Review: Immerse yourself in this adventure!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 27, 2012
I thought it impossible, but Keta Diablo has surpassed HOLDING ON TO HEAVEN with the sequel, DARK NIGHT OF THE MOON.Lauren McCain Gatlin is married to one Brand Gatlin, but in love with his brother Creed. She married Brand when she learned she was pregnant with Creed's child after Creed had left to fight in the Civil War. Lauren has found her twin from whom she was separated for twenty years after Sage was kidnapped by the midwife who delivered the girls. Sage is married to one of the peaceful Winnebago, Winapaya, and they have two children and another on the way.Lauren, her father, and her son live with her Aunt Estelle and their servants. Sage and Winapaya live nearby with the man Sage thought of as her Norwegian grandfather, Peter Pa. Lauren's mother-in-law Polly lives nearby also.  The initial problem is that Brand is missing and presumed dead in the Souix uprising that killed so many of their family and friends near New Ulm. But Brand's body has not been found. Lauren and her mother-in-law Polly cannot give up hope that Brand is alive. I dare not reveal more to you for fear of spoiling your pleasure when you read this book.Set in Minnesota in 1862, this story is riveting, with beautiful imagery of vivid descriptions. Ms Diablo obviously dug deep into research for her work, and it rings true to the reader. I loved the characterizations, which ranged from humorous, honorable, to evil. I also cheered for the mystical wolf.  One of the characters is Crooked Back, a Winnebago woman healer who helps Sage.  She chants:I am part of the earth and starsAnd the gusts of far and nearOf lush valleys and snow-crested mountainsOf flora, and fauna, and deer.Not being a student of the Sioux, I don't know if that is an authentic chant or not, but it certainly seems so in context of the book. In fact, everything regarding pioneer life, the Sioux, and the era rings authentic. Although you will enjoy this stand alone book without reading the first book, the flow is so beautiful if you have begun with HOLDING ON TO HEAVEN and quickly follow with DARK NIGHT OF THE MOON.