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Apache Flame
As a child, Mitch Garrett was excluded from respectable society. His father was the town drunkard, his mother was an Apache, and his only friend was Alisha Faraday, the sweet, innocent daughter of a preacher.
But as adults, their secret affection turned into a powerful love that neither could deny. And when the forces of prejudice and anger drove Mitch from his hometown, neither forgot the joy and desire they'd once shared in each other's arms.
Now Mitch is back --- to put to rest memories that have haunted him for years. What he finds instead is a love for Alisha that has never died --- a love he is willing to fight anything and anyone to keep, even as the shocking secrets of their shared past threaten to tear them apart once again.
But as adults, their secret affection turned into a powerful love that neither could deny. And when the forces of prejudice and anger drove Mitch from his hometown, neither forgot the joy and desire they'd once shared in each other's arms.
Now Mitch is back --- to put to rest memories that have haunted him for years. What he finds instead is a love for Alisha that has never died --- a love he is willing to fight anything and anyone to keep, even as the shocking secrets of their shared past threaten to tear them apart once again.
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1999
62 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Baker
88 books288 followersMadeline Ruth was born on 1963 in California, where she raised. She married her high school sweetheart and they have three sons, all handsome enough to be cover models. Growing up, her favorite pastimes were going to the movies and going horseback riding on Saturday mornings at Griffith Park. Madeline has always been "horse happy." A horse was the one thing she asked for on every birthday and every Christmas. Many years later, that dream came true when she bought an Appaloosa mare named Candy—because she was so sweet. Madeline loves animals. Over the years, she's had numerous dogs, cats, fish, mice, hamsters, turtles and birds, and her horse, of course. The most exotic pet was a crocodile that belonged to one of her sons. Currently, she has a terribly spoiled Pomeranian named Teddi, six goldfish, a catfish, and a betta. When she's not writing, Madeline enjoys going to movies and the theater. Her favorite plays are The Phantom of the Opera, The Scarlet Pimpernel and her all-time fave, Beauty and the Beast. She also loves reading, going to lunch with her best friend, collecting Star Wars, The Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast memorabilia, and playing with the most beautiful, adorable, brilliant grandkids in the world.
Madeline started writing when her children were still at home, and she wrote for several years, finding time to write after her children were in bed and her husband was at work. In true cliché fashion, she wrote the books and put them under the bed, never telling anyone what she was doing, until one day she let a friend read one. Encouraged by her friend's comments, and armed with a copy of Writer's Market supplied by said friend, Madeline began sending out query letters. After six years and 31 rejections, Leisure Books bought Reckless Heart, and she's been writing ever since. After writing several Westerns, Madeline decided to try her hand at something else and wrote her first vampire romance. It was a short story titled "Masquerade" for an anthology. She loved writing that so much that she wrote her first full-length vampire romance, Embrace the Night, and thus Amanda Ashley was born. One of her dreams had been to write for Harlequin, and she accomplished that in 2003 with the publication of her Silhouette Romance novel, Dude Ranch Bride. Madeline loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her online at DarkWritr@aol.com or by mail at PO Box 1703, Whittier, CA 90609-1703.
Madeline started writing when her children were still at home, and she wrote for several years, finding time to write after her children were in bed and her husband was at work. In true cliché fashion, she wrote the books and put them under the bed, never telling anyone what she was doing, until one day she let a friend read one. Encouraged by her friend's comments, and armed with a copy of Writer's Market supplied by said friend, Madeline began sending out query letters. After six years and 31 rejections, Leisure Books bought Reckless Heart, and she's been writing ever since. After writing several Westerns, Madeline decided to try her hand at something else and wrote her first vampire romance. It was a short story titled "Masquerade" for an anthology. She loved writing that so much that she wrote her first full-length vampire romance, Embrace the Night, and thus Amanda Ashley was born. One of her dreams had been to write for Harlequin, and she accomplished that in 2003 with the publication of her Silhouette Romance novel, Dude Ranch Bride. Madeline loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her online at DarkWritr@aol.com or by mail at PO Box 1703, Whittier, CA 90609-1703.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 29, 2018
An opposite sides of the creek story set during a turbulent period in American history sounded just the thing and this poor book has been setting far back on my Kindle shelf collecting dust for some time. This is me again saying, why did I wait so long? The story was heartwarming, sweet, and didn't shy away from the troubles of the time period.
Apache Flame begins with single lady school marm, Alisha Farraday hearing the whispers that the town's once bad boy and poor kid, Mitch Garrett is back in town after five year's absence. Alisha is a bundle of nerves to meet the grown man who once promised to send for her and she never heard a word. After a dark period right after he left, she's leading a different life. She has a nice man for a fiance and loves teaching school- safe, calm, and no chance of her feelings getting trounced again.
But, things aren't what they seemed and the truth comes out. Mitch also has feelings of pain for the girl who couldn't even wait four months before firing off a letter that she was getting married to someone else.
The story starts in their present day and then dips into the past and shows how an unlikely pair first became friends and then fell in love. Only, Mitch had to go and make his way in the world somewhere else where his dad's drinking and gambling, abuse and cheating and his own status as the poor half-breed wouldn't hold him back. The backstory was a sweet time of first love and then deepening love. Interference came and now the story is them dealing with the fallout and wondering if too much has been broken to be fixed.
This is a second chance romance and that part was good, but it also has western action and this time from the Apache viewpoint. The story is of Mitch straddling two worlds and Alisha having to decide if she can accept a man with a dual heritage and the complications for their future. They have to go through so much and there are tough moments, but the author didn't lay the angst on too thick which was a relief because there was a lot here that could have really dug deeper emotionally.
I loved the ending, but I did feel that there were a couple things left that could have been fleshed out more.
All in all, this older western historical romance was a solid standalone story that was slightly spicy and slightly action-packed, but offered up a wholly solid romance.
Apache Flame begins with single lady school marm, Alisha Farraday hearing the whispers that the town's once bad boy and poor kid, Mitch Garrett is back in town after five year's absence. Alisha is a bundle of nerves to meet the grown man who once promised to send for her and she never heard a word. After a dark period right after he left, she's leading a different life. She has a nice man for a fiance and loves teaching school- safe, calm, and no chance of her feelings getting trounced again.
But, things aren't what they seemed and the truth comes out. Mitch also has feelings of pain for the girl who couldn't even wait four months before firing off a letter that she was getting married to someone else.
The story starts in their present day and then dips into the past and shows how an unlikely pair first became friends and then fell in love. Only, Mitch had to go and make his way in the world somewhere else where his dad's drinking and gambling, abuse and cheating and his own status as the poor half-breed wouldn't hold him back. The backstory was a sweet time of first love and then deepening love. Interference came and now the story is them dealing with the fallout and wondering if too much has been broken to be fixed.
This is a second chance romance and that part was good, but it also has western action and this time from the Apache viewpoint. The story is of Mitch straddling two worlds and Alisha having to decide if she can accept a man with a dual heritage and the complications for their future. They have to go through so much and there are tough moments, but the author didn't lay the angst on too thick which was a relief because there was a lot here that could have really dug deeper emotionally.
I loved the ending, but I did feel that there were a couple things left that could have been fleshed out more.
All in all, this older western historical romance was a solid standalone story that was slightly spicy and slightly action-packed, but offered up a wholly solid romance.
October 14, 2014
This would have gotten higher marks from me had it been a little more engaging. I found myself pretty bored about halfway through, so I stopped and read another book before finishing it. I don't think that says a lot of good things about the writing. The writing itself wasn't all that great, either, in a stylistic or technical sense. I like Indian romances, but Madeline Baker's are a bit too snooze-inducing to bother with.
September 3, 2018
I've been trying to write up a review for every book I read this year but I'm reading faster than I can write so this book is one of the books that won't be getting a full-fledged review. But I will say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've long been a fan of Madeline Baker's Native American romances and this turned out to be one of the most enjoyable of all that I've read.
So yes, if you like this genre then you simply must give this one a read
So yes, if you like this genre then you simply must give this one a read
April 25, 2012
This the third book I've read by Madeline Baker.
Alright, this is a slightly hard book to review, so I'll divide this review in three: beginning, middle, and end.
BEGINNING
I really enjoyed how Madeline Baker shook up the normal set-up of a romance. Normally two stranger meet, fight a little, find common ground, fall in love, fall into some trouble, and happily-ever-after. However, in this one the two grew up together and at first didn't have any connect until they stubble across a little conflict with one another. They then become best friends and as they grow they become lovers. I loved how she intertwined the childhood memories with the "present" events. As we get to know the character, we also get past events that lead to their separation. I loved how she mixed the past with the present. As time goes by and new events occur the memories slowly fade.
I did enjoy the beginning, but I felt it was pretty slow in some aspects. It was enjoyable though.
MIDDLE
Best part of the book by far! I couldn't keep my hands off the book (;D). I was dying to see what happened next. I was rooting for Alisha and Mitch the entire way! I mean I pretty much guessed who the son was, but oh well. Romances are not known to be very suspenseful. It was a fun and exciting ride.
THE END
Mhmm, this is where I stumbled a little. The last 60 pages (except the epilogue) was dragging along. It took me forever to actually get to the epilogue. Yes, there was some action and drama and whatnot, but I felt like it was at times not important to the tale at hand. I was also a little upset because there was a few loose ties and it ended to perfect. I feel like the ending was too perfect. It's hard to explain without giving away important points. I did like the ending, expect for how slow the last 60 pages were and the too-perfectness of it.
OVERALL
I liked this book quite a bit. I'm a sucker for nice Historical Romances and for my Native men. If you like this genre, Native men, the crazy West, and one heck of an adventure I recommend this book for you! Of course I'll be reading more of Madeline Baker's books in the future. Out of five stars I grant this one 4 stars...it would be 3.6 but I rounded.
Favorite Character(s): Mitch, Alisha, and Red
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Roger and Alisha's father (a buttcheek)
Alright, this is a slightly hard book to review, so I'll divide this review in three: beginning, middle, and end.
BEGINNING
I really enjoyed how Madeline Baker shook up the normal set-up of a romance. Normally two stranger meet, fight a little, find common ground, fall in love, fall into some trouble, and happily-ever-after. However, in this one the two grew up together and at first didn't have any connect until they stubble across a little conflict with one another. They then become best friends and as they grow they become lovers. I loved how she intertwined the childhood memories with the "present" events. As we get to know the character, we also get past events that lead to their separation. I loved how she mixed the past with the present. As time goes by and new events occur the memories slowly fade.
I did enjoy the beginning, but I felt it was pretty slow in some aspects. It was enjoyable though.
MIDDLE
Best part of the book by far! I couldn't keep my hands off the book (;D). I was dying to see what happened next. I was rooting for Alisha and Mitch the entire way! I mean I pretty much guessed who the son was, but oh well. Romances are not known to be very suspenseful. It was a fun and exciting ride.
THE END
Mhmm, this is where I stumbled a little. The last 60 pages (except the epilogue) was dragging along. It took me forever to actually get to the epilogue. Yes, there was some action and drama and whatnot, but I felt like it was at times not important to the tale at hand. I was also a little upset because there was a few loose ties and it ended to perfect. I feel like the ending was too perfect. It's hard to explain without giving away important points. I did like the ending, expect for how slow the last 60 pages were and the too-perfectness of it.
OVERALL
I liked this book quite a bit. I'm a sucker for nice Historical Romances and for my Native men. If you like this genre, Native men, the crazy West, and one heck of an adventure I recommend this book for you! Of course I'll be reading more of Madeline Baker's books in the future. Out of five stars I grant this one 4 stars...it would be 3.6 but I rounded.
Favorite Character(s): Mitch, Alisha, and Red
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Roger and Alisha's father (a buttcheek)
May 22, 2022
Dnf at 27 pages—ch.3.
3 chapters in a d already the history just glosses over the process of falling in love snd sets the stage for complications. I’m not into reading that.
3 chapters in a d already the history just glosses over the process of falling in love snd sets the stage for complications. I’m not into reading that.
February 3, 2014
Where do I start?...
Madeline Baker, you've done it again.
Apache Flame is the second Madeline Baker book if read and it was just as good, if not better than Lakota Love Song.
Mitch Garret is half Apache, on his mother's side with a white, drunk and abusive father. He befriends the daughter of this small town's preacher and their relationship blossoms from childhood friendship to young love. Due to the abuse Mitch receives from his father and the disgust of the people in town, due to his "half-breed" ethnicity, he leaves, only to return 5 years later to find out his sweetheart is engaged to another. Their journey is so gripping and exciting it took me all of 24 hours to finish this book. (Quite a record for me, seeing as I'm the type so stretch my reading out over at least a few days.)
Baker's writing style is tremendous! Her imagination, mixed with her extensive knowledge of the Native American tribes she writes about makes her books simply incredible. I was so sad when I turned the last page. I will never forget the love, the hurt or the knowledge in this amazing novel.
All I can say is Thank You Madeline Baker for your amazing words and imagination.
Madeline Baker, you've done it again.
Apache Flame is the second Madeline Baker book if read and it was just as good, if not better than Lakota Love Song.
Mitch Garret is half Apache, on his mother's side with a white, drunk and abusive father. He befriends the daughter of this small town's preacher and their relationship blossoms from childhood friendship to young love. Due to the abuse Mitch receives from his father and the disgust of the people in town, due to his "half-breed" ethnicity, he leaves, only to return 5 years later to find out his sweetheart is engaged to another. Their journey is so gripping and exciting it took me all of 24 hours to finish this book. (Quite a record for me, seeing as I'm the type so stretch my reading out over at least a few days.)
Baker's writing style is tremendous! Her imagination, mixed with her extensive knowledge of the Native American tribes she writes about makes her books simply incredible. I was so sad when I turned the last page. I will never forget the love, the hurt or the knowledge in this amazing novel.
All I can say is Thank You Madeline Baker for your amazing words and imagination.
November 11, 2020
This was a good book. I loved how the story tells of there first meeting as kid's at school. And she was the only child of a preacher and he was a half breed with a father who was abusive to him. They couldn't have been more different than day and night. And yet they become best friends and as time go's by there friendship turns into something much more they fall in love. 💕 But he has to leave town because he can't take his abusive father any longer he fears that he'll end up killing his father so he tells her goodbye. But she won't have it she begs him to let her go with him that she loves him...he didn't wanna mess up her life but once she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him one thing led to another and they made love 💖 he promises to send for her as soon as he can find work someplace but time goes by and she thinks he forgot her. But he didn't !...
One of my favorite parts is when Mitch said it's been a long time and Alisha nodded yes Five Year's Two Month's Three Day's. How've you been ? 💕
One of my favorite parts is when Mitch said it's been a long time and Alisha nodded yes Five Year's Two Month's Three Day's. How've you been ? 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2018
I loved this book. Mitch and Alisha grew up together she always followed him around. His upbringing never mattering to her she knew she would one day marry him. But when he went away leaving her behind she was torn. Now that she’s moved on he comes back into her life to see the house he grew up in. A house that only brought him pain. He just wants to finish business and leave again until he sees Alisha all grown up fighting to keep her heart intact
May 6, 2011
What a sweet and tender love story between a half Apache/white male and his childhood sweetheart, a white woman. If you love happily ever afters, you'll love this book. They had their struggles, but it all came together in the end. FYI, this is NOT erotic...the love scenes were more implied than written in etail, but it was enough!
Very well written story! Thank you Madeline Baker!
Very well written story! Thank you Madeline Baker!
August 14, 2015
I really didn't care for this story at all. It was very slow moving and boring, the only thing that kept me reading it was trying to find out what had happened to the child. I didn't really care about the main characters or even some of the secondary characters. Just a very unsatisfying read.
March 4, 2018
Loved this book! It kept me wanting to read faster to see what was going to happen next. Wonderful ending.
July 1, 2018
Apache Flame
As always I enjoyed this book as much as I do the rest of them, I just can't get enough of your stories. Now on to the one. Thank you again. Ada G.
As always I enjoyed this book as much as I do the rest of them, I just can't get enough of your stories. Now on to the one. Thank you again. Ada G.
March 11, 2018
Apache Flame
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie.
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie.
June 21, 2018
Not the best bodice ripper I've read. Too predictable with little nuance.
February 27, 2020
Great book, couldnt put it down
As always Madeline Baker never disappoints. I love her books. Her stories are always great!! Shes my favorite author !!!
As always Madeline Baker never disappoints. I love her books. Her stories are always great!! Shes my favorite author !!!
December 20, 2024
Read in the 90's - must read historical romance!
September 7, 2015
This story is about young love that starts out with Alisha and Mitch at a young age in grade school. Alisha is the daughter of a preacher and Mitch is the half breed son of the town drunk who lives on the poor side of town. He often goes to school hungry, so Alisha takes extra food to share with him. He doesn't have any friends and often gets into fights and therefore gets punished by the principle in front of the class with a ruler. Most kids don't want anything to do with him because he is a half breed. Alisha is his only friend, they meet each other often and he teaches her many things like swimming and how to ride a horse. During this time is when they start to fall in love. As Mitch grows older his dad starts to beat him and he decides he needs to leave, he promises that once he is settled he will send for Alisha. 5 years pass with no word from Mitch so Alisha moves on with her life when one day Mitch comes back into town. Shortly after his return they both discover the deceptions that were told them to keep them apart. They fight to stay together and to give their love a chance but there are always obstacles that try to come between them. Once they come together for good they go on a quest to find someone that was lost to them only to discover that it was being kept a secret. Will they find true happiness or will people try to continue to come between them.
This story was such a tender sweet love story filled with adventures and surprises,seeing love bloom at such a young age and watching it grow into adulthood.
My favorite Native American Romance author is Cassie Edwards, but I have to say this one was well written and right up there with Cassie. I may have to find more Madeline Baker books.
What I loved about this book was it was written in such a way that I felt like I was in the story watching it unfold in front of me. I was totally involved with the story and didn't want to put it down.
What I didn't like about the story was it was to short. I didn't want it to end..... Well done, a great read!!!!
This story was such a tender sweet love story filled with adventures and surprises,seeing love bloom at such a young age and watching it grow into adulthood.
My favorite Native American Romance author is Cassie Edwards, but I have to say this one was well written and right up there with Cassie. I may have to find more Madeline Baker books.
What I loved about this book was it was written in such a way that I felt like I was in the story watching it unfold in front of me. I was totally involved with the story and didn't want to put it down.
What I didn't like about the story was it was to short. I didn't want it to end..... Well done, a great read!!!!
June 5, 2012
Ok just started this one was really excited to read it as this is the second madeline baker book ive read (the first being lakota love song)
and LOVED it !!
will post more as i progress/finish
but I am interested to know (& its no spoilers i promise)
but did anyone else pick up early in the book when mitch went to visit His mothers (who he thought had died) and met her new "son" that who the real parents were ? (0ne of the parents that didnt know about him)
(too much of a coincidence the age and how the boy looked ..... even mitch picked up that he almost looked like he had white blood in him)
would be interested to know ppls thoughts and replies !
well finished this the other day and have to say i liked the book alot :) and loved the ending and epilogue was such a awwwwwww moment (i didnt want the book to end there though hehe) would recommend to anyone
and recommend this author to anyone that likes a good NA romance
and LOVED it !!
will post more as i progress/finish
but I am interested to know (& its no spoilers i promise)
but did anyone else pick up early in the book when mitch went to visit His mothers (who he thought had died) and met her new "son" that who the real parents were ? (0ne of the parents that didnt know about him)
(too much of a coincidence the age and how the boy looked ..... even mitch picked up that he almost looked like he had white blood in him)
would be interested to know ppls thoughts and replies !
well finished this the other day and have to say i liked the book alot :) and loved the ending and epilogue was such a awwwwwww moment (i didnt want the book to end there though hehe) would recommend to anyone
and recommend this author to anyone that likes a good NA romance
April 5, 2015
I did not like this book. I found the first half of the book interesting and intriguing (although I for some reason–unknown to me–had an urge to give Alisha a real hard shake at every other page). However, I barely made it through the second half. It just got boring and the plot slowed down.
~MINOR SPOILER~ I was so annoyed at the fact that Alisha and Mitch constantly tried to take their son away from Mitch's mother. Yeah, I get that they're his biological parents, but White Robe had actually raised him and loved him as if he were her own. Couldn't they have been present in their son's life without being all 'WE'RE YOUR PARENTS. WE ARE. WE ARE.'? Maybe there's something I don't understand since I don't have children, but anyway...
And I almost started counting every time Alisha said 'Oh, Mitchy'. jfc woman
~MINOR SPOILER~ I was so annoyed at the fact that Alisha and Mitch constantly tried to take their son away from Mitch's mother. Yeah, I get that they're his biological parents, but White Robe had actually raised him and loved him as if he were her own. Couldn't they have been present in their son's life without being all 'WE'RE YOUR PARENTS. WE ARE. WE ARE.'? Maybe there's something I don't understand since I don't have children, but anyway...
And I almost started counting every time Alisha said 'Oh, Mitchy'. jfc woman
January 3, 2014
Well this is the first book I read of this genre and I had high hopes as my mum has been reading Indian romances for as long as I could remember.
Unfortunately, it will probably be the last book I'll read in this genre. I found it very slow going and it just didn't keep me interested. It felt like there were parts missing or not explained very well. Like Roger for instance what was the point in bringing him back into the story at the end. I also don't buy Rides on Buffalo he was 4 years old but could do all these adult type things...nah not believable sorry.
;0(((((((
Unfortunately, it will probably be the last book I'll read in this genre. I found it very slow going and it just didn't keep me interested. It felt like there were parts missing or not explained very well. Like Roger for instance what was the point in bringing him back into the story at the end. I also don't buy Rides on Buffalo he was 4 years old but could do all these adult type things...nah not believable sorry.
;0(((((((
March 28, 2012
I actually liked the first part -less than half- of the novel during the time when the backstory of the H/h's relationship was building. Then it fell apart. I found the rest that was the story of the current to the time relationship to be predictable, to lack passion. I found it blah and couldn't wait to be finished with the whole thing. Disappointed.
October 28, 2015
I was expecting steaming hot romance but instead I got silly preacher 's daughter that quote bible every few paragraphs lol .... The worst ever book from ellora's cave. Highly unlikely that I will find enough patience to finish it."
November 16, 2009
story about a half white/half apache boy/man & his best friend, the town teacher. The two main characters were well-developed, but I did not think the rest were.
November 24, 2011
Your average historical romance; sweet, sexy, a little humorous, and it satisfies your craving for some mindless, happy reading.
September 28, 2014
It's ok
it's just average book wished there were more details about what happened to who. very narrow perspectives but a quick read.
it's just average book wished there were more details about what happened to who. very narrow perspectives but a quick read.
January 19, 2015
Wonderful author
Excellent story -the way Madeleine Baker wrote kept my interest throughout the book Enough sex to make it as you're in the book yourself.
Excellent story -the way Madeleine Baker wrote kept my interest throughout the book Enough sex to make it as you're in the book yourself.
January 13, 2016
It was OK. Very simple, unengaging style of writing but it was an OK story. Mainly readable.
November 18, 2022
Went two worlds meet.
A great story about Mitch half bred.Childhood friends fall in love.They have many up and downs.Romance adventure some mystery.lies that separates
A great story about Mitch half bred.Childhood friends fall in love.They have many up and downs.Romance adventure some mystery.lies that separates
March 29, 2017
Probability the best book I've ever read
Absolutely loved this book. So glad I picked this one and hope I find another one just as good... This is a must read! You're welcome. Lol
Absolutely loved this book. So glad I picked this one and hope I find another one just as good... This is a must read! You're welcome. Lol
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews