Listen up, folks! Richard Peck, a storytelling genius, is back with a mind-blowing tale of transformation that will surely leave you craving for more. Get ready to be transported to the year 1861, right in the heart of the first year of the Civil War. Brace yourselves, because everything is about to change, even for the residents of a little muddy settlement in Illinois, nestled along the mighty Mississippi River.
Meet Tilly Pruitt, a fifteen-year-old girl who can't help but worry. Her brother, wrapped up in dreams of soldiering, and her sister, plagued by supernatural visions, are causing quite the commotion in her already chaotic life. And just when she thought things couldn't get any more complicated, along comes Curry, a boy who might just be the biggest distraction of all.
But hold on tight, because a steamboat whistle pierces the air, announcing the arrival of the Rob Roy all the way from New Orleans. And what steps off that boat will leave you breathless. A pair of extraordinary women, capturing everyone's attention. One, a vibrant and commanding young lady, gracefully swaying in her rustling hoop skirt. The other, a silent and mysterious figure draped in a simple cloak, her head wrapped in a bandanna. I know what you're thinking – who are these captivating strangers? And could it be that the darker woman, stepping onto Illinois soil, is a slave finally tasting the sweet air of freedom?
When Tilly's mother offers the enigmatic women a place to stay, little does she know that she's about to turn her family's world upside down. As the Pruitts and their mysterious guests come together under one roof, prepare yourselves for a rollercoaster ride of mystery, adventure, and the untold experiences of ordinary people amidst the chaos of the Civil War.
Richard Peck has crafted a masterpiece that will keep you eagerly flipping from one page to the next, desperate to uncover the secrets that lie within. With his incredible storytelling skills, he unveils a breathtaking portrait of the profound impact a single person can have on the lives of others. Brace yourselves, my friends, because this novel is a treasure trove of endless riches that will leave you yearning for more.