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Native American Romance #1
Restoring Hope
Fleeing from a marriage she didn't want, Woape is caught by a Sioux Indian who abuses her. One night, she manages to escape and nearly loses her life when Gary Milton shows up and rescues her. Not knowing where else to go, she follows him home. In their time together, she falls in love with him and is determined that he will be her husband. But the Sioux Indian is not far behind, and he's going to claim her as his, even if he has to kill Gary to get her.*This historical western romance is rated R.
244 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2010
132 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Ann Nordin
172 books715 followersWhat's to say? I write a lot. I read often. I sleep little. Once in awhile, I've been known to clean the house. A number of kids live in my house and there's this guy they call dad and I call husband. All in all, it's a pretty good life. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 21, 2024
Enjoyable Read
“A warrior does not have to be a man. Those who risk their lives for the sake of others are warriors.”
“A warrior does not have to be a man. Those who risk their lives for the sake of others are warriors.”
August 9, 2016
++Spoilers++
Wow!
What started out as a slower paced read picked up big time at about 65%.
I don't have much to say except I really liked it.
This book had some elements that were a bit different than some of the other books I read by this author.
First, is that the heroine was a victim of rape.. no details at all.. it was in her past, a memory, yet she wasn't as traumatized by it as other books I have read where a heroine is raped. Not to say she wasn't traumatized, but she just handled it differently. Instead of being afraid of all men, she was only afraid of the one who did it to her. Her way of dealing with it was by "erasing" that experience with the love she found in the hero. I personally liked the way the author handled it.
Later in the book there is a nice introduction of a secondary romance which I assume is leading into the next book in the series. I am actually interested in reading it.. even though the hero was married before (which I don't generally care for).
I love that this author has a way of writing so that what is usually a trigger for me becomes doable. (meaning the second book, not this one). And I find it rare that I can put this much trust in an author to know that the read will be safe for me.
Anyway...
I do have one criticism. The hero still was not told about the h's rape and the possibility her child was not his. I mean, we the reader know it was the hero's child, but HE never finds out nor does the heroine tell him about her rape. Perhaps this will be covered in the next book?
Lastly... I have to mention that there is a BIG thing that happens that had me DYING, and part of me thought NO! The author CAN'T do this!! But I wont reveal it.. it is too much of a surprise.. and in all honesty I kinda felt it had to turn around, and it did. It was a good bit of drama that had me on the edge of my seat for a few chapters. Nothing that is a trigger, just a bit surprise.
Safety:
Hero-Virgin
Heroine- Not a virgin - was raped in past, not detailed.
Cheating-No
OW/OM-No
Violence-Some, a little bit more than mild
Sex-Yes, not a lot and not terribly detailed but nice
Rape- See above
Adultery-No
Cursing-No
HEA/ILY-Yes to both
Marriage/baby-Yes to both
Wow!
What started out as a slower paced read picked up big time at about 65%.
I don't have much to say except I really liked it.
This book had some elements that were a bit different than some of the other books I read by this author.
First, is that the heroine was a victim of rape.. no details at all.. it was in her past, a memory, yet she wasn't as traumatized by it as other books I have read where a heroine is raped. Not to say she wasn't traumatized, but she just handled it differently. Instead of being afraid of all men, she was only afraid of the one who did it to her. Her way of dealing with it was by "erasing" that experience with the love she found in the hero. I personally liked the way the author handled it.
Later in the book there is a nice introduction of a secondary romance which I assume is leading into the next book in the series. I am actually interested in reading it.. even though the hero was married before (which I don't generally care for).
I love that this author has a way of writing so that what is usually a trigger for me becomes doable. (meaning the second book, not this one). And I find it rare that I can put this much trust in an author to know that the read will be safe for me.
Anyway...
I do have one criticism. The hero still was not told about the h's rape and the possibility her child was not his. I mean, we the reader know it was the hero's child, but HE never finds out nor does the heroine tell him about her rape. Perhaps this will be covered in the next book?
Lastly... I have to mention that there is a BIG thing that happens that had me DYING, and part of me thought NO! The author CAN'T do this!! But I wont reveal it.. it is too much of a surprise.. and in all honesty I kinda felt it had to turn around, and it did. It was a good bit of drama that had me on the edge of my seat for a few chapters. Nothing that is a trigger, just a bit surprise.
Safety:
Hero-Virgin
Heroine- Not a virgin - was raped in past, not detailed.
