"The historical background is woven into the novel with ease.made me want to study Mexican history again." -Leonard Tourney, Author of "Time's Fool" ""A Handful of Sand" has powerful characters and a historical sweep. McCaffrey is a gifted storyteller." -Bill Johnson, Author of "A Story Is A Promise" "This gripping story of love and war offers twists, turns, and suspense. Well written. Powerful." -Bonnie Hearn Hill, Author of "Double Exposure, Killer Body, Intern" A Latino "Gone With The Wind" occurring in Mexico at the same time as the United States civil war. Mexican patriots, Miguel and Isabella, a charismatic Juarista colonel and a fiery aristocrat, star-crossed lovers of different caste on opposite sides of a violent class struggle and repulse of a French invasion, fight for their country and against prejudice, each in their own way. Isabella, independent in a male-dominated society, betrays her father and class to give covert aid to Juarista guerrillas. Her clandestine love affair with Miguel is a maze of secrets, lies, and subplots with the intrigue and suspense of a mystery woven into tumultuous Mexican history. A dramatic twist leads to a poignant ending.