OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Hearts Across the Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
“Now, who can tell me what sound this letter makes?” Kalani pointed to the white chalk letter on the black chalkboard that Michael had put up for her in the kitchen. The children’s faces looked up with curiosity and excitement.
When Kalani looked at them, it made her sad to know that they were shunned from the town. Over the last seven months, the town had become a lot more tolerant of Indians. Some had even started trading with them and most people had stopped being outright terrible to them.
But Kalani had seen another need in town. The schools were not a nice place for half-Indian children. With the growth of the town, there were more and more half-Indian children and even some full-blooded Indian children who lived on the very outskirts of town who were for various reasons away from their tribes.
Believing that these children deserved as much education as white children, Kalani had decided to teach them herself. Sometimes only one or two came, but on other days like today, more than seven showed up.
Today was one of those bigger days. The children were always so happy to see her. They loved coming and learning their letters and other things that Kalani taught them.
Kalani had never thought that she would be a teacher. But it seemed that the knowledge that Frank had taught her over the years made her more than qualified. A lot of the children had a hard time speaking English, and Kalani made that easy. Making it fun and interactive to learn new English words was a skill that she had.
She hurried through the rest of the lesson, going through some new words and some numbers.
By the time they were finished, she was sure that the children’s brains were bursting with information.
They hurried out the door with shy goodbyes and promises to be back in two weeks. Kalani had decided to give them a bit of a break because she and Michael were leaving on a small trip.
She had decided at long last that she was going to visit her parents. She had tried to get over it, hoping that she would lose the need to know what had happened to them.
But she had realized that she couldn’t get it out of her mind. She knew what had happened to her Indian family. She had even seen Kimaya and Iela once more since their visit that evening by the barn.
“Kalani? Are you in here? Did I miss the children?” Michael stepped into the cabin. Kalani was picking up the last little bits of chalk and wiping down the chalkboard.
“I’m in here. And yes, you just missed them, but I am sure they will be happy to see you next time.”
Michael shook his head. “I am not sure that happy is the word that I would use to describe them when they see me. You know I make them nervous.”
Kalani smiled, “They are getting used to you. One of them even asked about you today.”
“You know, I am in constant admiration of you.” Michael had found her and was wrapping his arms around her waist.
“Really? Why is that?”
“You are so kind and patient. The townspeople have even started being more kind and caring for Indians because of your example.”
“You really think so?” Kalani looked up at him with hope. It was her dream that she would be able to change the townspeople and the Indians. She had gone out to the closest tribes and reasoned with them, explaining that the violence would never end if both peoples didn’t work to change it.
She knew that it wouldn’t change all the people in the west. It probably wouldn’t even change a fraction of them. Other towns would still be angry and horrible with the Indians, but at least their town wouldn’t be.
“I know that you are making a huge difference. Remember that Indian man who was in town last week?
You translated for him and were able to broker a trade. Before, they would have run him out of town before he could show his money and then he would have brought a raiding party and taken things.”
Kalani smiled softly. “I wish that I could do more.”
“Kalani, you are doing too much as it is. You know I worry about you overexerting yourself. Think about our own little one.” Michael placed his hand over her belly.
It was still somewhat flat. She wasn’t showing her pregnancy yet. It was at its very beginnings. There had been some time when Kalani thought it wouldn’t be possible for her and Michael to have children because it had taken so long.
But finally, they were awaiting a little son or daughter of their own. She couldn’t wait to hold the little baby in her arms and look down at his or her sweet face.
“You know that I worry about our child too, Michael, but I also think of all those children out there who are shunned from our community.”
“And you do everything you can to include them. Come on now, the wagon is all packed. We need to get going if we are going to make it to Sunhill by tonight.”
Kalani nodded, “Are you sure that you are all right with this?”
“Yes. I promised you and I am not one to go back on my promises. I am okay with taking you. You know how I feel about your family, but that is because I am overprotective and want you to be happy. if this is part of what will make you happy, then I am happy to do it for you.”
Kalani gave him a quick hug, squeezing him to her.
“Okay, let’s go then.”
The two of them walked out to the wagon. True to his word, Michael had packed everything Kalani had laid out, including a large picnic lunch that Bonnie had come to drop off several hours before.
She had been her normal self, fussing over them both when she’d learned they were going on a trip.
“All set to go?” David asked, walking up to them with a big grin on his face.
“Yes, we were just about to leave. Are you sure that you have everything under control here?” Michael asked him.
Kalani fought back a little giggle. Something that she had learned about Michael these past several months was that he had a hard time letting others take care of his responsibilities, no matter how qualified they were.
