A nation and a family are divided by fate, love, and loyalty in this epic Civil War novel by the Spur Award–winning author of Thunder in the Valley.

America, 1861. Battle lines have been drawn between the North and the South, pitting state against state—and brother against brother. For the three young sons of Ohio State Senator Clay Bell, the Civil War would change the course of their lives . . . and threaten to tear their family apart.

Jacob Bell, the eldest, defies his father’s wishes and enlists in Ohio’s Volunteer Calvary, a decision that wins him the love of an officer's daughter—and the hatred of a dangerous childhood rival. To avenge a brutal Union attack on his uncle’s Kentucky horse farm, Judah Bell joins the legendary Lexington Rifles—even if dong so puts his family honor at risk.

Meanwhile, their youngest brother, Jarrod Bell, lands a job as a cub reporter for the Cincinnati Times-Ledger. He’s determined to learn the truth behind his brother’s seeming betrayal—even if it leads him into the bloodiest of battles.