SOME of the adventures in this book actually occurred; while a few were contrived and laced with my own imagination. Most of these folks were real. Some, my kinfolk and drawn from life. Some are fictitious characters, made up entirely in my imagination, and any resemblance to real folks, is purely coincidental. The times were hard, back in the early eighteen hundreds and folks, especially my partly Indian ancestors, had a lot of strange beliefs, and odd superstitions that most common folk did not. I was blessed to grow up in a family of storytellers. Well, let me tell you; I would sit for hours, elbows propped, listening to these stories, and letting my young imagination run wild with thoughts of new adventures. Also, picturing them in my mind and a wondering, what these folks were like in real life… I credit those early years, as the reason I have always been an avid reader, and family historian. Working countless hours researching, and compiling our family history. While this book is purely meant for entertainment purposes, and not to be taken to heart as to being factual in all its contents. It is my own special way, of honoring those folks that came before me. I hope you all enjoy reading the story, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
The Author
SHE is the daughter of a Cherokee brave and a half-breed mother, the granddaughter of a Cherokee squaw and a Frenchman.
This is the saga of a three-quarter Indian girl named Charity, a child of destiny whose life was filled with the strange and unusual customs of her Cherokee ancestors. Journey with her as she faces the challenges of being a young mother experiencing the hardships and survival of pioneer life and dealing with dangerous criminals, strange phenomena, and even stranger creatures.
She is living off her wits, surviving off the land, and guided by the spirits of her dead ancestors. She is oftentimes alone while her husband is away from home, trying to find work to support his family. Hers is a journey through life that will take us on an adventure of epic proportions.
Excerpt
Charity caught them all busy and eased her way, over to the old Indian's camp. He was still sitting cross-legged by his campfire, and she caught herself wondering, how long he could stay in that position? As she neared him, she became slightly nervous.
“Death rides a pale horse. I beheld death. He did not take my life, because I was brave; but he took my sight, because I was blind.” he said.
Charity was stunned, and a gasp escaped her mouth.
The old man chuckled softly.
“I seem to have that effect on people,” he said.
“How did you know, I was here?” she stuttered.
“I am blind, not deaf,” he said. “Your footsteps are very heavy, for one so slight. A heavy burden, you must carry.”
“Why did you say that, about death and a pale horse?” she asked.
“That was your question, was it not? What happened to my eyes? Why do they no longer hold color, as yours does?”
“Well, yes!” Charity said.
“Then sit down,” he said, “And we shall begin…”
“I have heard the stories, that go round, 'bout how I lost my sight; but very few, are brave enough to ask. You, Little One, are more brave, than those who claim to be brave.
When I was a young warrior, I was to cocky, to have the common sense of turkey. A turkey will fly, with an arrow through his heart, and not even know, that he is dead. I was raised up; taught to track, hunt and fish, to be a warrior, and protect the tribe. That year, we had blinding snow storms. Food was hard to find.”
Charity sat cross-legged by the fire, and listened intently. If anything, a thirst for knowledge of any sort, she hungered. The stories told by the elders, were the best of all. Somehow she knew, she must pay deep attention, to what Two Feathers had to say. After the pause, when he knew she had absorbed the depth of his words, he continued on.
Professional Reviews
She Walks The Night Winds - MPL
Good morning Susan,
Yes, thank you I received the package and I must say your book is very
interesting.
I was able to read the first few chapters before I sent it on to our
collections manager with instructions to send the copy to the Semmes
Branch. It was a smooth read and I immediately took interest in your
characters.
I did not have time to read it completely because I am heading out of town
next week and much to complete before leaving. I wanted to get the book to
Collections so it would find it's way over to Semmes sooner rather than
later. Thank you for sending it to me. Perhaps after things settle down I
can check it out and finish it.
I'm glad you made contact with Betty and I think you will enjoy the Mobile
writers Guild. Please stay in touch.
A Real Page Turner! She Walks the Night Winds by Susan Cobb Beck
She Walks The Night Winds
By: Susan Cobb Beck
Reviewed by: Joanne Chiles
This is a truly captivating tale, where we take a journey
through life with the heroine during the American Civil War.
Charity is a young girl who is of part Cherokee Indian descent.
The author writes with the ability to totally draw you into the
story so that you find yourself rooting for the characters.
It is a real page turner.
A journey with The Chosen One while she discovers her
inherited gifts, is a journey not to be missed!
Joanne Chiles.
A Wonderful Read! She Walks the Night Winds
It was a wonderful read. I was hooked after the first few chapters and I greatly enjoyed the historical and Indian folklore. Also the added moments of the supernatural was a nice touch. I have even passed the book on to a few of my friends. I'm sure they will enjoy it as much as I did.
Thank you so much for sending me your book.
Sincerely, Sarah Portella
Compelling historical fiction that traces the life of a young English immigrant woman who travels to America at the turn of the century to start a new life for herself. Encountering danger, romance, heartache and tragedy, she strives to fit into a
Fourth Book in the Southern Swallow Series finds the Academician Li K'ai-men in exile on Hai-nan Island. China has a new invasion threat. A showdown between ingenuity and technology explodes as the Sung Dynasty tries to preserve itself.
