Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins

Title: Night Hawk
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Romance

Nighthawk, a historical romance set in the American West of the late 1800s, tells the story of a young woman named Maggie Freeman who has led a hard scrabble life, simply trying to survive. She is an orphan of mixed heritage – Native and African American – and she’s been on her own since she was twelve. Maggie has worked very hard all through her life and just when she thinks things can’t get much worse, they do, when a man accidentally dies as she fights off his attempt to assault her. Now, she’s on her way to jail for murder.

Ian Vance is a tough US Deputy Marshal and gunslinger known as the Preacher who thinks he’ll never know love again after the loss of his wife years before. When he gets roped into taking Maggie to the territorial judge because a crazy mob wants to hang her with no trial, the excitement begins as this jaded loner meets his match in the vivacious, strong-willed Maggie. Ian only wants to return to his Wyoming ranch but he gives his word that he’ll get Maggie a fair trial. And Ian is a man of his word.

I really liked Maggie’s attitude – life has thrown lots of things at her but she maintains a resolute demeanor the entire time. Both of the main characters are of African American heritage which gives a singular perspective on the typical western romance. Beverly Jenkins gives the reader a unique look at how an African American couple would live and love in the American West of the 1890s. The story contains heart-warming elements of rebirth as Ian overcomes the losses and loneliness of his past to look forward to a positive, happy life with the young, life-affirming Maggie. Read Night Hawk because it’s not only a good, engaging romance but it’s also a great change from the run-of-the-mill, formulaic western romance story. You’ll be glad you did.