At a time when the colonies of America rebelled against the crown of England, love and loyalty were all that bound two young people as they fought their own battles when forced apart. Following the death of her husband, Alicia Adams Ripley is left alone in the world, away from her family and the man she was once engaged to years ago-her stepbrother Nathan Hale. To fight her despair and loneliness, Alicia secures herself in solitude while hiding from the people of the town and harsh reality. Only when the American Revolution breaks out and death strikes her household once again does she make the hard decision to leave her home in Tolland and return to her family in Coventry, losing everything she has and forcing herself to forget the memories of what once was. After years of separation from his family, Nathan has secured a teaching position in New London, Connecticut. But when his stepsister's husband dies and his brother urges him to renew their relationship, Nathan must choose between being the man he never was meant to be-a soldier-or reclaim his lost love. When circumstances once again draw these two young people together, they are forced to make a choice: renew their relationship, or face heartbreak when Nathan faces a decision that will alter the courses of their lives. Madison Burtner is a senior in high school who lives in Pennsylvania. She plays violin in church orchestra, sings in the choir, and participates in local theaters. This is her debut novel.