After two bestselling historical series, Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen have turned their sharp eye for detail on the Revolutionary War. Their story follows three men with three very different roles to play in history: General George Washington, Thomas Paine, and Jonathan Van Dorn, a private in Washington's army. Washington is full of doubt on the night of December 25, 1776. The revolution has come down to one desperate throw of the dice as his army, freezing and hungry, slips across the Delaware to carry out what will become one of the most famous surprise attacks of all time. While Washington prepares his weary troops, Thomas Paine is in Philadelphia, overseeing the printing of The Crisis. Having seen first hand the state of the Continental Army, Paine captures the grim reality in one line: 'These are the times that try men's souls'. Now Private Jonathan Van Dorn is about to bring the war to his own doorstep. In the heat of battle, Jonathan must decide between staying loyal to the cause and sparing his brother who has joined up with the British. Through the thoughts and private fears of these three men, Gingrich and Forstchen illuminate the darkest days of the Revolution. With detailed research and an incredible depth of military insight, this novel provides a rare and personal perspective of the men who fought for, and founded, the United States of America.