Civil

Real estate agent Lena Thomas does not believe in the paranormal. Presented with the opportunity to sell the infamous Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs, Lena invites her sister, best friend, and real estate intern to spend a long weekend at the historic home. When Lena is injured during a ghostly encounter at the castle, the women stumble upon a century-old mystery rooted in an affair between a white man and a black woman after the Civil War and a bizarre pact between two Union soldiers. As the castle's mysteries unfold, Lena must confront painful truths in American history and deception in her own lineage. Only then can she help the restless souls wandering Glen Eyrie castle to find peace.

As a busy real estate agent for the rich and famous, a few carefree days at Elk Island Ranch is exactly what Lena Thomas needs. The spectacular Colorado ranch is the year-round playground of David Oliver, an Australian singer songwriter and one of the world's best-selling recording artists. The immaculate private ski slopes and chef-prepared meals are a welcome reprieve from her demanding job until an after-dinner request turns her attention back to work-related matters. David wants Lena to help a family friend sell a recently inherited castle – the infamous Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs. Built by a Civil War hero and generous philanthropist, the castle is rumored to be haunted by several spirits. Lena, the youngest agent promoted to vice president at Chamberlain International Realty, is pragmatic and intelligent. Only after she is severely injured during a ghostly encounter does Lena believe in the paranormal. Recovering from her injuries in the hospital, Lena must depend on her sister, her best friend, and her real estate intern to help unravel the secrets of Glen Eyrie Castle. From richly developed characters and terrifying plot twists to wine pairings and unique recipes, "Civil" will satisfy the even most discerning of readers.

Julianna Lyn Oakes is a career academic whose debut novel, "Civil", represents a courageous step toward writing for enjoyment in a manner that captures both the importance of our shared history and our opportunities to change the future. It has been 155 years since the U.S. Senate passed the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, thereby abolishing slavery. Yet the legacy of slavery continues to haunt contemporary American society. An historical fiction novel based on real people and places, "Civil" will appeal to readers with interests in character-driven literary fiction, history, cookbooks, mysteries, and multi-generational family sagas.