Trace Cooper has loved Shayleen most of his life. He wouldn't know how to get along without her. Her strong spirit and sense of what of right and wrong was what he loved most about her. But would that same spirit get her killed? When Shayleen suffers the loss of so many loved ones, can he help her see that her spirit is strong enough to survive?

Shayleen tries to help save the lives of her Indian brothers and sister in a time when most white men see them as nothing more than savages. When the massacre at Little Big horn brings about the death of her blood sister Laughing Eyes, can she find the will to keep the promise she made to her adopted Indian father?

In a time when the west was still untamed and injustice still shadowed the land, Shayleen O'Malley Cooper also known as Autumn Sky fights to bring about a better way. Will she succeed or will the death of so many break her spirit?

Louise Riveiro-Mitchell writes a story that I found to be rich in character and full of heart. The tragedies Shayleen faces are enough to make most want to give up, but instead she fights even harder to make a difference. I couldn't help but admire the characters Ms. Mitchell has created in this story. Their personalities are so strong and even through the many trials they face, they held strong to their beliefs. I laugh and cried as I followed Shayleen through her life. You will read about a love and passion so real, you'll ask yourself, is this really fiction? I give Dark Skies of Autumn, Book 2 of the Autumn Sky series Five Hearts. Enjoy!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Diane Tugman
April 15, 2005