"A bittersweet, romantic journey through the Civil War era."

Raised by an absented-minded father, Southern belle Annabelle Hallston has spent her childhood running wild and free. As her father's health deteriorates, he tries to protect her future when he sees the inevitable war brewing on the horizon. He blackmails Annabelle into a marriage-of-convenience with bad boy, Royce Kincaid. A plain and gawky sparrow, Annabelle has always loved Royce, but she swears never to let him know. Annabelle guards her heart, yet attempts to understand her fallen angel.

Disreputable Royce Kincaid doesn't believe in love, not after a bleak childhood filled with painful secrets. Now, his father uses these secrets to coerce and manipulate him into returning to the family home and wedding the proud Annabelle. Royce sees Annabelle's innocence and openness, and he refuses to contaminate her with the darkness that inhabits his soul. Keeping Annabelle at arms length proves easy as Royce joins the Confederacy to fight for a cause he doesn't believe is just.

The war takes a toll when they meet each December, finding each other a little older and wiser. The cold reality of war opens their eyes as they face death - learning to love almost too late.

Ms. Eschenburg has written a beautifully romantic tale that takes readers on a bittersweet journey through the Civil War, where an innocent woman endures the horrors of war yet never loses hope. Don't miss this wonderful read. It belongs on your keeper shelf.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted December 26, 2003

Summary

Orphaned and penniless as war clouds threaten the land, Annabelle Hallston has vowed to do anything to keep her younger brother safe -- which brings her to Royce Kincaid, the notorious black sheep scion of an aristocratic family. Arrogant, dissolute, and handsome as the Devil, Royce is the sort of rogue Annabelle would never have associated with -- let alone have agreed to marry! -- had her situation been less desperate. But while he is no gentleman, an honorable heart beats beneath his cool exterior. Royce Kincaid cannot -- will not -- believe in love. But a marriage would provide this proud, independent lady with a home, even as their world crumbles around them. Annabelle can see the fine, tormented man behind the scoundrel's mask, but how can she give her heart to one who will only break it? Yet, perhaps, in this time of great turmoil, her love will be the key that unlocks his true passion and frees his wounded soul.