Sandy M’s review of Somewhere to Dream (McDonnells, Book 3) by Genevieve Graham
Historical Romance published by Berkley 5 Nov 13
I was a little stunned when I discovered Genevieve Graham hadn’t thought about writing Adelaide’s story in this series. Though both sisters were so brutalized when we first meet them, it’s Adelaide who is the most tortured as a result. And it’s those tortured characters who always make the best stories in romance; therefore, I’m so very glad Ms. Graham listened to this woman who needed her turn at healing and love.
Adelaide has come far since the day she and Maggie lost everything, most especially their mother, sister and their innocence, along with their home and way of life. The nightmare came to an end, as much as can be expected, when the Cherokee came to their rescue. Living with the tribe has given Adelaide a bit of confidence back, though men, especially those unknown to her, still frighten her. She’s learned their language and their mostly tranquil way of life, which is just what she needs, but it’s their brutality that sometimes makes her question whether to stay with them longer. White men, however, are just as brutal, something Adelaide knows well.
Hating Indians all his life, after his family was attacked by a tribe, Jesse Black has no idea what he’s in for when captured by the Cherokee. Expecting a slow, torturous death, he’s surprised when the worst he receives is running the gauntlet, receiving a few more bruises and abrasions. He knows what’s coming thanks to Adelaide, a puzzle for him to figure out in between his plans to escape. Vowing to never give in to these heathens, Jesse is again surprised to learn Soquili, one of his captors, feels Jesse carries the spirit of his deceased brother and they now look at him as part of their family.
With Adelaide’s help and a clearer understanding of these native people the longer he stays with them, Jesse finds a growing respect for them. Tracking, hunting, and helping the tribe negotiate with the white man gives him a sense of purpose and rightness, as does getting to know Adelaide. As she shares with him her horrible past, they become closer than ever, leading Jesse to know she’s the one for him. Warm, soothing understanding and loving is what brings Adelaide out of her protective shell, and Jesse is there every step of the way, even when the others who love Adelaide beat him back, thinking they’re keeping her safe.
While Adelaide fights her ghosts, Jesse has one or two of his own. His abusive father discovers Jesse is alive, causing Jesse’s radar to go on alert, to protect both the Cherokee and Adelaide, whose dreams also help out when danger finally hits home. That would-be father is something else, and I’m very glad of the closure Jesse gets when it comes to that part of his life. Living with the Cherokee has made both of these characters stronger, their love cementing that strength between them forever. They’ll have no problem overcoming any issue that crops up in their future.
Ms. Graham does a wonderful job of portraying the life of the Cherokee at this point in time. You see all sides of them, just as you do the hero and heroine. I believe she has a book planned for Soquili, and that should be quite interesting. I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Graham’s writing; her characters come to life, so much so you feel as though you’re right there in the middle of their story with them. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, start now. You’ll be a fan for life, just like me.
Grade: A
Summary:
The tale of two strangers living with the Cherokee — one with a warrior’s heart; the other with deadly dreams…
The Cherokee call her Shadow Girl. A white woman adopted by Indians, Adelaide is haunted by the dark dreams she hides—of her murdered family, of the men she fears, and most of all, of the ones that foretell the future. After her visions cause her to make a terrible mistake, she renounces her power and buries her dreams deep in her soul.
Until Jesse Black is captured by the tribe. His life is spared because the Cherokee believe his warrior spirit belongs to their fallen brother. Though he hates all Indians, Adelaide illuminates their way of life for him, just as he shines light into her shadowed heart. But when her dreams return, Jesse must help her face them…or die trying…
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
