With the crusade to abolish slavery nearing its peak, 11-year-old Austin Hutchinson (Great-grandson of Thomas Hutchinson) goes to Charleston to live with relatives. He is eager to make friends with his cousins (even though they're girls!) and experience the adventures he's dreamed of. But when Kady, Polly, and Charlotte take little interest in him, and Henry-James, the slave boy, won't trust him, Austin is convinced that he doesn't fit in after all. And if that isn't enough, Jefferson, his bratty younger brother, is spoiling everything! Then Austin hears an incredible story about Jesus, Who is the best friend anyone could ever have. Can He help Austin find his place and a friend? Or will Jefferson ruin these plans, too?The Christian Heritage Series is an ongoing line of Focus on the Family youth books that explores the role of faith and family throughout American history. These engaging stories help young readers better understand their country, its values, and its God. The Charleston Years books take place in early 1860s South Carolina.Nancy Rue's writings have appeared in a number of youth publications, including Clubhouse, Campus Life, and Teens Today. She has won a number of literary honors, including the 1991 C.S. Lewis Honor Book Award.