Sunday, May 20, 2012

SUNDAY BOOK REVIEW: A LOVE FORBIDDEN by KATHLEEN MORGAN



PRESS RELEASE


A Love Forbidden
By Kathleen Morgan
978-0-8007-1971-5
$14.99
Paperback
336 pages
Pub Date: May 2012


A Love Forbidden
Heart of the Rockies Series- #2
By Kathleen Morgan

Kathleen Morgan explores themes of mercy, fidelity to one’s beliefs, and compassion for those different from oneself in this sweeping Western saga.  Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this is a tale of a forbidden love and a faith tested in the midst of intolerance and the harsh realities of life on the untamed frontier. 
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.
Kathleen Morgan is the award-winning author of many novels, including those in the bestselling Brides of Culdee Creek series. She lives in Colorado.

Praise for Kathleen Morgan’s A Heart Divided - #1 in the Heart of the Rockies Series:

4 Stars
“Morgan launches a new series, Heart of the Rockies, written with charm, wit and characters to be cherished. The characters are strong, able to solve problems with a open mind and heart, and have some giggles along the way.”—RT Reviews

“Believable characters and an attention to detail make this series debut from the author of the “Brides of Culdee Creek” series a sure bet for fans of Lori Wick.”—Library Journal

“A Heart Divided reflects Kathleen's talent for penning complex characters, historical detail and an engaging romance.”—Rel Mollet 



(from back cover....)
They're from two different worlds. Can love cross the divide?
Moved by a compassionate heart and the desire for adventure, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainwright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado. Eager to use her skills to help improve the lives of Ute Indian children, she looks forward to a fulfilling, independent life on the Colorado frontier.
But her new job 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 a demanding US government. Her unexpected encounter with a half-Ute childhood friend, Jesse Blackwater, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst spiraling tensions that threaten to explode into a catastrophic uprising.
Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this tale from bestselling and award-winning author Kathleen Morgan explores the transformational power of forgiveness, compassion, and God's healing love with artistry and authenticity.

READER REVIEW

In Kathleen Morgan's second book of her "Heart of the Rockies" series, Shiloh Wainwright sets out on her own to the Colorado frontier to teach the children of the Ute tribe.  There she renews her acquaintance with Jesse Blackwater, whom she has not seen since he was the victim of bigotry and cruelty at the hands of her family years before.  Her feelings for Jesse have not lessened, but make matters more difficult for her in her new position.

Before I say anything else, let me admit that Christian romance is not always my favorite genre.  They often seem to be a string of cliches, very predictable and unbelievably sweet.  With all due respect to the author, I found this novel to fall into that category.  Furthermore, I was bothered by the (hopefully) outdated portrayal of Native Americans.  While I realize that at that time in history they were looked upon as savages, I felt that perhaps more care could have been taken to show that while they had not yet been evangelized, they were a civilized people who deserved better treatment than they received.  

If I have misunderstood the author's meaning, I apologize to her.  I do not believe that it was her intent to offend.  As I said earlier, this is not my favorite genre anyway, so I could be guilty of my own bias.

3 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Baker Publishing Group  <http://www. BakerPublishingGroup.com  > book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”   





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