He promised her that he would see she that safely got to Fort Reno as soon as she was well enough to travel. The snow had closed many of the passes to get to the Fort and Emma soon realized she would have to stay with the Cheyenne until the soldiers came with supplies. Though she was reluctant at first, she soon realized the stories she had heard about he Indians were not true, the Cheyenne treated her with kindness and respect.

She adapted to their ways and soon was teaching the braves how to read and write English.

Shea was her first pupil. As time went on it was clear that both Emma and Shea were attracted to each other. Shea had learned some English from his father who was white but that was a long time ago. The young girl with such determination and beautiful and touched his heart like no other could. They were married that spring and Emma faced the decision of choosing to live with the Cheyenne or returning to her people. She chose to stay with Shea.

News came that the army was going to move the Cheyenne again and many of the braves wanted to fight. It was settled that they would leave the village under cover of night and flee to Canada. Once again Shea tried to make Emma stay behind and once again she refused. Only when they were separated and she was captured by bounty hunters did she realize her fate. When she was taken to the Fort she found that her own people had little respect for her, yet she still kept hope that Shea would find her and take her back. The bond they had was stronger than any force could hold and these two were destined to find each other. This young woman had been through so much in her young life it seemed that fate would not let her lose the one man who had saved her and gave her happiness.

This is the story of Emma Jordan Hawkshadow, a woman of strength, determination, spunk, compassion and love. Her character is what many frontier woman were like and yet one finds her so intriguing that one can't put the book down. Her love for the Cheyenne Dog Soldier who saved her form death in the snow was so touching that the reader feels every joy and sorrow they go through. Shea Russell Hawshadow, the handsome brave, found in this young girl the woman who shared his spirit and loved her all his days.

Ms. Gibbs has not just given readers a novel, she's given us a glimpse of history through their eyes.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Louise Riveiro-Mitchell
December 22, 2004