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Savage Seasons #2
Savage Winter
Joanna found happiness and contentment as Windhawk’s wife, until the day she was kidnapped and returned to the white world. Now she must rely on Windhawk’s love and devotion to find her and bring her home to his side.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1985
154 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Constance O'Banyon
54 books199 followersEvelyn Gee was born on 1939 in Texas, USA. She makes her home in San Antonio with her husband, Jim and their son, Jason.
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 9, 2021
I don’t understand the high ratings for this book. The first one was tolerable. But Savage Winter was 75%back and forth of assumptions, misunderstandings, and melodramatics that I couldn’t stomach much longer. I’ve read and adored a number of historical romances/bodice rippers but the writing here is unforgivable and atrocious in comparison, even for one published by Zebra (and I’m a huge fan of Sidney Sheldon whose writing style is abysmal, but oh, those plot lines!). On a final note, because I just can’t waste my time on these savage shenanigans any longer, Constance O’Banyon, for the love of all that is green and holy, girl, please step away from the exclamation point.
May 22, 2014
Good but Not Great Continuation of Series.
"Savage Winter" by Constance O'Banyon is the second book in her "Savage Seasons of Blackfoot" series, and while the book is good, it's not as good as "Savage Autumn" in part because of the actions of the hero, Windhawk.
The Story: "Savage Winter" begins two years after "Savage Autumn" ended. Joanna James and her husband, Windhawk, chief of a Blood Blackfoot Indian tribe, have lived happily over the last two years, and Joanna discovers that she is going to have a baby. However, their happiness is threatened by malevolent forces, both new and old, who sow the seeds of mistrust and hatred and force the couple to face great challenges to their marriage and love for each other. The first of these enemies is Howard Landon, husband of Joanna and her brother Tag's aunt, Margaret. (In "Savage Autumn, Margaret and Howard tried to get their hands on the James family fortune. They failed, in part because Joanna and Tag escaped their greedy, and in the case of Howard, lecherous, clutches. Howard has killed Margaret, believing that if he did so, he would inherit Joanna and Tag's money. What he didn't count on, however, is a codicil in Russell James' will stating that the bulk of the money is to be held in trust for Tag until he turns 21.) Howard wants the money and Joanna, whom he lusts after, so he concocts a plan to have Joanna and Tag kidnapped and brought back to Philadelphia to try to get them back under his thumb. Helping Howard in this endeavor is Claudia Maxwell, a woman who has hated Joanna ever since they were on the same wagon train in "Savage Autumn". Claudia is insanely jealous of Joanna-who has done nothing really to earn her hatred-and helps Howard with his scheme. Before that, however, Claudia tricks Howard into marrying her.
Howard and Claudia send a bogus letter to Joanna claiming to be from a friend of hers who needs her help. Joanna goes to meet her friend, never suspecting that she is walking into a trap. Joanna is kidnapped by two trappers who Howard hired to do his dirty work; they were supposed to kidnap Tag as well, but he is away on a trip. The kidnappers beat and threaten to rape Joanna, but Windhawk eventually tracks them down and rescues her. During this rescue, the following things happen:
Windhawk kills one kidnapper; the other flees for his life.
Howard suffers a stroke, the significance of this will be revealed more in the next book in the series "Savage Spring."
Claudia tries to get her revenge on Joanna by telling Windhawk that the baby Joanna is carrying is her white lover's. This is not true, but Windhawk believes it is.
Windhawk is very angry with Joanna for leaving him again, and, like in "Savage Autumn", he treats her with great emotional cruelty. Back in the Blood Blackfoot village is another threat, a Piegan Blackfoot woman named Red Bird. Red Bird lusts after Windhawk. She tried to seduce him-Windhawk rejected her advances-but Red Bird is undaunted. She tells Joanna that Windhawk defiled her (not true) and that he is going to marry her. (Also not true.) These statements further strain an already strained relationship between Windhawk and Joanna.
More trouble follows. A pair of Cree Indians come to the village and kidnap Joanna and Windhawk's sister, Morning Star. The Cree plan to take the women back to their village, but when they find out that they have taken Windhawk's wife and sister, they abandon the women in the woods to die. Joanna and Morning Star face wolves, starvation, extreme cold, blizzards, but they survive and make it back to the village. Before they make it back, however, Windhawk comes upon three bodies, and he believes that Joanna and Morning Star are among the dead. He then leads a raid on the Cree village, killing multiple people there. The Cree vow revenge on Windhawk.
After Joanna returns to the Blackfoot village, she goes into labor. It is not until she gives birth to a son who looks like Windhawk that he realizes that she was telling the truth that he is the father of the child. Unfortunately, instead of telling and showing Joanna that he is sorry for doubting her-again-Windhawk continues to be obstinate and difficult to her. (In fairness, so is Joanna to Windhawk.) Later, Red Bird tries to kill Windhawk-she fails-and later tries to kill Joanna. Windhawk kills Red Bird before that happens.
On a slightly happier note, Morning Star and Tag are finding love with each other. Although they are teenagers, they have deep feelings of love for each other. This love is not a lifetime love, however, as Tag gets his story in the next book in the "Savage Seasons of Blackfoot" series, "Savage Spring", and the heroine in that book is not Morning Star.
Back in this book, the two Cree Indians who kidnapped Joanna and Morning Star have joined forces with another of the Blackfoot's enemies, the Assinboin tribe, to attack the Blackfoot village, which is unprotected as the men are away on a buffalo hunt, leaving Tag as the only male in the camp. Tag leads the women and children in the camp to safety, and then the Blackfoot braves show up to fight the invading horde and win, saving their loved ones.
Eventually, Joanna and Windhawk talk to each other-as opposed to at each other-and listen to the other one, finding their happiness again and having a second happily ever after.
Much of this book is Joanna and Windhawk being too proud-egotistical is more like it-to communicate with each other how they feel, and both being stubborn and inflexible about their positions. In addition, they spend too much time taking the words of others at face value without actually thinking about what is being said and who is saying it. That's a lesson we all can learn from, not to simply take anyone's statements-regardless of who they are-as the gospel truth.
The reason I liked this book less than "Savage Autumn" is because of Windhawk's behavior toward Joanna. While I certainly understand his being upset with her, and to his small credit he doesn't hit her in this book, the fact that he tries to use the fact that he can arouse her sexually to win her back as opposed to actually talking to her is kind of sleazy. It's not a terrible book, but parts could be improved.
Sex: The love scenes are good, but not terribly hot. That's typical of Constance O'Banyon books.
Violence: A lot of violence. Assaults, attempted rape, killings, none are really graphically described. But they are there.
Bottom Line: "Savage Winter" is a step down from "Savage Autumn" but if a person has one book, one needs the other.
"Savage Winter" by Constance O'Banyon is the second book in her "Savage Seasons of Blackfoot" series, and while the book is good, it's not as good as "Savage Autumn" in part because of the actions of the hero, Windhawk.
The Story: "Savage Winter" begins two years after "Savage Autumn" ended. Joanna James and her husband, Windhawk, chief of a Blood Blackfoot Indian tribe, have lived happily over the last two years, and Joanna discovers that she is going to have a baby. However, their happiness is threatened by malevolent forces, both new and old, who sow the seeds of mistrust and hatred and force the couple to face great challenges to their marriage and love for each other. The first of these enemies is Howard Landon, husband of Joanna and her brother Tag's aunt, Margaret. (In "Savage Autumn, Margaret and Howard tried to get their hands on the James family fortune. They failed, in part because Joanna and Tag escaped their greedy, and in the case of Howard, lecherous, clutches. Howard has killed Margaret, believing that if he did so, he would inherit Joanna and Tag's money. What he didn't count on, however, is a codicil in Russell James' will stating that the bulk of the money is to be held in trust for Tag until he turns 21.) Howard wants the money and Joanna, whom he lusts after, so he concocts a plan to have Joanna and Tag kidnapped and brought back to Philadelphia to try to get them back under his thumb. Helping Howard in this endeavor is Claudia Maxwell, a woman who has hated Joanna ever since they were on the same wagon train in "Savage Autumn". Claudia is insanely jealous of Joanna-who has done nothing really to earn her hatred-and helps Howard with his scheme. Before that, however, Claudia tricks Howard into marrying her.
Howard and Claudia send a bogus letter to Joanna claiming to be from a friend of hers who needs her help. Joanna goes to meet her friend, never suspecting that she is walking into a trap. Joanna is kidnapped by two trappers who Howard hired to do his dirty work; they were supposed to kidnap Tag as well, but he is away on a trip. The kidnappers beat and threaten to rape Joanna, but Windhawk eventually tracks them down and rescues her. During this rescue, the following things happen:
Windhawk kills one kidnapper; the other flees for his life.
Howard suffers a stroke, the significance of this will be revealed more in the next book in the series "Savage Spring."
Claudia tries to get her revenge on Joanna by telling Windhawk that the baby Joanna is carrying is her white lover's. This is not true, but Windhawk believes it is.
Windhawk is very angry with Joanna for leaving him again, and, like in "Savage Autumn", he treats her with great emotional cruelty. Back in the Blood Blackfoot village is another threat, a Piegan Blackfoot woman named Red Bird. Red Bird lusts after Windhawk. She tried to seduce him-Windhawk rejected her advances-but Red Bird is undaunted. She tells Joanna that Windhawk defiled her (not true) and that he is going to marry her. (Also not true.) These statements further strain an already strained relationship between Windhawk and Joanna.
More trouble follows. A pair of Cree Indians come to the village and kidnap Joanna and Windhawk's sister, Morning Star. The Cree plan to take the women back to their village, but when they find out that they have taken Windhawk's wife and sister, they abandon the women in the woods to die. Joanna and Morning Star face wolves, starvation, extreme cold, blizzards, but they survive and make it back to the village. Before they make it back, however, Windhawk comes upon three bodies, and he believes that Joanna and Morning Star are among the dead. He then leads a raid on the Cree village, killing multiple people there. The Cree vow revenge on Windhawk.
After Joanna returns to the Blackfoot village, she goes into labor. It is not until she gives birth to a son who looks like Windhawk that he realizes that she was telling the truth that he is the father of the child. Unfortunately, instead of telling and showing Joanna that he is sorry for doubting her-again-Windhawk continues to be obstinate and difficult to her. (In fairness, so is Joanna to Windhawk.) Later, Red Bird tries to kill Windhawk-she fails-and later tries to kill Joanna. Windhawk kills Red Bird before that happens.
On a slightly happier note, Morning Star and Tag are finding love with each other. Although they are teenagers, they have deep feelings of love for each other. This love is not a lifetime love, however, as Tag gets his story in the next book in the "Savage Seasons of Blackfoot" series, "Savage Spring", and the heroine in that book is not Morning Star.
Back in this book, the two Cree Indians who kidnapped Joanna and Morning Star have joined forces with another of the Blackfoot's enemies, the Assinboin tribe, to attack the Blackfoot village, which is unprotected as the men are away on a buffalo hunt, leaving Tag as the only male in the camp. Tag leads the women and children in the camp to safety, and then the Blackfoot braves show up to fight the invading horde and win, saving their loved ones.
Eventually, Joanna and Windhawk talk to each other-as opposed to at each other-and listen to the other one, finding their happiness again and having a second happily ever after.
Much of this book is Joanna and Windhawk being too proud-egotistical is more like it-to communicate with each other how they feel, and both being stubborn and inflexible about their positions. In addition, they spend too much time taking the words of others at face value without actually thinking about what is being said and who is saying it. That's a lesson we all can learn from, not to simply take anyone's statements-regardless of who they are-as the gospel truth.
The reason I liked this book less than "Savage Autumn" is because of Windhawk's behavior toward Joanna. While I certainly understand his being upset with her, and to his small credit he doesn't hit her in this book, the fact that he tries to use the fact that he can arouse her sexually to win her back as opposed to actually talking to her is kind of sleazy. It's not a terrible book, but parts could be improved.
Sex: The love scenes are good, but not terribly hot. That's typical of Constance O'Banyon books.
Violence: A lot of violence. Assaults, attempted rape, killings, none are really graphically described. But they are there.
Bottom Line: "Savage Winter" is a step down from "Savage Autumn" but if a person has one book, one needs the other.
maybe
September 22, 2012Wind Warrior
The Vision
He'd been named Wind Warrior and called the savior of his Blackfoot people. But the mystical power that filled him awoke his brother's hatred and envy. Dull Knife would do anything to take what was his.
The Woman
Slender and lovely, the white captive had long ago caught Wind Warrior's eye. She was the kind of beauty who could make a man forget all else in the exquisite pleasures of the night.But when Dull Knife plotted to steal her away, the rivalry between the two brothers would come to a head, a prophecy would be fulfilled and with her daring rescue, a great passion would be born.
The Vision
He'd been named Wind Warrior and called the savior of his Blackfoot people. But the mystical power that filled him awoke his brother's hatred and envy. Dull Knife would do anything to take what was his.
The Woman
Slender and lovely, the white captive had long ago caught Wind Warrior's eye. She was the kind of beauty who could make a man forget all else in the exquisite pleasures of the night.But when Dull Knife plotted to steal her away, the rivalry between the two brothers would come to a head, a prophecy would be fulfilled and with her daring rescue, a great passion would be born.
September 4, 2017
Great read
I really enjoyed this book. Cannot wait to read more by this author. She is a great writer. Thank you for sharing your gift with us all.
I really enjoyed this book. Cannot wait to read more by this author. She is a great writer. Thank you for sharing your gift with us all.
April 5, 2021
Savage Winter KU 342 pgs ***.* 4/4/21 Windhawk & Joanna
3.5 stars. This book was more frustrating than the good stories I have begun to expect from Ms. O’Banyon. There was far too much avoiding and assuming between the MC’s than could be remotely possible. I did enjoy the story but by the end, I had lost interest in the banter of avoidance regarding trust and feelings being ignored. The entire book the MC’s avoided talking to each other so most of the book they were not together. There were exciting moments when Joanna and Morning Song traveled through the winter alone but as far as the romance, there wasn’t much of that at all. I think the main problem was, was creating so much distrust in the MC’s that they both believed what others told them rather than discussing it between themselves, people they didn’t even know! I will continue the series but I was very disappointed in this book. I loved having all the same characters and getting to know them all just that much more.
3.5 stars. This book was more frustrating than the good stories I have begun to expect from Ms. O’Banyon. There was far too much avoiding and assuming between the MC’s than could be remotely possible. I did enjoy the story but by the end, I had lost interest in the banter of avoidance regarding trust and feelings being ignored. The entire book the MC’s avoided talking to each other so most of the book they were not together. There were exciting moments when Joanna and Morning Song traveled through the winter alone but as far as the romance, there wasn’t much of that at all. I think the main problem was, was creating so much distrust in the MC’s that they both believed what others told them rather than discussing it between themselves, people they didn’t even know! I will continue the series but I was very disappointed in this book. I loved having all the same characters and getting to know them all just that much more.
November 9, 2022
Change of season homes!
This book was written and told how life for native Americans changed with the seasons. They had to tear down their homes and take them to their homes of the new season.
This book was written and told how life for native Americans changed with the seasons. They had to tear down their homes and take them to their homes of the new season.
June 7, 2023
Joanna and Windhawk take 2! Nobody is going to take his woman from him! Action and romance, can't go wrong, and the story keeps going. My favorites of the series are His and her relationship and how it carries through to their children.
-Def recommend it!
-Def recommend it!
dnf-or-skimmed
September 21, 2023I skimmed it to see if I wanted to continue and oh my god, it's just a repeat of the same misunderstandings and problems from the first book but dialed up because there's other-woman drama and a baby involved.
I think I will pass.
I think I will pass.
August 14, 2025
Enjoyed this book.
This is a great story of love and the good and proud Blackfoot people. I really enjoyed the story line and was up really late many nights reading. I could not put this book down.
This is a great story of love and the good and proud Blackfoot people. I really enjoyed the story line and was up really late many nights reading. I could not put this book down.
September 6, 2019
This was my first book I read. My mother got us kids into reading as soon as she could. This was how she learned to read she had to teach her self. I really enjoyed this book.
Read
May 6, 2020Good book . Great survival story. Read it in one day.
June 15, 2020
I am really enjoying this series. I'm now on the third book.
Read
June 17, 2020This book was amazing!! As was the first book in this series. I couldn’t put it down. The characters felt like I knew them
September 17, 2020
Love this series
December 31, 2020
It was an okay book, but not necessary. She could have moved on with different characters.
August 26, 2021
Captivating
I read it non stop. Very interesting book,you will not be disappointed. I love the way she vividly described each scene.
I read it non stop. Very interesting book,you will not be disappointed. I love the way she vividly described each scene.
November 4, 2021
magnificent
This book was an amazing read! One that I will cherish always and go back to just to flip through the pages and read my favorite scenes.
This book was an amazing read! One that I will cherish always and go back to just to flip through the pages and read my favorite scenes.
August 29, 2022
Good story but very sad with a lot of angst
October 9, 2022
Good story!
The truth of the Indians losing the Land, and how they were treated is one of America’s Greatest tragedies and Biggest shame!
The truth of the Indians losing the Land, and how they were treated is one of America’s Greatest tragedies and Biggest shame!
May 12, 2024
Love the story
This one did drag on a bit to much , still a nice read. Book 3 is great. Love this story line. On
This one did drag on a bit to much , still a nice read. Book 3 is great. Love this story line. On
November 24, 2024
Wonderful book!
Just when i thought the book was concluding something else would happen. If kept me guessing all the way through two the very end.
Just when i thought the book was concluding something else would happen. If kept me guessing all the way through two the very end.
February 12, 2025
Good.
The plot is great, writing is great. But the incessant back and forth between Joanna and Windhawk and the jumping to conclusions almost made me eat a bullet.
The plot is great, writing is great. But the incessant back and forth between Joanna and Windhawk and the jumping to conclusions almost made me eat a bullet.
October 20, 2025
Savage Winter
Another excellent book. I couldn't put it down. My work is by the wayside. I couldn't put the book down until I finished I! Constance O'Banyon is a superior author.
Another excellent book. I couldn't put it down. My work is by the wayside. I couldn't put the book down until I finished I! Constance O'Banyon is a superior author.
June 24, 2025
4.5 stars Another one in this series that is oh so good! Captivating write, amazing story, played on my heartstrings, including romance and spice.
July 19, 2016
4.5 STARS! AN EXPLOSIVE CONTINUATION OF THE FIRST BOOK! MORE INTENSE!
I certainly did not expect this story to be a continuation of Savage Autumn and am quite glad to read it because it's nice to see Windhawk and Joanna kicking off their new life together. Their introduction was great, but true love tests the bonds of time.
If you have read the first book there is no need for an introduction of the characters, and this installation is a test to the lovebirds as two jealous women, an outsider tribe and a baby comes into Windhawk and Joanna's lives. This story got me hooked till the end because I was frustrated and heartbroken over the damn misunderstanding once more that tears the couple apart.
It upsets me that jealousy eats the couple up and they spent almost a year fighting and doubting each other and Windhawk could have been the anchor for his wife when their son came into the world but both were TOO PROUD and hurt to reconcile. Of course over time and with help from Windhawk's mother...they will eventually have their HEA.
But oh the ANGST I felt in this book. Makes me want to strangle the two of them and murder the jealous bitches for interfering. One best part of the ending is when Joanna participates in an old dance ritual the Blackfoot has to win the heart of the man they desire. It was a nice way to end their conflict because Windhawk has been holding out his hand too often but to be rejected and now Joanna shall cross that bridge that will reunite them in a traditional way it was cutely romantic.
OVERALL it was a very intense story but entertaining and we get to see Tag and Morning Sun discover their love for one another.
I certainly did not expect this story to be a continuation of Savage Autumn and am quite glad to read it because it's nice to see Windhawk and Joanna kicking off their new life together. Their introduction was great, but true love tests the bonds of time.
If you have read the first book there is no need for an introduction of the characters, and this installation is a test to the lovebirds as two jealous women, an outsider tribe and a baby comes into Windhawk and Joanna's lives. This story got me hooked till the end because I was frustrated and heartbroken over the damn misunderstanding once more that tears the couple apart.
It upsets me that jealousy eats the couple up and they spent almost a year fighting and doubting each other and Windhawk could have been the anchor for his wife when their son came into the world but both were TOO PROUD and hurt to reconcile. Of course over time and with help from Windhawk's mother...they will eventually have their HEA.
But oh the ANGST I felt in this book. Makes me want to strangle the two of them and murder the jealous bitches for interfering. One best part of the ending is when Joanna participates in an old dance ritual the Blackfoot has to win the heart of the man they desire. It was a nice way to end their conflict because Windhawk has been holding out his hand too often but to be rejected and now Joanna shall cross that bridge that will reunite them in a traditional way it was cutely romantic.
OVERALL it was a very intense story but entertaining and we get to see Tag and Morning Sun discover their love for one another.
February 8, 2013
Oh how I love Joanna and Windhawk. The description does not do the book justice. The review below mine has nothing to do with the book so I was quite confused by it.
Joanna and Windhawk have been together for two years now and they thought their love to strong. Old enemy's and new plot to destroy their world and their love. What their enemy's did not realize was that their love might bend but it would not break.
I loved this book just as I loved the first and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Joanna and Windhawk have been together for two years now and they thought their love to strong. Old enemy's and new plot to destroy their world and their love. What their enemy's did not realize was that their love might bend but it would not break.
I loved this book just as I loved the first and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 3, 2015
I love native stories
It would have been nice to know which book was 1st so that I could have read from the beginning to the end. Regardless I loved the the series. The books had everything in them to keep me reading until I finished the entire series
My daughter has asked me to make a list of the authors and books she might like to read when she finishes school in May. Constance O'Banyon will be 1st on my list. By the by I gave all the books a rating of five stars.
It would have been nice to know which book was 1st so that I could have read from the beginning to the end. Regardless I loved the the series. The books had everything in them to keep me reading until I finished the entire series
My daughter has asked me to make a list of the authors and books she might like to read when she finishes school in May. Constance O'Banyon will be 1st on my list. By the by I gave all the books a rating of five stars.
September 1, 2019
Ehhh...
I've completed the first two books (Autumn and Winter) and they definitely are not as good as some of the authors other books. I find Joanna whiny and immature and Windhawk is not much better. Towards the end it is said that their love is not strong enough, as they allow EVERY LITTLE THING to come between them and I find that to be a great description of these books!
I've completed the first two books (Autumn and Winter) and they definitely are not as good as some of the authors other books. I find Joanna whiny and immature and Windhawk is not much better. Towards the end it is said that their love is not strong enough, as they allow EVERY LITTLE THING to come between them and I find that to be a great description of these books!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews