With this Pledge (The Carnton Series)
Lizzie Clouston is 28 and a governess on the McGovern estate. Already believing herself an old maid, and desperately wanting children of her own, Lizzie accepts a proposal from her best friend. Despite lacking romantic feelings for him, she is content, until one December day when the Civil War is brought to her doorstep. With very little warning Lizzie goes from governess to surgical assistant, which is when she meets Roland Jones of the Mississippi sharpshooters. About to go under the knife, Roland convinces Lizzie to intervene on his behalf if the doctor tries to take his leg.
Roland is determined to walk again, return to his Mississippi estate, support his female relatives, and uphold the memory of his dead wife. He is a gentleman of upright standing and finds at the end of the day he only wants what is best for Lizzie. Meanwhile, Lizzie has ambitions of her own, including showing the house slaves how to read, and finding the family of a young soldier who died in her arms. The attraction between Lizzie and Roland is palpable, but so is the tension in their differing views. Between her fiancé, abolitionist views, and determination for a family, could they ever make it work?
With This Pledge is a hard-to-put-down book with relatable characters and plenty of adventures. Roland’s attitude and determination are especially striking. Although the ending seems to abruptly fall together with a major disagreement overlooked, it still leaves the reader satisfied. Overall, With This Pledge is a wonderful read with pages that fly by. Recommended to anyone who is prepared to spend a weekend glued to its pages.
