I’m not generally a fan of Christian fiction, but this book was so well written and researched that I was able to overlook those passages that I felt were unnecessary. A fascinating look into the aftermath of battle as seen through the eyes of the women left behind. Nicely done.

Wow! I don't know if I even have all of the words to say how amazingly well this story was written. Tamera Alexander takes the reader on a journey straight into the trenches of the civil war, both physically and emotionally. When a war is being fought between brothers and neighbors, there is no escape--the war is guaranteed to leave it's mark on all.

While the Civil War led to the abolition of slavery, it also held a lot of death and bloodshed. One question that was constantly posed throughout the story was "is it worth it?" Before being sent into war, men had to ask themselves if they were willing to die for what they believed. For many, as the war continued, their answers changed once it was too late. War is an ugly thing, and it both ends and destroys lives. Why did so many have to die before they would talk?

What I loved about this story was that it showed that while not everyone fought on the physical battle lines, the war touched virtually everyone. Men didn't just lose their lives--but wives lost their husbands, children lost their fathers, siblings lost their brothers, parents lost their sons, and so on. Many witnessed events that would surely traumatize them for the rest of their lives. This story shares the painful truths of just how deeply the war had affected everyone. Tamera Alexander was able to masterfully weave the stories of multiple types of people into a story drenched with brokenness yet blanketed in hope.

I have an ARC copy so I'm not sure if this will exist in the beginning of the full published version, but in my copy there is a note in the beginning from the author to readers mentioning that she wanted to be as historically accurate in this story which leads to some content that may be difficult for some readers. She states, "I've written this novel with a careful consideration of history--including oftentimes disturbing descriptions of combat--coupled with a deep desire to weave a compelling story of hope" (pg ix). In my opinion the author did a flawless job with this. Yes, there are some graphic details, but I don't believe they were avoidable while maintaining a historically accurate and realistic novel. Mentioned in the Afterward at the end, is the knowledge that many of the characters including the main characters, were actually real-life people and that Tamera's web-page contains more information on what was fact vs fiction about them in the story. I have every intent to visit since I am fascinated about learning about the real people behind history.

I honestly don't believe I could recommend this book enough. Yes, there are some difficult moments, but Tamera Alexander has made history come alive in a way that will stay with you forever. Just as the war left no one unchanged, so this book will leave no reader unchanged. This is absolutely a MUST-READ!

*I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

"There are certain events and heroic acts over the course of time which ought to be preserved in the memory of our collective history and Alexander honors Civil War Carnton’s residents and those they encountered with her grace, craft, and class. " - Bookmarked Review for Hope By The Book magazine online bonus content "In Review" 12/14/18

Wow. Tamera Alexander touched the tender places in this book. In parts it wasn’t an easy book to read, but the detail to history and the emotion of what the soldiers went through was a story definitely worth reading. The issue of slavery and its ramifications was laid out in a beautiful way and the sweet romance was just right. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Tamera had me laughing, smiling and crying throughout this book. I have read all of her books but this one was so intense for me that I could not put it down until I read it to the last page. So to say the least it was a LONG night. Tamera has a gift of writing and teaching in all of her stories. Thank you to the publishers and NetGallery for letting me read this story. Can’t wait for the next one.

Such a hard read, yet so well written and hard to put down! This is not a light hearted read, because it tells in vivid detail what happened during a battle in Franklin, Tennessee. The details are hard to swallow, but makes you pause to consider what happened during the civil war. Elizabeth and Roland were very well developed and had a strong connection that can be felt throughout the book. There were a few times I thought the story lagged a bit, and it was easy to confuse all of the soldiers, but other than that, it was a truly enjoyable read. I cannot recommend enough.

I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions 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!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

'Sometimes life on this side of the veil is far more difficult than I think it should be. But then, God promises to not eliminate suffering.'

Every so often you read a book, that when you finish, you can't even bear to pick up another to read. I stayed up late to finish this powerful story and then the characters populated my dreams and held my mind captive for a long time. This is such a book.

November 30, 1864. Franklin, Tennessee. The Civil War is raging. Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Clouston is a governess for the McGavocks at their home, Carnton. The battle of Franklin begins that day and rages for 8 hours and kills nearly 10,000 men. Carnton is immediately turned into a field hospital, so full of men undergoing surgery that they spill onto the lawn and beyond. The battlefield is clearly visible from Carnton's windows and it is vicious. So vicious that one soldier said, 'It was as if the devil had full possession of the earth.' An actual soldier of the battle said this.

Lizzie is pressed into service as assistant to the doctor and surgeon, administering chloroform as he operates and tending to the wounded and dying. Her heart is breaking at the atrocities she sees. One soldier, Captain Roland Jones, insists she stand up for him while he is under anesthesia and not let the doctor amputate his leg, even if it means he'll never have use of it again.

Lizzie hates slavery, even though she lives in the south and works for a slave owner. Roland is himself a slave owner. She is convinced that the south will lose and she hopes for this to happen so that all men may be free. But Lizzie is not vocal about her feelings and this begins to bother her greatly.

This book is based on historical fact. There was a real battle of Franklin, as there is still a real Carnton plantation. Almost every character in her story was an actual person. Tamera Alexander's research is impeccable and she makes this dreadful time come alive for her readers. I studied the Civil War in school and have read numerous books that dealt with the subject or set in the time period, but she completely brought it home fully to me. The Battle of Franklin has been called the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Numerous Confederate generals met their death in this battle and it was said that a person could walk across the battlefield and not touch the ground because there were so many dead. As a history lover, this book was eye opening to me. It also made me reach out and do some research of my own.

Alexander's descriptions are so vivid, the reader feels as if they are transported back in time, standing right there in the middle of the scene where life and death hangs in the balance for these wounded soldiers. I felt as if I were in those rooms at Carnton where the blood was spattered along the walls, men lay dying and begging for relief. Our hearts hurt as they cry out for someone to let their loved ones know what happened to them. This actually happened! This part is not fiction. The feelings that Alexander conveys are so visceral that the reader gasps at the savagery of it all. I wept through many passages. And all through the book, her spiritual theme shines through. Tamera Alexander manages to include her readers in everything she writes; not just this book, but her others as well. There is such a depth to her writing that it's no wonder I carried these characters with me long after finishing the book. And that they invaded my dreams. This was one of the most powerful and outstanding books I've ever read. I highly recommend this. Not to be missed!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this book. The storyline of a windowed elderly lady and 3 young people coming together was heartwarming. Adeline after loosing her beloved Percy a few years ago is faced with financial problems. A young Amish man and Amish woman come into her life through past contacts with her Percy. Also coming into her life is a distant cousin. They form a family for her and begin helping out around her house and yard. Later in the story their bonds have grown stronger and the love they have for each other shins through the words. Heartache comes but the bonds hold them together. I can't wait to see what else unfolds in the next books in this series.

Last year I read Tamera Alexander’s book Christmas at Carnton and absolutely loved it. I have been looking forward to the next in the series and was very excited when I was recently approved for a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Set during and after the battle of Franklin near the end of the Civil War, With This Pledge tells the story of Lizzie Clouston, governess to the McGavock family at Carnton, and Captain Roland Jones, Mississippi sharpshooter.

While I enjoyed reading about the developing relationship between Lizzie and Captain Jones, what really captured my attention were the historical details of the time period written in this book. From the arrival of the injured soldiers at Carnton, to the surgeries performed to save their lives, to how the Family assisted with the care and wellbeing after the battle. It all fascinated me, and was so well written that I could vividly imagine what was taking place.

I also appreciated the complexity of emotions the differing characters had regarding the war and the outcome - particularly the evolution of Captain Jones thoughts regarding his family history and his relationship with George. I could feel the emotional dynamics between the main characters as well as the Federal and Confederate soldiers.

I found there to be a heavier religious undertone to this book then Christmas at Carnton. However, it did make sense with all that was taking place in this book.

Overall this was a gripping historical fiction read that I greatly enjoyed.

Oh, to try to put into words how good this book is.
I am sitting here three days after I finished it, still not able to pick up my next book because I want to keep this story in my mind!
If you noticed the five star rating, it is because this is what I love in a book, and it touches on all the important markers for me that make great Christian fiction.
Set during the Civil War, you are thrust into the horrible aftermath of the battle. While the author definitely gives you the gritty truth of the settings, she does so in such a way that makes you feel as if you are there.
I applaud the author for taking the path not many have, in giving us a look at the war between the states from the Confederate veiw point. Especially in today's setting of jumping to wipe away anything we don't like from history, we need to remember that people are not perfect and never will be. I think this book gave a great message about to veiw those who see differently than us, and how we need to remember the humanity of our opponents.
The love story was steadily woven and felt very authentic.
I experienced the range of emotions from smiling at the banter and sarcasm, to crying at the heartbreaking scene of loss. To me this is a sign of an author who is skilled with words and storytelling. This author is just that. I have quotes from this book highlighted because I needed this message at this point in my life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a read that transports, challenges, and encourages your walk in The Lord.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Tamera Alexander With This 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.

WITH THIS PLEDGE by TAMERA ALEXANDER is a historical romance novel which starts with what happened at Carnton in Franklin Tennessee, the home of Colonel and Mrs McGavock, on November 30th 1864. It is a truly inspirational read with lessons for us to learn about forgiveness, compassion, and the horrors of war. The fact that, whatever our colour, we are all made in the image of God, is strongly brought out. Most of the characters are people who lived at the time, and the author has made them very real to us.
Lizzie Clouston is a governess who teaches the McGavock children. She is a born teacher and even teaches George and Tempy to read in secret, as, although she is a Southerner, she has strong feelings about the wickedness of slavery. When Captain Roland Jones, one of the Rebel soldiers who are being looked after at Carnton, finds out about her feelings about slavery, he thinks at first that she is a bit naive and looking for trouble, but he keeps her secret.
Lizzie and the McGavocks go out of their way to serve the broken men that are brought to them after the disastrous battle at Franklin, and Lizzie even helps Dr Philips in the many surgeries he performs. Even the children, Winder and Hattie, are involved in helping in this unusual and gruesome situation.
I really enjoyed this book for the great story and the strong Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Readers who love historical fiction with factual information throughout will love this book. Tamara Alexander weaves a vivid account of the five hour battle taken place at Franklin, Tennessee during the last year of the Civil War. Using historical documents from the family of Captain Roland Jones, readers will capture the true picture of Carnton Mansion during this period. While there is a love story included in this story, the war, loss of life, and the caring of wounded soldiers are the main emphasis. Also, faith was a major part of people's lives during this time period. I love that the author used actual letters within the story to bring greater meaning to this tragic time. Highly recommended!!

Wow! What a powerful, detailed historical fiction (but based on true events) book set in Tennessee during the Civil War. GREAT BOOK!!!

I am a huge fan of Tamera Alexander. I enjoyed Christmas at Carnton and was looking forward to this next book of the series. This book, however, is not my favorite. Many of her other books are love stories with compelling subplots. In this book, I would argue that the commandeering of Carnton as a field hospital was clearly the purpose of the book and the love story was a (somewhat weak) subplot. The entirety of the book (particularly the first half or so) is focused almost entirely upon grizzly, gruesome, and gory battle scenes, vivid descriptions of wounded soldiers, etc. It is not for the faint of heart. If you are expecting a romance set in the civil war, you will be disappointed as I was. This book is a civil war battle story that just happens to have some elements of a romance. We were basically 1/3 of the way through the book before the hero/heroine had a real conversation. In opposition to the vivid descriptions of blood and gore of amputations, mortal injuries, and torturous pain endured by a dying officer, I found the regular day-to-day interactions of the soldiers a bit unbelievable. I have faced a lot of injury and near-death injury and illness, both personally and with family members. After she got past the intial descriptions, she seemed to forget that they were gravely injured and they were mostly just hanging out within days with only rare mentions of their injuries.

The book was entirely too depressing and I felt that the description did not aptly convey this, though it's entirely possible that my reading was colored with some expectation based upon both Tamera Alexander's other works, and the first book of this series, Christmas at Carnton.

At any rate, this book does contain Alexander's depth and quality story telling, so if you are looking for a book that offers vivid descriptions of war scenes and wounds, you will appreciate this book. If you are interested in a lighthearted tale like the first book offered more of, you might want to pass.