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Dakota Moons #1
Valley of the Shadow
Mama had been gone for several years, now, but Gen could still hear her voice.
Someday someone is going to call you a stupid squaw. When they do, you must remember who you are. You are the daughter of a French nobleman. Your father speaks four languages. He has studied at schools most whites could never hope to enter. You are the granddaughter of a Dakota warrior who earned an entire headress of eagle feathers in battle. Never forget these things. Remember that they can call you a stupid squaw, but you do not have to be one.
"I won't go and you can't make me!" Eighteen-year-old Genevieve LaCroix protests when her father tells her it's time to leave home and get further education at nearby Renville mission. The daughter of Good Song Woman and Etienne LaCroix, she carries in her blood the proud heritage of a Dakota warrior and a French aristocrat. But when Gen arrives at Renville mission, she learns that her heritage is not valued in the changing world created by new white immigrants.
At first the lessons learned at the mission are difficult and lonely. But soon Gen finds new friends and begins to understand this strange culture she has become immersed in. When the missionary family takes in Two Stars, an injured young Dakota warrior, Gen begins to learn how quickly a life can change.
When the Minnesota Sioux Uprising destroys the world she has known and threatens the people she loves most, Gen begins to question everything she has been taught about God. Valley of the Shadow, the first book in the Dakota Moons Series, is a story of one woman's walk "through the valley of the shadow of death."
Someday someone is going to call you a stupid squaw. When they do, you must remember who you are. You are the daughter of a French nobleman. Your father speaks four languages. He has studied at schools most whites could never hope to enter. You are the granddaughter of a Dakota warrior who earned an entire headress of eagle feathers in battle. Never forget these things. Remember that they can call you a stupid squaw, but you do not have to be one.
"I won't go and you can't make me!" Eighteen-year-old Genevieve LaCroix protests when her father tells her it's time to leave home and get further education at nearby Renville mission. The daughter of Good Song Woman and Etienne LaCroix, she carries in her blood the proud heritage of a Dakota warrior and a French aristocrat. But when Gen arrives at Renville mission, she learns that her heritage is not valued in the changing world created by new white immigrants.
At first the lessons learned at the mission are difficult and lonely. But soon Gen finds new friends and begins to understand this strange culture she has become immersed in. When the missionary family takes in Two Stars, an injured young Dakota warrior, Gen begins to learn how quickly a life can change.
When the Minnesota Sioux Uprising destroys the world she has known and threatens the people she loves most, Gen begins to question everything she has been taught about God. Valley of the Shadow, the first book in the Dakota Moons Series, is a story of one woman's walk "through the valley of the shadow of death."
295 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2001
413 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Grace Whitson
55 books341 followersA native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 25, 2023
By mistake, I read book 2 in 2014. Although I enjoyed it, I could tell that I was missing pieces from Book 1. ( I have now learned to read a series that interconnects all at one time!!)
Eighteen year old Genevieve La Croix is the daughter of a French trader and a Sioux woman. Good Song Woman, her mother, has died and Etienne, her father, decides it is time to send her to the mission school to be further educated and taught womanly things. Gen is of no mind to go but has no choice. She finds many friends and meets a wounded warrior named Two Stars.
Based on historical events in the midwest, the story follows missionary encounters with Indian tribes and individuals. Whitson's historical research of this time period and the problems between the whites and Indians are evident throughout this book. She depicts both the good and the evil of the situation from both peoples. Many of the whites, in particular the missionaries, had a love for the Indians and hated what the federal government was doing to them, in turn, destroying their native way of life. Others, of course, had the "No Indian is a good Indian except a dead Indian" attitude. But the same can be seen also from the Indians. Many protected the whites from the evil of their own people while others blamed every white person for the atrocities being done to the Indians.
Watching Gen grow and mature, develop in her faith and loyalties, and learn to love both parts of her heritage as a "mixed breed" made this story moving. The changes in Gen, Two Stars, and Rev. Dane displayed how faith and getting to know people as individuals rather than as a "race" can change one's perspective. Faith also played a strong role in helping each of the characters in this story through incredibly trying times that basically meant life or death.
