Against his family's wishes Philip Burke, volunteers to defend the Union and instead becomes a prisoner of war, bartering his medical expertise to remain out of prison.

When the Union Army invades Tennessee, Clarissa Wakefield's antebellum mansion becomes a Confederate hospital. Philip is placed in charge and against propriety she stays on and helps nurse the wounded. Clarissa's husband is a Confederate soldier and Philip's fiancée waits for him in Oswego but the fire between them soon rages out of control.

As the opposing armies fight for possession of Chattanooga, Clarissa and Philip face their own battle. Caught in the passions of war and love, with hurt inevitable either way, will they be faithful to their vows or listen to their hearts?