Wounded Spirits by April Gardner

Historical Romance/Epic Fiction/Action-Adventure

When a distant war among the Natives spills over into a nearby skirmish, Adela's frontier life takes a perilous turn. Deep in enemy territory she 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?


Excerpt:

      Across the garden, the door to the house opened and closed. Only one person would search for him.

      Totka growled in frustration and willed Adela back inside.

      As her footfall neared, he refused to look at her. He couldn’t. It would do him in.

      “It is late. Go to bed.” Do not leave me.

      Her sleeve brushed against his. “You will wear a hole in the earth if you continue this way.”
     
      Did she know what a balm her voice was to his tortured mind? He closed his eyes and let it flow over him like a soothing breeze.


Reviews/Notices/Awards:

Winner of the 2010 Grace Awards, Action Adventure/Western/Historic Epic Fiction  ~ "Ms. Gardner doesn’t write like a debut author! She kept my attention right from the beginning of this story. I feel that the overall writing of this story, that it was very well-researched and that the character development was so exceptionally well-done merit extra consideration. The pacing of the story was excellent and the setting was well established. The character development and conflict were exceptionally well-done on all points. The writing was very fresh and unique. Great use was made of the vocabulary: The excellent usage of dialect and the utilization of Spanish. The background study pertaining to Zachariah McGirth, Red Eagle, etc… All of these aspects made for a compelling story." ~ Grace Awards Judge

"This historic romance and adventure novel brings a spirit of kindness, and a belief not only in God but in the good, and simple goodness, that is sweet and charming, and so much more. You don't need to be a fan of the inspirational to be left feeling a fuzzy glow from this on - do read." ~ Long and Short of it Reviews

Why April Wrote Wounded Spirits:

Wounded Spirits is the story of my heart. I wrote it as a challenge to myself, but now it's my constant visual of God's loving hand in my life.


Purchase Links:

Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Spirits-April-W-Gardner/dp/0981989616/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Barnes & Noble. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wounded-spirits-april-gardner/1028027465

April's website. www.aprilgardner.com

Author Bio:

April W. Gardner currently resides in Georgia with her two sweet kiddos and a USAF husband. She is an author and the senior editor fo the literary site, Clash of Titles (www.clashofthetitles.com).