Morning for Dove, 2: Winds Across the Prairie, Book Two

This is another good book. I haven't read the first in the series somehow it got lost on its way here but I was still able to read book 2 without being confused about who was who. I loved what Martha did with Doves character. Loved Dove from the moment I met her. I also loved the story about Dove and Luke. Reading about Luke's mothers fear was interesting also and understandable. I loved reading about life in Oklahoma Territory before statehood and the issues between some ranchers and farmers. Great story and I cant wait for book 3.

This the first book I have had the pleasure to read by Martha Rogers. I was quite interested in reading this book because the first year I was out of college I chose to teach for one year at the Navajo reservation in Arizona. I was a young, inexperienced teacher but I had a love for children and a love for teaching. To me these sweet children were no different than their caucasian counterparts. Except most of the children had a great propensity for wonderful artwork. I loved teaching the Navajo children and was quite surprised when "others" labeled the children or their Navajo parents as "not worth our time" . . . I said all of that to build up to this book. In this story Martha brings out the prejudices of people and how something in our past can bring out a terrible prejudice that can or will affect the way we treat people. We can't be prejudiced and pre-judge people based on skin color or the history of their people. This read isn't just about prejudices but also about finding and keeping your true love. Sometimes we must fight for what we believe in. I found the story of Morning Dove to be a touching, inspiring piece of fiction. I also enjoyed the intertwining journey of Luke and Dove. This is a great 5 star historical read! I look forward to reading her third book, Finding Becky, in the Winds across the Prairie series. *I reviewed this book for Glass Road*

I was not going to pass up the chance to review Martha Rogers' book, Morning for Dove, and boy am I glad that I didn't!!!! This is book 2 in her Winds Across the Prairie series and picks up at the exact spot that Becoming Lucy left off. The bonus to this book is that it's a historical. I love a great historical! I love Martha Rogers' skillful writing. She knows how to bring her reader to the heart of the story with just the first sentence. To me, that is what is a truly magnificent talent. Martha writes in this book of Lucy's best friend Dove, who has to deal with hatred and prejudices towards her and her family because she has Cherokee in her. But, then in steps Luke who doesn't care...he has a heart that God guides. The plot of this story really shows that you shouldn't judge people by the color of their skin...that it's what's on the inside that makes the persons beauty. Perfect for a beautiful trip back into time to a beautiful town with wonderful characters that pull your heart! And that's exactly what I felt...pulled in and transported back to history. The town of Barton Creek came to life and kept me there until, sadly, the book ended and I had to say goodbye to my new friends. While I didn't want this beautiful, 5 star story to end, it is with great anticipation that I await the release of book 3, Finding Becky!

Book 2 of the Winds Across the Prairie series, I enjoyed this one much more than I did the first book, Becoming Lucy. Dove and Luke were introduced in the first novel and their story continues here. Dove and her family are no strangers to prejudice and judgments because of their Cherokee heritage. While most people in the town of Barton Creek accept them, Luke's mother, Bea Anderson cannot because her past experience with raiding Indians has closed her heart to acceptance and forgiveness. The road to true love is never easy and as Luke and Dove deal with the different obstacles put in their path, their love grows stronger. The Haynes family, Aunt Clara, and Jake and Lucy Starnes make an appearance here, as do the evil Fowlers who bring trouble at every turn. With themes of love, faith and forgiveness, this is a compelling story and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Martha Roger's brings us another sweet story in Morning for Dove. Luke is saddened at the beginning of this book, wondering where life will lead him, when suddenly it is as if his eyes are opened in seeing Dove. His mother's prejudice though blocks any steps he may take in beginning a romance with her. I was impressed at how Martha shows how even though Luke and others really disagreed with the prejudice, how they were respectful and discouraged disobedience and sneaking behind your parents back to get what you knew was right. Instead, Luke was encouraged to be obedient and respectful. This was very impressive to me, how this lesson was taught in this sweet love story, in a time period where inter-racial marriage was frowned upon. Martha does an excellent job of touching on tough topics, while weaving an intriguing story of romance between Luke and Dove!