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T'on Ma
Lana Cooper loves two men - a Kiowa warrior, Two Hawks, and an Army officer, Liam O'Connell. Society in 1850s Texas tells her to choose Liam, but her heart says otherwise.
322 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2006
About the author
Magnolia Belle
43 books35 followersMagnolia Belle grew up in a military family and has lived in several U.S. states as well as the Orient. She graduated in 1978 from Tarleton State University, where, as editor of the University paper, she won first place in the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Editorial competition in 1977. She was also a member of "Who's Who Among Colleges and Universities" in 1977-78. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and their (spoiled) dogs.
A singer/songwriter and guitarist, she played with a band in the 1980s that made 3 albums. Belle proudly declares some Native American heritage. The above two facts are part of the basis of the Black Wolf series. Considering herself a native Texan, her T'on Ma and Black Wolf series are both set in that great state.
A singer/songwriter and guitarist, she played with a band in the 1980s that made 3 albums. Belle proudly declares some Native American heritage. The above two facts are part of the basis of the Black Wolf series. Considering herself a native Texan, her T'on Ma and Black Wolf series are both set in that great state.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 14, 2015
*3.5 stars*
March 10, 2012
It was a good book but I did not like the ending.
March 22, 2010
It is after the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Set in Texas. It is the love story of Lana Cooper and Two Hawks, a young Kiowa warrior.
What I really like about the book is that the then social custom, cultures are carefully woven within the fabric of the story. The author finds a way to subtly inform the reader about the socio-economic-political sentiments between the different Native American tribes and the early European settlers.
Magnolia Belle also brilliantly portrays and raises our awareness as to how similar and better Kiowa social structure is compared to that of the early European settlers like Lt. Liam O’Connell’s family. Lana Cooper mentions “…unlike my mother, Kiowa wives own their own homes and property….that’s how the power is balanced out.” The author also informs us that “even woman who had been rescued from capture found re-entry into society difficult because of the prejudice of the time.” Readers also learn, as Lana rationalizes, that “one sold slaves in Mexico and other in the eastern seaboard. Both did it for commerce.” Lana concludes in regards to widows that “at least Kiowa solution showed compassion.”
What is even more enjoyable is that the book is so easy to read. The plot twists and turns, therefore will hold the readers attention to the end.
What I really like about the book is that the then social custom, cultures are carefully woven within the fabric of the story. The author finds a way to subtly inform the reader about the socio-economic-political sentiments between the different Native American tribes and the early European settlers.
Magnolia Belle also brilliantly portrays and raises our awareness as to how similar and better Kiowa social structure is compared to that of the early European settlers like Lt. Liam O’Connell’s family. Lana Cooper mentions “…unlike my mother, Kiowa wives own their own homes and property….that’s how the power is balanced out.” The author also informs us that “even woman who had been rescued from capture found re-entry into society difficult because of the prejudice of the time.” Readers also learn, as Lana rationalizes, that “one sold slaves in Mexico and other in the eastern seaboard. Both did it for commerce.” Lana concludes in regards to widows that “at least Kiowa solution showed compassion.”
What is even more enjoyable is that the book is so easy to read. The plot twists and turns, therefore will hold the readers attention to the end.
February 17, 2015
I honestly enjoyed this book. The story gave a relatively new twist to an old romantic idea, and even surprised me with the direction it took that I certainly didn't see coming (namely, a wedding).
The issues I had with this read are the following...
1. Typos. There's a lot.
2. The dialogue was entirely too modern for the time period.
3. Some parts of the book ran on and fell flat, while others were rushed through unnecessarily. The balance was off.
Overall, as a free book for your Kindle it's worth a Saturday afternoon.
The issues I had with this read are the following...
1. Typos. There's a lot.
2. The dialogue was entirely too modern for the time period.
3. Some parts of the book ran on and fell flat, while others were rushed through unnecessarily. The balance was off.
Overall, as a free book for your Kindle it's worth a Saturday afternoon.
February 2, 2018
Historical American West Fiction
Ton Ma at times made me so angry. Two men Loved her with such passion. She always seemed too Love one more than the other, but you must read the book to discover who she Loved with that same passion. Not only romance but American History. This story includes the unfairness to Women, American Indian, Blacks. Also the Brave Families that moved west to build their homes and lives. The book also touches on the different cultures that make up our Country. I will be purchasing books 2 and 3. Excited to see how this story will continue.
Ton Ma at times made me so angry. Two men Loved her with such passion. She always seemed too Love one more than the other, but you must read the book to discover who she Loved with that same passion. Not only romance but American History. This story includes the unfairness to Women, American Indian, Blacks. Also the Brave Families that moved west to build their homes and lives. The book also touches on the different cultures that make up our Country. I will be purchasing books 2 and 3. Excited to see how this story will continue.
October 11, 2021
An Awesome Story!
