I absolutely loved this book. It is set in the Indian Territories in 1872. Meredith helps her Aunt Mildred in an orphanage for children that are blessed with special gifts. Talking to animals or moving things without touching them for example. They are all together to help them control their gifts and to protect them from those who would hurt them. Meredith and the women in her family have visions. While Aunt Mildred is away, soldiers come to take them to the fort where they will be safe from Renegade Indians. There have been raids with people killed and houses burned. Lieutenant Preston Booth is in charge of moving everyone from the orphanage to the fort. After several mishaps, they get to Fort Dent to find that the only place big enough for them all to stay together is the jail. Neither Preston or Meredith are happy that he will be in charge of taking care of their needs until it is safe for them to leave. Meredith has to hide the secret about her and the children's gifts to prevent accusations of witchcraft. The deep attraction between the two, scares both of them. Robbie can talk to animals. When he tells Mr Finley, the Indian Agent that his horse is sick, no one believes him until the caregiver for the horses confirm it. When the orphanage is burned down and Mr Hoggard, the caretaker is injured, questions arise about the identity of who was responsible for the fire. Arrows and other things found there seem to confirm that it is the Indians. Love blooms for Meredith and Preston, but her secret may be too big for him to accept and he plans to make the Army his lifetime career. Who is at fault for the raids that have been happening? Robbie is kidnapped, but why? There are stories within stories. I can't say anything else without giving the ending away. The author ties everything together in a way that I really loved. I would love more stories about the kids and Meredith. I received this book from Net Galley and Wild Rose Press for a honest review and no compensation otherwise. The opinions expressed are my own. 5+ stars

I started this book with pretty excited expectations. About 22% into the book I seriously wanted the H to be knocked off his horse...into a pile of manure.


I was pretty sure I was going to hate the rest of the book, but Ms. Dalton surprised me. Once I realized the H was capable of learning new tricks and being shown there are better ways the story got infinitely better for me. I found I really enjoyed seeing Meredith and Preston fall for each other.

That being said I truly thought Preston was going to screw it up towards the end. He had his reasons for disliking untruths but was having a hard time realizing his attitude contributed to the situation. I did like seeing his relationships with the children grow and that Meredith was able to make progress with her gift.

Altogether I thought it was fresh and fun to read and the characters were interesting. The author showed several facets of the human character and I enjoyed it.

This book was provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review