The release of my book has been a long time coming, but now that it’s here, it seems like yesterday when I wrote “The End” to Volunteer for Glory’s first draft. The genesis for Volunteer came in 1974 when I dreamed of a beautiful, dark haired girl. Despite the vagueness that often accompanies such nocturnal adventures, I knew her husband and lover were soldiers in the Civil War. When I considered this as a book, the setting was sticking point because I knew so little of that time. Could I change the era, I wondered? My characters resisted, declaring this is when they had lived. My arguments were wasted, so off I went to our small public library, since this was before the age of personal computers. I would conduct an overview only. No commitments.
After reading the first pages of the first book, I was hooked. I devoured every source on the subject. I ordered additional volumes from nearby libraries. I bought others. I wrote letters. I accessed the Official War Records of the War Between the States in Portland State’s military history section. Serendipitously, I discovered and was given an official atlas detailing the Atlanta campaign.
The Civil War became the setting that drove the novel’s theme. Stuart (Rachel’s husband) would join the volunteer cavalry; Jared, her second love interest, would march with the infantry. Left at home with a new baby, Rachel would wait for a husband enthralled with dreams of glory.
Resurrected after its long entombment in a file box, Volunteer for Glory has been edited and, in some small ways, revised. It has now been published in e-book format and a Print On Demand book will soon follow. Dreams do come true. For my characters, and for myself.
Description: When Stuart, Rachel’s dashing young husband joins the volunteer cavalry after Fort Sumter, she know she will have to find the grit and determination to bear their coming child and survive on the small Illinois farm. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with Jared Westbrook, a handsome young neighbor. The daughter of a Boston minister, she tries to deny her feelings for him and focuses on remaining faithful to her husband. While the men fight through the bloody battles of the Western campaign, they are molded by their wartime experiences. Sensitive, poetic Jared finds he can be a formidable line officer. Stuart pursues an old dream of glory. United in war, the two men are divided by love for the same woman. Who will Rachel choose? Or will the war itself make the decision for her.
Alice's Blog 
Rich in detail, and literary in style, this is history come alive. Although these particular characters never actually existed, they could have, and through their story this important part of our American heritage becomes real and relevant today.
It’s so good to see Volunteer make the shelves after all these years. Good luck with your sales.
I am rooting for you!
Congratulations Alice,
A great looking book for such artful words and creative tension.
Yay Alice! Now keep posting on your blog to keep us interested. Have you actually visited any of the sites? Did they inspire you? Have you been to re-enactments? They’re great fun! There are several historic re-enactment clubs in the Portland area and a big re-enactment with cavalry and cannons and entire families camping in period attire and tents at least once a summer.
Hi Alice,
I just had time to check out your blog, and read about your book, Volunteer for Glory. It sounds so interesting and I will have to get it. Have you seen the Ken Burns mini-series about the Civil War? I was engrossed by it and couldn’t wait for the next episode. I love American history and know I will enjoy your book so much, especially since I know the author so well. Much good luck on the sales. Lois