Souls of the Soil by Gloria Waldron Hukle

SOULS OF THE SOil by Gloria Waldron Hukle

First and foremost, Hukle's books are remarkably well researched. You simply cannot read one of her novels without learning something new. Her books have enlightened and reshaped my understanding of the history of New York and the USA. In Souls of the Soil, I especially enjoyed the alternating perspectives between present-day and historical New York. All though her book series, she conveys the realities, dangers, and challenges of early American living through relatable, believable characters and compelling storylines. If you like to learn real, solid history while you read an entertaining novel, then Hukle's books are for you!

Souls of the Soil a historical novel by author Gloria Waldron Hukle

From the Author

“Souls of the Soil" is a blend of historical fiction and more modern literature. It is one story within another, a contemporary novel converging with well researched historical data, the whole of this work driven by an actual murder occurring in New York the year 1756 during the French and Indian War period. But my story opens long before blood drips from the blade of a sharpened 18th century rusty bayonet.

The narrative unfolds in Provincial New York in the year 1679 with the distraught farmer, Cornelius Vandenbergh lamenting the death of his wife and a fire that nearly kills him.

Before long you are introduced to Steve and Helen Carey and their son, Tom. .. and the ghosts haunting them.

My hope your imagination will be challenged as you become embroiled within the lives of two sets of fathers and sons, all four of whom share the same DNA, crisscrossing between centuries.

"Along life's pathway chances are you've met someone very much like the characters you will find within this book. For some reason you've both loved and disliked them all at the same time and you wonder why they remain a part of your life. You wonder if a Higher Power placed them next to you."

Journey with the Vandenbergh and Waldron, and Carey families as Steve Carey straddles two separate centuries , convinced that he lived another life during the French and Indian War. Is what he sees real or not? This is for you, the reader to decide.

Cast of Characters

Cornelius Vandenbergh Souls of the Soil opens in the year 1679 on a lush island located in what is today Rensselaer County New York. The fertile land is covered by crystals that the Natives believe sacred. Cornelius Vandenbergh the immigrant, a tenant farmer on Van Rensselaer land struggles .

Peter Waldron Albany settler, Peter, a Manhattan trained mason who turns to trading with the Natives for fur, is driven by his ambitions.

Cate Vandenbergh Waldron (Peter’s wife) petite, direct, a devout Christian, but also superstitious, Cate's fears will bleed into her 20th Century. descendants

Cornelius Waldron Half Moon New York (today Waterford, New York area) in 1756. His murder drives this part of my story. Jannette Van Ness Robust, out-spoken, most consider her a great beauty, married to Cornelius Waldron. For purpose of this novel and ease of reading- she is called Janet.

John Collins Good friend to Peter Waldron, Albany attorney

Tom Carey Marine Corp Vet, Lawyer, Tom is Steve and Helen (Brown) Carey’s son. He opens the modern side of the story in 2014.

Steve Carey An Adirondack Carey, college educated. Steve loves the smell of wood, Steve is the ‘searcher’ who sees what others don’t.

Helen Carey Steve’s wife. Helen really never got over her first love who went into the priesthood. Now she struggles with loving her husband unconditionally. And maybe rightly so.