Finding the Way: Book One: The Seekers Series

by Cindy Burkart Maynard, Historium Press

A coming of age journey along the Camino de Santiago in medieval Spain.

Book One in the Seekers Series

#MedievalMedicalJourney #HerbalHealingQuest #WomenInMedicine #InspirationalMedievalWomen #MedievalAdventureTales

In 1250 AD, in an obscure corner of northeastern Spain at the foot of the Pyrenees, ancient

Basque traditions collide with the onslaught of Christianity. Amika, a young Basque girl on the

brink of adulthood and her mother, a healer, awake in the night to the howls of an angry mob

approaching their hut. Torches fly and their hut goes up in flames. The rabid throng drags her

mother away to be burned at the stake as a witch. Amika flees in terror into the forest. A Wise

Woman of the ancient tradition rescues her and initiates Amika into the Old Ways. Soon they

too are hunted down and jailed, doomed to suffer the same fate as Amika's mother. A

sympathetic priest frees Amika, but as the price of her freedom he sends her on a quest to walk

the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route across northern Spain. Along the way

Amika encounters danger, hardship, and fear before she meets the man and child with whom

she will share her future.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2023

About the author

Cindy Burkart Maynard is passionate for history and the natural world. Her characters come to life showing the reader what it was like to live in another time and place. She has published four historical fiction novels and is two nonfiction works about the Colorado Plateau and the desert southwest.

https://www.cindyburkartmaynard.com/


Winner:
Colorado Authors League award for Western literature
WILLA Finalist Award for soft cover fiction.
Marie M. Irvine award for Literary Excellence
Chanticleer National Book Award
Top Shelf Book award
Reader's Favorite Five Star Award

Reviews

[Emma Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding the Way pulled me in right from the first chapter. The mix of cultural detail and emotional storytelling felt so genuine. Soyala’s journey is soft, steady, and surprisingly gripping.

[Chloe Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed following the characters as they navigated the expectations of their community. The writing has a gentle rhythm that drew me into the desert world effortlessly.

[Oladeji Aduragbemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ARC reader, I loved how real the relationships felt. Nothing was exaggerated — just authentic human conflict and growth.

[Alex J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The historical elements are beautifully handled. You feel the environment, the traditions, and the tension between old and new ways of living.

[Brianna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soyala is such a relatable main character. Quiet strength, inner conflict, and real vulnerability. I found myself rooting for her constantly.

[Theo Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author paints the desert setting with so much care. Every scene feels lived-in — the sounds, the colors, the people.

[Lila Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how the story unfolded slowly but surely, revealing layers of character and culture without dumping information.

[Roseline Bestseller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The family dynamics were one of my favorite parts. They’re complex, emotional, and sometimes painful, just like real life.

[Paige Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me think about how people find purpose when everything around them is changing. Such a thoughtful read.

[Violett Blais · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style is very smooth. Simple but lyrical, with moments that catch you by surprise.

[Story Spotlight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The themes of belonging and identity stand out strongly. It’s a quiet story, but one that lingers.

[Paige Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how Soyala wasn’t portrayed as perfect. Her doubts, flaws, and fears made her feel much more human.

[Nathan R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author clearly did her research, but she blends it into the story so naturally that you never feel overwhelmed.

[Dani Loves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book gave me a real sense of what daily life might have been like in this time period. Even small details added depth.

[Grace Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a warmth in the storytelling that made me feel connected to the characters, even when I didn’t agree with their choices.

[Maya L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending was satisfying and felt true to the journey. It left me wanting more without feeling incomplete.

[Sam O’Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admired how courage is shown in small, everyday decisions instead of big dramatic moments.

[Jordan ReadsTooMuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pacing is steady, with emotional moments sprinkled naturally throughout. Great for readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

[Avery Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the standout parts for me was the spiritual undertone, subtle but meaningful.

[Cassie Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The supporting characters were surprisingly memorable. Each one added something important to Soyala’s journey.

[Ryan D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book captures both the beauty and the harshness of desert life very well.

[Tasha Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the balance between introspective moments and external challenges. It kept the story engaging.

[Alice Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soyala’s growth felt believable. She evolves gradually, shaped by her experiences and the people around her.

[Salen Aliven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story explores choices, consequences, and community with a gentle touch. Nothing felt forced.

[John Roseline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself thinking about some of the scenes long after I finished them. The storytelling is quietly powerful.

[Authors Groeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a calmness in the writing that actually made the emotional moments hit harder.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing tradition and change clash through the eyes of everyday people rather than through big historical events.

[Helen Guill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author clearly cares about portraying the culture with respect, which made the book even more meaningful.

[Atlanta Non · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt like a refreshing break from fast-paced fiction. It’s thoughtful, grounded, and full of heart.

[Readers Of · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ARC reader, I’m glad I picked this one up. It’s a beautiful start to a series, and I’m excited to see where the next book goes.