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Hearts of Stone
When her father goes off to join the Yankee troops, fourteen-year-old Hannah fears her family will be torn apart by the Civil War. But nothing prepares her for her mother's sudden death. Hannah now finds herself responsible for keeping the young family together in a world where even her best friend, Ben, sympathizes with the Confederacy. On a long and dangerous journey from Cumberland Mountain to Nashville, Tennessee, in search of their only living relative, Hannah and her brother and sisters come to realize the true meaning of family and hope. This is a beautifully crafted novel about the tragedy of war and the power of love even in the toughest of times.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2006
3 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ernst
57 books382 followersI grew up in Maryland, in a house full of books! Both of my parents were avid readers, thank goodness. Before we traveled to a new area, my librarian-mom used to bring home historical novels set in that place. It was a great way to get excited about history.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 21, 2017
Probably at least 3.5 stars. Hannah can't understand why her father decides to leave their hardscrabble farm in northeastern Tennessee and join the Union army. It certainly isn't to free the slaves — she's never even seen one. Then Pa dies, and at fifteen, Hannah must take his place, working the farm with her younger brother Jasper, and helping their mother care for the five-year-old twins, Mary and Maude. She doesn't even have the support of her best friend, Ben, since his father has joined the Confederate army. Then the bushwhackers come, and afterwards Mama dies. So to keep the family from being split up, Hannah decides they should go to Mama's sister in Nashville. It is a long and difficult journey, and on the way she discovers that there are good people, and bad people, on both sides in this war. How the children manage to survive, and stick together through everything makes a very moving story. Highly recommended.
August 29, 2017
Overall good but not great book to give an idea about the hardships caused by the Civil War. No actual battles, but lots of repercussions. Contentwise, maybe better for a bit older than 10, but will have E try for school this year. Was a quick and easy read. Discuss Hannah's anger and disappointment with God, Jasper escaping a dangerous situation with employer Mr. Rueben, death of a sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2019
The title and cover might make you think this is a romance novel but thank goodness it’s not! It’s the story of a determined young teen trying to keep her family together in Tennessee during the Civil War. I learned some things I didn’t know about how orphans survived in the city during the Civil War Very good book!
May 10, 2008
This was a cut above your average YA book. It was set during the civil war, which is always a plus for me.
Hannah Cameron lives a tough but happy life on a hardscrabble hill farm in eastern Tennessee. But when the civil war starts and her father decides to join the Union, life takes a turn for the worse. Ben McNeill's father joins the Confederate army, which is a blow to Hannah, because Ben has been her best friend forever. This drives a wedge between the two families, who have always been like kin. Two years later, Hannah's mother dies unexpectedly (this is not a spoiler, it tells you this on the jacket cover!), and fifteen year old Hannah is left alone with the care of the farm, her 11 year old brother, Jasper, and five year old twins, Maude and Mary. The war is still raging, but rather than being split up amongst the neighbors, Hannah opts to move her family by mule cart 200 miles to Nashville, where they have an aunt. She is desperate to keep the family together so they can eventually return to the farm when the war is over.
This book is real and detailed, and doesn't spare the reader from the very real hardships of life during those times. It highlights the true victims of war - the innocent women and children who are left to fend for themselves. Hannah and her siblings find the journey very tough, and Nashville not what they expected. They are left struggling daily for their very survival. They meet some nice and not so nice folks along the way. She makes good decisions and bad, with varying results. I loved this book - it made me cry, and I love it when a book makes me care enough to cry. If you don't love it, I'll eat my hat!!!
Hannah Cameron lives a tough but happy life on a hardscrabble hill farm in eastern Tennessee. But when the civil war starts and her father decides to join the Union, life takes a turn for the worse. Ben McNeill's father joins the Confederate army, which is a blow to Hannah, because Ben has been her best friend forever. This drives a wedge between the two families, who have always been like kin. Two years later, Hannah's mother dies unexpectedly (this is not a spoiler, it tells you this on the jacket cover!), and fifteen year old Hannah is left alone with the care of the farm, her 11 year old brother, Jasper, and five year old twins, Maude and Mary. The war is still raging, but rather than being split up amongst the neighbors, Hannah opts to move her family by mule cart 200 miles to Nashville, where they have an aunt. She is desperate to keep the family together so they can eventually return to the farm when the war is over.
This book is real and detailed, and doesn't spare the reader from the very real hardships of life during those times. It highlights the true victims of war - the innocent women and children who are left to fend for themselves. Hannah and her siblings find the journey very tough, and Nashville not what they expected. They are left struggling daily for their very survival. They meet some nice and not so nice folks along the way. She makes good decisions and bad, with varying results. I loved this book - it made me cry, and I love it when a book makes me care enough to cry. If you don't love it, I'll eat my hat!!!
