Dancing on Coals [NOOK Book]

Well-written and Touching Historical Romance

Dancing on Coals is a wide-ranging historical romance. It sweeps you into the Arizona Territory and Northern Mexico for an emotional romance between two people who find a bridge between cultures in a challenging time. Set in 1881, the story spans two years between a vengeful Apache man and a tenacious woman. It¿s fresh, emotional, and enchanting. ***The Story*** Katherine Grant has lived an exotic lifestyle. She was included in the travels of her father¿s shipping company. After years of being given the same freedom as her brothers, she is a misfit among her kind. She tried to conform but was met with rejection and ostracism. Katherine decides on a grand tour from New York to California to quench her need to explore. Unfortunately, her stagecoach is attacked by a group of bandits. She is rescued by an Nilchi, who is part of an Apache raiding party. He decides he keep her and make Katherine his wife. Eventually, she is placed into the care of Nilchi¿s brother Gaetan, a man with a wealth of hate for Whites. Despite the difference in their culture and race, a bond forms after they save each other¿s lives. Their relationship spans two years. ***The Hero and Heroine*** ¿Dying is easier than living sometimes, I suppose [¿].¿ ¿ Katherine Grant ¿Sometimes I think if Gaetan is cut, his blood will spill out black from the poison inside him.¿ ¿ Nilchi Katherine is a fierce heroine. She¿s mature, passionate, and efficient. When she is captured by the Apache raiding party, her goal is to survive. Katherine is not a heroine that will escape in the middle of a desert without food or water. She makes the best of her circumstances while keeping her eyes open for an opportunity to find her way home. She is ahead of her time in her beliefs yet the author never pushes hard with the ¿I¿m an independent woman¿ trope. The author shows how Katherine becomes immersed in the Apache way of life. This is not a historical romance where the heroine is captured and one week later she¿s in love and totally adjusted with her circumstances. Gaetan¿s character presents more of a challenge. At the age of 9, he and his brother are captured and sent to an Indian mission school. The children suffer in the attempts for them to abandon their culture and assimilate with western society. Gaetan makes his escape at the age of sixteen. Later, he returns for his brother. In his return to his tribe, Gaetan does not find acceptance, except in what he has to offer from his raids. His soul is filled with darkness, rage, and hate. Ironically, Katherine and Gaetan are have something strong in common. Neither fit perfectly into their worlds, but fit perfectly together. Their relationship takes time to develop. Ms. O¿Connell does not rush their romance. Neither does she become preachy by making all Whites bad and all Indians good. ***Final Thoughts*** This was a lovely romance. I loved how Katherine brought light into Gaetan¿s soul. I also loved how Gaetan saw beyond the color of Katherine¿s skin to the fierce heart of the woman. Plus, I absolutely adored the afterword. Seeing the hero and heroine years later, still in love, silently communicating, having fun, at the family reunion made me give a very happy sigh. Memorable Quote ¿Your skin is white, but I think the white god made a mistake or maybe he did it on purpose to play a joke. He gave you an Apache heart.¿

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great book, horrible cover!

This was a really nice Romantic Western.

Couldn't Finish

Couldn't get into this book, couldn't bond with the characters, didn't even finish it.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent book.

Excellent book.

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