It's the 1860s. As the American Civil War rages on, two teenagers find unexpected refuge in their budding friendship-one that blossoms into something more. In a small Maryland town balanced on the edge of loyalty and rebellion, they find themselves irrevocably drawn together. One is a free spirit, sharp-tongued, and unconventional young lady. The other, a charming outsider raised among aristocrats, jaded by the frivolous life of high society. She's lost someone to the war. He knows it's the wrong time to fall in love. But the heart rarely waits for permission. ┎┈┈┈┈୨♡୧┈┈┈┈୨♡୧┈┈┈┈୨♡୧┈┈┈┈┒ This slow-burning romance explores the courage it takes to hope-especially when everything around you says not to. With letters tucked under pillows, glances that linger too long, and a town that watches too closely, their story is one of stolen moments and hard decisions. Featuring beloved tropes like friends to lovers, and the yearning ache of uncertain affection, this sweeping historical drama captures the uncertain beauty of first love in a world where trust is a radical act-and loving someone may be the bravest choice of all. ┖┈┈┈┈୨♡୧┈┈┈┈୨♡୧┈┈┈┈୨♡୧┈┈┈┈┚ ------ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ------ Top Rank Tags: #1 on 1860 #6 on Clean This book is entirely a work of fiction, inspired by the historical events of the American Civil War. The characters are all fictional, and all rights to this work are reserved by the author. ♠︎Started in August 2024.♠︎

[HIATUS: MINOR EDITING ONGOING] 1941. The Story of Liway Buencamino, a young Filipina pianist and composer, that swept the West with her brilliant compositions in the late '30s. Her former dazzling life as a Southeast Asian music prodigy shattered as the war reached Manila on the eve of their family reunion. Forced by the circumstances, she disguised herself as a man and took a photography shop assistant job to support her family. Everything seemed well until a radio announcement, an official declaration she'd been brooding about, finally confirmed the news that would forever change her life. 🥈Astania Award [Harvest Festival 2024]: Historical Fiction 🥇Slayer Book Award 2024: Historical Fiction 🥇 in #warcrimes (Aug. 3-10, 2024)