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by Patricia Clark Blake (Author)
The MacLaynes have built a good life on their homestead at Shiloh. After several extended separations, their family is finally together. Mac's obligations beyond Craighead County are over, and he has promised that he will not be separated from his family again. Laurel lives in bliss in the Spring of 1861, declaring that she has all she'd ever dream of at Shiloh. Even the threat of impending war brings no real threat to her happiness because Mac is staunchly opposed to the Southern cause. He declared to the entire community that he will remain neutral throughout the war. Neither of them imagined the conflict, disappointment, and heartache that will impact their community in Northeast Arkansas during the next four years. Laurel staunchly declares "No War Will Come to Shiloh" in an embroidered sampler hanging across her mantle. Little did she know that shortly, The Star of the West would fire the opening shots at Fort Sumpter and officially begin the Civil War. Arkansas is a long way from that Carolina seaport, but the distance could not keep loss from Shiloh and Arkansas. Battles at Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove bloody Arkansas soil early in the war. Battles in Chalk Bluff and Helena bring soldiers and death to Northeast Arkansas. Skirmishes along the major rivers in Arkansas and even in Jonesboro are witnessed by members of the MacLayne family. Laurel and her MacLayne family must face the challenges if they are to survive. Like all families caught up in this national tragedy, they will use their courage, intelligence, and faith to help them survive. Only with the grace of God will they be able to rebuilt the life they'd known at Shiloh.
