Hicks gripping debut novel--an instant New York Times bestseller--is based on the incredible true story of Carrie McGavock, a woman whose life had been forever changed by the Civil War. nBased on a true story, this debut Civil War novel follows a Southern plantation womans journey of transforming her home into a hospital for the war. n This debut novel is based on the true story of Carrie McGavock. During the Civil Wars Battle of Franklin, a five-hour bloodbath with 9,200 casualties, McGavocks home was turned into a field hospital where four generals died. For 40 years she tended the private cemetery on her property where more than 1,000 were laid to rest.