Based on real people and real events, brings to life an unusual relationship between Confederate loyalists and Union sympathizers. does more than merely report historical events; it transports the reader back in time to face the profound need to support each other in a time of intense polarity. It offers insight, lessons and hope fitting to modern-day political divisions. North Carolina secedes from the United States of America the same day Transylvania County is formed. It is the same day Robert Hamilton is appointed as its first sheriff. Many in the community share Robert's opposition to slavery and his public plea to avoid secession. Yet, not all. Most family and friends suffer intensified divisions when they face the unavoidable call by the newly formed Confederate government to fight for, and support, the Confederacy. Robert must find a way to uphold his oath as sheriff and be true to his conscience, even if it means bending the rules. Yet, he cannot do this alone. Calling on a few close friends and family, Robert hopes to avoid discovery, but there is a problem. Elizabeth Neill, the daughter of his deputy, pursues her interest in a Confederate soldier and harbors a growing suspicion that the sheriff and his family have secrets. At the same time, her friendship with Pink, a young slave, challenges her naïve perspective on slavery. As the war rages, the newly-formed county must decide how to confront hunger and ruthless bushwhackers, neither of which honor Union nor Confederate loyalty.