A Country Divided

About the Book

A country divided by the American Civil War is unaware that now an even greater danger exists: a country divided into thirds. The most powerful nations on earth -- England, France, and Spain -- plan a simultaneous attack on the United States from all four directions to reclaim the land in the New World that was once theirs.

On a cold January night in 1865, conspirators meet in a London pub to plot the fate of America. Three of them will be instrumental in carrying out the ambitious plan. British Major Josiah Sterling, as a special observer of the War, has access to top American military and government officials. Jeanetta Boudreaux, the widow of a fallen Confederate, has traveled from New Orleans to help her beloved South. Juan Carlos Ramirez holds a banking position of authority in California and the American West.

As the Divine Plan unfolds, love sprouts between Josiah and Jeanetta, fully blooming as the fateful day of invasion draws near. But love can be distracting. Will the conspirators successfully derail America's chance at reunifying the Union, or will personal emotions put them all at risk?

This historical novel is so intertwined with such a myriad of facts that one may wonder: is it indeed fiction -- or was it true?

About the Author

Jay F. Down was born and raised in Arkansas. He taught mathematics in Arkansas, Texas, and Maryland. Downs and his wife have three children and live in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He is the author of Words From Within, a book of poetry, and also collaborated with his wife and daughter to create a children's book entitled The Flutterfly. A Country Divided is his first novel.