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Brave Heart
A JOURNEY OF THE SOUL
Serena Rogan had traveled from Ireland to pursue a new dream in America. Yet as a washerwoman for Blackjack Kingston in a Dakota mining camp, she knew only slavery and submission. Until she risked her life rescuing a group of Sioux women, and entered a world filled with love and respect - and Black Wolf.
A Lakota medicine man, Black Wolf yearned for the day the red-haired Serena would stop fearing him. For he was determined to show her that a man could be a friend as well as a lover.
Serena Rogan had traveled from Ireland to pursue a new dream in America. Yet as a washerwoman for Blackjack Kingston in a Dakota mining camp, she knew only slavery and submission. Until she risked her life rescuing a group of Sioux women, and entered a world filled with love and respect - and Black Wolf.
A Lakota medicine man, Black Wolf yearned for the day the red-haired Serena would stop fearing him. For he was determined to show her that a man could be a friend as well as a lover.
Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1993
26 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay McKenna
359 books2,499 followersI've lived six lives in one and it all shows up in the books I write, one way or another.
I was always a risk taker and broke mustangs at thirteen years old in Oregon. I learn to break them with love, not threat or pain.
At 17 years old, I picked night-crawlers (worms) out in our Oregon orchards from 9pm to midnight, every night. I earned enough money to buy my school clothes and book. I also plunked down $600 to a flight company at the Medford, Oregon airport and asked them to teach me...a girl...to fly. I soloed in 12 hours, which is average. From that time until I left for the US Navy at 18, I had accrued 39 hours of flight time in my Cessna 150 single engine airplane.
I was in the US military and was an AG3 (weather forecaster). There was no airplane club, so I couldn't fly when I was in the Navy. But I could look at the clouds in the sky ;-).
Later, I flew in a B-52 bomber for a day and night mission (18 hours total), a T-38 Talon jet, USAF, where I was riding in a "chase plane" on a test flight in a Dragonfly jet.
I was one of the first AFLA (American Fencing League of America) women fencers to fence with epee and sabre. These weapons were closed to women because they were too 'heavy' for a female to handle. I said baloney and fought the males and won half my bouts. I was part of a surge of women fencers on the East Coast in the 1970's to push for equality in the sport. Together, we changed the sport and changed the mind of the men. Today? In the Olympics? Women now fence in foil, epee and sabre, thanks to what we did as a vanguard showing the world it could be done.
I then became a volunteer firefighter when I was a civilian once more, the first woman in an all - male fire department in West Point, Ohio for three years. I became a local expert not only in firefighting, driving the engine and tanker trunks, but also had training in hazardous material (Reynoldsburg Fire Academy, Columbus, OH).
My books always reflect what I experienced. If you like edgy, gritty, deeply and emotionally intense love stories with sympathetic heroes and heroines, check out my newest series that will be available mid-Oct. 2015, and it incorporates much of what I have lived.
I was always a risk taker and broke mustangs at thirteen years old in Oregon. I learn to break them with love, not threat or pain.
At 17 years old, I picked night-crawlers (worms) out in our Oregon orchards from 9pm to midnight, every night. I earned enough money to buy my school clothes and book. I also plunked down $600 to a flight company at the Medford, Oregon airport and asked them to teach me...a girl...to fly. I soloed in 12 hours, which is average. From that time until I left for the US Navy at 18, I had accrued 39 hours of flight time in my Cessna 150 single engine airplane.
I was in the US military and was an AG3 (weather forecaster). There was no airplane club, so I couldn't fly when I was in the Navy. But I could look at the clouds in the sky ;-).
Later, I flew in a B-52 bomber for a day and night mission (18 hours total), a T-38 Talon jet, USAF, where I was riding in a "chase plane" on a test flight in a Dragonfly jet.
I was one of the first AFLA (American Fencing League of America) women fencers to fence with epee and sabre. These weapons were closed to women because they were too 'heavy' for a female to handle. I said baloney and fought the males and won half my bouts. I was part of a surge of women fencers on the East Coast in the 1970's to push for equality in the sport. Together, we changed the sport and changed the mind of the men. Today? In the Olympics? Women now fence in foil, epee and sabre, thanks to what we did as a vanguard showing the world it could be done.
I then became a volunteer firefighter when I was a civilian once more, the first woman in an all - male fire department in West Point, Ohio for three years. I became a local expert not only in firefighting, driving the engine and tanker trunks, but also had training in hazardous material (Reynoldsburg Fire Academy, Columbus, OH).
My books always reflect what I experienced. If you like edgy, gritty, deeply and emotionally intense love stories with sympathetic heroes and heroines, check out my newest series that will be available mid-Oct. 2015, and it incorporates much of what I have lived.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 10, 2012
Normally I don't go out of my way to read a book about a heroine who is raped. It isn't something I normally care to read about. However, as I read the back cover of this book I was intrigued to read a book about a hero who so sweetly woos and cares for a heroine who has been abused so horribly.
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was well written, for the most part. There were some things that bothered me, like the fact that after the first scene where we see her, we don't see one of Wolf's sisters again through the rest of the book. Unless I was confused on who she was. I would have to go back and read the part to be sure. ETA: Sure enough, his sister, Evening Star, his youngest, I don't recall seeing her anymore in the book. If she was it was just by mention. She never actually spoke another word. Weird.
Anyway, I really enjoyed how patient Wolf was with Serena, although he got off on a rocky start at first, I felt. The romance wasn't rushed as it sometimes is done in these rape stories. Serena was very frightened for a bit and I like that she didn't fall immediately into Wolf's arms. It was a very sweet story.
Now I am a vindictive woman when it comes to these stories. I want the villain, or villains and even a villainess in this story, to pay. For the most part they did. I was very satisfied with what Wolf did to the man who repeatedly raped Serena. Gelding him was pretty sweet and then later he killed him so nice ending there. The Indian maiden who wanted Wolf for herself got hers too. It was the guy who kept her prisoner and locked up to the point she forgot Wolf and her children that deserved something. He got nothing! Just a "You're going to hell message" from Serena. Sorry, I want more vengeance. I wouldn't make a good heroine. :)
Good, sweet love story. 3.5 to 4 stars from me.
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was well written, for the most part. There were some things that bothered me, like the fact that after the first scene where we see her, we don't see one of Wolf's sisters again through the rest of the book. Unless I was confused on who she was. I would have to go back and read the part to be sure. ETA: Sure enough, his sister, Evening Star, his youngest, I don't recall seeing her anymore in the book. If she was it was just by mention. She never actually spoke another word. Weird.
Anyway, I really enjoyed how patient Wolf was with Serena, although he got off on a rocky start at first, I felt. The romance wasn't rushed as it sometimes is done in these rape stories. Serena was very frightened for a bit and I like that she didn't fall immediately into Wolf's arms. It was a very sweet story.
Now I am a vindictive woman when it comes to these stories. I want the villain, or villains and even a villainess in this story, to pay. For the most part they did. I was very satisfied with what Wolf did to the man who repeatedly raped Serena. Gelding him was pretty sweet and then later he killed him so nice ending there. The Indian maiden who wanted Wolf for herself got hers too. It was the guy who kept her prisoner and locked up to the point she forgot Wolf and her children that deserved something. He got nothing! Just a "You're going to hell message" from Serena. Sorry, I want more vengeance. I wouldn't make a good heroine. :)
Good, sweet love story. 3.5 to 4 stars from me.
December 14, 2009
Serena is an Irish immigrant who came to America looking for a better life after spending her childhood hungry and on the streets. She comes out west thinking she will be a washerwoman but instead ends up being held captive by an evil miner who continually rapes and beats her. After defying him one too many times, he beats her really badly and leaves her for dead. But Serena is a strong willed Irish woman who refuses to give up, so she starts looking for somewhere to go. She comes upon a group of Indian women and children who are being attacked by white miners, where she rushes in to attack the men because she can't stand to see other women hurt like she was. During the fight, some Lakota warriors come and help kill the rest of the miners. They decide to bring the white woman to their village to help her heal since she helped save the women's lives.
Black Wolf, a Lakota medicine man, helped to save the women which included his sister and niece. He takes Serena, who he names Brave Heart for her courage, to his teepee to help heal her wounds. He realizes quickly that she has been very abused but he intends to help heal her. Serena is very scared of Black Wolf at first but learns as time goes on that he is a good man who would never hurt her. He promises her freedom to choose where she wants to live but lets her know she has a place in his village.
Serena and Black Wolf spend many months getting to know each other before anything romantic happens, which I thought was believable considering her past. Black Wolf is very attracted to her right away but patiently waits until she is ready, which takes a long time and a lot of healing. Serena loves her life among the Lakota, where she makes a place for herself by helping the other women, caring for Black Wolf's niece and learning about plants from Black Wolf.
Brave Heart was a very nice romance story with a very honorable and giving hero. I liked both the hero and the heroine a lot. The only reason I am giving four stars is because there were points in the story where the time line jumped ahead months at a time which I always find a bit jaring. I really enjoyed the story itself with all the details of life in the Lakota village and Black Wolf's experiences and life perception as a medicine man.
Black Wolf, a Lakota medicine man, helped to save the women which included his sister and niece. He takes Serena, who he names Brave Heart for her courage, to his teepee to help heal her wounds. He realizes quickly that she has been very abused but he intends to help heal her. Serena is very scared of Black Wolf at first but learns as time goes on that he is a good man who would never hurt her. He promises her freedom to choose where she wants to live but lets her know she has a place in his village.
Serena and Black Wolf spend many months getting to know each other before anything romantic happens, which I thought was believable considering her past. Black Wolf is very attracted to her right away but patiently waits until she is ready, which takes a long time and a lot of healing. Serena loves her life among the Lakota, where she makes a place for herself by helping the other women, caring for Black Wolf's niece and learning about plants from Black Wolf.
Brave Heart was a very nice romance story with a very honorable and giving hero. I liked both the hero and the heroine a lot. The only reason I am giving four stars is because there were points in the story where the time line jumped ahead months at a time which I always find a bit jaring. I really enjoyed the story itself with all the details of life in the Lakota village and Black Wolf's experiences and life perception as a medicine man.
nevermind
March 8, 2017I'm so annoyed with the hero, Black Wolf. The medicine man for his tribe, he's characterized as kind and good. Yet he has zero patience with Serena, a white woman he rescued after she was held captive and raped, and then roused herself to save some women from the tribe. He can't understand her fear of him and is constantly raging at everyone because of it. Wtf, dude, did you not see those hideous wounds on her breasts? Can you not imagine WHY she might be afraid of you after waking up in a strange place? Chill out. Before she's recovered, before she's even set foot outside the teepee, he's decided to make her his wife because her spirit moves him. She hasn't even had a bath. Priorities.
THEN there's Deer Woman, the girl who wants to marry Black Wolf. In order to win his affection, she offers her services to Black Wolf. She'll help care for Serena and for the child of Black Wolf's sister (who was killed). He keeps complaining about how she's shirking her women's duties and how she needs to step up. Hello, she didn't HAVE to offer her help! Just tell her to go away if you're so frustrated.
I really wanted to like this, as there are several female characters who were all nice, including Deer Woman. So far Black Wolf is the only male with page time, but it turns out he's nothing to write home about. The heroine has gone through an actual ordeal, and the hero exhibited beta tendencies (except he turned out to be a bit of a man-baby). But I'm annoyed enough with Black Wolf's antics that I don't feel like finishing.
DNF at 22%
THEN there's Deer Woman, the girl who wants to marry Black Wolf. In order to win his affection, she offers her services to Black Wolf. She'll help care for Serena and for the child of Black Wolf's sister (who was killed). He keeps complaining about how she's shirking her women's duties and how she needs to step up. Hello, she didn't HAVE to offer her help! Just tell her to go away if you're so frustrated.
