Hope's Captive

I liked the story, the characters, and the writing was strong for a new author. I look forward to future books by Kate Lyon. The only negative thing in the whole book was the fact that the heroine was constantly saying "I can take care of myself" when in reality, she needed the hero's help to get out of several situations. This is very annoying. Other than that, I give this book high marks and I am normally very selective about the authors I read.

Kate Lyon's newest historical romance is a compelling read. She packs a triple punch in accurate details of history, well-developed emotional characters and a romance that fulfills readers' expectations for a great story. There are few writers of Native American romance that can deliver, and Kate Lyon ranks up there with the best. Don't miss this author's newest offering!

This tale begins in the year 1878. Zach McCallister believes his son, Luke, has been taken captive by the Northern Cheyenne. Zach's main objective is to locate and rescue Luke. To accomplish this Zach hires on as a guide to a lady believed to be the white wife of their chief. Caroline Whitley owes her life to the Northern Cheyenne's leader, Little Wolf. She knows that they currently reside at the Darlington Agency (a reservation) and that they are dying by the hundreds from malaria and dysentery. To repay them, Caroline packs a wagon full with medicine and blankets for them and hires Zach to guide her to them. Little Wolf, along with almost two hundred women and children and less than one hundred men to defend them, have left the reservation. They are determined to reach the Powder River country they love and call their home. The Army had called in a special unit of cavalry to keep the Northern Cheyenne on the reservation. The Army goes after the small band of Cheyenne. As Zach and Caroline travel together, they slowly learn about each other. Zach not only meets and learns that the Northern Cheyenne are honorable, no matter how much he wishes to hate them, but he also finds himself attracted to the spitfire that hired him as guide. If only they could trust each other. ***** The author adds another young boy into this story, Yellow Swallow. This child is a half-breed. Just wait until you find out who his parents were! In fact, the author has added quite a few surprises for her readers within this exciting novel. Everything is historically correct and it is obvious that much research went into making this tale. In the back of the novel, within the "Author's Note", Kate Lyon gives a brief report of what happened to the Little Wolf and the others mentioned in this book. History, romance, and harsh reality come together to make an unforgettable adventure that will live on in the memories of all readers. Best I've read in a long while! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

In 1878 the disease ridden Oklahoma Reservation was no place to live so Chief Little Wolf moves the entire Northern Cheyenne tribe back to their original home in the Montana Territory in spite of the hardship that the trek will cause. As the Indians journey northward, dodging soldiers and mourning those who fail to make it, military officer Zach McCallister believes the Cheyenne have captured his son Luke. He plans to desert if necessary and follow the tribe on his own to somehow liberate his offspring or die in the attempt. In Dodge City, Kansas to increase his chance of success Zach offers to "guide" Caroline Whitely, allegedly Lone Wolf's wife, when she tries to deliver needed medicine to the beleaguered tribe. They view the Cheyenne differently. She sees noble people, especially Little Wolf who rescued her from the Kiowa, struggling to survive under suppression; he believes these are savages who wantonly massacre innocent people and kidnap children and young women. As the days pass, Zach falls in love with Caroline, but she does not trust him; he knows she has good cause because he will betray her to free Luke. HOPE'S CAPTIVE, the sequel to the wonderful TIME'S CAPTIVE, is a fabulous historical romance that focuses on the plight of the Cheyenne in the late nineteenth century. Few writers show the skills of Kate Lyon as she provides a powerful story line that enables the audience to feel they are on two trails: with the tribe (the description gets into your gut) and with the lead couple. Fans of American romance will want to read the "Captive" series as Ms. Lyon freshens up what in lesser hands is an overused device. Harriet Klausner

I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy of Hope's Captive. Only the second book by Kate Lyon, this well-written historical romance revolves around the relationship of former Kiowa captive Caroline Whitby and Army Major Zach McCallister, who is desperate to find his abducted son. Their journey to reach the beleaguered Cheyenne -- who hold the key to his son's whereabouts -- matches the emotional journey they travel to find solace and love with each other. Fans of Western and Native American romance will not want to miss this one. And if you haven't already read Kate Lyon's debut book TIME'S CAPTIVE, you really should check it out. That novel also involves a stirring romance and Native American culture, but boasts a time travel element as well.