Intelligence and Circumstance, a historical fiction novel, portrays the romantic and suspenseful journey of Janessa O'Carroll. Set during the very end of the Civil War, Chas Sinclair, a striking cotton merchant from the south, enters Janessa's family-owned restaurant in Quincy, Illinois. From their very first interaction, Chas and Janessa are completely fascinated with one another; Chas's roving eyes and smoldering southern manner keep Janessa riveted, while Janessa's fiery wit, tongue and apparent vanity, amuse Chas, making him want for more. But there is one problem: in order to receive his rightful inheritance to his family's plantation, Chas must keep his attention purely on business: no drinking, no gambling, no women.
Within months, their attraction is irrepressible, resulting in the loss of Chas's birthright. He returns to the south broken and humiliated. Seven years pass and Chas seeks out Janessa, finding her happily married with one child. Bitter, Chas is unable to bear her happiness and arranges to have her kidnapped. Janessa is whisked away to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where she is introduced to Chas's family and the workings of their cotton plantation. There, Janessa must pose as Chas's new bride at the threat of her husband's and daughter's safety. During her captivity, Janessa discovers that the seemingly ordinary plantation was really a link to the Underground Railroad before and during the Civil War; it was a starting point for runaway slaves, who wished to flee north to be assisted by those who could lead them to freedom.
Soon after her discovery, scandal and tragedy overshadow the plantation, forcing Janessa to flee for her life. She is led through the Underground Railroad by one whose knowledge of the trail will give Janessa an advantage over unknown adversaries that have targeted her as their next victim.
