Wounded Spirits

Christian Books

By April W Gardner

Publisher : Vinspire Publishing

ABOUT April W Gardner

April W Gardner
April W Gardner writes adult and middle grade historical fiction. As a proud military spouse, she has performed the art of homemaking all over the world. Currently, she makes her home in Georgia, the heart of ancient Creek Country.
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Description

On the frontier, Adela McGirth’s life is simple, rugged, and exactly to her liking. Her greatest concern is whether to marry the settlement’s most eligible young officer. When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory Adela must choose between the man she loves and a baby that has yet to be born; will she be strong enough to wait on God's provision?

A peace-loving yet loyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stick faction whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midst of battle, Totka is assigned to protect those he is expected to hate--and kill. Life was simpler before his enemy became a beautiful face with a quiet strength and dignity he cannot resist.

Having lived a life plagued with death and loss, Zachariah McGirth is a man on a mission - he'll have his revenge or die trying. Blinded by grief, he can't see his way clear of yet another tragedy. Why has God taken everything from him...or has He?

Their lives molded by the course of history, can these Wounded Spirits learn to rely on God's grace during one of the bloodiest conflicts in the South?

April grew up hearing that her many times great-grandfather was Chief Red Eagle/William Weatherford. Turns out, he’s probably not, but she still cherishes the stories of his bravery in the face of Jackson’s overpowering army. It was the story of his extraordinary leap from the bluff that made her wish to read the account in novel-form. She’d never written more than a high school paper, but she figured that if this particular story was ever going to be written, why not do it herself? Eight years later, she held the book in her hands.


“Historical fiction, if done right, has the ability to slip a reader into another time and another place. In Wounded Spirits, April Gardner has skillfully blended research with fiction to create a story that entertains and educates. Main character Adela McGirth finds herself straddling two worlds—one as a dutiful daughter, the other as a woman in love with the man who saved her life--a Native American. Wounded Spirits has something for everyone: forbidden love and romance, brutal war scenes, sacrificial love, history of the 19th century, and a faith that triumphs over adversity. This is a debut novel to remember.”
--Suzanne Woods Fisher,
Bestselling Author of The Choice

“Wounded Spirits is a powerful story of love, loyalty, the effects of war, and faith in God. The writing is vivid and compelling. The characters were so real I felt I knew them, and I was caught up in their lives and compelled to read on. The ending was sweet yet realistic. The story and its characters will stay with me for a long time. I look forward to reading future books by this talented author.”
--Melanie Dickerson,
author The Healer’s Apprentice

This is a solid debut from Ms. Gardner, one that demonstrates not only her skill with words, but her insight into the human condition. The characters will grip your heart, the story will seize your mind, and the hope at the end will leave you with the surety that your God is bigger than any human troubles.
-Rosanna White,
Christian Review of Books

“Wounded Spirits is an extremely well written story about a difficult time in our country. The characters are so well developed I connected with them immediately, and I could easily understand the emotions and fears of the people on both sides of the situation. With gripping conflict, believable dialogue and skillfully written descriptions that grabbed me from the first page, this book will be a treat for any lover of historical fiction. It’s a winner.”
--Barbara Warren,
Freelance Editor, Blue Mountain, Editorial Service

"Wounded Spirits is an epic historical novel about a less explored time and place in American southern history. Author April W. Gardner tells the story from all sides caught up in the Indian wars of 1813 with sympathy and honesty. Her resourceful heroine, Adela, holds the family together in times of love, loss, and forgiveness. I look forward to the continuation of the story in future novels."
- Amanda Flower,
author of Maid of Murder

“In Wounded Spirits, author April W. Gardner, brings a little-known American historic period and native people to rich imaginative life. Not enough has been written about the noble Creek and their mighty Confederacy. As a writer and college history teacher, I welcome Gardner's contribution and look forward to the other books in this series.”
--Delores Topliff,
Pres. Minnesota Christian Writers Guild and
author Little Big Chief: The Bear Hunt


“April Gardner has written a stunning first novel. The noble characters move right into the reader's heart, and their adventures are so smoothly crafted, the history so wonderfully woven, it's easy to forget that the story and the characters are fiction. A thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to the end.”
--Deanna K. Klingel,
author of Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog