Today I’m tickled to welcome my friend April Gardner to my blog, to talk about her new release, Wounded Spirits. I had the pleasure of endorsing this book, and oh, what a treat! I’ve long loved stories that involve Native Americans, and April’s story took me back to the days when I read every book on the subject I could find.
April has graciously offered a copy of Wounded Spirits to one lucky reader. As always, leave a comment to enter, and be sure to include an email address. And click “Follow” if you haven’t already. 😉
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About Wounded Spirits
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?
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About April
A military spouse, April has performed the art of homemaking all over the world. Currently, she lives in Georgia with her children, while her husband serves a tour in the Middle East. A home school mom, she fills her mornings talking fractions and phonics with her two sweet kiddos. In her free time, April enjoys reading, gardening, and DIY. In no particular order, she dreams of owning a horse, visiting all the national parks, and speaking Italian.
April writes a weekly homemaking column on the joint blog Reflections in Hindsight. She is also the founder and senior editor of Clash of the Titles. Wounded Spirits is her first published novel.
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What’s your latest book?
Wounded Spirits from Vinspire, November 2010.
And what a great story it is! What’s your favorite part of it?
Like so many authors and their first books, I worked on Wounded Spirits for close to three years before I submitted the final round of edits to my publisher. But it wasn’t until the last weeks that I wrote my favorite part. My new editor suggested making a huge change in the book. I took her up on the challenge. In ten days, I switched the roles of a minor character and major character and virtually wrote in a whole new hero. In those ten days I fell head over heels in love with my Creek warrior, Totka. He’s reluctant to make war with the Whites, but it’s in the middle of a massacre where, with blood on his hands, he finds the white woman he can’t get out of his mind.
Let me just say I can’t begin to imagine what this story was like without Totka in the hero’s role! Oh, love that guy. What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
Historicals!! Always, historical fiction. The more unique the setting and time period, the better. I think that’s why Wounded Spirits works. Few know about the Creek War or the largest massacre of Whites by Native Americans.
Fellow history buff here! And I loved learning about the Creek War from your book. Okay, now a slight change of topic. What are you reading right now—and what do you want to read next?
Right now, I’m reading, Courting Constance, a book by another Vinspire author, Teryl Cartwright. It’s really good! Set in the same years as Wounded Spirits, but takes place on the other side of the pond, in England.
Next up, is either Melanie Dickerson’s The Healer’s Apprentice or Sara Sundin’s A Memory Between Us. I’m having a hard time deciding which!
I’ve read them both–they’re very different, but both sooooo good! Can’t go wrong with choices like that. =) Next question. Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?
Parenting! I home school my kids, so they’re always around needing to be…well, parented. I often think of how much more writing I could accomplish if I put my kids in school, but God hasn’t released me to do that yet. Until then, writing takes second place to my kids. Which is really how it should be anyway.
I know exactly what you mean. With ya there. Okay, onto the fun, frivolous question. 😉 If someone were to give you $5,000 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy? (No saving or gifts to charities allowed!)
I would tile my kitchen and bathrooms. This horrid linoleum has GOT to go. With the leftover money I’d save from my DIY tile project (DIY rocks!), I’d buy my husband a new desktop. Sorry, hun, but this 6 yo dino has seen better days.
LOL. What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the hardest (or unlikeliest) but most rewarding to achieve?
I dream of seeing my book on the front cover of CBD’s fiction catalogue. So that’s my goal, and I actually have it written down to be accomplished before the end of 2013. Get back with me then, and I’ll let you know if God’s goals for me lined up with my own. 😉
So noted. 😉 What are you writing right now?
Right now, I’m writing Warring Spirits, the sequel to Wounded Spirits. It has a really different feel from Wounded Spirits. Smaller scale, more character driven versus plot driven, less action, more romance. It’s different! A good kinda different. I’m likin’ like.
I’m also editing a middle grade WWII novel that I’m hoping to see published one day.
Thanks for having me, Roseanna, and for being a fan of Wounded Spirits. I’ll be around today if anyone wants to leave a question or comment.
~*~
So glad to have you, April! Readers, you can check out her website at www.aprilgardner.com and her blog at www.aprilwgardner.blogspot.com. Look for her book on Amazon, or a signed version at CrossPurposes!
