“Wow! Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put Carmen Peone’s Renewed Hope down. It is a heart-wrenching story of one abused mother’s struggle to save her precious child with help from unexpected friends, all set against the backdrop of the Native American culture. Don’t miss the final heart-pounding installment of her Seven Tine Ranch series as it brings closure to this moving trilogy.” —Jennifer Uhlarik, awardwinning author of Sand Creek Serenade and Love’s Fortress “Renewed Hope pulls the reader in immediately with a fast-paced scenario of child abduction and domestic violence. The story develops with significant tugs on the heartstrings of anyone who has ever been a victim or had to fight for their children. Chad is aptly portrayed as a strong but hesitant man who wants desperately to show Sophie the better side of men. The issue of Native American women disappearing and being abused is a major focus on a relatively unknown and ignored issue just really beginning to come to the forefront today. Excellent read!” —JoAnn Conner, author of the Detective Frank Riley Mysteries
“Renewed Hope tells the story of an Indigenous woman who endures spousal abuse, a bitter divorce, her sister’s murder, and the noncustodial kidnapping of her son. A cowboy offers to help find her little boy. With the help of tribal police and faith in Creator, they search for her ex-husband and son. Do second chances really exist? What does love look like? If you’re a fan of Native American culture, horses, and romance, you’ll love Renewed Hope.” —Candace Simar, Spur Award–winning author of the Abercrombie Trail series “Carmen Peone has written a bighearted love story of loss and survival. Suspenseful and fast-moving it addresses some of the most important issues of our time: missing and murdered Indigenous women, violence against women, and child safety. I laughed, cried, cheered, and felt deeply touched by both the characters and their stories. Love and heroic feats make Renewed Hope a powerful read.” —Milana Marsenich, author of Copper Sky and Beautiful Ghost “Renewed Hope is a romance in the shadows of the violence that stalks Indigenous women at an alarming rate. Peone is aware of these shocking statistics firsthand, yet crafts a story about how good people exist, love can triumph in the end, and faith through adversity can work wonders. As everyone knows, bad things can (and do!) happen to good people. Love, understanding, and the willingness to open new doors can work wonders—and second chances sometimes prove to be the best
chances.” —Randi Samuelson-Brown, award-winning author of the Dark Range series
“Renewed Hope will completely satisfy the readers of this genre. Many women will identify (either personally or through somebody they know) with the struggles and fears that Sophie Cayes, with her complicated past, is going through. Chad Davis is the perfect hero/ boyfriend who knows the meaning of keeping promises. We can only ‘hope’ there’s a sequel to Renewed Hope!” —V. P. Felmlee, author of The Abandoned Trilogy “Renewed Hope reads like a runaway freight train. Carmen Peone pens a story of courage and tenacity when one young woman seeks to leave an abusive relationship. With God’s help, she finds the wherewithal to save herself and her son from a lifetime of injustice. A truly heartfelt read!” —Carol Craig, author of A Walk in the Dark
“Western author Carmen Peone has skillfully crafted a riveting, romantic story about compelling characters struggling through dire difficulties while maintaining their Christian beliefs and humanizing the plight of Native American victims of domestic violence. Renewed Hope keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.” —Joyce B. Lohse, award-winning author, Filter Press Books “In Renewed Hope, Carmen Peone sketches every woman’s worst nightmare. The loss of a child stolen by an abusive partner echoes in all mothers who struggle between fear and freedom. Peone deftly weaves the struggle for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women into this passionate story of faith, love, and redemption.” —Carolyn Dufurrena, author of the multiple award–winning Quiet, Except for the Wind and former Academy of Western Artists Cowgirl Poet of the Year
“Renewed Hope, Carmen Peone’s gripping story of a Native woman’s domestic abuse and abduction of her son, could be splashed across today’s headlines. The powerful depth and sweetness of this story of faith and trust in God in the midst of terrifying circumstances, will keep you riveted to every page.” —S. A. Stacy, author Deadly Pursuer and Deadly Deceiver
“An inspiring story of one woman’s journey of healing through art, faith in God and a man who teaches her how to love again.” —Heidi M. Allen, author
RENEWED HOPE
C AR M E N P E O N E
B I R M I N G H AM, AL AB A M A
Renewed Hope Iron Stream Fiction An imprint of Iron Stream Media 100 Missionary Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242 IronStreamMedia.com Copyright © 2024 by Carmen Peone No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher. Iron Stream Media serves its authors as they express their views, which may not express the views of the publisher. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination or are used for fictional purposes. Any mentioned brand names, places, and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, bear no association with the author or the publisher, and are used for fictional purposes only. Library of Congress Control Number: 2023930934 Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Philippians 4:13 is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Cover design by For the Muse Designs ISBN: 978-1-64526-364-7 (paperback) ISBN: 978-1-64526-365-4 (eBook) 1 2 3 4 5—28 27 26 25 24
For Your glory, Lord. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11
CHAPTER 1
Saturday, May 1, Late Morning Sandpiper Art Gallery & Gifts, Polson, Montana
S
ophie Cayes’s tummy twisted when she read the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Celebration leaflet, MMIW for short. Jeannette, one of the gallery’s consortium members, had given her the brochure before Sophie taught her morning art lesson. Her angst heightened at the thought of standing on the stage in Elmo, talking about Bria’s murder. All eyes on her. In seven days. She hugged herself. Nope. A hard pass. Besides, her hands were full with her abusive ex-husband’s attempt to rip Basin away from her. She set the flyer on the worktable next to a tote of paintbrushes. “I can’t.” Saying her sister’s name? In a crowd? When she couldn’t even say it in private without unraveling? No way. She plucked a paper towel off the countertop, her body trembling like ripples on a lake in a stiff breeze. She needed to focus on retaining full custody of her son. “Think about it. And remember, I got your back. With Basin. With your lessons. With the celebration.” Jeannette headed to the gallery showroom. Sophie turned to her art student, Natalie, when the front door’s bell chimed, and Matt’s deep-timbre voice stormed into the room. “Where’s Sophie?”
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Oh, God, no. Not here. Not today. Wiping her quivering hands on her apron, she hurried to the gallery. The sight of him made her cringe inside. She couldn’t afford a disfigured reputation, not when she needed prestigious galleries and museums to take her seriously. “What are you doing here, Matt?” Sophie glanced at Jeannette and shook her head. Disgust and dread slinked down her throat and settled into her stomach. Why hadn’t she turned Matt in for abuse years ago? Then maybe she wouldn’t have a custody battle on her hands. She hated how terrified of him she used to be. Still was. Oh, how she’d love to be in a peaceful place where she could paint, and her son could grow up without his vicious father lurking on weekends and holidays. Jeannette slid her cell out of her pocket. Glad her friend had offered to be the bad guy and call the cops if he happened to show up, Sophie kept an eye on her. She hadn’t expected Matt to drop in. At least not today. “Thought you had your pack test.” “Got done early.” “What about your survival refresher training? Don’t they do it all in one day?” “You know I have it in the afternoons.” He encroached on her personal bubble, and she took a step back. Then another, feeling like she’d pass out. “I want Basin for the weekend. Olivia wants to take him to the River Honoring on Monday morning.” Matt’s new wife wants him again. Are you kidding me? No. Definitely not. The River Honoring, held by the Flathead River, hosted elementary-aged kids who went from station to station learning various skills about nature, energy, and culture. Certainly no place for a four-year-old with breathing issues. “She wants him all week, actually.” 2
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All week? Her heart punched her rib cage. “It’s supposed to rain. You know he has trouble—” “Geeze, Sophie. He’ll be fine. Quit hovering over him like a—” She backed up a step and glared. Get out of here! “Fine.” Matt always got his way. If not, he’d slap her. She needed to agree with him and get him out of the gallery before he made a scene. Before Jeannette called the cops. And she wasn’t familiar enough with Natalie to know if the woman would spread gossip or not. She certainly didn’t need to be the talk of the rez. “I’ll bring him over after dinner.” Or not. “No need. Olivia’s picking him up at childcare.” Dirty bugger. The blonde bomb had no business picking up her son. She struggled to keep her tone even. “I didn’t agree to her picking him up today.” “She’s on her way to his day care now.” He held up his key to her house. The one she’d sworn she’d gotten back. “I’ll get his stuff.” He turned with a smirk on his face and left. No, no, no. Why had she agreed? Her insides quivering, she rubbed her arms. “Why did he come here when a phone call would have sufficed?” Jeannette folded her arms over her chest and wandered over to one of the storefront windows by the door. “He gets a kick out of making people squirm. He’s a rotten son of a gun.” “I can think of worse things to call that no-good—” “I’ll go finish my lesson, then get—” “No. Go get your son. I’ll finish your lesson.” Jeannette headed for the back room. Sophie slid her cell out of her apron pocket and called childcare. “Hey, Olivia does not have my permission to pick up Basin. I’m on my way now.” After fetching her red clutch, she ran to her red Kia Soul. She needed to get Basin and leave for a few days. But also 3
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she had to get the Ninepipes Museum more artwork. Wait. No. Her son’s safety should be her priority. She’d have to deliver the art later. She raced the nine miles to Pablo, turned right after the Flathead Reservation’s headquarters, and pulled into the gravel parking lot of Little Steps. Thank goodness for the private childcare center that remained open on Saturdays for single moms like her. “Olivia never did show up,” Tonya said. The squatty childcare owner pinched her brows. “Is everything okay?” “It will be.” As soon as she could pack and get out of town. “Basin fell off the slide again. His arm’s bruised, and he’s got a nice knot on his noggin. You sure he’s not a little ADHD?” Sophie shook her head, grabbed Basin’s jacket, and shoved his arms inside. “Had him tested. They said he’s normal. Simply adventurous. Rambunctious.” A nervous laugh slipped from her lips. “Just like his dad, huh?” Sophie stiffened. No. Nothing like his dad. Basin radiated kindness, thoughtfulness, love. His dad? Conniving. Selfish. Manipulative. “The bruises will heal. They always do. I’ll check out his head when we get home.” “He wouldn’t let me put an ice pack on him.” “I bet not.” Sophie snatched Basin’s Batman backpack and led her son to the car. “Hey, baby, how about we go on a little trip? Would you like that?” His onyx eyes grew as round as his fleshy face. He nodded. “Can we go thwimming?” Knowing he meant swimming at a lake, she shook her head. “Not yet, Cubby. It’s too cold. Just a couple more weeks, okay?” She buckled him in his car seat and headed home. 4
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Sophie’s cell rang while she drove under the metal tipi pole-bookended bridge connecting the Salish Kootenai College and tribal headquarters. She answered. “Hey, Denise. What’s up?” She turned right onto Clairmont Road. “Are you going to talk at the MMIW next Saturday?” She wished everyone would leave her alone about it. Those closest to her, like Jeannette and her best friend Denise Stayle, knew the looming custody battle could undo her. Why push? “No. Listen. Can I call you back?” “What’s going on?” “Nothing. I’m just—” “Don’t ‘nothing’ me. I’m your best friend. I can tell when something’s up.” “Fine. Meet me at my house. I won’t be there long. Please hurry.” “On my way.” Sophie passed fields, thickets of trees, and pastures with cows and horses, then pulled into the gravel driveway of her tan, single-wide mobile home that sat at the base of the rugged, snow-capped Mission Mountains and began packing. All she ever wanted, after the divorce, was for Basin to have a safe place to live. A happy childhood. Yeah, she struggled to juggle lessons at the gallery and the college and painting either at the crack of dawn or late at night, trying to get her art into galleries and various shows. But her little boy’s joy and security came before adequate sleep. And always would. Ten minutes later, the rattle of Denise’s Ford F-250 diesel truck pulled up, and a few moments later she burst into Sophie’s bedroom. “Why are you packing? What’s going on? Is it Matt again?” Sophie tossed a shirt into her suitcase. “He wants Basin for the weekend. I’m afraid he’s not going to give him back.” “Why do you think that?” 5
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“He says Olivia wants him for the week.” “For the week? Why?” Sophie turned to her wooden dresser and opened a drawer. She dug around, pulled out a handful of socks, and tossed them into the suitcase. “She wants to bring him to the River Honoring.” Denise grunted. “What the heck for? He’s too young.” No kidding. “I have no idea.” Sophie moved to her closet, grabbed a handful of jeans, and shoved them on top of the mess inside. “No judge is going to give him full custody. You know that, right?” “He’s married, has a good job, is the town hero for goodness’ sake.” “What’s your plan, then?” Sophie shrugged and dropped to her bed. “I don’t know. Go to a hotel . . . somewhere far away from here.” “Stay here.” Denise left, came back a few minutes later, and handed Sophie a brochure. “I got this at that women and ranch thing I went to in March. She houses women in need at—” “Women in need?” Sophie wiped her damp eyes. “You make it sound like I’m homeless or something.” “Give her a call. She might be able to give you some advice is all I’m saying. She escaped her abuser. Has quite the story.” Sophie stuffed the stiff brochure into her suitcase and zipped it. “I need to get out of here before he shows up.” She gave Denise a hug. “I’ll call you from the road.” She secured the suitcases and her son in her car. “Where’s Moosey?” Basin screeched. Denise tried to comfort the boy while Sophie ran back inside, plucked the stuffie off the toy-scattered carpet, and left. 6