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Night Shadow is driven by the need for vengeance, to find and punish the man who murdered his family and kidnapped his sister. And what better way to exact that revenge than by stealing his enemy's intended bride on their wedding day: a woman for a woman. He will release his captive if and when his sister is returned to him.
The daughter of a great chief and no meek maiden, Winona fights her captor every step of the way. But she cannot deny that the warrior's touch arouses something in her that her betrothed never has. She sees through the anger in Night Shadow's eyes to the despair within, and knows in her heart it is her destiny to help him learn to live again.
Night Shadow is mesmerized by Winona's beauty and spirit, and soon realizes he must face his past and end the hatred in order to offer her a future.
Book 3 of 12.
Previously published.
67,000 words
Fluttering among the tender shoots, meadowlarks greeted the new day with joyful song. At the approach of two young women, one songbird flew upward in a startling flash of yellow and black.
Drops of dew scattered like tiny iridescent jewels when one woman jumped in front of the other, then twirled in a circle. Excitement hummed through Winona.
"I am so happy." She clasped her hands over her heart. "Tonight I become wife to Hoka Luta." And wife to an important medicine man, she added silently.
Walking at her side, Spotted Deer yanked hard on Winona’ s arm to prevent her friend from stepping barefoot on a sharp rock. "Pay attention where you walk or put your moccasins back on."
Winona bit back a smile. Spotted Deer did not share her enthusiasm for early mornings. But she stopped and put her plain, smoked-hide shoes back on. It wouldn’ t do to cut her foot and not be able to dance and celebrate after her wedding.
As they made their way downhill to the stream, Winona saw several women belonging to her Hunkpapa tribe strolling by the river. Scattered across the prairie, several other Sioux tribes were camped. Many had come to witness and celebrate the marriage of the daughter of a respected Sioux chief to a powerful Sioux medicine man.
It was early, yet many were already up, eager, as was she, to start the day. Deep laughter from the left drew her attention. Three men were returning from their baths.
Her gaze sharpened. Behind them she glimpsed Hoka Luta, her soon-to-be mate, emerging from the brush-lined stream. Winona veered slightly to the left. In the early dawn Hoka Luta’ s bare torso gleamed wetly. It pleased her that he, too, favored early risings.
Though Hoka Luta had arrived with a dozen warriors at his side, he walked alone. Staring at his profile like the love-struck woman she was, Winona eagerly anticipated starting each day with a solitary morning walk with her husband.
"Is he not the most handsome and bravest warrior?" Her voice softened, turning dreamy with anticipation of the life they soon would share.
Winona lowered her gaze as she and Spotted Deer drew closer, but couldn’ t stop herself from peering beneath her lashes to catch glimpses of Hoka Luta’ s muscular golden frame. Her heart fluttered, making her feel like a young girl who’ d just discovered the mysterious wonders of the opposite sex.
A secretive smile curved her lips. Maybe she had—or would soon. For as long as she could remember she’ d set her mind and heart on finding a mate who’ d love her and make her soul sing.
Growing up with parents whose love seemed to grow stronger with each passing year had made Winona determined to find the same. Hoka Luta, whose name meant Red Badger, was everything she’ d ever wanted in a man.
Like the badger, Hoka Luta was tenacious, bold and ferocious. His sheer size made him a force to be reckoned with. Stories of his courage and power had circulated at last year’ s Sun Dance. Like a badger, Hoka Luta did not back down from a fight. And because his father had once been a powerful medicine man, his enemies feared his spiritual power too.
He was a good leader, and commanded respect much as her own father did. He’ d make her a good husband. Winona caught her lower lip to keep from grinning like a besotted bride-to-be. "I cannot believe he chose me," she whispered to herself.
Anonymous
Posted April 25, 2006
I really enjoyed this book, the character's were easy to fall in love with. The only draw back was the ending I felt it was a bit cheezey but was still good as everthing ties together into one happy ending.
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Posted October 3, 2003
For fourteen years he survived until he could avenge the massacre of his family and the abduction of his sister Jenny. He believes the time is at hand as his enemy the Sioux medicine chief Hoka Luta is to marry tomorrow. Half-breed Cheyenne White Shadow plans to kidnap the bride Winona and use her to trade for his sibling. The opportunity is perfect as Winona and her sister Spotted Deer walk away from the Hunkpapa camp towards the river. He and his three companions abduct the bride and her sibling on her wedding day.
When Winona tries to escape, White Shadow splits the two hostages into two groups. He takes the bride with him while his companions escort Spotted Deer. To his chagrin White Shadow wants Winona¿s respect not her scorn. He tries to persuade her that her betrothed is a cruel killer, but she rejects his thoughts as Hoka Luta has too great a reputation to be this vicious murderer. However, in spite of their terrible beginnings, the abductee and his hostage fall in love, but Hoka Luta is coming to kill him and reject soiled goods.
Though the theme has been used as often as stars seen in the nineteenth century sky including by this author, Susan Edwards provides a delightful redemption tale. The lead couple, supported by a strong cast, drives the story line as Winona tries to ease the pain inside White Shadow¿s soul, but he refuses to let go of the hate until love overwhelms his darkest feelings. Indian historical romance readers will enjoy Susan Edwards' fine tale that appears to have a sequel or two in the offerings.
Harriet Klausner
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Overview
Missouri Territory, 1838
Night Shadow is driven by the need for vengeance, to find and punish the man who murdered his family and kidnapped his sister. And what better way to exact that revenge than by stealing his enemy's intended bride on their wedding day: a woman for a woman. He will release his captive if and when his sister is returned to him.
The daughter of a great chief and no meek maiden, Winona fights her captor every step of the way. But she cannot deny that the warrior's touch arouses something in her that her betrothed never has. She sees through the anger in Night ...