Book Summary...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 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.
My thoughts...Our family travels to Nashville,TN around twice a year and last summer I had the privilege to take a tour of the Carnton home. I was fascinated by the history and the grounds of this beautiful historic landmark. As I read With This Pledge, I was thrilled with the way that Tamera Alexander wove so much of the history into the novel. It is obvious that she has done extensive research, including side stories that actually took place within the walls of Carnton. All of the characters, even the fictional ones, came to life through her expert storytelling. I had a hard time putting the book down!
Lizzie and Roland's story was one of my favorites by this author! I loved the chemistry that was created between these two that began with the first few pages of the book. Lizzie's compassion for those in need complemented Roland's physical and emotional vulnerability. I also appreciated the way that the author addressed the varying perspectives of those living in the North and South at the time of the Civil War. It was an honest portrayal of the prejudices and struggles of both sides of the battle, and ultimately showed how God can bring clarity to the heart and mind, even in very difficult circumstances.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would also recommend the novella, Christmas at Carnton, written by the same author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give an honest review, which I did.*
My thoughts...Our family travels to Nashville,TN around twice a year and last summer I had the privilege to take a tour of the Carnton home. I was fascinated by the history and the grounds of this beautiful historic landmark. As I read With This Pledge, I was thrilled with the way that Tamera Alexander wove so much of the history into the novel. It is obvious that she has done extensive research, including side stories that actually took place within the walls of Carnton. All of the characters, even the fictional ones, came to life through her expert storytelling. I had a hard time putting the book down!
Lizzie and Roland's story was one of my favorites by this author! I loved the chemistry that was created between these two that began with the first few pages of the book. Lizzie's compassion for those in need complemented Roland's physical and emotional vulnerability. I also appreciated the way that the author addressed the varying perspectives of those living in the North and South at the time of the Civil War. It was an honest portrayal of the prejudices and struggles of both sides of the battle, and ultimately showed how God can bring clarity to the heart and mind, even in very difficult circumstances.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would also recommend the novella, Christmas at Carnton, written by the same author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give an honest review, which I did.*
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