Native Brush Strokes

A passionate love affair. A shocking betrayal. A woman's journey through art, identity, and resilience.

Los Angeles, 1982. Cordi Lenoir, a struggling artist, longs for a fresh start. At the annual Buffalo Feast she meets Merlin Black, a charismatic Lakota man whose magnetic presence pulls her into a whirlwind romance. Their love is as intoxicating as it is reckless, until betrayal shatters everything Cordi thought she knew.

Native Brush Strokes is more than a love story. It is a sweeping work of literary fiction that blends romance, drama, and Native American history into one unforgettable narrative.

What you'll discover inside:

• A vivid portrait of 1980s Los Angeles-its art world, beaches, and cultural crossroads. • Characters torn between love, loyalty, and identity. • Themes of resilience, redemption, and self-discovery. • A powerful exploration of Native American culture, struggles, and strength.

From Cordi's humble beginnings in a Santa Monica beach hut to her rise as a celebrated artist, her story mirrors the wider challenges faced by Native communities-told through betrayal, passion, and ultimately, survival. Along the way she finds an unexpected ally in Wolfgang Burt, a mixed-blood Native American who becomes her mentor and manager, helping her navigate both the art world and her own heart.

Perfect for fans of Tommy Orange, Louise Erdrich, and Ann Patchett, this deeply moving novel will resonate with readers who love character-driven drama, multicultural romance, and thought-provoking literary fiction.

Native Brush Strokes is a poignant journey of love, betrayal, and redemption-and the enduring power of art to heal and transform.

© 2026 Palmetto Publishing (Audiobook): 9798240051494

Release date

Audiobook: 17 February 2026