Daughter of the Regiment

Whitson (A Captain for Laura Rose) celebrates the strong but unknown heroines who marched off to war with their men, as well as those who maintained the home front, in this Civil War–era inspirational. When the war reaches the divided state of Missouri, Maggie Malone watches her brothers join the boys in blue. Soon she travels to the front to tend their wounds and remains with the regiment, where she becomes an invaluable source of encouragement and support for her brothers and their comrades. Her strength and courage impress their sergeant, John “Colt” Coulter, who courts her, much to her surprise. Meanwhile, back home, Libbie Blair must play hostess to her brother’s Confederate comrades at their prominent plantation, despite her own Union sympathies. When battle comes to their door, pitting neighbor against neighbor, it is the women of war who shine brightest. Without gratuitous descriptions, the inevitable, sobering losses that war brings—of life and limb, property and security—are honestly portrayed. Based on true events, this story will capture the hearts of historical fiction fans. (Mar.)