Maria Onderdonk’s best friend is involved with the Abolitionist Society and persuades her to attend a meeting where she meets Henry Simms.  Henry is a medical college student who is secretly helping slaves to freedom.  Events are bringing Civil War closer and closer and Henry courts Maria through letters.  Carolyn enrolls in nurse training, something unheard of in Victorian society, Henry volunteers as a Union contract surgeon.  Caroline literally gives her life to the cause invoking in Maria the determination to also do something.  Inevitably, Civil War breaks out and Maria decides to follow her heart and Henry to Washington never expecting to see the horrors and death the war has brought first hand.  Through Maria’s diary and Henry and Maria’s letters, a love blossoms.  But, will the Civil War tear them apart, or bring them closer than ever before. 

In this story, Ms. Schroenecker brings her readers to the pre-Civil War era with rich details and persuasive characters.  The reader will take a trip in time and share the sentiments on both sides of the coin.  The reader will particularly enjoy watching the journey of Maria.  A young girl at first, with strong sentiments but a father who doesn’t quite share them, she is envious of her friend Caroline who is allowed to follow her determination to help out in this time of crisis.  The budding relationship with Henry is sweet in all its forms and the reader can’t help but admire his devotion to both Maria and his sentiments.   This reviewer enjoyed taking this trip in time.  She also enjoyed all the characters in this very poignant story.  Readers of sweeter historical romance will enjoy this story. 

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