Gone for a Soldier

Book 1: The Owen Family Saga. 2014 Whitney Award Finalist-Historical FictionRulon Owen loves two things more than life-his country and Mary Hilbrands.When Virginia secedes from the Union, Rulon enlists, and finds himself fighting foes both in battle and in his own camp. He struggles to stay alive against all odds, with a knife-wielding tent-mate and a Union army that seems impossible to defeat. It will take every ounce of vigilance he has to survive and, with a little luck, he might make it home to his wife and the son he's never seen.Forced to live with her parents for the duration, Mary faces a battle for independence. With a mother whispering that her husband won't come home to her and a son who needs her to be both father and mother, Mary has to dig deep for strength to overcome her overwhelming loneliness and the unknown future ahead.Separated by war and circumstance, Rulon and Mary discover that not all enemies wear the Union blue.The Best Reading Order for The Owen Family Saga is: Prequel-THAT TENDER LIGHT, 1-GONE FOR A SOLDIER, 2-THE MAN FROM SHENANDOAH, 3-SPINSTER'S FOLLY, 4-RIDE TO RATON, and 5-TRAIL OF STORMS."Marsha Ward's deep characters and attention to detail are sure to please the reader, and drag them into a world they find they don't want to leave." C. Michelle Jefferies, author of the Chrysalis series"Gone for a Soldier will make you laugh, and bring a lump to your throat." Bill Markley, Civil War reenactor and author of Deadwood Dead Men"While the men left their families to fight for the Confederacy, the women soldiered on at home. A very moving tale of tragedy and triumph." Pat Decker Nipper, author of Love on the Lewis and Clark Trail"Heartbreaking, enlightening, and ultimately hopeful." C. David Belt, author of The Children of Lilith series"The Civil War years and its effect on the family are accurately depicted; the romance is real and true. Strong family ties bind this series together and it's sure to hold you enthralled." C.K.Crigger, author of the China Bohannan adventures