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Lonesome Hearts #1
Between Heaven and Hell
On a trail full of danger, will he guide her to heaven or hell?
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas - 1850
Hannah knows one thing the moment she enters Fort Leavenworth-she's arrived in Hell. But inside is the means to a new life, a position as a scout on a wagon train bound for the Western Territories. All she has to do is convince the wagon master, Paden Callahan, she's the right person for the job.
After his wife was murdered by the Comanche, Paden let his work as a Texas Ranger consume him. Now he wants nothing more than to disappear into the West. Unfortunately, the one man he can't refuse has asked him to guide a wagon train full of tenderfoots across thousands of miles of Indian land. But Paden's greatest challenge turns out to be Hannah, a woman his heart won't allow him to ignore even though she was raised by an enemy he hates.
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas - 1850
Hannah knows one thing the moment she enters Fort Leavenworth-she's arrived in Hell. But inside is the means to a new life, a position as a scout on a wagon train bound for the Western Territories. All she has to do is convince the wagon master, Paden Callahan, she's the right person for the job.
After his wife was murdered by the Comanche, Paden let his work as a Texas Ranger consume him. Now he wants nothing more than to disappear into the West. Unfortunately, the one man he can't refuse has asked him to guide a wagon train full of tenderfoots across thousands of miles of Indian land. But Paden's greatest challenge turns out to be Hannah, a woman his heart won't allow him to ignore even though she was raised by an enemy he hates.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2014
39 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Jacqui Nelson
16 books190 followersI love historical romance adventures of all sorts, including those set in the Wild West. My love for frontier tales with grit and passion came from watching Western movies while growing up on a cattle farm. In addition to winning the Laramie® award, my stories have won the RWA Golden Heart® once and been nominated three times.
Fall in love with a NEW Old West...where the men are steadfast and the women are cardsharps, scouts, spies, and Wild West trick riders. Join my newsletter to receive my FREE READ & be the first to hear about my new releases, giveaways, events & more.
Read an excerpt from each of my books at www.JacquiNelson.com & discover what inspires me on my BLOG. Follow me on Amazon, BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest
Fall in love with a NEW Old West...where the men are steadfast and the women are cardsharps, scouts, spies, and Wild West trick riders. Join my newsletter to receive my FREE READ & be the first to hear about my new releases, giveaways, events & more.
Read an excerpt from each of my books at www.JacquiNelson.com & discover what inspires me on my BLOG. Follow me on Amazon, BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 21, 2014
Between Heaven & Hell is a fire-cracker of a love story with the perfect blend of fascinating characters, intense emotion, historical interest and fast-paced action. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. The story follows a wagon train journey across the American frontier. Along with the romance, there are multiple story lines woven together that give the book greater depth and interest. The author's lyrical narrative is a joy to read and she truly brings the setting to life.
The conflicts faced by these characters are serious and believable. Hannah, who lost her parents as a child and was raised by an Indian tribe, feels more Indian than white. Paden Callahan, the wagon master who hires her as a scout, is a tortured soul with a violent past that includes killing Indians in retaliation for his wife's vicious murder. These two tough survivors are drawn to each other, yet they struggle with painful pasts, preconceived notions and even prejudice. Kudos to Jacqui Nelson for introducing a multi-cultural cast and taking on tough issues with understanding and sensitivity. With this book, she's raised the bar for Western historical romance.
The conflicts faced by these characters are serious and believable. Hannah, who lost her parents as a child and was raised by an Indian tribe, feels more Indian than white. Paden Callahan, the wagon master who hires her as a scout, is a tortured soul with a violent past that includes killing Indians in retaliation for his wife's vicious murder. These two tough survivors are drawn to each other, yet they struggle with painful pasts, preconceived notions and even prejudice. Kudos to Jacqui Nelson for introducing a multi-cultural cast and taking on tough issues with understanding and sensitivity. With this book, she's raised the bar for Western historical romance.
July 4, 2014
Between Heaven and Hell was an incredible read for me. I love stories taking place in the old west – used to watch the old westerns on TV when they were popular and this book took me back to those days. I could picture yellow-haired Hannah, fearful but brave, as she rode up to the wagon train in Fort Leavenworth Kansas, facing her deepest fears in order to apply for the position as a scout for a wagon train bound for the western territories. Needed: a cracks shot, a strong rider and someone who could speak different Indian languages. What they didn’t want was a woman, especially one who dressed like an Indian herself. But when Hannah proved her worth by outshooting and outriding a barrel-chested braggart who wanted the job himself, she made one more enemy. Now that made two men who would follow her! Padan, the handsome wagon master, wanted nothing to do with this Hannah girl and her problems. But how could he leave her behind to face the wrath of the man she’d taken the job from? He had to protect her and from that moment on, life became very complicated and dangerous. Which just made this intriguing story hard to put down! I loved the characters, even the secondary ones whose experiences constantly added more adventures. Not only was the book well-written, for me it was a winner!
May 8, 2016
From the first page to the last paragraph, Between Heaven & Hell was action packed with pure suspense. Jacqui Nelson is phenomenal in her writing style and delivery of this down to earth, gritty western that isn't just for women. This one is had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Hannah a blond haired - blue eyed girl raised by Osage Indians after her family was attacked by militia men, must escape those hunting for her as a scout on the western wagon train. She must keep her secrets from everyone, including Paden, the sexy mysterious lead scout who intoxicates her desires and has his own secrets to keep hidden.
I can see why she won so many awards with Paden and Hannah's journey.
"Now she realized where she was didn't matter. A place wouldn't make her feel safe and strong, make her feel whole again."
"A person could. Paden could. But first he had to live."
An intensely gripping book. Enjoy the journey and struggles Jacqui Nelson takes you on, through a dangerous-unforgiving country and the enemies who refuse to stop their hunt for Hannah.
I can see why she won so many awards with Paden and Hannah's journey.
"Now she realized where she was didn't matter. A place wouldn't make her feel safe and strong, make her feel whole again."
"A person could. Paden could. But first he had to live."
An intensely gripping book. Enjoy the journey and struggles Jacqui Nelson takes you on, through a dangerous-unforgiving country and the enemies who refuse to stop their hunt for Hannah.
March 9, 2017
Between Heaven and Hell by Jacqui Nelson
Kansas - spring 1850
Hannah -Blue Sky as she was known by her adoptive Osage family is fleeing from her Osage tribe after the brutal murder of her mother Morning Star and her daughter by the white man. Looking for a new beginning she enters Fort Leavenworth and stumbles upon the wagon train bound for the West looking for a scout, she's confident that she's the right person for the job. She knows that there will be conflict and scorn towards her but the one man that makes her feel safe is Paden Callahan. She can feel the turmoil beneath the surface of this man and the connection is strong between them but will his past haunt him and his memories be a barrier to a love that's just blossoming?
Paden Callahan is fighting his demons as an ex Ranger his mission was to protect but he couldn't protect the woman that he had sworn too as her husband. Rejecting his Comanche heritage believing they were the cause of his wife's murder he swore to take vengeance. But when Hannah comes in his life running away from Eagle Feather (her Osage brother) who's sworn to kill her, he knows that he'll do everything in his power to protect the woman that has captivated his heart.
A well written story of the trials and tribulations that these people faced while travelling to the West. A journey fraught with dangers of not only the Indians but also amongst themselves . This is an epic tale of action adventure, danger and a love that has proven the hardships and struggles of Heaven and Hell. Jacqui Nelson pulls the reader in this extraordinary tale of love and redemption in the Wild West! I highly recommend Jacqui Nelsons books she will never disappoint, reading her books is a movie for the mind.
Received a copy from the author for my honest opinion.
Kansas - spring 1850
Hannah -Blue Sky as she was known by her adoptive Osage family is fleeing from her Osage tribe after the brutal murder of her mother Morning Star and her daughter by the white man. Looking for a new beginning she enters Fort Leavenworth and stumbles upon the wagon train bound for the West looking for a scout, she's confident that she's the right person for the job. She knows that there will be conflict and scorn towards her but the one man that makes her feel safe is Paden Callahan. She can feel the turmoil beneath the surface of this man and the connection is strong between them but will his past haunt him and his memories be a barrier to a love that's just blossoming?
Paden Callahan is fighting his demons as an ex Ranger his mission was to protect but he couldn't protect the woman that he had sworn too as her husband. Rejecting his Comanche heritage believing they were the cause of his wife's murder he swore to take vengeance. But when Hannah comes in his life running away from Eagle Feather (her Osage brother) who's sworn to kill her, he knows that he'll do everything in his power to protect the woman that has captivated his heart.
A well written story of the trials and tribulations that these people faced while travelling to the West. A journey fraught with dangers of not only the Indians but also amongst themselves . This is an epic tale of action adventure, danger and a love that has proven the hardships and struggles of Heaven and Hell. Jacqui Nelson pulls the reader in this extraordinary tale of love and redemption in the Wild West! I highly recommend Jacqui Nelsons books she will never disappoint, reading her books is a movie for the mind.
Received a copy from the author for my honest opinion.
August 6, 2014
This book is breathtaking from the first pages until the very end! For readers who love western romances, Jacqui Nelson creates an adventure into the wild west that will never be forgotten.
Hannah is torn between two worlds - the world of the white settlers she was born into, and the world of the Indians who raised her as their own after her parent's cruel deaths. Taught patience and kindness, Hannah's life is shattered a second time when the tribe she calls family is attacked. Banned from remaining with her Indian tribe and marked to distinguish her from the whites, Hannah is searching for refuge and a place where she can finally call home. She is so very tired of being on the run.
Paden Callahan is a striking and forceful wagon master who is determined to keep his wagon train safe from harm. He is running from a past he can't forget, with vengeance fueling his fire to move forward. When he dismisses a drunken ruffian from being a scout, he never imagines that the person who steps in to take the open position will be a frail beautiful blonde dressed in Indian clothes with the deepest sky blue eyes he has ever seen. She is a remarkable horse rider and shooter, but even more stunning is the effect she seems to have on him. After years of coldness and unfeeling, his heart begins to melt as she draws closer to him.
With her being raised by his enemies and with his dark past still haunting him, Paden knows it would be wrong to allow Hannah anywhere near him. However, he cannot resist the urge he feels to be near her. With her life on the line, he can't bear to make the same mistake twice. He can't let another women he loves be killed.
The characters are richly described and masterfully portrayed. The depth of feeling in the story is beautifully done and will linger with the reader long past the final pages. With a plot that is so good you won't be able to put the novel down, Between Heaven and Hell is a must read! Be prepared to take an adventure into the wild west and to fall in love with some very remarkable characters...
Hannah is torn between two worlds - the world of the white settlers she was born into, and the world of the Indians who raised her as their own after her parent's cruel deaths. Taught patience and kindness, Hannah's life is shattered a second time when the tribe she calls family is attacked. Banned from remaining with her Indian tribe and marked to distinguish her from the whites, Hannah is searching for refuge and a place where she can finally call home. She is so very tired of being on the run.
Paden Callahan is a striking and forceful wagon master who is determined to keep his wagon train safe from harm. He is running from a past he can't forget, with vengeance fueling his fire to move forward. When he dismisses a drunken ruffian from being a scout, he never imagines that the person who steps in to take the open position will be a frail beautiful blonde dressed in Indian clothes with the deepest sky blue eyes he has ever seen. She is a remarkable horse rider and shooter, but even more stunning is the effect she seems to have on him. After years of coldness and unfeeling, his heart begins to melt as she draws closer to him.
With her being raised by his enemies and with his dark past still haunting him, Paden knows it would be wrong to allow Hannah anywhere near him. However, he cannot resist the urge he feels to be near her. With her life on the line, he can't bear to make the same mistake twice. He can't let another women he loves be killed.
The characters are richly described and masterfully portrayed. The depth of feeling in the story is beautifully done and will linger with the reader long past the final pages. With a plot that is so good you won't be able to put the novel down, Between Heaven and Hell is a must read! Be prepared to take an adventure into the wild west and to fall in love with some very remarkable characters...
August 2, 2014
Brings back memories of the first books I fell in love with - historical romances, and this one is set in the wild west.
As a young girl, Hannah witnessed the death of her parents at the hands of renegade white men. She was found hiding by a band of Osage Indians, who took her in and cared for her until tragedy strikes again, and she is forced to seek out a new beginning amongst the very people that have twice stolen those most dear to her. Shunned by most white folks for her time spent with the Indians, and being hunted by the very ones who raised her, she hires on as a scout for a wagon train heading west to California. It's a hard, dangerous job and one that wagon master Paden is not inclined to let her do, but he also didn't want to leave her at the mercy of those at the fort who treat women who are alone and with her background poorly.
Paden is an ex-Ranger helping an old friend lead a group of people out west. His past is complicated. Hailed as a hero for his efforts against the Indians, he just wants to get the wagon train safely to California and head back to his home in Oregon. With a troubled past of his own, he didn't expect to meet someone and fall in love. Add in the dangers of that past coming back to haunt him, Hannah's past coming back to disrupt their budding relationship, and others seeking revenge, and this is one trip that is fraught with more danger than is typically expected on the trail.
If you love historical romances, and like westerns to boot, this is a cute one, but for one flaw. It is a little raw and needs some editing. There are missing words throughout. Typically preposition words like "as". It gets a little distracting when reading, but overall written well except for this.
As a young girl, Hannah witnessed the death of her parents at the hands of renegade white men. She was found hiding by a band of Osage Indians, who took her in and cared for her until tragedy strikes again, and she is forced to seek out a new beginning amongst the very people that have twice stolen those most dear to her. Shunned by most white folks for her time spent with the Indians, and being hunted by the very ones who raised her, she hires on as a scout for a wagon train heading west to California. It's a hard, dangerous job and one that wagon master Paden is not inclined to let her do, but he also didn't want to leave her at the mercy of those at the fort who treat women who are alone and with her background poorly.
Paden is an ex-Ranger helping an old friend lead a group of people out west. His past is complicated. Hailed as a hero for his efforts against the Indians, he just wants to get the wagon train safely to California and head back to his home in Oregon. With a troubled past of his own, he didn't expect to meet someone and fall in love. Add in the dangers of that past coming back to haunt him, Hannah's past coming back to disrupt their budding relationship, and others seeking revenge, and this is one trip that is fraught with more danger than is typically expected on the trail.
If you love historical romances, and like westerns to boot, this is a cute one, but for one flaw. It is a little raw and needs some editing. There are missing words throughout. Typically preposition words like "as". It gets a little distracting when reading, but overall written well except for this.
July 17, 2014
4.5 Stars
The Western Frontier called to many settlers in the 19th century. Some were looking for land to call their own, to find lost relatives or simply to start anew. Hannah is looking for just that - a new start. Orphaned young and taken in by Indians, Hannah has now become an outcast in both societies. Unfit for civilized settlers and unworthy for the Osage Tribe. With two warriors intent on fighting for her, one for her death and the other for her love... nothing is certain.. except for bloodshed.
I am a big fan of old western romances! It always piques my imagination and wonderlust of a time long gone. I became Hannah's big sister by the end of the prologue and was hooked the entire book. I loved the timing the author created with the characters in the beginning and in the middle. The end did seem a bit hurried for me. I wish there was a little bit more information on how Hannah and Eagle Feather made such personal character progression in the last few pages. However, I ended this book with a smile on my face and joy in my heart! If you enjoy tales with cowboys, indians and the wild west.... you will love this!
Reviewed by: Maggie Wadsager
The Western Frontier called to many settlers in the 19th century. Some were looking for land to call their own, to find lost relatives or simply to start anew. Hannah is looking for just that - a new start. Orphaned young and taken in by Indians, Hannah has now become an outcast in both societies. Unfit for civilized settlers and unworthy for the Osage Tribe. With two warriors intent on fighting for her, one for her death and the other for her love... nothing is certain.. except for bloodshed.
I am a big fan of old western romances! It always piques my imagination and wonderlust of a time long gone. I became Hannah's big sister by the end of the prologue and was hooked the entire book. I loved the timing the author created with the characters in the beginning and in the middle. The end did seem a bit hurried for me. I wish there was a little bit more information on how Hannah and Eagle Feather made such personal character progression in the last few pages. However, I ended this book with a smile on my face and joy in my heart! If you enjoy tales with cowboys, indians and the wild west.... you will love this!
Reviewed by: Maggie Wadsager
October 5, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Jacqui Nelson's new Old West creations anyway! That being said, I was moved by this story. Hannah is a young child when she is rescued by the Osage tribe. Growing up as a white girl in an Indian camp couldn't have been easy, but Hannah is protected by a mother and her daughter. Evil rocks their world when trappers come into the camp and kill her adopted family. Suddenly, Hannah is very white and is cast out into a world that is unfamiliar and just as hostile. Moving west seems the only way she can outrun the danger that is following her. In her quest for peace and a new life, Hannah never expects to find love with an ex-Texas Ranger carrying a horribly painful past and a fist full of secrets.
You won't want to miss this story!
You won't want to miss this story!
September 15, 2014
When I was a little girl I loved sitting watching westerns with my dad. When this book came up for a blog tour I couldn't resist having a go- although I haven't read many westerns before. This was a fantastic surprise for me.
The author has a great way of telling a story. I felt as if I was right there with the characters. This story had lots of twists and turns. While reading this I could actually picture it as a movie. If you like western romances then I certainly recommend this story. Will be keeping my eye out for this author in the future.
The author has a great way of telling a story. I felt as if I was right there with the characters. This story had lots of twists and turns. While reading this I could actually picture it as a movie. If you like western romances then I certainly recommend this story. Will be keeping my eye out for this author in the future.
June 7, 2018
Loved this book!
Hannah is one very strong woman. Watching her parents die in front of her as a child, and rescued by the Osage, she has had to be strong and self reliant. Then she sees her Osage mother and sister killed in front of her. To make matters worse, her Osage brother blames her for their deaths. She has to run for her life.
She joins a wagon train as their scout. And her adventures continue.
Can Paden keep her safe? Will she ever be able to feel safe again? Will Eagle Feathers ever come to terms with their family's deaths?
Excellent read!
Hannah is one very strong woman. Watching her parents die in front of her as a child, and rescued by the Osage, she has had to be strong and self reliant. Then she sees her Osage mother and sister killed in front of her. To make matters worse, her Osage brother blames her for their deaths. She has to run for her life.
She joins a wagon train as their scout. And her adventures continue.
Can Paden keep her safe? Will she ever be able to feel safe again? Will Eagle Feathers ever come to terms with their family's deaths?
Excellent read!
January 31, 2018
I read this book recently and really liked it. Although I found it frustrating at first as I didn't understand the urgency that the main character feeling. All was revealed later. I guess I'm just one of those people who wants to know "WHY?" sooner rather than later, lol.
Thanks for the great story, Jacqui!
Thanks for the great story, Jacqui!
March 3, 2016
An exciting journey filled with perilous adventure, this is an original interesting tale with a woven plot line that comes full circle.
Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 27, 2020
This was an engaging book. Well written, great characters, and I really enjoyed it. Perfect historical western story. I want to read more.
February 27, 2019
In a unique twist of fate, in a time when you imagine a white settlers home being savagely taken from them by Native Americans, Hannah watches a group of white men murder her family and burn her home to the ground. Her mother saves her life by sending her out the back into a briar patch to hide. She is found by members of the Osage Tribe and taken in by them. In a horrifying twist it happens again later in her life as she sees her Osage Mother and Sister savagely killed by white men who want to take her as well. She escapes yet again. Will she forever be haunted by this second tragedy? She is pursued by her Osage Brother Eagle Feather because he blames her for his Mother and Sisters death.
Paden grew up with his Commanche Grandmother. Half White and Half Commanche he is trying to fit into a White world. He is married to a Generals daughter who is brutally murdered while he is away. This is where he is cruelly wronged by the murderer who blames his Commanche brothers for her murder. Vengance became a way of life for him.
There is a connection immediately between them when they first meet. They are drawn together perhaps by the past they have lived, without knowledge of it from the beginning. Secrets present themselves and are hidden between them. Courage to bring them to light is needed.. The beautiful Oregon Trail makes a stunning backdrop for this tale.
They will travel the trail between His life and Her life, finding ways to help each other in spite of the demons from their past. Love, fear, anger, hurt and peace will find them, but they will travel many roads to get there.
This is an excellent story about Love. Well written and well developed characters with an engaging plot. I loved this book!
Paden grew up with his Commanche Grandmother. Half White and Half Commanche he is trying to fit into a White world. He is married to a Generals daughter who is brutally murdered while he is away. This is where he is cruelly wronged by the murderer who blames his Commanche brothers for her murder. Vengance became a way of life for him.
There is a connection immediately between them when they first meet. They are drawn together perhaps by the past they have lived, without knowledge of it from the beginning. Secrets present themselves and are hidden between them. Courage to bring them to light is needed.. The beautiful Oregon Trail makes a stunning backdrop for this tale.
They will travel the trail between His life and Her life, finding ways to help each other in spite of the demons from their past. Love, fear, anger, hurt and peace will find them, but they will travel many roads to get there.
This is an excellent story about Love. Well written and well developed characters with an engaging plot. I loved this book!
July 19, 2014
A kick a$$ heroine is running from an enemy & memories & an emotional scarred hero must fight the white world & the misunderstood native world together to survive!
Hannah has had 2 families killed in front of her eyes, when she was 9, her birth parents & then her adopted Osage family, Morning Star (her chosen mom) & Laughing Eyes (her sister) are massacred. Both times, the white men wanting a blonde hair & blue eyed captive & she has lived with the guilt. Eagle Feather (her adopted brother) tracked her, with the help of Hannah's horse, White Cloud, freed her & avenged his family's murder, but kicks Hannah out of the tribe & threatens to kill her if he ever sees her again. Now she must get away as fast as she can, before Eagle Feather can find her & as far from the memories of getting her native family murdered.
Paden Callahan is a man who know loss, death, revenge & has an empty heart & soul. While he was a Texas Ranger, he married his commanding officer's daughter, Jeannie & She was raped & murdered by Comanche. So he tracked them all down & killed each & ever one of them. After he avenged his wife, he quit the Rangers, went to Oregon, built his lonely home & started a timber business. Now a call from General Sherwood (his old commander) has made him become the commander of a wagon train from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to California.
Hannah is starving & frightened of Fort Leavenworth, but she needs to travel with the wagon train for survival. Paden is so sick of the bigot & drunken scout Dawson, so he is trying to get rid of him. Hannah sees a way in as the new scout, so Dawson & Hannah have a Western challenge & she kicked his a$$. She becomes the new scout, but made a nasty enemy & Dawson always gets even. When Paden looks at this itsy bitsy woman with golden hair & memorizing blue eyes, he feels the attraction he hasn't felt since his wife died. Hannah is welcomed into the small family with understanding General Sherwood, his welcoming son, Gabe, flirty Alejandro & crusty Virgil. Paden may respect her skills, but he keeps his distance because when they touch a warm & sensual vibe flows between them.
When they takes off, they are followed by not one of Hannah's enemies, but 2, Dawson & Eagle Feather. Everyone treats Hannah like a dirty savage whore, except Rebecca Riley, who father is the worst out of the bunch. She's alone, isolated & Paden won't let her scout. Paden is enchanted with her, wants to wrap her in cotton, keep her safe, but what he wants most, is her under him. Just when she is finally allowed to scout, she finds Irish Miriam & her grandsons, William & Charles, & discoverers unconditional friendship & acceptance. Paden kisses Hannah ever chance he gets, he caresses her enticing curves, but questions her scars, from a thorn bush, as given by her Osage tribe. Enemies, new & old, make a pack of trouble & kicks up Paden's protection instincts for Hannah that could save or kill them. So now we have savage white world meets misunderstood native world, can he ever understand that not all native are evil? Who will Hannah choose, her loving Osage family or her chosen new one? Will Paden ever let the anger of his Jeannie go? When Eagle Feather find her, is she dead? With Miriam & her grandson's love & acceptance, will Hannah understand that she deserves to be loved? Will Paden's unseen enemy destroy their blooming love?
This is actually my review Take 2 because my first read was from NetGalley & the ARC was screwed up. I was pissed because I don't enjoy Westerns Historical Romances, but Ms. Nelson changed my tune. She not only created a moving tear jerker, with decadent passions & a great story of 2 conflicting worlds, but she built a loving, slightly kooky, flawed & understanding family. Fierce Miriam, big brother William, questioning Charlie, funny Gabe, macho Alejandro, sensible Virgil, loving General Sherwood, bruised Hannah & hunky Paden. I was welcomed at their campfire, shared their pork & beans, I shared my yummy SMORES, laughed at their stories & I got to watched a heart warming love story of healing unfold. Hannah was such a tortured, scarred (inside & out) heroine & she felt that she had a curse of always losing the ones she loves. Paden was also a tortured soul, but it was of his own making, with to many years killing. There was a great line from Hannah as she tells Paden that his lips & tongue heal her wounds & I had a really ugly cry because these 2 learn to heal one another & themselves. Ms. Nelson writing seduces my eyes with the landscape, filled my nose with dust, stinky oxen paddies & campfires, made my ears craved to learn all the western slang & native languages, my taste was assaulted with the salty beans & my touch has new blisters from all the wagon train set up & take down. But what Ms. Nelson affected the most was my heart & soul with a story that had hate, racism, bully after bully, soul destroying grieve, a heroine stuck between 2 worlds & unexpected challenges, but a true meeting of unconditional love & acceptance for the deeply hollowed out hearts & souls of Paden & Hannah. I want to THANK Ms. Nelson for opening the whole Western Historical Romances genres for me. She has INSPIRED me to expand my read boundaries with sexy heroes, damages souls, kick a$$ heroines, trampled hearts & a tsunami of conflicting worlds. I loved this tale & I learned that here is always light, maybe just a speck, between heaven & hell, but you have to CHOOSE to search, reach out & welcome this light! I must give Ms. Nelson my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this rocking tale!
The NetGalley ARC was screwed, but the author gave me a copy for my honest review.
April 8, 2017
I received the book free this review is honest and all view are my own. This of course was another great book. All the characters in the story make some great contribution to the story. Hannah and Paden both come from tough lives and are struggling to out run their past. Fate happened to throw them into each other's path. Paden never wants to love again and is resistant in the beginning but of course he eventually begins to fall. Hannah just wants to put miles behind her on the trail. This book took me no time to finish because I had to figure out how it ended.
December 15, 2019
I love the way that Jacqui writes her westerns. I find that she gets me right in the first chapter and that the story line is so facinating . She always puts her heart in every book that I have read of hers. Jacqui hit a home run with this!
February 13, 2020
Great series/loved it
I'm really enjoying this series and loved Hannah and Paden's story. These two had unhappy past that they had to overcome to find love. It all made for a captivating read. I look forward to more books in the series.
I'm really enjoying this series and loved Hannah and Paden's story. These two had unhappy past that they had to overcome to find love. It all made for a captivating read. I look forward to more books in the series.
May 5, 2019
While I adore historical romance, old west romances are not my typical ones to read. I tend to read more Regency and Victorian novels. For whatever reason, this week I have been drawn to reading old west romances. This one is the best I have read so far. The author pulls you in right away with this terrifying image of a young girl fleeing for her life as she watches her home burn and her parents murdered by white men. Alone now in the world, she figures her end is near when Osage warriors surround her. But an Indian woman emerges and takes her into her family. The story then fasts forward to 10 years later as this young woman, fleeing for her life again, seeks a position as a scout on a wagon train headed for the Oregon Trail. She has a hard time convincing the wagonmaster to hire her; he doesn't believe a woman is fit for the job despite her display of good riding and shooting skills. After it becomes clear that she has been in danger and is perhaps in more danger after the skill competition between her and his previous scout, he agrees that she should come along.
Paden has quite a backstory himself, but I’ll let you discover that for yourself if you decide to read this fantastic novel. The book has a variety of secondary characters. Both the primary characters and secondary characters are well drawn and feel three dimensional. Hannah is it a challenging position as a white woman who was mostly raised by the Osage. At times, she has a hard time fitting in with the others on their journey to Oregon. Paden struggles with his conflicting feelings about this strong and resilient woman.
I loved this author's ability to weave in words and phrases that are evocative of the old west but don't feel stilted or out of place both in dialogue and in the narrative portions. That's not an easy skill for an author of historical fiction to maintain. Her descriptions of the various settings as well are very visual, and I could imagine seeing them.
The author did an excellent job putting me in Hannah's mind right from the start, feelings her terror as a child and understanding her desperation—even if I didn't know the full reasons at the beginning--to get that job that she hopes will take her farther away from danger. The skill competition between her and the former scout is surprisingly a page-turner, compelling me to want to keep reading to see how it would turn out. The rest of the book is much the same. As an Oregonian myself, I enjoyed seeing the Oregon Trail as a backdrop for this. It is so hard to imagine what it was honestly like for people who use that harrowing trail to get to the West, but the author does a good job of making me feel like I'm right alongside the characters as they experience the beauty and hazards of it. It was actually a book I had a hard time putting down to do other things, which I wasn't expecting when I opened it. As I said, I'm not usually a fan of old west romances, but something initially drew me to this story, and I am glad because it is an awesome read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
Paden has quite a backstory himself, but I’ll let you discover that for yourself if you decide to read this fantastic novel. The book has a variety of secondary characters. Both the primary characters and secondary characters are well drawn and feel three dimensional. Hannah is it a challenging position as a white woman who was mostly raised by the Osage. At times, she has a hard time fitting in with the others on their journey to Oregon. Paden struggles with his conflicting feelings about this strong and resilient woman.
I loved this author's ability to weave in words and phrases that are evocative of the old west but don't feel stilted or out of place both in dialogue and in the narrative portions. That's not an easy skill for an author of historical fiction to maintain. Her descriptions of the various settings as well are very visual, and I could imagine seeing them.
The author did an excellent job putting me in Hannah's mind right from the start, feelings her terror as a child and understanding her desperation—even if I didn't know the full reasons at the beginning--to get that job that she hopes will take her farther away from danger. The skill competition between her and the former scout is surprisingly a page-turner, compelling me to want to keep reading to see how it would turn out. The rest of the book is much the same. As an Oregonian myself, I enjoyed seeing the Oregon Trail as a backdrop for this. It is so hard to imagine what it was honestly like for people who use that harrowing trail to get to the West, but the author does a good job of making me feel like I'm right alongside the characters as they experience the beauty and hazards of it. It was actually a book I had a hard time putting down to do other things, which I wasn't expecting when I opened it. As I said, I'm not usually a fan of old west romances, but something initially drew me to this story, and I am glad because it is an awesome read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
August 8, 2014
** JOSIE'S 4 STAR REVIEW **
Let me start off by saying I am not a huge Western or history fan but I found myself really loving this novel, the characters and the entire premise of it. Hannah our heroine is the shit! She’s kick ass, deep and sensitive.
Hannah is on the run from her enemy and she is psychologically and physically damaged. She is constantly shunned by the white world and the natives who took her in and adopted her. In the start of the Novel, I was left an emotional mess, literally crying my eyes out mess. At the age of 9 Hannah witnessed her birth family killed. Later on in life she also witnesses her adopted mother Morning Star and adopted sister Laughing Eyes get massacred. These traumatic losses were both done at the hands of the white men who wanted to hold the blonde hair and blue eye girl captive. She has had to live with that knowledge, guilt and blame after that. If you think this is bad, just wait. Things only get worse for her. God she suffered so much my heart broke for her over and over. Her adoptive brother rescues her, avenges his family’s murders only to banish her from the tribe. He threatens to kill Hannah if he sees her again and because of that she’s forced to live on the run. She’s constantly living in fear that Eagle Feather will find her and kill her.
Paden Callahan (ladies hold on to your cowgirl hats) is an empty man, has suffered and knows all too well about death and vengeance. Texas Ranger Paden was married to a woman who was raped and killed by Comanche Indians. He avenged his wife’s murder by tracking the Comanche down and killing all of them. He leaves the Rangers and settles in a small town in Oregon where he runs a lumber business. That is until his old Officer General appoints him as leader for a wagon train from Fort Leavenworth Kansas to California.
Hannah arrives in Fort Leavenworth, hungry, cold and terrified but knows her safety depends on her riding with the wagon train. You are all going to love Hannah, she is smart and fierce. In order to ride with the wagon train she has to challenge and win against a scout name Dawson. After she wins, she gets appointed the new scout. However, this only ends up adding to her troubles. Dawson wants to get even.
Dawson is a drunk, racist and chauvinist. Paden doesn’t like him and does not want him with the team. When Paden lays eyes on Hannah, he is memorized by the petite woman with golden blonde hair and blue eyes. Eyes that he can get lost in. He finds himself so attracted to her. Something he has not felt since his wife. Paden keeps Hannah at a distance because anytime they are near each other or he touches her he has this overwhelming sexual and primal need for her.
Unbeknownst to them, they are being trailed by 2 of enemies. This is where things really started to get so hard where I was emotionally distraught. The way Hannah is treated is awful. She is treated like a savage and a whore. Paden feels protective and possessive of her. He wants to wrap her up and keep her safe, but his deepest desire is to have Hannah in his bed and underneath him. Paden and Hannah are so loveable, although Paden is trying to fight what he is feeling he has to constantly touch and kiss her. While trying to balance and find out what he is truly feeling, Paden discovers Hannah’s scar. He knows there is something she is not telling him and he wants to know what happened to her.
Paden’s protective urges for Hannah intensifies after he realizes how much danger she is actually in. He lost one woman and he will not lose another. He will do anything to protect and save her, even if he has to kill. Can he save Hannah from the evils that surround her? Will Hannah choose to stand by her new love, her new family or will her loyalty go to her adoptive family? Can Paden, let go of his past life with Jeannie and find happiness with Hannah?
This was an awesome book. It was enthralling, captivating from start to finish and considering this it is not something that I would normally read, it kept me engrossed. I hope people give this one a chance because it is definitely worth picking up.
Let me start off by saying I am not a huge Western or history fan but I found myself really loving this novel, the characters and the entire premise of it. Hannah our heroine is the shit! She’s kick ass, deep and sensitive.
Hannah is on the run from her enemy and she is psychologically and physically damaged. She is constantly shunned by the white world and the natives who took her in and adopted her. In the start of the Novel, I was left an emotional mess, literally crying my eyes out mess. At the age of 9 Hannah witnessed her birth family killed. Later on in life she also witnesses her adopted mother Morning Star and adopted sister Laughing Eyes get massacred. These traumatic losses were both done at the hands of the white men who wanted to hold the blonde hair and blue eye girl captive. She has had to live with that knowledge, guilt and blame after that. If you think this is bad, just wait. Things only get worse for her. God she suffered so much my heart broke for her over and over. Her adoptive brother rescues her, avenges his family’s murders only to banish her from the tribe. He threatens to kill Hannah if he sees her again and because of that she’s forced to live on the run. She’s constantly living in fear that Eagle Feather will find her and kill her.
Paden Callahan (ladies hold on to your cowgirl hats) is an empty man, has suffered and knows all too well about death and vengeance. Texas Ranger Paden was married to a woman who was raped and killed by Comanche Indians. He avenged his wife’s murder by tracking the Comanche down and killing all of them. He leaves the Rangers and settles in a small town in Oregon where he runs a lumber business. That is until his old Officer General appoints him as leader for a wagon train from Fort Leavenworth Kansas to California.
Hannah arrives in Fort Leavenworth, hungry, cold and terrified but knows her safety depends on her riding with the wagon train. You are all going to love Hannah, she is smart and fierce. In order to ride with the wagon train she has to challenge and win against a scout name Dawson. After she wins, she gets appointed the new scout. However, this only ends up adding to her troubles. Dawson wants to get even.
Dawson is a drunk, racist and chauvinist. Paden doesn’t like him and does not want him with the team. When Paden lays eyes on Hannah, he is memorized by the petite woman with golden blonde hair and blue eyes. Eyes that he can get lost in. He finds himself so attracted to her. Something he has not felt since his wife. Paden keeps Hannah at a distance because anytime they are near each other or he touches her he has this overwhelming sexual and primal need for her.
Unbeknownst to them, they are being trailed by 2 of enemies. This is where things really started to get so hard where I was emotionally distraught. The way Hannah is treated is awful. She is treated like a savage and a whore. Paden feels protective and possessive of her. He wants to wrap her up and keep her safe, but his deepest desire is to have Hannah in his bed and underneath him. Paden and Hannah are so loveable, although Paden is trying to fight what he is feeling he has to constantly touch and kiss her. While trying to balance and find out what he is truly feeling, Paden discovers Hannah’s scar. He knows there is something she is not telling him and he wants to know what happened to her.
Paden’s protective urges for Hannah intensifies after he realizes how much danger she is actually in. He lost one woman and he will not lose another. He will do anything to protect and save her, even if he has to kill. Can he save Hannah from the evils that surround her? Will Hannah choose to stand by her new love, her new family or will her loyalty go to her adoptive family? Can Paden, let go of his past life with Jeannie and find happiness with Hannah?
This was an awesome book. It was enthralling, captivating from start to finish and considering this it is not something that I would normally read, it kept me engrossed. I hope people give this one a chance because it is definitely worth picking up.
March 14, 2020
Between Heaven and Hell
A very action packed intriguing story I was gripped from begging to end.
Paden and Hannah's meet at the beginning was portrayed so well and she fought for her place on that wagon train. The author has created some fabulous characters and some rather unsavoury ones which makes this story so worth reading. It's got action betrayal romance and love and I can't wait to read more of this series.
A very action packed intriguing story I was gripped from begging to end.
Paden and Hannah's meet at the beginning was portrayed so well and she fought for her place on that wagon train. The author has created some fabulous characters and some rather unsavoury ones which makes this story so worth reading. It's got action betrayal romance and love and I can't wait to read more of this series.
Read
May 22, 2019I found this an action packed western, with the shooting and the usual from back then if you believe what you have heard in the past there is of course love added. A worthwhile read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2019
ONE IMPRESSIVE ADVENTURE!!!
Oh baby! Talk about letting the chips fall. Jacqui doesn't hesitate to put it out there and shake things up a bit. Just to let 'em fall. Can't get any better than that. Her eye and mind for detail just blows me away. This baby grabs your attention and holds it from start to finish. Just when you think it can't get any deeper. Think again. This little gem will keep you in a tail spin and on a razors edge throughout the entirety of this juicy little number. Jacqui's take no prisoners and no turning back attitude really set the stage for this striking storyline and exhilarating plot. Action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, page turning bombshell brings this bad boy blasting to life beautifully. Throw in all the drama, angst, intrigue, danger and suspense make for one thrilling experience. The characters are original, believable and so realistic you feel like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so graphically detailed you have no trouble picturing each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Amazing job Jacqui, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Oh baby! Talk about letting the chips fall. Jacqui doesn't hesitate to put it out there and shake things up a bit. Just to let 'em fall. Can't get any better than that. Her eye and mind for detail just blows me away. This baby grabs your attention and holds it from start to finish. Just when you think it can't get any deeper. Think again. This little gem will keep you in a tail spin and on a razors edge throughout the entirety of this juicy little number. Jacqui's take no prisoners and no turning back attitude really set the stage for this striking storyline and exhilarating plot. Action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, page turning bombshell brings this bad boy blasting to life beautifully. Throw in all the drama, angst, intrigue, danger and suspense make for one thrilling experience. The characters are original, believable and so realistic you feel like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so graphically detailed you have no trouble picturing each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Amazing job Jacqui, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
August 8, 2014
This was an interesting read for me. Being my first Western Romance book, I started this book off with an open mind, and really surprised myself by really liking Between Heaven and Hell! Being an avid equestrian a few years back, I figured I would relate well to the "western" aspect of this book. I'm glad I gave the book a try, and will be looking forward to more of Jacqui Nelson's books! On with the review!
We begin the book with young Hannah ripped from her family after a rogue band of white settlers killed her family. A local tribe of Indians find her days later, and adopt her into their tribe. She is then raised by them until she sets out on her own to create a name for herself - back into the world of white settlers, and who she once was. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember who she was, or what her family was like. In fact, when she reaches Fort Leavenworth, she gives her Indian name first, and stumbles through introductions.
The book progresses well (not too fast, not too slow) as Hannah is induced into the wagon train that is taking the people of Fort Leavenworth out West. Hannah expects the natural turmoil of nature to take place on their journey. What she doesn't expect is the emotional turmoil that takes place between her, and Paden Callahan. Paden has troubles of his own that he is fighting; including keeping his past a secret from Hannah.
Jacqui Nelson takes Between Heaven and Hell to the next level in Western Romance novels by making the two main characters both have troubled pasts that neither of them want the other to find out about. She created some phenomenal characters that really shone through during the entire book. She creates scenes that you can see, smell, taste, and feel with just a brief blink of your eyes.
If you want to try something new this weekend, I highly recommend Between Heaven and Hell. Be sure to check out the giveaway below, and one-click it on Amazon today! You won't be disappointed, and I think she may just change your mind on Western Romances!
We begin the book with young Hannah ripped from her family after a rogue band of white settlers killed her family. A local tribe of Indians find her days later, and adopt her into their tribe. She is then raised by them until she sets out on her own to create a name for herself - back into the world of white settlers, and who she once was. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember who she was, or what her family was like. In fact, when she reaches Fort Leavenworth, she gives her Indian name first, and stumbles through introductions.
The book progresses well (not too fast, not too slow) as Hannah is induced into the wagon train that is taking the people of Fort Leavenworth out West. Hannah expects the natural turmoil of nature to take place on their journey. What she doesn't expect is the emotional turmoil that takes place between her, and Paden Callahan. Paden has troubles of his own that he is fighting; including keeping his past a secret from Hannah.
Jacqui Nelson takes Between Heaven and Hell to the next level in Western Romance novels by making the two main characters both have troubled pasts that neither of them want the other to find out about. She created some phenomenal characters that really shone through during the entire book. She creates scenes that you can see, smell, taste, and feel with just a brief blink of your eyes.
If you want to try something new this weekend, I highly recommend Between Heaven and Hell. Be sure to check out the giveaway below, and one-click it on Amazon today! You won't be disappointed, and I think she may just change your mind on Western Romances!
August 5, 2014
I do not normally read what I call westerns, cowboy books, books set in the old west, etc.. But I agreed to this one because it is set in my home state and because the story line did sound very interesting!
I was not disappointed. As a matter of fact, I may just read more! I will definitely read more by J. Nelson. She gives us a wonderful accounting of the feelings of the Hanna as she struggles with where her life is now. The Fate that has pushed her to different places that were not of her choosing, but she didn't regret living that life instead of being brutally murdered like all those she loved had. She gives us a glimpse of the past of both Hanna and Paden, a hard man who has also been a victim of life and its delicate balance. He has lost the only woman he could ever love, fought and killed the very people that saved Hanna. How can she believe he can see her any differently than those? She struggles to be her own person, not someone from the past. She only wants to be accepted and loved, to have a family again.
Paden respects her for the skills she has had to learn to survive in a rough enviroment. She can out ride and out shoot any man around. She has more than proved her worth. But he knows how hard her life will be, trying to get people to see her, not the white girl that was kidnapped by Indians, not the Indian she had become in order to stay alive.He admires her willingness to accept any task set in front of her, as long as she gets a place on his wagon train. Paden understands her needs, wants and desires, but he too, has trouble accepting that a mere slip of a woman can hold up to the hard journey ahead of them. The trail she is to scout out for the them will be rough, hard, and dangerous. But this beauty sets his heart and body on fire! He will have to give her the respect she deserves and try to deal with being stuck between heaven and hell fighting his passion for her!
I was not disappointed. As a matter of fact, I may just read more! I will definitely read more by J. Nelson. She gives us a wonderful accounting of the feelings of the Hanna as she struggles with where her life is now. The Fate that has pushed her to different places that were not of her choosing, but she didn't regret living that life instead of being brutally murdered like all those she loved had. She gives us a glimpse of the past of both Hanna and Paden, a hard man who has also been a victim of life and its delicate balance. He has lost the only woman he could ever love, fought and killed the very people that saved Hanna. How can she believe he can see her any differently than those? She struggles to be her own person, not someone from the past. She only wants to be accepted and loved, to have a family again.
Paden respects her for the skills she has had to learn to survive in a rough enviroment. She can out ride and out shoot any man around. She has more than proved her worth. But he knows how hard her life will be, trying to get people to see her, not the white girl that was kidnapped by Indians, not the Indian she had become in order to stay alive.He admires her willingness to accept any task set in front of her, as long as she gets a place on his wagon train. Paden understands her needs, wants and desires, but he too, has trouble accepting that a mere slip of a woman can hold up to the hard journey ahead of them. The trail she is to scout out for the them will be rough, hard, and dangerous. But this beauty sets his heart and body on fire! He will have to give her the respect she deserves and try to deal with being stuck between heaven and hell fighting his passion for her!
May 7, 2019
The first book in the Lonesome Hearts and after reading this one I know I want to read the next book. Hannah and Paden have a lot to overcome before they can get a happy ending. I enjoyed reading this book. It has a great story-line a it flows smoothly from page to page. If you like American frontier stories I would say read this one. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I have also bought.
May 8, 2019
Great read. I felt like I was riding the trails with them. This book has lots going on, emotion, loss, and love. Great storyline and wonderful characters. It is a must read. I recommend it to all. I received it from booksprout and voluntarily left my review.
May 9, 2019
Wow!! I really loved this book. Always been a fan of westerns. This one could be a movie. lol. Couldn't get enough. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.
September 21, 2014
Hannah, the heroine of Jacqui Nelson’s Between Heaven & Hell, can’t remember her last name. When she was a child she watched from beneath a bramble bush as her parents were killed and her home burned to the ground by rogue militiamen. Rescued by a band of Osage Indians who call her Blue Sky, Hannah finds herself a decade later on the run from Eagle Feather, the warrior she once called brother. Desperate to travel west, she applies for a scout position with a wagon train about to leave Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for far-off California.
Paden Callahan, a former Texas Ranger who lost his wife to a Comanche raid, has taken on the job of wagon master as a favor to his father-in-law, General Sherwood. He’d much rather be back at his new home in Oregon, building his lumber business. Hiring a female scout may be unthinkable (after all, it’s 1850), but keeping the man she would replace, a drunken boor named Dawson, is an even worse prospect.
Paden’s caution is not unjustified. With both Eagle Feather and Dawson seeking vengeance against Hannah, she may be a danger to the wagon train. But Paden is harboring secrets of his own, and an enemy from his past is waiting at Fort Laramie.
Nelson paints a believable and moving picture of the hardships of the mid-nineteenth century, as settlers leave precious possessions behind to lighten their wagons and bury lost loved ones along the side of the trail. While Hannah and Paden do their best for the wagon train, they are drawn to each other and begin to imagine a future together. But with so many forces working to keep them apart, can they make that dream a reality?
Paden Callahan, a former Texas Ranger who lost his wife to a Comanche raid, has taken on the job of wagon master as a favor to his father-in-law, General Sherwood. He’d much rather be back at his new home in Oregon, building his lumber business. Hiring a female scout may be unthinkable (after all, it’s 1850), but keeping the man she would replace, a drunken boor named Dawson, is an even worse prospect.
Paden’s caution is not unjustified. With both Eagle Feather and Dawson seeking vengeance against Hannah, she may be a danger to the wagon train. But Paden is harboring secrets of his own, and an enemy from his past is waiting at Fort Laramie.
Nelson paints a believable and moving picture of the hardships of the mid-nineteenth century, as settlers leave precious possessions behind to lighten their wagons and bury lost loved ones along the side of the trail. While Hannah and Paden do their best for the wagon train, they are drawn to each other and begin to imagine a future together. But with so many forces working to keep them apart, can they make that dream a reality?
September 13, 2014
Western historical romance is not a genre that I often come across. This was a good solid read, well written with characters that I could care for & an interesting storyline.
Hannah's parents are killed by rebel militiamen when she's a child of 9 years & in escaping, she is found & taken in by the Osage tribe & becomes the adopted daughter to Morning Star. Brought up with love, she learns to shot, track and all the skills of an Indian. When white trappers discover her & attempt to take her away from her tribe; Morning Star & her daughter are killed protecting Hannah & Hannah is cast out from her village by Eagle Feather, her Indian brother who swears to revenge on her if he ever finds her again.
Hoping to build a new life for herself, Hannah hopes that by joining the wagon train to the Western Territories as a scout, she can start anew. Hannah is an amazing heroine. Brave yet so fragile, even having suffered so much she has a wealth of compassion for others. She's ostracized by most of the other settlers who think her tainted for her Indian upbringing, but makes firm friends in the other scouts and the few settlers who aren't bigoted.
The chemistry between Hannah & Paden is well written & lovely to read. Paden is wonderfully possessive & protective of her. Both have their ghosts which they need to overcome.
The story follows their wagon train journey across the American frontier which was totally fascinating.
This is the 1st I've read from this author & I'd definitely like to read more of this is exemplary of her writing.
Complimentary copy received from publisher for an honest review.
Hannah's parents are killed by rebel militiamen when she's a child of 9 years & in escaping, she is found & taken in by the Osage tribe & becomes the adopted daughter to Morning Star. Brought up with love, she learns to shot, track and all the skills of an Indian. When white trappers discover her & attempt to take her away from her tribe; Morning Star & her daughter are killed protecting Hannah & Hannah is cast out from her village by Eagle Feather, her Indian brother who swears to revenge on her if he ever finds her again.
Hoping to build a new life for herself, Hannah hopes that by joining the wagon train to the Western Territories as a scout, she can start anew. Hannah is an amazing heroine. Brave yet so fragile, even having suffered so much she has a wealth of compassion for others. She's ostracized by most of the other settlers who think her tainted for her Indian upbringing, but makes firm friends in the other scouts and the few settlers who aren't bigoted.
The chemistry between Hannah & Paden is well written & lovely to read. Paden is wonderfully possessive & protective of her. Both have their ghosts which they need to overcome.
The story follows their wagon train journey across the American frontier which was totally fascinating.
This is the 1st I've read from this author & I'd definitely like to read more of this is exemplary of her writing.
Complimentary copy received from publisher for an honest review.
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