Beneath the Blackberry Moon: The Red Feather

Gardner sets the first of her three-book Creek Country Saga series in Alabama amid the historical conflicts between Native Americans and white settlers during the War of 1812. The McGirth family has lived peacefully among the Creeks for years, but, after a brief encounter between middle daughter Adela and a band of Creeks transporting weapons, the family seeks refuge at Fort Mims. Compelled by honor and duty, the McGirths’ once-adopted son Nokose, a Creek tribe member who has returned to his roots, and his brother-in-law Totka, participate in the Fort Mims massacre. Nokose rescues the surviving McGirths, bringing them back to his village as slaves. Totka is soon given responsibility for Adela. Struggling with an undeniable attraction to a man who does not share her religious beliefs and who is holding her captive, Adela often gives Totka hope that she will acquiesce and become his wife. She then repeatedly dashes those hopes. While portrayed as a scalp-collecting heathen, Totka remains a more sympathetic character than the Christian settlers. Despite an extensive narrative, Gardner does not resolve the relationship between Adela and Totka in this installment, making the next book required reading for those seeking closure. (BookLife)