Hannah's Half-Breed [Mass Market Paperback]

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Hannah Blake is one of the former residents of the Purgatory Home for Adoptive Children. She spent most of her childhood there. Now she is all grown up and is the teacher at the school in town. She is happy with her life, though sometimes lonely, and is content to go on living as she had. Her only regret was David... The only boy she had ever loved - the boy who had always been there for her when she needed him most as she was growing up.

Then one day David, who now goes by Spirit Walker, shows up on her doorstep! David's half-sister, whom he discovered upon returning to his mother's Comanche village, was in a horrible relationship with a harsh man. She was beaten, abused, taunted and insulted for her Indian heritage, and her son by this man was in no better situation. He was ridiculed for being a half-breed, which raises David's ire. He can't stand to see his nephew suffer for his heritage, as David did growing up. He tries to rescue his family from this situation, in hopes of saving his sister and her unborn child. He was seriously injured and in dire need of Hannah's help.

Hannah hadn't seen him in years, ever since he left town and his adoptive parents to live in his mother's Indian village. She has never forgotten all he did for her as children, and will do anything to help him now when he needs her. David too, has never forgotten the little girl with the sad eyes from the orphanage. So, knowing it could put her job at risk, Hannah will stop at nothing to help David and his family, even if it means following him into Hell, literally---a neighboring town full of criminals and ruffians.

When trouble comes knocking on the door of their hideaway, Hannah and David will do whatever it takes to protect his family, even at the risk of themselves. What neither counted on was that the love they had for one another had not gone away, but grew and matured into something deeper and more powerful. David believes he can never have Hannah, for he was nothing but a no-good half-breed, hated by all, or so he thinks. Can Hannah prove to him he is deserving of so much more, and convince him his heritage means nothing to those around them? Will they overcome their differences to reach the happiness they can only find in each other?

Ms. Betts has once again proven her talent for writing historical romance full of passion and adventure. This was her first foray into the world of Native American romance and she has done a remarkable job! One can see the attention to detail and the research put into this book. She paints a brilliant picture of the life of the times, so much so, one feels to be there.

Hannah and David first captured the attention of this reviewer when they made their first appearance in Walker's Widow, leaving behind a desire to hear more of their story, and the love evident even when they were children. Hannah grew from the frightened young girl, suffering through the loss of her parents, into a stunning woman, strong and proud, who has never lost her zest for life. David was as surly young man when first introduced, but has grown into a powerful warrior of a man, though he still holds onto some of that surliness, until Hannah shows him the light. There two were meant for each other from the beginning, causing the reader to cheer them on to a happy-ever-after.

Ms. Betts' is a force to be reckoned with in the historical romance genre, with her talent becoming more evident in each successive book. She draws out the passion of her characters, and plays on the emotion of those reading the book. This is a wonderful story for anyone who loves a good romantic romp, showcasing all of the elements necessary to a good book.

One will enjoy this continuation of her Welcome to Purgatory series, and will be longing for more.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, February 2003. All rights reserved.

Hannah Blake had grown up in an orphanage in the town of Purgatory. Her best friend had been David, a half-breed. David had been adopted by the Walkers and was deeply loved by them. Yet often he went to the Comanche tribe to visit his mother's people. Hannah eventually became Purgatory's schoolmarm and David went only by the name of Walker.

Even after years of separation, when Walker needed help he turned to Hannah. His sister, Bright Eyes, had long ago left the tribe with Ambrose Lynch, a white man who claimed he wished to marry her. She lived with Lynch at the Bar L. Their son, Little Bear, was seven years old and Bright Eyes was pregnant again. The problem was Lynch. Due to all his physical abuses she feared for the life of her unborn baby. Walker took Little Bear to Hannah for safety and planned to return for Bright Eyes. However, Fate had other plans.

...* Heidi Betts has already made herself famous in the genre of Historical Romance. This book clearly shows why! Hannah and Walker seemed to come to life as I read their wild adventures. This is a great way to start off your new year! Recommended reading! *...

Reviewed by Detra Fitch.

From the time Hannah Blake first met the half-breed boy in the orphanage, she felt he was special. He was her hero, and the only one who seemed to understand how she felt on those lonely nights since she lost her family. David spent many nights by her side, offering her comfort and companionship. During the day, he protected her from the would be bullies and for that alone she would be forever grateful...But there was something else about David. Half-breed or not, he was always special to her and she missed him terribly.

Now, ten years later, and David has returned. Hannah finds she would do anything for him.

David Walker has kept tabs on Hannah Blake. He knows that, with the exception of the Walkers and a few others, he is considered an outcast in the white world. Now going by his Indian name, StormWalker finds himself doing something he never thought he would do...he is asking Hannah for help. The years have been good to her, and David finds that the attraction he felt fot her as a child has matured. He tries very hard not to act on those feelings. Hannah is white, and he is a half-breed. He cannot love her and let her be ostracized by the community. He won't do that to her...But Hannah may have other ideas.

Heidi Betts has taken us to Purgatory, Texas again and gives us the story of David and Hannah. The orphans have grown now, and although they come from different worlds, they are destined to be together. Hannah's Half-Breed is another wonderfully done story that takes you into the heart of David's life and Hannah's problems with getting him to see that they belong with each other. In helping David rescue his sister from an abusive situation, Hannah finds the ways to show David that she cares, and more. Hannah's Half-Breed gets a big Five Star Rating from me. Heidi has done it again, and I recommend this book highly.