Blog Tour: Straight Flies the Arrow

About the Book

Name of book: Straight Flies the Arrow
Author: Sydney Tooman Betts
Genre: Historical, adventure, Romance
Release Date: July 8, 2017

During the winter of 1841, Pacing Wolf, the esteemed leader of the Many Lodges, follows the trail of a brutal murderer, leaving behind his beloved woman, Small Doe. When his tracking party returns without him, the Sparrow Hawks’ Real Chief pronounces him dead, insisting Small Doe grieve, but she cannot bring herself to give up hope her husband will return. The coming spring offers her few choices. She can accept the courageous new warrior chosen for her or risk falling prey to his war-society rivals. Vengeance and loyalty, hatred and faithfulness, all vie within two enemy villages, one belonging to the Sparrow Hawks and the other the Allies, threatening to crush every hope of happiness for Small Doe and everyone she loves.

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My Thoughts:

I had mixed reactions to Straight Flies the Arrow. Totally intrigued by the premise, I couldn't wait to get my hands on my copy. Unfortunately, for me the pace was too slow until about halfway through the book. As a disclaimer, I read a LOT of suspense and mystery fiction in which chapters are short and the pace is rocket-fast. So for others, perhaps the speed at which the book progresses will be just fine. As I said, by about the midway mark, the plot got moving and I found myself engrossed in the story. I loved Pacing Wolf and Small Doe; they are well-developed and I could relate to them. It was nice to read a love story about a married couple. I learned a ton about the Native American culture and was intrigued about how the Christian message was received or rejected among the tribes. It was also interesting to hear the Bible's stories through the Natives' viewpoints. Because of the era and Native culture, there is some violence in the book, but it is handled well and is not too graphic. I had trouble keeping track of all the characters. I appreciate that the author included a list of characters in the beginning of the book, but since I was using an ereader it was a hassle to "flip" back and forth to figure out who was who. The author periodically changed points of view midpage which was confusing at times. I'm not sure how much input the author had on the cover, but it is what drew me into wanting to read the book. Straight Flies the Arrow is the third book in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

I received a free copy of this book from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book. While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities. Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations. Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.

Guest Post from Sydney Tooman Betts

You know you are created for a purpose, but honestly, how much of a difference can one person make in a life filled with one foot put in front of another, cooking for a family, washing clothes, combing out tangles… You know you are created for a purpose, but honestly, how much of a difference can one person make in a life filled with one foot put in front of another, cooking for a family, washing clothes, combing out tangles… Come walk alongside one woman whose singular choice changes life for generations