I really wanted to like this, as there are several female characters who were all nice, including Deer Woman. So far Black Wolf is the only male with page time, but it turns out he's nothing to write home about. The heroine has gone through an actual ordeal, and the hero exhibited beta tendencies (except he turned out to be a bit of a man-baby). But I'm annoyed enough with Black Wolf's antics that I don't feel like finishing.
DNF at 22%
September 4, 2009
Serena hasn't had the happiest of lives. She decided to come to America and work as a washerwoman to escape her poor and lonely life in Ireland. As it turns out she was sold to a ruthless miner who keeps her chained to a bed and rapes her for months. We first meet her when she has been left for dead in the wild. As she struggles to stay alive and save herself she stumbles upon a group of Lakota women who are being raped and killed. She is able to help them fend off their attackers before she is also attacked and passes out. Black Wolf, a medicine man, witnesses the end of the attack and is talked into bringing her back to the village in order to save her life. Wolf is so tender with Serena, named Brave Heart, as she overcomes her fear of men and tries to feel at home in her new surroundings. She is never a captive, she is allowed to leave at any time but has no place to go. Wolf is in love with her and desperately hopes she will stay with him. This was a very sweet and engaging love story. It did tend to get sticky sweet in some parts but not for too long. There is plenty of action to keep it interesting as the story moves along. I think this story will stay with me for a long time.
June 27, 2021
This is one of McKenna's best books, in my opinion. The Heroine is strong and tough, and she remains so throughout the book. Although the results of her experiences certainly have an impact on her, at no point does she fall into the helpless-victim mode that is so common in romance books. There is little doubt that McKenna's portrayal of Native American culture and life-ways is idealistic at best - like most romance books. But, unlike with some authors, the idealized portrayal is skillfully done and does not detract from the story that she is telling. The Hero & The Heroine are both well written and compelling characters that will draw you back to the story again and again. This is one of the few romance books that has stayed with me through three schools and several moves. In fact, when I managed to lose my first copy, I went out and bought another. Even when I finished with my romance phase and moved on to greener and more varied pastures, this book has remained on my shelf and has been re-read numerous times. Frankly, I still have my suspicions that my mom spirited the first copy away for herself - she liked it just as much as I did.
September 12, 2022
TW for rape and sexual abuse, language and violence, slavery.
This was very good, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this despite that it centers around rape. The author handled this well, however certain characters irritated me, Black Wolf being number one. It wasn't instalove but a slow build between Serena and Wolf. There's quite a bit of rape in this book so far warning but overall this was well done and I can certainly see why it was Nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Indian Romance. Big praise for this book, which is very deserving. It showcased just how awful white men were towards the Sioux and women as well as slaves. The pacing and plot of this book was a bit rushed at times however it all turned out well. I'm glad to have finally gotten around to reading this. 4.5 rounded up ⭐!
This was very good, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this despite that it centers around rape. The author handled this well, however certain characters irritated me, Black Wolf being number one. It wasn't instalove but a slow build between Serena and Wolf. There's quite a bit of rape in this book so far warning but overall this was well done and I can certainly see why it was Nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Indian Romance. Big praise for this book, which is very deserving. It showcased just how awful white men were towards the Sioux and women as well as slaves. The pacing and plot of this book was a bit rushed at times however it all turned out well. I'm glad to have finally gotten around to reading this. 4.5 rounded up ⭐!
September 9, 2021
Well, I was looking for a hopefully sweet romance for a story arc that was a quick read and grabbed this book out of the nearly 30 I picked up at a book sale for $6 at the local library yesterday. Overall, it didn’t disappoint—happiness with regards to romantic love and concluded within a few hours devoted to reading.
A historical romance set in the northern American Midwest, Serena Rogan earns her Native American name of Cante Tinza (Brave Heart) from the medicine man, Tashuunka (Black Wolf) early on when, in spite of her own injuries, saves several Lakota women and children in attempts to spare them from sharing a similar fate she had endured. A scenario of an abused woman with an embittered over loss, but gentle wapiya and warrior coming together in spite of initial fears and prejudices, to embrace the passions of a sacred and tender love.
This general plot had such promise, but the author didn’t develop it to allow it to flourish. For instance, the initial battle to make a seriously injured Serena defeat multiple men wasn’t believable, even with pure rage and protectiveness over others sharing her gruesome fate driving her. Even if one accepts this as plausible, her inability to escape single threats throughout the book just doesn’t scream legitimacy. And for her initial bravery, I was disappointed that she didn’t seem to evolve further with it, but regress, yet carry that gender stereotyped “quiet strength” of a woman. It was one of the things I had a hard time with this book.
Another frequent issue with these sorts of books: many mini plot arcs that just come and go like thunder and lightning. I am starting to feel a bit of whiplash as a result of this tactic that seems to be either due to an author’s inability or not being allowed to put further depth into the work, or this is a design to not get too “heavy” for the intended reader base, which just insults my literary intelligence. This book would have been far stronger if the author had devoted to just one or two arcs and put more depth into them.
If you want villains to hate unabashedly, this book has them—abusive males and vindictive, jealous females—and their roles drag out through the course of the book. Some get a proper level of comeuppance (and delivered usually by Tashuunka), others do not and more karmic justice would have been welcome.
The romantic love dynamics were refreshing for this type of novel. I have read two historical romance novels featuring male Native Americans and the concept of showing a proper way to express love and treat a woman—gentleness, kindness—is refreshing from the usual womanizer-seduces-the-chattel-with-no-rights mindset. I confess, I teared up several times during this book with regards to the dynamics between Serena and Tashuunka, particularly his gentleness as he attempted to heal her spirit and then court her, especially when so much ugliness was ever present in this book, or when one or both of them faced mortal peril and their thoughts generally turned the the welfare of the other rather than their own.
Regardless of the amount of cultural accuracy that may or may not be present, there is a bit of philosophical enlightenment in a book like this that shows very different ways to beliefs and attitudes and that I can appreciate, particularly when it works out favorably for both partners of the romantic pairing.
A historical romance set in the northern American Midwest, Serena Rogan earns her Native American name of Cante Tinza (Brave Heart) from the medicine man, Tashuunka (Black Wolf) early on when, in spite of her own injuries, saves several Lakota women and children in attempts to spare them from sharing a similar fate she had endured. A scenario of an abused woman with an embittered over loss, but gentle wapiya and warrior coming together in spite of initial fears and prejudices, to embrace the passions of a sacred and tender love.
This general plot had such promise, but the author didn’t develop it to allow it to flourish. For instance, the initial battle to make a seriously injured Serena defeat multiple men wasn’t believable, even with pure rage and protectiveness over others sharing her gruesome fate driving her. Even if one accepts this as plausible, her inability to escape single threats throughout the book just doesn’t scream legitimacy. And for her initial bravery, I was disappointed that she didn’t seem to evolve further with it, but regress, yet carry that gender stereotyped “quiet strength” of a woman. It was one of the things I had a hard time with this book.
Another frequent issue with these sorts of books: many mini plot arcs that just come and go like thunder and lightning. I am starting to feel a bit of whiplash as a result of this tactic that seems to be either due to an author’s inability or not being allowed to put further depth into the work, or this is a design to not get too “heavy” for the intended reader base, which just insults my literary intelligence. This book would have been far stronger if the author had devoted to just one or two arcs and put more depth into them.
If you want villains to hate unabashedly, this book has them—abusive males and vindictive, jealous females—and their roles drag out through the course of the book. Some get a proper level of comeuppance (and delivered usually by Tashuunka), others do not and more karmic justice would have been welcome.
The romantic love dynamics were refreshing for this type of novel. I have read two historical romance novels featuring male Native Americans and the concept of showing a proper way to express love and treat a woman—gentleness, kindness—is refreshing from the usual womanizer-seduces-the-chattel-with-no-rights mindset. I confess, I teared up several times during this book with regards to the dynamics between Serena and Tashuunka, particularly his gentleness as he attempted to heal her spirit and then court her, especially when so much ugliness was ever present in this book, or when one or both of them faced mortal peril and their thoughts generally turned the the welfare of the other rather than their own.
Regardless of the amount of cultural accuracy that may or may not be present, there is a bit of philosophical enlightenment in a book like this that shows very different ways to beliefs and attitudes and that I can appreciate, particularly when it works out favorably for both partners of the romantic pairing.
April 25, 2020
I Loved the story line and how McKenna depicted each event its a beautiful Love story with romance that has catured my Heart!!! Which reminds me in so many what how My husband is a great man such at Wolf!
November 29, 2017
6 star book!!!!!
June 21, 2018
Definitely on the high-end of cheesy historical paperback romance.
March 15, 2020
I love you lindsay!
December 16, 2016
This book was a Goodreads recommendation based on other titles I have read, and I'm so happy to have followed through on that recommendation! The love story of Serena Rogan, a young Irish immigrant, and Black Wolf, the medicine man of a Lakota tribe in the Black Hills of Dakota, begins on a tragic note. Serena has not only survived physical torture and rape at the hand of a mining camp leader, but her rage is instrumental in saving the lives of several Lakota women and children from the same fate. Thus begins the saga of Brave Heart and it is a haunting tale, full of spiritual imagery and awe inspiring scenic detail; a tale that celebrates the strength of love between a man and a woman, and the love of a people for each individual member, no matter the color of their skin. Based on my enjoyment of this novel, I will definitely be reading more titles by Lindsay McKenna!
July 18, 2013
Coração Selvagem
Lindsay Mckenna
Clássicos Históricos 74
1993
Devo reiterar, que normalmente não leio clássicos históricos, porque não gosto do argumento e das descrições intermináveis e sem o mínimo de propósito.
Mas deixo claro, que tenho uma queda gigantesca por índios americanos e seus cabelos compridos e negros.
Oh, Senhor!!!
Apesar do meu desgosto em relação aos clássicos históricos, este livro é simplesmente maravilhoso.
Não tenho palavras para descrever a belíssima estória que foi descrita neste livro.
Uma estória cheia de amor e perseverança de uma cultura, de um povo que sempre amou a natureza e a simplicidade.
ADORO!!!
RECOMENDADÍSSIMO!!!
Lindsay Mckenna
Clássicos Históricos 74
1993
Devo reiterar, que normalmente não leio clássicos históricos, porque não gosto do argumento e das descrições intermináveis e sem o mínimo de propósito.
Mas deixo claro, que tenho uma queda gigantesca por índios americanos e seus cabelos compridos e negros.
Oh, Senhor!!!
Apesar do meu desgosto em relação aos clássicos históricos, este livro é simplesmente maravilhoso.
Não tenho palavras para descrever a belíssima estória que foi descrita neste livro.
Uma estória cheia de amor e perseverança de uma cultura, de um povo que sempre amou a natureza e a simplicidade.
ADORO!!!
RECOMENDADÍSSIMO!!!
Want to read
March 21, 2009Read the 1st lines in 6 books & overwhelmingly picked this one's opening! "I was near death.." Opens with white settlers raping a group of Indian women (right after the escape of an 18-yr-old from her own captivity/rape by a dominating land owner...) These are feelings rape survivors need to deal with...and in a Harlequin!!
Though a freebie from a work "grab bag" lost this book in transit commuting. Going over to Bookman's to look for another copy
Though a freebie from a work "grab bag" lost this book in transit commuting. Going over to Bookman's to look for another copy
August 8, 2012
I can't remember what year I read this but I still remember parts of the story. I wish I still had this book so that I could read it again. I borrowed it out after I read it and haven't seen it since.
August 30, 2024
Loved it. There is definitely a lot of emotions in this story combined with love, patience and trust. How the patience of one person can help heal the traumatized life of another. A beautiful story. Could not put the book down. Will definitely read again.
January 31, 2013
3.5 stars.
November 27, 2013
Loved the chemistry between Serena and Black Wolf and the wonderful sex scenes. The setting and history were also great. There was lots of drama as well.
December 14, 2014
I enjoyed all her books thank you
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews