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The Wildflower Women Collection #3
Through the Eyes of a Captive
"It is observed that in any great endeavor, it is not enough for a person to depend solely on himself." ~ Lakota Proverb
Several men have claimed responsibility for killing Custer, but what if it wasn’t a man? What if it was a woman?
They called it a terrible glory and the last great battle for the American West. While the battle of the Little Bighorn was the last stand by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer against the Lakota tribes, to Lily Sinclair it was the last stand between her old life and her new beginning.
After her in-laws squander away the family fortune, Lily and her husband, Alfred, head out west to the mountains of Montana, the only land available to poor people and far away from the debts haunting them. When a band of Cherokee warriors attacks their wagon train along the way, they kill her husband and take her captive, selling her to a Lakota tribe for the price of several horses.
Widowed Lakota warrior Tahatan has vowed never to take another bride after his wife’s death. However, he soon finds himself forced in a marriage with the outspoken, yellow-haired Yankee who challenges every thought in his head.
With Custer's sights set on the hidden gold in the depths of the Black Hills, the Colonel begins his warpath on the tribe villages. Can Lily overcome the demons of her past and defend Tahatan and his people? Or will she betray them all for the actions against her dead husband, killing someone she never believed she would in the process?
Through the Eyes of a Captive is the third beautifully written and compelling historical romance by Angela Christina Archer. If you love sweet and sensual romance with strong heroines who carve their own path in the history books, then you will love The Wildflower Women Collection. Unlock this amazing story as well as the others in the collection today.
Several men have claimed responsibility for killing Custer, but what if it wasn’t a man? What if it was a woman?
They called it a terrible glory and the last great battle for the American West. While the battle of the Little Bighorn was the last stand by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer against the Lakota tribes, to Lily Sinclair it was the last stand between her old life and her new beginning.
After her in-laws squander away the family fortune, Lily and her husband, Alfred, head out west to the mountains of Montana, the only land available to poor people and far away from the debts haunting them. When a band of Cherokee warriors attacks their wagon train along the way, they kill her husband and take her captive, selling her to a Lakota tribe for the price of several horses.
Widowed Lakota warrior Tahatan has vowed never to take another bride after his wife’s death. However, he soon finds himself forced in a marriage with the outspoken, yellow-haired Yankee who challenges every thought in his head.
With Custer's sights set on the hidden gold in the depths of the Black Hills, the Colonel begins his warpath on the tribe villages. Can Lily overcome the demons of her past and defend Tahatan and his people? Or will she betray them all for the actions against her dead husband, killing someone she never believed she would in the process?
Through the Eyes of a Captive is the third beautifully written and compelling historical romance by Angela Christina Archer. If you love sweet and sensual romance with strong heroines who carve their own path in the history books, then you will love The Wildflower Women Collection. Unlock this amazing story as well as the others in the collection today.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2019
About the author
Angela Christina Archer
16 books70 followersAuthor of Sweet and Spicy Romance from Yesteryear #sweetandspicyromance
Welcome to my little corner of the internet! So who am I? Well, it's quite simple actually. I'm a history-lovin' author who writes in her fuzzy pants and loves her horses! My stories have a pinch of sweetness, a dash of spice, and a dollop of history. Sound interesting? Then slip into your petticoats and curl up on the couch while I transport you to the past!
Growing up in Nevada, reading was always a pastime that took second place to trail riding and showing horses. When I did find the time in my youth to curl up with a book, I found enjoyment in the Saddle Club Series, the Sweet Valley High series, and the classics of Anne of Green Gables, The Box Car Children, and Little House on the Prairie. Although, writing always piqued my curiosity, it wasn’t until September 2009 that I worked up the courage to put my passion to paper and started my debut novel. With a love of history, it wasn’t hard for me to decide to pick the Historical Romance genre.
I live on a ranch with my husband, two daughters, and many farm animals. When I'm not writing, I spends my days from dawn to dusk as a stay at home, homeschooling mom. I also work in my garden and takes care of my many farm animals, as well as I love to bake and cook from scratch. While I don't show horses anymore, I still love to trail ride my paint horse, Honky, as well as I enjoy teaching my daughters how to ride their horses, Sunburst and Cowboy.
