Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia
By Jessica James

Reviewed for the Pinstripe Press by Michael Aubrecht

The American Civil War was among the darkest of times in our nation’s history, a period in which both civilians and soldiers suffered greatly amidst the tragic circumstances that surrounded them on behalf of their respective causes. In addition to separating the country’s northern and southern states, this ‘Great Divide’ also cut through the fragile fabric of family and friends. As the threat of armed conflict became inevitable, loyalties among the country’s citizens became blurred and one’s sense of duty to the state often overshadowed the duty to the country.

Ultimately the War Between the States was a catastrophe of epic proportions, yet it is within this tragedy that we can sometimes find triumph. For every battlefield account depicting the worst of man, there are countless other stories that illustrate care and compassion. For every instance of hatred between the combatants, there are also stories of love. This is the basis for author Jessica James’ debut release titled “Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia.”

More than a typical romance novel, “Shades of Gray” takes the reader on a whirlwind journey across the Old Dominion with a highly original and historically accurate plotline. It is presented with a wonderful narrative that echoes the classic writing styles of days gone by, and it is through the author’s meticulous attention to detail that the book’s characters come alive. Depictions of their tenacity, both for and against one another’s causes, seem to spring from the pages and I found myself reading much faster than usual, as the forward momentum of the storyline was maintained throughout.

Our hero, a cavalier named Captain Alexander Hunter, represents the Confederate cause. He is a feared and revered trooper who is bent on stopping an equally courageous Federal scout who has repeatedly plagued the rebel army. This Yankee however, is really not at all what ‘he’ appears to be, and through a strange twist of fate, we are introduced to Andrea Evans, a daring, female Union Spy, who plays the part of a soldier and a Southern belle. Both characters become entangled in each other’s lives, forcing a duality of conflict that exists between their personal emotions and military obligations. The ‘conscience’ of this book includes examples of courage, pride, loyalty and revenge, amidst a backdrop of romance and retribution.

It is this tension between the book’s two main characters that echoes the very same sentiment that supporters on both sides of the Civil War struggled with, from the first shot at Fort Sumter to the surrender at Appomattox Court House. And it is within the history of America’s greatest conflict that we are also caught up in a love story that transcends either side’s political perspective.

In an email interview with me, Jessica James explained what inspired her to pen the book. “I am enthralled by the soldiers' deep devotion to Christian principles and their abiding belief in everlasting life,” she said. “I have been reading Civil War nonfiction and 19th century fiction almost exclusively for the past three years. When I began to subscribe to romance and fiction magazines to keep abreast of industry trends, I discovered how revolting the romance genre now is.” She added, “I felt the need to publish something that emphasized traditional American values. Publisher, Patriot Press, sets high standards to insure good, wholesome content that is both educational and inspirational.”

Both Patriot Press and Jessica James have certainly met their goals with “Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia.” The book is a wonderful read, as well as a moving commentary on the struggles that were faced by ordinary people, who rose to the occasion and became extraordinary. It is through the teetering lives of Captain Hunter and Ms. Andrea Evans that we can find the common ground that existed between the North and South.

For more information on this exciting new title please visit: Patriot Press.