The Seeker by Ann H Gabhart

It is the beginning of the civil war period in the 1860s in Kentucky. As the only child of her widowed father, Charlotte Vance is mistress of Graystone and when he contacts her to prepare for his return home and he has a surprise, Charlotte readies for a celebration. Much to her chagrin, father arrives with a new (much younger) wife who seems to be totally in charge and wants Charlotte out of the way. Living next to a settlement of Shakers, and wanting to help her maidservant (whom she considers a sister), Charlotte and Mellie flee to the village and frees Mellie. This civil war story covers the travail of young love, the horrors of war, duplicity of others, and the relief of forgiveness. At times an intense read, well worth the time. Sandy Penton.