I loved the cover when I first saw this book but better still I very much enjoyed reading it. Love the story, love the characters and love the setting. This is a book I read in a day and I couldn't put down. A very interesting, heart-felt story in an historical setting this set the tome of the whole book and the writing flowed and made it so easy to read.

Very much enjoyed it and would recommend for every historical fiction lover.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Broken Vow, the second installment in The Fitznortons series, proved to be an utterly captivating read that delved deep into the historical intricacies of its era. Drawing comparisons to the beloved Downton Abbey, the novel transcends mere period drama, offering readers a rich tapestry of emotions and events. What truly hooked me from the start was the transformation of Charlotte, a character I had previously despised. Witnessing her journey from a spoiled and mean-spirited individual to a complex and empathetic figure was both compelling and poignant. As a woman, I found myself deeply frustrated by the limited choices and unfair treatment faced by the characters, highlighting the harsh realities of the time period. Yet amidst the hardships, the novel shines with its diverse array of side characters, each adding depth and nuance to the narrative. The satisfying conclusion left me eager for more, and I can only hope that the author is already at work on a third installment. I wholeheartedly recommend The Broken Vow to anyone seeking an immersive historical read that resonates long after the final page is turned. Add it to your reading list without hesitation.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Luisa A. Jones

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

Having enjoyed Luisa A Jones’ last book, I knew I was a fan of her writing. What I didn’t expect was to love this book even more than I did her first. But I did, and it really wasn’t long before I began to utterly fall in love with this story and develop a true fondness for the main character, Charlotte. This in itself was no mean feat; Charlotte was pretty spoilt in The Gilded Cage (the first book in this series) but the way in which Luisa A Jones turned her from petulant and unlikeable to admirable and heroic is sublimely done.
Then there is the wonderful Venetia, a free-thinking radical whom Charlotte has very little in common with at the start of the book but as the story develops the two of them make this novel that celebrates the importance of female friendship, honesty and hard work.
The author’s love for Wales also shone through and the sense of community is a strong theme in the book, and one that I love. It references the way Welsh communities have historically come together to look after those in need and highlights how Tredegar was a blueprint for our NHS. It also deals with the way victims of shellshock were treated at the time and strongly advocates the importance of compassion and empathy.
Overall, this book is a wonderful story of growth and fortitude and is packed full of historical detail that contribute to the depth of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait to read more from this author. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough – beautifully written and totally immersive.

In the sequel to The Gilded Cage, readers follow Charlotte’s life in the early months of World War I and the British suffragist movement. Rosamund, pregnant with Lucien’s child, is living quietly in the dower house while Charlotte lives with her aunt Blanche and prepares to marry. However, her fiance returns home suddenly from the front struggling with PTSD, prompting Charlotte to convert her family home into a convalescent home for officers. Jones also focuses on the lives of other figures -- Rosamund and Maggie in particular -- over the novel, but Charlotte’s perspective is front and center in the book. The convalescent home is not popular with the locals, especially after a munitions factory starts up for business nearby, so Charlotte must deal with several interpersonal problems related to the hospital and the village. Jones weaves several narratives together in this novel, bringing them together and to neat conclusions, and she handles the several perspectives and narratives very well. The characters, once again, are excellent, dynamic, and complex, and the antagonists are equally despicable and complex. This is a strong, excellent sequel to Jones’s last novel in the series, and readers are sure to enjoy the further narrative development and new situations Charlotte experiences in this novel.

This was a fascinating story, involving people from different walks of life , helping each other out. There were ups and downs in the beginning but there was a lovely conclusion.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I enjoyed reading it. Charlotte was not particularly interesting at the beginning, however her character developed nicely as she moved back to Plas Glyn and began the conversion to a convalescent hospital for soldiers. The author showed that she had researched the conditions these nene faced as they returned from the 1st World War front line.
An easy read which I can recommend to lovers of historical fiction.

After having read The Gilded Cage, I went into this book completely unsure if I could like Charlotte at all. In that book and the beginning of this one, she was spoiled, vain, and insufferable. But Charlotte had an amazing growth of character, and by the end of this book, the author had managed to redeem her fully. She actually became a wonderful character as the story progressed.

The Broken Vow is an outstanding work of historical fiction featuring strong female characters. Set during WWI and focusing a lot of attention on the welfare and mental health of the soldiers. This book is a poignant and heartfelt read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This novel was well written and in several point of views. I wish I had read book 1 of the series before reading this one. There are some things left to be known which makes me feel a third book will happen. I'd recommend to others.
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC of this title through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book although it was a little slow at times. Having not read the first one I did struggle with th characters but, I'm Interested in seeing if there will be another one to come. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

An enjoyable novel from an author new to me.
The story promise had some new elements and the style was smooth and well constructed.

I really enjoyed this historical novel. Set against the background of World War One, it demonstrates the wide impact of the war on all parts of society back in Britain. I loved the development of the characters as the novel progressed. I hadn't read the first book in the series, but this did not take away from my enjoyment of the novel one bit. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fictions

What fun it was to see a young society lady find her way and her voice during the First World War. I found myself rooting for her more and more as the story progressed. Through love and loss, these personalities are quite endearing, all the while strong female characters are front and center. #netgalley #bookreview #thebrokenvow#luisaajones

ARC copy provided courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

A gripping and engaging historical fiction novel which kept me captivated throughout. Charlotte Fitznorton is used to her life of luxury and her life is all planned out for her by her father, Sir Lucien. She knows she must marry well and continue her family line at the family seat, Plas Norton. Charlotte feels her life is nicely falling into place when a son of a viscount, Eustace Chadwycke proposes to her before leaving to fight in France. Charlotte’s future then hangs in the balance following her fathers unexpected death and the news that the stepmother she hates, Rosamund is pregnant. With her life now less certain and her inheritance at stake, she hears that although her fiancé is returning he has been left broken by the horrors of war. Charlotte is determined to care for Eustace and turns Plas Norton into a place of healing for him and other war-weary soldiers. However, small minded, interfering townspeople are not happy and along with a very bossy head nurse and the birth of her baby sister, Charlotte is pushed to her limits. When a mysterious stranger arrives Charlotte must fight for all that she has achieved and protect her legacy. However, this visitor awakens a desire in Charlotte and she begins to wish for a different life then the one her father had planned. This was a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story which took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. Charlotte’s character really changes and develops throughout the story, making her very realistic and relatable. The descriptive narrative really brings the setting to life and the added historical details made me feel fully immersed in the era of WW1. This a wonderfully written story and I found it was a real page turner.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Captivating, dramatic and wonderfully compelling, The Broken Vow is a spellbinding tale from Luisa A. Jones perfect for historical fiction fans.

Born to great wealth and privilege, Charlotte Fitznorton had her future mapped out for her by her father, Sir Lucien, the second she was born. Charlotte would make a suitable match and marry a man of equal rank and fortune and have a family. She would then become chatelaine of the family seat, Plas Norton, and continue living the life she had been accustomed to since birth. When she is proposed to by Eustace Chadwycke, it looks like everything will be falling into place for Charlotte – until tragedy strikes and her entire life is turned on its head…

Sir Lucien dies unexpectedly, her inheritance is threatened by her stepmother Rosamund and Eustace returns from the war a broken man haunted by the horrors he had witnessed on the battlefields. With her inheritance about to slip through her fingers, Charlotte vows to do whatever it takes to secure her future with Eustace so she pours all her time and energy into turning Plas Norton into a sanctuary from her fiancé and other war weary soldiers. However, little does she realize that external forces will conspire against her and test her like she’s never been tested before.

When a stranger arrives unexpectedly at Plas Norton, everything Charlotte has fought so hard for is put in jeopardy. Will she find the strength and courage to fight for her future? Or will she realise that her future might lie far from Plas Norton?

Luisa A. Jones’ The Broken Vow is storytelling at its finest. Atmospheric, enthralling and evocative, The Broken Vow is a passionate tale of love, courage and sacrifice written straight from her heart with a heroine who at the beginning of the book is a spoiled and petulant girl who grows into a strong, resourceful and resilient woman readers will end up rooting for.

The Broken Vow by Luisa A. Jones is a first-rate historical novel that is hard to resist and even harder to put down.

The Broken Vow was an intriguing story set during WWI

The story opens with widowed Rosamunde Fitznorton awaiting the birth of her child in the Dower House of Plas Norton her deceased husband’s estate. Meanwhile her estranged step-daughter Charlotte is in London reluctantly assisting in the war effort while awaiting word of her fiance Eustace and missing all the fun parties and shopping from before the war. Charlotte stands to lose her inheritence if the baby Rosamunde is expecting is a boy. While awaiting the resolution of her inheritence, Charlotte decides to turn Plas Norton into a rehabilitation hospital for her fiance and other soldiers decimated by the War. Tragedy strikes for Rosamunde, and Charlotte is left with the custody of her infant sister and the duty of keeping her familly and estate together through the depravations of war.

I really enjoyed this book. Charlotte starts off as an unlikeable spoiled young girl, but shows real grit and resilience through the trials and tribulations she faces. She experiences real growth by the end of the novel and I found myself rooting for her.

Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

"The Broken Vow" is the second book in The Fitznortons series and is a historical novel that I found to be emotional and thought-provoking. I was immediately drawn into the world of Charlotte Fitznorton, a character I had previously disliked in the first book. However, in this second book, she is forced to confront her flaws, mature, and make difficult choices.
Set in Wales during World War I, the story follows Charlotte as she navigates the sudden death of her father and the uncertain future of her engagement to Eustace, who returns from the war suffering from "shell shock". In an attempt to save her impending marriage, Charlotte converts her family home into a convalescent home for mentally injured soldiers.
Throughout the novel, I was struck by the unfair treatment and limited choices that women faced during that time period. It was frustrating to see how their lives were dictated by societal expectations and the pressure to conform. This aspect of the story added depth and realism to the historical setting.
The author's writing style was beautiful and evocative, capturing the era's essence and the characters' emotions. I particularly enjoyed the character of Venetia, a strong and feisty woman who played an integral role in the story. Her presence added an extra layer of depth and resilience to the narrative.
Although "The Broken Vow" can be read as a standalone novel, I would highly recommend reading the first book, "The Gilded Cage", as well.
Overall, "The Broken Vow" is an engaging and captivating read, ideal for fans of historical fiction. It delves into women's experiences during World War I and explores love, sacrifice, and personal growth themes.

BOOK: THE BROKEN VOW
AUTHOR: LUISA JONES
PUB DATE: 23 JANUARY 2023
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This book was a rollercoaster. It was amazing and easy to read from start to finish. I was able to finish it in a day. The author did a really good job, and I commended her.
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When I first started the book, Charlotte was a character that's mainly the villain in most historical romances. She was selfish, vain, rude, and thought the world revolved around her. I really really loved seeing her develop her character and discover herself. Although, I admire her determination even if it was wrongly applied at the beginning of the book. She learned to appreciate and treat servants better. She learned to accept and understand her stepmother and rise up to insurmountable responsibilities. She learned how to actively help society. You might start the book hating, but you'll finish it loving, I did.
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The storyline itself was well thought out. In 1915, mental health was something feared and ridiculed, and no one really understood anything about those conditions. I could feel what it would be like being mentally ill in those times. I loved reading about what war felt like at home rather than in the battlefields. The fear and hope to be stronger was palpable through the pages.
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I loved the different storyline of Charlotte, Maggie, and Rosamund, especially Maggie's, because it's not always that the life of a lower middle class character is examined in books, and I appreciate that. FYI, I did NOT like Joseph C.
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All in all, I loved this book and it was a wonderful read. You'd definitely like it.
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The Broken Vow was book 2 of The Fitznortons series and I thought it was a terrific read. The author told a passionate historical account of the times. In so ways it felt very much like Downton Abbey but that doesn’t get it justice. It was so much more.
I was immediately committed when the story picks up with Charlotte a character in the last book I could barely stand. She was spoiled and mean. She is at the center of this compelling heartfelt drama and I watched with interest and trepidation as she was forced to grow up.
As a woman reading this I was frustrated with what would have been my choices back then. Unbelievable unfair treatment.
I was also charmed by many of the side characters, too many to mention. They completed the already good story and I was very happy with the ending. I can only hope the author is already working on a 3rd novel that I will gladly read.
I highly recommend this and hope you had it to your list.
Thanks Storm publishing via NetGalley.

A debutante’s war effort!

Foolish, naive debutant finds inner dragon, her strength and determination, her calling if you will, and some harsh home truths.
When Charlotte Fitznorton discovers her fiancé Eustace Chadwyke has been injured and is suffering from shell shock after fighting on the Western Front she decides to open up the family country home as a convalescent home for officers.
Despite the odds, a much maligned step mother, a new baby half sister, and harassment from the locals who see the shell shocked men as malingers, rather than casualties, Charlotte rises to the occasion, much to the admiration of Doctor Kit Harvard.
A story set during World War I.

A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)