This book won a RITA award for 1989 and I can see why; it is a beautifully written story. It is about Annalisa Van Meereten, a Dutch immigrant who lives with her grandfather and son, Kase. They live in a soddie outside a small town in Iowa.
When the Van Meereten's where arriving in Iowa, Sioux Indians attacked them and killed the mother, father and oldest son. Annalisa was raped and wounded left for dead. A younger brother and sister were taken away with the Sioux.
Annalisa's son is half Sioux; the citizens of the town felt sorry for what happened but felt Annalisa should have died rather than have the baby. The church gave the soddie for the 3 to use; they didn't want her in the town. All this happened 5 years before the story begins.
Caleb Storm, ½ Sioux Indian and lawyer, is secretly working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, trying to get rid of the unscrupulous Indian agents who are robbing the Indians of their monthly food, blankets and other goods.
However, Caleb meets Annalisa because he falls at her doorstep, ill with the measles. As she cares for this man, they realize they are attracted to each other. When the citizens condemn her for having a man in her home, Caleb promptly marries her.
However, they each have secrets and fears. This is a wonderful story about prejudice and forgiveness. 4.5 stars
Flower Series
1. Sun Flower (1988) Rita Awards Best Novel winner (1989): Sun Flower
2. Wildflower (1989)
3. Rose (1990)
4. Come Spring (1992)
When the Van Meereten's where arriving in Iowa, Sioux Indians attacked them and killed the mother, father and oldest son. Annalisa was raped and wounded left for dead. A younger brother and sister were taken away with the Sioux.
Annalisa's son is half Sioux; the citizens of the town felt sorry for what happened but felt Annalisa should have died rather than have the baby. The church gave the soddie for the 3 to use; they didn't want her in the town. All this happened 5 years before the story begins.
Caleb Storm, ½ Sioux Indian and lawyer, is secretly working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, trying to get rid of the unscrupulous Indian agents who are robbing the Indians of their monthly food, blankets and other goods.
However, Caleb meets Annalisa because he falls at her doorstep, ill with the measles. As she cares for this man, they realize they are attracted to each other. When the citizens condemn her for having a man in her home, Caleb promptly marries her.
However, they each have secrets and fears. This is a wonderful story about prejudice and forgiveness. 4.5 stars
Flower Series
1. Sun Flower (1988) Rita Awards Best Novel winner (1989): Sun Flower
2. Wildflower (1989)
3. Rose (1990)
4. Come Spring (1992)
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