Judith‘s review of Eagle’s Redemption by Cindy Spencer Pape.
Dash Hyde is a former Chicago cop, scarred both inside and out. When he inherits a share in a Texas ranch, the last thing he expects is to meet a woman who can see past the scars to his very soul–even though she’s nearly blind.
Carmen Whitefeather loves taking care of wildlife, but the damaged man she finds on her doorstep with an injured eagle fascinates her even more. The spark between them is instant and overwhelming, and she’s determined to enjoy every second.
As Carmen and Dash explore the passion they find in each other’s arms, they both take the risk of getting burned. When an old enemy of Dash’s targets Carmen, Dash will have to face his deepest fears and walk into the flames to fight for the woman he loves.
This is the second in a series of novellas which tell the story of three siblings, a daughter who is the legitimate heir of an uncaring, self-centered, mean, vengeful Texas rancher, and her two half-brothers, illegitimate sons who were never acknowledged by their dad and about whom he cared nothing. However, he has now willed his ranch to them–each with a one-third equal share, only because he refused to leave his ranch to a woman. However, these three have discovered a new family, new connections with special people unexpectedly, and together they are rising above the hurt and uncaring of their father.
Dashiel Hyde is wounded and scarred, wondering where his future lay, finding out that he can learn new skills even with hands that are scarred and not working well, and a leg that has never regained its strength after being grossly wounded by gun fire. He avoids crowds, is unwilling to be around strangers who see his facial scars and observe his limping gait, and he can no longer tolerate their pitying looks. His mother, an attractive African-American woman who struggled to raise Dash for ten years alone, found the love of her life and Dash’s three half-siblings and their stepfather and his mom are all in Chicago. He doesn’t know if he will return or make Texas his home. He just can’t seem to find a mooring for his life.
Now he has met Carmen Whitefeather at his half-sister’s wedding and even though he can barely dance, was sort of pushed into dancing with her. Fortunately for him, she doesn’t dance too well either–she is legally blind–and he finds that he is attracted to her, partly because he knows she can’t see his scars, and partly because she feels so good in his arms. Their attraction is mutual and their affair begins. But not only is their relationship in jeopardy but their very lives because of an arrest and shooting while serving on the Chicago police force.
This is not a long book–a novella–but it is rich in content. Through Carmen’s character the richness of the Cherokee legends are shared and the love of nature and respect for all life comes through loud and clear. Carmen is open and accepting, a quality in people she has not often found because of her own disability. But she and Dash seem to be made for one another. This is a gentle love story with an edge, just that little bit of danger that keeps the reader wondering if these two will make it to their Happily Ever After. There is also a them of renewal in this story. Dash’s physical wounds seem to be healing well. Riding every day is strengthening his leg, and helping with the computer entry tasks for the ranch are strengthening his hands. But his heart is wounded, his sense of being a productive human being has been impaired, and he wonders if he can ever function without feeling like a monstrous oddity. Through Carmen’s acceptance and their mutual loving comes healing for Dash’s inner wounds.
There are some really good background characters in this series and they show up in each of these books giving depth and color to the story’s context. Each book is written by a different author so each story reflects the particular writing style of that author. Ms Pape is certainly a writer with a proven track record as a storyteller, and she seems to have done some fine work here. I have already gone back and re-read book one and I intend to read this one again. Lots to like here and themes and ideas to make one feel like they have encountered good people. Carmen’s life wisdom is quite awesome at times.
So I recommend this novella as worthy of spending time with these individuals and celebrating their journey of discovery as they grow into a family with a lot of enduring connection and authentic devotion to one another.
I give this book a 4.25 out of 5.
You can read more from Judith at Dr. J’s Book Place.
This book is available from Ellora’s Cave. You can buy it here in e-format.
Thanks so much for the great review. I loved writing Dash and Carmen’s story.