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Say You Love Me
An Orphaned Young Woman Risks The Dangerous Wild West to Find Lost Love in Patricia Hagan's Historical Western Romance Say You Love Me
1840s, Texas Plains
Jacie Calhoun should have married the man who worshiped her. But, she needed to know the truth about her mother. Was she still alive, a captive of the Comanche?
Luke Howling Wolf can't lose his beloved adopted mother, Sunstar, his Comanche tribe's white medicine woman. Somehow, he must keep Sunstar's identity secret, especially from the interloper claiming to be her daughter, no matter how the young white-woman's determination and innocence challenges his heart.
Publisher's Note: Contains graphic sexual situations and violence in keeping with the era.
1840s, Texas Plains
Jacie Calhoun should have married the man who worshiped her. But, she needed to know the truth about her mother. Was she still alive, a captive of the Comanche?
Luke Howling Wolf can't lose his beloved adopted mother, Sunstar, his Comanche tribe's white medicine woman. Somehow, he must keep Sunstar's identity secret, especially from the interloper claiming to be her daughter, no matter how the young white-woman's determination and innocence challenges his heart.
Publisher's Note: Contains graphic sexual situations and violence in keeping with the era.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1995
360 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Hagan
45 books60 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please see: Patricia Hagan
Pat is the published author of over forty books of romantic fiction. Several of her titles have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. One of her books, "Ocean of Dreams", is based on her own shipboard romance when she met her former husband, a Norwegian engineer.
She is also a former Radio/TV Motorsports Journalist, covering NASCAR Grand National Stock Car Racing. Her work has won many awards by the National Motorsports Press Association.
Pat has cruised the eastern and western Caribbean extensively, as well as the Greek Islands, the fjords of Norway all the way to the North Cape, and has made several transatlantic crossings.
She prefers traveling single, because it gives her more opportunities to meet and make new friends. While she admits going solo is not for everyone, she says for her it is perfect, because she is an outgoing person, and, being a writer, enjoys meeting new "characters."
The only thing she does not like about traveling is having to leave behind her best friend and companion, Krysy, a 14-year old Wire-haired fox terrier.
The author also uses the names:
Patricia Hagan Howell
Maggie James (4 spaces)
Please see: Patricia Hagan
Pat is the published author of over forty books of romantic fiction. Several of her titles have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. One of her books, "Ocean of Dreams", is based on her own shipboard romance when she met her former husband, a Norwegian engineer.
She is also a former Radio/TV Motorsports Journalist, covering NASCAR Grand National Stock Car Racing. Her work has won many awards by the National Motorsports Press Association.
Pat has cruised the eastern and western Caribbean extensively, as well as the Greek Islands, the fjords of Norway all the way to the North Cape, and has made several transatlantic crossings.
She prefers traveling single, because it gives her more opportunities to meet and make new friends. While she admits going solo is not for everyone, she says for her it is perfect, because she is an outgoing person, and, being a writer, enjoys meeting new "characters."
The only thing she does not like about traveling is having to leave behind her best friend and companion, Krysy, a 14-year old Wire-haired fox terrier.
The author also uses the names:
Patricia Hagan Howell
Maggie James (4 spaces)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 22, 2018
Loving.from the heart
Truly loving from the heart is the truest emotion of humans. This western romance is exquisitely written and keeps you guessing as to the outcome. Read into the wee hours to finish! Cover pic is all wrong. Her hair is wrong color and he should look powerful and tender
Truly loving from the heart is the truest emotion of humans. This western romance is exquisitely written and keeps you guessing as to the outcome. Read into the wee hours to finish! Cover pic is all wrong. Her hair is wrong color and he should look powerful and tender
June 26, 2023
quit at 62%. This book wasn’t horrible but it was pretty slow. It took too long on the mundane and the set up. But I kept going, wanting to see how the romance would unfold. But of course by the time we get to the romance, it’s rushed because it’s a romance novel after all and those are the rules I guess haha. It just feels cheap when the love interests are lusting after each other immediately. It makes it seem like she is just another one of his hook ups when he’s all over her after knowing her for two seconds. It would be so much more interesting for her to actually dislike him a lot and not trust him at all due to what had happened to her mother. And have him be so unnerved by what she is doing that he isn’t even thinking about her that way. Because then you’d be able to know it was actually love, not just lust when they finally do get to know eachother, open up, start trusting each other, and then start having the romantic feelings. She’d have to overcome her hatred which makes a more meaningful relationship. This is what makes a good romance for me. But when a character monologues that they think the love interest is “different” after only knowing them for a short time it really takes me out of the story because it doesn’t feel believable. Plus there is PLENTY of time and opportunity in this story for them to have a slowly developed romance. I don’t know why you’d spend so much time on the first half of the book when it was pretty mundane for the most part and then rush the good part. I also don’t love a book that is told from anyone and everyone’s point of view at any given time. It’s really jarring. It can work sometimes but has to be done a certain way. Plus there is zero mystery to a story when it’s done this way because we always know what’s happening with every person and what everyone is thinking about every situation and why they are doing the things they are doing. So I’m not pulled to want to find out what’s going to happen as much to try and figure out what everyone’s motive has been. If you don’t mind the insta love though I actually would recommend this book. The plot is interesting and the love interests are unique which I liked. I just have to have a slower burn romance for my personal taste.
