Where Duty Calls

Overview

Two boys from different cultures, one a Texan, one a New Mexican, get caught on opposite sides of the U.S. Civil War.

Jemmy Martin wants to stay on the family farm near San Antonio, Texas. When his brother becomes a packer for a regiment of Texas Mounted Volunteers, then deserts, Jemmy takes his brother’s identity to protect him from the firing squad. Now all Jemmy wants is to get himself and his family mules back to the farm where they belong.

Raul Atencio isn’t interested in the Americanos war. The nephew of a prosperous Socorro, New Mexico merchant, Raul wants to become rich and powerful like his uncle. While at Fort Craig to deliver supplies and help build defenses, the Confederates arrive, and Raul becomes an unwilling participant in the defense of the Fort.

As the Confederate army marches around Fort Craig, the Union forces prepare to stop them. Upon the banks of the Rio Grande the two armies face off in the Battle of Valverde, and both Jemmy and Raul must struggle to keep themselves, and their dreams, alive.

Reviews

"takes a moment from New Mexico's involvement in the Civil War and makes it flesh-and-blood real. The dual storylines will keep readers engaged...A great fit for the classroom and beyond."--Caroline Starr Rose, Author of May B

"Jennifer Bohnhoff writes historical fiction that grabs readers with the action and characters so they enjoy learning the history."--Chris Eboch, author of The Well of Sacrifice

"With rich details and compelling characters, Where Duty Calls focuses on an overlooked region of Civil War history. Young (and adult) readers will be educated and entertained." —Micki Fuhrman, Roundup Magazine

Author Biography

A lifelong New Mexican, Jennifer Bohnhoff loves travel and history. She taught Middle School Language Arts and New Mexico History. She loves helping people reach that "ah hah" moment when they suddenly understand the connections between themselves, the past, eternity, and the world around them. Jennifer is the mother of three handsome men, the mother-in-law of three beautiful daughters, and the grandmother of three very smart granddaughters and one grandson. She lives in the mountains of central New Mexico with her husband, Monstro the wonder dog, and a cat who cares nothing for her writing.

Ian Bristow is an illustrator, musician, and author who's work has been featured on dozens of books across multiple genres. He lives in Washington state.