For four-and-a-half years, Nathan Chasing Elk has been in prison for the crime of murdering his wife; a crime he did not commit. The only thing that has kept him going is that one day he will be able to escape and avenge his wife's death and be reunited with his lost daughter. When he finally escapes, it's almost for naught as he is shot during the attempt and nearly killed. It is only with the help of the woman who found him dying and took him in that he is still alive. The more time he spends with Catharine, the more he is starting to feel for her, and suddenly his quest does not seem as urgent as he previously felt, but he is afraid to act on his feelings. After all, what can an escaped convict possibly have to offer?

Ever since her brother left one month ago, Catharine Lyons has been alone, struggling to maintain the rundown ranch that is her home. Certain that her brother left her to go to their old home back east and under threat of being forced to marry an Apache warrior, she decides to make her own way back to Boston. She's hardly gone far when she comes across a dying Indian in convict clothes, and though she is tempted to leave him, her humanity convinces her to stay and take care of him. As she gets to know Chasing Elk better, Catharine realizes all her preconceived notions about Indians are false. She also realizes she is falling for him and is determined to help him get his old life back. The chances are not good for success, but is love not worth every possible effort?

Dakota Dreams was a heartbreakingly sweet romance that had my heart engaged from the very first page. Baker provides an excellent illustration of the life of Native Americans in the 1870's and the struggles of an interracial couple. Because the entire world was against them, I couldn't help but wish for Catharine and Chasing Elk's love to grow and succeed.

Catharine was an appealing heroine with strength greater than any woman has a right to have. She managed to take care of herself in a hostile land and was bighearted enough to take in an escaped Indian convict because it was the right thing to do. She also had the courage to love a man the world didn't approve of. Chasing Elk had experienced some of the most tragic events that a human can live through and he came out with his humanity and goodness intact and that says something about the amazing strength of his character. I truly loved this book and I highly recommend Dakota Dreams to romance fans everywhere.

Reviewed by: Tara