The Apache Wars

At times dense and overwhelming, but definitely worth reading. Hutton does a great job compiling the longest war in American history without making it read like a textbook. It's as unbiased and fair as possible, and the author does a good job of outlining when the White Eyes (white Americans) are screwing over the Apaches and vice-versa (obviously though the White Eyes are the biggest ones at fault). I knew literally nothing before starting this and it kinda blew my mind, wild west history is so fascinating. I had heard of Geronimo and the Apache kid but it was completely out of context to what really happened. It's a sad story of a quickly diminishing land, broken treaties, vengeance, raids, kidnappings, and murder. It keeps getting more depressing the further you read because the government has less patience and less land to "give." A must read for fans of the wild west and Native American history. Included are pictures that help bring the whole story to light.

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in return for my honest, unbiased review.

The Blue Tattoo

Mifflin, Margot. The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman. 6 CDs. unabridged. 6.5 hrs. Tantor Audio. ISBN 9781515904908 $37.99.

Women's history author, journalist, and professor, Margot Mifflin, expands her research into this easily listenable tract about the life of Olive Oatman. In 1851, thirteen year old Olive was traveling west with her family when they were set upon by Yavapai Indians, she escaped the slaughter only to be taken hostage. Later traded to the friendly Mohaves she was raised as one of their own and even had her face tattooed as a symbol of belonging. She spent several happy years living among them until she was forced to return to white society and re-assimilate. Permanently branded, she was seen as an oddity and her childhood trauma and facial tattoo caused her celebrity status. Meticulously researched this true tale of wild west lore will captivate readers. For such a brutally fascinating glimpse into history, it reads remarkably light and may even interest teen readers and listeners as well. Wonderfully narrated by the talented voice actor, Kaipo Schwab, this story flows fast and compels listeners to keep listening. A must read for fans of wild west lore, women's history, and tattooing. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN

The Epic Conclusion

I just had the pleasure of finishing, The Mule Tamer III: Marta's Quest, the third and final installment in The Mule Tamer Trilogy by John C. Horst and I was not disappointed. In the first two books we are introduced to Arvel Walsh and Chica, a ranger and a feisty but loving Mexican daredevil. They face many battles and trials but through it all discover their love for each other and the wild west and join together to form a family. Enter Rebecca and Marta. Rebecca is Chica and Arvel's only biological child, but they adopted Marta into their family when they rescued her from a gang of bloodthirsty Mexican bandits. Ten years later Marta and Rebecca are inseparable, Rebecca is a thoughtful, loyal, and seemingly quiet girl of nineteen and Marta is quite the opposite. Marta is strong, willed, bawdy, and always looking for a good adventure. They have just finished their schooling in Maryland and are supposed to vacation in Paris for a few months before going to college (did I mention that their grandmother is quite wealthy?) but plans change when Marta wants to check on her estate in Mexico (her Uncle was also quite wealthy). Mexico is going through some troubled times and Marta becomes even more nervous when she discovers that men want to buy her land to strip it for gold and oil. Since the duo is inseparable, Rebecca decides to join Marta on her trip to Mexico and they hope their parents won't realize where they're going.

On the ship from Maryland to Mexico, Rebecca becomes immediately smitten with young engineer, Robert Curtin. They have a whirlwind romance that I at first thought was ridiculously fast (he proposes to her within 48 hours!!) but in comparison to Romeo and Juliet who have a three day relationship (as a 13 year old and a 17 year old!) that results in the death of six people, I realized that Robert and Rebecca's fast road to love wasn't really that far fetched, plus their relationship continues to grow as the story continues. Not to be left behind Marta also starts to swoon for Marine captain, Pedro del Calle but isn't so quick to give her heart (or her virginity away), which is interesting because as a character she is much more of a risk taker and thrill seeker, however when it comes to relationships she is much more reserved. Once they make it to Marta's land they realize that they are in a pretty deep mess. Can their new lovers be trusted or are they just out for their land? I highly recommend reading to see how this adventure ends!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see Arvel's daughter's mature into quick-witted adventurous girls just like their mother, Chica. The Walsh family always runs into excitement and it has been interesting to see how each member of the family reacts to adventure and grows in different parts of the trilogy. I'm sad that this exciting saga is over, but I can't wait to see what else John C. Horst has in store!

And the Bride Wore Blue

This book was literally a breeze to get through. Mona Hodgson (www.monahodgson.com) continues her Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series with this third installment. 

The story follows young Vivian Sinclair as she moves from Maine to the "wild west" to join her three older married sisters. On the train ride over, bandits break onto the train and steal the cash box, but not before Vivian accidentally trips one of them. Her accidental heroics lead her to meet charming young Sheriff, Carter, who is immediately impressed with her sass and charm. Although she begins to develop feelings for him, she tries to avoid him by working hard at finding a job designing gowns. She "soiled" herself in Maine and doesn't think that she will ever find joy in family life like her sisters because no man will take a tainted woman (a secret that haunts her). The story grows more intriguing as the bandits bring havoc to the normally quiet town and Vivian is forced to take a job that no real lady would ever consider. Will Vivian ever forgive herself and move on? Will Carter ever catch the bandits and the girl? Read on to find out!

The story (like many historical Christian romances" was slightly predictable, that being said it wasn't a bad read. It was fast and easy (like Vivian? haha, I couldn't resist)and will be a perfect beach read. 

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."