December 1862 finds Wynter McCain Oliver's heart split between Cord, her husband who's still missing and presumed dead, and his brother, Dax, who's the father of her son, Fenn. When we last left Wynter, she was adjusting to discovering she had a twin sister, Sage, who'd been raised by midwife Lucette Denzer and Peter Pa in Minnesota, not far from where Wynter came to reside with relatives. Also, the recent Indian uprisings in Minnesota left many empty chairs at the table, including those close to Wynter. As one storm settles, another one begins.

Wynter feels deep in her heart that Cord is still alive and is torn because of her feelings for Dax. And Dax, knowing that he can't pursue Wynter, takes off for the Arizona Territory to work as an army scout, hoping the distance will make it easier to move on. But the thought of leaving his son behind creates an even bigger dilemma. Adding to the stress is that Dax truly wants his brother to be found alive, but he can't bear the thought of seeing Wynter is Cord's arms.

Tragedy strikes Wynter and Sage yet again, leading them on a journey accompanied by Peter Pa through Sioux territory. On their way home, they're captured by a renegade band of Indians led by Mad Bear. In the meantime, Dax has become disgruntled with the Army's Indian solution and heads home to Minnesota. Will he return in time to save them, and will Cord be discovered dead or alive? The answers to these questions are waiting to be discovered in the pages of this great book.

K. Celeste Bryan's MOON OF THE LONG NIGHT is the sequel to MOON OF THE SLEEPING BEAR. This latest, long- awaited story revisits the wonderful characters who were introduced in the first book and brings to life a few more colorful individuals and storylines. Many series require each book to be read in order. However, Ms. Bryan has cleverly detailed this sequel with just enough information from the first book that it definitely stands on its own. Her writing is rich in detail and the story is so intriguing that it's well worth reading both books.

I've enjoyed this series so much that it saddens me that it's finished. However, Ms. Bryan will be releasing more titles in the weeks to come that will, without a doubt, provide the same style and finesse that I love about her writing. Upcoming titles to watch for are SOJOURN WITH A STRANGER, SKY TINTED WATER and BENEATH A CRIMSON SKY.