brought onto the reservation the Fire Water ie whiskey that some of the Indians so enjoy.
Rosanne Bittner has a way of drawing you into the story; so that you can feel and see what the characters in the story feel and see. You will feel the pain and sorrow and love that Black Hawk and Evelyn come to have; feel and see. This story captures the anguish the Indian people feel after so many years of war and being moved like cattle onto the reservation. Made to follow the white people's rules and not being allowed to follow their own traditions and customs.
Love this book; and learn some new things about Indian customs and traditions.
Black Hawk is a proud warrior; who saw his wife and child killed in fight with the white soldiers. He is raising his remaining son in an isolated place to teach him the ways of their people's traditions and customs, and to try to keep him safe and away from the white people that he finds dangerous. Black Hawk despises the white people that have brought onto the reservation the Fire Water ie whiskey that some of the Indians so enjoy.
Rosanne Bittner has a way of drawing you into the story; so that you can feel and see what the characters in the story feel and see. You will feel the pain and sorrow and love that Black Hawk and Evelyn come to have; feel and see. This story captures the anguish the Indian people feel after so many years of war and being moved like cattle onto the reservation. Made to follow the white people's rules and not being allowed to follow their own traditions and customs.
Love this book; and learn some new things about Indian customs and traditions.
May 7, 2015
Story of a teacher, and preacher's daughter from Wisconsin, Evelyn Gibbons, who travels to a South Dakota reservation to teach the Native American children. 4/5
October 2, 2020
Warning: not a feel-good romance; contains many upsetting scenes of sexual child abuse.
I have read many books relating to Native Americans, but this is the first one set in a reservation, and it was very interesting to discover some aspects of the life conditions there.
I liked the love story between Evelyn and Black Hawk, but definitely did not enjoy the repeated descriptions of child abuse and rape in the background. I struggled to finish the book, as I didn't like the dark atmosphere and the lengthy repetitions, but I wanted to find out what happened to Evelyn and Black Hawk.
Luckily, there's a happy ending to it all!
I have read many books relating to Native Americans, but this is the first one set in a reservation, and it was very interesting to discover some aspects of the life conditions there.
I liked the love story between Evelyn and Black Hawk, but definitely did not enjoy the repeated descriptions of child abuse and rape in the background. I struggled to finish the book, as I didn't like the dark atmosphere and the lengthy repetitions, but I wanted to find out what happened to Evelyn and Black Hawk.
Luckily, there's a happy ending to it all!
November 16, 2023
This book has a strange and disturbing child abuse subplot that could have been totally omitted without detracting from the main story in the least. I guess the main love story is OK, but the white heroine always thinks she knows better and "educates" her Native American love interest. Comes across as a bit condescending at times.
August 10, 2019
Great Book!
This was the first book that I have read by Rosanne Bittner, but it won’t be the last. I have been reading more and more books lately that have Native American hero’s in them and this is the best one yet. Most of the books I’ve read lately have been flat, boring and predictable. Full Circle is different. I tend to measure most books that I read by the books written by Kathleen Woodiwiss because she was one of the best authors of the twentieth century. Full Circle almost reaches that pinnacle. Evelyn Gibbons is a strong female character who is far removed from the typical frail, blushing females that most books in this genre rely on to make readers think of the weak leading man as brave and strong. Black Hawk is a strong, proud, smart hero and together, he and Evelyn make the storyline great. There are some rough side storylines in this book that can cause weak hearts to flutter, but thanks to the bravery and strength of Evelyn and Black Hawk, these characters too are able to find strength and courage. I highly recommend Full Circle. Honestly, it is slightly predictable as to who will be involved to fulfill the vision, but the ending isn’t exactly what you think it will be. So, take a chance on Full Circle. You won’t be sorry. Enjoy!
This was the first book that I have read by Rosanne Bittner, but it won’t be the last. I have been reading more and more books lately that have Native American hero’s in them and this is the best one yet. Most of the books I’ve read lately have been flat, boring and predictable. Full Circle is different. I tend to measure most books that I read by the books written by Kathleen Woodiwiss because she was one of the best authors of the twentieth century. Full Circle almost reaches that pinnacle. Evelyn Gibbons is a strong female character who is far removed from the typical frail, blushing females that most books in this genre rely on to make readers think of the weak leading man as brave and strong. Black Hawk is a strong, proud, smart hero and together, he and Evelyn make the storyline great. There are some rough side storylines in this book that can cause weak hearts to flutter, but thanks to the bravery and strength of Evelyn and Black Hawk, these characters too are able to find strength and courage. I highly recommend Full Circle. Honestly, it is slightly predictable as to who will be involved to fulfill the vision, but the ending isn’t exactly what you think it will be. So, take a chance on Full Circle. You won’t be sorry. Enjoy!
abandonados
June 21, 2020Me ha perdido con el “revés”. Me da igual lo realista que sea. Vamos a ver, que estudio Historia y siempre me ha encantado, pero es que no busco eso en este género.
Quiero intentar leer otros libros de esta escritora. A ver si esta es la excepción.
Quiero intentar leer otros libros de esta escritora. A ver si esta es la excepción.
December 8, 2023
Goodread
I took my time reading this book I didn't want to miss anything .I loved the strong characters and the right to tell the truth for what is right . to see a person for who they are not the color of their skin
I took my time reading this book I didn't want to miss anything .I loved the strong characters and the right to tell the truth for what is right . to see a person for who they are not the color of their skin
February 12, 2025
Rosanne Bittner is such an amazing storyteller! I can't even count the number of her books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. It is so very hard to put her books down. This one,too was amazing. I'm on to the next adventure!
September 14, 2017
Rosanne continues to outdo herself.
All her books are. 5 Star. Only one was 4 Star. When I finish a book it is always her best.
All her books are. 5 Star. Only one was 4 Star. When I finish a book it is always her best.
May 25, 2020
The book was awesome ! I loved the story of true love & trust 🤗
May 27, 2020
To send.
The author wrote a lovely story of the lives and loves in this book but also taught this reader about the Sioux people that she never read in a text book
The author wrote a lovely story of the lives and loves in this book but also taught this reader about the Sioux people that she never read in a text book
January 2, 2026
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! I loved this from start to finish. just perfectly written.
April 1, 2024
Sweet story
Very much enjoyed this book. Sad to realise the truth portrayed . we need to understand no race is better than another.
Very much enjoyed this book. Sad to realise the truth portrayed . we need to understand no race is better than another.
November 9, 2015
"Full Circle" by Rosanne Bittner was a great book. I was swept away into the world of Black Hawk and Evy and enjoyed even minute of it. There were events in the book that were hard to read, but I guess although incredibly cruel, sadly those despicable acts happened and added to the reality of life in those times.
If you plan to read this book I highly recommend you read the novella "Indian Summer" first. It isn't necessary to do this, but it will definitely explain who certain characters mentioned in the book were.
If you plan to read this book I highly recommend you read the novella "Indian Summer" first. It isn't necessary to do this, but it will definitely explain who certain characters mentioned in the book were.
July 18, 2015
Full Circle awesome
This one of the amazing books for that matter the entire 3 part series. However this final segment is so beautiful filled with sorrow and tears from both good and evil. Black Hawk is such a power character he epitomizes the Indian Nation bravo Rosanne Bittner
This one of the amazing books for that matter the entire 3 part series. However this final segment is so beautiful filled with sorrow and tears from both good and evil. Black Hawk is such a power character he epitomizes the Indian Nation bravo Rosanne Bittner
July 1, 2023
A dream,A vision
Good book well written, Mystery about visions and dreams, Traveling to find answers.Love learning abuse in the story, help others ,Both people find their vision what in means in the circle of life,About a teacher who teachers Indians and tries to help all people,
Good book well written, Mystery about visions and dreams, Traveling to find answers.Love learning abuse in the story, help others ,Both people find their vision what in means in the circle of life,About a teacher who teachers Indians and tries to help all people,
April 7, 2009
Just cannot get into this one at all.
January 11, 2012
took me awhile to get into this book but finally did and ended up enjoying it. it's only been on my bookcase for years I think. The author used to be a must buy for me way back when.
December 31, 2014
Good but not my favorite Rosanne Bittner book.
June 3, 2015
Awesome
I think this author is great. She has a wonderful capability to bring her characters come to life. She does a great job of making history alive.
I think this author is great. She has a wonderful capability to bring her characters come to life. She does a great job of making history alive.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews