Red Clay, Running Waters by Leslie K. Simmons

Red Clay, Running Waters by Leslie K. Simmons

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

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.