1943 -- Love has found her. But can it last? Mae Johnson marries the man she loves-only to see him depart for Europe to serve as a Medic in a horrible war. Oliver left her pregnant, but he doesn't know it yet. How will her pregnancy affect their relationship? How will it affect her war work? While he's away, she continues to do what she's been doing: build munitions of war.There's an irony there. She builds bombs and grenades to destroy, while he struggles to preserve lives. The year will be filled with challenges for them both.In Texarkana, Mae and her roommates meet and befriend members of an ill-fated jazz band. A devastating winter event leaves her reeling. Summer brings racial tensions to the fore in the city. And an old boyfriend resurfaces to plant the seeds of jealousy in her heart. In Europe, Oliver faces trials, too. first assignment is in a large military hospital. That won't last, and he eventually accompanies American fighting forces as the Allies begin the liberation of Italy.At times he'll be filled with awe when his team is able to save severely wounded men. But he's brought to his knees when he can't save them all. Meetings with special soldiers will have a profound effect on him-As will the arrival of a team of American nurses. What will be the outcome for these friends turned lovers? Will the horrors of war weaken their marriage, strengthen it, or destroy it?