A Woman Called Red

By M.B. Tosi

In the years after the Revolutionary War, seventeen-year-old Hannah Anderson’s life changes drastically. In the once peaceful setting of a mission in eastern Ohio, the threat of war fills the air. Worse yet, Hannah’s beloved mother and baby brother die, which leaves an unfillable void in the Anderson household. When her preacher father becomes despondent and unapproachable, Hannah seeks solace in the forest, and by chance, meets an enigmatic stranger who befriends her. Tragedy strikes, however, and Hannah faces a long recovery from a devastating injury.

In the Treaty of Paris in 1783, many Native American homelands are granted to the United States. This vast area of land bordering the Great Lakes is called the Northwest Territory, and Ohio is included in the land grant. Against the backdrop of Native tribes converging in Ohio for battle, Hannah faces abandonment by her father and an arranged marriage. While contemplating her own personal issues, she is captured by a militant tribe and nearly killed. The story culminates in the Battle of Fallen Timbers, and Hannah’s ultimate choice for her future.

“M.B. Tosi’s new series continues with A Woman Called Red, an exciting post-Revolutionary War story about Ohio & the Battle of Fallen Timbers. As with all of her books, this one is alive with adventure, genuine history, difficult decisions and faith. Enjoy!”
— Jim Langford,
Director Emeritus of University of Notre Dame Press

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973667148

M.B. Tosi

M.B. TOSI is the bestselling author of The Indian Path Series and now The Early Path Series. She also has been an editor of non-fiction books and a weekly newspaper, teaches piano, and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in education. Born in Pierre, South Dakota, she has lived in Alexandria, Virginia; Bucks County, Pennsylvania; and Toledo, Ohio. She has three children and six grandchildren. Read more at www.MBTosi.com

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Copyright © 2019 M.B. Tosi.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

All names, main characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. Historical battles and figures, such as General Anthony Wayne and Wyandot Chief Tarhe, are part of the historical record. Any interactions by fictional characters with historical figures are fictitious.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Author’s photo was taken by Stevie Grand, www.grandlubell.com

All quotations used are public domain. Any Bible quotations are from Zondervan King James Version Study Bible, published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 2002

ISBN: 978-1-9736-6715-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-6716-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-6714-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019908563

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/08/2019

Contents

Dedication

Preface

Introduction

Part One Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Part Two Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Part Three Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Part Four Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Part Five Chapter Thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-two

Chapter Thirty-three

Chapter Thirty-four

Chapter Thirty-five

Chapter Thirty-six

Chapter Thirty-seven

Part Six Chapter Thirty-eight

Chapter Thirty-nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-one

Chapter Forty-two

Chapter Forty-three

Chapter Forty-four

Epilog

Online Resources

Reviews for The Broken Violin

"I used to think history was just a bunch of dates and names I couldn’t even pronounce. I had no interest in any of it. M.B. Tosi’s Indian Path Series captivated me and sparked an interest in my own American Indian heritage. The detail with which she presented the culture of the American Indian in each of those books kept me eager for more. Once again, Tosi has captivated me. Her newest book, The Broken Violin, is set during Revolutionary War times. Now I am struck by the resilience, faith, and courage of my European ancestors. M.B. Tosi has made history come alive for me!……. The Broken Violin is a beautiful story with much detail about how the people lived in the 1770s. It turns out I love history now. What a surprise!" ~ Pamela T. Kile

Tosi has written an extremely well-researched story of love, hardship, and a lesser-known aspect of the American Revolutionary War. The collaborative relationship between Native American tribes and the British underpins this touching and uplifting tale of devotion between Abigail, a frail but intelligent and talented spinster, and Samuel, a half-Native American fighting the Colonists. After Abigail’s lonely life suffers multiple losses, she saves Samuel’s life and propels the two of them on a journey filled with ups and downs, including a hateful antagonist, Mitch, who is bent on destroying Abigail. This is a realistic and satisfying read with plenty of informative historical information. ~ Arleen Alleman, author of The Darcy Farthing Series and co-author of Sometimes Naughty – Always Loved: Mary and Her Big Cat Brain

A surprising love story by a master - the extent of Tosi’s research into events shaping our country is compelling. A must read, if not for its tender romance, then for a chance to slip backward in time to relive the birth of our country. ~ Diane Shute, author of After Midnight and Midnight Crossing

I love to read a book that is so well written, I feel like I’m watching it on the big screen. M.B. Tosi takes you on a journey through our early American History and captures the essence of life during that period. The Broken Violin is a beautiful story that weaves the reader through the hard realities of the Revolutionary War and one woman’s journey through much change, grief and finally, love. I was captivated by the story from the first paragraph to the last and couldn’t put it down until I finished the book. I recently was on vacation in the Hudson Valley of New York and could easily picture the small towns along the river that were discussed in the book. Once again, M.B. Tosi has written a masterpiece, I highly recommend it - she makes history come alive! I am thrilled she is starting a new series - The Early Path Series is sure to delight. ~ Kathy Perry, bestselling co-author of Stepping Stones to Success

This writing of M.B. Tosi puts the reader right in the middle of the action! The weaving of personal lives through the remnants of history is very enjoyable and keeps the reader wanting to know how the characters will forge ahead through the unsettling situations. An interesting twist is the way M.B. Tosi brings the reader into the characters’ unspoken thoughts, you are actually engaged in their inner dialogue, as well as what is spoken. Neither of which are always predictable to the reader’s mind! ~ Mary Ann Oess

M.B. Tosi has written another captivating book. I love how she weaves history into the stories and I learn things I didn’t know. She does a wonderful job of depicting the vast difference between true kindness and compassion, versus greed and narcissism. Her descriptions of Abigail and Samuel present wonderful role models of the combination of strength, kindness and devotion to what it really means to love, as well as to listening to intuition and to the voice of Spirit. In sharp contrast is Mitch’s darkness, whose greed and narcissism cut him off from his heart and soul. His God is money and we experience the huge difference between love being the guiding light, or control and greed being the primary motivation. An excellent book to teach true values. ~ Margaret Paul, Ph.D., bestselling co-author of Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You and Healing Your Aloneness and co-creator of Inner Bonding®

"In her first book in The Early Path Series, set in the Revolutionary War period, the author leads us on an emotional roller coaster between hope and love on the one hand and despair and tragedy on the other. The building tension of the pursuit of the heroine makes this a book you just cannot put down until finished! In the end, the story leaves you very satisfied and eagerly awaiting the next one." ~ L. Heitz

Reviews for The Solitary Path of Courage

"M.B. Tosi continues her series of wonderful books with The Solitary Path of Courage, an exciting story of the Old West. As with all of her books, this one is alive with adventure, genuine history, difficult decisions, and faith. It is a book to enjoy." ~ Jim Langford, Ph.D., Director Emeritus of University of Notre Dame Press, bestselling author of The Spirit of Notre Dame and Quotable Notre Dame

"Author M.B. Tosi has scored another success with her fifth book, The Solitary Path of Courage. In her unique Indian Path Series, which combines well-researched events in the Indian Wars with inspirational fictional stories about pioneers in the Old West, history comes alive with realistic characters living their lives in dangerous times and war. I highly recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed!" ~ Dr. Joe Rubino, bestselling author of The Self-Esteem Book

"In The Solitary Path of Courage, M.B. Tosi continues her insightful tales of western life in the late 1800s. Her heroines are strong and resourceful, yet considerate and caring (not the prevailing badass stereotype) – the kind of person you’d like to know, and the kind of Americans that you can imagine actually molded the civilization of the Western United States. Being well researched, the reader is not only entertained but educated as well. It’s a riveting tale by a masterful storyteller that will leave you unable to put it down." ~ Regina M. Joseph, author of The Alterran Legacy Series

"M.B. Tosi’s new book, The Solitary Path of Courage, is better than a movie. She is one of those authors that can bring words to life and make you feel that you are living in the story, seeing and feeling the sights, sounds, and emotions of the characters. Upon reading all five of M.B. Tosi’s books, I can happily recommend all of them and look forward to more from this fine author." ~ Dr. J.H. Beschenbossel, author of My Buddy Mr. Squash

Reviews for The Thundering Path of Spirit

"In The Thundering Path of Spirit, M.B. Tosi has, once again, delivered to readers the tears of joy and sorrow they expect in a 19th Century North American story. This wonderful book helps us to recognize the hardships of the isolated and primitive life of our forbearers as they relied on their traditional spirituality to surmount dangers while attempting to build a common destiny." ~ John G. Agno, executive and business coach, author of Ask the Coach, Can’t Get Enough Leadership, and co-author of When Doing It All Won’t Work

"The Thundering Path of Spirit may be the best of all. The unusual love story, set against the Battle of the Little Bighorn, grabs your attention immediately, takes you through the unexpected twists and turns, and makes you feel a part of history. Fans of the series will love it!" ~ Stephen J. Brennan, PhD, author of 6 Psychological Factors for Success

"Another great read in The Indian Path Series by M.B. Tosi. You won’t be able to put the book down so plan on some late-night reading. This captivating historical fiction book has it all; history, adventure, and romance. So, find yourself a comfy chair and enjoy." ~ Elaine Cherry

"The Thundering Path of Spirit is a captivating love story and spiritual adventure told against the background of life with the Crow Indians. A wonderful tale that kept me interested from beginning to end." ~ Nelda G. Mold

Another great book by M.B. Tosi. You just can’t put it down once you start reading it. Exciting, adventurous, serious but easy reading. It is a pleasure to read! ~ Robert J. Towles

Reviews for The Crimson Path of Honor

I have spent most of my life in book publishing, as an author, executive editor and publisher. I am very impressed by the works of M.B. Tosi; she does very careful research so that she can tell her stories and frame her fiction in the context of Native American history. Her novels focus on ethical and human issues in a way that is captivating because they mirror real life. I hope her audience continues to grow. Good writing needs recognition these days. ~ Jim Langford, Ph.D., Director Emeritus, University of Notre Dame Press, bestselling author of The Spirit of Notre Dame and Quotable Notre Dame

"Author M.B. Tosi once again writes a beautiful reflection of life and love amongst the Native Americans in the mid-1800s. From the intense opening sequence through to the conclusion, The Crimson Path of Honor sheds light on the beliefs, customs and longings of a band of Lakota Indians. Readers will delight in the bravery of protagonist Morning Star, the world that she is brought into and that which she left that beckons to her. Well researched and written, Ms. Tosi offers insights into a time that was devastating to the Native Americans." ~ Julie K. Rubini, author of Eye to Eye: Sports Journalist Christine Brennan, Missing Millie Benson, Virginia Hamilton, and Hidden Ohio. She is also the founder of Claire’s Day, Inc.

I thoroughly enjoyed M.B. Tosi’s third book focusing on the Lakota Sioux Indians of South Dakota. It held my attention throughout the story. Colorful, descriptive, believable, and interesting characters allowed it to flow beautifully from beginning to end, and I found it hard to put down-always speculating about the relationship between Morning Star and Golden Eagle, and anticipating the return of Sam Towers. I found this book captivating, filled with suspense and intrigue, and splashed with warmth and humor between the characters. Having been born in South Dakota, I can understand why the author chose to write about the Lakota tribes. It is historical fiction at its finest. M.B. Tosi keeps the story of these people alive. After reading this book, I also became fascinated by the struggles of the Lakota Sioux Indians and continued to research them on-line. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history and adventure. ~ Kathie Forlini

This fast-paced story of courage and love rides on rich layers of history, faith, and the power of friendship. Everyday details of Native American life, like the captured white woman getting a lesson on making a better stew, brought the story to life for me - and made me ache for the wonderful characters and their way of life, profoundly affected by war and change. But I especially liked the characters’ passion and humor. Soaring declarations of love and honor alternated with scenes packed full of humor. Will this heroine, who was too independent to fit into the role of Boston debutante, ever fit into the eyes-downcast role of a Lakota squaw? Even for a handsome young chief? You will enjoy reading the book to find the solution to this romance! ~ Melanie Oyster

Reviews for The Secret Path of Destiny

"The Secret Path of Destiny is a must read for anyone who is interested in a good adventure, love story, Native American history and willing to not put the book down until the very end. M.B. Tosi has you sitting on the edge of your seat while you are reading the adventures of Isolde, a disabled German American girl. Her story is full of courage, tragedy, love, forgiveness, and a determination that gets her through life. It’s a really good read, plan on staying up all night; you won’t be disappointed." ~ Elaine Cherry

"If you liked Book One in The Indian Path Series then you will love Book Two! In this second book, The Secret Path of Destiny, I found a greater level of complexity to the story and more in-depth character development that made the book a very compelling read. In addition, the story tempo was fast-paced, which made it harder for me to put down until finished. And finally, I found the more extensive Indian historical background particularly insightful and appealing. Can’t wait to start Book Three!" ~ L. Heitz

Review for The Sacred Path of Tears

M.B. Tosi has written a thoroughly researched and highly engaging story that will leave you reading late into the night to learn the ultimate fate of Mokee in her life journey. The book is a comprehensive and compassionate portrayal of the Western Settler and Cheyenne Indians’ embattled relationship that will inspire further consideration, much in the style of an Allan Eckert novel, with the spiritual nature of Native Americans presented in a respectful and honorable light. Needless to say, I much anticipate the next edition of this series. Congratulations to the author on a job well done. ~ Catherine Scannell

Dedication

To my readers,

My first book was published in 2011, and my journey has been so amazing because of you. Your support has been wonderful for the five books of The Indian Path Series and my first book of The Early Path Series, The Broken Violin. All of the books have been bestsellers online.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know many of you and working with book clubs and women’s groups. I especially appreciate the kind reviews you have written online. There is no greater compliment (or bigger help) for an author than a reader taking the time to write a review.

Now another new adventure starts! The second book of The Early Path Series is A Woman Called Red, and it continues the time period of the late 1700s through the early 1800s. It is the story of a courageous woman who tries to make sense of her life after a devastating injury. For history buffs, it is a fictional tale placed among the Native American rebellion at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in my home state of Ohio.

Both of my series are standalone fiction. The books can be read in any order as each one stands alone with new characters and historical events. My first series, The Indian Path Series (about the Indian Wars in the late 1800s) is a sister series to my new series, The Early Path Series (featuring an earlier time period from the Revolutionary War through the early 1800s). In both series, fictional characters weave through the historical events of the times.

All of my books have one thing in common. The heroine searches for a way to follow her faith and find a path of peace and love in the midst of dangerous times. I hope your lives will be touched by the inner strength and courage of my characters. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.

As always, I’d love to hear from you. Here are several ways to connect:

Preface

A Woman Called Red is the second book in The Early Path Series. It joins the first book, The Broken Violin, in the historical romance fiction series covering the time period from the Revolutionary War in the late 1700s through the early 1800s.

A Woman Called Red is the story of a courageous woman who tries to make sense of her life after a devastating injury. For history buffs, it is a fictional tale placed among the Native American rebellion at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in my home state of Ohio.

Both of my series are standalone fiction. The books can be read in any order as each one stands alone with new characters and historical events. My first series, The Indian Path Series (about the Indian Wars in the late 1800s) is a sister series to my new series, The Early Path Series (featuring an earlier time period from the Revolutionary War through the early 1800s). In both series, fictional characters weave through the historical events of the times.

The time period from the 1500s through the early 1800s had a wealth of literary writers such as Francis Bacon, John Dryden, Samuel Johnson, and Alexander Pope. I incorporate some of their writings at the beginning of chapters to give a flavor of how people in the period thought and reasoned. Dialog between characters sometimes reflects the Old English spoken in the time period. For ease of reading, however, the narrative is in plain English of our day.

Both bestselling series have a common inspirational theme. Though the characters live in different time periods, they still search for life’s purpose and a path of peace, love, courage, and faith in times of trouble just as we do today. The books give credence to Ecclesiastes 1:9 in the Bible.

The thing that hath been,

It is that which shall be;

And that which is done

Is that which shall be done;

And there is no new thing under the sun.

Say what you will,

Tis better to be left

Than never to have been loved.

William Congreve

Introduction

Although it was nearing the end of September, the land area known as Ohio country was in the throes of an Indian summer. In fact, the entire summer of 1793 was marked by excessive drought and unbearable heat.

Nonetheless, a determined young woman began traipsing in the sweltering heat and humidity across a parched meadow. She was headed to the woods near her father’s log cabin. The scorching sunshine had managed to pierce through a thickening cloud cover and cause an entire field to be sprinkled with wilted white dots of tiny flowers. What an odd sight, she thought. It is like a mass grave of prairie clover.

After finally reaching the dense forest, it was surprising to find the trees draped in foreboding shadows. It was as if a storm might be brewing for the afternoon. The damp, heavy air among the boughs was stifling, and the moss-covered tree trunks smelled of mold. In spite of the woman’s desire for solitude, it was a struggle to catch her breath in the oppressive air.

Knowing the lay of the land since childhood, she confidently threaded a path along the rocky edge of a swiftly flowing creek and then stealthily trekked into the heart of the tallest timbers.

It was an unusually quiet, secluded spot, even eerie in the shade, but the troubled woman needed time alone to make an important decision. The ebb and flow of life had erupted into turmoil, and she was determined to stay in the forest until finding some resolution. Even after spreading out a woolen blanket on the rocky ground, it was impossible to feel content. When the rough bark of a cottonwood tree unexpectedly dug into her back, it was but a painful reminder of life’s frailties and disillusionments. Ignoring her discomfort, the woman doggedly began to review the mistakes in her life.

All at once, an owl hooted, which was an odd occurrence in the daytime. It was disquieting, and goosebumps sprinkled over her arms like a sudden spring shower. I should have paid more attention to Father’s warnings about dangers in the woods, the woman regretfully thought while beginning to reflect on how muddled life had become…

Since the age of nine, seventeen-year-old Hannah Anderson had lived with her family in a tiny wooded portion of land in eastern Ohio. It was a small part of a massive land region officially known as the Northwest Territory, which included Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and other land areas bordering the Great Lakes. All of the region was ceded to the United States after the Revolutionary War ended. Where Hannah lived was originally named ohi-yo by the Iroquois for the great Ohio River, and the name stuck.

A few years earlier when Hannah was fifteen, her mother and baby brother died, leaving the young girl devastated and lonely. Since that time, nothing felt right. Hannah was determined to honor her mother’s memory by steadfastly doing the same work she had done. For the next few years, the teenager cooked and cleaned for her widowed father at their isolated log cabin and also prepared the rustic log cabin church for Sunday gatherings.

Once a Methodist preacher in Philadelphia, Hannah’s father now felt called to be a missionary. At the time of his decision, there were very few missions because of the continuing violence on the frontier. For that reason, her father established an unaffiliated mission, which primarily served as an outpost for settlers heading west.

With its success, the mission had finally begun to receive financial support. As a compromise to Hannah’s mother, the location was close to the Pennsylvania border, which was usually safe from Native American troubles.

Working for her exacting father proved to be both exhausting and time-consuming for Hannah, and his criticisms far outweighed any praise. Since the death of her mother, the attention the young girl craved was nowhere to be found.

Hannah began spending way too much time alone, which gave her the opportunity to reflect on the isolation and loneliness of a pioneer settlement. More often than not, the confused teenager wondered what the future would hold. One day, she concluded it was important to explore the possibilities for her own life, not relive her mother’s life by doing chores from sunrise to sunset.

But what opportunities are there for a young woman? Hannah honestly did not know the answer. Knowing that only she could make a positive change in her circumstances, the teenager began paying closer attention to the fluid political situation in Ohio. Although she lacked a formal education, Hannah had been homeschooled by her well-educated mother, whose motto was to always keep eyes and ears open about current events. The young woman was proud to be able to both read and write, which was far better than most in the late 1700s.

While quietly assisting her father after worship services, Hannah began to eavesdrop, especially when small groups of men discussed the threat of war. Though at first it was only a game to ease boredom, her secretive actions later became a source of valuable