Appomatox Series

The war has come, leaving in its wake a chasm between North and South, turning friends and brothers into enemies. Now, as the nation begins to understand the true meaning of civil war, so the Rocklins begin to understand the fierce and terrible pull of loyalty - to a way of life, to one's country, and to God. Deborah Steele finds herself torn between her passionate belief in the Union and her deep love for Dent Rocklin, a dashing Confederate officer. But it isn't until Deborah sets out on a daring mission to rescue a captured Union soldier that she and Dent discover how deep their true loyalties lie...and how powerful real love can be.

After the battle at Manassas, both North and South realize the nation's civil war will not be quickly resolved. Amidst the nation's struggle the Rocklin clan continues its own conflict: Vince Franklin, the renegade stepson of Amy Rocklin Franklin, has returned home. His intentions? To fulfill the requirements of his grandfather's will and claim his family inheritance, with no regard for the lives he may ruin in the process. But before Vince can claim his money, a jealous husband sends him running for his life. Unable to return home, he meets Jake Hardin, a riverboat gambler. Together they devise a daring and dangerous plot.

Lowell Rocklin, Clay's youngest son, encounters General Longstreet, who understands the South's current dilemma and encourages Lowell to make an observation balloon for the Confederate army. Before he can begin the project, Lowell is wounded and sent to Chimborazo war hospital in Richmond. There Lowell meets Rooney Smith, an extraordinary young woman who nurses him back to health and agrees to help him make the balloon. On the balloon's maiden voyage in battle, Lowell is wounded and loses a leg. Physically he recovers, but mentally he gives up and won't face the world. He will need a dying young friend and the love of a young woman to help him recover.

It's such a peaceful February in the Rockies that no one realizes hundreds are still dying as the Civil War rages on in the South. Nothing could have convinced Charlene Peace, half Crow Indian, to leave her mountain home, until handsome Boone Manwaring delivered his earth-shattering news. Charlene and Boone are propelled to travel South toward Richmond, the seat of the heaviest fighting. In the South,Charlene and Boone begin to understand more about the politics of war. As the danger of being "Northerners" in the South grows,Charlene and Boone must decide whether it's worth the risk to stay and fulfill their mission. What they discover in the process may end or change the course of their lives forever.