You can visit my website at www.angelachristinaarcher.com or www.longvalleypress.com for more information or sign up for her newsletters today to receive monthly updates and weekly sales, freebies, and new releases!
https://angelachristinaarcher.com/
https://longvalleypress.com/
https://twitter.com/AuthorACArcher
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorACArcher/
https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Christi...
Welcome to my little corner of the internet! So who am I? Well, it's quite simple actually. I'm a history-lovin' author who writes in her fuzzy pants and loves her horses! My stories have a pinch of sweetness, a dash of spice, and a dollop of history. Sound interesting? Then slip into your petticoats and curl up on the couch while I transport you to the past!
Growing up in Nevada, reading was always a pastime that took second place to trail riding and showing horses. When I did find the time in my youth to curl up with a book, I found enjoyment in the Saddle Club Series, the Sweet Valley High series, and the classics of Anne of Green Gables, The Box Car Children, and Little House on the Prairie. Although, writing always piqued my curiosity, it wasn’t until September 2009 that I worked up the courage to put my passion to paper and started my debut novel. With a love of history, it wasn’t hard for me to decide to pick the Historical Romance genre.
I live on a ranch with my husband, two daughters, and many farm animals. When I'm not writing, I spends my days from dawn to dusk as a stay at home, homeschooling mom. I also work in my garden and takes care of my many farm animals, as well as I love to bake and cook from scratch. While I don't show horses anymore, I still love to trail ride my paint horse, Honky, as well as I enjoy teaching my daughters how to ride their horses, Sunburst and Cowboy.
You can visit my website at www.angelachristinaarcher.com or www.longvalleypress.com for more information or sign up for her newsletters today to receive monthly updates and weekly sales, freebies, and new releases!
https://angelachristinaarcher.com/
https://longvalleypress.com/
https://twitter.com/AuthorACArcher
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorACArcher/
https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Christi...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 16, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5.0
It’s one of those books that those interested in the time period and subject matter will enjoy.
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
It’s one of those books that those interested in the time period and subject matter will enjoy.
Read full review in the 2019 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 6, 2019
This is a well scripted story of Lily Sinclair, who left Washington, DC with her husband, Alfred, to go West. Their entourage was attacked by a rogue group of American Indians and she was among the few captives. All the others were killed in the attack. Her capturers traded her to a Lakota tribe where she had a choice – to live under the protection of a warrior or become a slave. I won’t give you any more of the story so that you can enjoy reading the book.
I knew before I even started this book that it was one I would absolutely love, and I was not disappointed. First, I am a huge fan of historical fiction. I also have a love of the adventures of those who lived during the early years of western American history. Lily was a strong female character (my favorite character type). She was brave and willing to learn the ways of the Lakota. She met a widowed warrior, Tahatan, who through his kindness and decency, protected her and taught her about the Lakota, and with whom she fell in love.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, romance, adventure, and strong female characters, I recommend you snuggle up in your favorite chair and get lost in the pages of THROUGH THE EYES OF A CAPTIVE.
I knew before I even started this book that it was one I would absolutely love, and I was not disappointed. First, I am a huge fan of historical fiction. I also have a love of the adventures of those who lived during the early years of western American history. Lily was a strong female character (my favorite character type). She was brave and willing to learn the ways of the Lakota. She met a widowed warrior, Tahatan, who through his kindness and decency, protected her and taught her about the Lakota, and with whom she fell in love.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, romance, adventure, and strong female characters, I recommend you snuggle up in your favorite chair and get lost in the pages of THROUGH THE EYES OF A CAPTIVE.
June 24, 2019
Our novel opens with Lily traveling west with her somewhat surly husband; the open plains seemingly leading to endless possibilities. It doesn’t take long though before this outlook of hope and possibility drastically changes course to one of violence as a band of Indians attacks this train of innocent travelers. We as the reader knew the attack was coming. It’s outlined right there in the synopsis. What I wasn’t expecting was the ruthlessness of the attack. The author certainly doesn’t shirk away from some gruesome details.
We start off with the violent death of Lily’s husband, who was unexpectedly shot mid-conversation with a slew of arrows, before being stabbed repeatedly and even scalped. As Lily is captured, we see the brutal ends of her fellow travelers. Men, women, and even children whose throats were slit, or innocent bodies were penetrated by arrows. My initial question as a reader was whether or not the vicious details of such an attack were necessary. Then I realized that while the specifics were undoubtedly painful to read, you must also commend the author for not shying away from the stark authenticity of these kinds of attacks. When these two opposing worlds clashed together, violence like this was a reality. It was a harsh reality, but it was reality nonetheless. Why try to sugarcoat it?
When Lily is bound and captured, she immediately goes into survival mode. Escape doesn’t cross her mind, as she knows it would be futile. She has no choice but to follow her captors. At this point Lily’s entire life has been thrown into disarray. She just witnessed the slaughter of her husband and the wagon train. She’s been taken captive, traded to another tribe, and forced to marry their strongest warrior, Tahatan. Now, if it were me? I’d be curled up in a ball, shaking back and forth, and wracked by uncontrollable sobbing. For Lily, she learns how to adapt to an entirely new way of life, in a new environment, surrounded by people speaking a language she doesn’t understand. She comes to appreciate the beauty and calm of nature more than she ever felt for the bustling city streets she once knew. Her new husband speaks English, and while he initially admits he never had any intention of marrying again after the death of his first wife, the two eventually come to an understanding of friendship. Which soon blossoms into something more.
You might be asking yourself how it’s possible Lily could come to love another man so soon after the tragic death of her husband. The truth is that by marrying Tahatan she now has the opportunity to reflect on her previous marriage to Alfred. As they traveled the wagon train we saw glimpses that not all was well in their marriage. Lily now starts to question if she every truly loved him, or if it was simply the institution of marriage that she was attracted to. Time passes in this Lakota village she’s come to inhabit with her new husband, and she slowly starts to see the harsh mask of this warrior fade away into one of a gentle and caring person. He teaches her the ways and traditions of his people. They learn to trust each other. To confide in each other. And eventually how to love each other. However, as Lily learns to appreciate this new way of life, and this newfound love with her husband, dangerous forces start to encroach upon her newfound serenity.
Enter Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his band of soldiers. When the story opened we witnessed a gruesome attack of Cherokee against a wagon train. Now we see the reverse, as government soldiers heedlessly cut down innocent Lakota tribes-people in their villages. Once again, we see the violent slaughter of men, women and children come full circle, and it begs to question what either side is fighting for where death seems to be the only answer. For the Cherokee, the Lakota, and the other tribes, they are defending their homes, their traditions, and their very way of life from the slew of people invading their lands. For Custer and his men? It’s greed. Gold. The loss of innocent lives on either side is unforgivable, but to see the lengths that some men will go to simply for material wealth…it’s a tragedy that brings tears to my eyes even now. To read this fictional romance is one thing, but then to acknowledge that this story is steeped in the harsh truths of history makes these senseless deaths even more poignant.
For the first times in their lives, both Lily and Tahatan feel whole. Their love is pure, deep, and all-consuming. This becomes particularly evident when the possibility of Tahatan becoming swept up in the ensuing war between tribes and soldiers grows nearer. While Lily feels whole for the first time in her life, she also feels fear unlike anything she’s felt before over the thought of losing someone close to her. When she and Alfred were traveling along the wagon train she knew the dangers and risks of attacks were lurking, but it never crossed her mind what it would be like to lose Alfred; to have to live a life without him. Now that she’s finally confronted with the possibility of losing Tahatan, she is filled with a crippling fear which makes her question if she’d be able to survive if he were to die.
We start off with the violent death of Lily’s husband, who was unexpectedly shot mid-conversation with a slew of arrows, before being stabbed repeatedly and even scalped. As Lily is captured, we see the brutal ends of her fellow travelers. Men, women, and even children whose throats were slit, or innocent bodies were penetrated by arrows. My initial question as a reader was whether or not the vicious details of such an attack were necessary. Then I realized that while the specifics were undoubtedly painful to read, you must also commend the author for not shying away from the stark authenticity of these kinds of attacks. When these two opposing worlds clashed together, violence like this was a reality. It was a harsh reality, but it was reality nonetheless. Why try to sugarcoat it?
