Books with author Linda I. Shands

Wild Fire acquaints readers with Wakara as she struggles with anger over her mother's death, resentment at her new ranch duties, and a blossoming friendship with a young ranch hand at Eagle Lodge. She sometimes feels that her horse Lily is the only one who really understands her. When Wakara and her brother get caught in a raging forest fire, she learns to trust God in everything.

In Blind Fury, Wakara is starting to come to terms with the death of her mother, but she misses her presence every day, especially when it comes to getting maternal wisdom on the topic of boys and dating. Anne, the Native housekeeper, nurtures Wakara's fascination with her own Indian heritage as she disciples the young teen in her walk of faith. When a severe mountain snowstorm blankets Eagle Lodge with its blind fury, Wakara rides Lily into the storm to try and save some lost elk hunters.

There's never a dull moment at Eagle Lodge. Whether it's riding Lily on a steep mountain trail, encountering a bear, or saving her brother from one of his close calls, Wakara is always in the middle of excitement.In book three, an antique journal reveals a stunning surprise: The first Wakara was indeed her ancestor, but she wasn't even close to who Wakara thought she was. Then, just when she thinks she and Colin might become more than friends, he starts ignoring her. To make matters worse, Dad is suddenly treating her as if she were ten instead of almost sixteen, and she can't figure out why. As always, Wakara is stressed about taking care of Ryan, her accident-prone seven-year-old brother. When Colin leads the gang on a white water rafting trip, he makes a crucial error in judgment, and Ryan is swept out of the boat. A desperate search-and-rescue operation ensues, with Wakara right in the middle. Can she ever forgive Colin for putting Ryan's life at risk?

Nervousness that usually accompanies on-the-fly decisions resulted from twelve year old Jeremy’s addressing his curiosity. Every day as he walked home from football practice, he’d hear the most beautiful piano music emanating from a two-story bricked house. He’d look up the hill from the pavement as he passed, wondering…who can play that way? One day, he had had enough. Instead of passing in front of that house, he decided to find out for himself who was playing the music. Walking half way up the steps, Jeremy realized that the music stopped. Chickening out, he checked himself. No good, dude. Get out of here fast! But when his feet hit the pavement below, the music started up again.Then Jeremy decided that he’ get to the bottom of this music now for sure—and resolutely walked all the way up to the porch—not stopping until he rang the doorbell. Waiting…feeling like an idiot…he shuffled his feet back and forth in front of the door. Suddenly the door opened. Jeremy jerked his head toward the open door only to face the scowl of a Black woman! “Um,” Jeremy said. Then his feet shuffled himself back and forth some more. What’s wrong with you, dude? Say something! He breathed out a big sigh looking into the woman’s brown eyes. What are you looking for, dude, her forgiveness? She broke the awkward silence with, “May I help you?” But her face wasn’t at all kind. She was MAD! Jeremy stuck out his arms, palms up trying to explain, “I hear the most awesome music.” Peeking inside, he continued, “Is that your piano?” He pointed to baby grand, and his smile lit up his who face.All Rita noticed were his striking blue eyes. Unable to prevent her heart from melting, she figured that there is a reason this young White guy with red hair rang her doorbell. She determined to discover out why. “What is your name, and what is your story?” She demanded, crossing her arms across her chest waiting for his reply.“Uh, my name is Jeremy. But I don’t have a story,” he said looking into her eyes and raising his eyebrows.“But of course you do! Everyone has a story, Jeremy,” she stated flatly. Remembering his raised eyebrows motivated her to learn more. “Why not come into my parlor, Jeremy,” opening her door wide. “My name is Rita. Now we’re friends.” Jeremy stalled, nervously glancing to his right and left. Why not, he figured, and stepped one foot across her threshold. No turning back now! Neither Jeremy nor Rita would change the meeting that altered their destiny that day. But what fun both had after that day!