Press Release - HTF Publishing Signs Author Karla Cruise
April 23, 2025
For Immediate Press Release
HTF Publishing Announces the Signing of Karla Cruise and Her Debut Novel, The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu
Mpls, MN – HTF Publishing, an imprint of History Through Fiction, is thrilled to announce the signing of Karla Cruise, the author of The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu, a gripping historical fiction novel that delves into the rich, tumultuous history of the Great Lakes region. The novel, which won a Silver Medal from the UK’s Historical Fiction Society in 2024, has captivated readers with its intricate blend of history, mythology, and environmental storytelling.
Karla Cruise brings a unique perspective to historical fiction, drawing on her extensive academic background. Holding a PhD in Russian literature and language from the University of Chicago, Karla has contributed to a variety of publications, including Russian Life and The Slavic and East European Journal. She is also a skilled translator, with expertise in Russian art, AI, and science and engineering topics, with articles featured in Futurity, Science Digest, and RealClear Science. Her deep knowledge of history and culture, combined with her storytelling prowess, sets her apart as a remarkable voice in the literary world.
The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu is a multi-generational saga set against the backdrop of war, cultural upheaval, and the enduring power of nature. The novel follows Marguerite, a half-French, half-Native American woman, and her British lieutenant lover, who create a botanical manuscript that holds the secrets of an ancient medicine society. As foreign invaders sweep across the land, generations work to protect this manuscript, which could grant prophetic powers or bring ruin. The story spans centuries, from the burning of a local fort by Native American tribes to the rise of industrialism, and explores themes of survival, legacy, and the fight to preserve indigenous culture.
Karla’s novel introduces readers to Mishipeshu, the Algonquin goddess, who foretells the world’s destruction and rebirth. When a young graduate student stumbles upon the long-lost manuscript, a race against time begins to prevent a powerful pharmaceutical company from exploiting its dangerous secrets. The thrilling adventure is as much about the search for a missing manuscript as it is an exploration of myth, our relationship with the land, and the nature of time.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Karla Cruise to the HTF Publishing family,” said Colin Mustful, founder of History Through Fiction. “Karla’s talent for weaving stunning prose with history, myth, and environmentalism is unparalleled. The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu is a testament to her skill, and we believe it will resonate deeply with readers who are passionate about history, culture, and the environment.”
Karla Cruise’s The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu will be available from HTF Publishing early next year, with a publication date to be announced soon. Her work continues HTF Publishing’s commitment to releasing meticulously researched historical narratives that engage readers with compelling storytelling and powerful cultural explorations.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact the editor at editor@historythroughfiction.com.
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