cover image Fire Dancer

Fire Dancer

Colleen Faulkner. Zebra, $5.5 (320pp) ISBN 978-0-8217-5782-6

This tender, sensitive, clash-of-cultures love story set during French and Indian wars in Penn's Colony, circa 1759, is a change from the usual Indian romance. Aspiring artist Mackenzie Daniels accompanies her trader father to Fort Belvadere for the opportunity to paint the French, Indian and British participants in peace talks. Mackenzie falls headlong in love with handsome, virile, Shawnee prince Fire Dancer, who takes her to his village for safety when the fort is attacked. She's torn by her feelings for him, a growing appreciation for Indian life, the loss of family and friends, and the menacing presence of a renegade Shawnee, Okonsa. Faulkner (To Love a Dark Stranger) presents a fast-paced, sensual story that'll appeal to historical romance fans who want something deeper. (Nov.)