Publisher's Synopsis
In 1859 South Carolina stood on the threshold of war. The end to an era boldly knocked on every Southern door until even the peacemakers had no recourse but to allow its entrance. Without mercy, the war changed Southern lives forever. No amount of blood sacrifi ce shed during those tragic four years would atone for errors of past generations or gain empathy for those who so bravely fought for Southern independence. Reynolds, who considers himself a 21st century freedom fi ghter, realizes so much history of the South's struggle for independence has been written by the victor. Being a student of the War Between the States for the past forty years, he felt called to tell this tale. Believing he has heard the voices of countless, honorable good men in gray, who served for a cause they believed in, crying out to be heard and not forgotten, he has written the story because he believes it is time the truth be told. Reynolds presents an interesting story that reveals a valuable truth to all Americans. He hopes his story will draw a reader with no interest in this era into the daily conflicts faced by those who lived during that time and provide them with an insight into the events that dramatically shaped 20th century America. From These Ashes celebrates positive qualities in men of both colors - the good that was present then and is now. President Lincoln once said when meeting Harriet Beecher Stowe, "So you're the little lady who wrote the book that started this great war!" Reynolds shares a veiled history with a new generation of Americans hoping that knowledge brings understanding and understanding empathy. So with this tale his prayer is set free... Let the South be free to celebrate her Confederate heritage.
