In 1865 twelve-year-old Emma strives to help defeat the Union army in Raleigh, through various acts of smuggling, spying and stealing. After General Sherman’s signal officer befriends her family, Emma struggles to accept the truths that the end of war brings.

Join Emma and five-year-old Micah as they risk everything to honor their father and save their city. Can a certain Union lieutenant turn their Confederate fervor into forgiveness and acceptance and allow peace to prevail? 

“Candy Dahl has made the difficult look easy. Her engaging tale brings to life a city and a people in crisis and makes you care about them. The history is sound, the fictional characters are brave and noble, and the moral is unbeatable: peace is always better than war. Those who thought history was dull stuff are in for a sweet surprise.” 

—Dennis Rogers, former columnist, Raleigh News & Observer