I loved this story. A small family settles in Indian territory, but there is peace between them. When their sixteen-year old daughter falls in love with a warrior called two hawks, it is frowned on by both families. She is coerced into marrying a more "suitable" man, but after just three months she realises she has made a terrible mistake. A twist in the story frees her from that obligation. I could not stop until I finished the book in the early hours. I found it to be a beautiful story. You will too!
I loved this story. A small family settles in Indian territory, but there is peace between them. When their sixteen-year old daughter falls in love with a warrior called two hawks, it is frowned on by both families. She is coerced into marrying a more "suitable" man, but after just three months she realises she has made a terrible mistake. A twist in the story frees her from that obligation. I could not stop until I finished the book in the early hours. I found it to be a beautiful story. You will too!
December 10, 2019
I loved the book, I liked the story but at some moments it made me angry, but I will not say why but that explains why I gave the story 4 stars not 5, but really the book was fantastic, I recommend it really.
August 15, 2017
Love these kind of books
Read to find out...the hardest choice and understanding the way of life...I love both characters was going through oh and no and yes lol
Read to find out...the hardest choice and understanding the way of life...I love both characters was going through oh and no and yes lol
March 24, 2018
It is a great book to read
November 17, 2010
I am very impressed by Magnolia Belle’s way with the written word. She weaves a story that is complex. But yet is compelling to the reader in such a simple way. She touches the reader’s heart by giving life like characters and a storyline that crosses the line in a time when the wild frontier was new and every day was a struggle to survive.
The story revolves around Lana Cooper, a young girl in the wilds of Texas. Who finds herself smitten by a young Kiowa warrior. You will certainly find yourself enthralled as you follow her struggle to come to terms with her heart. Though her mind tells her to conform to the wishes of her parents, and to marry a solider in the U.S. army.
Once you read this novel. You will want to pick up more of Magnolia’s work. I for sure am looking forward to her next installment in this series that is sure to be a hit.
Shawn Weaver – Author, Dragon’s Chest
The story revolves around Lana Cooper, a young girl in the wilds of Texas. Who finds herself smitten by a young Kiowa warrior. You will certainly find yourself enthralled as you follow her struggle to come to terms with her heart. Though her mind tells her to conform to the wishes of her parents, and to marry a solider in the U.S. army.
Once you read this novel. You will want to pick up more of Magnolia’s work. I for sure am looking forward to her next installment in this series that is sure to be a hit.
Shawn Weaver – Author, Dragon’s Chest
January 10, 2018
This book really surprised me. Set in Texas in the 1850s, it is a Western tale. But, this is not a story of white man versus red man, or cowboys and calvary versus Indians, of even good versus bad. The author deals with both cultures with a balanced hand. Both are good; both are bad. Both are right; both are wrong. Lana, a beautiful homesteader’s daughter falls in love with a Kiowa warrior, Two Hawks. On first meeting he names her T’on Ma – Water Woman. It is an impossible love, unacceptable to anyone except the two lovers. They receive pressure from all sides for the couple to conform and marry their own kind. Enter a handsome army officer and a love triangle forms. This is where the story goes off in directions I never expected. There is no happily ever after for everyone in this story. No matter the outcome, there will be heartbreak. The ending was a little unsettling but, given the other possible endings, this was the right one. Highly recommended.
November 10, 2013
I read Tascosa by Magnolia Belle years ago and really enjoyed it, while checking for other books by her I came across T'on Ma which is a fantastic book. At its heart it's a romance but it's so, so much more, the main character Lana falls in love with a Kiowa warrior called Yi Centas her love is returned by him but this is no easy romantic tale. Lieutenant Liam O'Connell enters Lana's world and falls in love with her. Life and circumstances intrude and things become difficult for all the people involved saying more would give away the story but it's well well worth a read along with Kuy Syan Joshua and Little Wolf Ranch. I'm currently reading these again, which I've done on several occassions which for me is a sign of a really good book, let's face it if it wasn't good you wouldn't read it again.
March 31, 2010
This is a magnificent story about love and two cultures. T’on Ma takes you on a journey back in history around the time of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) in Texas where two completely different cultures collide. The story allows you to get lost in time and follow the lives of the Native American tribe Kiowa (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiowa for more info on the Kiowa) and the settlers who lived their. T’on Ma means Water Woman. It is the name a Kiowa brave named Two Hawks gave to a white settler he encountered while bathing in a river. Her real name was Lana Cooper and he fell in love with her. This relationship was full of conflict between two families of different cultures and was an enormous strain. A very worthwhile story with great human value.
April 15, 2011
Magnolia Belle's "T'on Ma" details Lana Cooper's time as a homesteader's daughter. She meets and falls in love with Kiowa warrior Yi Centas (Two Hawks), who calls her T'on Ma (Water Woman) because he first sees her in the river. However, because of various pressures from her family and from society, Lana marries Liam O'Connell. Liam is a society-bred Army officer whose well-to-do family looks down on Lana and her entire family.
The book is rife with conflicts between settlers and Native Americans, and rich in cultural detail about both military and Kiowa life.
This is the second of Magnolia Belle's books that I have read; suffice it to say that I am now a major fan of her work. Highly recommended for fans of well-researched, character-driven historical fiction.
The book is rife with conflicts between settlers and Native Americans, and rich in cultural detail about both military and Kiowa life.
This is the second of Magnolia Belle's books that I have read; suffice it to say that I am now a major fan of her work. Highly recommended for fans of well-researched, character-driven historical fiction.
September 22, 2016
Wow, this was such an engrossing read, I just couldn't put it down, and did not find any part of it boring or monotonous! Even though I love a good romance novel, I rarely read romances anymore because it is so hard to find a good one--because of TSTL heroines, anachronisms, rehashed generic plots left full of holes, idiotic dialogue and behavior, poorly developed characters, repetitious porn shoehorned awkwardly and inappropriately into wherever the author can manage it--but this was indeed a good one that for the most part avoided the usual pitfalls. My one big disappointment was reaching the end and finding there are two more volumes needed to complete the story and I have a huge pile of books checked out of the library that I plan to read before I can consider getting around to them.
March 25, 2012
This is a very well written romantic western. It's a complicated love story set in Texas in the 1850's. The beautiful heroine falls improbably in love with a young Kiowa warrior. The first time he looks into her blue eyes he names her T'on Ma, Water Woman. It was not acceptable for a white woman to be in love with an Indian but Lana is no ordinary woman. The underlying theme is love through the entire book. A love triangle occurs and that sets the story moving forward and just when you think Lana has accepted convention and left her warrior behind, well that's the twist that gives this book a great ending.
December 7, 2011
Western novel that addresses not only a forbidden romance, white woman and a native american male, but other pertinent issues of the time including slavery and women's rights or lack thereof. The checkered history of Texas during this turbulent time and the military's role out west as well as conditions are not sugar coated.
I wished there was more of an exploration of the reality of the romance in context of joining the Kiowa tribe. I'd really like to see more romances that addressed native americans and not necessarily in the context of a biracial relationship. Overall, the story was entertaining and the plot moved well.
I wished there was more of an exploration of the reality of the romance in context of joining the Kiowa tribe. I'd really like to see more romances that addressed native americans and not necessarily in the context of a biracial relationship. Overall, the story was entertaining and the plot moved well.
July 20, 2012
This was my first book by Magnolia Belle. I couldn't put it down. I loved all the characters in this book. I felt Lana's torment for her love for both men and her family. The decisions she had to make given the circumstances she had to deal with. I was amazed by the historical references in this book. I actually learned a little as well as enjoying a wonderful love story. I can't wait to start the next book.
December 29, 2012
This was a good attempt at a first novel. The story is well researched and well formed conforming very much with historical fact. Stylistically it was nothing special, sometimes phrasings were clunky and poorly constructed and the prose fell very flat in many places. I read this mostly as a favor to a friend who was very much into the novel. Personally it's not in my tastes but for those who love historical romance this is a nice quick read.
July 22, 2013
Magnolia Belle and her book T'on Ma, drags you in to the point where your heart feels everything Lana Cooper feels. The ride this book gives is incredible. This is a definite must read. By the end of the book, you will feel both devastated and joyous for the experiences and choices Lana makes. I am not going to give spoilers, but your heart will definitely take a worth while trip with T'on Ma.
March 7, 2010
Her books was very interesting. I read it easily and it flowed nicely. The American Indian historical background gave the romance a nice flavor and along with Madonna Kennedy's Seed of the Mother, these two are two of my favorite for 2010 thus far.
October 16, 2014
A look into the lives of two star-crossed lovers - one Kiowa and one White. The author’s writing draws you into both lives, allowing you to smell what they are smelling, see what they are seeing, and feel what they are feeling, A wonderful journey!
Want to Read
November 29, 2011Free Kindle book 11/28/11.
January 22, 2012
Would have given 5 stars had the story end not seemed rushed or unfinished. I would have loved a better ending, felt cheated, otherwise a great read.
March 23, 2012
Great read! Romance set in early frontier
August 28, 2012
I couldn't hardly put this one down. I loved it. So good!
December 12, 2012
Fantastic!
January 17, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It may be a tad bit far fetched but it held my attention to the very end!
February 3, 2013
Once I started I could not put the book down. And I purchased the sequels right after. Maybe because I pictured myself as T'on Ma and would love to have her adventures and rocky but loving life.
March 10, 2013
I loved it but for the fact that there was not enough Two Hawks in the story for me. It would have been perfect if the focus had stayed on the love growing between him and Lana.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews