The American Civil War— a nation divided, Protestant denominations split, both sides claiming protection and blessings from the same righteous Potentate. Not even the strong sentiments, which had given rise to the revolution, had evoked such perplexing dilemmas for those who would delve below the surface of “patriotism.” Would the Lord choose sides? Why would He allow a nation “under God” to commit fratricide?

Winchester, Virginia— the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, the “breadbasket” of the Confederacy, changing hands as many as seventy times during the course of the war, a dozen times in one single day. Among the occupiers were two of the most viciously retaliative officers in the Union Army – Major General Robert Milroy and Major General Phillip Sheridan.

Paul Graham— the widowed pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Winchester, preached the pre-eminency of Christ’s kingdom in a community torn by political and military conflict, mounting devastation and deprivation, and innumerable casualties of war. Two sons studied theology, one in the North and one in the South. Two sons matriculated to the Virginia Military Institute, followed their instructor Thomas Jackson, and became members of the stalwart Stonewall Brigade. And Paul’s daughter Abby, fierce objector to both slavery and war, caught in the middle while teaching white and negro children on South Mountain, Maryland.

BLEST BE THE TIES is a story of faith in the sovereign providences of God when the “fig tree did not blossom, there was no fruit on the vines, the fields yielded no food, the flock was cut off from the fold and no herd in the stalls….” It is a story that delves into the depths of war’s grim realities and exposes the struggles of the human soul to find truth, sanity, purpose, and peace.

EXCERPT from BOOK ONE: A Time to Be Born, and A Time to Die

Chapter 13

Days later, Abby was still trying to process the events that completely surpassed any other experience or imagining in the eighteen years of her life. Although she hated the war theoretically, nothing had begun to prepare her for the full measure of its horrendous realities. The events of that day had irrevocably changed her, and nothing would ever be the same. The one and only thought offering consolation was that among the dead and wounded, she hadn’t found Geordie or Edmund.

Before Seth led Corbin and Abby from the battlegrounds that night, they had climbed down the bank and washed themselves in the river, Seth and Corbin still clothed and Abby stripped of her bodice and skirt in an effort to wash the blood from her underclothes. This ritual cleansing, as well as the slow journey back home, was done in utter silence. There was nothing to say.

Abby bathed several times during the week that followed, trying to erase the smell of blood clinging to her body and the metallic taste of it in her mouth, but the assault on her sensorial memories could not be scrubbed away with soap and water. It was the same foul odor and taste she’d experienced in her parents’ bed the morning her mother died. She felt the need to pray for spiritual cleansing, but the thought that it could only be obtained through the blood – being washed in the blood of Christ, suddenly became alarmingly offensive.

Reviews & Ratings

5 STARS: Couldn’t put it down!

“I loved the history and the characters. I loved the portrayal of the sovereignty of God particularly as I have recently gone through a season of grief. The message turned my thoughts and perspectives toward Him and not my circumstances. It ministered to me.” Sharon K. Richardson

5 STARS : Does it really have to end?

“This is a real page turner . . . The setting is the War between the States with the hardships of life, tortures of conscience, and twists of romance all mixed up in it. I like the TONE of Hopson’s work. There’s such a realism in the story; there are no easy ‘fix-its’ and yet, so all that, it is not avoid of hope. A marvelous balance. I like the CHARACTERS as Hopson draws them. They are not ‘flat’ but have depth and are unusually complex, like real people. And I like the ANGLE of the book— it is overtly Christian but is not soupy, soapy, sentimentally Christian, but gritty, grimy, gutsy Christian (which is why ‘Christian’ publishers wouldn’t touch it). But thankfully, we have it anyway— and moan when we are finished, wanting more.” Dale R. Davis

5 STARS: A truly fascinating Civil War novel written by an outstanding author

“L.M. Hopson brings to life the Civil War in an amazing way! This is one of those books I wish I could have read in one sitting. I got so invested in the characters who were living in what I knew was a very accurate account of history it made me wish I could start reading the second as soon as I finished the first. There is no sugarcoating of this very dark period in the history of the United States, it presents a very clear picture of both the war and slavery, and even the division among families. But the love and interaction of the characters makes it such an enjoyable read!” Mack Griffith

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Book Two: A Time of War, and A Time of Peace

Chapter 1

Almost two weeks after General “Stonewall” Jackson was laid to rest in Lexington, Virginia, Paul Graham, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Winchester, stood in the small post station clutching a letter written in his son Geordie’s hand. Less than a month before, Paul had buried him in the same cemetery in which Jackson and many more bright lights of the Confederacy would be interred until the Lord’s return to earth.

Paul should have remembered it would come, as one always arrived days after a major battle, but in the throes of heartbreak, he had forgotten. He subconsciously assumed that, like the sight of his beloved son, it would never come again.

Trembling now, he tucked the letter into his coat pocket, headed for the shade of the trees in the park across from the courthouse, and sat down on a stone bench. His breath came in gasps of pain as he opened the envelope and read Geordie’s final words to him.

Dear Papa . . .

Reviews and Ratings:

5 STARS: Sustaining Truths

“I wish I had words to properly describe these books by L. M. Hopson. They have impacted my understanding of the complex, conflicting beliefs that led to the Civil War and it’s horrific consequences like no other books or movies I have read or seen on this tragic episode of our nation’s history. The main difference this author brings to these stories is the depth, strength and beauty of Biblical truths that sustain the characters throughout this excruciating period. I am so looking forward to reading Hopson’s third book when it is published.” Gail Young

5 STARS: A worthy continuation of this Civil War saga

“While this second installment of Hopson’s Civil War trilogy is only half as long as book one, it does not lack any of the gripping human drama the author began with in “A Time to Be Born and a Time to Die.” As a gifted storyteller, the writer draws her readers into the psychological and spiritual anguish the characters experience as the devastation of war comes to a close. She attempts to let us see the effects of good and evil on both sides of this horrific conflict. We care deeply about these characters and their struggle to find hope and meaning where none seems apparent. We encounter unexpected surprises and, yes, a bit of romance. I for one look forward to book three!” G. Miller, Ph.D.

5 STARS: I cannot wait for book 3

“With historical knowledge and biblical wisdom Hopson weaves a beautiful story set at the time of the Civil War. This book is extremely well-written where characters come to life and the stage is set in such a way that you feel you are living the narrative. It is a book you will find hard to put down as it is quite a page-turner. Hopson retells history in an ingenious way. The historical authentic setting sets the tone for the novel. It takes place in a real place and a definite period of time in history that the reader wants to know more about. While there are many books written about the Civil War, this is a must read. Hopson draws you into each character due to their well-defined personalities. A family divided between the North and the South and one caught in the middle adds intrigue to the story. Through it all you see the mighty sovereignty of God as Hopson draws you in with religious application and perspectives in a natural, beautiful way as the characters struggle with life issues. This is by far the best fiction I have read in a long time. Congratulations to the author!” Betty Smith

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Book Three: A Time to Kill, and A Time to Heal

Prologue Excerpt:

WHAT HAVE THEY DONE? THEY HAVE BLOWN OPEN THE GRAVES . . . EVERYWHERE, EVERYWHERE CORPSES! LOOK AT IT . . . SO MANY BODIES, SO MANY BONES . . . SO MANY DEAD!

More blood . . . more broken bodies . . . I cannot help you now . . . THEY ARE COMING! We must kill them! We must not let them through . . . SHOW THEM THE BAYONET! I WILL KILL YOU BLOODY BASTARDS!

“You and your damn war have killed me too! YOU ARE A KILLER . . . A KILLER!”

His screams woke him. Panting, sobbing, sweating, shivering, Edmund wildly scanned his darkened room in bewildered panic. Sitting on the edge of his bed, he rubbed his hands over his face and waited for his racing heart rate to slow. Though these dreams were as familiar as his own face, the nightmares still came on as a surprise assault from the bowels of hell, often taking on improvised scenes as well as fact-based tableaus of terror.

“Lord God, Thou wast with me through the war, through each mind-shattering moment of human destructiveness, and Thou art with me now. Thou art my Rock, my shield, my hiding place. Touch me with Thy healing hand and restore my soul, my sanity. Heal those also afflicted like me, Father. Heal Virginia . . . heal us all!”

Reviews and Ratings:

5 STARS: Heartily Recommended

“A Time to Kill, and a Time to Heal, as with Books One and Two, does not disappoint. As a gifted storyteller, Hopson draws the reader into the narrative with vivid details and emotional engagement. Her characters are well-developed, consistent, and genuine. The author has carefully researched the post-war era and has offered valuable insight into its political, social, and economic turmoil. I found the “Foreword” especially enlightening for understanding Hopson’s motivations and perspective. Extremism on either side of a societal issue often sabotages a greater good that might come from civil dialogue. This was certainly true in the late 1860s and remains an historical lesson for us in today’s political climate. Moreover, although there are alternate theological interpretations that I might prefer regarding the oft-called “problem of evil,” Hopson’s classic Reformed view is well-articulated and provides worthwhile opportunity for meaningful discussion. Such topics might include: Should one assume that the Civil War and its carnage was God’s will? Does God take sides in human warfare and govern its outcome? Are the experiences of suffering and tragedy reflections of God’s providence? And many more…. I heartily recommend all three books of this trilogy.” G. Miller, Ph.D.

5 STARS:  A compelling account of the post American Civil War period

“Reading the “Blest Be the Ties: A Trilogy” has rekindled my love for American history! It’s hard to say which book I enjoyed the most, but I know that “A Time to Kill, and A Time to Heal” has had the greatest impact. L.M. Hopson is an outstanding author who weaves an incredible story of love and human emotion and where we see the hand of God central to “His-Story”. A bonus also has been discovering Hopson’s website and blog, The Weight of Stories, theweightofstories.com will enhance your appreciation of the insights of the author with every blogpost.” Mack G.