Book Review: With This Pledge

With This Pledge
By Tamera Alexander
Thomas Nelson, 2019

Lizzie Clouston has led a relatively sheltered life as governess for a wealthy Southern family. When the Carnton estate where she is employed is converted into a confederate hospital following the Battle of Franklin, Lizzie is compelled to help care for the injured soldiers. Her obvious compassion leads one soldier to obtain a difficult promise from her, that no matter what she will not allow the doctor to amputate his mangled leg.

Though not an overly religious man anymore, Captain Roland Jones believes that his life was spared for a reason. He enlists Lizzie to advocate for him, and as she helps care for him and the other soldiers as they recover from their injuries, Roland finds himself attracted to her in a way he hasn’t felt since his wife died. Little does he know that Lizzie returns those feelings, since she is betrothed to her childhood friend Towny.

As they come to know each other more, Lizzie and Roland must grapple with their opposing beliefs surrounding the issue of slavery at the heart of the war. A quiet abolitionist, Lizzie struggles reconcile her feelings for Roland with the pledge she made, and decide how to stay true to her convictions without sacrificing a lifetime of love.

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Thanks to TLC Book Tours for sending me a copy to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review:

Firstly, thanks so much to TLC Book Tours, for sending me a copy of With This Pledge to review. It is fantastic. I have long been a fan of Tamera Alexander and historical fiction in general, and this newest book of hers is full of rich historical detail. Her descriptions of the battle and aftermath are detailed and gripping, leaving the reader feeling compassion for both armies. The soldiers from both sides are humanized in a very compelling way despite their obviously opposing convictions.

I love the open dialogue between Lizzie and Roland about the issue of slavery. It’s something that they both wrestle with as they try to determine what part they will play in the changes that will come as the end of the war looms. Reading their conversations through the lens of historical perspective and also current race relations is very revealing.

The title is derived from the theme of honor and integrity that runs through the story. The characters examine what it means to be honorable and if it is ever acceptable to break promises. This is particularly highlighted by Lizzie’s betrothal to her childhood friend and the conflict that presents when she finds herself attracted to Roland, since her feelings about her betrothal are unconventional.

Overall, this is a sweet love story set against the backdrop of a horrible war. Lizzie learns how strong and courageous she is, while Roland grows in his faith in way that wouldn’t have been possible without his injury. I loved With This Pledge and will be recommending it often in the future.

Do you enjoy historical fiction?