Summary 

A timid American farm girl at the mercy of the enemy. . .
A wounded British sailor driven into hiding. . .
Both are about to change the course of history forever.

When British soldiers invade Baltimore amid the War of 1812, Rose McGuire, alone on her family farm, is easy prey for a brutal lieutenant. In the midst of the attack, she's saved by British 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Reed. Will she now have to heal, as well as hide, this enemy soldier?

Alex hadn't meant to kill his superior, nor get shot in the process. Now badly wounded, he's at the mercy of this tomboy who obviously hates him. Can he trust her or will she turn him over to the Americans?

Rose is having trouble keeping Alex hidden from her family, the townspeople, and the man intent on courting her. Will the discovery of Alex's presence force her to accept an abhorrent proposal?

As their love blooms, trouble looms, for the British are on the move again. This time, their target is Washington DC. Will these young lovers at heart find themselves enemies at war?

Main Characters

Rose McGuire

Brief description:  At age 20, tall and slender with turquoise-colored eyes and honeyed hair, Rose McGuire would be considered one of Baltimore’s most comely ladies if it weren’t for the smudges of dirt often found on her hands and face. You see, Rose would prefer working on her farm than donning fancy gowns and attending soirees and teas with the high society of Baltimore. In fact, some of her best friends are pigs, chickens, and cows, and she finds them far more trustworthy than any man she has met. Though she must marry to retain ownership of her farm, a horrific event in her past, keeps her mistrustful of all men and in bondage to fear and unforgiveness. So much so that she rarely leaves the sanctuary of her farm where she lives with her doting Aunt and Uncle. She particularly hates the British because they murdered her father.  So, what is Rose to do when British troops attack her farm, and one particular British naval officer is wounded trying to protect her?  (picture Rose McGuire3 Actress Romola Garai) 

Strengths: Patriotic, Good heart, Charitable, Humble, Down-to-earth

Weaknesses:  Fear, Unforgiving, Bitter, Pessimist

Quirks: When Rose is frightened she sings a song her father used to sing to her as a child. She often has specks of dirt on her skin and gown.

Inspiration: We are not only a product of our genetics but of our past. When more than one terrible tragedy strikes us, particularly when we are young, it is often impossible to overcome the various struggles which result. I’ve met countless people who are what I call, walking wounded. They appear to function well on the outside, but inside they are a bubbling mass of anger, hatred, bitterness, insecurity, and unforgiveness—a caldron just waiting to explode at the slightest little thing. Unless they let go of their unforgiveness and anger and receive the healing love of God, they will lead very unsuccessful lives. These people are the inspiration for Rose. She wants to be better, she wants to overcome her fear, her past, she wants to help other people, but she is imprisoned in her own fear and hatred.  

Alexander Reed

Brief description: At age three and twenty, with dark brown hair, a tall sturdy stature, and hazel eyes, Alexander Reed makes for quite a handsome, imposing figure, especially in his Royal Navy Lieutenant’s uniform. Normally proud of his country and its dominion in the world, he finds the cruel way his countrymen are fighting this petty war with America to be beneath the honor and decency of Britain. He only joined His Majesty’s navy to make a fortune and a name for himself in battle—both which he hoped would not only gain him entrance back into his home in Cranleigh, but the forgiveness of his father for infractions in his youth. But he had not signed up for such wickedness! Surely these rustic, backwoods rebels need to be taught a lesson, but not murdered and ravished in their beds. Being forced to participate in such barbarity against innocent settlers sickens Alex. Alternatively, Alex’s superior and first lieutenant aboard the HMS Undefeatable, Mr. Garrick, seems to relish in such debauchery. So when the vile man attacks an innocent farm girl, Alex can do nothing less than step in to save the girl. What he didn’t expect was to get shot in the process.  (picture AlexanderReed1 – actor Colin Firth)

Strengths: Honorable, Kind, Moral, Chivalrous, Resolute

Weaknesses: Arrogant, Snobbish, Judgmental, Demanding, Rigid

Inspiration: There’s nothing more difficult for a child than being rejected by a father.  It doesn’t have to be a flat out rejection. It could be plain and simple neglect, favoring another sibling, withholding praise, or just never being there. When this happens, a child either grows up with all sorts of emotional problems and withdraws or he spend his life trying to gain his father’s favor, even well into his own adulthood. That is what Alex is trying to do. He hopes to gain enough money and honor to win his father’s approval and affection and be welcomed back into his home. Because he didn’t receive his father’s love, Alex has come to believe that love must be earned. I believe so many people today suffer from this same problem. They try to earn their parent’s love, friend’s love, even their spouse’s love by doing things or being a certain way. But the truth is, you cannot force anyone to love you in this world. The only love you can count on—the only love that is freely given, no strings attached, no conditions, that cannot be bought or earned is the love of God.

Background for the story

August 1814, the British have successfully turned the Chesapeake bay into a “British Pond” by blockading it for over a year. During that time, they have sent raiding parties inland to steal, ravish, and destroy anything in their path. The admiral in charge, Admiral Cockburn, hates all things American and issues a free license to his death squad.  The fledgling American nation is in trouble. The Canadian campaign has met with repeated defeat, the American army consists mainly of untrained militia, and the few existing naval war ships are up against the mightiest navy in the world.  But the citizens of Baltimore are a hearty breed. Even with the blockade they have sent out more privateers and have captured more British vessels than any seaport in America. General Smith has organized the city’s militia into a fighting machine and has reinforced Fort McHenry guarding the city. Yet the British raids continue...

Rose McGuire, alone on her farm, is easy prey for a particular brutal British lieutenant. Yet in the midst of the attack, her salvation comes from the least likely of sources—another British lieutenant.  During the fierce battle, Alexander Reed accidentally kills his superior but is shot in the process. Now, Rose must tend to the man’s wound while hiding him away from her family and friends. She blames the British for murdering her father and keeping the man puts her and her family in grave danger. But how can she do any less?