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Sannah
Barely more than a girl, Sannah is taken by a man who is both warrior and shaman in a winter raid on her Stone Age camp.
But Memmet believes the spirits have given her to him and he will keep her at any cost.
Two strong people must find the reason they have been brought together because lives depend upon it.
But Memmet believes the spirits have given her to him and he will keep her at any cost.
Two strong people must find the reason they have been brought together because lives depend upon it.
- GenresHistoricalRomance
164 pages, Paperback
Published October 12, 2020
42 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Newman
49 books391 followersFantasy poetry driven by myths and legends has been my passion for as long as I remember. I was published in poetry long before I caught the romance writing bug.
I always meant to write a book; I really did. But I was born in a horse-centered, fox-hunting part of Pennsylvania and put on a horse so young it’s a wonder I ever learned to walk. My early years were completely taken up with horses. When one of them knocked me unconscious for a rather long time, I began to have different thoughts.
Thus began an 18-year career in various aspects of psychiatric social services. And did I mention I married a man with five children? I wrote poetry because it didn’t take as long as writing 100,000 words. All of it was published and that helped silence the little voice going, “But I really want to write a book!” When I was widowed at age 41, I dealt with it by running away to Ireland, where the little voice kept getting louder.
The result was an outburst of writing. This comes after massive amounts of help from Romance Writers of America, Valley Forge Romance Writers, Celtic Hearts and Rome-antics.
Let’s hear it for all those great ladies!
Presently, I live on a small farm in Elverson, Pennsylvania with an assortment of rescue animals …mostly horses.
I always meant to write a book; I really did. But I was born in a horse-centered, fox-hunting part of Pennsylvania and put on a horse so young it’s a wonder I ever learned to walk. My early years were completely taken up with horses. When one of them knocked me unconscious for a rather long time, I began to have different thoughts.
Thus began an 18-year career in various aspects of psychiatric social services. And did I mention I married a man with five children? I wrote poetry because it didn’t take as long as writing 100,000 words. All of it was published and that helped silence the little voice going, “But I really want to write a book!” When I was widowed at age 41, I dealt with it by running away to Ireland, where the little voice kept getting louder.
The result was an outburst of writing. This comes after massive amounts of help from Romance Writers of America, Valley Forge Romance Writers, Celtic Hearts and Rome-antics.
Let’s hear it for all those great ladies!
Presently, I live on a small farm in Elverson, Pennsylvania with an assortment of rescue animals …mostly horses.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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November 5, 2020"This ancient historical shows what happens when desperation and survival come into play."
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
November 8, 2020
This ancient historical shows what happens when desperation and survival come into play.
Read full review in the 2020 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 16, 2020
This book is intriguing, stimulating, surprising, educational, and satisfying!!
This book is an enjoyable, quick read at only 161 eBook pages!!
This book not only transports you to another time period, but it drops you in an authentic, mysterious land with structured world-building and realistic characters that are not only convincing, but persuasive. I would definitely do what these characters say!!!
I often get asked what my favorite book genres are, and if you know me, my heart probably jumps to the crime/mystery novel with a contemporary/sports romance close behind, and of course, anything with cute little furbabies in it, I’m sold. However, I refuse to just limit it there. There are way too many interesting, intriguing, and important books out there to be read. If becoming a book blogger has taught me anything – it’s that a book can’t be defined by just one category; you really can’t judge a book by its cover; and even when a book you might not have gravitated to, but agreed to read, could easily become your new favorite book. Why am I telling you all this?? Well, I have been a fan of Miriam Newman and enjoyed featuring her on my blog over the years promoting her books and having her stop by for guest posts, but for some reason I haven’t had the chance to read and review any of her books. So, when the opportunity presented, I jumped at the chance. However, I have to admit after reading the book blurb I was a bit unsure as this book sounded very different from the somewhat typical books that cross my desk. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good historical romance, but this book seemed like a very unique take on the topic and ventured further back in ancient times – a time period that I was very unfamiliar with. Nevertheless, I read the book, and I must say, I was very surprised to find myself not only enjoying the book, but at times even fully engaged and hanging on every word. Again, like I said, you really cannot judge a book by its cover, or its assigned genre.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was Miriam’s writing style and the way she drew the reader in. Miriam’s use of such strongly detailed settings and intricate character dialogue created powerful scenes that kept this reader on the edge of her seat.
This book was truly a refreshing take on a historical romance as it featured more of the ancient stone age times – a time that seems to rarely be represented. I am quite (embarrassingly!!) unknowledgeable about this era, but thankfully the author included enough details and background information that she cleverly dispersed throughout the book to help provide a better understanding to the unique culture and customs of this time period.
I really enjoyed the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book that is strongly featured throughout the story. That plus her love and passion of all things historical is clearly evident from page one.
As for the characters, I felt Miriam did an excellent job creating the genuine articles for that time period. I have to say while finding these characters truly authentic, I did not find most of them personable, relatable, or easy to connect with. Perhaps that’s due the time difference, but I’d honestly say it’s more about the culture, mannerisms, and the acceptable barbaric customs that is practiced there. However, I absolutely felt for Sannah with every fiber of my being!! I just wanted to hug her tightly and tell her everything was going to be okay, but knowing the situation she was in, that would be a lie. I understand why Memmet took Sannah and the whole bigger picture and how times were wayyyy different back then – but that beginning scene when Memmet and his clan arrive at Sannah’s camp and just brutally and disgustingly overtake the land and it’s people I was fuming!! Not just over the poor defenseless guard dogs being slaughtered, but the attack on the people, the treatment of the women and children – Sannah’s robe being ripped open exposing her naked body so the men could “evaluate,” it and verify she was a fully developed women, not child, as she is on the smaller side, before deciding she was “acceptable,” to be taken. With the raid concluding, Sannah looked around only to see other young women like her and some of the stronger built children from her clan tied up to also be taken. Upon further searching Sannah sees that all the camp’s men seem to be dead and only the elderly women and young babies are being left at the camp to starve and die off. As a dv survivor reading some of these passages definitely tested my temper lol, but a book that can get you all riled up and completely immersed in the story is worth reading – regardless of what side you’re rooting for – or shouting at lol!!!
I liked that Sannah was such a happy, free-spirited young woman, who was just coming of age, discovering herself, getting ready for the next big step in her life. She was so excited to get paired off and have a forever mating partner. Definitely a different time to be so young and have that as your dream/most important life goal!!! Although enter MTV’s Teen Mom and 16 & Pregnant – perhaps things haven’t really changed too much lol!!! Anywho, I’m not quite sure I completely connected with Sannah, but I at least sympathized with her and hoped this horrible guy that just came and kidnapped her would somehow have a higher purpose and work out in the long run. NOT that I would EVER condone kidnapping or approve of what he did!!! But for the sake of this book, the time period, and the likely direction it seemed the author was taking this book in, that seemed like the only positive outcome for Sannah.
Like I said, I probably would not have picked this book up at a bookstore and that would have been a mistake. Even with some of the “enraging,” scenes and the, “I am so happy to not live in that kind of culture or time period,” moments this book was overall entertaining!! And I think that says a lot about Miriam’s writing as she can take a reader who was somewhat hesitant and resistant reading about the cultural time period norms that she finds disconcerting and unsettling and turn that reader into a fan that actually enjoyed reading the book!!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
At this time, it does not appear that this book is part of a book series. Therefore, this book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all ancient times fans and historical romance readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book is an enjoyable, quick read at only 161 eBook pages!!
This book not only transports you to another time period, but it drops you in an authentic, mysterious land with structured world-building and realistic characters that are not only convincing, but persuasive. I would definitely do what these characters say!!!
I often get asked what my favorite book genres are, and if you know me, my heart probably jumps to the crime/mystery novel with a contemporary/sports romance close behind, and of course, anything with cute little furbabies in it, I’m sold. However, I refuse to just limit it there. There are way too many interesting, intriguing, and important books out there to be read. If becoming a book blogger has taught me anything – it’s that a book can’t be defined by just one category; you really can’t judge a book by its cover; and even when a book you might not have gravitated to, but agreed to read, could easily become your new favorite book. Why am I telling you all this?? Well, I have been a fan of Miriam Newman and enjoyed featuring her on my blog over the years promoting her books and having her stop by for guest posts, but for some reason I haven’t had the chance to read and review any of her books. So, when the opportunity presented, I jumped at the chance. However, I have to admit after reading the book blurb I was a bit unsure as this book sounded very different from the somewhat typical books that cross my desk. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good historical romance, but this book seemed like a very unique take on the topic and ventured further back in ancient times – a time period that I was very unfamiliar with. Nevertheless, I read the book, and I must say, I was very surprised to find myself not only enjoying the book, but at times even fully engaged and hanging on every word. Again, like I said, you really cannot judge a book by its cover, or its assigned genre.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was Miriam’s writing style and the way she drew the reader in. Miriam’s use of such strongly detailed settings and intricate character dialogue created powerful scenes that kept this reader on the edge of her seat.
This book was truly a refreshing take on a historical romance as it featured more of the ancient stone age times – a time that seems to rarely be represented. I am quite (embarrassingly!!) unknowledgeable about this era, but thankfully the author included enough details and background information that she cleverly dispersed throughout the book to help provide a better understanding to the unique culture and customs of this time period.
I really enjoyed the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book that is strongly featured throughout the story. That plus her love and passion of all things historical is clearly evident from page one.
As for the characters, I felt Miriam did an excellent job creating the genuine articles for that time period. I have to say while finding these characters truly authentic, I did not find most of them personable, relatable, or easy to connect with. Perhaps that’s due the time difference, but I’d honestly say it’s more about the culture, mannerisms, and the acceptable barbaric customs that is practiced there. However, I absolutely felt for Sannah with every fiber of my being!! I just wanted to hug her tightly and tell her everything was going to be okay, but knowing the situation she was in, that would be a lie. I understand why Memmet took Sannah and the whole bigger picture and how times were wayyyy different back then – but that beginning scene when Memmet and his clan arrive at Sannah’s camp and just brutally and disgustingly overtake the land and it’s people I was fuming!! Not just over the poor defenseless guard dogs being slaughtered, but the attack on the people, the treatment of the women and children – Sannah’s robe being ripped open exposing her naked body so the men could “evaluate,” it and verify she was a fully developed women, not child, as she is on the smaller side, before deciding she was “acceptable,” to be taken. With the raid concluding, Sannah looked around only to see other young women like her and some of the stronger built children from her clan tied up to also be taken. Upon further searching Sannah sees that all the camp’s men seem to be dead and only the elderly women and young babies are being left at the camp to starve and die off. As a dv survivor reading some of these passages definitely tested my temper lol, but a book that can get you all riled up and completely immersed in the story is worth reading – regardless of what side you’re rooting for – or shouting at lol!!!
I liked that Sannah was such a happy, free-spirited young woman, who was just coming of age, discovering herself, getting ready for the next big step in her life. She was so excited to get paired off and have a forever mating partner. Definitely a different time to be so young and have that as your dream/most important life goal!!! Although enter MTV’s Teen Mom and 16 & Pregnant – perhaps things haven’t really changed too much lol!!! Anywho, I’m not quite sure I completely connected with Sannah, but I at least sympathized with her and hoped this horrible guy that just came and kidnapped her would somehow have a higher purpose and work out in the long run. NOT that I would EVER condone kidnapping or approve of what he did!!! But for the sake of this book, the time period, and the likely direction it seemed the author was taking this book in, that seemed like the only positive outcome for Sannah.
Like I said, I probably would not have picked this book up at a bookstore and that would have been a mistake. Even with some of the “enraging,” scenes and the, “I am so happy to not live in that kind of culture or time period,” moments this book was overall entertaining!! And I think that says a lot about Miriam’s writing as she can take a reader who was somewhat hesitant and resistant reading about the cultural time period norms that she finds disconcerting and unsettling and turn that reader into a fan that actually enjoyed reading the book!!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
At this time, it does not appear that this book is part of a book series. Therefore, this book can be read as a standalone.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it! I think all ancient times fans and historical romance readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
August 15, 2023
Sannah has just reached adulthood (in her clan's eyes) and is thinking about how to survive the winter plus who she might end up with. What she doesn't expect is to be taken from her clan along with other women and everyone she knows is killed or left to starve. Memmet is doing the best he can for his tribe and if that means kidnapping other women so his survive, then so be it.
These two are incredibly well-matched and, as the story progresses, you find out just how 'lucky' Sannah was to have been claimed by Memmet. Meka is there to show just how bad it could be for those taken.
This is a wonderful novel. Being as it is set in ancient times there is a whole different set of world-building going on which I thought was incredibly well done. The characters all have their foibles and idiosyncrasies but remain true to who they are and their time. Sannah's fears and misconceptions were well-written, showing her divided loyalties with her hopes and concerns for the future.
I thought this was a really great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 15, 2020
These two are incredibly well-matched and, as the story progresses, you find out just how 'lucky' Sannah was to have been claimed by Memmet. Meka is there to show just how bad it could be for those taken.
This is a wonderful novel. Being as it is set in ancient times there is a whole different set of world-building going on which I thought was incredibly well done. The characters all have their foibles and idiosyncrasies but remain true to who they are and their time. Sannah's fears and misconceptions were well-written, showing her divided loyalties with her hopes and concerns for the future.
I thought this was a really great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 15, 2020
October 15, 2020
4.25 stars
“Sannah” by Miriam Newman follows one young Stone Age woman’s struggle to survive in harsh times as she is ripped away from her camp and forced to join another tribe.
This historical romance is a gritty and compelling look at the struggle to survive during a time when the existence of mankind is still being challenged. Those who have triggers should be warned that there are uncomfortable but understandable scenes that reflect the need for populating the tribe.
The author artfully depicts the day-to-day challenges of pre-Industrial life and the advantages of both location and the use of tools and animals to enhance survival. I was captured by the vivid imagery and compelled to find out what would happen next, even though this is not my typical fare and I was wincing at some of the brutality involved. The hints of mysticism combined with pragmatism made the hero appealing, and his careful but implacable wooing of the woman he has chosen for his own was impressive. This story gave me interesting insights into the elements of survival and I recommend it to anyone who wants a fascinating glimpse of the challenges of primitive living,
A copy of this title was provided for review
“Sannah” by Miriam Newman follows one young Stone Age woman’s struggle to survive in harsh times as she is ripped away from her camp and forced to join another tribe.