March 26, 2024
Jacie's mother Violet gives a deathbed confession: Jacie is not her real daughter, but actually the daughter of Violet's twin sister Iris who was captured by Comanche when she was a baby. Jacie decides to go look for her without telling anyone, including Michael, who expects to marry her. Michael's cousin Elyse and her mother Verena spread rumors among the plantation that Jacie ran off with a fired overseer in the hopes that Michael will hate her and marry Elyse instead.
Jacie eventually runs into Luke, the adopted Comanche son of Iris. He initially doesn't want to take her to Iris because he fears Iris will leave with her, but he eventually agrees after they make love and Jacie decides she wants to stay with Luke and his people just like Iris stayed with the Comanche even though she had been given an opportunity to escape once.
Michael has tracked her down, seemingly kills Luke, and forcibly returns Jacie to the plantation in Georgia with plans to marry her anyways. Verena sends a letter to the fired overseer to kidnap Jacie from her room so that Michael will think she ran off again, not knowing that Michael knows she didn't run off with a man the first time. Luke shows up to let her know he's alive and to give her the choice to come back with him, and he tracks her down before the overseer can rape her. Michael breaks his leg, finally realizes he doesn't own Jacie, and lets her go with Luke.
Didn't really like this one. Everybody falls in lust/love with Jacie as soon as they see her lol.
Jacie eventually runs into Luke, the adopted Comanche son of Iris. He initially doesn't want to take her to Iris because he fears Iris will leave with her, but he eventually agrees after they make love and Jacie decides she wants to stay with Luke and his people just like Iris stayed with the Comanche even though she had been given an opportunity to escape once.
Michael has tracked her down, seemingly kills Luke, and forcibly returns Jacie to the plantation in Georgia with plans to marry her anyways. Verena sends a letter to the fired overseer to kidnap Jacie from her room so that Michael will think she ran off again, not knowing that Michael knows she didn't run off with a man the first time. Luke shows up to let her know he's alive and to give her the choice to come back with him, and he tracks her down before the overseer can rape her. Michael breaks his leg, finally realizes he doesn't own Jacie, and lets her go with Luke.
Didn't really like this one. Everybody falls in lust/love with Jacie as soon as they see her lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
Jacie Calhoun had a life that was not all that adventurous for her until she found out that her real mother might be out in the world somewhere. Then she decided to adventure off on her own to try to find her.
Luke also known as Howling Wolf was the son of a Comanche leader when Iris was captured by their tribe. By the end he was the chief and she was his mother. He was trying to keep her safe while Jacie was trying to find her because he did not want his mother hurt. Luke takes Jacie out in the wild to “help” her and tries to eventually leave her behind. But things don’t always go as planned.
Even before the ending I did not really like Michael, he always seemed pushy and like he always got what he wanted. I am glad that Jacie eventually somewhat stood up for herself and got what she wanted. I am not sure about everyone having to be in a relationship in this book where one person really loved the other and the other person just tolerated being in that relationship, it just kind of irked me. I also did not like the Captain at the fort he was really possessive as well. I guess that means that the author wrote the book well enough that I actually disliked the characters enough for them to stick out in my mind and not be forgotten. I did like the ending though.
I got this book for free to review from ebook discovery in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
Luke also known as Howling Wolf was the son of a Comanche leader when Iris was captured by their tribe. By the end he was the chief and she was his mother. He was trying to keep her safe while Jacie was trying to find her because he did not want his mother hurt. Luke takes Jacie out in the wild to “help” her and tries to eventually leave her behind. But things don’t always go as planned.
Even before the ending I did not really like Michael, he always seemed pushy and like he always got what he wanted. I am glad that Jacie eventually somewhat stood up for herself and got what she wanted. I am not sure about everyone having to be in a relationship in this book where one person really loved the other and the other person just tolerated being in that relationship, it just kind of irked me. I also did not like the Captain at the fort he was really possessive as well. I guess that means that the author wrote the book well enough that I actually disliked the characters enough for them to stick out in my mind and not be forgotten. I did like the ending though.
I got this book for free to review from ebook discovery in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
January 21, 2019
Jacie and Luke
Comanche attack a wagon train and kill all but one woman--or so they think. It's had given her newborn daughter to her sister, Violet, to nurse so she would not get milk fever and Violet wandered off into the tall grasses and shrubs and passed out. Soldiers found her when she came to and stood. Village's husband had always loved Iris, and Violet worried he would leave her as she had been unable to give him children. Her baby had died before Jacie was born. Assuming her sister was dead, Violet told Judd that Jacie was theirs. They went back to Georgia where Judd worked as blacksmith on Michael Blake's plantation. As Jacie grew up Michael became obsessed with marrying her. She was beautiful, just like Iris. On the night of her 18th birthday when Michael. Planned to propose, her father died of a heart attack. His final words were "I love .you--Iris!" Violet no longer want her to live, but she at least too Jacie the truth, which led to her going to Texas to find her birth mother finding Like, her mother ?'s adopted Comanche son. This is a very interesting historical romance. Having grown up in Oklahoma where the Five Civilized Tribes ended up, I found this very interesting. Good to see both sides.
Comanche attack a wagon train and kill all but one woman--or so they think. It's had given her newborn daughter to her sister, Violet, to nurse so she would not get milk fever and Violet wandered off into the tall grasses and shrubs and passed out. Soldiers found her when she came to and stood. Village's husband had always loved Iris, and Violet worried he would leave her as she had been unable to give him children. Her baby had died before Jacie was born. Assuming her sister was dead, Violet told Judd that Jacie was theirs. They went back to Georgia where Judd worked as blacksmith on Michael Blake's plantation. As Jacie grew up Michael became obsessed with marrying her. She was beautiful, just like Iris. On the night of her 18th birthday when Michael. Planned to propose, her father died of a heart attack. His final words were "I love .you--Iris!" Violet no longer want her to live, but she at least too Jacie the truth, which led to her going to Texas to find her birth mother finding Like, her mother ?'s adopted Comanche son. This is a very interesting historical romance. Having grown up in Oklahoma where the Five Civilized Tribes ended up, I found this very interesting. Good to see both sides.
March 24, 2018
An exciting adventure romance, Say You Love Me speaks of unrequited love, dangerous secrets, lies and manipulation. A death bed confession leaves high spirited Jacie reeling when she realises that she has been lied to and the woman she thought dead is in fact her mother and may well still be alive. Avoiding the man who has loved her ever since she was a child and the the proposal she knows is coming, Jacie takes off with an elderly Indian medicine man to find her mother. The trail takes her on adventures that she never anticipated,but when she meets Luke, she knows that she has met her soul mate. There were a few inconsistencies in the story but as a Western romance, this book was suspenseful and kept my interest. It does comes to a rather abrupt ending, but it would seem that everyone is finally fulfilled. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
November 23, 2019
Good read!
Pretty intense and interesting story line between a southern lady who seeks her real mother out west. The characters well developed and realistic. Only the end was a blunder in my opinion. In the fever pitch of desperation at the end the main antagonist suddenly has a change of heart after risking his life, using up tons of money and going against everything he was raised for? Not a bit believable how the last part ends, but ends it does and happily, and so what more must I demand? Not much. Good story, worth the read over all, just a bit irritated by how the events unfold at the end.
Pretty intense and interesting story line between a southern lady who seeks her real mother out west. The characters well developed and realistic. Only the end was a blunder in my opinion. In the fever pitch of desperation at the end the main antagonist suddenly has a change of heart after risking his life, using up tons of money and going against everything he was raised for? Not a bit believable how the last part ends, but ends it does and happily, and so what more must I demand? Not much. Good story, worth the read over all, just a bit irritated by how the events unfold at the end.
May 11, 2021
Action, drama, and some violence.
What a dramatic start to the story my heart went out to Violet, but keep reading because it is just starting. Jacie Calhoun thought she knew who she was but finds that she had been lied to. Jacie is now on a mission and leaving all she knows she starts looking for answers. I found that I enjoyed reading Jacie’s story it felt realistic and this character as well as the other characters were complex. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
What a dramatic start to the story my heart went out to Violet, but keep reading because it is just starting. Jacie Calhoun thought she knew who she was but finds that she had been lied to. Jacie is now on a mission and leaving all she knows she starts looking for answers. I found that I enjoyed reading Jacie’s story it felt realistic and this character as well as the other characters were complex. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
April 17, 2018
This was a good read, although it was slow paced at times and the ending was quite sudden. I did enjoy reading about different cultures and it gave a taste of what the indigenous people had to contend with. Jackie was a strong woman, a character to admire. Luke, too, was an honourable character. I received a copy from eBooks Discovery and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 14, 2018
One very good story, it is well-written and kept my interest until the end. Jacie Calhoun is not who she has been told she is. When the woman she thinks is her mother tells her the truth just before she dies it sets in motion Jacie going to find her real mother. Jacie meets Luke Howling Wolf who helps her. There is danger, drama, suspense, good and bad Indians, the twists and turns made it so I was not putting this book down until I had finished it. I would recommend this book.
December 5, 2019
Not her best book
I could not get to grips with the fact that Luke was Comanche and not white. Yes he was educated in a missionary school, but even the fact that he allowed himself to be called Luke by his people and not by the name of Howling Wolf did not ring true to me.
Too much happened to Jacie and I thought she dealt with it too well. I like brave heroines, but there has to be an element of fear to make it real.
I could not get to grips with the fact that Luke was Comanche and not white. Yes he was educated in a missionary school, but even the fact that he allowed himself to be called Luke by his people and not by the name of Howling Wolf did not ring true to me.
Too much happened to Jacie and I thought she dealt with it too well. I like brave heroines, but there has to be an element of fear to make it real.
January 5, 2025
I found this book while looking for an historical romance. They're so hard to find and they're my favorite. I didn't get very far though. Characters were all unlikable. I don't have patience for plantations in the south. I used to love them but now they're distateful. I'm thinking she goes west with the old Indian, falls in love with an Indian, and finds her mother. I also saw a bit too much of my agony in Violet.
June 6, 2018
Say You Love Me
This was a beautifully written story of a girl who refused to settle for anything less than TRUE LOVE. Jacie was a brave and highly intelligent woman who went on a search for the truth that took her into the arms of a fierce indian. She had to fight for what was right for her life. Truly a well written story that I'll want to read again. BRAVO 👏👏
This was a beautifully written story of a girl who refused to settle for anything less than TRUE LOVE. Jacie was a brave and highly intelligent woman who went on a search for the truth that took her into the arms of a fierce indian. She had to fight for what was right for her life. Truly a well written story that I'll want to read again. BRAVO 👏👏
July 3, 2018
Say you Love Me
It's been a long time since I've read a Patricia Hagan book. I have to admit that I have missed her writing. She has a smooth, fast paced delivery that keeps the reader's attention Like and Jacie had a very difficult life ahead of them but trusted the love they had for each other to live that life.
It's been a long time since I've read a Patricia Hagan book. I have to admit that I have missed her writing. She has a smooth, fast paced delivery that keeps the reader's attention Like and Jacie had a very difficult life ahead of them but trusted the love they had for each other to live that life.
May 16, 2021
Say You Love Me was an entertaining read, but alas the wrong guy got the girl in the end (kind of like Pretty in Pink). Course maybe she was the wrong girl for him. The story is a Western Romance that contains it's fair share of tragedy.
Recommended for mature readers due to graphic sexual content.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Recommended for mature readers due to graphic sexual content.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 23, 2018
Love wins out
I love historical romances and this was a very good one.There was plenty of action in it that made it hard to put down.I would recommend this book for any ladies that love historical romances.
I love historical romances and this was a very good one.There was plenty of action in it that made it hard to put down.I would recommend this book for any ladies that love historical romances.
January 10, 2019
2.5
I struggled with the writing style. It just POV so fast that at times it was difficult to see who was speaking. At times I felt it was a bit choppy story telling, and didn’t enjoy a lot of the characters.
I struggled with the writing style. It just POV so fast that at times it was difficult to see who was speaking. At times I felt it was a bit choppy story telling, and didn’t enjoy a lot of the characters.
November 15, 2019
Don't waste your time
Wow! I really think this affordable Author had a lot of pent up aggression. In fact, she kinda scared me. I think every single character in the book was am idiot. I'm glad I got this free because I would have been really pissed of I had paid for it.
