Spirited Hearts Series by Ruby Merritt

When Ella Hastings is captured by the Blackfeet Indians at age nine, then adopted by the Lakota Indians, she is thrust into a new way of life and transformed into Little Brave, adopted daughter of their revered and peaceful chief, Grey Owl. Ten years later the white man returns. Their soldiers storm her tribe’s village and bring reminders of a world she’d almost forgotten... moreWhen Ella Hastings is captured by the Blackfeet Indians at age nine, then adopted by the Lakota Indians, she is thrust into a new way of life and transformed into Little Brave, adopted daughter of their revered and peaceful chief, Grey Owl. Ten years later the white man returns. Their soldiers storm her tribe’s village and bring reminders of a world she’d almost forgotten. Suddenly, she is confronted by the question: To which world does she now belong? Her only hope in discovering who she really is lies with the enigmatic army scout, Beech Richoux. Son of a French trapper and Lakota mother, Beech Richoux was raised in a white man’s world after his mother’s death. Acting as an army scout to raise money for his horse ranch, he’s unaware of the Army’s true intent to annihilate his mother’s people until it’s too late. And the white woman he finds living among the Lakota only adds to his desperation to save his people. Now the narrow path he has created to balance himself between these two worlds is tipped by the mysterious white woman known to the Lakota as Little Brave. Can two people robbed of their own childhood learn to live together in such differing worlds? Can Little Brave and Beech forge a new path into a life where they both are finally set free? less

Six years ago, Lena Schuler fled Cheyenne to escape the man who brutally stole her innocence. Now, believing her attacker has left Cheyenne for good, she’s returned to build a life for her and her son. Attorney Lucas Kline has established a new identity and is making his mark as a trial lawyer in the burgeoning rail town of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Fighting to escape the guilt from his past, he’s determined to help shape the emerging territory into a law-abiding state... moreSix years ago, Lena Schuler fled Cheyenne to escape the man who brutally stole her innocence. Now, believing her attacker has left Cheyenne for good, she’s returned to build a life for her and her son. Attorney Lucas Kline has established a new identity and is making his mark as a trial lawyer in the burgeoning rail town of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Fighting to escape the guilt from his past, he’s determined to help shape the emerging territory into a law-abiding state. When Lena’s attacker threatens the security of her son and others in the community, will she find the courage to face him in order protect those she loves? Can she trust Lucas to defend her secret before a township filled with doubt? Or will the guilt from Lucas’ past blur the lines between justice and vigilantism? less

After attending finishing school and ministering to orphan children, Grace Chapman returns to her hometown of Cheyenne, Wyoming to plan her wedding to Dr. Robert Walcott. Becoming the wife of the promising St. Louis doctor will grant her a level of propriety and respect she fears she lost two years earlier. However, when she goes to the aid of an injured woman she encounters the brusque but handsome new doctor of Cheyenne who sees her well-meaning help as little more than meddlesome... moreAfter attending finishing school and ministering to orphan children, Grace Chapman returns to her hometown of Cheyenne, Wyoming to plan her wedding to Dr. Robert Walcott. Becoming the wife of the promising St. Louis doctor will grant her a level of propriety and respect she fears she lost two years earlier. However, when she goes to the aid of an injured woman she encounters the brusque but handsome new doctor of Cheyenne who sees her well-meaning help as little more than meddlesome. After scraping his way out of the tenements of Denver and gritting his way through medical school, Dr. John Kittrick has relocated to Cheyenne to build his medical practice. All he wants is to apply the latest medical findings to help ailing folks and repay his hardworking, self-sacrificing ma with a life of leisure in her final years. Sparks fly and feelings develop between Grace and John as they help the injured woman and her family of which a broken arm is the least of their troubles. When a danger arrives in Cheyenne that threatens the entire population, Grace and John are forced to confront not only their beliefs about the world, but their feelings for each other. Spirited Heart Series: Book 1: Ella's Choice Book 2: Lena's Courage Book 3: Grace's Purpose less