Jeff and Leah are growing up fast. Jeff, a drummer for the Confederate Army, is only fourteen, but he's fighting a man's war. A war that has taken his family from him. Fortunately, Leah's encouragement softens the pain, and her family fills him with hope and strengthens his faith.

Although disturbed by the great injustices of the war, Leah decides to embrace the adventure of life. She travels to Washington, D.C., to share the gospel with soldiers. Later, she and Sarah travel to Confederate territory to care for a sick uncle. The girls must confront their faith and their commitments, especially when Leah helps defend her sister against charges of treason.

With North against South, state against state, each battle seems more brutal than the last. But despite the war, despite the fact the Leah and Jeff's families are on different sides, they share a strong, growing friendship. And on their birthday, they share the gift of a lifetime.