What do you think?
Rate this book
Moon of Ripening
When Lakota warrior Thunder Heart, who is destined to be a leader of his people, saves the lives of two white women during Red Cloud's War, he places his family and, indeed, his entire village at risk. Can Thunder Heart keep these women safe? Will his act of compassion cause the death of his family? Will his people demand the abandonment or death of these women in order to avoid the wrath of the Bluecoats or perhaps that of Red Cloud? Uncertain of the outcome, he knows only one thing: He desires the pale-haired beauty, Victoria Abernathy, and will do anything to insure her safety.
242 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 9, 2011
When Lakota warrior Thunder Heart, who is destined to be a leader of his people, saves the lives of two white women during Red Cloud's War, he places his family and, indeed, his entire village at risk. Can Thunder Heart keep these women safe? Will his act of compassion cause the death of his people?
Will his people demand the abandonment or death of these women in order to avoid the wrath of the Bluecoats or perhaps, that of Red Cloud?
Uncertain of the outcome, he knows only one thing: He desires the pale-haired beauty, Victoria Abernathy, and will do anything to insure her safety.
Powerful and engaging, Moon of Ripening transports the reader to a world of warriors and chiefs in a time when the west was the domain of an ancient and proud people. The attention to historical detail in this novel adds a new dimension to the life of the Lakota during the 1860s. The author has captured the savage beauty of the time along with the cruelty and mistrust that had been ingrained in both the whites and the Indians alike.
Throughout this book, we follow Thunder Heart, a Lakota chief, Victoria, daughter of a preacher, and Lilith, Victoria’s mother as their lives are intertwined with the Lakota tribe that is attempting to avoid the United States Calvary. During this journey, all three are forced to reexamine all they have been taught about the other race in an attempt to survive this brutal time. As their journey progresses the tenderness that Thunder Heart feels for Victoria grows even in the face of impossible odds.
Strong and powerful, this love story captures the imagination in a way unique to the Native American people. This book is one that I loathed to leave for any reason until I reached the final page. It has anything and everything I look for in a historical romance then goes a step further by focusing on the environment and events around the main couple, not just on the couple themselves. This was a refreshing change to the more formulistic romances that have been available over the past two decades.
An absolute masterpiece, this book awakens the romance and strength of an era when nothing was certain and individuals had to depend on one another for their very survival. I will be actively seeking new works from this author and hope she doesn’t keep me waiting long.
Originally published on Long and Short Reviews
December 31, 2012
The emotions of the characters confused me at times. Sometimes one or the other would become angry without true provocation. And then their so-called "teasing"? Did not sound like teasing to me at all. Also, there are times when one of them will ask a question, and the other won't answer it. It got to the point that I just wanted the book to end, for them to FINALLY get married, have children, and get away from the Blue Coats.
And then Victoria's crazy mother was constantly going back and forth, mad, not mad, insane, oh wait, now she's sane. And then she will get a "sly" look in her eyes (that's what the author wrote), when she is a little insane at the moment.
Such a frustrating story, seemed to drag on at times. And Victoria was so helpless a lot of the times, acting submissive, shy, and then bold and strong. I couldn't figure her out a lot of the times. And then she's always crying! Her eyes began to fill when she and Thunder Heart were discussing dresses, and why she was still in her "white man's" dress when by then the thing had to be falling apart, considering all she has gone through. She nearly fell of a ridge in the thing, going through thrones in the process, and she's still wearing it?!
Ok, enough ranting. I guess you will just have to decide if you want to read it after this.
And then Victoria's crazy mother was constantly going back and forth, mad, not mad, insane, oh wait, now she's sane. And then she will get a "sly" look in her eyes (that's what the author wrote), when she is a little insane at the moment.
Such a frustrating story, seemed to drag on at times. And Victoria was so helpless a lot of the times, acting submissive, shy, and then bold and strong. I couldn't figure her out a lot of the times. And then she's always crying! Her eyes began to fill when she and Thunder Heart were discussing dresses, and why she was still in her "white man's" dress when by then the thing had to be falling apart, considering all she has gone through. She nearly fell of a ridge in the thing, going through thrones in the process, and she's still wearing it?!
Ok, enough ranting. I guess you will just have to decide if you want to read it after this.
March 31, 2011
I finished this book not more then two minutes ago and needed to share my feelings while they were still fresh.
I'm not sure if this book touched me deeply because I am part Native American or that I live in an area populated with Native Americans, but I have always felt a connection to the stories I have read. I wrote a very long, thoroughly research ( before Wikipedia! ) on Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, and the feelings that were produced during the research impacted me so much as a student in junior high that anytime I read a book or watch a movie that tells about the struggles of the Native Americans, it tugs at my heart to this day.
And this book was no different. This was a beautifully written tale of a Lakota tribe and their journey to be free to love and live life in a simple way. The love that was shared by Thunder Heart and Victoria in this story was enchanting and even though the couple were polar opposites, it proved that love and soul mates can happen when and where you least expect them. And when love is that deep, nothing can keep you apart. I loved this story so much, I plan to read it again and I hope that many readers take the journey that starts in a lonely hot plain and ends up in the love filled cold mountains.
I'm not sure if this book touched me deeply because I am part Native American or that I live in an area populated with Native Americans, but I have always felt a connection to the stories I have read. I wrote a very long, thoroughly research ( before Wikipedia! ) on Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, and the feelings that were produced during the research impacted me so much as a student in junior high that anytime I read a book or watch a movie that tells about the struggles of the Native Americans, it tugs at my heart to this day.
And this book was no different. This was a beautifully written tale of a Lakota tribe and their journey to be free to love and live life in a simple way. The love that was shared by Thunder Heart and Victoria in this story was enchanting and even though the couple were polar opposites, it proved that love and soul mates can happen when and where you least expect them. And when love is that deep, nothing can keep you apart. I loved this story so much, I plan to read it again and I hope that many readers take the journey that starts in a lonely hot plain and ends up in the love filled cold mountains.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2014
This was almost a good book. The story was enjoyable but the writing oh so wordy, wordy, wordy...and repetitious. Way too much tell-me and too little show-me. Too much inside their heads distracting from the story going on outside their heads. Too much boring neurotic rumination distracting from plot development and interesting action. Personally I prefer the story to move along without every action statement followed by how she felt, followed by what she thought, followed by what he felt, followed by of what he thought, followed by how horny they are (which was pretty well established in the first few pages). Very early on I had already wearied of all the quivering body parts and throbbing wombs and knew this novel was going to be a mucky mess to slog through. Some things were inconsistent and others pretty far-fetched but the story overall had its charms; too bad the author buried them so deeply in all that ponderous inner monologue. If you enjoy a scavenger hunt when reading to find the story line that is drowning in repetitious ruminations then this is the book for you. As for me, the condensed version, focusing on story and action, please.
April 16, 2012
I read this book mostly because I love reading about the Lakota Sioux. The love story is beautiful overall, but a little corny in parts. The story is improbable, but it was a good historical fiction read, nonetheless. I do believe the author described the culture of the Lakota accurately, and I appreciate that. Not sure if I'll read others in the series, but I did enjoy this one.
August 14, 2011
Lovely story. Kept you wondering until the end how it would resolve. Beautiful descriptions. I loved how the author portrayed the Lakota warrior and white woman characters without dipping to stereotypes. It all rang true to me. Wonderful love story.
March 29, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the tidbits of information about the Lakota culture, and the romance to the book was very sweet and likable. I definitely plan on reading more books in this series and seeing what else the author has to offer.
April 22, 2016
This book takes place in N. Dakota. It is Thunder heart's story. I loved every page of it. He falls in love with Victoria a white girl whose father is a Missionary for their tribe. You'll love this book.
April 16, 2012
Pleasant romance. Could've had a bit more passion for me, but I still enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews