The Freedom Star

Isaac risks his life shepherding runaways along the Underground Railroad, all the while dreaming of the day when he too can escape the tobacco fields of South Boston, Virginia and begin a new life up north. He yearns for the freedom that Henry McConnell, his owner’s son, takes for granted.Isaac and Henry grew up together on the tobacco farm owned by Henry’s father, but what drew them together in the innocence of their youth now drives a deep wedge between them. At the onset of the Civil War, Henry joins the Confederates. Soon after, his father suffers a devastating stroke and his older brother exploits the family crisis to seize control of the farm. Suddenly, McConnell slaves come under the whip, Isaac’s family is torn apart, and the atmosphere in the slave quarters becomes as oppressive as the August heat.Henry returns from the battlefield to find Isaac angry, distant, and defiant. What follows is a bitter and fiery exchange—a confrontation that finally reveals a harsh truth they had never before shared. “The problem ain’t how you white folks is managing your property,” Isaac says. “The problem is that we is your property.”Following a series of broken promises and futile escape attempts, Isaac’s only hope of reuniting with the woman he loves lies in joining Henry and the Rebels on their march north. When the Yankees wound Henry and take him prisoner, Isaac finds himself behind Union lines and free, but facing a gut-wrenching decision. Should he follow his dreams, or return to slavery to save his childhood friend?The author’s thoroughly researched portrayal of slavery and the Civil War era adds a rich backdrop to this poignant and suspenseful work of historical fiction. In this gripping family saga, the author presents vivid characters and compelling layers of story that will hold readers until the very last page.About the AuthorJeff Andrews grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey, a stone's throw from Philadelphia and a short drive to the Jersey shore. He graduated from of Baldwin-Wallace College and later earned a masters degree from George Washington University. After serving twenty years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including tours in Vietnam and Beirut, Lebanon, Jeff spent time teaching and working in financial services before turning to writing. Jeff's short stories have appeared in Combat Magazine, The Goblin Reader, The Binnacle, and Whistling Shade. He is a member of The James River Writers, the Zoetrope writing community, and The Hampton Roads Writers, where he was a founding member and served on the board of directors. He is a member of the Society of Civil War Historians. Jeff and his wife, Mary Lou, live in Virginia Beach, VA.