Red Clay, Running Waters
Red Clay, Running Waters by Leslie K. Simmons, published by Koehler Books on December 19, 2023, is a historical fiction novel that explores the life of John Ridge, the son of a Cherokee leader, as he returns from New England with his White bride, Sarah Northrop. The narrative unfolds in 1824, focusing on their efforts to defend Cherokee rights and pursue the dream of an independent Cherokee Nation amid rising tensions between Southern states and the federal government. The story is set against the backdrop of the 1830s Indian Removal crisis, highlighting the challenges they face as they navigate a divided country on the brink of civil war.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of themes including politics, race, and love woven into the family’s quest for justice and the meaning of home. This true story delves into the complexities of their lives during a tumultuous period leading up to the Trail of Tears, capturing the profound love and sacrifice that define their journey. With 684 pages, this edition offers an immersive experience into the historical and biographical aspects of the Ridge family’s saga, reflecting on the broader implications of their struggle against tyranny and deceit.
Official synopsis Publisher
In 1824 John Ridge, promising son of a Cherokee leader, returns from his New England education with his White bride, Sarah Northrop, burning to defend his people’s rights, and realize the dream of an independent Cherokee Nation.
Peace at home evades when tensions rise between the Southern states and the federal government, pulling the Ridges into the crossfire of a divided country on the brink of civil war. Faced with expulsion from their homeland during the 1830s Indian Removal crisis, with options eroding, and Andrew Jackson in office, John and Sarah must forge a path to retain the Cherokee Nation in the midst of tyranny and deceit.
A timely saga of one family’s search for justice, this true story of profound love, sacrifice, and the meaning of home weaves the complex strands of politics, race, religion, and love into the tapestry of the turbulent times before the Trail of Tears.
- Feathered Quill Book Awards – Finalist Historical Fiction
- American Writing Awards – Finalist Historical Fiction
- CIBA Laramie Awards (Americana Fiction) – Finalist
- Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye Award (cover design) – Finalist
“. . . the creation of something sweeping yet intimate, historically accurate yet reflective of current issues, and, through it all, written with precision, grace and lyrical elegance. This is a splendid, splendid work.” Greg Fields – Author of Through the Waters and the Wild
“An extraordinary achievement. Red Clay, Running Waters is an old-fashioned novel in the best sense: rich in its portraiture and heartbreakingly true to history.” Jodi Daynard – Author of The Midwife’s Revolt
“The true-life saga of the Ridge family–the most dramatic, tragic, as yet untold story of America’s conflict with first nation’s people–is the stuff of legend. The author has devoted a lifetime to telling it like it demands to be told. I don’t know a more powerful American story that reveals more of who we are, and how far we must travel to heal from our troubled past.” David Marion Wilkerson – Author of Oblivions Altar
“…A fabulous example of the [Historical Fiction] genre – very well-written and really interesting [with] well-developed characters who drew me in . . . … an engaging story that held my attention throughout…I loved it!” – Feathered Quill Book Awards judges
“An immersive and engaging story . . . a consistently enjoyable literary experience.” – Kirkus Review
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