Broken Bondage, a novel by Carmen Peone, the second of the “Seven Tine Ranch Romance series,” is a highly suspenseful, intriguing cowboy romance with Native American characters. The contemporary story begins on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in northeast Oregon.

Rita Runninghorse carries a heavy burden. She works cattle sunup to sundown on her demanding father’s ranch. Not only that, she’s a victim of abuse from Bowie Dark Cloud, her fiancé, a man her father encourages her to marry. Her life is spiraling downhill and she must do something to save herself. She flees to the Seven Tine Ranch in eastern Washington, a safe haven for women in need. But as luck would have it, the owner is on a month-long speaking tour.

Robert Elliot, the brother of the Seven Tine’s owner, has one main interest: bronc riding. The Indian National Finals Rodeo is coming up and Robert sees it as his one chance of going pro. But what is he going to do with this woman who suddenly shows up on the ranch, obviously scared for her life?

Bowie Dark Cloud is pure evil. Above all else, he intends to marry Rita. He’ll beat some sense into her—again—do whatever it takes. He has too much riding on this to give up.

Broken Bondage is a gripping story depicting the unfortunate truth of horror, violence and abuse so prevalent among Native American women. The author, who lives on the Colville Reservation with her tribal husband, speaks with authority of reservation life, about the thrills associated with rodeo competition, and about the strength to be gained from God’s promises. This story kept my rapt attention with the plight of Rita Runninghorse, of Robert Elliot’s dream to become a rodeo pro, and finally a message of hope.