A Love Forbidden
Heart of the Rockies Series- #2
By Kathleen Morgan
Kathleen Morgan explores themes of mercy, fidelity to one’s beliefs, and compassion for those different from oneself in this sweeping Western saga. Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this is a tale of a forbidden love and a faith tested in the midst of intolerance and the harsh realities of life on the untamed frontier.
Moved by the desire for adventure and a yearning to help the Ute Indians, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado. The new job, however, isn’t what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian Agent, and the unrealistic demands of the US government. Her unexpected encounter with Jesse Blackwater, an embittered half-breed Ute and childhood friend, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst the spiraling tensions threatening to explode into a catastrophic Indian uprising.
Kathleen Morgan is the award-winning author of many novels, including those in the bestselling Brides of Culdee Creek series. She lives in Colorado.
Praise for Kathleen Morgan’s A Heart Divided – #1 in the Heart of the Rockies Series:
4 Stars
“Morgan launches a new series, Heart of the Rockies, written with charm, wit and characters to be cherished. The characters are strong, able to solve problems with a open mind and heart, and have some giggles along the way.”—RT Reviews
“Believable characters and an attention to detail make this series debut from the author of the “Brides of Culdee Creek” series a sure bet for fans of Lori Wick.”—Library Journal
“A Heart Divided reflects Kathleen’s talent for penning complex characters, historical detail and an engaging romance.”—Rel Mollet
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
When Shiloh Wainright accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado, she never dreamed of catching up with her old childhood best friend Jesse Blackwater. Though she is thrilled to see him again, and see that he is doing well after his abrupt leave almost ten years ago from her families ranch. Could their friendship rekindle now that they were back together, and now that they were nine years older than before?
Trouble is, Shiloh is from a white family and Jesse is half-breed. Half white and half Ute Indian. Which means any attraction they might have toward each other cannot happen. A relationship between the two of them would be unheard of and forbidden.
Kathleen Morgan writes a heartwarming and at the same time heart wrenching story about two people from completely different cultures, two completely different worlds represented here. As we follow Jesse and Shiloh’s story, Kathleen takes us on a journey like no other we’ve been on. The differences between the Ute and white man’s life is nothing to be compared. And with a dad like Jesse’s, being abusive and hating both Jesse and is mother, Jesse could only find acceptance with his mother’s people, the Ute.
Shiloh wasn’t the only one so drawn to Jesse, he was just so adorable! And the hurt he had always suffered, and still was suffering was heartbreaking to read about. It was a hurt that not even Shiloh could help him with. And Shiloh had her own hurt and heartache over what happened to Jesse years ago when he left the ranch.
I had a difficult time getting into this story, but it was because of the information on the Ute Indians, and the background for the story. It was just kind of boring for me. But it then the story took off and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I was so heartbroken for Jesse that I wanted to make sure everything turn out for him ok. The story is sometimes not so easy to read, I found myself reading, but not taking it in at times because of the nature of the scenes with the Indians trying to defend what they had. Wonderful writing of the author in the vivid details of the Ute’s way of life. And I appreciate the author describing God’s way of salvation so plain and clear, and for showing that only God can break through those barriers and change lives.
I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a really good read, and especially those who enjoy historical fiction. And if you enjoy a good old Indian story, this one is for you as well!
I received this book from the publisher Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55
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