Once an Enemy digital and hard-cover editions available now!

William A. Barnett

Once an enemy

Once an enemyOnce an enemyOnce an enemyOnce an enemy

Step into a gripping tale of courage, danger, and intrigue set against the backdrop of America’s fight for independence. 

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Step into the Adventure of Once an Enemy!

What if you learned that your ancestor—whom you always believed was an American soldier during the Revolutionary War—was actually a British soldier, a spy and a turncoat?


British redcoat Aaron Carr couldn’t bring himself to kill American soldier Johann Vanderhut when he had the opportunity during the Battle of Brooklyn. In that moment of hesitation and mercy, the course of two families changed forever. 


250 years later, siblings Annie and Jason Carson discover a mysterious document of enormous value given to their ancestor by the founder of Vanderhut Industries. Digging into the document’s origins, they learn the extraordinary, hidden history of their family and find themselves in the crosshairs of the ultra-wealthy Vanderhut family and the corporation the document threatens to undermine. 


While Aaron Carr and Johann Vanderhut built peace from conflict, their modern-day descendants find themselves at odds once again.

The Battle of Brooklyn

The Old Stone House- Brooklyn, NY

The Old Stone House- Brooklyn, NY

The Battle of Brooklyn was the first military engagement following the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and a major victory for the British. The battle plays an important role in Once an Enemy, as the setting for Aaron Carr and Johann Vanderhut’s fateful encounter.

The Old Stone House- Brooklyn, NY

The Old Stone House- Brooklyn, NY

The Old Stone House- Brooklyn, NY

It can be difficult for contemporary Americans to appreciate the significance of what took place at and around The Old Stone House on August 27, 1776 during the Battle of Brooklyn. Once an Enemy brings this historical monument to life in vivid detail, 250 years after the battle.

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Lose yourself in this suspenseful story involving war and intrigue. Digital and hard copy editions available now.

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About the Author

William A. Barnett is a musician and attorney living in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife Nancy and their Golden Retriever therapy dog, Morgan. Bill is an avid reader of many genres including history, biographies, and fiction. He is excited to bring his first novel, Once an Enemy, to readers.

Bill is grateful for the resources at InMotion®, a nonprofit community-based exercise and wellness center for people with Parkinson's disease in Beachwood, OH (beinmotion.org). A portion of the book's proceeds with be donated to InMotion to support their no-cost programs.

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