Coyote Dream

Stein writes a richly drawn story of a ripening romance set in the contemporary American Southwest. She describes how love grows between two ostensibly unsuited individuals. The hero is an artist of Native American background; the Jewish heroine is from New York. Both cultures are depicted sensitively and -- at least for the Jewish heroine -- without resorting to stereotypes. There was enough uncertainty to make me doubt whether the seemingly hopeless love story would end happily (a requirment).

I loved this book! "Coyote Dream" is a terrific read filled with compelling characters, mystery and a fascinating exploration of two very different cultures. It is also an enchanting and wonderfully written romance. Jessica Davis Stein has a way of painting pictures with words that draws you into the world of her novel and keeps it alive in your memory long after you have finished it. As her characters deal with the challenges of their lives, you find yourself contemplating some very important issues that are raised, issues of loyalty, life style, one's heritage, one's obligation to self and to family and friends. You also find yourself entranced by the various settings in which the novel takes place. The writing is so specific that you feel you know world of the novel almost as well as if you had actually visited its locations. As for the characters, they are so complex and dimensional you almost wish that they could step off the page and join you in a discussion of their lives. And romance? Well, this is a good old-fashioned romance in which you cross your fingers that these two wonderful people will see the light. Their story is the stuff of love songs. Quite frankly, I didn't want this book to end and will probably reread it just to experience again the pleasure and craft of Ms. Stein's writing.

My wife read this book and said I should read it because it is so good. I was hesitant, because it sounded like a "woman's novel." I picked it up just to browse, and I wound up reading it in just a couple of sittings. This isn't just a simple love story. It deals with very real human conflicts--which lifestyle does one choose to attain happiness; which values are most important; is being practical more important than following your heart? I really got caught up in the relationship between Ben and Sarah. I wanted them to be together, yet I could also see that it might be better for them to go their separate ways. Is this a "woman's book"? I'm not sure how you would categorize it, but I do know that I was moved to tears several times. This story moved me, and I highly recommend that you read it.

Ben Lonefeather's soul-deep connection to nature is demonstrated when he hikes into the desert to track down and take home three orphaned coyote pups. He enjoys living in the house in his grandfather built, isolated from other people, even those who share his Native American heritage. In his quiet home, he creates beautiful, disturbing works of art and lovely pieces of jewelry that he hopes will pay the bills. Far away, in New York City, Sarah Friedman is immersed in the chaos and clutter of a large, busy family intricately connected in each other's lives. With her degree in art history, perhaps she is overqualified for her job in the family furniture store, but her dreams have always been of the simple sort. Sarah longs for a home to nest in and her own children to nurture. She doesn't want to settle for just a pleasant companion in married life; she wants someone who will love her as passionately as she loves him. When poor health prevents Sarah's father from making his annual trek to the southwest to purchase Native American art for the family store, Sarah offers to go in his place. Perhaps time away from her family, who are always prodding her to find a nice Jewish man and "marry already," is what she needs. Even in her wildest dreams, Sarah could not have conjured up the strong, gorgeous man who rescues her when her car breaks down in the desert. Ben Lonefeather is definitely not a nice Jewish man. With few other options, Sarah accepts a room for a few days in Ben's home. Sharing shelter with coyotes is the least of her worries. . . . Life in the slow lane takes on a whole new meaning with Ben as guide. This truly American novel is rich and complex. Readers are provided with the fascinating contrasts of Jewish-American culture and Native American tradition, of desert languor and New York City bustle. Lore and legend, disappointments and expectations, and some unexpectedly brutal realities add texture and poignancy to the tale. The descriptions are elegant, especially those of the natural world and of the connections between the characters. Sarah and Ben's love story is a gem, beautifully set. COYOTE DREAM is a novel to linger over . . . to sigh over . . . to read over and over again.

This should be the one you pick up. Ms. Davis Stein has penned an emotionally heart-tugging read and you will be loathed to put it down until the final page. The combination of different cultures, religion, desires, and personal needs, are all aspects that Ms. Davis Stein has tackled in this debut novel. Ben Lonefeather is a loner who lives by himself with his three coyote friends on a Navajo reservation working on his art, and coming to terms with his past. His life and what he thought he wanted is all about to change when Sarah Friedman chances to see some of his jewlery work and decides that she would like to buy some of his work for her family's gallery back in New York. This decision leads her to Ben and before he knows it he has a house guest and finds that Sarah has opened his soul in more ways then one as well as made a place for herself inside a heart he thought was long dead. But will he do something about it before she has to leave for home, or will he let the best thing to ever enter his life, walk away? What starts out as a buying trip, for Sarah turns into a search into her own soul and she finds the one thing she wasn't really looking for. Acceptance of how she is just as she is. She spends only ten days with Ben, but it's ten days that she will not forget. She's in love, but will Ben who has been hurt and coming to terms with his past grab hold, or will she drive off into the sunset? This story was amazing. As I stated earlier this is a complex story touching on so many important and personal details that I was afraid one would be sacraficed for another. This was not to be. Ms. Davis Stein does justice to all of the various aspects she introduces at the beginning. This is a story that will cause you to laugh, cry, and at times smile. This is really more then just a romance of lovers meeting and marrying, it's about following your heart even if it leads to heartache to begin with. It's truly about the journey as much as it is about the final ending. I highly, highly, highly recommend this read and I think we should all keep an eye out for this new and talented author. Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com