Outskirts Press, INC.

A Journey to Manhood During the Civil War

When Nick Siler joined the Union Army, he left a world of loving family and plans for a happy future, and entered a world of physical challenges, hardship, and the horrors of war. As Nick adjusts to his new life and finds the bonds of family replaced by the fierce loyalties and deep friendships among comrades-at-arms, he feels that he will be able to survive the Civil War. But even two years of combat cannot prepare him for the unthinkable bloodbath at Gettysburg, which will take a toll on the Union Army, and on Nick personally. Overnight, the wounding of a loved one and the loss of a close friend will force Nick to mature from a nineteen-year-old boy into a man. Nick finds love in an unexpected place while he reaffirms his loyalty to his regiment and to the North. Amidst the chaos and carnage of war, Nick will dig deep to find his own reserves of courage, compassion, and determination. But will the best of Nick’s heart and soul, and the devotion of the girl he loves, be enough to carry him through? Gone Home for Angels is a meticulously researched, deftly plotted historical novel rich with authentic detail and characters you will care about long after you have turned the final page.

The men fired back and kept moving. They would come to a fence or some other obstacle, stop, fire, and move on. All of a sudden, Nick was caught in the grip of fear. He could feel it creeping up his spine and surrounding his heart. Deep down he knew it would be a miracle if they made it through this maze of danger to the safety of the hill beyond the town. Private Betz was following close behind Nick. He lost sight of his father again. “HAIL MARY, FULL OF GRACE,” he said out loud as he discharged his weapon. BANG! “THE LORD IS WITH THEE,” he said as he reloaded and ran forward. He stopped and fired. BANG! “BLESSED ART THOU AMONG WOMEN.” Reload and run. “AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF THY WOMB, JESUS.” Stop and shoot. BANG! “HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,” his voice, breathlessly rising in volume. Reload. Run. Almost screaming now, “PRAY FOR US SINNERS, NOW AND AT THE HOUR OF OUR DEATH,” his voice quaking with emotion. Stop. Shoot. BANG! From his left he heard, “AMEN.” It was Private Betz, still carrying the mortally wounded Captain Beck on his back. The captain looked to be unconscious and was very pale from loss of blood. Nick could still hear the gurgle of his wet breathing and knew that somehow he was still alive.