TISHOMINGO

“Although a work of fiction, Mary Hughes book shows some of the problems and challenges which faced the Chickasaw people around the turn of the 20th century.  It should be enjoyable reading for anyone.”

 

Bill Anoatubby
Governor of the Chickasaw Nation

DAILY OKLAHOMAN 
Newspaper dated: 1/13/08

‘TISHOMINGO’ reflects heritage
HISTORICAL FICTION

The clash of Anglo and American Indian cultures in Indian Territory in the 1890’s is captured in a romantic novel, “Tishomingo”, by Durant native Mary Ruth Hughes.  The characters are strong and live their lives on the pages of the book set historically in the Chickasaw Nation in the decade before Oklahoma’ statehood. Hughes, of Anglo and Chickasaw descent, now lives in southern California but always wanted to write about her Chickasaw ancestors.  From the novel’s opening pages, she gives the reader a clear understanding of the physical and mental attributes of the main characters.  The captivating love story between Osi and Koi reveals minute details of Chickasaw culture and social customs. An example of Hughes’ excellent character descriptions in her introduction of Osi, “Osi was taller than most Chickasaw men, with broad shoulders, framing a beardless face that looked as though it had been chiseled from flawless copper.” From the beginning, the reader knows exactly who the characters are, what they look like, how they feel about others around them and how they will play out their roles in the story. “Tishomingo” is historical fiction at its best.  The joys and hardships endured by the Chickasaws come through the love story loud and clear.  The author’s attention to historical fact is worthy of recognition.  This is a wonderful preservation of Chickasaw heritage.

                                                             

Bob Burke

(Bob Burke is a prominent Attorney in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He is an Oklahoma historian having won many awards for his non-fiction history books.)

“I have known Mary Hughes for a decade throughout our work together at Native Voices at the Autry.  Mary’s passion for bringing historical TISHOMINGO to the page has been inspiring.  She knows so many beautiful stories from the old days and she weaves them together magically in this compelling tale of love, identity and family obligations versus matters of the heart.  If you like Native American fiction, you will love reading TISHOMINGO.” 

Randy Reinholz 
Producing Artistic Director 
Native Voices at the Autry 
Los Angeles, California

“With TISHOMINGO, Mary Ruth Hughes has produced a tale of romance certain to please fans of the genre, and worthy of a place on bookshelves alongside such tales as Sparks’ The Notebook and Burroughs’ Marcia of the Doorstep.  With characters and situations drawn directly from the fabric of her own family heritage and an eye toward illuminating a period of Native American history all too often overlooked, the author has produced a story as educational as it is entertaining.” 

John A. Small 
Editor 
Johnston County Capital-Democrat 
Tishomingo, Oklahoma

I had no previous knowledge of the trials of the Chickasaw Nation struggling to maintain their way of life and to retain land that was given them in the 1890's prior to reading Tishomingo. Mary Ruth Hughes, of Chickasaw heritage, brings to life a proud, accomplished, caring tribe of native Indians coerced into assimilation before Oklahoma statehood. The plot revolves around the fate of star-crossed lovers Osi, a mixed blood girl, and Koi a full blood Chickasaw. Even though I liked the female protagonist, I found her profound naivety about the facts of life hard to accept. Still the story unravels into an intriguing tale set against the backdrop of scandalous political maneuvers to obtain control of the Chickasaw lands. Strict attention to detail and the accuracy of the historical account has won this book a place in the Smithsonian Institute. Mary Ruth Hughes, a champion of Native American voices, has delivered an easy to read, compelling and engaging novel that educates while it entertains.

Linda Ballou - Adventure Travel Writer
Author of:
Wai-Nani-High Chiefess of Hawai'i
Lost Angel Walkabout-One Traveler's Tales

(Original Kindle review can be found here) 

Tishomingo is one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen. I read this book in only two days. Mary Ruth Hughes is a very talented writer. Tishomingo is beautifully written and will hold your interest from beginning to end. You will fall in-love with the characters as you read the book. Anyone buying this book will not be disappointed. It deserves more stars than five. I hope Tishomingo is made into a movie someday soon. I will be looking for more books from this author.

M. Mitchell
Children's book author

(Original Kindle review can be found here) 

“The minute I started reading TISHOMINGO, I was transported to the 1800’s when times were simpler, but love wasn’t.  The love story between Osi and Koi is captivating.  Mary Ruth writes of the joy, the pain, the separation and the hardships in the 1800’s.  Read this book!  You won’t be able to put it down and you will believe Love Conquers All!  Get at least one box of Kleenex for the ending!” 

Karilynn Haughton 
Morning Show co-host 
Kat Country 100.7 FM
Victorville, California

“Mary Ruth Hughes has woven a wonderful tapestry of romance, history and fascinating facts of both Indian and Anglo cultures with TISHOMINGO.  I have ascertained that facts in the arena of clothing and social customs from the Victorian Era in America are historically accurate and presented authentically.” 
“A Must Read!” 

 

Barbara G. Kincaid 
Fashion and Social Historian 
Victorian Historian

“TISHOMINGO is highly entertaining, refreshing and a unique portrayal of an earlier United States from the perspective of a Chickasaw family.  Mary is a gifted storyteller.  TISHOMINGO held me in captive anticipation page after page as I devoured it in a single setting.  I strongly recommend its reading and I am sure it will appeal to a wide-ranging audience.” 

David J. Storm DDS 
Chicago, Illinois

“Mary Ruth has accurately captured the ideology of the Chickasaw Nation in the 1890’s with her story of TISHOMINGO.  This book is for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.” 

Letha Clark 
Author of Johnston County Historical Books

“Mary Ruth Hughes has a way of describing a scene that makes it easy to visualize, like when Osi ordered his breakfast at the Harvey House in Newton, Kansas. I could even taste the coffee he ordered! I enjoyed reading a book that includes a town where I live. It was nice to see the train station described – a station that is still used by the passenger Amtrak service where I’ve boarded a train many an early morning!”

Wendy Nugent
Lifestyles Editor
The Newton Kansan
Newton, Kansas

“The problem about this book is that I could not put it down. I found myself at 3 a.m. in the morning, knowing I had to get some rest, HATING the fact I could NOT stop reading another, and then, yet ANOTHER chapter. Having grown up in Arkansas, my own relatives told me about the (evidently universal) greed for land. The Indian Tribes were overwhelmed by non Indians, and while the Federal Government tried to do right by them, Washington is hundreds of miles away from Oklahoma in an age where travel was difficult. This story transports you to that time, the 1890's, and explores prejudice, justice, greed, and love. It is a wonderful story and not one you should miss. I eagerly await a sequel. Perhaps this book will even be made into a movie! My hats off to Mary Hughes.”

David Collier
On-production studio employee
Los Angeles, California

“Excellent read! Just finished this book, and couldn't put it down until I did finish it. The characters came alive to me, and I felt that I knew them, their lives and dreams. Hughes has both a creative and real grasp of her Indian roots and the times about which she writes. 
For anyone interested in history, in general, and specifically Indian history, this is a compelling story. The reality of Indian lands being stolen by the US government is touched upon, but there is no all-too-often maudling pity of that situation ... the characters are strong, resourceful and successful, and they face this reality in that manner. 
The heart of the novel is a love story ... but much more than just of a romance. It's a love story about strong family ties, about love of the land that nourishes them, about love of honor, integrity and courage. You see and feel all these traits in the family that is the center of the story. 
The flow is very good, enticing you to the next paragraph, the next page, the next chapter. I had multiple "Yes!" or "I was hoping for that!" moments. I loved it! Very high recommendation!”

Trudi Cannon
Honolulu, Hawaii

“This is a delightfully intriguing story that leaves you thirsting for more at the end of each chapter and the relationship between Koi & Osi tugs at you heart strings from beginning to end. As it transports us back in time it gives us a wonderful history lesson, with attention to the small details of everyday life of the times, right down to the foods that they ate, as it teaches us how the choices we make everyday have such a profound impact on our lives & families for generations.”

Nancy Norton
Modesto, California