We Walk in Footprints: Book One

by Ellyn Weaver

Dominated by a powerful founding family, a safe small-town cocoon resting on the fringe of Seneca/Iroquois sacred homelands conceals the secrets of the human heart, the wayward soul perpetuated through the years of habitation. In the Lands of the Twin Springs, native Seneca/Iroquois peoples maintained Sacred Home lands for many generations. When White settlers arrive in 1820 attempting to make a new life, a chain of events is set in motion involving cooperation and conflict that lasts for more than a century. Native or Quaker, shopkeeper or oil baron, the residents of the area will face decades of socioeconomic upheaval followed by cultural accommodation forced upon farm-to-market towns and expanding cities throughout an often-fractious United States. Based on historical events this novel, the first of a series, depicts a family saga originating in the Allegheny River Valley and spanning cultures and transplanted generations from the early eighteen hundreds into 1960.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

482 pages, Paperback

Published January 22, 2018

About the author

How do I write a bio without naming all the many, varied roles I have filed? Am I the product of those roles or the seed from which I sprouted, predestined by blood and bone? There is a theory yet-to-be proven stating: All human experience from the beginnings of human life is printed deep within the brain of humans living today.

I am one who believes the woman I have become was shaped by nature, nurture, and voices from the past deep within my soul.

As a mature woman researching my mixed-racial ancestry, I experienced flashbacks -- moving pictures -- going back across the years into the daily lives of people in the region blessed with enchanted mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers where I was raised. The people cried out to be heard. They would not let me rest until I recorded their stories -- joys, sorrows, hopes, dreams; their boundless courage facing the unknowns.

In my role as story teller, I have written the three-book series: WE WALK in FOOTPRINTS

Reviews

[Leah Hester · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ever book giveaway win from back in November, I finally got the chance to read this wonderful book! I received it as an ARC, and given that the copy on here says 482 pages, and mine has only 457, I suspect additions were made. We Walk in Footprints is a human legacy traversing around a hundred years in American history, touching on the good and the bad of human life. It's moving and builds up between multiple families and generations, growing your interest in one character and then turning to another, reminding that that life is just as rich as the first. I deeply enjoyed this, and the only reason it is a 4 star rather than a 5 star is because of some pretty common punctuation and spelling errors, though that's not an uncommon sight in ARCs. Apart from that, I have no real complaints, and highly recommend this tale to those who love slice-of-life and historical fiction.

[Amy Ingalls]

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the author's first major work but, it doesn't at all read like a first book. It is extremely well written, graphic in detail without being overwritten or wordy. This is a story that spans decades and yet, it hangs together with the details clearly linked and beautifully described. Although the story spans many periods in our history, the writing is tight and so well executed this book is not "work". I am ready for book Two!

The book begins with the history of our Ancestors interactions with Native Americans in the East and unspools into a dynamic, historic novel following the brutality, the trials and the triumphs of our predecessors, whether white settlers, slaves or Native Americans. The unfolding of the American push West, the pain and the compromise involved is wonderfully examined in this historically based, fictional work.

Highly recommended.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this as a giveaway win and am glad I did. I might not have read it otherwise. I would have rated it 3.5 if I could.

For me it reads like 2 separate books. I adored the first, from 1820s and 1840s. I would have liked more of this, though appreciate some of the author's family history may have been lost.

The second story picks up almost 100 years later, in 1930s and then 1940s and 1950s. For these I wished I had kept a character chart to track all the people, families and interconnected storylines.

Kudos to the author for tracing her family history, putting it to paper, and for sharing with all of us. Like another reviewer I thought it might have benefited from some edits to move the stories along. Though long, it was still a very enjoyable read.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! It is very well written and the author has clearly done her research. I love the characters and the story she has woven around them as she takes the family and others from the 1800s to the mid 1900s. I also found it extremely interesting learning more about the culture, life and the Creation Narrative of the Native Americans.

I highly recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy historical fiction. I passed my book on to three friends who each found it a most enjoyable read, and who, like myself, are eagerly awaiting Book Two!

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads as a giveaway. Thank you Ellyn Weaver for providing this book. This is Ellyn's first book and she is trying to self-publish. I respect her immensely for not giving up on her dream and for her talent in writing. Her writing is a little different, sometimes it is a bit choppy, but not from bad grammar of poor writing, she seems to write with a bit of poetic or lyrical flare.
This book covers several generations. The characters are well described and feel real. The situations brought out my emotions. This is book one of three. Everybody needs to hurry up and read this book so she will release the other two. There is a cliffhanger!

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

After getting through about half of this book, I gave up on it. The premise seemed appealing - a glimpse into the history of a town in New York state through the generations, from the first non-indigenous arrivals to current day. Unfortunately I didn’t find any of the characters or plot lines or plot lines very interesting.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have total disgust for the genocide we invaders imposed on native Americans. This story reveals as much fact as fiction. If you want to see what greed will do to humankind read this! A formidable work by Ellyn Weaver.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want this book to end. I loved the characters. Developed in the historical fiction genre, the reader gets a vivid feel for the customs, culture and time progression of these families. Ellyn did her research on this one. Can't wait for her next book.

[Leona Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed your book very much. It was well written and told about the Indians in their early days and how they survived. I grew up in upstate New York and could relate to some of the places. I enjoy historical novels and look forward to reading Book 2.

[Lizenbyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers a multi-generational saga from the early 1800's thru 1950's. Each section covers a specific period of time including what is happening with that generation of the family--including the happy and sad moments. Looking forward to the next book in this trio.

[Barbara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Walk in Footprints is a fascinating novel based on historical events of white settlers and Indians. It is very clear, and well written. Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for a copy of this book. I look forward Book Two by Ellyn Weaver.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written! Interesting. Waiting for the next read!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book! It made me wonder about my ancestors and the lives they may have lived. Looking forward to book two.
Won this in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Jane Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about a family’s saga. Very interesting characters that come alive! A very easy read; I couldn’t put it down. Eagerly awaiting Books 2 & 3!!!

[Elaine H]

Great book - enjoyed reading a book that has little/no profanity or "vivid sex". Only negative is an outline or family "list" would be helpful, especially when the story jumped from 1840s to 1930s the characters got a little confusing. Looking forward to reading Book 2 and 3!