An Extraordinary Union: An Epic Love Story of the Civil War (PB) (2022)

Named a Best Book of the Year by Entertainment Weekly * Bookpage * Kirkus * Vulture * Publishers Weekly * Booklist

As the Civil War rages between the states, a courageous pair of spies plunges fearlessly into a maelstrom of ignorance, deceit, and danger, combining their unique skills to alter the course of history and shatter the chains of the past in this powerful, sweeping tale . . .

1861. Elle Burns is a former slave with a passion for justice. She also possesses a photographic memory. She has the rare fortune--a human right--to live a free life. But to spy for the Union Army, she is willing to risk the brutal indignity of the slave system deeply entrenched in the South.

Malcolm McCall is a seasoned detective for Pinkerton's Secret Service. His latest mission is his riskiest yet: to infiltrate and embed himself within a Rebel Virginia enclave. Together with Elle, these two brave spies stumble across a plot that could turn the tide of the war in the Confederacy's favor. Caught in a tightening web of wartime intrigue, Malcolm and Elle must make their boldest move to preserve the Union at any cost--even if it means losing each other . . .

"Blending the high stakes of history with convincing emotional connections, every installment in Cole's Civil War-set
trilogy are must-reads." --Oprah Daily