Extraordinary Times

And Everyday Lives

1861 - 1866 It should not be. Young men marching off to war. Mothers and fathers left behind to worry. Sisters packing boxes of mittens, scarves and pies to send to their brothers on the fields. Young women with hopes of marriage and homes of their own left to wait and wonder if their dreams will ever come true. Yet it is the life of many as President Lincoln calls up Northern troops to keep Union together and the South prepares to defend their homes. Henry Harris cannot deny the call of duty. He puts on the Union blue and marches South to War. His family and beloved Olivia are left behind. Overnight, it seems, everything changes. Olivia cannot accept Henrys choice of duty over his love for her. Father is left to worry for his sons safety. Sister Sarah puts on a brave face, packs boxes full of good things, and tries her best to be an anchor as the waves of War wash over their lives. Henry must do his duty. As the years rush by, the South is destroyed and the North receives a battered victory. Letters from Henry are the only line connecting him to the changing lives of his family back home. But are those letters enough to protect the hearts of the ones he loves? Or will the many miles and long days of separation destroy all hopes and dreams?