Shadow Walker [Paperback]

This is the first book I've ever read by Connie Mason and it is a KEEP. The characters are so alive and the story is well told. I can't help feeling sorry for Dawn,poor thing. Cole is a great hero, but I also hate him for not admitting his feelings. Overall, Great story.

Mason is great about giving readers a view of different parts of the world, various eras in time, and opposing points of view for rivaling characters. In "Shadow Walker", her hero character is both a white man and a member of a Sioux tribe. His tale is an adventure across the West, from the Colorado Sioux territory to Kansas, then to Little Big Horn, and later on to Oregon.

Cole Webster lived many years with the Sioux. When he married a Sioux maiden, the tribe gave him the name Shadow Walker and welcomed him as a brother. When his young wife died in a raid, Shadow Walker stayed with the People for 4 years of spiritual healing. He made a commitment to never love another, never marry again, and never father children. He would remain faithful to his beloved's memory even after returning to the white world.

For 3 years, Cole has been living back in the white world. He took a job as a Pinkerton agent, bringing criminals in to the law and collecting their rewards. After killing a train robber, Cole is dismayed to find that the criminal had a wife. His dismay quickly turns to anger and protectiveness when he discovers that she has been brutally abused for years. Feeling responsible for the half- Sioux woman, Cole will take Dawn to his former tribe. It is his hope that she will find a good husband there, which will free his obligation to her well-being. What he wasn't expecting was to begin having feelings for her. Guilt over being unfaithful to his wife's memory haunts Cole into denying his attachment to Dawn. If only he could deny his body as well...

When Shadow Walker returns to his Sioux tribe, he learns that the many nations of Indians have reached the end of their attempts at making treaties with the white government. They have decided to band together and crush General Custer's army. Shadow Walker knows he cannot leave Dawn in the midst of a war. His only choice now is to take her to his sister in Oregon. He is still hoping that he can leave her in safe hands, then return to his own way of life as an agent. Dawn has other plans. She will not spend another day of her life allowing a man to rule her future. Once Cole leaves her in Oregon, she will make her own way in the world.

Cole is torn. Could he really be in love with Dawn? How can he be unfaithful to his dead wife? Dawn will have nothing more to do with Cole as long as he insists upon living in the past. She is ready to look forward to the future, even if it means giving up Cole.

This is just a portion of the adventure Mason takes you on in "Shadow Walker". The action rarely slows down. Add in Mason's famous steamy love scenes, and you have a very entertaining story.

Why 4 stars instead of 5?... Cole held out a little too long for me. Dawn went through hell and didn't need to suffer more. I was glad when she didn't sit around and wait to see if Cole would give up his wife's ghost.

If you love Native American romance, these are a few I enjoyed:

Under a Prairie Moon (Leisure Historical Romance)This story is absolutely beautiful.
I read this book before Amazon required an ID for writing reviews. If you want to read my review of the book, you'll find it under the heading "Love and Passion as pure as gold!, November 30, 2003 By A Customer"
Feather in the Wind (Leisure Historical Romance) This one is SO romantic!
I also reviewed this book without a user ID. You'll find my review under the heading "Romantic, mysterious, chilling, sensual, tragic, triumphant, November 18, 2003 By A Customer"
Cheyenne Song (Zebra Historical Romance)One of my favorite Indian romances.
You'll find my review under the heading "THE MOST EXCITING ROMANCE BOOK I'VE EVER READ!, September 14, 2003 By A Customer"
Savage Embers (Savage (Leisure Paperback)) I'm actually not a big Cassie Edwards fan. Her stories are too redundant for me... {Meet a man at noon, declare your undying love for him by supper...} But I did really like "Savage Embers".
You'll find my review under the heading "Excellent Romance, Refreshingly Different, October 7, 2003 By A Customer"

If you want more Connie Mason adventures, these were great reads:

Sheik My review is found under the title "Almost perfect., November 13, 2003 By A Customer"
Love Me With Fury
The Black Knight

The storyline held my attention as all of Connie Mason's books do; with the exception of The Reluctant Bride. Shadow Walker, however, was very good! The hero as always makes you wish that you could purchase him at the local shopping mall.