Wow! I really think this affordable Author had a lot of pent up aggression. In fact, she kinda scared me. I think every single character in the book was am idiot. I'm glad I got this free because I would have been really pissed of I had paid for it.
July 1, 2020
Say You Love Me (Historical Western Romance
This is a very good story about love and family and a young woman that is raised by her aunt learns the truth on her death verandah finds love
This is a very good story about love and family and a young woman that is raised by her aunt learns the truth on her death verandah finds love
July 19, 2020
Excellent
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys good reading and exciting stories.Thank you for writing such an interesting story about some areas I have lived, a few mixups on directions,but it is fiction
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys good reading and exciting stories.Thank you for writing such an interesting story about some areas I have lived, a few mixups on directions,but it is fiction
June 9, 2018
Great read.
It was hard to put this book down. I got so into the story. I don't want to say more I would ruin the book for you to enjoy as I have. I think I'll miss this story.
It was hard to put this book down. I got so into the story. I don't want to say more I would ruin the book for you to enjoy as I have. I think I'll miss this story.
January 2, 2019
Good story
I enjoy the "wild west" stories and the conflict that seems to be in abundance. Sweet story with a quick pace.
I enjoy the "wild west" stories and the conflict that seems to be in abundance. Sweet story with a quick pace.
January 10, 2019
Loved this book
I live in Beaufort SC! I enjoyed the mention of it in your story. I very much liked the storyline, the characters and can't wait to read more from this Author.
I live in Beaufort SC! I enjoyed the mention of it in your story. I very much liked the storyline, the characters and can't wait to read more from this Author.
July 27, 2019
Just as great the second time!
This is a great read, I absolutely loved it. No typos, characters you'll love and a great story. I'm off to find more from this author!
This is a great read, I absolutely loved it. No typos, characters you'll love and a great story. I'm off to find more from this author!
freebies
April 26, 2020Tin-Stars and Troublemakers Box Set (Four Complete Historical Western Romance Novels in One)
April 30, 2020
Jacie Michael Blake and Luke story.Once Jacie found out the truth about her mom, she went in search of her to find luke her love. Now she has to decide Michael who love her or Luke. Great read.
July 1, 2020
Wonderful book
This was a wonderful book I enjoyed it. I highly recommend reading this book I love Indian romance books thanks
This was a wonderful book I enjoyed it. I highly recommend reading this book I love Indian romance books thanks
October 17, 2022
Such a good read
This was such a great story. How? Ironic it was that Michael a secondary character could be so pivotal. I was very happy at the story's resolution. Love this genre.
This was such a great story. How? Ironic it was that Michael a secondary character could be so pivotal. I was very happy at the story's resolution. Love this genre.
March 22, 2019
Say you love me
I love this story. I recommend every one to read her books. I look forward to reading more of her books. KATTIE.
I love this story. I recommend every one to read her books. I look forward to reading more of her books. KATTIE.
October 7, 2021
I had said before, while reviewing another of Ms. Hagan's books, that I like the way she puts enough history into her novels so you can learn some genuine facts as well as be entertained by the fictional story. Such was the case wit this book, as I learned some things about Native customs and culture, a little of what it was like for Native scouts, as well as those who were torn between two worlds, like the H, Howling Wolf, a.k.a. Luke, who was educated among white people, which made him a bit of an outsider in his Comanche tribe.
(This was even more so for his adopted mother Sunstar, a white woman kidnapped by the tribe after a wagon train massacre, where her husband and (so she thought) baby girl were killed. She was brought to the tribe to nurse baby Howling Wolf, whose mother had died, and she later became his father's wife as well as a medicine woman. It took her a while to adjust to her new life, but when she later had the opportunity to go free, she chose to stay with the Comanche, believing there was no longer a place for her in her former world.)
I also learned that the Cheyenne had their own newspaper, and lived in log cabins, or at least some of them did.
The novel centers around Jacie Calhoun a young southern woman in the mid 19thc who's considered a bit too nonconformist, as she's fond of riding fast horses and learning about Native American customs and medicines, knowledge gained from Mehlonga, an elderly shaman. Jacie's expected to settle down soon and marry Michael, her childhood sweetheart, but she's not sure she loves him. Everything is further complicated when her father dies and a long kept secret is revealed, sending Jacie on a search out west for her mother, accompanied partway by Mehlonga, who feels his tie is running out and wishes to die among his fellow Cherokee. Jacie has more than her share of adventures on her quest, and meets Native army scout Luke, not knowing he's her stepbrother, Howling Wolf.
As the story progresses, Jacie and Luke fall in love, they battle both white and native people, she's reunited with her mother, and pursued by Michael, who's determined to bring her back home. Jacie has to decide whose world she belongs in, and if she'll return to the life she's always known, or the one that awaits her in Mexico with Luke and his people.
I won't give away anymore details (and I've skipped a few things so as not to spoil this for anyone) but I will say that this book could have earned another star if it hadn't ended so abruptly. I've noticed this with all of Ms. Hagan's books that I've read: she starts all her stories in a way that captures your interest, continues to hold that interest, but then just seems to stop at the finish, as if she got tired of writing and just wanted to wrap things up ASAP. In this novel, it involved Michael doing a complete about face in the blink of an eye, which - considering his character - just didn't make sense. Naturally, you want a HEA, but you don't want to get hit in the head with it, either.
I also would have liked more time spent on Jacie and Sunstar, getting to know each other as mother and daughter, as well as have Jacie learn more about her mother's life among the Comanche, and with Luke's father. Jacie could have shared her knowledge of native herbal medicine with her mother, leaving open the possibility that she might take over as medicine woman someday. Instead, their time together was rushed, sacrificed to create a situation where Jacie and Luke are separated and Michael comes back into the picture. It seemed too forced, and so was Jacie's kidnapping by Zach, the former overseer who had a thing for her, and was encouraged by Michael's scheming cousin, who wants him to marry her daughter.
Too much time on unnecessary stuff, too little time on things that matter more, and way too abrupt an ending. Still a good book, but could have been better.
(This was even more so for his adopted mother Sunstar, a white woman kidnapped by the tribe after a wagon train massacre, where her husband and (so she thought) baby girl were killed. She was brought to the tribe to nurse baby Howling Wolf, whose mother had died, and she later became his father's wife as well as a medicine woman. It took her a while to adjust to her new life, but when she later had the opportunity to go free, she chose to stay with the Comanche, believing there was no longer a place for her in her former world.)
I also learned that the Cheyenne had their own newspaper, and lived in log cabins, or at least some of them did.
The novel centers around Jacie Calhoun a young southern woman in the mid 19thc who's considered a bit too nonconformist, as she's fond of riding fast horses and learning about Native American customs and medicines, knowledge gained from Mehlonga, an elderly shaman. Jacie's expected to settle down soon and marry Michael, her childhood sweetheart, but she's not sure she loves him. Everything is further complicated when her father dies and a long kept secret is revealed, sending Jacie on a search out west for her mother, accompanied partway by Mehlonga, who feels his tie is running out and wishes to die among his fellow Cherokee. Jacie has more than her share of adventures on her quest, and meets Native army scout Luke, not knowing he's her stepbrother, Howling Wolf.
As the story progresses, Jacie and Luke fall in love, they battle both white and native people, she's reunited with her mother, and pursued by Michael, who's determined to bring her back home. Jacie has to decide whose world she belongs in, and if she'll return to the life she's always known, or the one that awaits her in Mexico with Luke and his people.
I won't give away anymore details (and I've skipped a few things so as not to spoil this for anyone) but I will say that this book could have earned another star if it hadn't ended so abruptly. I've noticed this with all of Ms. Hagan's books that I've read: she starts all her stories in a way that captures your interest, continues to hold that interest, but then just seems to stop at the finish, as if she got tired of writing and just wanted to wrap things up ASAP. In this novel, it involved Michael doing a complete about face in the blink of an eye, which - considering his character - just didn't make sense. Naturally, you want a HEA, but you don't want to get hit in the head with it, either.
I also would have liked more time spent on Jacie and Sunstar, getting to know each other as mother and daughter, as well as have Jacie learn more about her mother's life among the Comanche, and with Luke's father. Jacie could have shared her knowledge of native herbal medicine with her mother, leaving open the possibility that she might take over as medicine woman someday. Instead, their time together was rushed, sacrificed to create a situation where Jacie and Luke are separated and Michael comes back into the picture. It seemed too forced, and so was Jacie's kidnapping by Zach, the former overseer who had a thing for her, and was encouraged by Michael's scheming cousin, who wants him to marry her daughter.
Too much time on unnecessary stuff, too little time on things that matter more, and way too abrupt an ending. Still a good book, but could have been better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews