Hearts of Stone by Kathleen Ernst

The Civil War has dramatically changed life for Hannah and her three siblings. Her father leaves home to fight for the Union, the family faces constant attacks from Bushwhackers, and politics has created an irreperable rift between herself and her best friend Ben. Hannah, Jasper, Mary and Maude are left orphans after their father is killed in the war and their mother dies suddenly. When well-meaning neighbors decide to split the siblings up, Hannah decides to take them to Nashville where they will live with their Aunt. The journey to Nashville takes longer than Hannah expects and they arrive only to learn their Aunt is also dead. Hannah struggles to keep her family together and prevent them from freezing or starving to death. Hannah is a spunky and determined young woman who will connnect with many teen girls. Her coming-of-age story will capture the hearts of fans of historical fiction. A story full of drama and tragedy with a cast of well-developed and interesting teens forced to become responsible adults in a world shattered by hatred, violence, and war.