Love's Fortress

GIVEAWAY

UHLARIK, JENNIFER

LOVE'S FORTRESS 

An epic love story from the past brings closure to Dani's fractured family roots.

Walk through the Doors to the Past via a series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Upon receiving word that her long-estranged father has passed away, Dani Sango inherits the former art forger's entire estate. Among his many pieces of artwork are a series of obviously Native American drawings and paintings, which lead her to research St. Augustine of 1875.

White Elk is transported to Florida to join other Cheyenne braves already being held in Fort Marion. Sally Jo Harris is at the fort teaching the Indians. When a friendship develops between them and false accusations fly, it could cost them their lives. 

Can Dani discover how their story ends and how it shaped her own father's life?

My Review:

Whoa! This story blindsided me in so many ways (and that's a good thing!) I went in expecting something very different and, truthfully, I didn't like Dani at the very beginning. She's a little rough around the edges and emits this stand offish vibe that made it hard for me to connect with her...for like a nanosecond. :-) And then Uhlarik works her storytelling magic as she slowly reveals Dani's heartbreaking past and begins to smooth out her rough edges courtesy of some atypical secondary characters who start speaking God's truth into her life.

Parts of the contemporary timeline are raw and gritty and took my breath away and that includes Brad's emotional story. Love the way that Dani and Brad connect over a historical art puzzle and draw closer as they dig deeper to discover the artist's story.

And that brings us to the historical timeline which is compelling and gut-wrenching and hackles-raising! Because me, reading this in the 21st century can clearly see the flaws (well meaning or not) in the treatment of  indigenous people at the time. In particular, a mix of Plains tribes men who were trekked across the country, away from wives and children (the ones who weren't slaughtered) and held 'humanely' at a fort in Florida where they were taught to be -- well, white. 

What I love about Sally Jo is that she appreciates the culture and traditions of the men she's tasked with teaching. And I don't want to say much more than that because I'd slip into spoilers but, mercy, my heart hurt over so many aspects of this timeline. I'm still gutted actually. 

And the way the past and present tie together and bring hope to Dani's future...well, just, wow! Stellar storytelling!

Goal Update: #4 Read more new-to-me-authors, #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love's Fortress, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 9 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck