4.5 stars. I was excited this book had a Native American hero. The story required a bit more suspension of disbelief than some romances, and a few of Sakote’s euphemisms were just…humorous :). But it was a fun read and very charmingly written. I really liked the ending! I look forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy, hopefully soon. ( )

NATIVE GOLD by Glynnis Campbell is an exciting American Historical Romance set in 1850 Paradise California. #1 in the "California Legends" Trilogy and what a beginning. With Ms. Campbell's usual style of vivid descriptions,engaging,realistic characters you can not go wrong. When Sakote, a Konkow warrior,meets Mathilda Hardwicke, "Mattie",a rebellious artist, you have NATIVE GOLD. Tarzan meets Jane, Indian style. Written with descriptions so vivid and details so sound, you feel you are there among, the miners,landscape,Indians, as they navigate their heartbreak,tragedies,triumphs,joys,sadness,hopes,dreams,and their fears. Mattie is a mail order bride,but when she arrives in Paradise,she finds, her intended has died,and so the story begins.... "Native Gold" is filled with the California Gold Rush of 1850's,prejudice,culture differences,passion,friendship,and love. As two world collide,the white man's world and the Indian world, so does Mattie and Sakote's. A powerful story of overcoming prejudice,the power of love and friendship. I can hardly wait to read the rest of the story.....

Loved it! A must read for any reader who enjoys the American Gold Rush days, romance, historical facts,the danger of the "old West" and two cultures coming together. You will not regret this fast paced story of love and culture. Received for an honest review from the author.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )

Every so often I like to escape into a novel where I don't have to think too much but can just read along and get lost in a romance. I've read several of Ms. Campbell's works and they allow just that - delightful escape. Perfect beach reads - or in my case sitting on the deck reads.

In this tale a young woman, Mattie, is living with her aunt and uncle. She is a very talented artist - a free spirit. Her parents had encouraged her talents and her inquisitive nature in a time when young ladies were more seen than heard. When she embarrasses her Uncle AGAIN she makes a very rash decision and Mattie finds herself going to the gold fields of California in an effort to escape the strictures of her current life. What she finds when she gets there is not what she was expecting and yet a whole new world opens to her.

I find it best with historical romances to just sit down and enjoy the read. If you try and think too much you just ruin the mood. Native Gold is the first in a trilogy and could it have happened? I don't know. Is the book entertaining, yes. I read it in one sitting, I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the characters. I wasn't looking for a history lesson, I wasn't looking for plausibility. I was looking for escape and escape is exactly what I found. The romance developed at a perfect pace and I found myself rooting for the couple. I definitely want to follow the trilogy as the next two books come out. ( )