The Redmond Family Saga Series by T. Novan, Taylor Rickard

An epic love story in war-ravaged Culpeper during the Civil War where an unlikely romance blossoms between the widowed Rebecca and the dashing Union Officer Colonel Charles. Can their love survive the agony of war?It's 1864 in Culpeper, Virginia, and the Civil War is raging. War widow Rebecca Gaines struggles to manage the family farm on her own... moreAn epic love story in war-ravaged Culpeper during the Civil War where an unlikely romance blossoms between the widowed Rebecca and the dashing Union Officer Colonel Charles. Can their love survive the agony of war?It's 1864 in Culpeper, Virginia, and the Civil War is raging. War widow Rebecca Gaines struggles to manage the family farm on her own. Life is difficult in besieged Culpepper, and the arrival of Union soldiers on her property for the winter offers Rebecca extra income but she fears having the enemy at her doorstep.The troop's commanding Officer is Colonel Charles Redmond, a dashing, surprisingly courteous gentleman, is not what she expects from a Union soldier, and Rebecca finds herself drawn to the handsome officer despite her misgivings of falling for the enemy.Charlie is not without his demons and is alarmed at how easily he has fallen for the lovely Southerner. Charlie hides a secret that, if discovered, will mean social disgrace and an end to his distinguished military career. Can he risk his reputation and career for the woman he is falling in love with? less

In the months following the end of the Civil War, the South is in turmoil. Some men return, some do not, and of the ones who do return, many were carrying permanent injuries. Addiction to opium based pain killers is epidemic, as men who had started the war as hale and fit workers can no longer even climb stairs or hold a pen, or an axe or a hoe. The Redmond family is no different... moreIn the months following the end of the Civil War, the South is in turmoil. Some men return, some do not, and of the ones who do return, many were carrying permanent injuries. Addiction to opium based pain killers is epidemic, as men who had started the war as hale and fit workers can no longer even climb stairs or hold a pen, or an axe or a hoe. The Redmond family is no different. The patriarch of the clan, who had been horribly injured at the Battle of Appomattox Station, is in constant pain, and is very limited in what he can do, with missing fingers, and a permanently damaged leg. His wife, Rebecca is occupied with trying to raise five very active children while rebuilding the horse farm that is her family’s traditional source of income. Charlie and Rebecca are joined by old friends from Culpeper and from the Army to rebuild their lives and the town of Culpeper, while new people slowly return or migrate to the town, hoping for a new life. In this carefully researched second book of the Redmond Family Saga, Charlie and Rebecca’s relationship continues to grow, as Charlie finally comes to recognize that he is indeed a man, though with the body of a woman, and to accept himself. Rebecca is pleased to have her Charlie back, and in one piece, if not physically, at least emotionally. less

The years immediately following the end of the Civil War were a time of enormous social upheaval. Much of the south was still under military rule; and even those who were committed to restoring the economic and social well-being of their communities were faced with many challenges... moreThe years immediately following the end of the Civil War were a time of enormous social upheaval. Much of the south was still under military rule; and even those who were committed to restoring the economic and social well-being of their communities were faced with many challenges. These years also saw the creation of the Ku Klux Klan and organizations like them, who tried to repress the Negro community from finding a new place in the economy and political environments, through threats and even violence. Charlie and Rebecca Redmond struggle to help Culpeper return to prosperity, while raising their brood of five adopted children. The challenges are overwhelming, and include theft, harassment, and even murder. The Redmond Family Saga continues through one of the most unstable periods of American history. less

After serving as Mayor of Culpepper and supporting the return of Virginia to the Union, Retired General Charlie Redmond and his wife Rebecca are looking forward to living their lives as private citizens. They plan to spend time with their growing children and most importantly, take the time together that they have never had because of first the war and then the brutal demands of reconstruction. But President Grant has a very different idea for Charlie and Rebecca’s future... moreAfter serving as Mayor of Culpepper and supporting the return of Virginia to the Union, Retired General Charlie Redmond and his wife Rebecca are looking forward to living their lives as private citizens. They plan to spend time with their growing children and most importantly, take the time together that they have never had because of first the war and then the brutal demands of reconstruction. But President Grant has a very different idea for Charlie and Rebecca’s future. On the day after Grant’s second inauguration, Charlie and Rebecca are summoned to the White House to answer the call of duty yet again. Grant’s administration is plagued with scandal. The US Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s has been caught promoting an illicit silver mine, and has been discredited. Grant is relying on Charlie and Rebecca’s impeccable reputations to repair the damage with the United Kingdom. But there are forces at work in London who want to damage the United States’ ability to conduct trade with England and will go to great lengths to do so. Will Charlie’s secret become a liability to the entire nation? The Redmond Family Saga continues with the fourth book, as the United States attempts to rebuild its standing on the world stage after the ravages of the Civil War. less