1861-D is the story of stolen gold coins and a hidden cache at the end of the Civil War. The story moves forward more than 150 years to an idyllic Michigan lake, a secretive island and the life of a teenaged boy named Shane. Shane's life begins to change dramatically after he restores an old rowboat. The rowboat sails him on a summer journey of freedom, exploration, hidden secrets and discovery of first love. Along with these exciting and fulfilling adventures and his quest for a golden treasure, he must also face the challenges of life's realities. The health of his mother, a pediatric cancer patient, the trauma of a store owner and the plight of a Vietnam veteran all add to the maturity process. The novel is a YA (Young Adult) coming of age genre.