Finding the Way (1)

by Cindy Burkart Maynard

Set in northern Spain in 1250 AD, the book tells the story of a Basque girl on the brink of adulthood and her quest to find a new life. She watches in horror as her mother is accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. She knows the angry mob is coming for her next. She is forced to run from the only life she has known, into a frightening future.

After her mother's torture and death Amika flees into the forest. At first, she is completely alone. She ekes out a living foraging for plants she recognizes from her mother's garden. An old woman, Ane, a devotee of the regional pre-christian tradition, rescues her and teaches her the "old ways" until they too are hunted down and jailed. Amika escapes but Ane does not.

Before Amika escapes Ane gives her an amulet to place at the foot of the Cruz de Ferro, the Iron Cross, a holy site along the Camino de Santiago. A sympathetic priest who remembers Amika's mother as a healer enables Amika to escape. As the price for her freedom, he gives her four amber stones, and the mission to find four lessons along the Way of Saint James to prove there is a benevolent God. Then she must deposit the stones at the foot of the Iron Cross and give thanks.

Amika undertakes a "hero's journey" to fulfill the mission both Ane and the priest have given her. The journey takes place along the Camino de Santiago, an 800-year-old pilgrimage route across northern Spain. She meets many fellow pilgrims and forms a deep relationship with a man and young girl. After are separated along the way Amika must begin a new life, pining for the man and the girl. In the end they are reunited and begin their life together.

198 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Cindy Burkart Maynard is passionate for history and the natural world. Her characters come to life showing the reader what it was like to live in another time and place. She has published four historical fiction novels and is two nonfiction works about the Colorado Plateau and the desert southwest.

https://www.cindyburkartmaynard.com/


Winner:
Colorado Authors League award for Western literature
WILLA Finalist Award for soft cover fiction.
Marie M. Irvine award for Literary Excellence
Chanticleer National Book Award
Top Shelf Book award
Reader's Favorite Five Star Award

Reviews

[Oladeji Aduragbemi]

I received an ARC of Finding the Way, and wow, this book completely swept me off my feet. It’s heartfelt, wise, and beautifully paced. The character growth is so believable!

[Lynda]

This story surprised me in the best way possible. As an ARC reader, I didn’t expect to be this emotionally invested. It’s both raw and inspiring.

[Anna Stubs]

D.C. Gomez has a gift for writing relatable characters. I finished this ARC in two sittings, I couldn’t stop reading.

[Ruth Herman]

Honest and deeply reflective. The author captures the struggles of finding purpose in life without making it feel heavy.

[Laura Guidu]

I loved the balance of realism and hope in Finding the Way. It’s a story that lingers with you long after the last page.

[Adlin Greytuy]

This ARC came to me at the right time. It reminded me that detours are sometimes part of destiny. Beautifully written!

[Authors Groeth]

The writing is warm and easy to follow, but the message hits deep. A great read for anyone trying to realign their life.

[Laura]

I’m so glad I got this as an advance copy! The storytelling feels personal and grounded, like having a wise friend talk you through tough times.

[Helen Guill]

Not your typical “self-discovery” story, it’s honest, a bit messy, and totally real. Loved it.

[Atlanta Non]

D.C. Gomez brings a refreshing honesty to every page. This ARC reminded me why I love reading introspective fiction.

[Cindy]

If this was fiction I never would have believed it!