Despite the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the blooming magnolia trees, the dark clouds of civil war were slowly moving in on the peaceful Texas town of Indianola in 1860. Caught by the handsome stranger while licking a bit of sweet peach pie at a church picnic, Amanda Belle blushes and can't get over the wonderful blueness of his eyes. As the weeks passed, Captain Kent Littlefield turns up regularly to hear Rev. Belle's sermons and to enjoy being with the pastor's family, especially his beautiful oldest daughter, Amanda.

As the attraction between Kent and Amanda grows, so do the tensions between the north and south and then Texas secedes from the union. Believing in freedom from slavery, Kent chooses to stay with the union forces. But, the Belles are a southern family and Rev. Belle looks coldly on Kent while Daniel, Amanda's young brother, is hot to rush off and join the Confederate army. What is Amanda to do? Having already vowed to her mother to raise her brother and young sisters, her mind tells her to forget Kent, but can her heart do the same?

As the civil war lingers longer than expected, the lists of young men being killed or maimed grows and with the news filled with the atrocities of the other side, Amanda doubts that God is listening or cares. How can she find the love she wants when there is so much cruelty and hate? Is love worth believing and fighting for it?

Well known Christian writer Golden Keyes Parsons breathes new life and a fresh and authentic perspective to this time period that left deep scars in the American psyche. The story is well researched and balanced, and both Amanda and Kent grow to have a stronger appreciation and understanding for the views of the other. This is particularly poignant in the interaction with Amanda with her favorite slave and good friend, Wash, as she becomes aware of the impact of calling him "her boy." As the war affects them and their friends and family, you feel so close to them and what is happening; it is hard to put the book down as you want to know what happens next. This is a wonderful story of love, loyalty, duty and healing that is sure to be of interest and inspiration to all readers, regardless if American or not, or Christian or not! A wonderful read to relish and share with friends!