Crescent City, by Belva Plain

Historical fiction/romance set in New Orleans, Louisiana and a plantation near New Orleans prior to and during the American Civil War.
Miriam's mother had been brutally attacked in a pogrom against Jewish villagers in a small German town, and tragically died moments after Miriam's birth. Her father left shortly afterward to make his fortune in America, leaving Miriam and her brother David with their grandfather and spinster aunt. Years later, he returned and took the children to his grand home in New Orleans. At the age of 16, as was the custom at that time, Miriam was given in marriage to Eugene, a man at least ten years older. Miriam and Eugene doted on their twins, a son and a daughter, but there was no love, no joy between them. They lived separate lives in the same house, even in the same bedroom.
These were perilous times; abolitionist feelings against the "peculiar institution" of slavery were mounting, and soon the storm of Civil War broke loose. There was a storm in Miriam's heart as well, as she dealt with guilt, loss, tragedy, and heartbreak. February 13, 2018

Savannah or A Gift For Mr Lincoln, by John Jakes

Read and reviewed in December, 2013, released via Bookcrossing later

The trials and tribulations of the citizens in and near Savannah, Georgia during General Sherman's infamous American Civil War march through Georgia. This is a work of historical fiction dealing with one family and their friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and a surprising outcome, told from the viewpoint of a young girl on the threshold of womanhood.

Sisters of Shiloh, by Kathy Hepinstall, Becky Hepinstall Hilliker

Read and released April-May, 2015

Received from LIbraryThing's Early Reviewers program, I started reading it right away. A fascinating plot, two sisters have joined the Confederate Army, disguised as men. Libby/Thomas is seeking revenge for her slain husband, and Josephine/Joseph came with her to try to protect her (from herself?). Quite graphic depictions of the horrors of war, not easy reading in that respect.

Cold Mountain, by Charles Frazier

Read and reviewed in October, 2012, released later

This is a compelling novel about a wounded Civil War deserter and his heroic, almost superhuman efforts to return home and to the girl he thinks he loves. Meanwhile, the girl, an ex-Southern Belle, is struggling to survive after the death of her father, without ever having learned how to garden or cook or keep house. As this book deals with the harsh realities of war and life and death in 19th century America, it is very graphic and gory in parts.