Based on a true story, this first of a trilogy of Civil War novels chronicles the fateful events of 1861 in western Virginia, as a young man learns to cope with his world turned upside down by war. It is April of 1861. The shocking events at Fort Sumter are having devastating effects on Alexander Swaney, living on his family farm in Pennsylvania just a few miles north of the border with western Virginia. He watches as Virginia fights its own civil war, as the disaffected western counties, long neglected by Richmond, attempt to secede from the rest of the state. Their political struggle produces the first land conflicts of the larger War of the Rebellion, involving the future military giants George McClellan, Stonewall Jackson, and Robert E. Lee fighting in the rugged mountains of western Virginia, soon to be a new state. As events sweep Alexander along in their path, he struggles to maintain some control over his destiny. Should he volunteer to join the Union army and fight to preserve the and he loves, but leave behind the girl he hopes to marry, as well as his family, at the mercy of marauders and bushwhackers? Adding to Alexander’s confusion is the fact that Sophia isn’t sure she’s ready to marry him, and a rival for her affections is on the scene in the form of his cousin Tip, a rake who has had his eye on Sophia. Fortunately, Alexander has a close friend in Harry Hagans, a young pastor who also feels the call to arms from his desire to bring an end to slavery. As the storms of war bear down on them, Harry and Alexander share a convoluted journey, ultimately arriving at their military home, the 1st Regiment of Loyal Virginia Volunteer Cavalry, later to become the 1st West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry. Along the way, their friendship is threatened when Harry reveals a dark secret that shakes Alexander’s trust. A detailed glimpse into a portion of Civil War history largely unknown, Storm Coming is a luminous story of a young man’s coming of age and the birth of a new state out of the storms of war. "Lewis's heroes all have heart and are sympathetic even in their flaws. The writing covers complicated scenarios with clear, strong wording. The book also has plenty of additional facts included as an afterword for anyone new to the subject, giving the reader all the information they need to know to follow the more technical details. And although the subject matter is at times bleak, the darkness is undercut with a dry but hearty sense of humor that even a humble layman such as myself can appreciate. I would recommend it to anyone who is curious about the history of our area, or anyone who's simply looking for a good yarn." - New Castle Record "Storm Coming is one of the best historical novels I have read this year. The story was very well handled by Jack W. Lewis; the character development was wonderfully crafted. Alexander's journey was poignant and very believable, mainly because it is based on a true story and because Mr. Lewis brought the character to life with his sharp words and supreme handle on the story. This novel was truly tremendous." Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite " Storm Coming is a first-rate historical novel, well researched and delightfully perceptive. Jack Lewis has crafted an artful account of the early action in 'Western' Virginia--one of the most compelling and overlooked chapters of the Civil War." --W. Hunter Lesser, author of Rebels at the Gate "A wonderfully detailed book that comes at the twisted, confusing history of western Virginia as a story teller would, following key historic characters, both Union and Confederate, as they negotiate the political and military realities of this civil war within the Civil War." --Matthew A. D. Borders, Civil War historian, in Banner of the Blue and Gray: Newsletter of the Frederick County Civil War Roundtable "...an immersive, well-researched novel. I'm looking forward to the next installment!"--Maria Sholtis, Curator, Pennsylvania Room, Uniontown Public Library Jack W. Lewis has had a forty-year career as a U.S. Coast Guard officer and a consulting marine engineer. He received his engineering degrees at the United States Coast Guard Academy and MIT. Throughout his adult lifetime, he has maintained a strong interest in Civil War history. His many writings have covered both engineering and historical topics. This is his first novel.