Camellia Anderson's dream of going to a finishing school in New Orleans is coming true. Finally her sister agrees to let her go, despite the Civil War that is raging around them. Camellia just wants to meet a handsome, rich Confederate soldier, marry him and live a life of luxury on a large plantation. That dream is almost a reality when she meets her roommate's brother, Captain Thaddeus Watkins. He's everything she is dreaming of having in her life, even though there is no spark between them. However, sparks do fly when she reconnects with Jonah Thornton, a family friend who rescues Camellia and her roommate when New Orleans has to surrender to the Yankees.

After Camellia is returned to her family, she and Jonah are again separated for a length of time. Her travels with her family up the river to Missouri brings Jonah back into her life, only this time he is wearing a Yankee uniform when he is pulled out of the water. Camellia guesses his secret as she nurses him back to good health. Jonah is a spy. She feels betrayed until he explains his reasons. She becomes sympathetic to his cause and realizes there is more than friendship between them. But the war separates them again and Camellia becomes involved with some volunteer hospital work in Vicksburg. When she needs to be rescued again and brought home, her family calls on Jonah to do the job. Will he be successful? Will they ever have a life together?

This story is about a headstrong, independent woman (she seems to come from a long line of them) who is vain, shallow and self-serving. Her focus and ideals change over time as the story progresses. It takes place along the Mississippi River and encompasses the battles of the Civil War in the conflict. It's a great historical with many of God's truths woven into it for some timely inspirational thoughts. If you are a fan of this genre and the era, you should enjoy this romantic tale.