Warrior's Heart

Emma Trent desperately wants to join the wagon train heading for Oregon so she can start a new life. She put all of her money into a wagon and supplies so she needs to go. The other members of the wagon train don't want to let her go because she has a big black mark against her - she has a half-breed child as a result of rape from a Cheyenne Indian. Rider is a half-breed with a Shoshoni mother and white father. He is a gunslinger wanted for murder by both the whites and his Shoshoni tribe. On the run from bounty hunters, he rides through town as Emma and the wagon train are getting read to head out. When the wagon train leader dies unexpectedly, Rider decides to lead them himself to hide from the bounty hunters and pursue Emma, who he wants as soon as he sees her. Rider makes the wagon train take Emma with them but he does this with the intention of sleeping with her rather than helping her out. Out on the trail, the misfits who make up the wagon train are nothing but trouble. Most of the families were rejected from other trains because they are running from the law or not prepared for the hardships on the trip. Emma Trent is constantly surprising Rider with her courage and determination. When he sees her half-breed child, he sees this as confirmation that she will easily fall in bed with him since she obviously had lain with another Indian. Rider has a few surprises in store when Emma rejects him as she is terrified of men after being raped. The more time Rider spends with Emma, the more he becomes a decent person. The hard, cold gunslinger finds himself caring about Emma and her son Josh. Emma and Rider start to care more for each other as they battle each other, the other people in the wagon train and watch out for Indians. Emma starts to think Rider might be a decent man and they give into the passion between them to share some hot nights along the trail. But when the train reaches Oregon will he ride on or will he stay with her? This book is a very good adventure historical romance that takes the reader along with travelers on the Oregon trail. Emma is a heroine to root for, she survives hard times and rape but still remains a caring and giving person. She wants to go to Oregon to have a better life for her son with less prejudice against his Indian blood. Rider starts out as the type of bad boy that you can see his potential to be a better person but life has hardened him into a selfish, cynical man. It takes the love and caring of the couragous Emma to make him into a better man. I enjoyed the passion Rider and Emma had for each other, it was nice seeing two lonely souls find someone to love.

I enjoyed this book because it was believable. It is the story of a young woman named Emma and her son (whom she conceived through a violent rape by a Indian warrior). It is about time an author writes history as it really was. Yes, there were many many children from rape all through history. What is so beautiful is she loves her son and bares no resentment. She is moving to Oregon in hopes that the settlement will accept her child of mixed blood. The author shows many examples of how cruel racist whites were to half breeds, another issue I am glad she brought to the table. Emma falls in love with Rider, a Shoshone, who is her wagon master. He is rough and raw and the author writes him vividly as a true man. He has flaws, a huge sexual appetite, and somewhat selfish. He is a believable character which makes the story seemed real. I admire Emma and how she did not hate all Indians for just what one did. I also like the fact that there is finally a romance about a woman who is not a virgin full of silly ideas.

I have to admit that I started reading this book once before and I couldnt get into it,BUT a few months later I thought I should give it another chance. I regret putting the book down the first time I attempted to read it. I truely enjoyed reading of Rider, Emma and Josh. The way Rider was always there when she needed him. She put up a fight at first but her feelings for Rider just got stronger. I pratically did no work at my job, I just couldnt put the book down. I give this book 5 stars. I agree with one of the reviewers, I would love to read up on Josh as a grown man. Him being Cheyenne but raised as Shoshoni. I think it would be interesting.

It was one of those "hard to put down" books. Read it in 2 days.The only complaint I have is that I wish there had been a little more detail and thus a longer book. Would love to read a follow up on Rider and Emma, and maybe another one on Josh.

I love books on wagon trains.Had trouble putting this book down! Read it in two days.I have read other Georgina Gentry books before and was pretty familiar with her writing. I like the characters in this book, and the way the plot played out.If you purchase this book, you won't be wasting your money. I hope she writes a book in the future on Josh. That should be interesting!! Keep up the good work!