"Above and Beyond: A Novel of the Civil War "--from acclaimed author JESSICA JAMES--a romantic tale of two people thrown together by war, and torn apart by Destiny--

Above and Beyond: A Novel of the Civil War (Military Heroes Through History #2)

A raging war...

An unexpected love...

A selfless sacrifice...

Above and Beyond is a romantic tale of two people thrown together by war, and torn apart by Destiny.

Confederate spy Sarah Duvall risks all to help cavalry officer Douglas Benton escape a trap set by the Yankees. Will his love be enough to bring her back? Or will a promise he made keep them apart forever?

Confederate spy SARAH DUVALL lives alone and reviled in her war-torn homeland of Virginia. Pretending to support the Union cause, her friends and family have no way of knowing she is secretly providing valuable information to the Rebels.

Cavalry commander DOUGLAS BENTON would much rather flirt with a woman than work with one. When he discovers that the virtuous and devout Sarah Duvall is the spy who has been providing him with valuable intelligence, he fervently resists the arrangement.

But Benton is forced to recognize that there is more to being a good soldier than leading a cavalry charge. When Sarah makes a selfless sacrifice, he learns a valuable lesson: That faith is more important than glory—and love more important than life.

“Jessica James has a gift for reaching into the past and bringing it back to life.” – Tiffany Kohler

“Another great story with lots of imagery, intrigue, and intricate details. The words are like magic.” – Julia Miller

MY REVIEW:  An author who truly has the gift to place the reader right in the time and setting in which her stories take place, Jessica James offers a beautifully poignant love story in "Above and Beyond: A Novel of the Civil War". Young widow Sarah Duvall is reviled in her Virginia homeland for having married a Union officer. Her own brother considers her to be a traitor. She is known to support the Union cause, but what is known to only a few is that she secretly spies for the Confederacy. Stalwart Colonel of the Confederate Army Douglas Benton is a peerless commander of men who is equally adept at commanding the attention of the females he encounters. Only the beautiful widow Duvall is resistant to his charm. When Colonel Benton discovers that Sarah is actually the valuable informant, "Sid", he balks at working with a woman. Orders are orders, however, and Benton is resigned to his duty. As his admiration for Sarah grows, so does his desire to gain her favor. Sarah is aware of his reputation, and his overbearing, yet gentlemanly manner, and she finds him to be a puzzle. A deepening mutual regard between Douglas and Sarah must be kept at bay due to the intensity of the complex and dangerous situations caused by the War Between the States. Sarah's abiding faith, boundless courage, and great sacrifices have a life-changing effect on Douglas. When all that he holds so dear appears to be lost, will a new-found faith and an awaiting love guide him through his darkest days? Jessica James is a gifted storyteller whose extensive research and love of subject infuse her writing with a vivid authenticity. A highly-recommended author whose work resides on my keeper shelf.

Book Copy Gratis Author


Jessica James



Jessica James is an award-winning author of suspense, historical fiction, and military fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day. Her highly acclaimed Civil War novel Shades of Gray won numerous national literary awards, and is often compared to Gone with the Wind.

By weaving the principles of courage, devotion, duty, and dedication into each book, James attempts to honor the unsung heroes of the American military--past and present--and to convey the magnitude of their sacrifice and service. Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.

James resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, NINC, Sisters in Crime, and the Romance Writers of America. She is a two-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.

Sign up for her free newsletter at www.jessicajamesbooks.com and ask for a free copy of From the Heart: Civil War Love Letters and Stories.