Once a generation, an Indian brave is given the opportunity to save his clan, a clan that's been banished to live in a mist for killing the children of the Thunder god. This brave is to go out into the world to be adopted by another Indian tribe. It's only through an unselfish act of kindness toward an enemy that the mist can be broken and his people set free. It must be done before he reaches 30 years of age, and in 1835, this warrior is Grey Coyote.

Grey Coyote's 30th year is nearing, and he's yet to find the right path to free his people. As he prays to his Spirit protector for guidance, Grey Coyote sees a vision and is given a riddle. Solve the riddle and his people will be set free; fail and he will prove himself unworthy. Grey Coyote is but a simple man and does not understand this riddle.

Fourteen years ago, Englishwoman Marietta Welsford was sent to the American West by her scheming uncle after the untimely death of her parents. Recently, she's heard from a solicitor that legal queries were made, and it was discovered that her uncle has never been the rightful heir of her family's estate. Upon Marietta's fast approaching 18th birthday, she must claim her inheritance or lose it to her deceitful uncle. To do so, she must return to England immediately.

In the Minnetree Village, Grey Coyote wins Marietta in a game of COS-SOO. It's with great apprehension, but great need, that Marietta asks Grey Coyote for help. She must get to St. Louis quickly, but he will take her only as far as the next white man's post. Even though Grey Coyote finds Marietta to be the most enchanting, most desirable woman he's ever seen, he must leave her untouched, the only honorable thing to do. Courting a woman has no place in his life, unless she's a part of his quest.

Their journey is one of beauty, discovery and knowledge. Grey Coyote and Marietta understand they are each on a different path. But soon their purposes blend together and thought of life without each other seems almost unbearable. Grey Coyote's gentle words of comfort resonate in their minds and hearts for, when they part, it's not what they'll be losing, but what they do with the time they have together now, no matter how brief it may be.

Karen Kay has once again gifted us with a story, shot by Grey Coyote's arrow, straight to the heart. She breathes life and beauty into characters we'll long hold dear. With her unique style, we experience the beauty of nature, the wisdom of survival and the tenderness of the Native American heart. THE SPIRIT OF THE WOLF is a wondrous love story that will touch your heart as it did mine. It's an overwhelming gift.