One woman with a deep desire to serve and help. One brave who will stop at nothing to save his people. Each willing to die for their beliefs and love for one another. Will their sacrifice be enough?As a female medical doctor in 1864, Sadie Hoppner is no stranger to tragedy and loss. While she grapples with the difficulties of practicing medicine at a Colorado outpost, she learns that finding … finding acceptance and respect proves especially difficult at Fort Lyon.
Cheyenne brave Five Kills wants peace between his people and theAmerican Army. But a chance encounter with their female doctor ignites memories from his upbringing among the whites … along with a growing fondness for the one person who seems to understand him and his people.As two cultures collide with differing beliefs of right and wrong, of what constitutes justice and savagery, blood spills on the Great Plains.When the inevitable war reaches Fort Lyon, the young couple’s fledgling love is put to the test.
more
I love stories about women in history who bucked tradition and made their path in life outside of what society expected. In this case, Sadie Hoppner practices medicine alongside her brother Ben at Fort Lyon in the Colorado Territory circa 1864. Treating illnesses and mending wounded men has its own degree of satisfaction for her. Convincing the soldiers of her skill and experience will take a bit more time. Things get even trickier when she encounters a Cheyenne brave named Five Kills and then later treats his injuries after he was attacked by the same soldiers. With tensions already at an all-time high and peace negotiations between both Indians and the Army, these two walk a fine line when they feel an instantaneous draw to one another. How can their opposite polar worlds come together for the good of their people and their hearts?
I have to say I was super impressed with this work of fiction! I found it well-written, engaging and drew me in right away. Not to mention my emotions were running on high throughout the whole thing. My heart definitely ached for both Sadie and Five Kills as they try to navigate the rough waters of what life has thrown them into. My heart also hurt for so many Indians who were senselessly slaughtered, many of them defenseless women and children. There were places in the book where I tears in my eyes as I read the account of the Sand Creek massacre. So many innocent lives lost just because they were viewed as an inferior people, it definitely tugged at my heart! Jennifer Urlarik did her research and it shows through, so many vivid historical details made for a richly satisfying story that sticks with you long after you finish. All with an underlying love story to smooth the rough edges and made me root for Sadie and Five Kills to find a way to be together. I can’t honestly say enough good about this book! There was so much to it for me and ticked so many boxes of what makes a great story. I really hope the author has more coming, they would be my automatic must-read-now.
Be sure to read the author’s note at the end where she gives more detail about this story, some of the characters in history she portrayed and shares her research. I found it fascinating and made the book come more alive for me!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. *
Romance blooms between a white, female doctor and an Indian brave in the midst of one of the most tragic events in American history.
This is a wonderfully interesting book written about an actual horrible happening, the Sand Creek Massacre. Uhlarik has woven a tale of tenderness, compassion and even romance around this senseless murdering of innocent men, women and children of this historical event……..It centers around Sadie Hoppner who has studied to be a doctor along with her brother Ben who is a medical doctor at fort Lyon in Colorado in the year 1864. The Cheyenne have been subdued and live outside the fort, seeking to live peacefully. Cheyenne warrior, Five Kills, who is half white is wounded by one of the soldiers and needs medical attention. Sadie without her brother’s knowledge goes to the camp to tend him. She cannot help her interest in the Indians and Five Kills in particular. Five Kills wants to know more about her and to know more about his life before his white father died when he was 10 years old……..Uhlarik has done her research well and written a book with very strong characters and believable events. This is an emotional read and you find yourself getting all wrapped up in the happenings……Also I loved all the history she gave at the end of the book. If you like historical fiction, you will love Sand Creek Serenade. I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading her next book.
There is so much to love about this story! The strong female lead, rich historical details, Native American culture, faith in God, mystery, and a tender romance. You won’t want to miss this delightful, page-turning adventure on the wild frontier!
Sadie Hoppner has studied and worked hard to learn all she can about medicine. She spent long hours reading her father’s medical journals, watching and assisting him with patients. Now working alongside her brother for the Army, she is beginning to see her dream of healing and helping come true.
When an unlikely encounter with a Cheyenne brave sparks tensions already on edge Five Kills is injured and in need of medical attention. A friendship blooms. Amidst peace talks and fragile allegiance, will their friendship bloom or their differences drive a wedge between them?
With beautiful descriptions, strong dynamic characters and vivid dialogue, I was swept into the story and blissfully along for the ride! My emotions ran the gauntlet as I enjoyed every page. The massacre scene was difficult to read. My heart broke for the atrocities that were done by the Army to the peaceful Indians camped at Sand Creek. But we are reminded that even in the darkest moments, love and grace abound!
I truly didn’t want the story to end. I highly recommend this excellent story to one and all, especially those who enjoy a story set in the Western frontier! I look forward to reading more from Jennifer Uhlarik in the future!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Dr. Sadie Hoppner and her brother Dr. Ben Hoppner live at the fort where her brother is stationed. She joined her brother after the death of their father. She is working hard to find acceptance as a doctor by the men at the force.
Outside the fort Cheyennes and Arapahos are camped as the work on a peace agreement with the Army. When Five Kills, a Cheyenne brave, meets Sadie by chance their worlds collide and the peace treaty is in danger.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book, but I was quickly hooked. While it is based on a real event in our country’s history, the romance adds a different dimension. The characters are well-developed and interesting. The plot moves at a steady pace. The romance drives the action in this story, but the massacre caused me to stop reading for a day. Knowing that is was one of several attacks on innocent people with no purpose is difficult to read. I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sand Creek Serenade. It was a beautiful story, rich with historical detail. I love women who bravely do the work they love and are called to do, even when it goes against social norms. Sadie Hoppner does just that when she becomes a doctor and works alongside her brother in a military fort. I thought Uhlarik did a fabulous job writing about the Native Americans and their plight amid the prejudice of the time. Beautifully done.
Jennifer Uhlarick is a new author for me. I enjoyed her storytelling, characters, and the pacing of this novel.
One detail prevented me from loving this book—I do not like when characters receive divine visitations. Without this scene, I could have given the book a much higher rating. (Theology matters.)
I won this book in a giveaway.