Avon (Paperback), ISBN 0-380-81015-8
Romance fiction snobs meet Kathleen Eagle. In You Never Can Tell, she masterfully provides a rich mix of Native American history, including the sociological and cultural layers of the Nations. The story of an odd couple -- an Anglo reporter and a Native American -- unfurls gently for an enjoyable romantic journey.

Reporter Heather Reardon, a gutsy woman on a mission, must find Kole Kills Crow, a Native American civil rights activist and folk hero. Years ago, Heather followed Kole's rise and fall as he led his people in their fight against inequality. It can even be said that she fell in love with the man behind the myth. More than that, Heather wants to write about Kole, resurrecting his popularity with a call to the American social conscience.

Kole only wants to make his flutes and remain in anonymity. For him, his past must remain a place where only painful memories reside. His mother died under mysterious circumstances, his wife died of breast cancer, and he gave up custody of his only child, Claudia. With minimal human contact, Kole made a home in the backwoods of Minnesota with his dog and cat.

Heather spends time at Kole's hideaway wondering what happened to the hero she thought she knew. Kole's magnetism scatters her thoughts and creates sensual fantasies that rattle her composure. She carries the burden of his imbedded distrust of her profession, her culture and her. Once she convinces him to use his power to motivate the Nations for another march, this time on Hollywood, Heather must rely on the power of her love to shake him up and make him see her only as a woman -- not merely a white woman.

Kole desperately fights against surrendering his heart. If he does not care, then he cannot be hurt. But Heather's idealism and feminine wiles stir his heart. He depends on her support as he undertakes what he expects to be his last march. Very subtly, Kole learns to respect Heather without passing judgment, creating a memorable love story.

Eagle's ability to tell stories that reflect our multi-layered communities continues to grow by giant leaps. Her stories provide a welcome change to the poorly written tales with stereotyped, ethnic characters. You Never Can Tell comes highly recommended.

Michelle Monkou

Michelle Monkou, author of Open Your Heart, released in November 2002, lives in the metropolitan D.C. area.

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