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Spirited Hearts #1
Ella's Choice
When Ella Hastings is captured by the Blackfeet Indians at age nine, then adopted by the Lakota Indians, she is thrust into a new way of life and transformed into Little Brave, adopted daughter of their revered and peaceful chief, Grey Owl. Ten years later the white man returns. Their soldiers storm her tribe’s village and bring reminders of a world she’d almost forgotten. Suddenly, she is confronted by the question: To which world does she now belong? Her only hope in discovering who she really is lies with the enigmatic army scout, Beech Richoux.
Son of a French trapper and Lakota mother, Beech Richoux was raised in a white man’s world after his mother’s death. Acting as an army scout to raise money for his horse ranch, he’s unaware of the Army’s true intent to annihilate his mother’s people until it’s too late. And the white woman he finds living among the Lakota only adds to his desperation to save his people. Now the narrow path he has created to balance himself between these two worlds is tipped by the mysterious white woman known to the Lakota as Little Brave.
Can two people robbed of their own childhood learn to live together in such differing worlds? Can Little Brave and Beech forge a new path into a life where they both are finally set free?
Son of a French trapper and Lakota mother, Beech Richoux was raised in a white man’s world after his mother’s death. Acting as an army scout to raise money for his horse ranch, he’s unaware of the Army’s true intent to annihilate his mother’s people until it’s too late. And the white woman he finds living among the Lakota only adds to his desperation to save his people. Now the narrow path he has created to balance himself between these two worlds is tipped by the mysterious white woman known to the Lakota as Little Brave.
Can two people robbed of their own childhood learn to live together in such differing worlds? Can Little Brave and Beech forge a new path into a life where they both are finally set free?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2014
72 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Merritt
4 books24 followersRuby Merritt writes historical western romance. Her passion for imagining life and love on the High Plains stems from reading and rereading Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books as a child.
Although Ruby doesn't call the High Plains her home, she resides in an equally beautiful and rustic locale, The Gateway to the Texas Hill Country.
When Ruby's not reading or writing, she can be found riding her horse or homeschooling her children who are avid horsewomen and readers as well.
Although Ruby doesn't call the High Plains her home, she resides in an equally beautiful and rustic locale, The Gateway to the Texas Hill Country.
When Ruby's not reading or writing, she can be found riding her horse or homeschooling her children who are avid horsewomen and readers as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 7, 2016
Very good!
This was well written, although there were a few rare occasions I felt the writing a bit rough, but only rare and scarely noticable.
The story is about a white woman, (Ella/Little Brave) whose father was killed when she was 9 years old while travelling west. They were attacked by the Blackfeet Indians and Ella survived and was taken to the Blackfeet camp where she lived for 2 years before being traded to the Lakota Indians where she was taken in by their chief Grey Owl and raised by him as his adopted daughter.
She lived with the Lakota for ten years and during this time she forgot her white ways, including her native English tongue. In essence Little Brave became Lakota in everything except her appearance. (I did feel at 9, it was a stretch to forget one's ways and language, but I chalked it up to her trauma)
Beech is a half breed. His mother was Lakota and his father a french trapper. His mother died in childbirth when delivering his sister. His father left them in the care of their white aunt and Beech felt abandoned. Beech has the appearance of a Lakota while his sister takes on their fathers looks with pale skin and blonde hair.
It is when Beech, a skilled tracker is hired by the military to aid in the relocation of Little Brave's people to a reservation that they meet. Beech who not only speaks Lakota, but also knows the ways of these people acts as a mediator as well. He does not like his job, but needs the money to buy a stallion for his ranch. Beech also knows that the Lakota need to obey these relocation orders in order to survive the white army.
Much happens, and essentially Little Brave returns to Cheynne with Beech and he helps her locate her grandfather and try to assimilate into the white world.
The theme is one of two people who do not fit in either the white world nor the Indian world. They both struggle in finding themselvs and their place with society. They do fall in love and there is a HEA, but it is a painful journey to get there.
I realy like the story, it was refreshingly different. The author did a fantastic job of creating believable and lovable characters. What I loved most was seeing life through Little Braves eyes as she lived among the Lakota and then experienced the white mans world.
It was frustrating how Beech kept his feelings back to protect Little Brave. He knew that a white woman with an Indian would have an impossible life together. He felt it would be better for her to assimilate into the white world where she would have a better life. Or so he thought. In the end he realized the life would not be better and finally allowed himself to act on his feelings.
There is so much more not detailed in my summary. There is pain, courage, love, culture, history, racisim.. and of course a sweet and beautiful hero who I totally fell in love with. I also really loved Little Brave.
I lowered a star for the angst ( I guess that's what its called when the H&h struggle with their feelings). There was a bit too much. It also slowed a bit in parts, but not enough for me to skim.
There are 2 loving scenes which are beautiful and detailed. There is an attempted rape (not by the hero) and some mild violence.
The hero is experienced ( I know this because he thinks how he wants to show Little Braves all the ways to love) but is not a man whore. There is no mention of his past experience or OW at all. He only ever thinks that he never felt this way about a woman before.
Little Brave is a virgin, but during their first time, you would never know it. THANK GOD we have an author who FINALLY doesn't feel the need to have a virgin who is stupid about her body and the act.
I really loved this book. I will recommend it to friends, and read more by the author,
October 26, 2015
2.5 stars.
Me gustó muchísimo la primera parte de la historia. Me gustó todo lo que pasó antes de llegar a Cheyenne, es a partir de la llegada al pueblo cuando me desenganché un poco de la historia.
Aunque entiendo perfectamente los problemas de identidad que sufren ambos protagonistas y todas las dudas que tienen, me ha parecido que la historia se pierde un poco entre tanto drama.
Al principio sólo teníamos que preocuparnos por la pareja, pero en cuanto llegan a Cheyenne y empiezan a aparecer personajes todo se complica en exceso. No he conseguido conectar con los sentimientos de los secundarios, el padre, el abuelo, la hermana, la tía…todos cambian de opinión de una manera u otra demasiado deprisa. No me ha parecido sincero el cambio… prácticamente el drama no acaba hasta el final…ha sido demasiado para mí, que me gustan las historias menos tumultuosas.
Pero está claro que aquí estoy en la minoría, así que si te gustan las historias con substancia en las que no dejan de pasar cosas hasta el final, esta te puede encantar.
2.5 stars.
I liked the first part of the story a lot. I liked everything that happened before reaching Cheyenne, it is from the arrival in town forward when the story lost me.
Although I fully understand the problems of identity suffered by both protagonists and their doubts, I think that the story get lost in the drama.
At the beginning, we only had to worry about the couple, but as soon as they arrive at Cheyenne and it began to appear characters, the story line becomes too complicated. I have not managed to connect with the feelings of the father, the grandfather, the sister, the aunt... they change their minds in a way or another too quickly. The change not seemed sincere... and the drama practically does not end until the end... it was too much for me, I like my stories a bit less tumultuous.
But it is clear that here I am in the minority, so if you like stories with substance in which a lot of things going on, this one will suits you.
Me gustó muchísimo la primera parte de la historia. Me gustó todo lo que pasó antes de llegar a Cheyenne, es a partir de la llegada al pueblo cuando me desenganché un poco de la historia.
Aunque entiendo perfectamente los problemas de identidad que sufren ambos protagonistas y todas las dudas que tienen, me ha parecido que la historia se pierde un poco entre tanto drama.
Al principio sólo teníamos que preocuparnos por la pareja, pero en cuanto llegan a Cheyenne y empiezan a aparecer personajes todo se complica en exceso. No he conseguido conectar con los sentimientos de los secundarios, el padre, el abuelo, la hermana, la tía…todos cambian de opinión de una manera u otra demasiado deprisa. No me ha parecido sincero el cambio… prácticamente el drama no acaba hasta el final…ha sido demasiado para mí, que me gustan las historias menos tumultuosas.
Pero está claro que aquí estoy en la minoría, así que si te gustan las historias con substancia en las que no dejan de pasar cosas hasta el final, esta te puede encantar.
2.5 stars.
I liked the first part of the story a lot. I liked everything that happened before reaching Cheyenne, it is from the arrival in town forward when the story lost me.
Although I fully understand the problems of identity suffered by both protagonists and their doubts, I think that the story get lost in the drama.
At the beginning, we only had to worry about the couple, but as soon as they arrive at Cheyenne and it began to appear characters, the story line becomes too complicated. I have not managed to connect with the feelings of the father, the grandfather, the sister, the aunt... they change their minds in a way or another too quickly. The change not seemed sincere... and the drama practically does not end until the end... it was too much for me, I like my stories a bit less tumultuous.
But it is clear that here I am in the minority, so if you like stories with substance in which a lot of things going on, this one will suits you.
March 16, 2015
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ella's Choice by Ruby Merritt is a intriguing historical romance that the majority of the book takes place during 1876, when the Sioux Indians were being forced from their land.
Merritt weaves a beautifully written story in with history to make such an interesting book. She gave her characters so much depth, that I felt my own chin raising as Little Brave's did in Ella's Choice. Merritt describes her landscapes and setting so well, I just wanted to open up my kindle and crawl right in there.
I think we often forget that racism when it came to our American Indians. When you hear the word racism, most of the time your mind goes to African American or Hispanic, but there is an entire other race in America who experiences racism on every level without a real sense of justice, it is the American Indian.
I think this is a book everyone SHOULD read. I know historical fiction isn't for everyone, but this one might teach you something. I enjoyed this book and feel like I learned something in the process!
Kudos for Ruby Merritt! I give this book 5 stars!
Ella's Choice by Ruby Merritt is a intriguing historical romance that the majority of the book takes place during 1876, when the Sioux Indians were being forced from their land.
Merritt weaves a beautifully written story in with history to make such an interesting book. She gave her characters so much depth, that I felt my own chin raising as Little Brave's did in Ella's Choice. Merritt describes her landscapes and setting so well, I just wanted to open up my kindle and crawl right in there.
I think we often forget that racism when it came to our American Indians. When you hear the word racism, most of the time your mind goes to African American or Hispanic, but there is an entire other race in America who experiences racism on every level without a real sense of justice, it is the American Indian.
I think this is a book everyone SHOULD read. I know historical fiction isn't for everyone, but this one might teach you something. I enjoyed this book and feel like I learned something in the process!
Kudos for Ruby Merritt! I give this book 5 stars!
February 20, 2015
A touching adventure.
Two people straddling two worlds. Their understanding & acceptance of each other helping to bridge gaps those around them have no concept of. However, they have a myriad of deception & well meaning falsehoods to surmount.
I liked the stoic depiction of Little Brave AKA Ella Hastings. I admire the wisdom she recounts of her adoptive father as well as the skills and work ethic she learnt with the people. Her acceptance or dislike of people by their actions rather than skin colour endearing.
Our hero knows all too well of being an outcast and in keeping Little Brave at arms lenght he has become much like his estranged father.
I enjoyed this as the people though not always treated with respect from our H&h perspective there was much to be treasured & valued in their community.
Two people straddling two worlds. Their understanding & acceptance of each other helping to bridge gaps those around them have no concept of. However, they have a myriad of deception & well meaning falsehoods to surmount.
I liked the stoic depiction of Little Brave AKA Ella Hastings. I admire the wisdom she recounts of her adoptive father as well as the skills and work ethic she learnt with the people. Her acceptance or dislike of people by their actions rather than skin colour endearing.
Our hero knows all too well of being an outcast and in keeping Little Brave at arms lenght he has become much like his estranged father.
I enjoyed this as the people though not always treated with respect from our H&h perspective there was much to be treasured & valued in their community.
November 25, 2019
I stayed up late reading this
Fascinating historical detail combines with realistic characters and wonderful storytelling. A handful of editing errors are quickly noted and dismissed. Well done!
Fascinating historical detail combines with realistic characters and wonderful storytelling. A handful of editing errors are quickly noted and dismissed. Well done!
January 11, 2016
Ella's Choice by Ruby Merritt ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1876 Wyoming Territory a scout named Beech Richoux leads a troop of American soldiers to an area now inhabited by the Lakota tribe. The job,unbeknownst to Beech, is to move the native Americans to a reservation area. The natives have been moved several times and do not want to leave.
When Beech arrives he encounters the Chief Grey Owl and his daughter Little Brave. He immediately sees she is not native but white. Beech, himself, is half Lakota and half French.
During the journey to the reservation the Lakota braves attack and kill all the soldiers. Beech suspects an attack and leads the tribe to safety. Little Brave's father has been killed and the tribe lashes out she is white and abandons her.
Little Brave remains with Beech and is able to tell him she was kidnapped and has lived with the native for ten years. She has completely assimilated native speech and mannerisms. She cannot speak English. Beech is very attracted to her and she to him but he knows the impossibility of a half breed with a white woman.
The story addresses the need for both parties Beech and Little Brave to straddle both worlds to survive. Ms Merritt's descriptions of each characters thought process is impeccable. The plight of the native Americans by white people has long been overlooked. The author well describes the anguish for them. The authors description of the time period and harshness of that time is again flawless placing you as the reader in that time and place. I would highly recommend this book to all ages.
1876 Wyoming Territory a scout named Beech Richoux leads a troop of American soldiers to an area now inhabited by the Lakota tribe. The job,unbeknownst to Beech, is to move the native Americans to a reservation area. The natives have been moved several times and do not want to leave.
When Beech arrives he encounters the Chief Grey Owl and his daughter Little Brave. He immediately sees she is not native but white. Beech, himself, is half Lakota and half French.
During the journey to the reservation the Lakota braves attack and kill all the soldiers. Beech suspects an attack and leads the tribe to safety. Little Brave's father has been killed and the tribe lashes out she is white and abandons her.
Little Brave remains with Beech and is able to tell him she was kidnapped and has lived with the native for ten years. She has completely assimilated native speech and mannerisms. She cannot speak English. Beech is very attracted to her and she to him but he knows the impossibility of a half breed with a white woman.
The story addresses the need for both parties Beech and Little Brave to straddle both worlds to survive. Ms Merritt's descriptions of each characters thought process is impeccable. The plight of the native Americans by white people has long been overlooked. The author well describes the anguish for them. The authors description of the time period and harshness of that time is again flawless placing you as the reader in that time and place. I would highly recommend this book to all ages.
September 14, 2015
***** FIVE STARS ***** Ella's Choice is an Excellent Choice
Ruby Merritt's debut book, Ella's Choice, reflects her incredible talent for quality writing and engaging story telling. While the book is categorized as a western historical romance, Ella's Choice is ultimately a love story that transcends era or genre and it will appeal to readers of modern day romance.
Ella is a young woman caught between two worlds - born white and raised by the Sioux Plains People - she finds herself being reintegrated into white society. During this time, Ella's only connection to her happy and fulfilling life among the Plains People is Beech Richoux, a man with a Sioux mother and a white father, who made a similar transition as a young man.
Ella and Beech are drawn together by more than their histories. And they are pulled apart by the challenges that exist in their present. How will they overcome the internal and external barriers to find happiness?
I highly recommend Ella's Choice to anyone who loves an epic romantic story. Ruby Merritt is now an automatic one-click author for me.
Ruby Merritt's debut book, Ella's Choice, reflects her incredible talent for quality writing and engaging story telling. While the book is categorized as a western historical romance, Ella's Choice is ultimately a love story that transcends era or genre and it will appeal to readers of modern day romance.
Ella is a young woman caught between two worlds - born white and raised by the Sioux Plains People - she finds herself being reintegrated into white society. During this time, Ella's only connection to her happy and fulfilling life among the Plains People is Beech Richoux, a man with a Sioux mother and a white father, who made a similar transition as a young man.
Ella and Beech are drawn together by more than their histories. And they are pulled apart by the challenges that exist in their present. How will they overcome the internal and external barriers to find happiness?
I highly recommend Ella's Choice to anyone who loves an epic romantic story. Ruby Merritt is now an automatic one-click author for me.
June 8, 2015
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! This is a must read in my estimation for anyone who enjoys historical romance or fiction. In Ella's Choice, Ruby Merritt pulls in you from the start, with descriptive scenes and poetic dialogue. The all too true issue of racism resounds as clearly in the 1800's as it does today. Two people, both straddling the white man's world and the Lakota world are brought together under desperate circumstances.
And Merritt does it with flare, weaving the story so effortlessly that it seems you are pulled into their world as a patient observer of all that is happening.
I will allow that I'm not much of a fan of historical western fiction, but Ella's Choice transcends that grouping and takes the reader on a journey of life in the 1870's from a different point of view.
Wow! This is a must read in my estimation for anyone who enjoys historical romance or fiction. In Ella's Choice, Ruby Merritt pulls in you from the start, with descriptive scenes and poetic dialogue. The all too true issue of racism resounds as clearly in the 1800's as it does today. Two people, both straddling the white man's world and the Lakota world are brought together under desperate circumstances.
And Merritt does it with flare, weaving the story so effortlessly that it seems you are pulled into their world as a patient observer of all that is happening.
I will allow that I'm not much of a fan of historical western fiction, but Ella's Choice transcends that grouping and takes the reader on a journey of life in the 1870's from a different point of view.
April 9, 2016
3.5 stars. It took me a while to get into this book. I almost gave up and quit but by 20% it started to really take off. It was a great story of a white girl who had been kidnapped by the Indians but lived peacefully with them for most of her adolescence. When she is found, she befriends the military scout (and half breed) Beech and he is the one man who can really understand her.
I loved seeing how they both come to terms with her new life, although it did get a little frustrating when Beech kept denying his feelings and doing what was "best" for Ella. This was a great romance and a fun story. I enjoyed the unique plot.
Kindle freebie
I loved seeing how they both come to terms with her new life, although it did get a little frustrating when Beech kept denying his feelings and doing what was "best" for Ella. This was a great romance and a fun story. I enjoyed the unique plot.
Kindle freebie
June 3, 2015
Ella's choice is a wonderful story of the struggle between two people who straddle the line between two worlds and try to make it work. Little Brave/Ella is a strong woman that must choose between the world she was born into or the world she was raised in. Beech is the strong silent type that has been struggling living in the both worlds since he was twelve years old. I love how these two come together, but struggle with accepting that they are meant to be. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Ruby.
August 30, 2019
I so enjoy a great historical western romance with a native american hero. Ella's Choice by Ruby Merritt was a wonderful example of this genre. This is my first read by Ms. Merritt and the angst filled journey from childhood to adulthood of the main characters, Beech and Ella, while struggling to find their place between two clashing cultures makes for a mesmerizing romantic adventure. I will look for more titles by Ms. Merritt and I strongly recommend Ella's Choice to all readers that love an unforgettable romance told against the background of the historical American West.
June 7, 2015
Racism is not a modern phenomena. In 1876, it was blatant, overt, and rampant. Merritt handled this topic with sensitivity and compassion. Her story of two people caught in opposing worlds was an excellent read. Ella's Choice wasn't that of one or the other. Rather, it was a choice of forging a life of love and acceptance.
Kudos on a job well done!
Kudos on a job well done!
June 10, 2015
Rich with facts and ripe with struggle, Ms. Merritt transports the reader from present-day back to when stagecoaches and horses filled the prairies, and America opened to the East with wild abandon.
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 15, 2016
Ella's father is killed by the Blackfeet Indians and she is taken. She was nine years old. Two years later she is traded to the Lakota. After ten years in captivity she is being returned to her white grandfather by halfbreed Beech Richoux. On the way all Beech can think is my woman. But he leaves her with his aunt and uncle so she can learn to be a white woman.
September 18, 2015
Excellent book, full of rich emotion and history! Ruby Merritt has an eye for details.
December 2, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really feel for those that were half-breeds and those whites that had become part of a Native American tribe. It is a shame that people actually back then discriminated against those that were different or tried to change them or break up a happy family unit or belittled them. Religion is the bane of our world then and now. How I hate those religious hypocrites. We are all human regardless of what happens in our life or what colour we are. I am glad this story has a happy ending.
July 12, 2017
A good enough read. I have to also give some points to the writing and the editing (because nothing galls me more than bad editing for destroying the story's flow) and this book at least had a good one plus the storyline is not bad either.
April 5, 2018
A very enjoyable and touching story
September 11, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
June 30, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book.
February 3, 2016
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Ella’s father takes her west for a better life. They are ambushed on the way to
their destination. The Blackfeet kill Ella’s father and take her. Fast-forward
ten years. Ella, now known as Little Brave, lives with the Lakota as the
daughter of the chief Grey Owl. She is loved by some and hated by others
because of her white skin. The army, aided by scout Beech Richoux, comes to
move her people to the reservation. Beech, half-French half-Sioux, is a man who
straddles two worlds, but those two worlds do not accept the man they consider a
half-breed. His native side knows what the army is doing is wrong. His white
side knows what is happening to the Plains People is inevitable and it’s best if
Grey Owl and his tribe agree to go peacefully. Beech, enamored with the white
Lakota woman, literally steps between her and the cruel army commander, Captain
Baldwin. Beech does what he can to protect Little Brave and her people from men
who view them as nothing but savages. A battle ensues as they make their way to
the reservation, braves slaughter their army escort, and Little Brave finds
herself thrust back into the white man’s world, a world she does not remember.
Little Brave would rather stay with Beech, the man who worked his way into her
heart.
Beech knows he can’t take Little Brave (Ella) as his woman. The world would
never accept a white woman with a half-breed. He does what he thinks is best
and leaves her with his white Aunt and Uncle to care for her until her
grandfather comes for her and so she can once again learn the ways of society.
During a time when breeding and the color of your skin means everything, Ella
must decide what world she wants to live in. Does she accept that she must
become Ella Hastings, granddaughter of Colonel Russell, remain Little Brave,
adopted daughter of Chief Grey Owl, or does she make her own way with the man
she loves? When Beech is arrested for aiding the enemy and leading Captain
Baldwin and his men to their deaths, will he find himself swinging at the end of
a rope or will they get their happily ever after?
Before I give my review, I feel I must let you know that I have a love/hate
relationship with historical romances. My love (or hate) depends on how the
author portrays the heroine. The challenges women have faced throughout history
proves we have always been strong, especially women of the old west, but some
still feel the need to portray them as the weaker sex. If the author portrays
the heroine as a weak simpering woman whose entire existence depends on the big
strong man, I won’t even finish the book. Ella (Little Brave) is neither
simpering nor weak. She is strong, fierce, and loyal. She has a caring heart
and a determined will. She encompasses all the qualities that make up the
perfect romance heroine.
Ella’s Choice is a gem. I absolutely loved this story. It grabs you from the
very beginning and does not let go. The strong narrative allows the scenes to
unfold in your mind, as if you were watching a movie, instead of reading a book.
I found myself holding my breath anticipating what would come next. Ella’s
Choice does not shy away from the reality of prejudice during the late 1800’s in
regards to Native Americans, who, according to civilized society, were nothing
but savages who have no place in the white man’s world. The story is very
realistic in its portrayal of life on the plains, the newly settled west, as
well as the struggles of the hero and heroine. The conflict between Beech and
Ella as they find their way to each other is not “over done.” You don’t find
yourself wishing the author would “get on with it already.” I pulled for them,
cried with them, and found myself completely invested in their lives and future
happiness. You will not want to put it down. A word of advice, have a box of
tissues ready to mop up all the tears you will shed. The only disappointing
part of the book was that it ended. This is definitely one I would read again
and I highly recommend that you purchase a copy.
Five Stars! Well done Ruby Merritt!
Anna J.
Ella’s father takes her west for a better life. They are ambushed on the way to
their destination. The Blackfeet kill Ella’s father and take her. Fast-forward
ten years. Ella, now known as Little Brave, lives with the Lakota as the
daughter of the chief Grey Owl. She is loved by some and hated by others
because of her white skin. The army, aided by scout Beech Richoux, comes to
move her people to the reservation. Beech, half-French half-Sioux, is a man who
straddles two worlds, but those two worlds do not accept the man they consider a
half-breed. His native side knows what the army is doing is wrong. His white
side knows what is happening to the Plains People is inevitable and it’s best if
Grey Owl and his tribe agree to go peacefully. Beech, enamored with the white
Lakota woman, literally steps between her and the cruel army commander, Captain
Baldwin. Beech does what he can to protect Little Brave and her people from men
who view them as nothing but savages. A battle ensues as they make their way to
the reservation, braves slaughter their army escort, and Little Brave finds
herself thrust back into the white man’s world, a world she does not remember.
Little Brave would rather stay with Beech, the man who worked his way into her
heart.
Beech knows he can’t take Little Brave (Ella) as his woman. The world would
never accept a white woman with a half-breed. He does what he thinks is best
and leaves her with his white Aunt and Uncle to care for her until her
grandfather comes for her and so she can once again learn the ways of society.
During a time when breeding and the color of your skin means everything, Ella
must decide what world she wants to live in. Does she accept that she must
become Ella Hastings, granddaughter of Colonel Russell, remain Little Brave,
adopted daughter of Chief Grey Owl, or does she make her own way with the man
she loves? When Beech is arrested for aiding the enemy and leading Captain
Baldwin and his men to their deaths, will he find himself swinging at the end of
a rope or will they get their happily ever after?
Before I give my review, I feel I must let you know that I have a love/hate
relationship with historical romances. My love (or hate) depends on how the
author portrays the heroine. The challenges women have faced throughout history
proves we have always been strong, especially women of the old west, but some
still feel the need to portray them as the weaker sex. If the author portrays
the heroine as a weak simpering woman whose entire existence depends on the big
strong man, I won’t even finish the book. Ella (Little Brave) is neither
simpering nor weak. She is strong, fierce, and loyal. She has a caring heart
and a determined will. She encompasses all the qualities that make up the
perfect romance heroine.
Ella’s Choice is a gem. I absolutely loved this story. It grabs you from the
very beginning and does not let go. The strong narrative allows the scenes to
unfold in your mind, as if you were watching a movie, instead of reading a book.
I found myself holding my breath anticipating what would come next. Ella’s
Choice does not shy away from the reality of prejudice during the late 1800’s in
regards to Native Americans, who, according to civilized society, were nothing
but savages who have no place in the white man’s world. The story is very
realistic in its portrayal of life on the plains, the newly settled west, as
well as the struggles of the hero and heroine. The conflict between Beech and
Ella as they find their way to each other is not “over done.” You don’t find
yourself wishing the author would “get on with it already.” I pulled for them,
cried with them, and found myself completely invested in their lives and future
happiness. You will not want to put it down. A word of advice, have a box of
tissues ready to mop up all the tears you will shed. The only disappointing
part of the book was that it ended. This is definitely one I would read again
and I highly recommend that you purchase a copy.
Five Stars! Well done Ruby Merritt!
Anna J.
June 16, 2016
Maybe I need to take a break from Western.
BUT in any event, I liked this book. I liked the story behind it - a little girl (with white skin that is) adopted into a Lakota tribe and the 'half-breed' tracker who falls for the young woman she becomes, but thinks he can't have her because of his parentage.
The story was believable, the passion between the main characters was sizzling, and the humor at the end ("Is my whole fort here?" Has GOT to be my favourite quote so far) was grin-worthy.
I kind of think the ending was a little rushed, but other than that, I hope Ella and Beech live happily ever after!
BUT in any event, I liked this book. I liked the story behind it - a little girl (with white skin that is) adopted into a Lakota tribe and the 'half-breed' tracker who falls for the young woman she becomes, but thinks he can't have her because of his parentage.
The story was believable, the passion between the main characters was sizzling, and the humor at the end ("Is my whole fort here?" Has GOT to be my favourite quote so far) was grin-worthy.
I kind of think the ending was a little rushed, but other than that, I hope Ella and Beech live happily ever after!
October 22, 2016
This was a western romance about a white girl captured and later adopted by Lakota, and a "half breed" Lakota man. I appreciated that it was tackling subjects of prejudice and mistreatment of native Americans, and also mistreatment of women in general. And I think the author tried to address the way that people raised in the native American culture would look at the world differently. However, I did not appreciate the way that the hero treated the heroine, with or without her consent. It didn't match the respect he had shown her otherwise. I found myself skimming to the end to avoid awkward scenes.
May 23, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Set in early America when Native Americans and the settlers were fighting - the story is of a young girl - kidnapped by the Lakota Indians when she is eight - and then finds herself back in the "whit world" and struggling to adapt. While the time period is well written - I think the author shows great understanding of how someone feels who finds themselves between two cultures. Not unlike the refugee situation of today - the Germans who came to America after WWII - the Japanese and so on. It is not easy to straddle the cultures and find peace in both!
March 31, 2016
Amazing
From the first page this draws you into the lives of the totally engaging characters. Ruby Merritt has created a heartfelt enlightened view of this terrible time during American history. I was not ready for this story to end it was so good.
From the first page this draws you into the lives of the totally engaging characters. Ruby Merritt has created a heartfelt enlightened view of this terrible time during American history. I was not ready for this story to end it was so good.
June 16, 2016
Ellie was kidnapped by Indians, ten years later she was rescued by a half-Indian man. They both felt they didn't fit into either world. Together they learned how to span the difference. Both learned attitude had a lot to do with it.
July 19, 2016
This book pleasantly surprised me. It is not my normal genre, but sometimes it's nice to try something new.
Ella and Beech are fantastic heroes. It's nice to read a book where the drama happening is NOT between the two protagonists.
Thank you for a good read!
Ella and Beech are fantastic heroes. It's nice to read a book where the drama happening is NOT between the two protagonists.
Thank you for a good read!
November 3, 2016
It was pretty good. I remember thinking it was kind of dragging at certain points. I think she made the transitions from native life to the white man's world a bit abruptly. I liked the secondary characters. Overall, fairly good. I would read others by Ms Merritt.
May 30, 2016
Is a great book to read
May 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and hard to put down.
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