Sandy M’s review of Home by Morning (Heroes of Heartbreak Creek, Book 3) by Kaki Warner
Historical Romance published by Berkley 7 Jul 15
Fans of this series have been waiting forever for Thomas’ and Pru’s story. We met them way back in the Runaway Brides series and have watched them dance around each other ever since. They come from different worlds, suffer some of the same prejudices, and they love each other fiercely. It’s the timing that’s off for them; Thomas wanting and needing his open land in Colorado and Pru wanting and needing to help her people become free. Though we know they’ll make it to happily ever after, Kaki Warner makes them go through plenty of hell on their way there.
Thomas is a Cheyenne Dog Warrior but also half white. He’s on his way home to Heartbreak Creek from England where he helped friends (which you can read about in Where the Horses Run), and he decides to make a stop in Indiana to see Prudence. She has rejected him more than once when he’s laid his feelings on the line, and it’s time to move on if after one more try he receives the same response. Unfortunately, Thomas is about to be disappointed once again.
Though she’s been teaching people of color and creating a reform program with the hopes Congress will approve it, Pru is also involved in the Underground Railroad. Knowing she has pushed Thomas past his patience with her, she still can’t leave her work behind. Growing up in a world of privilege has given her a perspective most folks don’t have. Then when the politician who wants the power and money her reform will generate blackmails Pru into going to Washington D.C., she gives in to his threats, wanting to keep Thomas safe – the warrior will not stand by while a loved one is threatened.
Having missed Pru when he arrives in Indiana, Thomas is adopted by Lillian, a young black girl who is blind and sassy as all get-out. He takes it all in stride and soon his new daughter is the light of his life. She is also used against him as they are all drawn deeper into the web of deceit weaving around Pru. Finally, Thomas gives Pru his ultimatum and he goes home, taking Lillian with him. It’s wonderful being back in Heartbreak Creek for Thomas as well as the reader.
We get to catch up with all the characters we’ve met throughout the series, the friendships that have been forged. Lillian fits in seamlessly, everyone instantly loving her. It’s fun to watch her interact with the other children of the town. Thomas waits for Pru. And he waits. Taking his broken heart into the wild, he tries to begin healing. Too bad for Thomas he doesn’t know he never had a chance when it comes to Pru. She finally realizes what it is she really wants in life, but she has to convince the stubborn man it’s him, once she returns home after one last horrific event. I so enjoy those scenes where Thomas’ tipi is set amid all that Colorado beauty and where these two lovers truly find trust at last.
This is the last book in this wonderfully written and emotional series Ms. Warner has given readers. The American West has never been in better hands as this rag-tag family has come together to build their legacy in Heartbreak Creek. I’m one who always wishes there’s more given in epilogues, telling me how my beloved characters are faring down the road. The old saying be careful what you wish for has never been truer for me than at the end of this book. We definitely find out in 1935 what has befallen these folks who’ve found their way in our hearts. Ms. Warner uses other historic and tragic events to give us very emotional closure for this family that is nearly as close to me as those sitting in the very next room from me.
Thank you, Kaki Warner, for taking me along on your journey to Heartbreak Creek. I will remember it for a long time to come.
Grade: A
Summary:
Thomas Redstone—a former Cheyenne warrior seeking new purpose by following the ways of his white grandfather—is returning to Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, when he decides to give the woman he loves one last chance to accept him into her life.
Prudence Lincoln’s beauty and education have brought her little joy. Envied by blacks for the advantages she’s had, and reviled by whites for her mixed blood, she’s proving herself by helping ex-slaves prepare for newfound freedom. Thomas has no place in her future, no matter how much she loves him.
He’s suffered only hardship. She was raised in privilege. Their only common ground is the spark between them that won’t die. Yet even as evil forces tear them apart again, they discover that courage can be a weapon, happiness is a choice, and love can triumph over anything.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