April 23, 2024
It was not easy finding something interesting to read aloud to my daughter while we covered the Civil War unit in history. I really appreciated how this book showed the difficulties between the sides, especially when next door neighbors, and long time friends, end up on opposite sides of the war.
My 11 year old summed it up as "sad but true to life," which I agree with. I appreciated that I didn't sob but you felt the weight these children carry as they face unexpected situations. I was glad I chose it as a read aloud due to the heaviness of the subject but especially because all my red flag warnings were going off, in chapter 12 specifically, regarding Mr. Reubens. Never confirmed, but strongly implied, he is the source of physical abuse to the young boys in his employ but I strongly suspect him of more than one type of abuse (pg 153). It isn't spelled out but alluded to for the other abuse and I did not want my daughter wondering about that.
"Forgiving doesn't mean forgetting." Mr. Norton's voice was quiet. "It doesn't mean you weren't hurt, or pretending that you were never angry." pg 207
"Willie?" I whispered. "Do you hate the Yankees?" He pondered a long moment before answering. "I hate the ones I don't know. Every one I meet just seems like regular folks." pg 212
My 11 year old summed it up as "sad but true to life," which I agree with. I appreciated that I didn't sob but you felt the weight these children carry as they face unexpected situations. I was glad I chose it as a read aloud due to the heaviness of the subject but especially because all my red flag warnings were going off, in chapter 12 specifically, regarding Mr. Reubens. Never confirmed, but strongly implied, he is the source of physical abuse to the young boys in his employ but I strongly suspect him of more than one type of abuse (pg 153). It isn't spelled out but alluded to for the other abuse and I did not want my daughter wondering about that.
"Forgiving doesn't mean forgetting." Mr. Norton's voice was quiet. "It doesn't mean you weren't hurt, or pretending that you were never angry." pg 207
"Willie?" I whispered. "Do you hate the Yankees?" He pondered a long moment before answering. "I hate the ones I don't know. Every one I meet just seems like regular folks." pg 212
October 10, 2012
*REVIEWED FOR PUBLISHER*
Pitching books about the hardships of war at teenagers and young adults who might prefer the theme to be the excitement and danger of being in the thick of the action, so it’s unusual to find such a touching account of a young girl being forced to grow up very quickly in order to shoulder the burden of bringing up her three siblings as the American Civil War rages around them. Themes of abandonment, betrayal and trust are all central to the plot and the struggle just to survive under the most difficult of circumstances are brought to the fore – war is not glamorous, but dangerous, terrifying and confusing, much like growing up.
The language is almost poetic in places, with what feels like entire passages of evocative description condensed into a few sentences or, in some cases, a few words, to great effect – the reader really feels that they are in the thick of things, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells experienced by the characters as they undertake an arduous journey.
Pitching books about the hardships of war at teenagers and young adults who might prefer the theme to be the excitement and danger of being in the thick of the action, so it’s unusual to find such a touching account of a young girl being forced to grow up very quickly in order to shoulder the burden of bringing up her three siblings as the American Civil War rages around them. Themes of abandonment, betrayal and trust are all central to the plot and the struggle just to survive under the most difficult of circumstances are brought to the fore – war is not glamorous, but dangerous, terrifying and confusing, much like growing up.
The language is almost poetic in places, with what feels like entire passages of evocative description condensed into a few sentences or, in some cases, a few words, to great effect – the reader really feels that they are in the thick of things, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells experienced by the characters as they undertake an arduous journey.
August 8, 2011
I really liked this YAL novel set in Civil War Tennessee. I felt the author did her homework regarding the refugee camps in Nashville and the fact that many residents of this state either went for the Union or the confederacy. One character said 1 in 3 men fought for the Union, so Tennessee was clearly divided. I should warn readers who want a rosy, happy book this is not for you. The heroine experiences many personal deaths and hardships, but, in the end, is still willing to give life a chance after the war.
April 6, 2014
I loved Hearts of Stone, a compelling YA story of young Hannah Cameron who tries to keep her brother and twin sisters together in the midst of the Civil War. After the death of their parents, a trek to Nashville to be with relatives becomes fraught with many dangers these four youngsters must face for the first time in order to survive. An excellent read that I recommend to anyone who loves a good story written by a gifted storyteller, Kathleen Ernst.
August 17, 2007
Like an old time ballad, HEARTS OF STONE transports readers into a lyrical, essential world brimming with life and spirit. It succeeds in that rarest of objectives—to both wrench and warm the heart. Highly recommended.
March 10, 2010
A satisfying novel about the non-combat side of the American Civil War, and the hard choices one girl needs to make to keep her family together. Quick read.
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July 10, 2012Cant rate as didnt read - wanted different Hearts of Stone!!
February 6, 2013
This is the author of the American Girl Caroline books. I like how she writes. This book was a hard book to read and brought a realistic side to the Civil War.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews