Since meeting Thomas Redstone and Pru Lincoln in the RUNAWAY BRIDES series, I've been waiting patiently (ok, not so patiently) for their story. This story exceeded my expectations; it was absolutely beautiful.
Thomas is the epitome of heroes: Patient beyond belief, brave, honest. He has also been in transformation over the course of these novels . He understands that Pru would not be interesting in living the rest of her life in an Indian village. Pru is a sophisticated and educated woman of many talents. Thomas, without denying his Indian heritage, has been learning to be more comfortable in the white portion of his background.
I was angry with Pru because she disappointed Thomas so many times by choosing other things before him. Finally, I came to some acceptance of Pru's position (to teach people of color, assist with the Underground Railroad and promote educational opportunities in Washington DC for newly-freed peoples). Knowing of Pru's privileged upbringing (through the stories), I understood that as one of the (relatively) few educated minority citizens, she felt a moral obligation to help her fellow man.
Kaki Warner created a great story line to help Pru and Thomas determine their destiny. The introduction of Lillian was a wonderful addition; when Lillian adopted Thomas, it helped mediate some of Thomas' heartbreak. It also helped lighten the tone of an often somber story.
The money and power that would come with the successful adaptation of Pru's plan for educational reform leads two men to pressure Pru. They understood that threatening her with bodily harm would not work so they used Thomas and Lillian against her. Pru did not recognize Thomas' tremendous bravery and skill; she thought it was up to her to save them. Thus, Pru underestimated Thomas again.
In the epilogue, Warner tells what happens to these wonderful characters I've come to love through her books. She weaves their lives with the historical events of those years for a satisfying, if sad, ending. My only regret is that now there will be no more. I've reread all of the Heartbreak Creek books multiple times; it is hard to say 'goodbye' to such wonderful friends.
Runaway Brides Series
1. Heartbreak Creek (2011)
2. Colorado Dawn (2012)
3. Bride of the High Country (2012)
Heroes of Heartbreak Creek
1. Behind His Blue Eyes (2013)
2. Where the Horses Run (2014)
* 3. Home by Morning (2015)
Thomas is the epitome of heroes: Patient beyond belief, brave, honest. He has also been in transformation over the course of these novels . He understands that Pru would not be interesting in living the rest of her life in an Indian village. Pru is a sophisticated and educated woman of many talents. Thomas, without denying his Indian heritage, has been learning to be more comfortable in the white portion of his background.
I was angry with Pru because she disappointed Thomas so many times by choosing other things before him. Finally, I came to some acceptance of Pru's position (to teach people of color, assist with the Underground Railroad and promote educational opportunities in Washington DC for newly-freed peoples). Knowing of Pru's privileged upbringing (through the stories), I understood that as one of the (relatively) few educated minority citizens, she felt a moral obligation to help her fellow man.
Kaki Warner created a great story line to help Pru and Thomas determine their destiny. The introduction of Lillian was a wonderful addition; when Lillian adopted Thomas, it helped mediate some of Thomas' heartbreak. It also helped lighten the tone of an often somber story.
The money and power that would come with the successful adaptation of Pru's plan for educational reform leads two men to pressure Pru. They understood that threatening her with bodily harm would not work so they used Thomas and Lillian against her. Pru did not recognize Thomas' tremendous bravery and skill; she thought it was up to her to save them. Thus, Pru underestimated Thomas again.
In the epilogue, Warner tells what happens to these wonderful characters I've come to love through her books. She weaves their lives with the historical events of those years for a satisfying, if sad, ending. My only regret is that now there will be no more. I've reread all of the Heartbreak Creek books multiple times; it is hard to say 'goodbye' to such wonderful friends.
Runaway Brides Series
1. Heartbreak Creek (2011)
2. Colorado Dawn (2012)
3. Bride of the High Country (2012)
Heroes of Heartbreak Creek
1. Behind His Blue Eyes (2013)
2. Where the Horses Run (2014)
* 3. Home by Morning (2015)