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Contest ends 12/16/10. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
I'm sorry, April this page is about your book not someone elses. I just know you will enjoy her books since you write the same genre and couldn't resist mentioning them to you. I should have mentioned it on your FB instead of here, but we weren't FB friends yet. I have read some wonderful reviews on your book and am very happy for you!
Congratulations April! I loved this review and would like to read this book.
Carman sent me
alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com
I didn't realize there were so many comments on here! I assumed that because I left a comment, I'd be notified of all others posted. guess not. 🙁
Thanks everyone for stopping by to chat!
Diana, you crack me up! You've totally convinced me to buy Laura Frantz's books. She should be paying you to advertise for her. LOL!
Yes, I will…haha dianalflowers@aol.com
Please enter me! I think I would enjoy reading this book. 🙂
booklovercb[at]yahoo[dot]com
I had Frontiersman's Daughter on my to-review shelf, but another reviewer requested it, so I had to send it on. (This happens when one has 200 books on one's shelf, a staff of 50, and no free time in which to read, LOL.) The store does accept Visa, and I don't think it cares whether it's debit or credit, so you should be good. =) After we make sure you're not the winner, of course. (And I know you'll remind me to do the drawing if I forget! LOL)
You will love Frontiersman's Daughter; it's so meaty if you know what I mean…rich in history and forbidden love (3 guys to chose from and one is totally taboo for that time period). Let me know what you think of it after you read it, ok? If I don't win I will order at your store…do they take visa debit b/c I paid off all my credit cards even Sears! Thanks, Roseanna. dianalflowers@aol.com
Oh, a book with a sequel in progress!
Please enter me!
Many Blessings and Smiles,
chakasa58 at gmail dot com
Diane, it's available now at Amazon here: amazon.com/Wounded-Spirits-April-W-Gardner/dp/0981989616/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292418896&sr=1-1
Or you can order a signed version at my store here: crosspurposesbooks.com/index.php?module=viewitem&item=4151538
I haven't read Laura's books yet, no, but we're on a list together, so I think I will soon. =)
In case I don't win, can you tell me when this book will be released, because I, like Roseanna, love this genre of books and I will buy it. Also Roseanna, have you read Laura Frantz's 2 books? (both are about the Frontier and Native Americans)and are two of the best books I've ever read! You would love them, I promise you…dianalflowers@aol.com
I'd love to win a copy of this book. I was impressed during the Amazon book launch and now i see i can win one! By the way, Carmen sent me 🙂
taniadoce(at)yahoo(dot)com
I live so far away but what a privilege would be to win this book!
I've heard this book is amazing — I'd love to win it! 🙂 Thanks!
Kait
momiswayweird(at)gmail(dot)com
I love historical fiction! Thx for the offering!
twinmomx5 at gmail dot com
This sounds great! Thanks for entering me. I'm following your blog now too, I love the way you've set it up days.
twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com
I sooo want to win this book…love historical fiction. This book sounds like one of my favorite books The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz. Have you read it, April or Roseanna? I would HIGHLY recommend it especially to April since this seems to be her genre. dianalflowers@aol.com
Hi April, Love your book. I love historical books and of course romance. Have your book on my wish list. Thanks for stopping by to chat.
Thanks for this opportunity to enter giveaway.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Good evening! I've been traveling all day and just now found a hotel. I'm in Mobile, AL, the setting of Wounded Spirits. How fun! Here for a wedding, not research, but it's still super cool. Jo, it's our privilege to serve our awesome nation, as I'm sure your husband can relate. Glad to be here today, Roseanna!
This would make a great b'day present since my b'day is Dec. 20th, plus I'm your contest winner reminder, Roseanna, lol! dianalflowers@aol.com
would love to read this novel…thanks for the chance 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Please enter me in the drawing. 🙂
Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com
AnnLeeMiller.com
I enjoyed the interview. April, thank your hubby for serving his country for us. My hubby was military viet nam.
I'd love a chance to win this book.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
I agree with above comment. I would love to win!! dianalflowers@aol.com
Great interview!! Thanks! This new book looks absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to read it.
I'd love a chance to win this book!!
~Steph
soklad[at]hotmail.com
fortheluvofsanity.blogspot.com
Hi April, nice review of your book and looking forward to reading it. Over the past year I have grown to love novels of history and have learned to enjoy them and also like to meet new authors. Please enter me in the draw for you book! God bless you! Merry Christmas!