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The Spirit Key #3
Little Sparrow, A Kiowa in Love
A romantic comedy with a bold Native American twist.
Karen ran away, leaving her family and her dreams behind. She returns for Thanksgiving only to slept with a man who could end her career, the most important thing to her. She thinks.
Richard didn't need anyone in his life since his wife died. Work consumed him, until a storm delayed him.
He'd ended up in bed with Karen, only to have her run out and vow never to see him again. But he needed more.
For Karen, Thanksgiving had turned into a complete fiasco when she realized that her Mother had invited Richard to Thanksgiving!
They never guessed who was behind all. Who the grand instigator was.
Enter Grandfather, he raised his daughters the Kiowa way. He needed his heritage to be passed to the next generation. But Karen kept running away from him.
Grandfather took one look at Richard and decided to put him through the trials. No one courted his granddaughters unless they were worthy.
But even if Richard passed the trials, could Grandfather convince them that they belong together? And more importantly, with him?
Karen ran away, leaving her family and her dreams behind. She returns for Thanksgiving only to slept with a man who could end her career, the most important thing to her. She thinks.
Richard didn't need anyone in his life since his wife died. Work consumed him, until a storm delayed him.
He'd ended up in bed with Karen, only to have her run out and vow never to see him again. But he needed more.
For Karen, Thanksgiving had turned into a complete fiasco when she realized that her Mother had invited Richard to Thanksgiving!
They never guessed who was behind all. Who the grand instigator was.
Enter Grandfather, he raised his daughters the Kiowa way. He needed his heritage to be passed to the next generation. But Karen kept running away from him.
Grandfather took one look at Richard and decided to put him through the trials. No one courted his granddaughters unless they were worthy.
But even if Richard passed the trials, could Grandfather convince them that they belong together? And more importantly, with him?
- GenresNative American
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2014
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 8, 2015
Karen or Little Sparrow, as her grandfather prefers to call her, is in love with her job. That is until she meets a stranger on a plane who turns out not to be a stranger after all. He is the man destined to realign her priorities and shatter her dreams. And behind it all is the mischievous and comical Grandfather whose hidden hand causes things to happen in a way Little Sparrow never anticipated. But he knows best. She gets a man who loves her and respects her for who she is – a Kiowa.
I loved learning Native American history through this book, although some aspects of it are painful and distressing to learn – like the boarding schools. All the characters are passionate about their roots and their identity. They are proud to be who they are – Sally, Christy, Doc Tate – the veterinary delivering children and everybody else. I liked the way they name children, their traditional weddings, the storytelling, which is a traditional pastime in Africa too; the strong family ties and the way Grandfather seemed to somehow know more than he was supposed to. Though sometimes there was too much information dumped in one go getting the book in danger of sounding like a History textbook.
Life is about people, their history, their emotions and destinies. That’s why I kept reading to the end. Some editing could improve readability in some chapters. The latter part of the book is drawn out because nothing much is happening to my main character Karen and her man Richard, The Man Who Runs Naked In Snow Carrying Tiny Chihuahua. The conflict is more about other people, especially John, Painted One and RedHorse. It makes the book sound like two books in one.
Anyway, I liked the family ties, the humour and the romance too much not to finish the book.
I loved learning Native American history through this book, although some aspects of it are painful and distressing to learn – like the boarding schools. All the characters are passionate about their roots and their identity. They are proud to be who they are – Sally, Christy, Doc Tate – the veterinary delivering children and everybody else. I liked the way they name children, their traditional weddings, the storytelling, which is a traditional pastime in Africa too; the strong family ties and the way Grandfather seemed to somehow know more than he was supposed to. Though sometimes there was too much information dumped in one go getting the book in danger of sounding like a History textbook.
Life is about people, their history, their emotions and destinies. That’s why I kept reading to the end. Some editing could improve readability in some chapters. The latter part of the book is drawn out because nothing much is happening to my main character Karen and her man Richard, The Man Who Runs Naked In Snow Carrying Tiny Chihuahua. The conflict is more about other people, especially John, Painted One and RedHorse. It makes the book sound like two books in one.
Anyway, I liked the family ties, the humour and the romance too much not to finish the book.
December 18, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the story and how it was all about family. It was lovely to read and I found myself laughing out loud on a few occasions. All the characters were well written and developed. I loved them all but Grandfather will always be special, his sayings are just brilliant and I can't wait to read his story.
Well done R.A Winter for a lovely first book and I look forward to your others.
Well done R.A Winter for a lovely first book and I look forward to your others.
September 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was heartfelt, funny and touching. I loved the sense of family that transpired throughout the book, and the cultural side of it was also really interesting. The author gives such a great insight into the Native American culture and its traditions which are really special. I loved the Thanksgiving part. The main characters were real and touching. I just loved Grandfather who made me laugh out loud many times through the book. The relationship between the dog and the cat was also just so beautiful and funny. The author's writing flows easily and is a pleasure to read. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
March 10, 2016
"Little Sparrow, A Kiowa in Love," starts off in what appears will be a page burning series of no holds barred sex scenes... However the story quickly becomes much deeper and often humorous, and sex disappears from this romance. This is an excellent book that features well developed characters and has an engaging plot. The addition of some Native American history only adds the story and the educational aspect is to be appreciated. Overall very nicely done by the author, a solid book and accomplishment.
March 10, 2016
The book was well written and the plot flowed really well, the characters were very detailed but not too much that it was overpowering. I loved the way it changed from the main characters point of view from the other characters. Normally they are written from the first or third persons perspective and it's normally from the main characters point of view, even though it was made clear that Karen was the main character it wasn't all about her. All in all it was such an enjoyable book to read, I couldn't stop reading it. From the time I started reading it, it drew me in
March 10, 2016
I loved the main character, Karen. She is a workaholic and doesn't know anything about free time, friends, or a lover. When she goes to Kansas to visit her mother after a forced vacation from work, she is resigned to simply tolerate it. After a bumpy start of her trip, she is pleasantly surprised when her handsome travelling partner is actually going to the same place, and is owner of a construction company that Karen is working with. A lot of life's lessons are learned and love is in the air.
March 10, 2016
Little Sparrow is a gentle story about holding onto one’s roots and defining your values in a world of many layers of opportunities and expectations. Karen is a brilliantly talented and focused young woman who has risen to the top of her profession quickly. Only her western life is barren and cold and she is unable to recognise the futility of it until she returns home and happens across Richard...
The story begins in a typically romantic and predictable way, but gradually developed into a humorous and beautiful plot of multiple love stories. The story steadily gains complexity and momentum as other characters join the story and face the same identity challenges as Little Sparrow. A range of colourful and delightful characters are introduced and I soon found myself drawn into the stories within story.
Grandfather is my absolute favourite character. I feel he steals the show. His antics are not only enjoyable, but reminded me of the importance of inter-generational relationships and the richness of knowledge held by our elders.
The writing flows and is easy to follow. Dialogue is used extensively and helped me understand the motivation of each character and gives an insight into their heritage and personality.
On the whole I found Little Sparrow to be a gentle and enjoyable read.
The story begins in a typically romantic and predictable way, but gradually developed into a humorous and beautiful plot of multiple love stories. The story steadily gains complexity and momentum as other characters join the story and face the same identity challenges as Little Sparrow. A range of colourful and delightful characters are introduced and I soon found myself drawn into the stories within story.
Grandfather is my absolute favourite character. I feel he steals the show. His antics are not only enjoyable, but reminded me of the importance of inter-generational relationships and the richness of knowledge held by our elders.
The writing flows and is easy to follow. Dialogue is used extensively and helped me understand the motivation of each character and gives an insight into their heritage and personality.
On the whole I found Little Sparrow to be a gentle and enjoyable read.
November 18, 2021
The series is addictive. Lots of romance intermixed with the spiritual intermixed with just the right amount of comedic fun. Don't miss out on this series!
December 1, 2014
Great
this story is all about the Native American Indian cultural and the people in this book learning and excepting it.
this story is all about the Native American Indian cultural and the people in this book learning and excepting it.
March 10, 2016
"Little Sparrow" is a fun and heart-warming romance about a part-Kiowa career woman who has left her family and her native Kansas behind to pursue success in New York. A chance--or IS it?--encounter with a stranger on a plane leads to an unexpected romance, and soon Karen must decide what she wants in life: to pursue her career, to find love, or to return to her roots? Or is it possible for her to have it all?
I really enjoyed the concept and the Native American aspect of the story. The characters are attractive and compelling in a warm, down-homey sort of way and I certainly sympathized with Karen's struggles as a career woman! Although romance is an important aspect of the plot, this is less of a classic romance per se than a family story, so readers looking for an intense, dark love story are unlikely to be satisfied, and the book relies more on heart than polish or cleverness. However, if you want a feel-good story with some laugh-out-loud moments, featuring a lot of information about a culture that doesn't get enough attention in most mainstream fiction, chances are good you will enjoy "Little Sparrow."
I really enjoyed the concept and the Native American aspect of the story. The characters are attractive and compelling in a warm, down-homey sort of way and I certainly sympathized with Karen's struggles as a career woman! Although romance is an important aspect of the plot, this is less of a classic romance per se than a family story, so readers looking for an intense, dark love story are unlikely to be satisfied, and the book relies more on heart than polish or cleverness. However, if you want a feel-good story with some laugh-out-loud moments, featuring a lot of information about a culture that doesn't get enough attention in most mainstream fiction, chances are good you will enjoy "Little Sparrow."
March 30, 2015
Check out the complete review at Views She Writes - WordPress Reviews
Little Sparrow is a love story between a woman and somewhat older man. The setting is a typical Native American story.
Karen is a workaholic and does not think she will be comfortable in a relationship. Richard is still recovering from the death of his wife and has immersed himself in work. Richard’s dad is dating Karen’s mom and both of them set their children up as they feel they are perfect for each other. Soon sparks fly between the young couple. However before Richard can be a part of Karen’s life, there are some tests he should pass. And even if he passes those tests, does Karen want him in his life?
The story is a typical love story. Man and woman meet and fall in love. What felt off with the story was the tests. The way these tests were designed in the book was kind of a bit strange to be conducted. That felt out of place for the story. Other than that, it was a cozy reading atmosphere. Nothing spectacular. Just regular
Little Sparrow is a love story between a woman and somewhat older man. The setting is a typical Native American story.
Karen is a workaholic and does not think she will be comfortable in a relationship. Richard is still recovering from the death of his wife and has immersed himself in work. Richard’s dad is dating Karen’s mom and both of them set their children up as they feel they are perfect for each other. Soon sparks fly between the young couple. However before Richard can be a part of Karen’s life, there are some tests he should pass. And even if he passes those tests, does Karen want him in his life?
The story is a typical love story. Man and woman meet and fall in love. What felt off with the story was the tests. The way these tests were designed in the book was kind of a bit strange to be conducted. That felt out of place for the story. Other than that, it was a cozy reading atmosphere. Nothing spectacular. Just regular
February 8, 2016
I loved how this story focuses on the history and the Native American Culture, we don’t see this often enough. We see how Karen and Richard begin a friendship and get to know one another in this book and it’s very special to see a relationship begin this way, especially these days. Little Sparrow: A Kiowa in Love, is filled with enjoyable experience after experience and the characters are amazing. My favorite of course is Karen’s grandfather. He reminds me so much of my own. I had plenty of laughs with this book and enjoyed this great story line. I did find grammatical errors and such, but it didn’t take too much away from the story too much. Some readers may find it a bit distracting and may not finish but I was more in tuned with what the story was actually about, versus grammatical mistakes.
August 11, 2015
Little Sparrow and Dicky Leakes
Although this story is called a comedy, and there are humorous bits, it is also quite serious. People who have problems they haven't dealt with, and learning to love, and grow. Loved the Native heritage, Grandfather's 'trials', and stories. Quite a lot of grammatical errors that bothered me, because I'm a nut, but didn't really distract from the story. Will read this author again.
Although this story is called a comedy, and there are humorous bits, it is also quite serious. People who have problems they haven't dealt with, and learning to love, and grow. Loved the Native heritage, Grandfather's 'trials', and stories. Quite a lot of grammatical errors that bothered me, because I'm a nut, but didn't really distract from the story. Will read this author again.
March 10, 2016
Karen or Little Sparrow, as her grandfather prefers to call her, is in love with her job. That is until she meets a stranger on a plane who turns out not to be a stranger after all. He is the man destined to realign her priorities and shatter her dreams. And behind it all is the mischievous and comical Grandfather whose hidden hand causes things to happen in a way Little Sparrow never anticipated. But he knows best. She gets a man who loves her and respects her for who she is – a Kiowa.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews