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California Legends #1
Native Gold
Mathilda Hardwicke, a rebellious artist rejected by her family and New York society, heads west to Gold Rush California to make a new life for herself as a mail-order bride. When fate leaves her at the altar in Paradise Bar--a ramshackle gold camp full of ragtag miners--she's sure she's leaped out of the frying pan and into the fire.
But unbeknownst to Mattie, she has a protector. Sakote, a fierce Konkow warrior, is bound by honor to watch over the white woman. And though his tribe is threatened by the encroaching miners, he's strangely drawn to Mattie, who delights in making pictures of him and whose destiny seems entwined with his.
When a tragedy at the camp forces Sakote to steal Mattie away, she finds herself in an unfamiliar Paradise of savage wonder, and she soon discovers a forbidden love more precious than gold.
But unbeknownst to Mattie, she has a protector. Sakote, a fierce Konkow warrior, is bound by honor to watch over the white woman. And though his tribe is threatened by the encroaching miners, he's strangely drawn to Mattie, who delights in making pictures of him and whose destiny seems entwined with his.
When a tragedy at the camp forces Sakote to steal Mattie away, she finds herself in an unfamiliar Paradise of savage wonder, and she soon discovers a forbidden love more precious than gold.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2013
473 people are currently reading
1048 people want to read
About the author
Glynnis Campbell
91 books2,367 followersTo keep in touch—and to receive a free book!—sign up for Glynnis's newsletter at https://www.glynnis.net.
GLYNNIS CAMPBELL is a USA Today bestselling author of swashbuckling "medieval action-adventure romances," mostly set in Scotland, and a charter member of The Jewels of Historical Romance--12 internationally beloved authors. She has over two dozen books published in eight languages. Glynnis once rocked in an all-girl band called The Pinups on CBS Records, did voiceovers for the MTV animated series, "The Maxx," Diablo and Starcraft videogames, and Star Wars audio adventures, and is married to a rock star. She loves to transport readers to a place where the bold heroes have endearing flaws, the women are stronger than they look, the land is lush and untamed, and chivalry is alive and well!
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BOOK LIST
The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch
The Shipwreck
A Yuletide Kiss
Lady Danger
Captive Heart
Knight's Prize
A Rivenloch Christmas
The Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch
The Storming
Bride of Fire
Bride of Ice
Bride of Mist
My Champion
My Warrior
My Hero
The Warrior Lairds of Rivenloch
Laird of Steel
Laird of Flint
Medieval Outlaws
The Reiver
Danger's Kiss
Passion's Exile
Desire's Ransom
Scottish Lasses
The Outcast
MacFarland's Lass
MacAdam's Lass
MacKenzie's Lass
California Legends
The Stowaway
Native Gold
Native Wolf
Native Hawk
GLYNNIS CAMPBELL is a USA Today bestselling author of swashbuckling "medieval action-adventure romances," mostly set in Scotland, and a charter member of The Jewels of Historical Romance--12 internationally beloved authors. She has over two dozen books published in eight languages. Glynnis once rocked in an all-girl band called The Pinups on CBS Records, did voiceovers for the MTV animated series, "The Maxx," Diablo and Starcraft videogames, and Star Wars audio adventures, and is married to a rock star. She loves to transport readers to a place where the bold heroes have endearing flaws, the women are stronger than they look, the land is lush and untamed, and chivalry is alive and well!
Newsletter + 3 FREE BOOKS: https://www.glynnis.net
Facebook: https://bit.ly/GCReadersClan
Amazon: https://bit.ly/GlynnisAmazonPage
BookBub: https://bit.ly/GlynnisBookBubPage
Twitter: https://bit.ly/GlynnisTwitter
threads: https://bit.ly/Glynnisthreads
Instagram: https://bit.ly/GlynnisIGPage
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/GlynnisPinterest
BOOK LIST
The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch
The Shipwreck
A Yuletide Kiss
Lady Danger
Captive Heart
Knight's Prize
A Rivenloch Christmas
The Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch
The Storming
Bride of Fire
Bride of Ice
Bride of Mist
My Champion
My Warrior
My Hero
The Warrior Lairds of Rivenloch
Laird of Steel
Laird of Flint
Medieval Outlaws
The Reiver
Danger's Kiss
Passion's Exile
Desire's Ransom
Scottish Lasses
The Outcast
MacFarland's Lass
MacAdam's Lass
MacKenzie's Lass
California Legends
The Stowaway
Native Gold
Native Wolf
Native Hawk
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
December 12, 2013
Let me say first that I adore Glynnis Campbell's writing style. I actively seek out her books because the way she describes scenes and characters is beyond compare. I looked forward to reading Native Gold, and, as usual, I was swept away by the results. She is a true poet.
The storyline involves our heroine, Mattie, who is orphaned into 1850s New York high society. Her parents had been wild spirits, and her straight-laced uncle just doesn't understand her or her artistic temperament. She runs away to the West, aiming for a fresh start in California. There she runs into Sakote, a member of the Konkow tribe. Much as with the many other depictions of this kind of interaction, there is first distrust and misunderstanding. Slowly, over time, they come to respect each other, then to love each other.
Part of what makes this story (and all stories by Glynnis) shine is her attention to detail. Clearly she didn't just glance at a webpage or two that talked about "Injuns of the Old West" and then toss in a reference to a tipi. There are all sorts of detailed descriptions of the bark-covered houses they lived in, their traditions, their food options, their music, and much more. It's smoothly integrated in a way that transports the reader to this beautiful time and location.
More than that, though, it's the poetry of her language which captivates me. Not only does she write beautifully, but she captures the soul of each person. It's not just that Sakote and Mattie both appreciate the natural world. They do so on their own way, through their own lens. Sakote has been raised to treasure the natural gifts of the landscape around him. When he looks at Mattie he thinks, "An escaped spiral of hair lay upon Mati’s cheek. He longed to take away the pins and let all the curls tumble like a waterfall. And that wretched dress...it was like the thorny covering of the gooseberry, concealing all the sweetness."
Then we have Mattie's first real look at the new world around her. "This land truly was a paradise. The air smelled sweet and clean, of fir and young grass, bay and wild mustard, and the landscape was alive with color. Dewfall painted the earth brick red, and every shade of green from light apple to deep moss colored the vegetation. The iridescent wings of the jay echoed the sky’s azure hue, and a full palette of yellows and whites, purples and oranges, dotted the clearing on the petals of wildflowers strewn across the emerald carpet."
It's a joy to read the story and satisfying to witness the blossoming relationship between the two characters.
Is the book perfect? Well, few are. There are a couple of minor issues I could quibble over. But they barely make a dent in how much I enjoy the language of the writing, the details of the world we visit, and the richness of the overall experience. I look forward to the next books in this series.
I purchased this book with my own funds.
The storyline involves our heroine, Mattie, who is orphaned into 1850s New York high society. Her parents had been wild spirits, and her straight-laced uncle just doesn't understand her or her artistic temperament. She runs away to the West, aiming for a fresh start in California. There she runs into Sakote, a member of the Konkow tribe. Much as with the many other depictions of this kind of interaction, there is first distrust and misunderstanding. Slowly, over time, they come to respect each other, then to love each other.
Part of what makes this story (and all stories by Glynnis) shine is her attention to detail. Clearly she didn't just glance at a webpage or two that talked about "Injuns of the Old West" and then toss in a reference to a tipi. There are all sorts of detailed descriptions of the bark-covered houses they lived in, their traditions, their food options, their music, and much more. It's smoothly integrated in a way that transports the reader to this beautiful time and location.
More than that, though, it's the poetry of her language which captivates me. Not only does she write beautifully, but she captures the soul of each person. It's not just that Sakote and Mattie both appreciate the natural world. They do so on their own way, through their own lens. Sakote has been raised to treasure the natural gifts of the landscape around him. When he looks at Mattie he thinks, "An escaped spiral of hair lay upon Mati’s cheek. He longed to take away the pins and let all the curls tumble like a waterfall. And that wretched dress...it was like the thorny covering of the gooseberry, concealing all the sweetness."
Then we have Mattie's first real look at the new world around her. "This land truly was a paradise. The air smelled sweet and clean, of fir and young grass, bay and wild mustard, and the landscape was alive with color. Dewfall painted the earth brick red, and every shade of green from light apple to deep moss colored the vegetation. The iridescent wings of the jay echoed the sky’s azure hue, and a full palette of yellows and whites, purples and oranges, dotted the clearing on the petals of wildflowers strewn across the emerald carpet."
It's a joy to read the story and satisfying to witness the blossoming relationship between the two characters.
Is the book perfect? Well, few are. There are a couple of minor issues I could quibble over. But they barely make a dent in how much I enjoy the language of the writing, the details of the world we visit, and the richness of the overall experience. I look forward to the next books in this series.
I purchased this book with my own funds.
Read
April 13, 2025DNF
Good research, poor storytelling.
Good research, poor storytelling.
Read
December 19, 2018This author grew up in Paradise, California where this book is set. The town was devastated by the wildfires, so she is giving all of the proceeds from the sale of this book through the end of the year to help with the rebuilding. If you were planning on getting this, it could be a good time to pick it up.
December 4, 2019
I got this book as I was in the mood for a western historical and it's on for $.99. I loved it, adored it, will read it again. If you enjoy the books of Rosanne Bittner, Ellen O'Connell, Madeline Baker, then you need to read this book. I was enchanted with it.
Mattie, our heroine has lost both her parents and lives with her uncle's family who consider her an embarrassment. So she travels across the ocean to a gold mining camp as a mail order bride. Fortunately for her, since he was a real nasty piece, her husband to be met his end the day before she arrived. The miners kind of adopted her and gave the cabin that would have been hers. Through a series of circumstances she meets Sakote, a warrior of a tribe of natives that live close by.
There is an immediate and intense attraction between the two of them but because they come from two completely different worlds, do they have a chance? Their feelings for each other are brilliantly written and I felt very drawn into their love story with all its hurdles.
Both Mattie and Sakote are beautifully and poignantly written and I fell in love with both of them. Mattie is naive and innocent about the barriers between them but Sakote is very sadly aware that the style of life he and his people live is coming to an end.
This is the first of a these book series packaged as a bundle so I returned this book and lurched the bundle since I knew just reading this book wouldn't be enough.
If this is a genre you enjoy, they don't come any better written than native Gold.
Mattie, our heroine has lost both her parents and lives with her uncle's family who consider her an embarrassment. So she travels across the ocean to a gold mining camp as a mail order bride. Fortunately for her, since he was a real nasty piece, her husband to be met his end the day before she arrived. The miners kind of adopted her and gave the cabin that would have been hers. Through a series of circumstances she meets Sakote, a warrior of a tribe of natives that live close by.
There is an immediate and intense attraction between the two of them but because they come from two completely different worlds, do they have a chance? Their feelings for each other are brilliantly written and I felt very drawn into their love story with all its hurdles.
Both Mattie and Sakote are beautifully and poignantly written and I fell in love with both of them. Mattie is naive and innocent about the barriers between them but Sakote is very sadly aware that the style of life he and his people live is coming to an end.
This is the first of a these book series packaged as a bundle so I returned this book and lurched the bundle since I knew just reading this book wouldn't be enough.
If this is a genre you enjoy, they don't come any better written than native Gold.
December 16, 2016
I wanted to love this book because I love stories with Native Americans but I just couldn't. First, he spoke English far too well especially since the only white person he had been in contact with was Noa and he was from Hawaii; second, "man-sword," really?? That just did me in every time I read it. Never heard it called that and I hope I never do again; third, nine men were shot and/or beaten with the butt of a gun and almost all of them survived without a doctor around or medical supplies for such serious injuries??; and finally, I never felt like I was experiencing the story but rather being told about the story and characters. I appreciate the beautiful descriptions of surroundings and animals that Mattie saw but even that was a bit too much at times. It makes me sad to have to give a book 2 stars but unfortunately, in this case, I didn't feel that it really ranked higher than 2.5 at the absolute max. :-(
October 26, 2018
While the characters could have had more depth and the set-up just isn’t believable, the writing flows well and the storyline is engaging and enlightening in many ways. Overall, this story really is a very nice, enjoyable read.
August 22, 2021
"It's dark. I can't..." Mati whispered.
Her hands stumbled across his chest, and he caught them, anchoring them against his ribs.
"See me with your heart," he murmured.
~~~
This book was freaking fantastic. It had all the elements I love in the Native American trope. A strong, handsome, smart, mysterious warrior who is highly respected by his tribe and a fearless heroine who is a misfit and just wants to belong somewhere. Anywhere. It's a tough path they're traveling, coming from two different worlds and the author did a great job of pulling it together.
Mattie has lost her parents and has been sent to live with different family members since their deaths. She's an artist and doesn't necessarily conform to the rigors of society. She tries, but no matter what she does, it's never right or never enough. She takes great pride in her art and her uncle shows one of her pieces at a house party he holds every year. Well, as artists are wont to do, she paints a rather scandalous picture and brings shame and embarrassment to her family when it's unveiled. In an effort to escape her uncle's punishment and to prevent further humiliation, she goes to California as a mail-order bride.
Mattie really had it tough when she reached California. Her husband-to-be is not the man she thought he was and he dies the day before she gets there. He was living in a mining camp, panning for gold rather than practicing medicine like he'd led Mattie to believe. I loved how these miners befriended her and tried to look after her. She was one of two women in the camp and these guys were all so sweet.
Sakote was of the local Indian tribe, stayed away from white people and the mining camp at all costs until his little brother left him no choice but to meet Mattie. He thinks she's evil and I won't go into why, but he wants nothing to do with her. As things go, he finds himself rescuing her and after that, things really take off.
There is plenty of action, some humor, times when I cried, and some steam. My heart broke for Mattie more than a few times through the course of the book. I felt bad for Sakote. He was torn between his world and Mattie's world and Mattie just wanted to belong. They were so in love and I so wanted them to work everything out, but it seemed impossible. Superstition played a big part of their turmoil.
This story was just so incredible. I loved everything about it. The characters were all well-developed and easy to care about, the plot was tight and never wavered, and the story made me laugh and cry.
I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
*I would add another star if I could for the hot cover. :)
Her hands stumbled across his chest, and he caught them, anchoring them against his ribs.
"See me with your heart," he murmured.
~~~
This book was freaking fantastic. It had all the elements I love in the Native American trope. A strong, handsome, smart, mysterious warrior who is highly respected by his tribe and a fearless heroine who is a misfit and just wants to belong somewhere. Anywhere. It's a tough path they're traveling, coming from two different worlds and the author did a great job of pulling it together.
Mattie has lost her parents and has been sent to live with different family members since their deaths. She's an artist and doesn't necessarily conform to the rigors of society. She tries, but no matter what she does, it's never right or never enough. She takes great pride in her art and her uncle shows one of her pieces at a house party he holds every year. Well, as artists are wont to do, she paints a rather scandalous picture and brings shame and embarrassment to her family when it's unveiled. In an effort to escape her uncle's punishment and to prevent further humiliation, she goes to California as a mail-order bride.
Mattie really had it tough when she reached California. Her husband-to-be is not the man she thought he was and he dies the day before she gets there. He was living in a mining camp, panning for gold rather than practicing medicine like he'd led Mattie to believe. I loved how these miners befriended her and tried to look after her. She was one of two women in the camp and these guys were all so sweet.
Sakote was of the local Indian tribe, stayed away from white people and the mining camp at all costs until his little brother left him no choice but to meet Mattie. He thinks she's evil and I won't go into why, but he wants nothing to do with her. As things go, he finds himself rescuing her and after that, things really take off.
There is plenty of action, some humor, times when I cried, and some steam. My heart broke for Mattie more than a few times through the course of the book. I felt bad for Sakote. He was torn between his world and Mattie's world and Mattie just wanted to belong. They were so in love and I so wanted them to work everything out, but it seemed impossible. Superstition played a big part of their turmoil.
This story was just so incredible. I loved everything about it. The characters were all well-developed and easy to care about, the plot was tight and never wavered, and the story made me laugh and cry.
I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
*I would add another star if I could for the hot cover. :)
November 3, 2024
This is the start of a wonderful trilogy. Glynnis Campbell writes such wonderful romantic stories.
Mathilda Hardwicke had lost her parents a couple of years before, and found herself bounced back and forth between her Father's siblings. She never seemed to fit in, and the only thing that gave her any peace was her artwork. So when her Uncle Ambrose destroys her masterpiece work of her parents, she realizes she must leave. She answers an ad in the paper for a bride and heads to Paradise Bar, Ca to marry Dr. James Harrison. Before she can get there, however, Doc Harrison dies, leaving her a cabin in the middle of a mining camp with no real way to earn her keep, until she starts to draw.
Sakote is a hunter from the tribe of Konkow that lived in the foothills by Paradise Bar. He has a dream about a White She Eagle with green eyes who gives him 2 speckled eggs. He then follows the eagle North. The elders can't tell him what the dream means, but he is sure it means he won't be the next headman of his tribe.
They meet, but must overcome not just their differences in societies, but differences in language and expectations. Can they live in two worlds? Can they really choose? And which world will they choose?
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to give too much away, because I think you should all read it. It was very well written, with an authentic feel to both locations shown, a gold mining camp and the Native Village nearby as they struggled to survive together in the 1850s.
