RomanceEverAfter

Historical Romance Column

Book 1: ONE WORE BLUE

Graham brings to life the intensity of the historical event of John Brown seizing the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in October 1859. John Brown, a staunch Abolitionist, had a deep hatred for slavery. By the time he and his small army (21 men) seized the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Brown had already spent over 20 years of his life dedicated to abolitionist ventures. After the siege at Harpers Ferry, Brown was arrested and convicted of conspiracy, treason, and murder.

Graham’s characters, Kiernan, Jesse Cameron, and Daniel Cameron are introduced against the backdrop of Harpers Ferry. The heroine, Kiernan, is in Harpers Ferry visiting a family friend. Jesse and Daniel, both soldiers, are there because of the Harpers Ferry event. Graham skillfully weaves this historical episode into the introduction of the love story between Jesse and Kiernan. Jesse and Kiernan have been friends since they were children in the Tidewater region of Virginia. The couple finally acknowledge their strong attraction for each other while in Harpers Ferry.

An intriguing aspect of One Wore Blue is the depth of Kiernan’s and Jesse’s love for one another. Kiernan tells Jesse she loves him early in the relationship. Jesse asks (almost begs) her to marry him. However, the strong political convictions of these characters almost overshadow their love. At one point in the story, Kiernan admits that it would be easier if she were pregnant so the decision to marry Jesse would be made for her. Graham throws in one little tangle, which is Kiernan’s involvement with Anthony Miller, a business partner of her father and a staunch Confederate.

As the relationships progress, so does the trial and execution of John Brown. He is found guilty and hanged on Decemver 2, 1859 for his attack of the federal armory at Harpers Ferry. On the day of Brown’s execution, Kiernan leaves for England to continue her education. She is torn between her love for Jesse and Anthony Miller. Jesse, a West Point graduate and physician, implies he will serve as a Union doctor if there is a war.

The Army of the Confederate States
Memorial, Richmond, Virginia

While in England, Kiernan stays abreast of the political situation in America. She decides to return to America when Abraham Lincoln is elected President. The following months bring several events that will influence the relationships between Kiernan, Jesse and Anthony. In December 1860, South Carolina secedes from the Union. In January 1861, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida follow South Carolina into secession. In April 1861, the Confederates capture Fort Sumter and Virginia secedes. Jesse decides he will support the North as a physician and his brother Daniel will fight for the Confederacy.

The battle at Manassas or First Bull Run will influence the lives of the characters in One Wore Blue. The heroine, Kiernan, proves to be a strong, capable, loving woman in so many ways. Her strength and resolve mirror the Southern women who persevered during the years of the painful war.

Book 2: REBEL

Rebel, is about Ian McKenzie and Alaina. Rebel begins with Alaina being discovered in a dangerous situation in her role as a spy. The story flashes back in time two years to May of 1860. Ian and Alaina meet at Ian’s father’s birthday party at the family home in Florida. Ian and his mother also discuss the affairs of the nation. (Ian had witnessed the hanging of John Brown on December 2, 1859.)

When Ian arrives home, he notices Alaina with several young men and is immediately attracted to her. Ian, however, is planning to marry Risa Magee. Risa is the daughter of a Union general who supports Ian’s plans to join the Union if war breaks. However, Ian and Alaina are discovered in a compromising situation. As was customary during that time period, Ian is honorable and marries Alaina post haste.    

President Jefferson Davis, Confederacy
Richmond, Virginia
(Front View)

Ian and his family had grown up in Florida. His father and Uncle James were wealthy landowners and carried significant political power in the state. Ian, a graduate of West Point, is struggling with his decision to choose whether he will fight with the North or South if war commences. Ian’s wife is unbending in her feelings for the South. Alaina entered their marriage under a cloud of anger because of the compromised situation, which forced the union. Alaina is also quite comfortable living with her father and the lifestyle to which she was accustomed. The newlyweds struggle to deal with the onset of the war, their recent marriage, and their feelings for each other. Ian and Alaina lose the chance to build a loving, trusting relationship as Ian is required to leave and report back to Washington.

Ian’s and Alaina’s lives are pulled in different directions because of the war. Alaina moves to Washington D.C. and is introduced to society. During Ian’s absence, she develops friendships that are comforting and supportive. Alaina and Risa McGee become friends during this time. Alaina also nurtures a friendship with Rose O’Neal Greenhow and becomes part her "spy ring." Alaina feels a sense of satisfaction from her spying accomplishments and is encouraged to do more.

In Rebel, Ian and Alaina are pulled between their turbulent emotions and their growing love for each other. The couple has to overcome the pain the war has inflicted upon their lives.

Surrender is a sequel to Rebel and follows the friendship between Alaina and Risa. The story begins with Risa attempting to alert Ian of the danger Alaina faces. Risa finds herself a prisoner on Jerome McKenzie’s ship for several weeks. Her capture is because she knows of Jerome’s plans regarding a supply boat headed for Key West. Jerome, Ian’s cousin, owns his own ship, the Lady Varina and runs blockades for the Confederacy. Risa eventually makes her way back to St. Augustine, residing with Alaina while assisting her at the hospital. Memorial, Richmond, Virginia

Jerome and Risa slowly become civil to each other. Jerome develops an attraction to Risa, but is confronted by two powerful issues from his past. The first emotional issue is his lover who died of malaria while pregnant with his baby. Jerome is also aware that although Ian has married Alaina, Risa is still in love with him.

As the plot deepens, Jerome is imprisoned in Old Capital. He blames Risa for his imprisonment. The conflict adds to the difficulty in resolving their feelings for each other. At times the reader almost feels their relationship is doomed; fate continually intervenes to thwart their relationship. Jerome and Risa eventually work out their problems and Jerome takes Risa home to meet his parents.

In Surrender, we get to meet more of the McKenzie family and learn the depth of the love between the children of Jarrett and Jerome. The children have built camaraderie, which is evident in the interactions between the brothers, sisters and cousins.

The Civil War:Through the Eyes of Heather Graham-4