“Of course, you know I can handle this. Besides, your father sounded pretty sure he’d be over to check on things from time to time last time he was here.”
Michael nodded and rubbed his neck. Kalani watched him, trying to read the emotion in his eyes. She had learned more about the distant relationship between Michael and his father. To her surprise, after the wedding he had started showing up at the ranch.
Besides giving lots of advice and grumping around, he was actually quite kind and also very excited about the fact he was going to have a grandchild soon.
“Come on, Michael. I think David will do just fine watching the ranch.”
“See? Your wife trusts me, so you should too.” David shook Michael’s hand. “Go on now. Have a good trip.”
“We will, David. And we will be back before you know it. Make sure that you don’t let things run down around here, or I’ll have your month’s pay.”
The two men laughed but Kalani couldn’t tell if Michael was joking or not.
Kalani got up into the wagon and Michael followed a moment later, and soon they were off.
“Do you think that my mother will be a little happy to know I am alive?”
“I don’t know. I want to tell you yes, but I don’t want to get your hopes up.”
Kalani nodded, “I know, I shouldn’t get my hopes up. I just keep imagining all the different ways it might be when I see them again. What if they are angry that I am alive?”
Michael was biting his lower lip. “Kalani, if they have that reaction, we will be coming back the same day and never thinking of them again.”
Kalani giggled and leaned her head against Michael’s shoulder. “Thank you, Michael. You always watch over me so well. You know that you are my family; I just want to know what happened to them.”
“I know, Kalani, I know. And I really hope that your family is happy to see you.”
The two of them quieted and Kalani thought about Michael’s words. She was certainly hoping that her family would be happy to see her. She honestly didn’t know what would happen if they weren’t.
—*—
“Are you feeling all right?” Michael asked as he helped Kalani down from the wagon. She looked pale and weak. Something that he didn’t like. He constantly worried that she was overexerting herself, or not eating enough.
The wagon ride to Sunhill had been long and tiring. There were moments when he had thought they would never arrive. They had finally made it though. The sun was starting to sink, and a soft breeze was blowing through the street. They were right in front of the hotel.
The town was a slightly larger one than back home, and the hotel reflected that. It looked bigger and even fancier.
When they stepped inside, Michael left Kalani to rest in one of the dining area seats while he went to get them a room. When they were ready, he led her upstairs to the place they would sleep.
It was simple with a large bed, and on one side, a table with a washbasin and a chair in the corner. There was a screen to change behind as well.
It didn’t take them long to settle in. They were quite exhausted and ready for the rest.
The next morning they were awake early, just as the sun was rising. Once they’d finished preparing, they headed down to the street where Kalani’s family lived.
Michael had asked around the night before to find out where that was. It was a small house that looked as if it were in need of some repair.
Once they were standing in front of it, Michael could tell that Kalani was more than a little nervous.
“Are you ready?”
“I- I don’t know. How can I ever be ready for this?”
“You can’t, I suppose. Just remember, no matter what happens I am here beside you.”
Kalani nodded. “No matter what happens,” Kalani whispered.
Kalani raised her hand and knocked firmly on the door. A few moments later, it opened slowly.
The woman who was standing there was nothing like Michael remembered Kalani’s mother.
She was thin and her hair was pulled back under a handkerchief. She had circles under her eyes as if she had trouble sleeping. Her eyes looked tired and as if they hadn’t carried joy for a very long time.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“I- I am looking for… I mean,” Kalani was stuttering over her words. It was strange for Michael to see. He was used to Kalani being a strong woman who never let anything get in her way.
“Are you Mrs. Johnson?” Michael asked. He kept the harshness in his heart toward Kalani’s family to himself. From what he had seen so far, this woman had certainly suffered in her lifetime.
“Yes, I am.” The woman was glancing between the two of them as if trying to deduce exactly why they were there on her doorstep.
“My name is Michael, and this is Kalani. You once knew her as Ariana before she was taken by the Indians.”
“A-Ariana?” the woman spoke Kalani’s old name with reverence as if it were a word never to be said. “That’s impossible. She died when the Indians attacked.”
“I didn’t die, Mother. I didn’t die.” Kalani’s tone was soft and shaky, as if she feared her very voice would break.
“How? I don’t understand… Come in, please come in,” the woman opened the door wide. Michael had a feeling that her story was going to be an interesting one.
—*—
“Ariana, I mean, Kalani… you have grown to be such a beautiful young woman,” Kalani’s mother said with tears in her eyes.
Kalani looked at her mother – she seemed a shell of what she had once been. Kalani had so many questions, but her heart was constricting in her chest and her throat was so full of emotion she had to wait until she was able to speak.
“Mother, I wanted to ask you, why did you assume I was dead?”
“It was Gerald. He told everyone that you were dead. He died last year… Right before he died, he told me something that ripped my heart in two.” Her mother shook her head and the tears slipped down her cheeks.
“What did he tell you, Mama?” Kalani asked, reverting to the childhood name she had referred to her mother as.
“He told me that the Indians were going to kill him; they might have killed all of us, I don’t know… My goodness, what he did, I could never forgive him. That is why he waited so long to tell me, I suppose.”
“What did he do?” Before her mother even said the words, Kalani had a terrible feeling in her stomach. What had her stepfather done?
“He traded you, Kalani. He said that he wanted to save us, that he wanted to save all of us, he saw where you went to hide.” Her mother paused to stifle a sob. “He told the Indian where you were hiding and let them take you in exchange for our lives.”
“That’s why everyone thought I was dead.” Kalani’s voice didn’t sound like it was her own. She reached over and gripped Michael’s hand, her one lifeline.
“Mother, you never suspected that I was alive?”
“No, my dear child. The cabin was burnt to the ground. I was in the woods with your siblings. We watched the fire, and your stepfather fighting the Indians. But I thought you had hidden. Then after everything was over, he told me that you’d been killed by the Indians and left in the cabin when it burned down.”
“No,” Kalani was stifling her own tears now. “Why would he lie about that?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he didn’t want the responsibility of going to look for you. If I would have known, I would have looked for you myself. I know that you always thought I had traded you for him.”
Kalani nodded, ‘It often felt that way. You never defended me against the things he would say.”
“I know that I didn’t. But I had married him. I couldn’t provide for all of you children on my own, I needed him.”
“I needed you, Mama,” the words slipped from Kalani’s mouth before she could stop them.
“I know, and I will never forgive myself for not being there for you. He told me the day he died what he had done. I wanted to go and search for you. I thought of setting out to do it sometimes, but I was never brave enough to do it.”
“It’s all right, Mama. Now I know what happened. I don’t know if you remember Tom Michael,” Kalani motioned to Michael who had been sitting silently beside her with a serious scowl on his face for the entire conversation. “But I’ve married him now. He is my husband.”
“Tom Michael, kind young Tom. You always did look after her, didn’t you?”
Michael nodded in response to her mother’s question, but Kalani could tell that he was still uncomfortable around her.
“What happened to you all of those years, Kalani? Were you all right? I never stopped thinking of you. Gerald, he didn’t want us to talk about you. But at night I would tell your little brothers and sisters about you, their brave big sister who they had lost.”
Kalani imagined her mother telling her siblings about her, and smiled. She wished that she would have been given the opportunity to grow up with that family. Even though it had been hard sometimes with her stepfather, she had loved her siblings and her mother.
“When I couldn’t stop mentioning you at the ranch, he decided we needed to move. We came here, but he started to drink more. I think he missed the ranch. I missed the ranch. The last memories I had with you were there.” Her mother’s voice was laced with such sadness and regret that Kalani felt her anger slipping away.
“Please don’t blame yourself, Mama. You thought I was dead. I was okay with the Indians. They treated me well, like a daughter. This year, when my Indian parents died, I decided to look for you and see what had happened to you. That was when I met Michael… again.” Kalani turned to smile up at Michael. “I didn’t recognize him at first because he was grown up and had changed his name.”
She knew that he probably still didn’t want to trust her mother and she couldn’t blame him.
“I am so glad that you were all right. Kalani. I know that I don’t deserve a second chance, but I… I’d like the chance to get to know you again. This time, as me, without your stepfather. I know that the past will always be there between us, but if you’d give me a chance to be a part of your life again, it would mean everything to me.”
Kalani only had to think about it for a moment. She knew that if she let her mother leave her life for a second time, she would never forgive herself.
“I’d like that, Mama. I really would.”
Kalani saw her mother smile, and she felt Michael squeeze her hand. She knew that the road ahead wasn’t going to be easy. There was trust that would have to be rebuilt between her and her mother. Michael would take time to accept having her mother in their lives again.
But Kalani didn’t want to let the past dictate any more of her future. That was why she had started this journey in the first place. Her mother had gone through a lot and Kalani knew that the right thing to do was to let the past go.
She squeezed Michael’s hand back. She had the man she loved right by her side, and she knew that no matter what happened, he would protect her from anything. She could now walk into the future with head held high and with a clean new heart.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Hearts Across the Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
I loved this beautiful thrilling story ,you told it successfully.There was Indian attacks ,capture ,mobs, and of course love . Thank You again for a great entertainment for a couple of days .Keep writing I love your books
This is so nice, dear Linda! Thank you! Take care!
Beautiful story of love and tolerance of wrong doing being made right.
Glad you liked it, dear!
I enjoyed your book, it was exciting to the end and the extended chapter completed the story theme very nicely.
So glad to hear this, dear! Take care!
This book was great. It makes you stop to think about how living was so different back in the 1800’s and into the 1900’s. I have started reading a lot more books from that era. I must say that life was very different then. Maybe people would be more grateful, kind and considerate now if they had to go back to that time for a month or so. Keep up the good work and keep the Lord in your work. Good Luck.
I truly enjoyed this book a lot, thank you for giving me the opportunity to read the extended version, I really enjoyed it
Thank you for your kind words, dear! I truly appreciate them! Take care!
I enjoyed reading this book. It is good clean reading for young adults to older adults.. I really love stories about the 1800s. You really get caught up in the characters and want to keep reading. The characters really come to life for the reader showing both sides of a controversial situation. Thank you for a great book.
Thank you so much, for your kind comment, dear Kathy! I truly appreciate it!
I Truly Loved returning for her happy ending and the epilogue !!! It was Very Well Written, Moving, Intense, Suspenseful, Clean, Godly and I cried a lot !!! Thank You So Very Much!!! Carol You are a Great Writer !!! I Love To Read and You did not disappoint me. There were no parts that I had to struggle through to get to a good part. It was ALL GOOD !!!
I’m humbled, dear Lorenia! Your support means the wolds to me! Take care!
Loved the book. Well written. Brought many different
twists into the story.
Thank you, dear Julie! Take care!
This book was so moving! The human spirit is so amazing! Ariana, the main character is shown to be a wonderful and resilient young person with a heart ❤ of strength and a spirit of a love and kindness that we all should aspire too. Great book and so well written. Thank you.
So glad you liked it, dear Marilyn! Take care!
I loved this book. I was so glad Michael and Kalani found each other again. It seems the racial problems then is still going on today. I pray there will be peace for all one day.
Same here, dear Marie! Take care!
I loved the book was happy to see her reconnect with her birth mother. A fitting ending to a great story.
Thank you for your kind words, dear Karen! Take care!
This is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness and compassion all rolled up together. I’m glad Kalani found her mother, and I’m glad the town started having better feelings for the Indians. I guess there will always be misunderstandings between races.
Thank you, dear Carolyn, for your comment! Take care!
I really enjoyed this story. I knew from the beginning that it would hold my interest until the end. Kalani and Micheal getting married was a great finish to the story. I struggled along with Kalani and her relearning to be a white woman. Another touching part, to me , was when her sisters first came to see her. How happy she was to see them and then the sadness of family leaving.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it, dear Dorothy! Take care!
Just found this wonderful story.It is filled with twists and turns plus other moments will bring ears to your eyes. This will be at the top of my list as a favorite read.
This is so amazing to hear, dear Judith! Thank you so much! Take care!
I enjoyed your book very much. I wish the Extended Epilogues was included in the books because I have trouble at times getting them. I did have some trouble at times following a few things because of proofing mistakes (words out of place or missing), but that seems to be standard practice with online books. Bless you for writing clean, exciting, Christian, historical romances that are also thought provoking.
Glad that you enjoyed the book! I really appreciate your kind and honest feedback! It’s always welcome, as it helps me become better and better. Take care!
The story was very enjoyable to read, I will read more of your books. Thank you ..
Thank you, dear, for your support! Take care!
I really enjoyed your book. I could only imagine how Arians would feel throughout her life. She was real to me.
Glad to hear this, dear Eva! Thank you. Take care!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The similarities between this story and today’s world of protesting due to different race and beliefs is amazing. Thank you
Carole
So true, dear Carole! Take care!
Ihave read a lot of Carol Colyer’s books, and I have enjoyed them all, but this one Returning to Her Happy Ending, was the best book I have ever read. Being unhappy at home, falling in love with Tom. Being stolen by the Indians. Being loved by the Indians, then returning back to her home, finding her Tom again. And all the adventures in the middle. A true romance, a lost love. Wonderful Carol a superb book.
Wow, this is such an amazing comment, dear Rita! Thank you so much! Take care!
Enjoyed the story very much. Couldn’t put it down.
I could not put the Book down
It was one I wood read again thank you for writing it
n
A wonderful story of grace and forgiveness
I would like a sequel…perhaps Frank and Kalani’s mother could get together.
The plot was very unique. You placed a very knowledgeable trader into Ariana’s life making it possible to return home. Michael’s faithfulness is something we would all appreciate in our husbands.
Thanks for reuniting Ariana with her mother. She obviously has suffered enough.
Great read!
Ione Heinrichs
I loved the book but was disappointed when it come to the end,but then I saw the extended epilogue. I was really happy to read the end and see she had met her birth mother again.
I live in the Falkland Islands so love getting kindle books so quick . Thank you for a awesome book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have many others that you have written. Thank you for a very nice time in this world .
It was a very good and interesting story and of course, with a happy ending. I would, however, have liked to learn about her other siblings fathered by Gerald since she finally made contact with her mom after all those years. Keep up the good work.
A good story with adventure enough to make you want to keep reading. And love triumphs over hate a good moral to remember.
Thank you so much for a wonderful story. It made my day! Keep on doing what you do so well.
So happy to read this, dear! Thank you!
I enjoyed the story.It was heartwarming that We all remember What was done to the American Indian. I love the story lines Can’t wait to look for the next book Keep up the good work looking forward to your next book thank you.
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more Of your books. I recommend everyone to read this book.
Thank you so much for this beautiful story. Wonderful characters and so nice to read about so much kindness. Thank you also for the Extended Epilogue. It’s so nice to wrap up a story with that.
I love to read your stories and the fact that they are interesting and clean so much fun to read
As very wonderful story and a heartwarming extended epilogue
Glad you liked it my dear Gwen!
I loved the book. All of your books. Dena Hitchman
I thought this was such a great story,I love when Indians and white people can settle their differences and love blossoms between two people. That’s what has made our world what it is today
I loved this book from beginning to end but it never mentioned the
Siblings but still a vey good book
Thank you for the opportunity to read such heart felt and inspiration words. We need words of compassion more now than ever.
Your comment, my dear Joann, warms my heart! Thank you for your kind words that keep me going!
Enjoyed the story.
Look forward to others.
Just had to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed “Returning for Her Happy Ending” and was happy to see the ‘extended epilogue’, a nice surprise! I look forward to reading your other books.
So happy to hear you enjoy my stories, dear Sandra! Make sure to stay tuned, because I have more coming soon!
This is a beautiful story. I like that the author brought out the truth about the relationship between the Indians and the white people. Hate is a powerful motivator but love conquers all.
That’s so true, dear Janet!
So many thoughts on this book.
Her kindness, her strength, her resilience and adaptability.
His faithfulness, his matching kindness, his warmth, his ability to be open to opposite ideas and do them justice.
I loved the characters and the story. I love the example she is setting. I love “to kill a mockingbird” so you see 😉 I am really in this line of thought.
I struggled a bit with the fact that everything seemed so rushed in her life. 2 weeks with Bonnie to learn, 4 weeks with him and people are already bored with food… I think that months instead of weeks would had been more suitable for things to develop as you portray them. And the fact that she is teaching… maybe Frank would have been more suitable?
But overall a great story that I really enjoy reading.
How about making it a trilogy? Followed by Frank with Bonnie? And/or David with their new cook? 😉
One thing I will not forget about this book. Probably the most important: God’s greatness and merci upon us. The fact He never leaves us even when we don’t understand His ways, so we should never despair.
Thank you for that.
Thank you so much, for your detailed comment, dear! It is really helpful and I truly appreciate it!
Dear carol, I love your clean and loving historical romance novels. Have read many and you have never let me down. These are books that I can recommend to my daughter’s and grandchildren. Please continue as they have been so needed during the pandemic.
I’m so humbled, dear Diane! Thank you so much for your support and heartwarming words!
Thank you so much. You are an amazing author and I thoroughly enjoy your books. God Bless you!
So glad to hear this, dear Kathy! Thank you so much!
This was a very well written book and the storyline was captivating. I love to read about love that doesn’t give up. The extended epilogue brought all the lingering questions into proper perspective. Thanks for such an enjoyable read.
I deeply appreciate your kind words, dear Connie! Thank you so much!
I enjoyed your book so much and the extended epilogue finished the book. Without it I wouldn’t have been so happy. Thank you.
Thnak you so much, dear Pat, for your comment!
I really loved this book and the epilogue! Is there’s another sequel? I would love to read on to find if Kilani and her mother, perhaps moved to the ranch, a nd meet her siblings too.
Thank you for your support, dear! Stay tuned because I have more coming!
I couldn’t put this book down, it was a great adventure with twists and turns.
So glad you enjoyed it, dear Annette!
I really enjoyed this small getaway. It was exciting to see the transformation and recognition happening right before your eyes. I love the era you write in. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Ι’m so humbled, dear Carol! Thank you so much!
I really enjoyed this book about the indian family and them raising a white girl. I haven’t read one before. I’m so glad Kilani was able to help make a change. It makes you think. Iv enjoyed many of your books. I love that they are action packed to the end!
So happy to hear that you enjoy my stories, dear Linda! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
What a wonderful book. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. I never wanted to put it down. It was outstanding!
Thank you, dear Rita, for your amazing words! I truly appreciate your support!
I could not put this down. I fell asleep at 4/am reading it. After getting ready for the day I picked it back up and read it until I completed it.
Michael and Kalani’s story had me smiling and had me in tears. From Indian attacks to injuries. I loved how you told both sides of the story. Indian side, white side. This is so well written. Through the story I started telling my husband about it. He was hooked. He asked if there was a part 2. Smiles.
Extraordinary storyline…enjoyed it very much!
Your support means a lot to me! Thank you kindly my dear Veronica!
Amazing I wish my faith was that strong love your books
I am sure it is! Thank you kindly for your lovely comment!
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I COULD NOT STOP READING IT. YOU DID A GREAT JOB AND I LOOK FORWARD TO READING MORE OF YOUR BOOKS. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. YOU HAVE A GRFAT TALENT.
Thank you so much my dear Mary, your kind words is what keeps me going and gives me inspiration to continue writing!
The rampant prejudice that separates good people is depicted so well in this story. Ariana and Tom were able to keep their promises of love and devotion to each while strengthening each other’s character.
The story held together well. The only slip was one point it was mentioned that Kalani had visited Henry’s ranch a couple times and then later only once. This small detail didn’t prevent me from thoroughly enjoying the story
Thank you so much my dear Randy, I am glad you enjoyed it and I am thankful for your feedback as I constantly try to improve!
This was a lovely story. The ending was really good but where we’re her siblings?
Pam
Thank you kindly my dear Pam! I though of leaving something to the reader’s imagination 😉
A simply lovely story. Thank you 💓
I should be the one thanking you, for all the lovely support! ❤️
Hi I’m Brenda, I so loved this story. I hope you come up with a story that ties in to this one. Amazing read. Thanks for this wonderful story.
Greetings dear Brenda! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and I am glad you enjoyed the story! I don’t usually write sequels but I will keep your suggestion in mind 😍
Loved this story it was great,Can not wait to read more of your books
hank you so much dear Gertrude! U hope you enjoy all of them as much!
I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with adventure riots and forgiveness. I was happy to see how headstrong Kala I was to try to bring peace and understanding to both people.. keep on writing more books as I enjoy them so much.
Thank you dear Frances! Your support and feedback mean the world to me! ♥️🍁
This is a wonderful story of a young girl kinapped by Indians and finding a Indian family. Yet there is so much more happening in this book.
Thank you kindly for commenting dear Bets! Glad you enjoyed the story!
Loved the book and the extended epilogue. So interesting! Every little twist and turn turned out good in the end.
So glad to hear this, my dear Lisa! Stay tuned because I have more coming!
This story is great Carol. I really like the focus on understanding people of different cultures at the same time as practicing the Christian principle of forgiveness.
There are some tense times, some romance and interesting characters, all making for a good read.
I’m humbled, my dear! Thank you so much for your support and kind words!
What a lovely story of hope, peace, grace and forgiveness. I enjoyed this book so much. I am never disappointed in your writing Carol. You really know how to make your characters come to life.
So happy you liked my new story, dear Sherrie! It really means a lot to me!
Wow what a wonderful story. I couldn’t put it down. five stars for sure
Amazing dear Carol Ann! Thank you so much for your support!
I think this was by far one of the best books you have written. It was very well done (and other than a few errors the editor/proofreaders should have catched I have no complaints).
Thank you for your kind comment, dear Debra! I am really happy you enjoyed it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Am an avid reader! Am 93 years old and read every day! Your writing very enjoyable! You tell your stories without going into detail about private moments between couples which I flip the pages to get past! Your stories are like a breath of fresh air! You delve into real life problems with kind solutions! Appreciate your writing gift and will continue to follow your writing!
I’m so humbled and grateful for your kind words, dear Florence! Thank you so much! Take care!
I really loved this book. There was so much going on. 8 wasson glad thathappiness final happened toall good people. The extended book was good. I would love to read more about the characters in this book.
Thank you, dear Barbara! Glad you enjoyed it! Take care!
A very enjoyable story. I enjoyed the the contrast between the two different cultures and the way they began to soften a little with each other. A sweet love story with a happy ending.
Happy to hear you enjoyed my story, dear Virginia! Take care!
A very good and wonderful story and extended epilogue.A delightful story about love and forgiveness
Thank you for your support and kind words, dear Gwen! Take care!
A very good book l could not lay it down until I finish it the best
Thank you, dear Maxine! Take care!
This was very well written and kept my attention to the end. Loved the suspense and twists and turns it took. Very enjoyable
Maria
So happy to hear this, dear Maria! Take care!
Absolutely amazing. It warms the heart to read a story as this. Look forward to your next book.
This is so nice to hear, dear Karen! I truly appreciate it! Take care!
O good that she was able to reunite with her mother. I am glad Michael stands by her. A wonderful ending to the book.
Glad you liked it, dear Edwina! Take care!
I loved the book and epilogue and would like to read more of their lives together. So much of our world today is filled with racial tension and misstrust. If we took the time to be kind and stop judging it would be a better world. That is why I enjoy your stories so much. Thank you.
Loved the book. It was so good the way the author dealt with the race relations between the whites and Indians. A story of love and forgivness.
I enjoyed this book as all of your other ones. This was unique and I read it very quickly. You have a talent I have always wished I had. Keep on writing and I will keep on reading.
I enjoyed your book so much! It had a different story including the Indians. It was unique with the inside story of an Indian family loving and raising a girl of the people who were taking over their lands and making them move west. I read all of your book because they are so interesting!
What a beautiful story! A story of wrongs, hate, love, forgiveness and happiness! One of your best that was hard to put down!!
I loved reading this book about Kalani and Micheal. I guess the old adage says it all for this book. Love never fails.
More books please.
Lucinda
I enjoyed this beautiful love story between Michael and Kilani. The way the strife between the Indians and the white people was handled made the story more interesting. I had trouble putting this book down after I started reading it, because the story moved along at a good pace.
This is my new favorite Carol Colyer book! I just can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading a story where God is honored and your excellence showed through the whole story. Thank you so very much
For me, the sign of a really good book is when you don’t want it to end. This book left me wanting it to go on and on.
what a wonderful read. Glad to know that Kalani and her birth mom reunited. You books are great, filled with adventure and love.
I really enjoyed this story! Thank you so much for writing it!
Another lovely suspense-filled western romance.
I really enjoyed this story clear to the end of extened epilogue. I would have liked to know more about Frank but it was very good reading thank you
This is the first book I’ve read by Carol. I usually read mail order bride books . I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Thank you Carol.
This is such a good book. I enjoyed the passion and compassion. The extended version really summed up the book nicely.
Truly enjoyed your book. Enjoyed reading about the white and Indian people, and how things can change in an instance. Love the characters. Thanks for an excellent read. Hard to put down, read the book in one setting.
I enjoyed your book. It is very nice to read a clean book. Well written.
Thank you, dear Katherine! Take care!
Carol, I love the way you wrote this book, weaving Tom and Ariana’s past and the prejudices brought about by the wrong doings on both sides of the fence. You did an excellent job, it was hard to put this book down. It was a win-win to bring the two back together again. I didn’t know I could snap green beans and prepare okra for the freezer while reading, this was one of those books! Thanks so much for sharing the story and keeping me in suspense!
So glad my story truly captivated you, dear Jane! Thank you for your support!
Every story it seems needs a villain. The villain here seems to be her environment. An unhappy childhood. Her stepfather tells everyone she was killed in an Indian attack. But instead she was rescued by her new native American family. HEA, happily ever after , ending. She misses her childhood friend; he had asked her to marry him. She can’t stop thinking about him& compares him to others. She leaves her tribe, & her happily married sisters. Her friends help her adjust to returning to her old town. Uplifting story; she finds love & happiness & a new life,as both cultures learn to live in peace & acceptance. Easy read, excellent characters. 5 stars. Fiction: historically , returned captives never seem to adjust. Thanks: loved this eBook. This is the happy ending , that works; that we all wish for.
I am so grateful for your kind words, dear! Thank you so much!
I really enjoyed reading this book! I loved how /he lives of thee main characters were intertwined! Well written!
So glad to hear it, dear Sarah!
I really enjoyed this book. It was very suspenseful. The characters were well written. I would like to know what became of Kaloni’s mother? Did she see her younger sister and brother?
So glad you enjoyed it, dear Virginia!
I thoroughly enjoyed your story. Thank you for writing a realistic book as well as the absence of what I call written pornography I always make sure the writer is realistic without making people worse than most of us are. At least in my friends and family. I look forward to reading more of you books. I am in my 83 year and when I was young ugly words were never spoken by men in front of Ladies. I still miss the good manners of men and women of those days. Thank You again.
So glad that you enjoyed it, dear Mary Lee! Thank you for your amazing comment!
I enjoyed the book , however, you dwelled on Kalami’s thoughts too much. This slowed the flow of the story. I enjoyed the book overall and look forward to reading more by this author. Gerri
Glad that you enjoyed the book, dear Gerri! I really appreciate your kind and honest feedback! It’s always welcome, as it helps me become better and better. I will keep your words in mind for my future releases.
You writing is different than what I normally read, but I like you story’s and will enjoy reading more of your books.
Thank you so much, dear Richard! Glad you enjoyed my story!
Loved this book. Did not want to put it down. Hope there are books following as their family grows and the country also grows.
Thank you, dear Ann! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Thank you so much Carol! I loved this book! The heart remembers and you brought this to life!
Thank you so much, for your kind words, dear Kit!
Loved your story, beautifully written can’t wait to read more of this series. Will you write about Arriana’s siblings/mother or about Tom Michael’s brothers or even about Frank, Bonnie, David . So many possibilities in creating story lines with these characters. What about Arriana’s Indian sisters or whatever happened to the Indian boy she helped? Sorry I just love your stories and I love to read alot.
I am so grateful for your support, dear! I will keep your ideas in mind!
I enjoyed this book and hope to read more of your books!
Thank you for your support, dear Sharon! I deeply appreciate it!
Loved the story, I love stories about the Indians and their tribes.
Happy to hear this, dear Virginia!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, it kept me enthralled from start to finish.
So glad you enjoyed it, dear Catherine!
Really enjoyed the story and could not put it down. Was glad that Michael and Adriana finally got together and remember there past. Hope that they had a really lovely life together and that they have a family to look forward to. Once again I really enjoyed the story. Keep up the good work.
So happy to hear this, dear Lynda! Thank you for your support and kind words!
Very much enjoyed this book! Carol is one of my favorite authors! My maternal Granddad was one half American Indian; He was a very wonderful Christian man, and a very honorable person!
I love stories that involve the American Indians!
Thank you so much for sharing this with me, dear Naomi! Glad you enjoyed my story!
Thank you for another beautiful story. Kalani is an amazing, strong character, who personifies the pioneer women of the 1800s. Her struggles and courage were a joy to read. Sadly, many problems you write about continue in our culture today. We need more Islamic.
Thank you kindly for your support my dear Nanette! Stay tuned for more!
Thank you for this interesting story! Loved it.
I am glad you liked it as much my dear Barbara!
I really enjoyed this book well written and clean.
Thank you so much dear Nida! I am glad you enjoyed it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you for a new and different storyline. Our emotions and how they can change when we get to really know someone can give us many valuable relationships. Looking forward to more of your stories.
Thank you so much dear Pat! I am glad you found the story so inspiring! 😊
Good book, Carol! Nice to see both sides of the situation.
Kalinin is stolen and adopted by the Indians, then returns to
The whites, and learns that prejudice is rampant on both
Sides of the problem. And how lucky she is to have three
Mothers, and find the love of her life
Thank you so much dear Gloria! I am glad you liked it!
A very well written story about the history of our relationship with the Indians prior to both people recognizing the understanding that was necessary to live peacefully together ! Enjoy!
Thank you my dear Many! I am so glad you enjoyed this one too! 😊
I loved the book; others have been far more eloquent than I could ever be. There were a few instances of the wrong name being written and David commented about his love not coming back to life and yet he supposedly did not know her story. I was concerned for the horse that threw her and was waiting to find out if she made it back to the ranch since Michael had left the stable door open. I was reading when I should have been doing other things and it brought me to tears often. All in all it was a great tale revealing the prejudice and mob mentality and loved that she was teaching the Indian children.
Thank you so much dear Robyn for the heartwarming comment! Your constructive criticism is more than welcome as I always try to improve my writing! I am glad you enjoyed the story and I hope you will find more of my stories as interesting as this one!
Hello. I just finished your book set. I enjoyed all the stories. I do wish you would eliminate the extended epilogues. I know other authors use the same format. I want to know the ending of the book and it is frustrating to have to take that extra step. It would be much more satisfying to finish the book with all the ending details.
Thank you dear Diane! I am glad you enjoyed the story! As for the extended epilogues, as I have said before, I prefer having my version of the ending separate just to give my readers the opportunity to imagine an ending for themselves! 🥰
I really loved this book, you have done it again, I could not put the book down, Tom Michael all those year ago, promised to love her and marry, her and all she had been through, she found him again. A true love story. Thank you so much for the enjoyment you give people.x
Thank you immensely for your heartfelt words and for sharing your experience with the book! I’m delighted to hear that the story resonated with you and provided a captivating and enjoyable experience.