I'm not normally a fan of Western historical romances, but Madeline Baker is one of the few authors who, I think, does them well. There isn't an overly-idealised version of the Old West, nor are there stereotypical characters or easy answers.

Kaylynn is a runaway wife. She'd married a handsome man who abused her. I'm also not fond of abused/victim heroines, but Kaylynn didn't just cringe and cower--she left. And when, on her flight, her stagecoach was attacked and she was captured and enslaved by the Cheyenne, she made the best of things while never giving up her plan to reach her parents' home.

When half-breed bounty hunter Jesse Yellow Thunder wins her, she thinks her chance has come.

Yellow Thunder is scarred, weary of the bounty hunter life, but doesn't see any other future for himself.

What I liked most about Spirit's Song was Kaylynn. She was a very real character. She was strong and determined, but you could see the pampered daughter of wealthy parents underneath. Maybe most importantly to me, she never fell into the TSTL trap as so many heroines in her position do.

The ending was likewise realistic and satisfying, though I could have done without the obligatory wedding scene. ( )