Review: This is one of those books that makes you think
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 31, 2013
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book[...]Touch of the Wolf by Vella Munn is one of those books that makes you think (I know, how dare she?). It has this intensely spiritual theme that echoes throughout the entire book.One of the things I really like about historical romance (no this is not a historical romance) is the way a good author sneaks history lessons in with the plot. It's rare to see this done in a contemporary book and yet that is exactly what Ms. Munn does. Draws attention to our past AND teaches us a bit about a culture that refused to die. Wonderfully done.Winter Barstow came from nowhere, abandoned on the side of the road at the age of five, she had nothing but a made up name and the obvious knowledge of her Native American heritage. Not what her heritage was only that she was Native American. Drawn to the world of anthropology as an adult she seeks answers the only way she knows how. When her mentor sends her an ancient mask from his site, Winter is stunned.. first that he would break so many rules to send it and second at the pull it has on her. As soon as she puts it on she is reminded of the Wolf of her dreams.Jay Raven has turned his back on his heritage. He has returned to the Hoh reservation but it's to help his family not embrace his culture. When the tribe has to decide on whether or not to work with an outsider, he is worried at the lengths people will go. When bodies start to drop he realizes that his fears are grounded.Winter and Jay have a connection at their first meeting.. instant attraction but something more... Winter has always connected with her spirit guide but had no clue what it was and Jay shut his spirit guide out years ago. Together, these two walk a difficult path. Each trying to find a way out of the darkness and stay alive in the process.Honestly, the romance didn't sizzle but the story? Now that was an entirely different matter. A wonderful whodunit with plenty of suspects!The only distraction I found was that it was set just outside of Forks, WA... I couldn't help it I kept expecting some of the more famous literary residents of Forks to show up. I know Ms. Munn did oodles of research so I think the connection was an unfortunate coincidence but a distracting one none the less.But don't let that keep you from reading this book! It's a well thought out story with excellent characters and a living, breathing setting! Olympic National Park is an important character rather than a stagnant setting. Perfect for this story.ShauniThis review is based on the ARC of Touch of the Wolf, provided by netgalley