Because Of The Horses, is a complex family story set in 1863 East Tennessee, a uniquely different and independently minded part of the state. Many local citizens still fiercely support the Union despite the rest of the state having voted to secede and join the Confederacy. Some families are active in the remnants of the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. Other families are staunch supporters of the Confederacy and the formation of a new country. With both Confederate and Union troops in the area, families and neighbors are painfully divided as uneasy, explosive situations complicate daily living, resulting in suspicion and fear. Most of all no one wants anyone telling them what to think or do. The story follows the Marsh family as they secretly collaborate with the Union army in a dangerous horse trading arrangement within Confederate occupied territory. Swirling around them is a conflicting mixture of soldiers, freed and runaway slaves, murderers, thieves, historical figures, and regular folk. Mysterious attacks, clandestine meetings, approaching battles, plunder and pillaging, love, and death frame their days. The Marshes draw you into their personal story of “This is how it felt,” to be a small part of society and events separate from, but inevitably tangled in the much bigger social upheaval of the Civil War.

Reviews

"I almost read the entire book last night! It is a page turner--loving it!" —L. Harris

"Really enjoyed your book. It had a little bit of everything--so impressed!" —Anonymous

"To me the gauge of a good book is not that I can't put it down, but that it causes me to read slowly, so it won't end. Because Of The Horses was exactly that kind of book.  I slowly read the last chapter, hoping it would go on and on. It was so beautifully written that I can hardly wait until the sequel."  —B. Crouch

"I read it in two days and really enjoyed it. The interactions of the characters make a good story." —M. Ferry

"I just loved your book. I went through every emotion while reading about the Marsh family and their neighbors during this unimaginable period of time. How fascinating and sad that those living in Tennessee were so torn apart by the Civil War."
—J. Chapman

"I couldn't put the book down! Favorite moments were when Eli and the Sheriff discovered the Shakespeare common denominator and all things about the secret valley. I feel like I've been to East Tennessee now!" —S. Morris

"I really enjoyed your book. I was thinking that if I were a high school history teacher working on a Civil War unit--I would love my students to read this book as a supplemental text in order to bring the War to life and demonstrate its impact and its divisiveness within communities and even within families." —J. Silverman

"I am writing to tell you how much I liked your book. It is difficult to get interested in a book these days. Usually I fall asleep as soon as I sit down to read. You hooked me in Chapter 3 when Rice and Eli entered that barn. I read in amazement at how well you created that scene. And then I wanted to find out what happened." —D. Sage

"Phenomenal-I see a movie!" —Anonymous

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