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From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin…
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clouston’s quietly held principles oppose those of the Southern Cause–but when forty thousand soldiers converge on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee, the war demands an answer. The Carnton home, where she is governess, is converted into a Confederate … Franklin, Tennessee, the war demands an answer. The Carnton home, where she is governess, is converted into a Confederate hospital, and Lizzie is called upon to assist the military doctor with surgeries that determine life or death. Faced with the unimaginable, she must summon fortitude, even as she fears for the life of Towny, her fiancé and lifelong friend.
As a young soldier lies dying in Lizzie’s arms, she vows to relay his final words to his mother, but knows little more than the boy’s first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg.
Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers’ respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton’s walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn’t realize she is pledged to another. But as Lizzie’s heart softens toward the Confederate captain, she discovers his moral ground is at odds with her own. Now torn between love, principles, and pledges made, she struggles to be true to her own heart while standing for what she knows is right–no matter the cost.
From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Miss Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.
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I do recommend this book, it is a quality effort, but it was difficult to read because of the graphic nature of the subject matter. It is painful to dwell on this period of our nation’s history. As I have ancestors who fought on both side of the civil war I try to find the humanity in it, as this book does. It’s very hard not to judge those who fought for slavery though. There’s a fine line between bringing humanity to those men and women and justifying their beliefs and actions. I think this book did a pretty good job of handling it. I did appreciate the characters, and the writing brought them and their dire circumstances to life.
This book was awesome. I couldn’t put it down. It was so realistic I looked up the real life places, characters and events afterwards because I was so interested in the story.
Loved this book. Having recently been to Carlton, reading the book was fantastic. I could vividly see each description. Imagine my surprise to learn that the story was based on real people. I love anything written by Tamera Alexander.
This is one of my favorite books! I usually do not read stories that take place during the Civil War but it made me think about our lives and how we take so much for granted. What those men and women went through makes our worst days seem like they were great in comparison! The author did a great job bringing you into the story and getting to know the characters.
I enjoyed the historical reality of the times
This book was hard to get tbru. The true stories of the Civil War were extremely hard to read. Although we know that by the very word War it’s going to be graphic, I think we don’t realize how bloody that was.
I admit I tend too romanticize those years. This book gives you true to life love and
I enjoyed it thoroughly!
This was a wonderful story that I definitely recommend!!
Tamera Alexander has done it again! I totally love all of her books and this one was no less!
Elizabeth -Lizzie- Clouston is a governess at the Carnton Estate in 1876 during the Battle of Franklin Tenesse, in the Southern part of the war. The Carnton’s family plantation is taken over to make of it a hospital for the wounded soldiers, and Lizzie is required to assist the doctor in surgeries and healing the wounded. She is bethrothed to her childhood best friend, and although she doesn’t love him romantically, she wants a family and thinks her marriage will be a good one. That is, if he ever comes back alive from war…
Things get complicated when she meets Captain Roland Ward Jones and assists him in recovering from a serious injury. She promises to help him convince the doctor not to amputate his legs, although his life is really at risk. But she never expects to grow feelings for him. But there are so many things that make clear that their relationship is not to be: for starters, he owns slaves and Lizzie firmly believes in her conscience that that is wrong; then, she is pledged to another one, who is fighting in the war. She cannot take back her word, can she?
This is a beautiful and realistic story of this specific historical circumstance. I learned that Tamera based her story of real letters between these two characters. It seems well researched and it has a lot of historical detail that makes it all the more real.
I loved the characters, and found myself rooting for them and their “forbidden” love. Lizzie was strong and courageous, yet vulnerable to so much pain. Roland was a true hero too who deals with his injury and pain with admirable strength. There were so many hard situations and crude scenes, but never too graphic. I think she did it all with respect and hope. I ended feeling inspired and I loved how Lizzie helps Roland reach out to God more freely and letting go of his guilt. It really kept me engaged, and I couldn’t stop until the end, which was very satisfying.
I learned a lot about the war between the States in a very riveting way.
I definitely recommend this novel to lovers of the historical romance genre. It was masterfully done! Congrats Tamera!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This lovely book begins with a promise made by two strangers. A simple pledge and the courage to keep it leads to a deep and lasting friendship between Elizabeth (Lizzie) Clouston and Captain Roland Ward Jones during a time in our history when very few things blossomed.
Lizzie, the governess at the Carnton plantation near Franklin, TN, is abruptly swept up into the war when the plantation house is commandeered as a field hospital by the rebel army. She, and the rest of the household work feverishly to help as many soldiers as possible, but the battle is devastating for both sides, especially the Confederacy. Lizzie makes many promises that day to dying soldiers. Memorizing final words, promising to mail letters to loved ones. But one promise is different than all the others. One of the injured soldiers is Captain Roland Jones, a sharpshooter for the Confederacy and a slave owner himself. He and Lizzie form a bond when she promises to keep the doctor from amputating Roland’s leg. Lizzie finds herself repeatedly drawn to the captain despite having promised herself to another.
When Roland and several other soldiers are allowed to convalesce at Carnton while their wounds heal, he begins to see Lizzie as more than a nurse–something he never thought possible after the death of his wife. However, his hopes are dashed when he discovers not only is she engaged to another soldier but she’s also an abolitionist. Knowing she is a woman of her word and abhors the idea of slavery, he resigns himself to friendship despite his growing affection for her.
The Civil War has always been an area of interest for me, and Ms. Alexander transports you to the time expertly, weaving details throughout her writing. You won’t find any information dumps in this book! The fact that several of the main characters are real, including Lizzie and Roland, only adds more depth to the book and made my attachments to the characters deeper.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Historical fiction is my favorite, and this book completely immerses you in the time period. I found myself wondering about the story between my nightly reading sessions. To me, that’s always the mark of a good book–it’s never far from your mind whether the words are in front of you or not.
Although I enjoy sweet, uplifting romances, I loved the deeper themes in this book. Slavery, of course, was a recurring theme with Lizzy being of the opposite opinion of Roland. It was interesting to hear the thoughts of a Confederate soldier, and Roland had some concerns about his family I’d never considered. I also enjoyed the discussions about time and how precious it is in our lives. It must have been a subject at the forefront of people’s minds as thousands of young men and boys died for their cause in blue and gray uniforms. When you’re not guaranteed the next day, what is most important? Was the loss of life worth it?
I adored getting to know Lizzy. She is a beautiful soul whose compassion and dedication to the soldiers who fought for a cause she didn’t agree with was inspirational and a true example of Christ’s love. I found myself wishing I could be her friend, and I was thankful Ms. Alexander brought her to life for so many to enjoy–including me! She made so many promises to boys and men who lay dying in her arms, and she followed through with each one.
The scenes of devastation at the Carnton plantation were very realistic. It is impossible to think of what happened to the soldiers without cringing inside. However, knowing the truth of what men were faced with on the battlefield and afterward is important to me, and these scenes, though difficult, were necessary. If you have a weaker stomach, you may feel differently. But it was truly the reality of war.
I was already a fan of Tamera Alexander before reading this novel, and I will definitely be pre-ordering the next novel in this series as soon as it’s available. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will devour this book!
An eloquent tale of a real-life Civil War romance
Tamera Alexander has once again captured the feeling and history of the Civil War-era South by incorporating real historical figures into her latest novel, With This Pledge. It’s fascinating to read about the journeys the main characters take – Lizzie Clouston is betrothed to her childhood friend, Towny, and she is a Southern woman who opposes the Southern Cause. Captain Roland Jones not only supports the cause, but is also fighting for it.
Alexander deftly weaves this historical tale based on actual letters written between Lizzie and Roland in the 1860s. I appreciate her skill in building this story from real-life events, and including the letters in the text transports us to another time and place, where people wrote eloquently to each other of their struggles, hopes, and feelings. She brings to life the very real struggle people faced at the time over what would happen when slavery was abolished, as well as the challenges many of us face today regarding where to place our trust during bleak and perplexing times.
I strongly recommend this book, as well as anything else written by Tamera Alexander. At just over 400 pages, I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into a past that’s difficult for us to imagine. I found the descriptions of the post-battle surgeries fascinating, and the lightweight explanations of battle strategy to be helpful in understanding what happened. Alexander’s characters do a marvelous job of clearly illustrating both sides of the conflict that nearly tore America apart, thus helping us understand more about our country’s history and about the people who lived it.
The book discussion questions and recipes at the end of the book add an element of fun too. I’m eagerly awaiting book two!
Thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions expressed are my own.
Tamera Alexander is well-known for her historical romances, many of which take place in or near her hometown of Nashville. This one follows suit and is the first full-length novel in her Carnton series. She has 2 other series that take place on Nashville plantation houses and this is the 3rd series of its kind. The series starts out with a Christmas novella. As I read it over a year ago, I don’t recall many details, so this book would stand just fine on its own, but I will likely go back and re-read Christmas at Carnton just for the added depth.
While this is not the grittiest book I’ve read, it is probably the grittiest historical romance I’ve read. This book takes place during the Civil War. When the battle of Franklin takes place right outside of Carnton’s property, Carnton becomes a hospital for the wounded. Because of that, some of the horrors of the wounds of war described were fairly grotesque. While there was not so much detail to cause me ill, it was definitely more detailed than I’ve seen of most war romance stories.
Most historical stories pick events that actually happened and throw in some actual people as side characters, but the main characters are fiction (think Jack and Rose in Titanic). This allows an author a great deal of creative license to simply be able to determine how a random person might think, feel and react to that set of events, without having to do a lot of research on actual persons. This book, however, differs from that in that the main characters were all real people. That being said, the amount of research that Ms. Alexander put into this novel was immense. I feel like I actually got to know some of the soldiers who convalesced at Carnton as well as Lizzie and the McGavock family who resided at Carnton.
This book was a beautiful story of the triumph of love, the importance of convictions, the foundation of faith and trust in God. The characters were very well developed and the character growth throughout the story was very well done. There were scenes that were gritty and uncomfortable, scenes that made you cheer, scenes that made you laugh and scenes that made you cry (whatever you do, don’t reach chapter 37 in public!). This had all the elements of a fantastic novel, while at the same time telling you a true love story from history. Definitely a 5 star read!
Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book. I was not obligated to write a review and all thoughts contained herein are my own.
With This Pledge is a masterpiece – a literary work of art that, like an intricate painting, engages your senses as you discover more and more through its complexity, and it forever lingers in your thoughts. Through what must have been exhaustive research, Tamera Alexander has fleshed out real-life events and characters into a novel that entertains, resonates with the reader, and challenges your thinking. With This Pledge ranks among the most moving of Alexander’s novels and is the first to go on this year’s “best of the best” list.
Odd how war had a way of leveling life. Of making what once seemed so important – not quite so significant. And in turn, it made what truly mattered – people, taking care of one another, life – of utmost urgency.
Set in Franklin, Tennessee, With This Pledge is a story of hope in the midst of tragedy, multilayered in both characters and plot. Viewing a devastating battle in the distance from the balcony of the plantation where she works as governess, Lizzie is drawn into the harsh aftermath of war as the home becomes a hospital. The atmosphere of tragedy, grief and loss is palpable – as is that of strength, courage and sacrifice. Through Alexander’s exquisite writing, the romance of Roland and Lizzie is a touching bright spot in the midst of turmoil.
In a war where North and South both believed God was on their side, where atrocities were committed on both sides, Alexander’s writing challenges conventional thinking about the morality of slavery and leaves readers with much to reflect upon. And so relevant for us today is the fact that believing in God doesn’t prevent asking the timeless question of Where is God in the midst of all this?
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Tamera Alexander is an author whose novels I have enjoyed. Her most recent novel, With This Pledge, is no exception. Set at Carnton House during and after the Battle of Franklin, Alexander’s meticulous research skills and ability to craft an engaging story truly shine in this work. As you read, the sights and sounds of the battle and the makeshift hospital are vivid. While definitely a work of fiction, it is hard to remember that the characters and the events depicted really happened.
If you enjoy historical fiction, particularly Civil War stories, you will enjoy this book. I greatly enjoyed how Alexander wove themes of fighting injustice and bucking the system into a story told from largely from the Confederate point of view.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book With This Pledge via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The opening scenes of With This Pledge show an ordinary day, a governess teaching her students in their home. This home is Carnton located in Tennessee during the Civil War. This day turns out not to be not so ordinary when the day turns dark as the war erupts all around the plantation and the wounded begin coming into the home.
This story at times can be hard to read and I can’t even imagine how hard it would have been to live during that time, to be that up close and personal with the war, the terribly wounded, and the casualties all around. These were people and parts of them were being amputated in mass quantity to try to save their lives. Again this is not a light read and the author puts us right there in the organized chaos and feeling the emotions that Lizzie is experiencing and showing us through her eyes the calamity that has occurred.
I really liked Lizzie’s character and the strength she uses to stand up under such horrible pressure to be the hope and defender of these Confederate men, while still showing herself true to her beliefs that slavery is wrong and that the North will win.
Enter very injured in body, yet strong in spirit Captain Roland Ward Jones who knows without a doubt he is going to live. He has already tasted of very personal tragedy and this war he fought was what he thought was best for his country. I enjoyed the friendship that bloomed between these two and eventually the love that became unshakable.
I knew little of this battle where the South experienced such great loss and I was intrigued that this story was about real life folks and we get to glimpse some of the letters that were written. I appreciate the author’s great care and research that brought these characters and their stories back to life again.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Tamera Alexander WithThis Pledge rushes readers into the world of Civil War in Carnton outside of Nashville, Tennessee. With robust characters and a horrific setting told in a familiar yet unique way, Alexander creates a sense of urgency for the characters and the readers as they deal with the horrific situations surrounding their daily lives. The research to write this astounding story astounds even the truest reader, allowing them to forget they are reading a story based on true facts with a good amount of fiction thrown in to top off the story. The romance grew naturally even through all the blood pouring and injured soldiers everywhere. Even though the story was masterfully written, for me, there were moments that didn’t capture my attention. Nothing was happening, so I lost interest and read faster to find another scene to spark my interest back in the story. Overall, Alexander’s With This Pledge is a wonderful attention to historical romance and a delight for fans of the Civil War genre.
I received a complimentary copy of Tamera Alexander’s With This Pledge, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Historical point of view with real people that were in the civil war battle. Issues were not made pretty but dealt with as they must have happened. There was also some romance involved.
I absolutely love Tamera Alexander books and will go out of my way to find one to read. This book was no different. The cover pulled me in and the back cover synopsis had me intrigued.
The story was written well, almost too well in it’s descriptions of the war scene. The entire story is focused on the war, the men and the injuries that they incurred in the battles. What Lizzie see’s and experiences as a volunteer.
The story is Lizzie and the young man that dies in her arms. He leaves behind cryptic clues and Lizzie wants to let his family know what happened to him. While volunteering, Lizzie meets up with Captain Roland who is also injured. They become friends and possibly more.
Again, as always with Tamera Alexander’s books, the stories are well written and full of historical information. However, this is probably one of her books that I won’t be keeping to read again at a future date. The graphic descriptions of war just wasn’t my thing.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through BookLook Bloggers.
Tamera Alexander used the letters from the real Lizzie Clouston and Captain Roland Jones along with historical and personal accounts to weave this fascinating story. I thought With This Pledge was well-written with gentle pacing. With This Pledge is filled with rich historical details along with descriptions of the clothing, homes, conveyances, battles, wounds soldiers suffered and much more. The battle scenes are realistic along with the injuries the soldiers received. Many people had conflicted feelings about the war as evidenced by Lizzie. Slavery was a contentious issue. Owning people was wrong, but Southerners needed the slaves to work their plantations and they could not afford to pay wages to the number of workers needed. The book is brought to life thanks to the descriptive writing. The religious content is strong with our main characters being Christians who share their faith and live to set an example to others. I like that the author included books that were popular during this time period like A Christmas Carol. The romance between Lizzie and Roland is sweet. It plays out softly, naturally and respectfully. The dialogue suited the time period with its formality and word choices. I am giving With This Pledge 4 out of 5 stars. There were some areas that were not as engaging (battle details for example) and I would find myself skimming the text for the next intriguing section. Readers will enjoy this sweeping historical romance its multifaceted story and relatable, heartwarming characters.
“She’s given her pledge, and she’s a woman of her word.”
The ravages of our nation’s Civil War had reached the lovely Carnton estate; spreading death and destruction across the rolling hills of Tennessee as far as the eye could see, following the heinous battle of Franklin. Governess Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clouston’s job quickly detoured from teaching students the basics of education to assisting a field doctor with the grizzly task of removing limbs and suturing indescribable wounds; the McGavock’s fine home being populated with dozens of wounded soldiers.
Among those brought to the estate for surgery is Captain Roland Jones, who with Lizzie’s perseverance, convinces the army surgeon to save both of his legs, paving the way for a painstakingly slow road to recovery. In the meantime, their hearts begin to travel the path of attraction, only to be reminded that Lizzie is already betrothed to another and the dear captain remains convinced that owning one’s fellow man is perfectly humane. It’s an impasse that seems impossibly improbable to span.
“Freedom. Choices. Promises.” In the author’s own words, “these three themes run with vivid undercurrent through this story, just as they continue to run through our still too-divided country”. Rich in character and resonating with the depth of history, “With This Pledge” is a story that offers a lasting tribute to those who fought to the death and to those who lived to make a difference.
Tamera Alexander has outdone herself with this book! I have loved all of her books but believe this is the best yet! So much history! I knew the civil war was terrible but the Battle of Franklin must have been horrendous beyond belief! Captain Roland Jones is a strong male protagonist who is fighting for what he believes. He is also an honorable man who will not pursue a relationship with a woman who is promised to someone else. Governess Lizzie Clouston is a courageous woman who believes slaves should learn to read. When Lizzie is called upon to assist the surgeon with amputations, she fulfills the task! Mrs. Alexander has researched Carnton Plantation and the Battle of Franklin so is able to provide many details and descriptions. With This Pledge is based on true facts from the Civil War. If you enjoy history, you will not want to miss this book! I received an e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
If you’ve been looking for a lengthy book you can deep-dive into …
If you’re a history buff with particular interest in the Civil War …
If you’re a Tamera Alexander fan (or have never heard of her) …
This book is for you.
Painstakingly researched and written, With This Pledge sweeps you back to Civil War times. A very different time and country await you in this 450+-page book. Prepare to be changed.
The book does come with an author’s note, cautioning readers that some descriptions are gruesome. They are; war is no respecter of persons (or readers). Sometimes I caught myself squinting my eyes or skimming past a surgical description — an option I’m grateful for. I’m also grateful I kept reading. This necessary story brings the Civil War to life, 150 years later, replete with its struggles, shades of gray, and, ultimately, hope.
Much like Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours and the Great Depression, With This Pledge opens a door on the Civil War to readers who will never know it firsthand.
Winston Churchill famously said (paraphrasing George Santayana), “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” This book, I believe, will help prevent that … at least with regards to the Civil War. If I could put With This Pledge in the hands of Civil War students everywhere, I would. Textbooks only get us so far; this can help us go further on the important path to remembering — and learning from — history.
I received a copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions are my own.