On the frontier, Adela McGirth’s life is simple, rugged, andexactly to her liking. Her greatest concern is whether to marry thesettlement’s most eligible young officer. When a distant war among the Natives spillsover into a nearby skirmish, life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory Adela must choose between theman she loves and a baby that has yet to be born; will she be strong enough towait on God's provision?
A peace-loving yetloyal Creek warrior, Totka is forced to align with the extremist Red Stickfaction whose purpose is to eradicate the Whites from Creek soil. In the midstof 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 strengthand dignity he cannot resist.
Having lived alife 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 wayclear of yet another tragedy. Why has God taken everything from him...or hasHe?
Their lives molded by the course of history, can these WoundedSpirits learn to rely on God's grace during one of the bloodiest conflictsin the South?
The Story Behind This Book
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.
Praise and Reviews
“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