My first novel, The Other Side of Moonlight, takes place right here... in this abandoned barn, belonging to my ancestors. My story revolves about the Civil War, a family secret, and the path my women ancestors followed to "come a long way, baby."
The Battle of Kirksville, Missouri, involved over 2,500 soldiers, most of them untrained, unarmed farmers and young boys , called "Confederate irregulars," that tried to make a stand against the Union's 2nd Missouri Calvary Regiment.
Against the backdrop of this skirmish, my ancestors - The Musick, and the Geohegan families, both abolishonists, tried to thrive, survive and, help a young wounded soldier despite of the danger involved.
The strength and resourcefulness of the women, the courage of the men and the resourcefulness of the farmer helped them outfox the entire Union Army that day, and leaves us to ponder...
"Do we really WANT another Civil War?"
What will it take for them to survive this brutal battle?
Coming soon: The Other Side of Moonlight