Mathilda Hardwicke had lost her parents a couple of years before, and found herself bounced back and forth between her Father's siblings. She never seemed to fit in, and the only thing that gave her any peace was her artwork. So when her Uncle Ambrose destroys her masterpiece work of her parents, she realizes she must leave. She answers an ad in the paper for a bride and heads to Paradise Bar, Ca to marry Dr. James Harrison. Before she can get there, however, Doc Harrison dies, leaving her a cabin in the middle of a mining camp with no real way to earn her keep, until she starts to draw.
Sakote is a hunter from the tribe of Konkow that lived in the foothills by Paradise Bar. He has a dream about a White She Eagle with green eyes who gives him 2 speckled eggs. He then follows the eagle North. The elders can't tell him what the dream means, but he is sure it means he won't be the next headman of his tribe.
They meet, but must overcome not just their differences in societies, but differences in language and expectations. Can they live in two worlds? Can they really choose? And which world will they choose?
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to give too much away, because I think you should all read it. It was very well written, with an authentic feel to both locations shown, a gold mining camp and the Native Village nearby as they struggled to survive together in the 1850s.
August 31, 2020
Whoa! This is the first book by Glynnis that I have read, and let me tell you, there will be plenty more!
Glynnis' writing is a work of art! She has a way of bringing everything to life, it's more like a movie going through your mind, then reading a story.
Oh, and what a story! Mattie is a city girl who finds it difficult to abide by the prim & proper behavior required by her in society. She finds it difficult to fit in anywhere, and it dampens her spirit. So, she answers an ad and heads to the wilderness to become the bride of a stranger. Shortly after arriving she discovers that the man is not who she thought he'd be, and she is left on her own. Never having to take care of herself before, she does her best to provide, for she can not return from where she came, nor did she want to. Mattie has a craving for adventure, and she will get it!
Sakote lives in a Kankow village not far from the white man's camp. He always tried to keep his distance, and protected his tribe from being too curious of their ways. An incident between a white man & Sakote's sister made her request Sakote to keep an eye on Mattie in a camp full of men.
Sakote & Mattie are instantly drawn to each other. However; they find many obstacles in their way between the diversity of their people, life styles, traditions, & pride. There is danger in even trying to be together. Can they overcome it all? Is love enough?
This story has it all! Action, adventure, humor, tradition, suspense, and romance. It was a great read! Onto the next big adventure...
Glynnis' writing is a work of art! She has a way of bringing everything to life, it's more like a movie going through your mind, then reading a story.
Oh, and what a story! Mattie is a city girl who finds it difficult to abide by the prim & proper behavior required by her in society. She finds it difficult to fit in anywhere, and it dampens her spirit. So, she answers an ad and heads to the wilderness to become the bride of a stranger. Shortly after arriving she discovers that the man is not who she thought he'd be, and she is left on her own. Never having to take care of herself before, she does her best to provide, for she can not return from where she came, nor did she want to. Mattie has a craving for adventure, and she will get it!
Sakote lives in a Kankow village not far from the white man's camp. He always tried to keep his distance, and protected his tribe from being too curious of their ways. An incident between a white man & Sakote's sister made her request Sakote to keep an eye on Mattie in a camp full of men.
Sakote & Mattie are instantly drawn to each other. However; they find many obstacles in their way between the diversity of their people, life styles, traditions, & pride. There is danger in even trying to be together. Can they overcome it all? Is love enough?
This story has it all! Action, adventure, humor, tradition, suspense, and romance. It was a great read! Onto the next big adventure...
September 5, 2020
I must admit, before I started to read Glynnis Campbell's Native Gold, I was a bit nervous... it is a 390 page paperback novel, after all, and if I book is longer than a typical Harlequin (280 pages) I find myself struggling to get through all of the pages.
However, that was not the case with this novel!
Glynnis is a fabulous writer. Her writing style and novel's plot, is reminiscent of Maggie Osborne's historical westerns. I enjoyed the humor and the adventure. I also enjoyed learning about the Konkows - their way of life and their stories.
I am looking forward to reading "Native Wolf" next!
However, that was not the case with this novel!
Glynnis is a fabulous writer. Her writing style and novel's plot, is reminiscent of Maggie Osborne's historical westerns. I enjoyed the humor and the adventure. I also enjoyed learning about the Konkows - their way of life and their stories.
I am looking forward to reading "Native Wolf" next!
June 12, 2023
Loved this story of an artist who comes to California as a mail order bride only to find her intended husband is dead. Shunned by her family, with nowhere to turn, she decides to stay among the gold rush miners and make her way despite overwhelming odds. She meets Sakote, a Native American sworn to protect her, and discover with him a love more precious than gold.
November 27, 2022
Enjoyed this book so much, I stayed up through the night to finish the story. Hatred, love, determination and a will to overcome any obstacle between a sketch artist and an Indian who has an open heart, will keep the reader enthralled.
October 17, 2018
This book was my second read by Glynnis Campbell, I have read some time ago a novella Reivers sets in medieval era, I loved it but I didn’t tried to read more from this author.
Why?
I do not really know, maybe as a non English people, I already sometime struggle to comprehend all the complicated and unknown words and terms that are not always translated as from the past so less used. Why I often stay in Regency and around this era historical stories.
But the blurb totally won me, and I can only say it was a wonderful read, which really needs time to fully appreciate it. First it is an unknown word to me, from the gold diggers to the American natives. The main characters are so lovable, each in its own way. And the additional ones are a sweet bunch of men, all so kind to the lost bride-to-be-not-really-a-widow.
Glynnis Campbell did an amazing job by introducing the characters and their different worlds, as for how they will interact when they will collide against the unknown is the other.
Mattie is so very courageous, I’m amazed by all the risks she took to try to make her dreams come true, she left everything to travel to an obscure place, to meet a stranger leaving all she has always known behind. And when her hopes are crushed, she doesn’t give up and rolled up her sleeves, making ends meet with her unique talent.
Sakote is a forerunner, he feels his world is changing and not in the good way, their time is counted but will the Kowtow accept to evolve and will he follow them when he dreams of his other half who is not from his world.
Nothing is their encounter was rushed, they slowly, step after step learn to hear, understand and trust another but it is a long way and not without many dents and harsh time.
By the way, I saw how they come from two very different planets, I loved my incursion in the Kowtow’s way of life and to see that all the white men were not monsters just men trying to survive in an hostile stranger country.
I adored the ragtag bunch of men the Paradise Bar miners were, they make mistake but stand together to protect their unsuspected ray of sunshine.
It was a wondrous story of two people, who despite they tried to fit will discover that home is not always what you thought.
“As far as Mattie was concerned, home wasn’t a place. It was wherever Sakote and her children were.”
Why?
I do not really know, maybe as a non English people, I already sometime struggle to comprehend all the complicated and unknown words and terms that are not always translated as from the past so less used. Why I often stay in Regency and around this era historical stories.
But the blurb totally won me, and I can only say it was a wonderful read, which really needs time to fully appreciate it. First it is an unknown word to me, from the gold diggers to the American natives. The main characters are so lovable, each in its own way. And the additional ones are a sweet bunch of men, all so kind to the lost bride-to-be-not-really-a-widow.
Glynnis Campbell did an amazing job by introducing the characters and their different worlds, as for how they will interact when they will collide against the unknown is the other.
Mattie is so very courageous, I’m amazed by all the risks she took to try to make her dreams come true, she left everything to travel to an obscure place, to meet a stranger leaving all she has always known behind. And when her hopes are crushed, she doesn’t give up and rolled up her sleeves, making ends meet with her unique talent.
Sakote is a forerunner, he feels his world is changing and not in the good way, their time is counted but will the Kowtow accept to evolve and will he follow them when he dreams of his other half who is not from his world.
Nothing is their encounter was rushed, they slowly, step after step learn to hear, understand and trust another but it is a long way and not without many dents and harsh time.
By the way, I saw how they come from two very different planets, I loved my incursion in the Kowtow’s way of life and to see that all the white men were not monsters just men trying to survive in an hostile stranger country.
I adored the ragtag bunch of men the Paradise Bar miners were, they make mistake but stand together to protect their unsuspected ray of sunshine.
It was a wondrous story of two people, who despite they tried to fit will discover that home is not always what you thought.
“As far as Mattie was concerned, home wasn’t a place. It was wherever Sakote and her children were.”
August 21, 2020
Mathilda Hardwicke is an extremely gifted artist who brings her portraits to life with her talent, but she is misunderstood by her family and stifled and rejected by society too. So, in a chance to escape she responds to an advert for a bride in Paradise Bar, seizing the opportunity, she leaves for a new and hopefully happy life, but things rarely turn out as they should, as she arrives at the ramshackle camp of miners hunting for gold.
Mattie is a beautiful, pale skinned, open hearted and friendly soul with enchanting green eyes. She is eager to be accepted and free to be loved for who she is, and unaware to her, she captures the attentions of a reluctant protector, who has seen Mattie in his dreams.
Sakote is a fierce, huge Konkow warrior, handsome, serious, but with a devastating smile and the more he is around Mattie, the more he is captivated by this 'nuisance' of a little woman.
But superstition and danger are never far away from this emotional and passionate love story.
Glynnis Campbell brings this mining community and love story to life with its eclectic mix of characters and their very humorous dialogue. Her descriptions of the characters behaviour endear this group and to that of the Konkow to your heart, and they keep you entertained all the way through the book.
As for Mattie and Sakote, their story is not only emotional, but captivating and is written in such an empathetic way, especially as Sakote battles with his feelings for Mattie and beliefs of the old ways.
Glynnis does it again with her originality, compassion and very descriptive writing.
I absolutely loved it!
Mattie is a beautiful, pale skinned, open hearted and friendly soul with enchanting green eyes. She is eager to be accepted and free to be loved for who she is, and unaware to her, she captures the attentions of a reluctant protector, who has seen Mattie in his dreams.
Sakote is a fierce, huge Konkow warrior, handsome, serious, but with a devastating smile and the more he is around Mattie, the more he is captivated by this 'nuisance' of a little woman.
But superstition and danger are never far away from this emotional and passionate love story.
Glynnis Campbell brings this mining community and love story to life with its eclectic mix of characters and their very humorous dialogue. Her descriptions of the characters behaviour endear this group and to that of the Konkow to your heart, and they keep you entertained all the way through the book.
As for Mattie and Sakote, their story is not only emotional, but captivating and is written in such an empathetic way, especially as Sakote battles with his feelings for Mattie and beliefs of the old ways.
Glynnis does it again with her originality, compassion and very descriptive writing.
I absolutely loved it!
April 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The historical aspects, details of Native American life and how difficult it was to prospect in this time.
The main character, Mattie, is a New York heiress whose uncle is trying to marry her off. Unfortunately, Mattie isn't a High Society type. Always drawn to nature and drawing, she's a misfit in Society so she starts corresponding to a miner during the Gold Rush who asks her to marry him. When she arrives in California, she meets a group of miners who told her that her intended had died. Deciding to stay, Mattie soon comes into Sakote of the Kowtow tribe. He spoke perfect English (only misstep in this story) who comes to Mattie's aide again and again. As she becomes familiar with Sakote and his family, Mattie finds her destiny.
I purchased this book to help with the recovery of Paradise, CA from the wildfires of 2019. I'm so glad I did. The author is one of my many favorites.
The main character, Mattie, is a New York heiress whose uncle is trying to marry her off. Unfortunately, Mattie isn't a High Society type. Always drawn to nature and drawing, she's a misfit in Society so she starts corresponding to a miner during the Gold Rush who asks her to marry him. When she arrives in California, she meets a group of miners who told her that her intended had died. Deciding to stay, Mattie soon comes into Sakote of the Kowtow tribe. He spoke perfect English (only misstep in this story) who comes to Mattie's aide again and again. As she becomes familiar with Sakote and his family, Mattie finds her destiny.
I purchased this book to help with the recovery of Paradise, CA from the wildfires of 2019. I'm so glad I did. The author is one of my many favorites.
December 7, 2020
Outstanding book...amazing author!!!
I read this book in 24-hours! From the first page to the last, I was mesmerized. It will be the first book by Glynnis Campbell that I have read and it won't be the last! I am a seventy-year old retired woman, who reads continually, and I am amazed that I had never come across this author until now!
In the isolation of a pandemic, I have found respite! As the love of my life, my husband of 53 -years, sits over my diningroom table piecing together jigsaw puzzles, I sit near in an armchair living a life in the wilderness and falling in love all over again! Love will get us through this trying time!
I read this book in 24-hours! From the first page to the last, I was mesmerized. It will be the first book by Glynnis Campbell that I have read and it won't be the last! I am a seventy-year old retired woman, who reads continually, and I am amazed that I had never come across this author until now!
In the isolation of a pandemic, I have found respite! As the love of my life, my husband of 53 -years, sits over my diningroom table piecing together jigsaw puzzles, I sit near in an armchair living a life in the wilderness and falling in love all over again! Love will get us through this trying time!
November 3, 2013
I'm been deceived by the cover, I was expecting one spice story, not that Sakote isn't hot or that sex scenes with Mattie aren't exciting, naturally but the plot is so beautiful, the gold diggers time is fascinating, so are the descriptions of nature and bird and animal. I liked the character of Mattie, bold and sweet but I would prefered know that of Sakote better, a bit more romanticized and less realist. Very cute were the miners. In the end I have found the story beautiful and I look forward for the next book of trilogy.
November 27, 2021
A beautiful and often heart-wrenching story. Mattie has so many reasons to despair and so little reason to hope and keep going, but her resilience and determination carry her, as does her talent.
Sakote is a fantastic character. One of the best male main characters I've ever seen in a book.
I wish they could have had a different ending, but they had the happiest outcome possible in that time and place.
The story is well-written with such clear and exquisite descriptions of the setting that paint a gorgeous picture of where the story takes place.
Loved this book!
Sakote is a fantastic character. One of the best male main characters I've ever seen in a book.
I wish they could have had a different ending, but they had the happiest outcome possible in that time and place.
The story is well-written with such clear and exquisite descriptions of the setting that paint a gorgeous picture of where the story takes place.
Loved this book!
April 30, 2017
4.5 stars. Well written, wonderful story that kept me interested until I finished. This author has an excellent imagination and I loved the Indian stories. A very good romance with lots of steam wound through and I felt I was right there in the Californian Gold Rush era. The only thing I wasn't convinced about was Sakote's command of modern English. Looking forward to reading the next book in this California Legends series.
July 21, 2017
Exciting story of a couple from vastly different cultures
Full disclosure: I have been friends with Glynnis since high school.
That said, I have to say how much I enjoyed this book. I grew up near where the Konkow lived, and I am impressed at the research into their customs.
Ansd while the main characters - Mattie/Mati and Sakote are well-drawn, the members of their supporting cast are also presented fully and with respect.
A lot of fun to read - time for Book 2!
Full disclosure: I have been friends with Glynnis since high school.
That said, I have to say how much I enjoyed this book. I grew up near where the Konkow lived, and I am impressed at the research into their customs.
Ansd while the main characters - Mattie/Mati and Sakote are well-drawn, the members of their supporting cast are also presented fully and with respect.
A lot of fun to read - time for Book 2!
May 28, 2017
A fascinating love story
A very interesting walk back into the times of Native Americans and the prospectors in California. Ms. Campbell writes with the voice of the Indians, which makes the story feel realistic. A wonderful love story that withstands the rigors of the harsh life and prejudices of that time.
A very interesting walk back into the times of Native Americans and the prospectors in California. Ms. Campbell writes with the voice of the Indians, which makes the story feel realistic. A wonderful love story that withstands the rigors of the harsh life and prejudices of that time.
November 23, 2019
4.5 stars. I was excited this book had a Native American hero. The story required a bit more suspension of disbelief than some romances, and a few of Sakote’s euphemisms were just…humorous :). But it was a fun read and very charmingly written. I really liked the ending! I look forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy, hopefully soon.
March 31, 2021
I thought I'd read all the good native American romances. The ones I'd picked over seemed to have atrocious writing and bad plots, but this one surprised me. The writing made me feel as if I was there and actually reading from that specific character's perspective. It puts the reader into the pages of the book. It was truly perfect. I think I may actually finish this series.
February 5, 2014
I loved this book. Ms Campbell's writing is so beautiful that I was transported to another time and space. Her descriptions and the emotions she wrote about were very real and moving. Since I have discovered her books, I plan to read every one. She's amazing.
March 4, 2015
This was an amazing story, comical in places, sad in others, and with some wonderfully romantic and passionate scenes as well. It made the perfect read and I am looking forward very much to the next book in the series.
August 11, 2023
A beautiful story I loved it. I devoured this in one day,it was not easy to put down . Loved the characters and storyline
I was craving some native love stories so had to reread one of my favorite,still just so amazing
I was craving some native love stories so had to reread one of my favorite,still just so amazing
January 20, 2019
This book was 3.5 stars. A bit far-fetched that she could survive in an all-male mining camp, eat very little and not be raped or accosted. Sakote's ability to speak English was a stretch too. Otherwise, a decent tale...
July 4, 2019
This was a truly beautiful love story! Mattie and Sakote were enchanting. I enjoyed learning the Konkow ways. This story had me from the very beginning I couldn’t put it down. Sorry that it had to end. This story was beautifully written.
February 15, 2021
Enchanting love story
This is about people from two different lifestyles and cultures. An artist and a Native American who really rescue each other in a way. The book is very descriptive of the land and the history. Great beginning to the trilogy!
This is about people from two different lifestyles and cultures. An artist and a Native American who really rescue each other in a way. The book is very descriptive of the land and the history. Great beginning to the trilogy!
May 26, 2015
I don't know. Something's missing. I couldn't get over the fact that he could speak straight English. It just wasn't believable for me.
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