I have to compare my many changes of address to that of a wandering gypsy. As part of an Air Force family, we lived from border to border and coast to coast. Yearning to explore Europe, we always filled out our Dream Sheet (the form to pick out the base you wanted) with a big “X” next to Britain and Germany. Uncle Sam always thought otherwise. I enjoyed a tour overseas in Japan and one in Okinawa, where I started martial arts training. I earned a black belt in Judo and later served as an instructor.
History interested me from an early age, especially American History. Years spent on Cape Cod nurtured my inquisitive mind. What kind of person decided to be an immigrant, pioneer, or explorer? What did they endure to survive? I can’t help but wonder when we’re driving in the Rocky Mountains or thru the Badlands of South Dakota, what would I have done if I was driving an ox or horse drawn covered wagon and met these obstacles?
Growing up, my mother shared an oral history of her family’s struggle in Indian Territory. As a gift to Mom, I started my ancestral research with her side. Hours spent glued to a chair looking for that mystical Indian name on the Dawes list were in vain. That name still eludes me. However, relatives found include both Rebs and Yankees, Irish immigrants, and a famous Kiowa painter. It is my desire to share their stories that prompted me to write.
After one visit to Lake Eufaula, my husband/proof reader, Herb, chose Oklahoma as our final destination. I feel I was meant to be here where my ancestors settled so long ago, where men wear boots and cowboy hats.
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education-Composite Social Sciences from Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota. While there I received the Wenona Cook Scholarship Award presented by Friends of the Leland D. Case Library for Western Historical Studies for academic achievement.
Associations: DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), Oklahoma Genealogical Society - First Families of the Twin Territories, Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Oklahoma Writers Federations Inc., McAlester McSherry Writers Guild.
website http://tammyhinton.com/
twitter username TammyHinton
Get the latest western novels from WesternEbooks.com – Featured western authors, ebook store, western book reviews and more
2012 Spur Award Finalist for Best First Novel.
When Sarah Cannon joins the pioneers in the Kiowa lands of 1870’s Indian Territory, it’s not the virgin prairie, but the challenges to her young marriage, the ruthless treachery shown the Indians, and their bloody vengeance that ultimately tests her faith and resolve.
SARAH BRYCE CANNON… struggles to conform to society’s definition of the proper wife and mother. When she can no longer watch her children suffer, she listens to her inner voice. A woman in a man’s world, she is not to be denied.
GUS CANNON…distant…unable to express his love. Ill prepared for pioneer life, he fails at every turn.
Unbridled, paints a picture of the struggles of life in the unsettled west, flavored with the regional history of Custer and the 7th Calvary’s Washita Massacre and the Battle of Anadarko. It’s through her friendship with a Kiowa woman that Sarah is made aware of what it means to be Indian in Indian Territory.
Where to buy: Amazon
My Thoughts
Sarah Bryce Cannon struggles in Indian Territory to make a home for her family. Her husband Gus Cannon does not seem to be happy no matter where they live. He is absent from the home most of the time trying to earn money to feed his family. This leaves Sarah alone to figure out how to get a shelter built for her little family. She also has to till the soil and sow seed to start their corn crop.
God has seen her needs and given her a kind neighbor that lends her one of his sons to help her get her shelter up along with many other chores that need to been done that needs a man's strength.. She also meets a man in town that is looking for a midwife to help his wife deliver their child. She agrees to help if in exchange she could borrow his plow to till her field. It was heart warming her neighbors concern for her well being. They were especially concerned over her husband's lack of concern.
Even though she and the young man had accomplished much her husband was angry that she had allowed a man on the farm while she was there alone. He was jealous and dominate, fearing she would leave him if he softened towards her. His behavior only made her feel as if he did not love his family and may have found someone else. At times I want to put a know on Gus's hard head.
Just when things start to look good and he will be able to stay at the farm mother nature hits and then they end up having to leave the farm due to the Kiowa raiding the town and farms.
This story will break your heart. The hardships trying to farm and care for a family were horrendous. To fear for your life on a daily basis should have broke Sarah but with God's help she got stronger.
Sarah is the definition of a heroine. The things she did to protect and provide for her family was heroic.
There is so much more I would like to share but do not want to spoil the book for you. But I will say I am sad the story ended I would have liked to spend more time with Sarah.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book 5 out of 5.
Disclosure I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
No comments:
Post a Comment