This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Based in part on the experiences of David Thompson, a 19th century Hudson’s Bay fur trader, Naapiikoan Winter by Alethea Williams is an intriguing and compelling novel that takes readers into the past. They learn about life within the Piikani and get to see an exciting and fascinating story of adventure unfold when the Indians were the keepers of the land. The first part of the story begins in Nuevo Mexico at the hacienda of Don Emilio Ramirez. Isobel is taken away in the middle of the night by her father, who regrets his decision. In the second part, Donal Thomas, a young Englishman, opens trade negotiations with the local tribe of Piikani. Donal is new to the Piikani customs and his misunderstanding gets him into trouble. He is surprised to find Isobel, who is not a Piikani, in their encampment. Captured by the Apache warriors when she was young, Isobel has been traded to the Piikani. The Piikani are the powerful members of the Blackfoot confederation and, though they have weapons and horses, they have to trap beaver for Naapiikoan to become rich.
The story is gripping with many layers, and pulls readers into a time when Western America and the Northern plains were being explored by the English. The author weaves the sub-plots into the main story deftly and effortlessly, and gives the book a good pace and movement. All the characters are well portrayed; they are palpable and memorable, and leave a lasting impression in the minds of readers. The author brings the old cultures to life with his vivid descriptions and detailed narration. Readers are introduced to life within the Piikani, making them aware about these customs, traditions, and culture.
