REVIEW: Home by Morning by Kaki Warner

In Home by Morning (Heroes of Heartbreak Creek #3) by Kaki Warner, Thomas Redstone is a former Cheyenne Dog Soldier who has known his fair share of loss. Being half-white has also created issues, but since becoming a part of the community in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, he has started to feel a sense of belonging again. Thomas is deeply in love with schoolteacher Prudence Lincoln who is forever leaving his side to bring about education initiatives in various cities. He must decide if he can withstand her absence, or if they should part ways once and for all.

“You are nahe’e. My woman. Nemehotatse, Eho’nehevehohtse.”
Something inside her contracted, then release. Doubt and fear fled her mind. “I love you, too, Thomas.”

Prudence knows her work helping people of color get chances at both freedom and education is very important. Being half-black, half-white herself, and being brought up not as a slave but as part of a well-off white family, she is viewed negatively by both groups. It seems only Thomas knows her true heart. But no matter how desperately she wants to build a life with him, Pru is compelled to still help those in need. How can she balance the two important parts of her life so everyone will find peace in their lives?

‘This man was life to her. Hope. He had found her broken with despair and had put her back together again. He was her way out of the past and into a safe and loving future.’

What a truly touching, emotional journey we were taken on with Home by Morning. From moments of joy and laughter, to heartbreak and pain, this final book in the Heroes of Heartbreak Creek trilogy was a joy to read.

‘Our first teacher is our own heart.’ –Native American proverb

I actually hopped in here with the third and last book, and while I had to figure out who all of the numerous characters were, Thomas and Prudence’s backstory was pretty well explained so this can still be read as a standalone. I think because of that learning curve, the first third or so of the book didn’t quite hold my attention as much as the remainder did. But once I was hooked? I didn’t want to put it down.

Both Pru and Thomas had such heartrending issues to overcome from their past, so a good chunk of this story was about healing. I know the underlying issue they faced as individuals was how they were treated because of their race, being that this was set in the early 1870s, just a few years after abolition. But to me (being the romantic that I am) I thought the overall issue the story dealt with was trust. Pru had to trust that Thomas would not leave her, and Thomas had to believe that Pru felt as deeply for him as he did for her.

I think that was my sticking point with Pru. That she obviously did care for Thomas very much, but her work took precedence over their relationship. I loved her character, though, especially how strong, intelligent and caring she was. I think I just wanted to jump the gun and see their HEA faster! 😉 And, Thomas… *sigh* What a remarkable guy. I loved his devotion to Pru and the way he tried to take care of tag-along Lillie, who was a fantastic character herself! Loved. Her. The pieces of Thomas’s Native American culture that author Kaki Warner pulled in to the story truly made this story come to life for me and added something special to his and Pru’s relationship, too.

I think fans of Western historical romances will fall in love with these compelling characters. And make sure to read the Epilogue! It was so sweet and tied the series up so nicely that it brought a happy tear to my eye.

Book Info:

 July 7th 2015 | by Berkley | Heroes of Heartbreak Creek #3

The award-winning author of Where the Horses Run makes her eagerly anticipated return to Heartbreak Creek for the final book in a trilogy of soul-stirring historical romance.

Thomas Redstone—a former Cheyenne warrior seeking new purpose by following the ways of his white grandfather—is returning to Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, when he decides to give the woman he loves one last chance to accept him into her life.

Prudence Lincoln’s beauty and education have brought her little joy. Envied by blacks for the advantages she’s had, and reviled by whites for her mixed blood, she’s proving herself by helping ex-slaves prepare for newfound freedom. Thomas has no place in her future, no matter how much she loves him.

He’s suffered only hardship. She was raised in privilege. Their only common ground is the spark between them that won’t die. Yet even as evil forces tear them apart again, they discover that courage can be a weapon, happiness is a choice, and love can triumph over anything.