With this Pledge by Tamera Alexander far exceeded the expectations and hopes I had for this book. Ms. Alexander wrote so passionately about this era and her characters so realistic, it brought the Civil War to a whole new level for me. My heart went through the gambit of emotions while reading this story and I was glued to the story the entire time I read it. My hat goes off to Ms. Alexander for such an engaging and emotionally moving story.

4.5 Stars!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Alexander, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The setting and the characters in this book were so well described that I was actually able to envision life in the south during the horror of the civil war. I liked how the author described the relationships between slaves and slave owners, and the paradigm shift that had to take place in our main characters in order to help them come to terms with the outcome of the war. And the love story was sweet. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

Tamera Alexander does it again! I am excited for the rest of this new series. This one moved a little bit slower than some of the others, but I appreciated the historical context and character development!

I enjoyed this book. It was hard for me to get into the story at first. Although the story was slower paced, I wanted to know what happened to each person. I liked most of the characters and found them to be realistic and personable. Since this is set during the civil war, there was scenes of wounded soldiers and the vast variety of injuries. But it was respectful and not overly graphic. I know this is fiction but this book protrays what people went through during the war. I think there are a lot of valuable lessons we as readers can learn from this book.
I recommend this book to my family and friends.
I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest review.

Helplessness is one of the worst feelings a human can experience. To me, there is nothing more awful than seeing someone in great pain and genuinely being unable to help. Tamera Alexander does a really good job of portraying true helplessness in With This Pledge. There are so many horrible moments that take place in this book where Lizzie, the heroine, feels utterly powerless to do anything to make the situations better. On the night of November 30, 1864, Carnton House was commandeered by Confederate soldiers and turned into a makeshift hospital. Acting governess to the McGavock family, Lizzie finds herself pulled in to help the surgeon as he furiously tries to save the lives of many, many broken and severely injured soldiers. Uncertain what to do, but absolutely willing to help, Lizzie aids the surgeon in ways she never imagined. Between the agonizing cries of the wounded and the devastation left after many, many men die senseless deaths, Lizzie struggles with how useless she feels. Sometimes in life, moments barrel us down leaving us questioning whether we will ever be able to get back up again. The Battle of Franklin and its aftershocks is a prime example of life beating down humans.

There have been a handful of times in my life when I have experienced a sense of helplessness. But I admit that I truly did not understand that word in its fullest sense until two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, my dad was killed in a car accident. Someone swerved in front of him on the freeway, and changed my family’s lives forever. There was literally NOTHING anyone could have done after that man made his choice to drive selfishly rather than safely. You want to know what true helplessness looks like? It’s watching your precious mother say goodbye to her best friend before the crematorium workers take your father’s body away forever. It’s knowing that there is absolutely NOTHING I can do to help my mom. It’s knowing that my beautiful daughter, nieces, and nephews will never again get to play with their beloved grandpa this side of Heaven. It’s knowing that my brothers, sister, and I have to wait until it is our turn to go to Heaven before we can hug and kiss our dad again. One man made a decision and there is NOTHING I can do about that. This is true helplessness. I completely understand how Lizzie feels in With This Pledge, and with every fiber of my being I wish I didn’t.

There are several timely themes weaved throughout With This Pledge; all so important for today’s readers to consider. The theme that most resonates with me is that while life is uncertain and there are no guarantees, we who love and cherish God can rest assured that He orders our steps. Nothing surprises God. Nothing shocks Him. God puts every single one of us on a path, and He promises to be with us every step of the way — even in our most helpless of moments. With my heart currently battered, shattered, and bleeding, I really needed this reminder that God is always in control and He is always near. This takes the sting out of what seems like chaos to me.

Tamera Alexander is incapable of writing a bad story. She truly is one of today’s leading Christian Historical Fiction authors. With This Pledge may be Alexander’s best book to date. With a setting that pulls the reader in from page one, characters who are brilliantly and realistically crafted and who worm their way into the reader’s heart, and timely themes, With This Pledge is a definite must-read for 2019. I highly recommend this stunning novel!

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon on January 9, 2019 to read and review. I also received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via NetGalley through TLC Book Tours. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book was so wonderful and yet heartbreaking to read. It was hard to read about the vivid details of the surgeries that happened to the soldiers, but it definitely brought the scene to life. It was a wonderful love story, interwoven with the civil war and all that heartbreak it entailed.

I really enjoyed this Civil War era romance. I loved the setting and the sweeping plot. All of the story takes place at the Carnton plantation which is turned into a hospital. I should give a warning that some of the content is gruesome, but it's really well done. The characters are well developed and have good chemistry. I'm interested to see where the series goes from here.

I received a free review copy from Netgalley.

A classic Tamera Alexander classic...in depth research permeates in this epic novel. Experience it yourself!!!

This book is just AMAZING!!!!!!! When I think of Civil War fiction I have two favorite authors that I believe nail it and Tamera Alexander is one of them. I read historical fiction because it fascinates me and for what I can learn from it. This book is heavy, don't kid yourself if you read this book you will feel something. It takes place during the heat of the battle and we are there right along with the author in the thick of things. Many of the characters are based on actual people who lived during this time period it makes the book very realistic. The author does extensive research and the quality of her books show it. I have been waiting to read this book for more than a year after reading Christmas at Carnton. The descriptions are just so realistic, the sights,sounds it's all there for you.
I look forward to many more books by this author.
Pub Date 08 Jan 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson--FICTION through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

With this Pledge is a well crafted historical romance. This book is set during the Civil War era in Tennessee. Loved the plot and the characters. I am normally not a fan of historical fiction but do enjoy the ones set during the Civil War. This book did not disappoint. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

When you read a book like With This Pledge, you think, do my thoughts even matter? At this moment, all I can really say is that you need to read this book for yourself.
This book is not an easy read. Yes, ok, grammatically and style wise, it's easy to read, but the way Lizzie's and Roland's story will storm your emotions will not be easy. The reason for this, most likely, is that this story is not in its entirety made up. Nearly, all the characters were living, breathing people who's lives were forever changed by a five-hour battle on a field just south of Nashville.
Not long ago, I visited Carnton for myself and it is exactly as Ms. Alexander describes. I could picture the rooms and layout in my mind as I read. She writes of the blood stains in the floorboards-- I've seen them.
I cried more tears while reading this book than any other. To be honest, I'm still crying while trying to write this review.
I will warn you. With This Pledge is about war. While certain descriptions are dealt with as tactfully as possible, this was a gruesome battle and some images are disturbing. If you are sensitive to discussions of this nature, I don't recommend this book. However, if you love to read about historical events and the people who lived through them, this is exactly your kind of book.
The themes of this book are Sacrifice, Freedom, and Promises. It begs you to ask the question, "would you be willing to sacrifice everything to do what's right?"
The strength and fortitude of the women in this story, Lizzie and Carrie, are beyond imagination. With only one hour to spare, their beautiful home becomes a field hospital and Lizzie is called upon to assist in surgery, something she's never done before. The kindness and compassion both women show as they comfort the dying and honor the dead, is something we can all learn from.
This book is about evaluating your beliefs. Why do you believe what you believe and would you be willing to die for those beliefs? The confederate soldiers died for what they believed in and yet, they were wrong. Slavery is sin. It was emotionally heart-rending to see these characters struggle to understand and come to terms with the battle and the results of that battle. They knew the end was coming. Their whole world was about to change. The question is, could they change with it?

This is a beautifully written story but so hard to read. Hard because war is hell and this book takes place right in the thick of it. It was not the author's intent to make things gory but the atrocities are written so vividly it is not difficult to see all the blood. So. Much. Blood. So many died or lost limbs etc. So, not gory but yes, vivid.

Alexander writes about difficult things-war, slavery, losing loved ones.... There are moments of tears, and moments to feel sickened. A few swoony moments and moments to smile. This battle takes place near the end of the war and we see the point of view from both sides of slavery. We see how both sides became weary of war. We see compassion and we see horrible, calloused and cruel people. We see people repent and change and others who we wish would change but don't.

The romance is a love triangle and that is hard too because both men are good. We love everyone and want everyone to be happy and it seems that it can't be so.

The book is based on real people and I'm curious to know just how much is factual and how much is fiction but I don't know enough history to be able to say.

There is a fairly heavy Christian theme woven through the story. Some are struggling with their faith and others are very strong in faith.

Even though the subject matter made this difficult to read in some ways, I loved reading the book. Well done.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes


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

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.

Tamera Alexander's new book, With this Pledge, is a delightful read. It was hard to put down, and historical fiction at it's very best! The story takes place near the end of the American Civil War and begins during the Battle of Franklin. The battle that day led to enormous losses for the Confederate army, and the nearby family home of Carnton belonging to the McGavock family becomes a temporary hospital.

The McGavock's nanny, Lizzy is the female heroine of the story. Even though rattled to the core by the devastating wounds of the soldiers that enter the home, she immediately takes on the task of lay anesthetist for the men who require surgery for their injuries. Lizzy advocates for Captain Roland Jones who begs the surgeon for his leg to be spared amputation and against the Dr's better judgment, he concedes. Jones becomes Lizzy's love interest, even though she is engaged to Towny, her best friend from childhood.

The story deals with the subject of slavery and presents both the North and the South's point of view. As the author pointed out in her Afterword, the themes of the novel center around freedom, choices, and promises. The novel was extensively researched and notably based on history and the real lives of the central characters.

I am a recent fan of Tamera's books, and this one has kept me enthralled with her work. I am grateful to NetGalley for this ARC given to me for my honest review.

The first book in Tamera Alexander’s new series is a thoroughly engaging read from first page to last and brings home both the personal and collective cost of war. I became almost as attached to some of the soldiers Lizzie tended as she did, even shedding tears with her at various times during the story, and I have nothing but admiration for Lizzie and for the countless women and men who have done as she did throughout the pages of history: stepped up to assist with the medical and emotional care of wounded soldiers.

I love the historical research that goes into Tamera Alexander’s novels, and this one is no exception. In fact, it was even better, knowing that so much of this story was based on what really did happen at Carnton following the Battle of Franklin—even the developing relationship between Captain Jones and Lizzie. It also takes a writer of keen insight and sensitivity to set stories in the South during this time period without either demonizing all who fought for the Confederacy or minimizing the injustice and inhumanity of slavery, and I particularly loved the way Captain Jones grappled with his beliefs and practices regarding owning slaves as the story progressed.

But beyond its historical aspects, it was the relationships that hooked me into this novel: the dedication Lizzie showed towards the wounded soldiers, fighting not just to save their lives but to restore their spirits and fulfil last requests; her determination to treat Tempy and George as equals in humanity, if not yet in social status, regardless of what it might cost her; and her struggle to keep her promise to Towny, even as she recognised her regard for Captain Jones was moving beyond simple friendship.

This is a definite must-read for lovers of Civil War fiction, and highly recommended for all other readers besides.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I absolutely loved this book! Author Tamera has a way of making me feel as if I were there amidst the action. The silent strength Lizzie possessed along with risks she took throughout the story is very admirable. Captain Jones charmed  his way into my heart with humor during this dire time as well many of the young soldiers who found themselves in this unfortunate situation. Many of the characters including the main ones were real life people and Tamera retrieved alot of the information from Captain Jones' Great-great-great-great-gransdson David. On her website she has a link that will show the truth and fiction with pictures included. So if you love history you are sure to enjoy this gem!

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.

Tamera Alexander is an author whose novels I have enjoyed. Her most recent novel,<i> With This Pledge</i>, 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.”

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

After seeing this book popping up on the Avid Readers of Christian fiction group on Facebook, I immediately requested a copy to read and review when I saw it listed on Netgalley. I was thrilled that my request was approved and started reading it immediately.

The story gripped me from the very beginning. I felt like I was present there in Carnton back in the 1800's along with Lizzie and all those injured soldiers.

Tamera has a lovely way with words, captivating you and pulling you into her world. This is a beautifully written story. My favourite novels are those when you can tell the author has put lots of research into their writing. The history just falls out of each page. Ofcourse, I did some research of my own on Carnton and what I found was amazing. Thanks for staying true to the facts.

This is the first book I have read written by Tamera Alexander, but definitely won't be the last.
Good job, Tamera. Thank you for taking me on this historical journey.

P.S This novel fulfils three categories on my 2019 Reading Challenge for being a book published this year, a book based on a true story as well as being a book written by a new-to-me author.

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.*