Creative Arts Book Company, ISBN: 0-88739-302-0
Set against an authentic historical background and written by an author with the soul of a poet, this debut historical romance speaks in a lyrical voice of a love that transcends the hate, fear and ugliness of the bloody cultural clash between whites and Native Americans in the late 1860s and early 1870s.

Liza Ralston, her father and a guide travel through Montana Territory. When they camp for the night, gunfire from unknown attackers leaves the guide dead. Liza's wounded father orders her to flee. She runs for her life, hides in a shallow cave, and thinks she's doomed when a Pikuni (Piegan) Indian discovers her hiding place. He goes with her back to the plundered camp, operates to remove the bullet from her injured father, and does what he can to keep her alive. Although drawn to him, attracted by him, she fears and mistrusts him because he's Native American and therefore a merciless killer.

Red Eagle feels the same almost irresistible attraction, but he must continue his journey to discover the meaning of his dream of an old wailing woman. He knows the dream carries a meaning, not just for himself but for his people. But he cannot leave the white woman alone in the wilds to tend her wounded father.

Taut, action-filled and beautifully written, Across the Sweet Grass Hills paints a haunting picture of two people caught in a struggle for a love that cannot exist in either of their cultures. Excellent characterization, wise and totally integrated use of historical research, and a plot that unfolds in unexpected ways all lead the reader to a new understanding of our nation's history -- and provide a great love story along the way.

I think I can safely predict readers will see this author's name again and again. Jenner's writing voice mesmerizes, enchants and delights.

Patricia Lucas White

Patricia Lucas White's latest historical novel, To Last a Lifetime, was an Eppie finalist for 2003. To Last a Lifetime and two of her fantasy romances, the Sapphire Award-winning A Wizard Scorned and The Godmother Sanction, can be ordered through Hard Shell Word Factory. Her recent contemporary, PS, I've Taken a Lover, is available from Lionhearted Books.

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Our Readers Respond

Since my ancestry is Native American I have done a lot of reading about their lives in the 1800s. Most of what I had read or seen in television documentaries focused on things in general and not on the trials of the individuals. When I began to read Across the Sweet Grass Hills, I began to realize that, in the midst of all the warfare, hunger and struggle for territorial rights there were real people with passionate stories to tell. I became Liza.

The story moves you along like a river, and you tend to get caught up in the flow, wondering if there are rapids or a quiet pool around the bend. It's difficult to put the book down once you have begun. I can hardly wait until the next one!

Sue Legerton, Paradise, Ca.