Introducing Simiakia the first novel by champion endurance rider Lori Windows.
Simiakia by Lori Windows, a champion endurance rider, isa modern western that combines adventure, romance, and the search for pride inoneself
Simiakia, the first novel by champion endurance riderLori Windows, now available from Endless Sky Books, is a modern western (set inthe 1980s in Idaho) that combines a deep love and understanding of horses(specifically Appaloosas) with adventure, Native American identity, the searchfor pride in oneself and one’s heritage, and a touch of romance.
“After fifty years of newspaper articles, magazinearticles, and short stories, seeing my name in print attached to a work of myheart, a full novel, thrills me beyond belief. My friends say it is autobiographical,”says Lori Windows. “That may be true, but I am more related to the coydog inthe story than I am the heroine.”
“I’m delighted to be able to publish this exciting andultimately life-affirming modern-day western,” says Edward Willett, editor andpublisher of Endless Sky Books. “I can’t wait for readers to discover it. Ihope they enjoy reading it as much as I did.”
Simiakia can be ordered through most bookstores, onlineor off. It can also be purchased directly from Endless Sky Books at www.endless-sky-books.com.
More about the book
It was notwhimsy that had brought him together with this red horse to run this race. Itwas the justice of time.
Raised without hope orpride in his heritage to what promises to be a short life of crime, alcohol,and drugs, Nez Perce teenager Al George gets an unexpected second chance. Aheist gone wrong ends up with him working on probation at the very Idaho ranchhe and his “friends” tried to rob, owned by Celia Bolt, who left her ownrich-but-dysfunctional family to move West many years ago, and the taciturnMorgan Kyles, who has his own checkered past.
Over the course of thesummer of 1986, Celia and Morgan work out the thorny details of theirrelationship, while Al regains his pride and his sense of self as he works withthe ranch’s signature Appaloosas, finds love—and finally, through a deep bondwith one very special horse, reconnects with his Nez Perce heritage anddiscovers the truth of his strange, recurring dreams of an Indian brave on avery special horse, striving to protect his people from the soldiers pursuingthem.
For everyone involved,one summer changes everything.
Praise for Simiakia
“Lori Windowsbrings horses and the special coy dog, Cantar, to life in her writing . . . asthe plot develops, the growing self-confidence of the young and displaced NezPerce character, Alicut George, is revealed. He learns to endurance ride onFolly and care for an orphan foal named Gambler's Hand. Interspersed throughoutare Alicut's flashback dreams about his Nez Perce ancestors as they attemptedto escape the US Calvary . . . The strength and endurance of the Appaloosahorse were instrumental in their arduous journey and connect Alicut to his pastand his identity. Female characters are dynamic and strong . . . romance issprinkled throughout, and the ending is satisfying. I love reading abouthorses, especially where animals are not just props, but are characters in thestory!” - Gayle M. Smith,Award-Nominated Author of Thickwood
Simiakia is a very good read. The characterdevelopment is excellent. You really become invested in the outcome for eachcharacter. It even brings in some telling issues about prejudice among peoplerich and poor, dogs, and horses. All in all, it keeps your attention to thefinal words.” - Roberta Harms, champion endurance rider
About the Author
Lori Windows grew upenamoured of the writings of Grey, Brand, Terhune, London, Burroughs, andFarley. Her father set her on a horse when she was two years old, and she hasnow ridden horses on six continents.
In 1982, shediscovered the sport of distance racing. She and her variety of horses andmules have amassed multiple national titles and more than 63,000 sanctionedrace miles.
About the Publisher
Endless Sky Books is abook-publishing company founded by award-winning author and editor EdwardWillett in 2023. For more information, contact publisher@endless-sky-books.comor visit www.endless-sky-books.com.
Lori Windows is available for interviews, media appearances,speaking engagements, and/or book review requests. Please contact mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com by email or by phone at 403.464.6925
