Proud Eagle

Rating:
Summary: for Cassie Edwards' fans
Review: In 1880 Eagle Bay, Washington, Billie "Boy" Shaughnessy visits the grave of her recently deceased father as Makak Chief Proud Eagle observes her. He detested her lumber baron father who broke treaties with the tribe by cutting down trees everywhere he chose, which caused a mudslide that killed Indians including the chief's wife.

Billie inherited her father's half of the business. Desperate to prove to her dad even though he is dead that she was like him and not her socialite mother, Billie discusses business with her partner Roy Clawson. He plans to rid himself of this "boy" even if he has to kill her if frightening her fails. Proud Eagle finds himself attracted to the daughter of his enemy; Billie reciprocates his feelings, but feels any relationship with the chief would dishonor her dad's memory.

Though well written, PROUD EAGLE is exactly like most if not all of Cassie Edwards' tales with honorable male Indians and while females, and dishonorable whites. The story line is exciting and provides insight into Indians of the Northwest during the late nineteenth century while also providing an environmental shout for protection. The lead duet is a fine pairing who know that her father is a demonic ghost in the way of a loving relationship. Fans of the author or the sub-genre will enjoy the latest tale even if one size fits all.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: Pleasant Native American Indian Tale
Review: Setting - Eagle Bay, Washington - 1880 --- Proud Eagle sat atop a hill watching a black draped woman kneeling at the grave of his enemy. He felt it must have been a member of the dead man's family, but he didn't know who it could have been. When a strong breeze whipped off the woman's heavy veil his heart clenched when he saw the beautiful face with long flame colored hair. Ever since a mud slide had claimed the life of his beloved wife, caused by his enemies callous disregard for cutting the forest too near his village, he felt a twinge of guilt for admiring the white woman and quickly rode away.

Lumber heiress Billie Shaughnessy had arrived in Eagle Bay to mourn her father's passing, determined to carry on his legacy and run the lumber operation as she knew he'd intended. She'd noticed the Indian on the hill, and even from a distance had admired the handsome brave, not knowing that he was the chief and her father's biggest rival. She'd had no idea who he was until fate would draw them together as she wrestled control of the lumber company from her father's unscrupulous partner. After reading her fathers journals she discovered his complicity in causing the devastating mudslides she was determined to make things right with the Makah clan and chief Proud Eagle in particular. During the process the rivalry between them would be turned into an unforgettable passion.

As one reads Ms. Edwards series based on the different tribes of native American peoples it is easy to see that she holds them in high regard, and honors them through a thorough research on their heritage, lifestyle and habits. In this episode she fills the pages not only with some truly sensual episodes, but also takes the time to explain the food, clothing, and history of the People. This was a very quick read, filled with interesting facts of what was for me a little known Washington based clan. Fans of Ms. Edwards will find this to be another pleasant book in her Native American series to cherish.

--- Marilyn, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---