One Shining Moment

Probably not factual - but gives us a look into the prejudices of the white people against the Seminole and the people of Native blood. I loved the tie-in of the Warrior chief, Osceola - "Assi yahola" and the puma of Florida and the young girl that becomes his sister, Shining Dawn. Ah, but U.S. Army Lt. Blade McAmmon is in a hurry to finish up his tour of duty and get out of the Army. General Thomas Jesup has shown up at St. Augustine, Florida in September of 1837. He is trying to round all of the Seminole Indians and ship them west. No one has been able to corral Osceola yet, but his is willing to speak to the General if he sends John Graham, his friend and another to spend a month living with them. Blade has never told anyone of his Creek mother and yet Osceola seems to know of his Native blood. Blade is astounded when on arriving at Osceola's camp he sees a blond white woman who claims to be Osceola's sister. One very stubborn, determined lady. He also meets Shining Dawn's friend, Mariah, an escaped slave who is hiding from her deviant master, Gordon Mandrell. Mandrell brands all the women he uses on their inner thighs. Blade in soon to ask for the hand of beautiful, blonde Celeste Mandrell in marriage as she can supply him with acceptance in white society. That is until he sees ......... In the meantime he can't keep his hands off Shining Dawn and that leads to much confusion. Especially when he has to inform General Jesup that Shining Dawn is his long lost niece. The General forbids Blade to ever be alone with her. There is so much more to this intrigueing story that you must read it for yourself to truly enjoy it. Find out when Mariah finds true love and must give up her life for his children. How Shining Dawn finally decides she might be able to live with the chaos of living in a town. How Blade resolves his fear of his Native blood. And where Gary Mandrell fits into the story. Wonderful story! follow the interaction between Shining Dawn and Osceola and Blade McAmmon and the men that do not honor their treaties. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED --m - Surely a keeper.