4 stars
Lisa J. Lickel (Wisconsin) (Amazon)

April Gardner's debut novel Wounded Spirits is a heroic story about a little-documented era. In the early 1800s America was suffering. European and expanding white settlers and the native tribal people were at an impasse. Only the superior numbers and weapons of the whites, along with their dread diseases, forced the tribal peoples to give up their land and way of life. April tells the story of a Creek clan versus white settlers in what is now Georgia and Alabama.

Before you pick up this wonderfully-told debut novel, be warned that it is book one of a projected series and you will be left aching for more when you get to the last page.

Adela McGirth and her family farm near a small settlement that is at uneasy peace with a Creek tribe. In fact, Adela's father's first wife was a member of the tribe and he taught his second family to respect everyone. It's a respect that comes with a terrible price when an uprising of Creek warriors, the Red Sticks, battle the American settlers for their right to maintain their way of life and tribal territory. Adela's sister is killed and so, perhaps is her intended, a young soldier. Adela, a surviving sister, and their mother who is expecting a baby, are taken as slaves by one of the Creek, a man who had spent part of his childhood with the McGirths. Adela's father had been away while the skirmish took place and seeks revenge on his former friends when he presumes his family are all killed.

In the several months that Adela and her family live with the clan, strange things happen to sway her sympathies in directions she cannot understand, especially when a young Creek protector, Nokose, makes it clear he wants her as his wife. Adela's faith becomes a matter of survival and a means of coping with her sister's increasing hostility and grief and her mother's difficult and every-obvious mortal pregnancy.

Nothing is easy in Aprils' story. Life and loyalty mingle with death and revenge in blurry lines. I find myself replaying events and motivations, reliving the story long after I finished reading. A Reader's Discussion Guide is included.  

5 stars
J. Thomas "The Long and the Short Of It Reviews" (USA) (Amazon)
Long and Short Reviews

The American south of 1813 is far from the fancy plantations this reader expected. In fact, a certain down-home folksy sense pervades these pages. Characters are `regular folks' not the wealthy... and the countryside is depicted in a wonderfully visual way.

Adela is an amazing, engaging, and incredibly appealing main character. She worries about causing other people concern, she is conflicted about which is the most-right thing to do. Throughout we find her torn loyalty, sorrowing over the war. In short, she's a really nice person who is guided by kindness and concern for others. She's never selfish, or caught in irrational rage - she worries about proprieties, but also about feelings, and about how certain actions might hurt others. It's easy to admire her - and to find yourself worrying about the choices that confront her.

Second Lieutenant Phillip Bailey is her sweetheart, and right off, we're struck by his self-assurance and determination. He so earnestly proclaims his love. Still, he's dropped one sister abruptly in favor of Adela; secretly too. Can he actually be as good as he seems? And - will another take her heart - will she find true love with someone not a part of her community?

Running parallel to Adela's life, is the story of a Native Creek family, whose lives will also be entangled by conflict. Their lives are portrayed with great attention to detail. We see and understand the concerns of the Natives, and sympathize with them. It's as if we see both sides of the conflict, from that side, wholly. It's a little alarming. From the first, we have this sense of people going toward a future they think they can see and predict, full of hope. The conflict, both between people individually and between the different ethnic groups, builds tension throughout. And they will bring the main characters abruptly together, as well.

Adela - difficult choices or not - remains the person we meet at the start, utterly admirable and rising to challenges. Perhaps, a failing might have made her somewhat more human, but honestly, I thought of that point far later. At the first reading, all one thinks is `what happens next?"

This historic romance and adventure novel brings home a spirit of kindness, and a belief not only in God but in 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 one - do read.

5 stars
Lynn Dove "Author" (Canada) (Amazon)

A little difficult to get into at first, there were a lot of characters introduced in the first few chapters and I had to sort them out before I could really immerse myself into the story-line. Once I did, the book did not disappoint.

Gardner weaves a believable redemption-filled and romantic plotline around warring factions of Indians and soldiers.

Adela, the heroine, comes across as strong, yet vulnerable and tender as well. I found her to be endearing.

The attention to historical detail should also be mentioned. Reading the book really allows the reader to step into the past and journey with each character.

Well done, April!

Lynn Dove

5 stars
Linda Siert (Amazon)
Just finished Wounded Spirits and could not put it down. I was confused by the various Indian references in the beginning, but got past that as the book progressed and totally was caught up in the personalities and the history of the region. I highly recommend this book to all who love our American history, a story with a Christian influence, well developed characters, and an ending that leaves you wanting More, right now!!! Well worth your time and the small cost to read this intriguing book. Enjoy!  

5 stars
"BookReviewsByMolly" (Willow Spring,NC USA) (Amazon)

April Gardner's debut is absolutely wonderful! While I admit, I had a bit of trouble getting past the beginning until I saw where all the Indians were going to fit in, but that was a short lived problem. Once I got further into the story, it all came together PERFECTLY!

It was interesting to read this debut, as it was centered around TWO wars. One being a historically real war between Indians and soldiers, and the other being 3 souls battling an inner war of conflict, heartache and fully trusting in God to overcome the struggles. While written to be fiction, Gardner's rich detail to a time in history that was utterly tragic,filled with slaves and lots of warring action, was fantastic. Every mention of plantations, Indian villages and soldiers brought me deeper into the plot, as if I was a part of the story, running for my life and trying to stay alive.

April Gardner's characters are ALL so meaningful that I can't say that just one is my favorite. Each one went through a struggle that I wish I could have helped them with, yet they all blended together in a storyline that felt absolutely real, like 2011 turned to 1800s!

Though I didn't want to say goodbye to the characters yet, I know that Gardner has another one on the way that will pick up where this start left off. I highly, highly recommend this captivating story with 5 star praises. You'll become a part of history and the raging battles of war first hand. You'll quickly find yourself praying for all the amazing, tender characters like they were your family. If you love history, if you love reading about a time of war, then this start to a fantastic series is the perfect place to turn!  

5 stars
William R. Williams (Amazon)

First of all, I know that many think this review will be biased since I am April's Dad. Nevertheless, April will tell you that I am one of her strongest critics in this regard as I was her home-school teacher for many years. I ordered a physical copy of her book via Amazon but couldn't wait for it to arrive here in Spain; so I decided to order it through Kindle for PC. (BTW, it's a great service for those who live overseas.) I expected a good book; but upon reading it, I realized that it was not just a good book but a great book! I am a history buff, so April's intertwining of historical fact with fiction is phenomenal especially with the complications of little-known history, time period, and area of the country. The balance between the abuses as well as the good points (without compromising the Good News of salvation only through Christ and not through the Indian spirits as well as the fact that white "Christian" settlers were by far not perfect) of the Native Americans and the white settlers is the best I have seen. I was captivated by all of her characters; especially the dialog and interaction between Adela and Totka. Her treatment of Christian biblical principles without becoming "surpy" sweet unreal Christianity is excellent. It's one of those books you can't put down. But hey! I'm her Dad. What do you expect I would say? I can't wait for the next book. Ánimo, Abril! Te quiero!  

5 stars
Grace Winn (Amazon)

I ordered five of these books and received them before I expected them to arrive. I know this author personally and this is her first published book. I ordered extra for Christmas presents and was pleased they came in so quickly and none were damaged.  

5 stars
Larry S. Roach (Amazon)

First, in the interest of full disclosure, I should say that the author is a friend of mine. Because of this, I wanted to not rate the book, but Amazon wouldn't accept my review without one.

That being said, I found Wounded Spirits to be a very enjoyable experience. April has done a very good job in her debut novel. The characters are well-established, making you really care about them, both when they suffer loss and when they experience unexpected joy. The plot moves along briskly, with sufficient detail given to make clear the events without becoming bogged down. The growing love interest between two natural enemies was well-written and believable, as were the reactions of sister Lillian as she struggled to understand God's role in her life.

The historical aspect was interesting as well. I grew up in Alabama, so many of the place names were familiar, and I found it fun to see a part of history I really didn't know much about.

While clearly a Christian novel, April has managed to avoid the mistake that too many Christian writers make, that of making her characters unrealistically "Godly". She understands that real Christians, even the best, have doubts and temptations. She also understands that real Christians don't spend every waking minute thinking about God, something other authors need to understand. Just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean I want to read the unrealistically pious nonsense that fills too many Christian book store shelves.
The book feels unfinished at the end, making it clear that April plans to do at least one sequel. I'll look forward to reading the next part of the story.

 5 stars
CAB2 (Amazon)
I purchased this book for my wife and she absolutely loved it, she could hardly put it down. She also can't wait for a sequel or more from April Gardner.  

4 stars
Michelle Massaro (Amazon)

I just finished reading this book and now I can't wait for the sequel! The characters and setting really come to life and the story kept me up late into the night. I read contemporary fiction more than historical so I wasn't sure how well I'd connect with this story, but about 1/3 of the way through it really took off and had me hooked! Get moving, Miss Gardner- I have to know what happens next!

5 stars
Betty Loop (Amazon)

There is so much history carefully woven into this Christian romantic novel. April Gardner does a wonderful job of combining the three elements of faith, romance and history that one does not want to put it down until finished. The last few pages lead you on to an anticipation of the next book. Looking forward to it!

5 stars
Kathy Williams (JUNCTION CITY, KANSAS, US) (Amazon)

I had looked forward to the release of April Gardner's Wounded Spirits and I was not disappointed! The historical facts that were woven into the story were skillfully blended and balanced with compelling characters. Once I began reading I could not put it down - reading late into the night! I eagerly await the next book in the series. It is hard to imagine that this is the author's first book it was so well written.  

5 stars
Rebekah (Amazon)

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down! The author does a great job of weaving the story together and of creating interesting characters. Historical fiction isn't usually my favorite genre but I loved this book -- definitely worth reading! I hope that there is a sequel to this book soon.

5 stars
S Oz (Amazon)

A wonderful read! The relationship between Adela and the Creek Indians is a compelling one. You won't be able to put this book down. If you're looking for a Christmas gift for the reader in the family or just want to fill the long winter hours I highly recommend this too readers young and not so young. :)

5 stars
Katy "A Writer & Reviewer" (U.S.A.) (Amazon)

From the first chapter of this wonderful book, Wounded Spirits kept me turning the page - breathless to find out what would happen to Adela next. A book like that deserves the 5 stars I'm giving it! In this story, there is adventure, peril, romance, heartache, challenges, redemption, and lessons to be learned from everything. Certainly a read you won't want to miss, and I am pretty sure I will be picking it up in the near future to read again!

The relationship between Adela and Phillip was an interesting twist and opener for his story. While he displayed an outwardly charming and perfectly dashing character I felt him rather skin-deep and pushy towards Adela as the story progressed. To be able to tell this just from the way the author portrayed him to act was, I thought, wonderful. Adela herself was an amazing character to get to know. April really knew how to describe her characters in such a way, I felt as if they were real people. Totka, Zachariah, and Lillian were also well developed and believable characters.

There were a few spots in the book where it got a little physically between characters who were not yet married to each other. Nothing serious happened, yet I was slightly uncomfortable as to where it was going until the heroine, Adela, put a stop to it. It didn't ruin the book for me, but I just wanted to point this out, as it may not be suitable for younger readers.

As a whole, this book was a wonderful read and I recommend it for those of you who love a good adventure story mixed in with a love story. Adela's winning personality and heroic efforts to support her mother and sister after they are captured by the Indians was sweet to read and endeared her to me. And once you read the last pages, you will be looking forward to the sequel even more - yes, it is a bit of a cliffhanger! ;-)

Thanks goes to April Gardner for sending me an Advance Readers Copy of Wounded Spirits to review!

- Katie

5 stars
Elaine M. Cooper (Des Moines, IA United States) (Amazon)

A little known piece of frontier history is featured in this novel by April Gardner. With characters whose stories clear the dust from understanding the terror of the times, Gardner reveals the trying wartime struggles between the Native Americans and white settlers in the southern United States of 1813. But more than a war story, it is filled with the personal struggles of a young woman who's faith and love are tested in the midst of extreme pain and turmoil. Definitely a worthwhile read!

5 stars
Teryl S. Cartwright "Wrighter O''Books" (PA, USA) (Amazon)

Adela is in love...she thinks. Philip, her fiancé, dismisses her questions and has no doubts about their upcoming marriage. He isn't worried that Adela's older sister will be hurt by their secret engagement, but Adela knows Elizabeth thinks Philip will propose to her.

Before anything can be resolved Philip leaves and a horrific event changes everything. Now Adela is faced with grief and guilt that she is a survivor. Forced to adapt to a new life to keep her family together, Adela finds Totka, her enemy, might also be her friend.

Wounded Spirits is an intriguing romance. Based on true events, it takes place in 1813 Alabama, giving the reader a look at early pioneer life in the fledging United States instead of the more common post Civil war settler stories. While readers might have a passing knowledge of the Creek War, this debut novel presents both sides in an empathetic way. The author has given even minor characters impelling back stories by weaving various viewpoints into an exciting tale of what loves means. I appreciated that the tragic events of both sides of the story were not trivialized or glorified and that the faith element was key to the day to day living of some of the characters.

Adela grows in faith and maturity as she learns that love does not presume or impose its will, but develops and seeks the best for others. The young girl who lets others plan her life is far different from the courageous woman who won't compromise her faith in the end, ironically learning how to do this from her captivity. I would highly recommend this frontier love story for those who enjoy Janette Oke and are looking for a different American setting and storyline.  

5 stars
Julie Cannon "author of I'll Be Home for Chri... (Watkinsville, GA USA) (Amazon)

This story of a young woman's quiet dependence on God, mingled with a compelling history of the Creek Indians, carried me off on a thought-provoking journey to the past. A sparkling debut!  

5 stars
Jennifer A. Slattery "JenSlattery" (Amazon)

April Gardner's debut album is a well-crafted, emotionally engaging romance that immersed me in two very different, yet painfully intertwined cultures--that of the burgeoning settler and the dwindling Native American warrior. Intrigue, and perhaps even a hint of scandal, sprinkled across the first page, plunged me instantly into the story. In chapter one, we meet the young, studious Adela, a woman bound by a deep sense of honor and loyalty, yet smitten by a forbidden love--in a hesitant, uncertain sort of way. She tells herself that it is loyalty to her sister that keeps her from falling into Philip's arms, but deep in her heart, doubts arise. Does she really love this man, or is she merely attracted to his good looks? And are his strong, at times overly assertive, advances, signs of love or domination?
This romance is further complicated by intense feelings of guilt. Her older sister, Elizabeth loves Philip and is determined to become his wife. Obviously, Philip doesn't return her sentiments. And he's really not concerned about how Elizabeth will feel when she finds out he's been secretly pining for her younger sister. Adela, however, is very concerned. Elizabeth is a strong-willed woman, accustomed to getting her way. Adela has always been more than willing to let her sister have it, until now. But is Philip worth hurting her sister and perhaps even breaking their ailing mother's heart?

Adela is terrified by the proposition and would prefer to let things lie until a final decision has been made, but things unravel, exposing her and Philip's romance. For the first time in her young life, Adela is forced to speak her mind. Will her family understand, or will they grow to hate her? And what of her ailing mom, who appears to be growing sicker day by day? How will Adela's news, and the possibility of sibling rivalry, affect her mother?

April Gardner did a wonderful job of creating numerous very unique and believable characters. Initially I was concerned that I would have trouble relating to the Native American viewpoints as I had minimal experience to draw from, but April did such a great job of developing each character presented and their environment, I experienced each scene effortlessly without pause of distraction.

What impressed me most was April's creative, yet appropriate use of language. The euphemisms and similes used fit both time period and culture with which they were used, not just once, but again and again. Details were used sparingly and effectively, with just enough to plunge us into the scene without taking us on a long, story-deflecting stroll. Emotions were real and I easily related to all characters. Somehow April brought out the humanity in even the most irrational or hated characters, pulling me to them with almost as much force as the plot propelled me from them.

Overall, a very pleasant read with a great storyline and brilliant presentation. I look forward to reading Ms. Gardner's future work.