Cheating-No
OW/OM-No
Violence-Some, a little bit more than mild
Sex-Yes, not a lot and not terribly detailed but nice
Rape- See above
Adultery-No
Cursing-No
HEA/ILY-Yes to both
Marriage/baby-Yes to both
September 28, 2010
"Restoring Hope" another one of Ruth Ann Nordin's Best, is a tender, sensitive story of Woape, a young Mandan Indian woman who is taken prisoner by a rival tribe's cruel warrior, Hothlepoya. Tortured and humiliated, Woape, escapes in the middle of the night. All seems lost until she crosses paths with Gary Milton, a kind young white man. He doesn't know why three Indian men want to harm her, but he is sure of one thing: he must save her. So he does. Woape clings to him and follows him everywhere. Gary nicknames her tenderly, "his shadow," as he falls irrevocably in love with her. She becomes his wife, but this is only the start of their adventure, as the ruthless Hothlepoya has sworn to find her.
Ruth Ann Nordin has a wonderfully creative imagination. That's why I'm drawn to her books. She has that special quality of writing a romance with mystery and adventure all dovetailing to thoroughly entertain and permanently hook her reader.
I give "Restoring Hope" a well-deserved Five Stars.
"Restoring Hope" is the first of her Native American Romance trilogy. I look forward to reading them all.
Ruth Ann Nordin has a wonderfully creative imagination. That's why I'm drawn to her books. She has that special quality of writing a romance with mystery and adventure all dovetailing to thoroughly entertain and permanently hook her reader.
I give "Restoring Hope" a well-deserved Five Stars.
"Restoring Hope" is the first of her Native American Romance trilogy. I look forward to reading them all.
October 2, 2011
This was a good American historical romance. It has Ruth Ann Nordin's characteristic easy reading style and her ability to deal with harsh topics in a sympathetic, straightforward manner.
Her other books do mention religion as part of historical life (the importance of the church in the community and the morals espoused there for guiding behavior) but I felt it was slightly stronger here, almost but not quite crossing into preachy territory. Fair warning for those that are sensitive to such things, like me.
Her other books do mention religion as part of historical life (the importance of the church in the community and the morals espoused there for guiding behavior) but I felt it was slightly stronger here, almost but not quite crossing into preachy territory. Fair warning for those that are sensitive to such things, like me.
October 17, 2010
I've been reading Ruth Ann Nordin's books for a while and just when I think she can't outdo herself, she proves me wrong. Restoring Hope is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time. Everything about the book was unbelievably compelling and impressive.
I fell in love with the plot from page one. When I read the author's intro about the Indian culture she'd focus on in the book, I thought it would be over my head and difficult to understand but it was anything but. What I love most is how Ruth incorporates the Indian culture masterfully and realistically. Parts about the Indian characters that could have easily been stereotypical or cliche were not. Ruth obviously went the extra mile in her research and it showed. What I loved most about this book is that Ruth doesn't hit you over the head with the references to the Indian culture. She treats her Indian characters as true characters and not one-dimensional "tokens" thrown in just to fill out the plot. Every character has a purpose and Ruth does a great job of giving the characters outer and inner dilemmas which allow us to get to know them even more.
The plot of this book is difficult to review on its own because the story is full of surprises and spoilers. There's so many twists that come at the times you don't realize it. The pacing was excellent and Ruth incorporates the right amount of tension and flair to keep it going.
My favorite characters were Julia and Chogan. I immediately connected with them. I found Julia to be a dynamic character that evoked anger as well as pity from me and I think that's wonderful that Ruth could construct a character that made me second-guess how I think of things myself. I felt sorry for Julia even more than I did for Woape. I'd love to see more of Julia and she kept the tension and story going for me. I liked Chogan because of the chemistry he and Julia shared and I would love to see more of this romantic pairing.
I didn't care much for Woape. Even though I could feel Woape's pain and what she'd gone through, for some reason I just couldn't make a connection with her. I saw things in Woape that came across as cold to me. She didn't seem to have much emotion when she should have and when people got hurt close to her, her attitude wasn't convincing to me. I never felt true pity for her just because I couldn't connect with her. I felt like I was "supposed" to pity her, but her actions didn't show someone I should feel sorry for despite what had happened to her. I liked how Ruth didn't rush the process with Woape and allowed her to come into the white culture in a realistic manner. It made her personal growth more believable but I just didn't feel much for Woape. She was an intriguing character but something was missing to me and I can't put my finger on it. She just didn't get to me.
I didn't connect with Gary at all and it was weird to me how the main characters didn't touch me half as much as Julia did. I didn't like Gary. I found him to be selfish and I didn't buy that he'd be someone who would rescue Woape. He didn't seem the type of man who would open his heart to a stranger because of how he treated his own sister and aunt. He showed no appreciation for anything his family did for him and he acted as though he was "owed" favors and didn't feel he needed to repay them back. I just couldn't buy that a man like this would rescue an Indian woman and take her under his wing. Gary didn't fit that type of person and I couldn't see it.
I'm not one for a lot of back story but in this case, I wished we'd gotten a glimpse of the past between Gary and Julia. That was such a powerful component to their relationship that I would have loved to see it played out just to see how they got to this point.
I think this was a lovely book and I'd recommend it just for the way Ruth portrays the Indian culture and educates her readers as well as entertains. Once again I am proud and very satisfied with Ruth Ann Nordin and it only leaves me waiting to see more of her future work.
I fell in love with the plot from page one. When I read the author's intro about the Indian culture she'd focus on in the book, I thought it would be over my head and difficult to understand but it was anything but. What I love most is how Ruth incorporates the Indian culture masterfully and realistically. Parts about the Indian characters that could have easily been stereotypical or cliche were not. Ruth obviously went the extra mile in her research and it showed. What I loved most about this book is that Ruth doesn't hit you over the head with the references to the Indian culture. She treats her Indian characters as true characters and not one-dimensional "tokens" thrown in just to fill out the plot. Every character has a purpose and Ruth does a great job of giving the characters outer and inner dilemmas which allow us to get to know them even more.
The plot of this book is difficult to review on its own because the story is full of surprises and spoilers. There's so many twists that come at the times you don't realize it. The pacing was excellent and Ruth incorporates the right amount of tension and flair to keep it going.
My favorite characters were Julia and Chogan. I immediately connected with them. I found Julia to be a dynamic character that evoked anger as well as pity from me and I think that's wonderful that Ruth could construct a character that made me second-guess how I think of things myself. I felt sorry for Julia even more than I did for Woape. I'd love to see more of Julia and she kept the tension and story going for me. I liked Chogan because of the chemistry he and Julia shared and I would love to see more of this romantic pairing.
I didn't care much for Woape. Even though I could feel Woape's pain and what she'd gone through, for some reason I just couldn't make a connection with her. I saw things in Woape that came across as cold to me. She didn't seem to have much emotion when she should have and when people got hurt close to her, her attitude wasn't convincing to me. I never felt true pity for her just because I couldn't connect with her. I felt like I was "supposed" to pity her, but her actions didn't show someone I should feel sorry for despite what had happened to her. I liked how Ruth didn't rush the process with Woape and allowed her to come into the white culture in a realistic manner. It made her personal growth more believable but I just didn't feel much for Woape. She was an intriguing character but something was missing to me and I can't put my finger on it. She just didn't get to me.
I didn't connect with Gary at all and it was weird to me how the main characters didn't touch me half as much as Julia did. I didn't like Gary. I found him to be selfish and I didn't buy that he'd be someone who would rescue Woape. He didn't seem the type of man who would open his heart to a stranger because of how he treated his own sister and aunt. He showed no appreciation for anything his family did for him and he acted as though he was "owed" favors and didn't feel he needed to repay them back. I just couldn't buy that a man like this would rescue an Indian woman and take her under his wing. Gary didn't fit that type of person and I couldn't see it.
I'm not one for a lot of back story but in this case, I wished we'd gotten a glimpse of the past between Gary and Julia. That was such a powerful component to their relationship that I would have loved to see it played out just to see how they got to this point.
I think this was a lovely book and I'd recommend it just for the way Ruth portrays the Indian culture and educates her readers as well as entertains. Once again I am proud and very satisfied with Ruth Ann Nordin and it only leaves me waiting to see more of her future work.
August 28, 2013
another triumph for Ruth Ann Nordin! A story with action, comedy and romance with plot twists and turns that was engrossing and satisfying to read.
======================
Summary:
Woape, the heroine, was running away from her arranged marriage when she's captured by a horrible Sioux tribe member and is forced to become his slave (he has two minions who assist in her capture and so forth). Gary Milton saves her and then unsure what to do with her he takes her to his aunt Erin's house.
Julia, Gary's older sister, is unwelcoming and at times hostile towards Woape. Gary's aunt Erin is the mother figure who tries to pacify the situation. Due to the language barrier and cultural differences there are plenty of misunderstandings which cause an abundance of amusing drama and mayhem.
However, there is also a sinister threat from the Sioux Indians who are still in the look out for Woape and revenge against Gary. And there's a few twists that leaves you gripped to an action packed plot.
======================
The Characters:
Hero:
Heroine: Woape is a 16/17(?) year old Native American who belongs to the Mandan tribe (I think that's how you spell it). Woape doesn't initially speak any English and has had very little contact with "White civilisation" and hence it was intriguing and enjoyable to read about her progress in learning English and new customs as well as her journey in transitioning into a new world.
She's a strong character who has been through a traumatic experience/encounter with the Sioux tribe members, and despite it - she's not weepy, melodramatic or immature. She's a resilient force to be reckoned with who is also very sweet, feminine and caring. She has a few skirmishes with Julia (Gary's sister) who is suspicious of her and causes many problems.
Supporting cast: really well fleshed out. Not too much detail but enough to keep you satisfied. I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics - the sibling tension between Julia and Gary. I'm also intrigued about Julia's story now (she has a budding romance with a member of Woape's tribe)
====================================
The Romance
Touching, tender and cute but with some hot sizzling moments. Not graphic but there are some marital bedroom scenes.
===========================
Synopsis:
Fleeing from a marriage she didn't want, Woape is caught by a Sioux Indian who abuses her. One night, she manages to escape and nearly loses her life when Gary Milton shows up and rescues her.
Not knowing where else to go, she follows him home. In their time together, she falls in love with him and is determined that he will be her husband. But the Sioux Indian is not far behind, and he's going to claim her as his, even if he has to kill Gary to get her.
======================
Summary:
Woape, the heroine, was running away from her arranged marriage when she's captured by a horrible Sioux tribe member and is forced to become his slave (he has two minions who assist in her capture and so forth). Gary Milton saves her and then unsure what to do with her he takes her to his aunt Erin's house.
Julia, Gary's older sister, is unwelcoming and at times hostile towards Woape. Gary's aunt Erin is the mother figure who tries to pacify the situation. Due to the language barrier and cultural differences there are plenty of misunderstandings which cause an abundance of amusing drama and mayhem.
However, there is also a sinister threat from the Sioux Indians who are still in the look out for Woape and revenge against Gary. And there's a few twists that leaves you gripped to an action packed plot.
======================
The Characters:
Hero:
Heroine: Woape is a 16/17(?) year old Native American who belongs to the Mandan tribe (I think that's how you spell it). Woape doesn't initially speak any English and has had very little contact with "White civilisation" and hence it was intriguing and enjoyable to read about her progress in learning English and new customs as well as her journey in transitioning into a new world.
She's a strong character who has been through a traumatic experience/encounter with the Sioux tribe members, and despite it - she's not weepy, melodramatic or immature. She's a resilient force to be reckoned with who is also very sweet, feminine and caring. She has a few skirmishes with Julia (Gary's sister) who is suspicious of her and causes many problems.
Supporting cast: really well fleshed out. Not too much detail but enough to keep you satisfied. I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics - the sibling tension between Julia and Gary. I'm also intrigued about Julia's story now (she has a budding romance with a member of Woape's tribe)
====================================
The Romance
Touching, tender and cute but with some hot sizzling moments. Not graphic but there are some marital bedroom scenes.
===========================
Synopsis:
Fleeing from a marriage she didn't want, Woape is caught by a Sioux Indian who abuses her. One night, she manages to escape and nearly loses her life when Gary Milton shows up and rescues her.
Not knowing where else to go, she follows him home. In their time together, she falls in love with him and is determined that he will be her husband. But the Sioux Indian is not far behind, and he's going to claim her as his, even if he has to kill Gary to get her.
January 4, 2012
Restoring Hope by Ruth Ann Nordin
Native American Series Book 1
In book 2 of the Time Travel Series: A Chance in Time, we meet a young pregnant woman who is an American Indian. Penelope takes her home with her and delivers the young woman's baby. In Restoring Hope we see the rest of the story that leads up to that point and what happens after. Ruth has really put the reader through the ringer on this one. The book will have you in an emotional turmoil at one point when the impossible seems to happen. It is really good just some heavy twists and turns that make it that much more of a “can't put it down” type book.
Woape is running away from a cruel Sioux Indian who captured her and mistreated her. She is rescued by a white man, Gary Milton, who was able to chase the warrior off with his gun. Problem is that this warrior does not give up what he considers his. Woape feels safe with Gary and becomes like his shadow. Through the language barrier of Woape not speaking English and Gary not knowing Mandan a misunderstanding leads in different directions but comes together when they marry. This book made me think how difficult it must be for someone to be where they don't understand the language people speak all around them. It ends up that the language barrier will be one of the smaller mountains Woape will learn to climb. Looking forward to the next books in this series.
**This historical Native American Romance is rated R.
Native American Series Book 1
In book 2 of the Time Travel Series: A Chance in Time, we meet a young pregnant woman who is an American Indian. Penelope takes her home with her and delivers the young woman's baby. In Restoring Hope we see the rest of the story that leads up to that point and what happens after. Ruth has really put the reader through the ringer on this one. The book will have you in an emotional turmoil at one point when the impossible seems to happen. It is really good just some heavy twists and turns that make it that much more of a “can't put it down” type book.
Woape is running away from a cruel Sioux Indian who captured her and mistreated her. She is rescued by a white man, Gary Milton, who was able to chase the warrior off with his gun. Problem is that this warrior does not give up what he considers his. Woape feels safe with Gary and becomes like his shadow. Through the language barrier of Woape not speaking English and Gary not knowing Mandan a misunderstanding leads in different directions but comes together when they marry. This book made me think how difficult it must be for someone to be where they don't understand the language people speak all around them. It ends up that the language barrier will be one of the smaller mountains Woape will learn to climb. Looking forward to the next books in this series.
**This historical Native American Romance is rated R.
December 28, 2022
Restoring Hope
Confused between this story and A Chance in Time both by Ruth Ann. A Chance in Time introduces a young Indian girl found pregnant living with the pastor and his family until a young widow takes her to her home in the mountains where she has her baby and later returns home to her family never having learned to speak English and in this story the same young Indian girl is chased and rescued from her captors. She marries her rescuer, has the baby., returns to her tribe, learns to speak fluent English. Had the stories not been by the same author with the same named character it might not have phased me.
The story was good.
Confused between this story and A Chance in Time both by Ruth Ann. A Chance in Time introduces a young Indian girl found pregnant living with the pastor and his family until a young widow takes her to her home in the mountains where she has her baby and later returns home to her family never having learned to speak English and in this story the same young Indian girl is chased and rescued from her captors. She marries her rescuer, has the baby., returns to her tribe, learns to speak fluent English. Had the stories not been by the same author with the same named character it might not have phased me.
The story was good.
July 11, 2020
Woapes full story was enjoyable within its boundaries and obviously did a good job of keeping me turning pages as finished today even with taking breaks to charge reading device.
But as much as liked it did not love the book way I should have.
But as much as liked it did not love the book way I should have.
July 23, 2018
it was ok... but somehow I'm always missing something in Ruth Ann Nordin's books..
February 4, 2019
Excellent story continuing with Waope and her baby and thinking her husband was killed, an the mess Julia made of things. Everyone heading in the same direction to find peace.
June 22, 2019
Quite a lovely story. Unfortunately, I know very little about Native Americans so I can’t comment on the historical accuracy, but, as a story, it was beautiful.
October 8, 2020
Loved it and already started number two. Picks up where Restoring Hope left off. BUT Restoring Hope is NOT a cliffhanger. Liking the second also!!!!!!
Read
January 22, 2025could not finish
September 20, 2013
I liked this book a lot in the beginning, but then in the middle and end I didn't find it enjoyable. The main reason why was because it was a bit too heavy for my tastes. And because they were both kids. I mean, a 20-year old hero and a 16-year old heroine?
I can stand younger heroines, that was definitely not the problem. And this heroine didn't go around throwing tantrums and acting immature like young heroines usually do. But GOD, A 20-YEAR OLD HERO. HE'S NOT EVEN OUT OF THE CRADLE YET!
It was also a bit unbelievable that three seasoned Native warriors would be scared of this boy. Admitted, he did act mature at times, but I JUST CAN'T GET PAST THE FACT THAT HE WAS TWENTY.
Anyways, back to what I didn't like about the book. As I said, it was a wee bit too heavy for me, with all the raping, violence etc. I also didn't like that Woape (the heroine) hid the fact that she was raped and the possibility that the baby wasn't the hero's from the, um, hero. Yes, she didn't need to afterwards, but it's not something you hide from your husband, woman!!
Now I'm going to state the reasons why I gave this book a 3-star rating.
In the beginning, I swear the book was such a delight for me!! It made my heart flutter with sweetness and made me laugh so many times. I wished that the rest of the book would have been just as sweet.
I also loved Woape, and her blind faith in Gary and the way she always followed him around. She was a real sweetheart, innocent and giving. And as I mentioned before, the only thing I disliked about her was that she hid that from Gary.
The author was an expert at shifting from lighter tones to heavier tones, at evoking fierce emotions from the reader. The attention to detail wasn't that great, but the story-telling was superb, the characters were beautifully crafted. The novel wasn't bad; I myself just like lighter, fluffier stuff to read.
I can stand younger heroines, that was definitely not the problem. And this heroine didn't go around throwing tantrums and acting immature like young heroines usually do. But GOD, A 20-YEAR OLD HERO. HE'S NOT EVEN OUT OF THE CRADLE YET!
It was also a bit unbelievable that three seasoned Native warriors would be scared of this boy. Admitted, he did act mature at times, but I JUST CAN'T GET PAST THE FACT THAT HE WAS TWENTY.
Anyways, back to what I didn't like about the book. As I said, it was a wee bit too heavy for me, with all the raping, violence etc. I also didn't like that Woape (the heroine) hid the fact that she was raped and the possibility that the baby wasn't the hero's from the, um, hero. Yes, she didn't need to afterwards, but it's not something you hide from your husband, woman!!
Now I'm going to state the reasons why I gave this book a 3-star rating.
In the beginning, I swear the book was such a delight for me!! It made my heart flutter with sweetness and made me laugh so many times. I wished that the rest of the book would have been just as sweet.
I also loved Woape, and her blind faith in Gary and the way she always followed him around. She was a real sweetheart, innocent and giving. And as I mentioned before, the only thing I disliked about her was that she hid that from Gary.
The author was an expert at shifting from lighter tones to heavier tones, at evoking fierce emotions from the reader. The attention to detail wasn't that great, but the story-telling was superb, the characters were beautifully crafted. The novel wasn't bad; I myself just like lighter, fluffier stuff to read.
March 9, 2012
I really enjoy Native American based novels, and this was no exception.
I did feel that it took too long to explain what exactly happened to Woape, and I felt that a few extra details explaining things would have been nice for readers.
The novel tends to skip from past to present in some parts of the novel, but not so dramatically that you will become confused or lost. The book flowed rather nicely, and I was sad at the novel's end.
I loved the romance between Woape and Gary, and the extra "secret" romance that came so unexpectedly! Other than the fact that the book was vague on some details and did tend to skip around a bit I loved it! I am now officially hooked on this series and can't wait to read the other novels following this one!
The turn of events the ending takes on was quite exciting and a very nice suprise! I felt in tune with Woape and even at times even the hard Julia who just had me flabbergasted by the end of the novel.
I would love to go into more details about this novel and my thoughts, but I'm afraid I can't without giving too much away. This is definetely a book that will have you suprised with every turn, and you will be left salivating over the events to come. All in all it was a really great read. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next novel. The author definetely does a good job of twisting and turning things so it makes it a mystery what will happen next. You won't be able to figure out this plot without reading it cover to cover, and you will be glad you did!
To find more book reviews from me you can visit my blog: Mommy's Musings Leave me a comment if you wish, and I would be more than happy to friend you on Goodreads or even visit your blog in return if you have one. :)
Disclaimer: I read this book as an eBook of my own accord. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I did feel that it took too long to explain what exactly happened to Woape, and I felt that a few extra details explaining things would have been nice for readers.
The novel tends to skip from past to present in some parts of the novel, but not so dramatically that you will become confused or lost. The book flowed rather nicely, and I was sad at the novel's end.
I loved the romance between Woape and Gary, and the extra "secret" romance that came so unexpectedly! Other than the fact that the book was vague on some details and did tend to skip around a bit I loved it! I am now officially hooked on this series and can't wait to read the other novels following this one!
The turn of events the ending takes on was quite exciting and a very nice suprise! I felt in tune with Woape and even at times even the hard Julia who just had me flabbergasted by the end of the novel.
I would love to go into more details about this novel and my thoughts, but I'm afraid I can't without giving too much away. This is definetely a book that will have you suprised with every turn, and you will be left salivating over the events to come. All in all it was a really great read. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next novel. The author definetely does a good job of twisting and turning things so it makes it a mystery what will happen next. You won't be able to figure out this plot without reading it cover to cover, and you will be glad you did!
To find more book reviews from me you can visit my blog: Mommy's Musings Leave me a comment if you wish, and I would be more than happy to friend you on Goodreads or even visit your blog in return if you have one. :)
Disclaimer: I read this book as an eBook of my own accord. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
April 26, 2025
Woape is a Manden Native American that lived in what is now North Dakota. She was captured and made a slave of Hoathlopoya, a Sioux after killing her mother. The story starts as she tries to escape and Gary Milton, a white man comes to her rescue.
He takes he to his Aunt Erin's home where he was raised along with his sister Julia. Julia treats Woape with hatred, so when Gary marries Woape Julia tells Hoathlopoya where to find her. The Sioux comes with two other braves in the night and Gary is alone to protect his wife as she hides.
Waape thinks Gary is dead and when a friend of her brothers and a brave from her tribe she sets out for her home. She eventually makes it back to her tribe with her baby daughter and Gary finds her there.
The story goes from one exciting scene to the next with lots of tender love mixed into the tale. The story ends happily for Gary and Woape and their baby daughter, Penelope living with her tribe.
As a Native American, I feel it is incorrect to refer to any of my people as American Indians; we are Native Americans. The author tried to keep the Native American customs realistic for the times with notations when she told her story in non-traditional practices of their customs.
I liked the action in Restoring Hope and the story had just the right amount of love and conflict too.
He takes he to his Aunt Erin's home where he was raised along with his sister Julia. Julia treats Woape with hatred, so when Gary marries Woape Julia tells Hoathlopoya where to find her. The Sioux comes with two other braves in the night and Gary is alone to protect his wife as she hides.
Waape thinks Gary is dead and when a friend of her brothers and a brave from her tribe she sets out for her home. She eventually makes it back to her tribe with her baby daughter and Gary finds her there.
The story goes from one exciting scene to the next with lots of tender love mixed into the tale. The story ends happily for Gary and Woape and their baby daughter, Penelope living with her tribe.
As a Native American, I feel it is incorrect to refer to any of my people as American Indians; we are Native Americans. The author tried to keep the Native American customs realistic for the times with notations when she told her story in non-traditional practices of their customs.
I liked the action in Restoring Hope and the story had just the right amount of love and conflict too.
August 16, 2012
I had no idea what to expect from this book because I came upon it by accident, thought it was cheap and I haven't read anything involving native american's before so I figured I'd give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the book and the relationship between our hero and heroine. There was a huge portion of the book where the two of them are separated which I didn't like, I felt that bit of time went on too long because they were the main point of the story and them being separated made things less interesting for me. Also, there wasn't much to do with her tribe until the end which was a bit disappointing, I had thought I was reading about a romance within a native american tribe but really it was a story of an Indian girl living in a white man's world. I would like to continue reading this series but the next book is about the sister and I know she's going to be one of those females that keeps trying to fight the relationship and that always annoys me so I'm not feeling like picking up the second book at this point. I wish the next book was about someone else.
October 14, 2010
Restoring Hope is another great romance by Ruth Ann Nordin about a Mandan Indian named Woape who is running from her cruel tormentor Hothlepoya and rescued by Gary Milton who brings her into the strange world of the White Man. After a few comical cultural misunderstandings, Gary and Woape are married despite the protests of Gary’s sister Julia, but Julia is the least of their concerns when Hothlepoya returns for Woape, causing a cascade of events that lead to two deaths.
Even though it is a romance, there is point that makes you question if everything will end happily-ever-after. Ruth has created a world that I truly enjoyed, with characters that I loved and cheered on the entire time. The first in her Native American Trilogy, I’m looking forward to the continuation of the series in Brave Beginnings. Way to go Ruth!
January 9, 2015
The book starts with Woape being rescued by Gary from three Native American men who kidnapped, tortured, and raped her. Woape follows Gary, so he takes her to the house he grew up in, where his aunt and sister live. His aunt takes to Woape immediately; his sister, Julia, does not. Julia is suspicious of Woape and is constantly accusing her off being deceitful. Woape and Gary get married, but Julia is still suspicious. There was a point when I really felt Julia had no redeeming qualities; it caused me to be frustrated with the book. I was ready to give this three stars based solely on how horrible the sister's character was written. Thankfully, through a series of events, the author came through; so much so that I would love to read the next book in the series about Julia. (book by female author for 2015 reading challenge)
Want to read
February 15, 2016246p Fleeing from a marriage she didn't want, Woape is caught by a Sioux Indian who abuses her. One night, she manages to escape and nearly loses her life when Gary Milton shows up and rescues her.
Not knowing where else to go, she follows him home. In their time together, she falls in love with him and is determined that he will be her husband. But the Sioux Indian is not far behind, and he's going to claim her as his, even if he has to kill Gary to get her.
Books in the Native American Romance Series include:
Restoring Hope (Book 1)
Brave Beginnings (Book 2)
Bound by Honor, Bound by Love (Book 3) due out Summer 2012
A Chance In Time (novella)--main characters show up in Restoring Hope and Bound by Honor, Bound by Love
Not knowing where else to go, she follows him home. In their time together, she falls in love with him and is determined that he will be her husband. But the Sioux Indian is not far behind, and he's going to claim her as his, even if he has to kill Gary to get her.
Books in the Native American Romance Series include:
Restoring Hope (Book 1)
Brave Beginnings (Book 2)
Bound by Honor, Bound by Love (Book 3) due out Summer 2012
A Chance In Time (novella)--main characters show up in Restoring Hope and Bound by Honor, Bound by Love
July 7, 2014
I had this book for a while on my to read list and never got the chance until today to read it !! I had read already Onawa's story and i wanted to tead more books from this serie and i wasnt disappointed i feel in love with both Woapr and Gary right away. I also laughed, cried while reading which doesnt happened often ! The Native American series is definitely something i would let pass its worth reading it !!! I hope that Erin had her story as well ! Im still looking around to see if i didnt miss it :D
February 21, 2013
Another one of Ruth Ann Nordin books. Simply love her stories.
This story got me hooked from the start to the end. Couldn't put the book down. Loved the hero Gary Milton, but I was more interested in the relationship evolving between Julia and Chogan. I felt frustrated when Gary never understood the depth of love his sister Julia has for him. The ending was okay . Oh how I wish to know more about Chogan and Julia' love story.
Looking forward to getting more free books of this author.
This story got me hooked from the start to the end. Couldn't put the book down. Loved the hero Gary Milton, but I was more interested in the relationship evolving between Julia and Chogan. I felt frustrated when Gary never understood the depth of love his sister Julia has for him. The ending was okay . Oh how I wish to know more about Chogan and Julia' love story.
Looking forward to getting more free books of this author.
October 4, 2011
I enjoyed this story and would possibly read it again- while some aspects of the story and plot line were a little far fetched and didn't seem to make sense - the genuine rapport that you develop with so many of the characters makes up for it- most of the time.
Would recommend this book to friends, esp. if you like reading romance.
Would recommend this book to friends, esp. if you like reading romance.
March 23, 2018
I love this series. Read twice now....
If you want to meet Cole & Penelope, you will want to read these 2 books (in this order)
1 - Meant to be
2 - Chance in Time
(These 2 Books should be combined into one)
Then move onto the next in this series - Brave Beginnings
3 - Restoring Hope (1st in a series - you will meet “Martha” / Woape)
4 - Brave Beginnings
5 - Bound by Honor Bound By Love
If you want to meet Cole & Penelope, you will want to read these 2 books (in this order)
1 - Meant to be
2 - Chance in Time
(These 2 Books should be combined into one)
Then move onto the next in this series - Brave Beginnings
3 - Restoring Hope (1st in a series - you will meet “Martha” / Woape)
4 - Brave Beginnings
5 - Bound by Honor Bound By Love
July 15, 2013
Good love story. Set back in 1800's when Indians were around. A white man marries an indian girl who has had all sorts of trouble with the Sioux tribe. One Sioux indian claims her as his and chases her down due to she ran away from him. She thinks he has killed her husband Gary but he didn't and Gary and Woape find each other in the end. Like I said good love story.
June 5, 2014
As King Solemn once said "There is nothing new under the sun," and that certainly applies to the selfishness of mankind. Thankfully there were, and still are the good people to balance the negativity. This story revolved around the relationship within families, and between Native Americans and settlers.
January 18, 2016
Excellent Early America Story...
This is a story of war-like problems within Indian Tribes and the affect it has on local white farmers. The abuse of an Indian girl, her escape and subsequent marriage to the love of her life, is this story. It's wonderfully written. I wanted more of the book.
This is a story of war-like problems within Indian Tribes and the affect it has on local white farmers. The abuse of an Indian girl, her escape and subsequent marriage to the love of her life, is this story. It's wonderfully written. I wanted more of the book.
July 26, 2012
This book DEFINITELY needs a new cover, I almost didnt want to waste my time reading it because of the cheesy cover! However it ended up being a really cute book! If you like romance with a little bit of western flare I recommend this book!
July 14, 2013
I would go with 3.5 stars this is not a lot romance not a lot of action just a little of both. there were some good areas which kept me reading. not sure if I'll get to the other books but I'll put them on my wish list for maybe later.
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