Americans overcome; I tell their stories.
Historical Fiction from America’s First Songbirds
More than just paper and ink, the signatures from America’s past symbolize lives lost, homes burned, land stolen, crops harvested, children baptized. Newspapers and journals, family bibles and letters record it all. With each name, a people’s freedom was gained or lost. With the signatures of our common ancestors, their struggles and successes document as they built and lost homes, their daily lives spent on this,
our familiar American landscape.
Heather’s writing recreates, reinvents, and transcribes voices from the past, defining the ‘why’ behind the choices these unknown heroes and heroines made. By doing so, history’s relevance resurfaces to address our country’s present situations and eclectic peoples.
March 19, 2024
Yellow Bird’s Song
Paramount’s 1883 meets Charles Frazier’s Thirteen Moons
In the realm of Cherokee history, this captivating family saga unfolds within the backdrop of American history, an intergenerational story that weaves a compelling lyrical tapestry of tribal sovereignty and the real-life experiences of historical figures.
This atmospheric story, at times resembling an alternative history, immerses readers in the annals of a tribal community as they grapple with the complexities of invigorating their culture and heritage. Rollin Ridge, a mercurial figure in this tribal tale, makes a fateful decision in 1850, leaving his family behind to escape the gallows after avenging his father and grandfather’s brutal assassinations. With sin and grief packed in his saddlebags, he and his brothers head west in pursuit of California gold, embarking on a journey marked by hardship and revelation. Through letters sent home, Rollin uncovers the unrelenting legacy of his father’s sins, an emotional odyssey that delves deep into Cherokee history.
The narrative’s frame transports readers to the years 1827-1835, where Rollin’s parents, Cherokee John Ridge and his white wife, Sarah, stumble upon a web of illicit slave running, horse theft, and whiskey dealings across Cherokee territory. Driven by a desire to end these inhumane crimes and defy the power pressures of Georgia and President Andrew Jackson, John takes a bold step to run for Principal Chief, challenging incumbent, Chief John Ross. The Ridges face a heart-wrenching decision: stand against discrimination, resist the forces motivated by land greed, and remain on the ancestral land or sign a treaty that would uproot their family beside a nation.
Early Reviews for Yellow Bird’s Song
“This novel is not just a historical recounting; it is an invitation to understand the heart and soul of a people through the saga of one family’s struggle, survival, and ultimately, their quest for justice.”
“A beautifully rich novel, Miller has an unerring ability to find poetry in the drama and tragedy of history.”
“”…a distinctive addition to the genre because of Miller’s skill in fusing together intimate stories with more significant historical moments. Miller’s skill as a writer is apparent in the richness of her characters’ emotions, the dialogue she crafts, and the vivid imagery she provides. Another asset to the story is the continuity throughout the novel. The plot of the book stays consistent, as does its relationship to historical events. Because of Miller’s meticulous planning, the story develops logically and is told as a whole, with each occurrence building on the previous one. The story’s fictitious components have a strong foundation thanks to the accurate representation of historical events and personalities.”
Prequel to Yellow Bird’s Song Coming in September 2024
‘Tho I Be Mute, a reimagined, second edition
Clarinda faces a moment of profound reality—a rattlesnake bite, a harbinger of her imminent mortality—and undertakes an introspective journey. In her final days, she immortalizes not only her own story but that of her parents—a narrative steeped in her family’s insights into Cherokee heritage during the tumultuous years preceding the forced removal of Native communities.
In 1818, Clarinda’s father, Cherokee John Ridge, embarks on a quest for a young man’s education at the Foreign Mission School in Cornwall, Connecticut. Amidst sickness, he finds solace and love with Sarah, the steward’s quiet daughter. Despite enduring two years of separation, defamatory editorials, and societal upheaval due to their interracial love affair, the resilient couple weds in 1824. This marks the inception of a journey for Sarah as she delves into a world both cherished and feared—Cherokee Territory.
As John Ridge advocates for the preservation of his people’s land and that of his Muskogee Creek neighbors against encroaching Georgia settlers and unscrupulous governmental officials, the stakes are high. His success or failure hinges on his ability to balance his proud Cherokee convictions with an intricate understanding of American law. Justice remains uncertain.
Grounded in a true story, ‘Tho I Be Mute resonates with a compelling historical narrative, giving an intimate voice to those heard, those ignored, those speechless, urging readers to not only hear but to truly listen.
Early Reviews of ‘Tho I Be Mute, First Edition
‘Tho I be Mute is a beautiful story full of love, light, trials, history, and faith. It follows real life characters, John Ridge and Sarah Northrup as they meet and become a force for leadership and change in Northern Georgia in the 1800s as the Native American population there try everything they can to assimilate or face dire consequences. It’s beautifully written with a focus on honoring Native American culture and traditions. It really transports you to that village in Georgia where you learn how the people there lived, worked, fought, and loved. The plot is strong and cohesive, and it leaves you wanting more at the end. A true example of historical fiction at it’s finest, ‘Tho I Be Mute is a story that sticks with you long after you turn the last page!
Well documented and ingeniously crafted, ‘THO I BE MUTE offers readers looking for their next “great read” a remarkable combination of multiple genres from historical fiction and romance to biography, legend, and mythology. Additionally, the characters are interesting, likable, and inspiring; and, their stories, individually and collectively, offer great historical and cultural insights, much long-lasting food for thought, and a greater understanding of the lives of the Cherokee Indians of yesteryear. As an avid, life-long reader and a retired high school English/Literature teacher, I heartily recommend this book and believe every reader will not only be enthralled while reading but also, upon completion, will look forward to the next novel in the series.
‘Tho I Be Mute is a compelling story of love, set during Cherokee Nation’s most turbulent time. John and Sarah’s story is beautifully emotive and thoroughly enjoyable.
I read your beautiful novel of the Ridge family. It was a pleasure to read. Thank you for the detailed descriptions of nature, Cherokee customs, and their souls, “I left my heart to beat in you.” Well done.
I was heartbroken at all the loss experienced by this family. Their love lives on through your story. I don’t know how to say this correctly, but thank you for writing vindication on Honey’s behalf. I would have felt cheated if those evil men had lived. Justice prevails. Thank you for weaving in those scripture passages too.
We Shall Remain, Episode 3,
John and Sarah Ridge
Cherokee Nation Territory before
and during the Trail of Tears
Interviews and Reviews
of ‘Tho I Be Mute
Viviana MacKade
Interview with the author
B is for Book Review
Interview with the author
I Got Lost In A Book
Review
Oh Look, Another Book
Review