time travel

The most moving novel I thought Madeline Baker had written was First Love, Wild Love--until now. Under A Prairie Moon was just as poignant and romantic, if not more, and was definitely a page turner. Mixing in humor, time travel, and honest emotion, I finished the book easily in one night. The end is a tear jerker, knowing that Kathy and Dalton's fate is inevitable, but only for a short time. I can see Madeleine really put her heart and soul into creating Dalton, and I found myself hoping that my own Dalton Crowkiller would somehow appear in my own Montana home. He's the epitome of tall dark and handsome, and still possesses a gentle soul that made me all the more attracted to him. Great book, wonderful character. This Eddie Little Sky must've made quite the impression on Madleine Baker if he was her inspiration for her Indian characters, particularly Dalton. Her attraction for him was more than evident.

This, like "First Love, Wild Love" is one of Madeline's books that will stay with me for a life time! Dalton Crowkiller is a man that will live in my memory forever. Like one of the other reviews said, "Eddie Little Sky" must have really made a lasting impression on Madeline when she modeled these characters after him. All I can say is that I am sorry that I never met him, but felt like I have after reading this book! Thank you Madeline for such a romantic, on the edge of your seat best book I have ever read. I will read it again and again

The first third of the story is about Kathy meeting the ghost of Latoka half- breed, Dalton Crowkiller. This is easily one of the most heart- churning and innocent stories of building romance I've ever read. They can see one another, they can talk to one another, he can even hold her and kiss her for a moment. But his spiritual energy becomes weak, causing him to fade away if he spends the energy expressing his feelings. They are becoming so close in heart, but are so far from the ability to show it. Here is the story:

Kathy has inherited a ranch from her late husband's family. No one has lived on the ranch for decades, because the place has a reputation for being haunted. Kathy moves in and begins rebuilding the more- than- century- year- old ranch house. She has a feeling that she is not alone. She thinks she has even seen a man outside her window. Who is he and why is he watching her?

Dalton was the "fastest gun in the west", back in the 1870's. He worked as a hired gun. When a white woman seeks to seduce him, he turns her down because she is married. Angry, the woman accuses him of rape. Being a half- breed, he is not given a trial. He is whipped and hanged. With the rope placed around his neck, he vows to haunt the home and never give his killers peace.

For 125 years, Dalton's spirit has hovered over the ranch where he was hanged. Bored and lonely, he finds fun in scaring the people who occasionally rent the house for vacations. He does so by taking people's keys, and by moving things around in the home. He does all he can to make his presence known, because no one can see him or hear him. This all changes when a woman moves into the home. He is amazed to learn that she can see him. She can even hear him and talk to him. Even more amazing: they can actually touch one another.

Once her fear of this ghost fades, Kathy quickly becomes grateful for his presence. She has been lonely and grieving for her husband for over a year. This Lakota ghost quickly becomes her closest friend. He helps her rebuild her home and teaches her to ride a horse. Before long, their relationship builds just like the home they are restoring together. They are falling in love, but can not express it completely. Dalton pleads with God to give him another chance at life with Kathy. Kathy makes the same plea, realizing that Dalton has given her back what she has been missing for the past year: Hope.

While out riding, the couple stops at "the hanging tree." This time, they make their heartfelt pleas together. As an answer to their pleas, they are sent back in time to a few weeks before Dalton's death. He is now whole and human again. They are given a chance to change the past together.

Again, this is only the first third of the story! There is so much more ahead:
They live in the town where Dalton was killed, travel together to Dalton's Lakota village, then travel to Boston to seek out his mother and get married. They both have a horrible feeling that their time together is limited. Feeling that everyday might be their last together, they spend what time they have showing their love for one another. When time runs out, will they be separated? Will he be allowed to return with her? He would even willingly become a ghost again if it meant being with Kathy. What will fate hand them?

This couple is so beautiful together, I found myself nearly holding my breath while waiting to see if they would win their quest for a lifetime together. I felt every one of their highs and lows throughout the book. This is some excellent writting.

Nearly 400 pages long, I read this book in one day. There was no point where I could put it down.