Adelsverein

"They have come from Germany to Texas in 1847, under the auspices of the 'Mainzer Adelsverein' - the society of noblemen of Mainz, who seek to fill a settlement in Texas with German farmers and craftsmen. Among them is a family who will survive and endure, making their mark in Texas, their new land. Christian 'Vati' Steinmetz, the clockmaker of Ulm in Bavaria, has brought his many sons and daughters: Magda, passionate and courageous, is courted by Carl Becker, a young frontiersman with a dangerous past. Her sister, Liesel wants nothing more than to be a good wife to her husband Hansi, a stolid and practical farmer who will be called by circumstances to become something greater. Brothers Friedrich and Johann, who have always been close, will find themselves fighting in the Civil War, but one will wear Union blue, the other Confederate grey homespun. Yet they will never forget that they are brothers."--Publisher description.