This historical romance is a gritty and compelling look at the struggle to survive during a time when the existence of mankind is still being challenged. Those who have triggers should be warned that there are uncomfortable but understandable scenes that reflect the need for populating the tribe.
The author artfully depicts the day-to-day challenges of pre-Industrial life and the advantages of both location and the use of tools and animals to enhance survival. I was captured by the vivid imagery and compelled to find out what would happen next, even though this is not my typical fare and I was wincing at some of the brutality involved. The hints of mysticism combined with pragmatism made the hero appealing, and his careful but implacable wooing of the woman he has chosen for his own was impressive. This story gave me interesting insights into the elements of survival and I recommend it to anyone who wants a fascinating glimpse of the challenges of primitive living,
A copy of this title was provided for review
October 21, 2020
Having not read many Ancient historical romance novels, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect with Sannah, but the cover intrigued me. I had enjoyed historical novels set during the Egyptian, Greek and Roman times, so I decided it would stand to reason, a book set in Ancient times wouldn’t be much different. I was very surprised at how much I did enjoy Sannah, especially the tribal dynamic.
The time period was, however, hard for me to pinpoint and that was probably the only criticism I had for the novel. From the cover, I did expect Middle East, yet still, I wasn’t really sure where the setting was.
However, this did not diminish my reading experience as the descriptions of the characters as well as the setting were enough to keep me drawn into the story. I appreciated the character development and the underlying theme of survival. I would be keen to read more from this author in the future.
The time period was, however, hard for me to pinpoint and that was probably the only criticism I had for the novel. From the cover, I did expect Middle East, yet still, I wasn’t really sure where the setting was.
However, this did not diminish my reading experience as the descriptions of the characters as well as the setting were enough to keep me drawn into the story. I appreciated the character development and the underlying theme of survival. I would be keen to read more from this author in the future.
October 9, 2020
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
I enjoy romances that are set in times/places where I don’t often see romance books set. This was a fascinating, as well as emotionally satisfying read. There’s also plenty of adult scenes for those wanting to see our leading couple in action. The characters are many and varied. They, along with the setting, felt real. I felt like I could step into the pages and onto the grounds of history.
I believe in reading books outside one’s own culture. Doing so helps us learn. It’s amazing to me what was considered permissible, even good, way back “in the day.” The same would be frowned upon in so many ways today, but in the time of this story, “wrong” things were a matter of basic survival. Something to consider even when thinking across cultures today. Are things “wrong?” Or just a different way of thinking?
There’s some violence (nothing graphic) and scenes which may be problematic for those sensitive to stillbirths. Otherwise, I encourage you to give this a read. It’s a well-drawn story with many aspects, romance and otherwise.
Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
I enjoy romances that are set in times/places where I don’t often see romance books set. This was a fascinating, as well as emotionally satisfying read. There’s also plenty of adult scenes for those wanting to see our leading couple in action. The characters are many and varied. They, along with the setting, felt real. I felt like I could step into the pages and onto the grounds of history.
I believe in reading books outside one’s own culture. Doing so helps us learn. It’s amazing to me what was considered permissible, even good, way back “in the day.” The same would be frowned upon in so many ways today, but in the time of this story, “wrong” things were a matter of basic survival. Something to consider even when thinking across cultures today. Are things “wrong?” Or just a different way of thinking?
There’s some violence (nothing graphic) and scenes which may be problematic for those sensitive to stillbirths. Otherwise, I encourage you to give this a read. It’s a well-drawn story with many aspects, romance and otherwise.
October 22, 2020
An interesting tale. I enjoyed the world though it was a hard life for the clans. Sannah was strong and a bit rebellious, and she accepted what she had to do. Memmet was gruff but very caring for his people and for Sannah, even before he gave her his heart. The setting of the Stone Age drew me to this story, and I enjoyed the feel of the world. I do recommend this story.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
October 27, 2020
Good writing, interesting story
I really enjoyed Sannah, the story of a stone-age girl captured in a raiding party and taken days away from the tribe she knew. She first thinks to be made a slave, but then discovers that the women—the only people kidnapped—will be used as wives and partners. The man who claimed her is the tribe’s leader, and she proves that she is one, too. I would read more from this author, as I appreciate her writing style and characterization.
I really enjoyed Sannah, the story of a stone-age girl captured in a raiding party and taken days away from the tribe she knew. She first thinks to be made a slave, but then discovers that the women—the only people kidnapped—will be used as wives and partners. The man who claimed her is the tribe’s leader, and she proves that she is one, too. I would read more from this author, as I appreciate her writing style and characterization.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews