Angels and Eagles, by Kevin & Jayne Kmitta

In a world torn apart by forced relocations and hidden secrets, two timelines intertwine to reveal a tale of survival, mystery, mysticism, and the unyielding spirit of the human heart.

In 1838, Rev. Raymond Johnson, a Jesuit missionary answers the call to provide comfort during the Cherokee removal. Johnson keeps a journal and captures Charles and Swiftwater Crow’s daily fight for their family’s survival against the brutality of winter, disease, hunger, and a revenge-minded Georgian militiaman named Vann Jericho. As Johnson witnesses the horror of the forced relocation, he soon begins to question his own faith and direction. Tragic events force him to leave the journal behind in the settlement of Sugar Creek in hopes to inspire future change.

In 2018 Sugar Creek, Dr. Doug Stone faces a decision: relocate to Chicago to take over his father-in-law’s medical practice—or risk his marriage and stay in Sugar Creek where a mysterious illness has been claiming lives in the small community. He stumbles upon Rev. Johnson’s journal in an abandoned antique shop. Across the divide of time, the journal becomes the bridge for two healers to unite in purpose to not only reveal dark secrets in modern day Sugar Creek, but also to illuminate the wounds of history while challenge continuing injustices.

When history speaks, the present must listen.

“An engrossing thriller with compelling characters and an intriguing plotline . . . disturbing, imaginative, and historically and culturally informative.” —Kirkus

“It is haunting, important, and should be read by all who want to better understand that terrible period in American history.” —Will Chavez, Asst. Editor, Cherokee Phoenix