The 96th Pennsylvania Volunteers infantry regiment was formed in 1861 - its ranks filled by nearly 1,200 Irish and German immigrants from Schuylkill County. Drawing on letters, diaries, memoirs and other accounts, this comprehensive history documents their combat service from the point of view of the rank-and-file soldier, along with their views on the war, slavery, emancipation and politics.

The Christmas Ranch is a modern-day Western. Based on a horse-and-cattle ranch outside of Roundup, Montana, the daughter of TJ Dawson is violently raped and left for dead. TJ and two friends go looking for the culprits that expand over three states. What happens after they catch the bad guys occupy the rest of the book. It's about a family that goes through hell and is blown apart but able to come together again. The book is not meant for children. It's full of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.