A Book Review: Revell Blog Tour {A Love Forbidden} by Kathleen Morgan

About the Book: Moved by the desire for adventure and a yearning to help the Ute Indians, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainwright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado. The new job, however, isn't what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian Agent, and the unrealistic demands of the US government. Her unexpected encounter with Jesse Blackwater, an embittered half-breed Ute and childhood friend, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst the spiraling tensions threatening to explode into a catastrophic Indian uprising.

Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this is a tale of a forbidden love and a faith tested in the cauldron of intolerance and the harsh realities of life on the untamed frontier. Bestselling author Kathleen Morgan deftly explores themes of mercy, fidelity to one's beliefs despite what others think or do, and compassion for those different from oneself as she plumbs the depths of the human heart and the healing power of God's love.

My Star Rating: 4 Stars

My Review:  A Love Forbidden (Book 2 in the Heart of the Rockies series) is a compelling, historical novel filled with elements of adventure, tension, faith, and romance.  The book seemed a little slow at first, but things really picked up about a third of the way in.  That's where the story really grabbed my interest, and I was pulled into the action.  There were several tense moments throughout the book, as well as the passionate moments that romance fans love! 

Kathleen Morgan has done a fantastic job filling the pages with historical details, realistic characters, and an interesting plot.  The story certainly depicts a difficult time in U.S. history where tensions were high between the Native Americans and the U.S. government.  Morgan has combined this historical element beautifully with her fictional creation, and the tensions and difficulties clearing come across the page -- leaving the reader full of anticipation for what will happen next.

Shiloh and Jesse are realistic and enjoyable characters, and I found their relationship to move along at a believable pace, while at the same time a little frustrating because of its back-and-forth nature.  I would get the impression that the relationship was going in one direction, and then it would go the other way.  Despite this, their struggles seemed natural as they both tried to navigate their way through the uncertainty of their relationship.  It was this aspect that kept me guessing until the very end.

The faith aspect to the story is perfectly done, and Morgan does a wonderful job weaving the message of Christ's salvation, love, and forgiveness throughout the story.  It's nice to see how this plays out for Shiloh, as well as Jesse.

Despite the slow start, the story really picked up, to the point where I couldn't put the book down!  I found this to be a satisfying read, and would recommend it those who enjoy historical novels set during the late 1800's, as well as those who love a sweet, clean romance.

** Thank you to Revell for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. **

** Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**