Better She Die
Blurb:
In
1858, Clare Rose Coulson of Silver Sage Creek, Texas, is traumatized as a band
of Apache Indians murder her husband, her father, and best friend. When
kidnapped, she tries to escape only to be captured by another band, but quickly
learns this band is Comanche and different. They aren't warriors or savages,
but a peaceful, loving people. While living with the band, she learns to
respect the Indian ways and settles into a life she never dreamed.
Four years later, Captain Drury Burchett, a Texas Ranger, rescues Clare Rose. Only, the beautiful redheaded woman is angered by her rescue. He's bewildered by the compassion she shows for the Comanches, especially since his hatred for the savages digs deep into his soul for all they've taken from him. What makes this woman so strong in her beliefs and needs to defend the Indians?
Four years later, Captain Drury Burchett, a Texas Ranger, rescues Clare Rose. Only, the beautiful redheaded woman is angered by her rescue. He's bewildered by the compassion she shows for the Comanches, especially since his hatred for the savages digs deep into his soul for all they've taken from him. What makes this woman so strong in her beliefs and needs to defend the Indians?
Excerpt:
Clare
hung on to Betsy’s limp body and held out her free hand to the nearest animal,
and whispered, “Shish.” She untied a rope and led the horse away from the
others.
After
what she hoped was a safe distance, she quickly glanced back at the enemy’s
camp. She could do this.
Betsy’s
body slouched against her. She glanced down at her friend, heaved in a breath
and gave her a rough shake, and whispered, “Betsy.” No response. Clare shook
her again. “Betsy, listen to me, you’re going to have to stand on your own? Do
you hear me?”
A
twig snapped.
Clare
whirled.
An
Indian stood near, slanted his head to the side waiting to see what she was up
to.
Her
mind raced. Clare swung her gaze toward the camp. He seemed to be alone.
Turning
her hard glare back to the Redskin, she returned his stare with the
overwhelming desire to holler, “Boo.” From the way he was gawking at her, she
was sure he’d run. However, he’d head straight to his band, putting her in
worse danger.
Clare
continued to bore her angry look into the savage’s eyes. If she couldn’t escape
with Betsy, she’d do the unthinkable.
No
sooner had the thought slipped into her mind, her body reacted. With a strong
force, she shoved Betsy toward the hesitant Indian, knocking him backward. With
one swift movement, she mounted the horse, leaving Betsy in the clutches of the
Redskin.
Without
looking back, Clare whipped the rope against the horse and took off. God help
her. She had just left Betsy in the hands of the enemy.
In
the early dawn of the morning light, Clare turned the horse toward a canyon.
She had no idea what direction to take, but the one thing she knew for sure,
she had to get away and bring back help for Betsy.
No
soon did she breathe in a sigh of relief for successfully escaping, two Indians
from out of nowhere rode out in front of her. Before she was able to pull back
on the rope, her startled horse hoisted his front legs into the air, dropping
her like a dead body. She hit the hard ground, thrusting the air from her
lungs.
Once
she sucked in a gulp of air, her eyes jerked open. While trying to breathe
deeply, she looked up into the face of a savage. When he squatted down next to
her, she tried to scoot back, but her shaking arms failed to hold her weight.
His black angry eyes drilled into hers. God help her, she’d been
captured--again.
Congrats on your release! Your story reminds me of the classic historicals with Native American undertones. Those were my favorite books to read growing up.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best!
Thank you Melissa, I appreciate you stopping by. Hope all is going well with you. Judy
DeleteCongratulations on your new release! I love that cover and the story line.
ReplyDeleteI always love to hear from someone that takes the time to stop by. Have a great day. Judy
DeleteSounds like an interesting premise, Judy...and from the looks of things, we're neighbors! Get down to Cedar much? :D
ReplyDeleteHope to talk to you soon!
Best,
J.S. Wayne
Yes, usually heading for St. George - love the area.
DeleteCongratulations on the new release. Sounds like you have another winner. Love the cover.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you, Kim.
Delete