This was a poignantly moving tale of a time period in history that we can definitely learn from so as to not make the same mistakes. I look forward to finishing the last book in this series very soon.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Everyone comes to a point in their lives when they are challenged to see beyond what is and trust that God knows best."
"Don't blame God for man's sin. Man can always choose a better way......I don't understand all of this...He is going to work this out for my good."
Eighteen year old Genevieve La Croix is the daughter of a French trader and a Sioux woman. Good Song Woman, her mother, has died and Etienne, her father, decides it is time to send her to the mission school to be further educated and taught womanly things. Gen is of no mind to go but has no choice. She finds many friends and meets a wounded warrior named Two Stars.
Based on historical events in the midwest, the story follows missionary encounters with Indian tribes and individuals. Whitson's historical research of this time period and the problems between the whites and Indians are evident throughout this book. She depicts both the good and the evil of the situation from both peoples. Many of the whites, in particular the missionaries, had a love for the Indians and hated what the federal government was doing to them, in turn, destroying their native way of life. Others, of course, had the "No Indian is a good Indian except a dead Indian" attitude. But the same can be seen also from the Indians. Many protected the whites from the evil of their own people while others blamed every white person for the atrocities being done to the Indians.
Watching Gen grow and mature, develop in her faith and loyalties, and learn to love both parts of her heritage as a "mixed breed" made this story moving. The changes in Gen, Two Stars, and Rev. Dane displayed how faith and getting to know people as individuals rather than as a "race" can change one's perspective. Faith also played a strong role in helping each of the characters in this story through incredibly trying times that basically meant life or death.
This was a poignantly moving tale of a time period in history that we can definitely learn from so as to not make the same mistakes. I look forward to finishing the last book in this series very soon.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Everyone comes to a point in their lives when they are challenged to see beyond what is and trust that God knows best."
"Don't blame God for man's sin. Man can always choose a better way......I don't understand all of this...He is going to work this out for my good."
January 31, 2023
oh these cliff hangers
I can hardly catch my breath. Stephanie is a phenomenal writer and gives readers multi-faceted perspectives.
On to book 2!
I can hardly catch my breath. Stephanie is a phenomenal writer and gives readers multi-faceted perspectives.
On to book 2!
January 12, 2014
I loved it... and I hated it. It started a bit slow for my taste, but then I actually started to enjoy it. And then the ending... I HATED that part!
August 17, 2010
The books were horrible!!!!! I almost wrote the author a very upset note! What kind of an author makes the hero die at the end????!!!! (I know,he's still alive) And how could she make Gen marry that wimpy bald preacher????!!!! It was TERRIBLE!!!!!!!
November 1, 2017
This sweeping saga of the Dakota Sioux Indians took my breath away. The first in the Dakota Moon trilogy, this book tells the story of Genevieve as she ventures into a new life. Sent away from her home and father, Gen must draw strength from God, strangers, and friends she meets along her journey. Brought together through extraordinary circumstances, Gen and Two Stars forge an unbreakable bond. All she wanted was for “her life to count for God.” Whitson is able to convey both sympathy and sensitivity in her retelling of these tragic events. I appreciated the depth of writing and that the reader was gently guided to understand all sides and perspectives. I devoured the tales of prejudice and prayer, heartbreak and hope. I am a little late finding this book but lucky for me I can binge read the entire trilogy.
June 2, 2021
Very moving story
It took a little while to get into the story but then it was hard to put down. Gen is the daughter of. Dakota Indian and a French trader. She is sent to school with some missionaries and soon forms a bond with Two Stars, a Dakota brave, when he is left in their barn in need of healing. The story is set in a time when the Dakota and the whites were at odds. There were good and bad on both sides and the military was the same. The tragic story also includes faith, love, healing, loss and grief, and compassion for others. I didn’t care for the ending but I hope that will change once I read the second book in the series.
It took a little while to get into the story but then it was hard to put down. Gen is the daughter of. Dakota Indian and a French trader. She is sent to school with some missionaries and soon forms a bond with Two Stars, a Dakota brave, when he is left in their barn in need of healing. The story is set in a time when the Dakota and the whites were at odds. There were good and bad on both sides and the military was the same. The tragic story also includes faith, love, healing, loss and grief, and compassion for others. I didn’t care for the ending but I hope that will change once I read the second book in the series.
November 20, 2019
When I was a little girl, I constantly railed against the unfairness of life - 'good' people get hurt badly and 'bad' people seemingly get away with all manner of evil. I have come to accept that a world in rebellion against its Creator is like that. But His love nevertheless is constantly mending the hearts and minds of those who have surrendered to Him. This book is the story of those He enables to fight for higher ground.
Very few books cause me to openly weep, but this one did.
Very few books cause me to openly weep, but this one did.
December 31, 2019
1 1/2 stars
One of the worst books I read all year unfortunately. It read as boring as a textbook. Lots of facts and very little story to pull emotionally on any of the characters or their interactions with the world around them. It jumped around a lot and there were big spaces of time covered in just a few sentences frequently throughout the story. It was like the author had to get every thing in regardless if it worked or not.
One of the worst books I read all year unfortunately. It read as boring as a textbook. Lots of facts and very little story to pull emotionally on any of the characters or their interactions with the world around them. It jumped around a lot and there were big spaces of time covered in just a few sentences frequently throughout the story. It was like the author had to get every thing in regardless if it worked or not.
July 21, 2020
Amazing! I love the storyline and progression of time as their lives move from one stepping stone to the next. I haven't read a book that has brought me to so much love, empathy, respect, anger and all other emotions before.
I love the scriptures that align with each chapter plot. I adore the analogies made.
I wish Danirl Two-Stars was real...absolutely live his and Genivieve's character, strength, and kindess.
I love the scriptures that align with each chapter plot. I adore the analogies made.
I wish Danirl Two-Stars was real...absolutely live his and Genivieve's character, strength, and kindess.
October 16, 2017
Valley of the Shadowy
This was an interesting book. You did not enjoy all the violence but this is the way life was back then. I was so in hopes that Gen would not marry the reverend because I thought Daniel Two Stars would make it back to her. She had not married him at the end of the book so let's see what book 2 has in store for us. Recommended as a good read.
This was an interesting book. You did not enjoy all the violence but this is the way life was back then. I was so in hopes that Gen would not marry the reverend because I thought Daniel Two Stars would make it back to her. She had not married him at the end of the book so let's see what book 2 has in store for us. Recommended as a good read.
August 10, 2018
Captivating
Didn’t want to put it down, didn’t want to keep reading. The Indians were not treated rightly. This story gives a picture of how bad it was, almost sickening. Yet there were those who fought for the Indian and tried to show them love. This story had a somewhat sad ending except that the love of Christ claimed victory over sorrow!
Didn’t want to put it down, didn’t want to keep reading. The Indians were not treated rightly. This story gives a picture of how bad it was, almost sickening. Yet there were those who fought for the Indian and tried to show them love. This story had a somewhat sad ending except that the love of Christ claimed victory over sorrow!
December 20, 2019
Dakota Moons book #1
I don’t what to say. The book is fiction. I was a historic site guide at Fort Ridgely. We learned much working there. We had to read books that concerned the Dakota people and the settlers, who came to Minnesota. We learned many false truths and unfaltering truths.MaryRead/Amazon and Goodreads.
I don’t what to say. The book is fiction. I was a historic site guide at Fort Ridgely. We learned much working there. We had to read books that concerned the Dakota people and the settlers, who came to Minnesota. We learned many false truths and unfaltering truths.MaryRead/Amazon and Goodreads.
October 14, 2017
Poignant tale
For content, I give this story a definite five. For writing style, however, I must rate it a three. The story is very moving but the dialogue is stilted. Nevertheless, it is WELL worth reading.
For content, I give this story a definite five. For writing style, however, I must rate it a three. The story is very moving but the dialogue is stilted. Nevertheless, it is WELL worth reading.
October 24, 2017
WOW
I didn't,t realize the setting for this story was in my home state! Even though the story was based on actual happenings yet was yet fictional it was a great read and I hope to read the next book.
I didn't,t realize the setting for this story was in my home state! Even though the story was based on actual happenings yet was yet fictional it was a great read and I hope to read the next book.
November 6, 2017
Great reaf
I loved this book. The only 2 things I would change would be to leave out the family pets dying. There was enough violence in this book and reading about the dogs and the way they died was too much. But it was still an exceptional read and hard to put down.
I loved this book. The only 2 things I would change would be to leave out the family pets dying. There was enough violence in this book and reading about the dogs and the way they died was too much. But it was still an exceptional read and hard to put down.
April 24, 2018
Tear jerker
Maybe it was more emotional because I grew up in Minnesota, but the story touched me in a way few do. If only the author would quit using towards. There is no S at the end of toward.
Maybe it was more emotional because I grew up in Minnesota, but the story touched me in a way few do. If only the author would quit using towards. There is no S at the end of toward.
June 23, 2018
Valley of the Shadow
I didn't like the the script for Gen, nor her ending to this story. Some stories end , leaving you feeling good. Some leave you feeling disappointed. This is one of those. Sorry.
I didn't like the the script for Gen, nor her ending to this story. Some stories end , leaving you feeling good. Some leave you feeling disappointed. This is one of those. Sorry.
August 25, 2019
Western Adventure
Historical fiction. Storyline is interesting, but not fast pace. The characters are interesting, but it didn’t hold my attention as much as other books I have read.
Historical fiction. Storyline is interesting, but not fast pace. The characters are interesting, but it didn’t hold my attention as much as other books I have read.
December 7, 2016
Love Stephanie Grace Whitson and this book pulled me into a culture/time I did not remember in the history books. 4 stars because the hero died at the end (would have been 5).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2017
Valley of the Shadow
Great story!! I have been looking for a book like this for a long time!!
The author did a splendid job on this book, am recommending to friends,
Great story!! I have been looking for a book like this for a long time!!
The author did a splendid job on this book, am recommending to friends,
October 15, 2017
Great historical book
This was a very great historical book. Getting ready to read the next one of the series. Thank you for this novel.
This was a very great historical book. Getting ready to read the next one of the series. Thank you for this novel.
October 27, 2017
Great book
Excellent read . I cannot wait for book # 2 ! I loved this story ! A must read !
Excellent read . I cannot wait for book # 2 ! I loved this story ! A must read !
November 9, 2017
Thoughtful, sad, challenging
A sad time in the history of our country. Greed and corruption, prejudice and hatred--all that makes true courage and character so evidently shine.
A sad time in the history of our country. Greed and corruption, prejudice and hatred--all that makes true courage and character so evidently shine.
November 15, 2017
A great read.
I truly enjoyed this series and even learned a bit. I hear portrayal of the time period and relationships between native people and white settlers.
I truly enjoyed this series and even learned a bit. I hear portrayal of the time period and relationships between native people and white settlers.
May 7, 2019
Shadow
I loved this story, but I was disappointed in the last half, I recommend every one to read her books, I look forward to reading more of her books KATTIE.
I loved this story, but I was disappointed in the last half, I recommend every one to read her books, I look forward to reading more of her books KATTIE.
April 2, 2021
Too many tears
Too many tears and too many deaths on both sides . It was a good Indian story and pretty truthful and sad. Well written.
Too many tears and too many deaths on both sides . It was a good Indian story and pretty truthful and sad. Well written.
September 2, 2021
I sense a theme with books that used to be my mom's
November 15, 2021
Great book
September 25, 2022
This book shows the stupidity of man, the same problem we still have today. If someone looks different or believes something different than what I do, then I should hate him. Will we ever learn?
May 13, 2022
This has become my favorite book, and series. I related very well with Gen's (and Daniel Two Star's) spiritual journeys. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews