"North Carolina, 1863. In the midst of the Civil War, the colony of freed people on Roanoke Island begins to be created, a refuge for the newly emancipated. Black families have begun to build a community of their own, a safe place in the shadow of their old lives. This is the place where the March family has finally been able to safely put down roots with her four daughters: Meg, a teacher who wants to find love and create her own family. Jo, a writer whose words are too powerful to suppress. Beth, a talented dressmaker in search of a greater purpose. Amy, a dancer eager to explore life beyond the family home...As the four sisters become four independent women, they will discover first love, health problems, heartbreak and new horizons. But they will face it all together."--