In rural 19th century North Carolina, a woman struggles to maintain her family's unity, her farm's operations, and her beliefs intact amidst the turmoil of American history's most tumultuous period; a tale reminiscent of Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier and Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles, penned by the same author behind The Saints of Swallow Hill. Talk about a potential war is a constant theme in North Carolina, yet Joetta McBride barely acknowledges it. She and her husband, Ennis have established a humble yet content life for themselves while bringing up two sons, fifteen-year-old Henry, and eleven-year-old Robert, on their quaint subsistence farm. The Confederacy's stance on slavery is not endorsed by them, though Joetta views her family as neutral, feeling that this is not their battle. Many in the community, including Joetta's father-in-law, are not in favor of her opinion. He is a dedicated Confederate advocate, instilling in his grandsons tales of the valor in battle and the purpose of the South, leading his grandson Henry to sneak off one night to enlist in the war. At Joetta's urgent demand, Ennis departs to locate their son and escort him back home. However, several weeks go by without any communication from the father or son, placing Joetta under immense pressure as she manages the farm with minimal assistance. In the midst of the country's deepening involvement in the war, Joetta experiences growing conflict with those in her community, culminating in a single act of kindness that pushes her family perilously close to a looming catastrophe. Despite being rejected and facing challenges to stay afloat, Joetta stays dedicated to her values and maintains her faith in her family's survival. However, the most challenging trials lie ahead - for a divided country, for Joetta, and for her cherished ones.