When Lily is bound and captured, she immediately goes into survival mode. Escape doesn’t cross her mind, as she knows it would be futile. She has no choice but to follow her captors. At this point Lily’s entire life has been thrown into disarray. She just witnessed the slaughter of her husband and the wagon train. She’s been taken captive, traded to another tribe, and forced to marry their strongest warrior, Tahatan. Now, if it were me? I’d be curled up in a ball, shaking back and forth, and wracked by uncontrollable sobbing. For Lily, she learns how to adapt to an entirely new way of life, in a new environment, surrounded by people speaking a language she doesn’t understand. She comes to appreciate the beauty and calm of nature more than she ever felt for the bustling city streets she once knew. Her new husband speaks English, and while he initially admits he never had any intention of marrying again after the death of his first wife, the two eventually come to an understanding of friendship. Which soon blossoms into something more.
You might be asking yourself how it’s possible Lily could come to love another man so soon after the tragic death of her husband. The truth is that by marrying Tahatan she now has the opportunity to reflect on her previous marriage to Alfred. As they traveled the wagon train we saw glimpses that not all was well in their marriage. Lily now starts to question if she every truly loved him, or if it was simply the institution of marriage that she was attracted to. Time passes in this Lakota village she’s come to inhabit with her new husband, and she slowly starts to see the harsh mask of this warrior fade away into one of a gentle and caring person. He teaches her the ways and traditions of his people. They learn to trust each other. To confide in each other. And eventually how to love each other. However, as Lily learns to appreciate this new way of life, and this newfound love with her husband, dangerous forces start to encroach upon her newfound serenity.
Enter Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his band of soldiers. When the story opened we witnessed a gruesome attack of Cherokee against a wagon train. Now we see the reverse, as government soldiers heedlessly cut down innocent Lakota tribes-people in their villages. Once again, we see the violent slaughter of men, women and children come full circle, and it begs to question what either side is fighting for where death seems to be the only answer. For the Cherokee, the Lakota, and the other tribes, they are defending their homes, their traditions, and their very way of life from the slew of people invading their lands. For Custer and his men? It’s greed. Gold. The loss of innocent lives on either side is unforgivable, but to see the lengths that some men will go to simply for material wealth…it’s a tragedy that brings tears to my eyes even now. To read this fictional romance is one thing, but then to acknowledge that this story is steeped in the harsh truths of history makes these senseless deaths even more poignant.
For the first times in their lives, both Lily and Tahatan feel whole. Their love is pure, deep, and all-consuming. This becomes particularly evident when the possibility of Tahatan becoming swept up in the ensuing war between tribes and soldiers grows nearer. While Lily feels whole for the first time in her life, she also feels fear unlike anything she’s felt before over the thought of losing someone close to her. When she and Alfred were traveling along the wagon train she knew the dangers and risks of attacks were lurking, but it never crossed her mind what it would be like to lose Alfred; to have to live a life without him. Now that she’s finally confronted with the possibility of losing Tahatan, she is filled with a crippling fear which makes her question if she’d be able to survive if he were to die.
March 2, 2020
This book is researched history meeting literary twists. It earns a solid five stars for creativity and characterization. There were a few minor typos sprinkled throughout. The drawback was the dialogue between Lily and her Lakota family. While trappers had taught some tribe members English, the slang and phrases that the Native Americans understood and used was not believable. Ms. Archer has written wonderful Native American stories before, and the dialogue has always been believable until now. Beyond those issues, “Through the Eyes of a Captive” is an entertaining story about an emotionally strong woman that will keep readers flipping pages to see what happens to her next. Reviewed by Ryan Jo
Full review in the March 2020 issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.
Full review in the March 2020 issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.
June 1, 2020
First, let me say, this book can be read by anyone that appreciates history, honesty and adventure. There is violence but that was the old west with Indian raids, military action and fighting for your own land. I loved this book. It’s what happened in history with the Indians trying to keep their lands and the government making treaties but often not keeping them. Feeling they had no choice but to leave Washington, Alfred and Lily head west. Lt. Colonel Custer is out west using the strong arm of the military to destroy villages, gain control of land, selfishly wanting gold and creating mayhem. This story-line is one you won’t forget as the Indians fight for survival. Yes, there were problems on both sides of the issues, but this book brings forth the many lives affected.
October 12, 2019
Too good to put down
Me Archer does an excellent job in portraying the true spirit of the Lakota people. Even though a captive Lilly determines her life is better off than what it was. I am so glad that even in fiction someone has shown the love and pride that the Lakota people have for family. By goin to Cankpe Opi (Wounded Knee, S.D.) each summer I have witnessed the love that Oyate (the people) have for others. You are either enemy or family and the call you family until you prove different ly. The love story of Tahatan and Lilly proves to be a riveting read that I recommend to anyone. I truly believe that this story is more fact than fiction!
Me Archer does an excellent job in portraying the true spirit of the Lakota people. Even though a captive Lilly determines her life is better off than what it was. I am so glad that even in fiction someone has shown the love and pride that the Lakota people have for family. By goin to Cankpe Opi (Wounded Knee, S.D.) each summer I have witnessed the love that Oyate (the people) have for others. You are either enemy or family and the call you family until you prove different ly. The love story of Tahatan and Lilly proves to be a riveting read that I recommend to anyone. I truly believe that this story is more fact than fiction!
January 11, 2023
I absolutely loved this book!! Moving out West in a wagon train could be dangerous, as Lily found out. This is her story and what a story it was!!
Set in the Badlands of South Dakota (before the Lakota lost most of it to the US government).. I could picture the story, as I was there last summer with my fiance. Beautiful area!!
Lily runs into Gen George Custer several times during the course of the story.. But I loved her last run-in with him!! Read it and find out..
Set in the Badlands of South Dakota (before the Lakota lost most of it to the US government).. I could picture the story, as I was there last summer with my fiance. Beautiful area!!
Lily runs into Gen George Custer several times during the course of the story.. But I loved her last run-in with him!! Read it and find out..
December 4, 2019
Amazing story!
I’m really not up to saying anything other than it was a well written, beautiful story. Not cheesy, not overly dramatic and full of childish problems adults somehow mostly seem to steep in through a lot of novels. It was refreshing and vibrant. Love, tragedy, life, survival and courage to face the coming dawn.
I’m really not up to saying anything other than it was a well written, beautiful story. Not cheesy, not overly dramatic and full of childish problems adults somehow mostly seem to steep in through a lot of novels. It was refreshing and vibrant. Love, tragedy, life, survival and courage to face the coming dawn.
April 26, 2020
Through the Eyes of a Captive is a compelling read. Angela did an excellent job crafting characters that come to life straight off the page. She carried my imagination to a time, a place, a land that I have no other way to experience. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical romance stories.
June 8, 2020
WOW Great Historically Written Fiction!
This book captures the audience from the beginning with the Wagon Train headed to Montana.
A couple (Alfred and Lily) are just one of the many who are traveling west to make a different life for themselves when their wagon train gets attacked by rogue Lakota warriors.
This is a tale of survival for her own good.
This book captures the audience from the beginning with the Wagon Train headed to Montana.
A couple (Alfred and Lily) are just one of the many who are traveling west to make a different life for themselves when their wagon train gets attacked by rogue Lakota warriors.
This is a tale of survival for her own good.
July 3, 2019
Through the eyes of a Captive
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie.
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie.
October 7, 2019
Good story
I really enjoyed the real history written in the story. I enjoyed the characters, setting, and plot. I didn't really like the ending but stayed true tohistory.
I really enjoyed the real history written in the story. I enjoyed the characters, setting, and plot. I didn't really like the ending but stayed true tohistory.
October 9, 2019
Wonderful
A wonderful well written saga of our western history.
I enjoyed all aspects of the story and character development. Highly recommended for American Historical fiction!
A wonderful well written saga of our western history.
I enjoyed all aspects of the story and character development. Highly recommended for American Historical fiction!
June 7, 2020
Captivating Story
I very much enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next. It was a page Turner and kept my interest right to the end.
I very much enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next. It was a page Turner and kept my interest right to the end.
June 12, 2020
Great story,hard to put down, very well written.
Great story, hard to put down, very well written . Never dull, it keeps going with very good timing for everyone.
Great story, hard to put down, very well written . Never dull, it keeps going with very good timing for everyone.
March 13, 2021
For the most part, I found this book a great read.
June 6, 2021
Meh. I’d give it a 3.5. The quality is fairly decent but the plot itself wasn’t the best. It got weird halfway to 3/4 through and I just skimmed for a bit. Just my opinion tho 🤷🏻♀️
July 30, 2020
I loved everything about this book! It was wonderfully laid out and felt real in the way the characters thought out everything from their circumstance to their outlook on life. Wonderful read and just makes you feel good when you're finished. I also like that though it is part of a series you can read this stand alone!
October 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this story even though it is written as if the female character is telling it. Good read. HEA ending.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews