26 May 2012

A Love Forbidden by Kathleen Morgan, Book review


Synopsis:

Moved by the desire for adventure and a yearning to help the Ute Indians, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado. The new job, however, isn't what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian Agent, and the unrealistic demands of the US government. Her unexpected encounter with Jesse Blackwater, an embittered half-breed Ute and childhood friend, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst the spiraling tensions threatening to explode into a catastrophic Indian uprising.

Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this is a tale of a forbidden love and a faith tested in the cauldron of intolerance and the harsh realities of life on the untamed frontier.

My thoughts:

'A Love Forbidden', Book # 2 in Heart of the Rockies series reads like a Western with a powerful message: intolerance is the root of many evils!
Once again Baker Revell brings us an interesting author and I was pleasantly surprised in Kathleen Morgan's vivid descriptions of the 1800 Colorado Rockies! 
There is so much History in the US, often misconstrued yet as rich as many older nations!
I love to discover yet another facet of the Old West and I believe I mentioned it before, the first novel I read in English was written by Louis l'Amour! 

Kathleen Morgan's tasteful description of Shiloh Wainwright and Jesse Blackwater's love story gives us a realistic outlook on frontier life in the 1800's Colorado and the Ute reservation. 
As a teacher on the Indian reservation Shiloh hopes to help Indian children learn the White Man's ways whilst retaining their identity. Her task is not easy as she deals with narrow minded agencies and wary settlers.
Jesse Blackwater is the childhood friend she never forgot and caught betwixt both the White man's world and the Ute worlds, they find themselves caught in a maelstrom of emotions and conflicts, both internal and external.

'A Love Forbidden' might have been just another Historical romance but Kathleen Morgan draws you in the story and you immerse yourself in it. The sum of a good novel, right?
It is always amazing to read lines which create such a vivid panoramic picture of times gone by and in turn creates such powerful emotions! 
Amidst prejudice and growing political tension betwixt both the White and Indian world, you find yourself wondering if you would have the courage and wisdom to do what is right. In such circumstances, where would you stand as a Christian? 

Kathleen Morgan seems to breathe this time period and spares no details to entice us visually. Life on the frontier was often harsh, supplies limited, and communication slow due to long distances betwixt forts and settlements. 
When one side fails to honour its word, the other decided to take action...

Red headed Shiloh is as tenacious in her convictions as in her love for Jesse, whilst he sees the road ahead in a very realistic way. Will they be able to bridge both worlds and find love, acceptance, forgiveness and ultimately peace?

Well depicted, this is a thought provoking story which illustrates the power of love and faith in a world often riddled with prejudice and ignorance.
In the end, you are in God's hands and given the chance, Shiloh and Jesse will come to realize nothing is impossible for them with His help.

I give it 4  stars.

About the Author:


Kathleen Morgan describes herself as 'Refined by Fire, Redeemed by Love, and as you will quickly realize is a well published author with amazing talents! It seems she likes to write on variety of subjects.
If you liked this book, be sure to sign up for her newsletter!
For more visit her website (here).


I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.



1 comment:

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