With This Pledge

Alexander (To Whisper Her Name) paints a vivid portrait of Southern life near the end of the Civil War in this well-researched historical romance. After the Battle of Franklin, Tenn., on Nov. 30, 1864, Carnton Home is designated a field hospital for the South and Lizzie Clouston, a governess, is quickly pressed into service as a nurse. Drama ensues as she promises a young soldier she’ll deliver a letter for him and helps wounded Captain Roland Jones fight back against the doctor who wants to amputate his leg. While helping others, Lizzie is also conflicted, as she wants to honor her pledge to marry her childhood friend even as she falls for the widowed Roland. Complicating matters further, Roland is a slave owner while Lizzie is an abolitionist. Both Lizzie and Roland struggle with their faith in the midst of the misery of war. Roland has been angry at God since his wife and daughter died, but desperation and grace serve to bring him back to prayer. Lizzie finds it difficult to trust in God, but ultimately continues to believe. Against the painful and gore-filled backdrop of war, Alexander has created an exceptional tale of faith, hope, and love based on a real-life romance. (Jan.)