From the first rumblings of unrest and secession in the South, this dramatic saga follows the Rocklin family as they experience the intense emotions and spiritual struggles of the Civil War. As the nation is ripped apart, only to grow stronger, so also are the Rocklins. The family stands by helplessly as cousins Clay and Gideon Rocklin vie for the hand of beautiful Melanie Benton, whose choice starts the rejected suitor on a spiraling descent.

Both Deborah Steele, a Northern woman, and confederate officer Dent Rocklin are determined to do all they can for their sides in the Civil War—which puts their love to the ultimate test.

After the battle at Manassas, both North and South realize the nation's civil war will not be quickly resolved. Amidst the nation's struggle the Rocklin clan continues its own Vince Franklin, the renegade stepson of Amy Rocklin Franklin, has returned home. His intentions? To fulfill the requirements of his grandfather's will and claim his family inheritance, with no regard for the lives he may ruin in the process. But before Vince can claim his money, a jealous husband sends him running for his life. Unable to return home, he meets Jake Hardin, a riverboat gambler. Together they devise a daring and dangerous plot. -/25

This account of the Rocklin clan features the relationship between Southern photographer Paul Bristol and his assistant, Frankie Aimes, a Northern woman forced to spy for the Union.

Burke Rocklin, Clay's irresponsible brother, returns home with one goal: to marry an heiress. He fixes his sights on Belinda King, a spoiled but beautiful young heiress who leads him a merry chase. But Burke's plans are waylaid by the Second Battle of Manassas, where he is critically wounded. In a coma, stripped of his possessions by scavengers, he is mistakenly transported to the Union army hospital. When he finally comes out of his coma, he does not know who he is. And so he is placed in Ward K—the ward for "hopeless cases." There he encounters Grace Swenson, a devout Quaker who has come to Washington to help nurse the wounded soldiers. Grace's constant care and support draw Burke back from his depression, and soon they begin to fall in love. What neither one knows is that the future holds terrible trials for them both—including betrayal, a court martial for treason, and the threat of death!

Lowell Rocklin accepts a challenge to help the South build a balloon for use in military strategy. His efforts are aided by Rooney Smith, a young woman whose ingenuity proves invaluable. Suddenly, double tragedy strikes: Seriously injured in battle, Lowell must also suffer with his discovery of the tragic truth about Rooney—the woman he has come to love.

As Mark Rocklin lies dying, his one hope is to be reunited with his estranged daughter, Allyn.

Seeking an escape from the monotony and drudgery of days-on-end army life, Frank Rocklin, an actor, approaches his commanding general with a bold plan to spy on Vicksburg and assess its military condition. Vicksburg is the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi. This mission lays the groundwork for a proposition from Allan Pinkerton, the head of the Federal Secret Service. Pinkerton wants to send Frank and an acting troupe to the South, where Frank can pick up valuable information to help the Northern war effort. While the Confederate Secret Service may pose a threat to Frank, the real danger could come from the women closest to him.

David Rocklin enlists in the Confederate army to impress a young woman, but his aspirations crumble when he realizes he does not have the courage to be a soldier. Afraid for his life, David runs away from the army, only to face deteriorating health. When doctors are unable to diagnose his problem, he decides that it would be better to die quickly in battle than slowly of disease. He returns to battle and becomes a hero—surviving the assaults he hoped would kill him. Soon after, David finds his illness was the result of the guilt he felt for deserting. Will he have the courage to continue as a hero, or will he shrink from battle again?

It's such a peaceful February in the Rockies, no one realizes that hundreds are still dying as the Civil War rages on. Nothing could convince Charlene Peace, half Crow Indian, to leave her mountain home—until handsome Boone Manwaring delivered his earth-shattering news. Charlene and Boone travel South toward Richmond, site of the heaviest fighting, and begin to understand the politics of war. As danger grows for Northerners in the South, they must decide if it's worth the risk to stay and fulfill their mission.