Love's Fortress by Jennifer Uhlarik

Love's Fortress
by Jennifer Uhlarik

ISBN-13: 9781636091815
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Released: March 1st 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Upon receiving word that her long-estranged father has passed away, Dani Sango inherits the former art forger’s entire estate. Among his many pieces of artwork are a series of obviously Native American drawings and paintings, which lead her to research St. Augustine of 1875. Broken Bow is transported to Florida with other Cheyenne braves and held in Fort Marion. Sally Jo Harris and some other agree to teach the Indians. When a friendship develops between them and false accusations fly, it could cost them their lives. Can Dani discover how their story ends?


My Review:
Love's Fortress is a split-time novel with a historical tale set in 1875 in Florida and a romance in the present time as the two investigated the origins of some ledger art. The author wove a few fictional characters into the historical reality that some of the most aggressive Native American warriors were transported to live in a fort in Florida when their people surrendered. They were treated fairly but required to learn English and new trades. They were encouraged to draw art showing their personal history, though, so they wouldn't forget their past. Since Sally Jo was passionate about all people having value in God's sight, she helped teach at the fort despite her father's disapproval.

In the present day, Dani hated her art-forging father so she wanted little to do with the inheritance he left her when he died. But his friends show her that she's been told lies about him. Also, a Native American ledger art book was among the art, so she reached out to an art expert to help her discover if it's genuine and the story behind it. The initial physical attraction between the two turned into caring, especially with a cute young niece in the mix. Dani's experiences while growing up might help the child through the trauma she's just experienced.

The significance of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrections were explained to Broken Bow. A friend of Dani's father introduced her to the idea of letting the Holy Spirit lead her path and that God is directing things. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting story.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.