Moon of Ripening — Diane Davis White

When Lakota warrior Thunder Heart, who is destined to be a leader of his people, saves the lives of two white women during Red Cloud's War, he places his family and, indeed, his entire village at risk. Can Thunder Heart keep these women safe? Will his act of compassion cause the death of his family? Will his people demand the abandonment or death of these women in order to avoid the wrath of the Bluecoats or perhaps that of Red Cloud? Uncertain of the outcome, he knows only one thing: He desires the pale-haired beauty, Victoria Abernathy, and will do anything to insure her safety.