Heart of the Sandhills

Dakota Moons #3

by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Genevieve prayed: Please, God, let the people see who we are. Make them see past our skins and into our hearts. All we want is a place to be. Just a place to be. Is it too much to ask?

Genevieve LaCroix Dane Two Stars, married for just a little more than a year, is thankful to be with her beloved husband, Daniel Two Stars. Though they are struggling, they have each other and dream of making a happy home in a safe place.

But "happily ever after" is not always easy to live out in real life. Daniel and his friend, Robert Lawrence, now plow the land that used to be theirs in return for only a portion of the crops and the right to live in two small log cabins with their families. Though many respect their hardworking Indian neighbors, others are unable to look past the color of their skins and see their hearts. They only see "murdering savages." In the wake of the Dakota Sioux uprising, fear and prejudice toward the Indians grow stronger every day.

How long will Genevieve and her family be able to turn the other cheek in the face of hatred and injustice? Is Daniel's restlessness a sign that God has another work for him beyond the farm? Should they stay in Minnesota or look for a better place out west? Heart of the Sandhills follows events that threaten Daniel and Gen's happy marriage--and which ultimately lead them into a more profound relationship with God and a future they never imagined.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Native American

298 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 2002

About the author

A 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.

Reviews

[Loraine]

What a wonderful way to end a series. This was my favorite book of the three. Poignant, faith-filled, historically detailed, romantic touch, realistically written, a reader couldn't ask for more. After losing his farm and being chases out by the whites, Two Stars rejoins the Army as a scout and his wife, Genevieve LaCroix Dane, accompanies him as her uncle, Elliot Leighton, is sent out on a mission of peace by the US government. Not all the tribes they come into contact with are peaceful and unexpected events occur.

Of the three, I felt this book had the strongest faith thread. Both Gen and Two Stars must learn if they can truly live the faith they believe no matter what happens to them. Young Aaron must discover the course for his life and determine if he can be both an Army Soldier and a missionary for God. Capt Robert Willits must uncover the truth about the faith he has ridiculed his entire life.

I definitely was sorry to see this series end, but felt I learned a lot about the time period of Western expansion and the horrors done on both sides of the Indian-White problem. Would highly recommend this series to readers who like historical fiction taking place during Western expansion in the United States.

FAVORITE QUOTES: (This book had a lot of great gems.)
"And the existence of hypocrites who misuse religion for themselves does not mean there isn't a God in heaven who loves his children and sent His Son to die for them.....Never confuse professing Christians with Christ....The former will disappoint you every time. Christ never will."

"...sin puts a gap between the sinner and God. And since we're all sinners, we're all separated by that gap. The Cross is what closes the gap. Jesus did away with sin by taking it on Himself at the cross. Once we make it personal, it's as if our own sins were with Him when He died. So our sins are all forgiven and the gap is closed. There's a bridge we can ride across. And when we get to the other side, there's no gap anymore between us and God, because Jesus took the sin that was keeping us separated."

"All these bad things that happen, they aren't God. They're sin in the heart of man. And God doesn't want it any more than we do. But unless a man knows Him, He sins and sins and sins again."

"my faith in God isn't some ticket out of trouble. It helps me through and in the trouble. God doesn't fix everything for His children so they don't have difficulty. Actually.....what God does is something better than that. He promises to go through it with us.....If you know the God of the universe is right beside you, than you can pretty much take anything the world can throw at you."

[Megan]

I really enjoyed this series and I feel like I learned a lot. There were a lot of historical details that were so interesting although it was a sad time too. It was also amazing to see the faith of these characters in action. They went through a lot. A lot! And yes they struggled, but in the end their faith in God was able to overcome the doubts. Daniel and Gen were wonderful characters that really touched my heart. I felt so bad for all they had to go through and was cheering for them to finally be able to live in peace. Did they get that? You'll have to read it to find out.
A complaint I have with this book, and really the series, is all of the many points of view. It would often jump to a character that really wasn't all that important. I really didn't care what Aaron's lady friend back east was doing. Along those line I appreciated the epilogue, but would have liked more information on some of the characters. For example Did Aaron marry Amanda or did he find someone else? Did John finally come to know Christ?
Over all I enjoyed this series and I would read more by this author.

[Cheryl]

I loved all three books

I gave the books a five even though Gen could not have had blue eyes if her mother was full Native American. Other than that my Grandfather who said he was full Native American who had blue eyes told me of the hardships of our people.
And why so many people of mixed races never talked of their Native American
heritage. I loved the HEA. I did not think the story was going to go that way it did
I though 2 stars was going to be treated like Jobe.

[Sarah]

I will always and forever love Daniel Two Stars and Genevieve LaCroix. Such a good story with very good quotes and scriptures. Finishing this book is very sad. It's like leaving an old friend. The end of this trilogy is so good I will miss it dearly.

There were a few loose ends. We never find out what happens to Jane, Meg, and Hope. I can assume they lived happy lives together, but I don't know. I wish that the names of the children at the end were given.

[Clara M]

Heart of the Sandhills Book 3

A lovely story of the history,hardships, and life on the frontiers of America! The author captured the reader, not only with the love story of Daniel Two Moons and Genevieve, but with the history of the continued march of the frontier from Minnesota to Nebraska, and beyond!

[Karen Oury]

Heart of the Sandhills

Again, bravo to Stephanie Grace Whitson! A True storyteller. Her application of biblical verses to each chapter causes you to see beyond what's legible. There's always a pause to consider how this read can be applied to daily life in the here and now. Peace..

[Readingintheweehours]

so good

You sure know how to write a story, Stephanie!
There are so many challenging and beautiful things happening, but I can do nothing but sink in and savor the journey.

This entire series is woven with Truth and testimony of the journey that is faith in Christ. I’m strengthened in my own faith as I consider His Word when I read.

Thank you for sharing with us!

[Rose Marie Ray]

This was an excellent third book in the series. It held your interest all the way through. There was humor, intrigue, anger, mystery and tragedy all in the book plus some history too. I thoughly enjoyed this set of books.

[Mary Read]

Heart of theSandhills(Dakota Moons #3)

I loved everything I read. I like reading about the Native Americans, the white people and the children of both Indian and white.Even the missionaries and pastors, like Simon! It was a wonderful story. Mary ReadAmazon and Goodreads

[Nancy Maxwell]

This Series

I enjoyed reading this series. It was so sad the way we took the land of the Indians. This was certainly an eye opened and a great book about faith. Faith endures all!! Lesson learned!!!

[Donna Fretwell]

Heartwarming, sad, funny, happy.

Any book from Stephanie Grace Whitson is remarkable read!! To my knowledge her research is thorough for the background of her novels. Truly intriguing!!

[PEGGY LAMICA]

Book three

I truly enjoyed the story and all the characters involved. I recommend this series ,hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[carolyn Lynn]

Not disappointed!

I loved this series. Stephanie Grace Whitson doesn’t just write a story, she mingles it with history and faith in God. Can’t wait to read another one!

[Jackalyn]

Although a good story, it contains a LOT of violence between the native Americans and the white man!

[Susan]

Another good Whitson book I was sad the series was done.

[Debbie]

This book leaves me feeling like there should have been one more book to tidy things up! I enjoyed the story and traveling along with the characters and their trials and tribulations along the way.

[Rebecca]

This is the last of the series.

[Anna]

Much better than the second book.

[Sheila Burke]

A lovely fast paced read!

A clean read with love, laughter, tears, lessons to learn and A God to draw ever closer too. Thank you for sharing your stories, I want to read them all.

[Joyce]

This will be my last book review. I am still reading, not reviewing. Just going to enjoy. Thanks for all the encouraging comments and suggestions. So many gracious friends here. God bless!

Wow, what a story and such depth. I do suggest reading the books in order in the series. What a testimony to the faithfulness of God!

[Betty Ost-Everley]

Stephanie Grace Whitson's trilogy relates the challenges before America just after the end of the Civil War and as the western expansion began. If the country had not yet learned its lesson regarding the issue of using minorities as slaves, it was thrust in what was known as the "Indian problem" with another set of prejudices based on the color of a man's skin. Weaving the story of Genevieve LaCroix Dane Two Stars and her best beloved, Daniel Two Stars in each of the three books, Whitson did a magnificent job in keeping the story well paced with excellent continuity. Although I was initially disappointed with the lack of a happy ending with book one, it was necessary to keep the story line moving. The Christian themes are not heavy-handed at all, and creates a credible backdrop for characters who experience life with joys, disappointments and sorrow. Nothing candy coated with this series! The underlying message is that Christians don't have life any easier than anyone else...it's just they have the hope and love of their resurrected Lord that helps them get through it.

[Melissa]

This was the most exciting book in the series.

Gen and her husband, Two Stars, can't escape the prejudice in their neighborhood. Some friends are made, but one man secretly plots revenge for something Indians did years ago.

The thing I like the most about this book is how the characters go through real feelings and struggles, yet in the end they're always pointed back to God, who is the only true hope in the world.

One of the quotes I liked from the book is: 'Elliot Leighton spoke up. "The existence of fool's gold does not mean there isn't real gold in the mountains, Mr. Picotte. And the existence of hypocrites who misuse religion for themselves does not mean there isn't a God in heaven who loves His children and sent His Son to die for them." He stood up and stretched. "Never confuse professing Christians with Christ, Mr. Picotte. The former will disappoint you every time. Christ never will."'

[Cws]

JF-YAWhi

[Marie]

Local color!

[Charity U]

*sigh* What a wonderful book. :)

[Deliasue]

Western about Gen and Two Stars (daniel) they have gone through so much in their marriage.

[Massanutten Regional Library]

Elsie, Grottoes patron, June 2015, 5 stars:

Enjoy all of Stephanie Whitson's books. She is a great author.