Where the Rain is Made – by Keta Diablo

Ethan Gray is a time traveler, sent into history by a Council of spirits to ensure the Cheyenne nation survives their struggles in the late 1800’s against eradication by white soldiers.  In spite of the bloodshed and loss, he longs for these missions.  They are a chance for him to connect with his culture at a time when a tipi was home and dog soldiers fought a seemingly hopeless battle against a stronger foe.  Ethan would always complete his missions, and then return to his modern life with a sense of satisfaction.  This time is different though.  This mission he’s fallen in love and suddenly the needs of his people and the Council all pale in comparison with his duty to his heart.

Francesca and her younger brother, Marsh, are settlers in Colorado with their father when an Indian attack surprises their settlement.  Cesca and Marsh find themselves captives of the dog soldiers, their father killed.  As they fight to stay alive and adapt to a strange new life among the Cheyenne, Cesca struggles against her feelings for her captor, a man known as Meko, and risks all to help her brother escape certain death at another dog soldier’s hands.  As she and Meko fall in love, Cesca finds herself with another dilemma.  Because the man she loves is not just Meko.  He’s also Ethan Gray, and he’s destined to fly right out of her life once his mission is complete.

This is a great romance with both paranormal elements (time travel) and well researched historical settings and facts.  I really enjoyed the Cheyenne legends and culture that filled the pages, as well as the characters.  Cesca was spirited without being anachronistic for her time period, but I really loved Meko.  Here was a man straddling two worlds, longing for both, torn by conflicting desires and duty.  Usually it’s the female in a romance that I really identify with, but in this case it was the hero my heart went out to.  Although the romance resolved early on, the looming tragedy of their future carried the book forward.  Beyond the stark fact that each day could bring a conflict that would end lives, was the fact that at any moment the Council could yank Meko to the future, away from Cesca forever.  Well done!  Four stars.