Grace Cummings' family is killed and she's taken captive by a war party of young Lakota's hungry to fight the white men encroaching on their sacred black hill; land granted them in a treaty with the government. The brave responsible for leading the war party and Grace's captor is shunned by the tribe for drawing attention to their band and leaves the village, giving Grace to Little Elk, the nephew of the chief. With the help and guidance of another white woman in camp, Green Eyes, wife of the chief, Grace learns important facts about the tribe and accepts her given Lakota name, Dancing Fawn... and the love of Little Elk. While the warriors are away joining with other tribes to fight the war brought upon them by the young warriors, white soldier attack the camp, killing only women, children, and old men. Dancing Fawn is discovered, identified as a white captive and forced to return with the soldiers to Fort Sully. Tied hands and constant guarding display she's not going voluntarily. Back in civilization and under the watchful eye of the Colonel's wife, Fawn must decide where her heart truly lies.
Ginger Simpson grew up reading anything by Laura Ingalls Wilder and became so fascinated with western historical novels, they've remained her favorite for more years than she cares to admit.
In 2002, Ginger decided to attempt writing her own novel, and in 2003 her first offering, Prairie Peace, was published. Since then, she's dabbled in other genres but always seems to migrate back to her favorite historical era.
At the beginning, Ginger accepted contracts with e-publishers with the realization her work would not be offered in actual stores, rather made available for sale by download or ordering through Internet sites. At the time, the reward of acceptance was enough, and the prayer that downloadable books would grow in popularity seems to have come to pass. Ginger admits she's no spring chicken, and her final goal is to see at least one of her works available in an actual "brick and mortar" store just so she can nod when someone asks if Walmart sells her books.
She's often joked that she may have to sneak a book into Walmart and leave it on the shelf next to one of Nora Robert's novels, but that's not really how she'd like her next novel to get there. Besides, there's probably a law that prohibits such a deed. She's already worked in a jail, so she doesn't care to experience the other side of the bars. Note from Ginger (2011): I actually did "sneak" a book into Walmart and take a picture of it on the "best sellers" shelve. I have the photo to prove it. I got a few weird looks from nearby people, but I didn't get arrested or escorted from the store. *smile*)
Great Read This is the first book by Ginger Simpson that I have had the pleasure to read. I already have two more of her books downloaded and I cant wait to read them. What I loved the most was how Ginger went into great detail about not only the characters but also the way she described their surroundings. I felt like I was right there with Fawn as she discovered the beauty of the land. I fully enjoyed the love story between Fawn and Little Elk. I wish there was more to their story. I did feel the story got side tracked a few times by Green Eyes memories. All in all it was a great book. Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Grace Cummings’ father is a good man infected with wanderlust and gold fever. It brings him, his wife and children to the Black Hills of the Sioux People. After all but Grace are killed by a renegade band, she’s taken captive and given to Little Elk, the nephew of the chief. Soon Grace bonds with Green Eyes, wife of the chief, a white woman who joined the band voluntarily.
By the time white soldiers attack the camp and return her to Fort Sully, Grace is Dancing Fawn, a wife and soon-to-be mother. Under the watchful eye of the Colonel’s wife, Fawn must decide who are her people.
Simpson writes beautifully. The gradual love and trust that develops and the relationship between the women is strong. The ways of Fawn’s husband contrast sharply with both the crassness and the gentile prejudice of the army community at the fort. The ending seemed a bit rushed, but an interesting exploration of the changes in a woman’s heart as she faces adversity.
A young girl is taken captive by the Lakota. Not a very complicated story and not "new" but is is a pleasant read. No graphic violence (yes people die) and no explicit s3x
I loved this fascinating story that combines historical facts within this enchanting tale of a young woman named Grace Cummings who became Dancing Fawn. Little Elk may have been present at the murder of her family and capture of Grace, but he was not the one responsible. When she is placed with him, at first he treats her as a captive but over time it changes, eventually turning to love. When Fawn is captured by soldiers and taken to Fort Sully, what will become of a white woman, carrying an Indian baby? How can she escape and get back to her Lakota tribe and family?
The story paints a picture of the life, struggles, and greed of white men as they chase after dreams caused by Gold Fever. The lives of the Lakota Indians, who just want to live on their homeland, hunt buffalo and live in peace. But white men’s greed and lack of respect for what belongs to the People brings about war, death and a constant battle of wills. The plot kept me captivated and the story is so well told with the history and description of scenery that as a reader you can envision the sights and smells around you. The dialog and emotions are open, honest and heartwarming. The sentiments and animosity of how the whites feel towards Indians and Indians towards white are well described. How far will Dancing Fawn be willing to go to return to the people and the man she loves, Little Elk? With true love, the eyes are colorblind to what the heart sees. Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.