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Illuminating History’s Shadows Through Fiction

Illuminating History’s Shadows Through Fiction

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‘This is an intense, though-provoking, mind-altering book to read.’

Virginia Dill – Amazon reviewer

‘ . . . a superb work of historical fiction that immerses the reader in the violent and transformative years leading up to the Trail of Tears. . . Simmons poetic and vivid style captivates from the first few sentences . . . a brilliant storyteller who skilfully blends historical veracity with an intensely emotional and personal narrative.’

The Historical Fiction Company

‘A complex exploration of historic love, adventure, and treachery . . . To read Red Clay, Running Waters is to sink deeply into history, to be there, to walk alongside these heroic characters.’

Ruth Callaghan, Amazon Review

Awards


National Association of Independent Writers and Editors 2024 Award for Historical Fiction

American Writing Awards – Finalist, Historical Fiction
Feathered Quill Awards – Finalist, Historical Fiction
Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBA) – Finalist, Laramie Award for Americana Fiction.
Eric Hoffer Book Awards – Finalist, Da Vinci Eye Award.

Available now

  • Haunting and eminently readable, moving and infuriating, Red Clay, Running Waters is an epic tale of love, justice, and betrayal, and is a vivid portrayal of an episode of American history too many would prefer to be forgotten.

    — Susan Higgenbotham - Author of John Brown’s Women

  • 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.

    — David Marion Wilkerson – Author of Oblivions Altar

  • A fabulous piece of work, done with intelligence, pathos, sensitivity, insight and precision.

    — Greg Fields – Author of Through the Waters and the Wild

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THE AUTHOR

Leslie K. Simmons

Like many people, Leslie grew up believing History was like Disneyland – a magical, beautifully decorated destination populated by people in costume. Even after the real world dispelled that myth, her desire for connection to the past continued to drive her to look behind the scenes. Fascinated by the outliers and their lesser known (but nonetheless incredible) stories, Leslie uses the power of Historical Fiction to examine how the past we didn’t live shapes the lives we live today.

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