River of Tears is a Civil War historical novel that is part fact and part fiction. It is based on the life of Willoughby Dozier Barnard who served in Company B, 61st Virginia Infantry Regiment from 1861 to 1865. Willie and his best friend, Henry, survive a tragic childhood; join the Confederate Army for the glory, so they can defend North Carolina and Virginia from invasion by Union troops. Their lives will be forever changed on the battlefield at Cold Harbor, Virginia. Their acts of mercy and compassion are rewarded by fate, so they can return home and rise above the ashes and devastation left by war. Their journey will take them from tears to laughter, sorrow to joy, hatred to compassion, and destruction to rebirth. This novel is truly a testament to the human spirit.