Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pieces of Sky | 2009 | Kaki Warner | Buy |
| 2 | Open Country | 2010 | Kaki Warner | Buy |
| 3 | Chasing the Sun | 2011 | Kaki Warner | Buy |
The Blood Rose trilogy by Kaki Warner begins with Pieces of Sky (2009), set on a New Mexico ranch in the post-Civil War era. The story follows a proper Eastern woman who comes west and encounters a rugged rancher, and their relationship develops against a backdrop of racial tensions, land disputes, and the stark beauty of the New Mexico landscape. Open Country (2010) and Chasing the Sun (2011) continue with other members of the Wilkins family.
Warner’s attention to historical detail sets the Blood Rose books apart. The New Mexico Territory setting brings specific challenges that differ from the more common Texas or Montana romance settings, including the cultural interactions between Anglo settlers, Hispanic communities, and Native Americans. Each book balances a central love story with the realities of life in a dangerous and isolated part of the country.