With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander

Deeply moving.

It's November 30, 1864, Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee. Lizzie is the Governess to two children there. They look out and see an army forming between their house and the neighbors. The southern army here, federal army drenched in there. Around 20,000 men. The battle was fought over 2 1/2 miles, with nearly 10,000 killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Read that last sentence again. Can you really imagine it?

Their house quickly fills up with wounded. They tear up all the cloth they have - clothes, bed linens, towels, even underwear and Lizzies wedding dress, for bandages. She has skills learned from her father who is a pharmacist, and is able to help the surgeon. She learns that her fiancé is somewhere on the battlefield and goes to look for him - getting an even bigger shock of her life. The hem of her dress is soaked 6 inches with the blood. (Yet just a fraction of what Armageddon will be.) It literally came to their doorstep. Even the children join in helping the wounded in the house. The depth of sorrow and pain, and the eventual joy and love of the living.

Roland was one of the soldiers who had been battered, both legs and much of a hand. He and Lizzie have a special bond that grows through the story, as they both learn how to live with all the changes to their world, their lives. Since they lost the battle there, all of the soldiers on the losing side are supposed to go to Federal prison. They are given permission to stay until better healed, in the care of the McGavocks and local Catholic Sisters. Their mending is difficult, and gives them all a chance to know each other better. Relationships are forged between them all, including two black slaves. An incredible story telling from different angles of those involved. Well done, illustrating an incredible number of people.

#WithThisPledge #TameraAlexander #NetGalley #ChristianHistoricalFiction

Quotes
"Odd how war had a way of leveling out life. Of making what once seemed so important— such as propriety and decorum in conversation—not quite so significant. And in turn, it made what truly mattered— people, taking care of one another, life—of utmost urgency."

“For those who are in Christ Jesus, the best is always yet to come. Believe that.” 

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Anchor in the Storm (Waves Of Freedom) by Sarah Sundin

Christian historical romance, murder and mystery, with characters you'll love.

I've read a lot of series, and I've dearly loved many. But this is the first time as I read the first few paragraphs that I instantly knew/remembered each and every character in the series - they came to life once more.  Sarah's writing makes the characters memorable and I've especially enjoyed these. I read a little each night before going to bed; I rarely have the time to sit and just read as long as I like anymore. I so look forward to picking the story back up each evening. It was so hard to put this down and not read it all the way through at one time.  I found myself from time to time during the day wondering if Arch thought or did this or if  Lillian did that.

This book is perfectly named - each of the lead characters rely on God as their anchor in the storms they weather during the difficult times of WW2. Arch is a wealthy aristocrat who finds solace in a Navy career, until he's been through horrible war situations that have left him with battle fatigue. They called it 'weak nerves' back then and didn't recognize it for what it was - often ending their military career. He ends up falling for his best friend's sister. A beautiful girl who lost part of her leg when she was younger and people look down on her because of it. She went to school and became a pharmacist, then moved to Boston where her brother found her a job at a drug store. While she's working she notices something isn't quite right with the prescriptions being dispensed there. Arch notices that many of his Navy colleagues are also having symptoms of battle fatigue, and some are taking medication that is dulling their senses. They begin putting things they've noticed together, and soon they're both in great danger.  Each has finally found someone who loves them for themselves, just as they are, but they're afraid to take that chance. They both have issues with trust, and push each other away as much as they're drawn to one another. As usual, Sarah has written this so well that you feel you know the characters personally. You don't have to read the previous book, but I highly recommend it as well.  I'm glad that we will have Quintessa and Dan's tale next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group, Revell and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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”.

From Booklist in their May 15 issue:
Following the celebrated Through Waters Deep (2015), Sundin returns to the Boston Navy Yard in the latest installment in her Waves of Freedom series. With riveting doses of intrigue and inspiration, this delightfully unexpected plot is driven by action and balanced by iconic 1940s elements. Readers will be swept up by the novel's chilling dramatic irony, heartwarming charm, and rich naval history as Sundin tells a compelling story of rising above appearances and finding one's true anchor in faith.

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