The sequel to the 2012 Cooke Fiction Award-winning novel, where the action and romance of the Beyond the Wood continue: It’s winter 1864. While Eastern Theater soldiers languish in camp boredom; conspiracy, treachery and mystery envelop Confederate widow Betsy Henderson. Is there something sinister in a visit from the town sheriff? Did she tell him too much? Can she be true to all she’s sworn? In the meantime, William, a runaway slave, still craving his chance to fight for the Union, flees Virginia. Stumbling into the murky waters of Kentucky servitude and near death, he has nothing to offer but a worn body, exhausted spirit and troubled mind. Dare he imagine freedom, soldiering and even love? Or is he broken and fully spent? In 1864, white and black, soldier and civilian, guilty and innocent are trapped in the tumultuous conflict, and nothing is as it seems. Welcome to the river that divides them. Praise for Beyond the Wood: “War, romance and mystery collide in this deeply researched Civil War novel.” Denver Post “An interesting and different Civil War novel.” Civil War News “A tale of personal intrigue and a unique brand of romance, recommended . . . a fine addition to historical fiction collections.” Midwest Book Review