Author: With This Pledge

With This Pledge is the first book in the new Carnton series by Tamera Alexander. It was released on January 1, 2019. In celebration of this new book and series, JustRead Publicity Tours is hosting a blog tour and giveaway!

I am thrilled to be hosting Tamera Alexander today on Miss Pippi Reads. She will be giving us insights on character name selection in With This Pledge. Enjoy!

Character Name Selection by Tamera Alexander

Character name selection in With This Pledge, a Carnton novel, was easier than usual. Because Captain Roland Ward Jones and Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Clouston are the real life hero and heroine who met and fell in love at the Carnton home in Franklin, Tennessee during the Civil War, following the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864. And With This Pledge is their love story. History holds a treasure trove of knowledge about Captain Roland Ward Jones—details about his home life, his war record as a sharpshooter, his extensive land ownership in Mississippi, and the remarkable collection of personal correspondence (written both to and from Roland) that reveal a bevy of insights into his character. We know Roland was among hundreds of wounded Confederate soldiers who were brought to Carnton following the Battle of Franklin. We know he staunchly supported the Southern Cause. We know he convalesced about six weeks longer at Carnton than any of the other soldiers. And why did he stay longer? Because he fell in love with the McGavock’s governess—Lizzie Clouston.

Sadly, most of the details about Lizzie’s life have been lost to time, so she was more of a mystery. To introduce the necessary conflict needed for the story, I chose to give Lizzie opposing views to Roland’s—and that of the Southern Cause. Yet when forty thousand soldiers converge on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee that unseasonably warm November afternoon, the war demands she give answer. Especially when she finds herself drawn to Roland and discovers that his moral ground is utterly at odds with her own.

Learn more about what’s truth and what’s fiction in With This Pledge, a Carnton Novel on Tamera’s Website — www.TameraAlexander.com

With This Pledge Book Description

Carnton home where she is governess is converted into a Confederate field hospital, and Lizzie is called upon to assist the military doctor with surgeries that determine life or death. Faced with the unimaginable, she must summon fortitude, even as she fears for the life of Towny, her fiancé and lifelong friend.

As a young soldier lies dying in Lizzie’s arms, she vows to relay his final words to his mother, but knows little more than the boy’s first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg.

Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers’ respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton’s walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn’t realize she is pledged to another. But as Lizzie’s heart softens towardthe Confederate captain, she discovers that his moral ground is at odds with her own. Now torn between love, principles, and promises made, she struggles to be true to her heart while standing for what she knows is right—no matter the cost.

From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Miss Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

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EXCERPT

Head HERE for an exclusive excerpt!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded and nominated for numerous industry-leading honors, including the Christy Award (two-time winner, seven-time finalist), the RITA Award (two-time winner, four-time finalist), the Carol Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best Award, and Library Journal's top distinction, among others. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband now reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live a short distance from Belmont Mansion and Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of Tamera’s two USA Today bestselling Southern series.  



CONNECT WITH THEAUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a release copy of With This Pledge + $10 Amazon Gift Card

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 14, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm January 28, 2019. US only for a print copy of the book. International winners will receive an ebook. Gift card prize will be issued as an e-gift card. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: With You Always

Jody Hedlund has a new historical fiction series! The series is entitled Orphan Train. Book one is With You Always. Instead of lighthouses or medieval times, Hedlund heads "out West." When I think of the West, I imagine the West Coast. In With You Always, the West means traveling to Illinois from New York City.

I opened the book from preconceived notions about what the story would entail. It's about an orphan train heading out West to drop off children and two people fall in love along the way. Nope! It was totally unexpected and wonderfully surprising. With You Always shared survival struggles in New York City as well as in Illinois. NYC survival in the tenements is difficult with no jobs, gangs, poor living condition, and if there is food on the table. On the other hand, people are trying to build a city in Illinois. Building a city takes time and effort as well as people wanting good work conditions and enough money to live in IL as well as sent money back home to family. And I haven't even mentioned family rivalry, faith, and love. A fantastic story woven in an exciting new historical fiction! I cannot wait to for the next book to come out. If you like author Hedlund or historical fiction, I would highly recommend With You Always.

To catch the latest Jody Hedlund news, visit her website or follow her on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Period: 1850's
Location: New York and Illinois

I received this book for free from Bethany House for an honest review.

Title: With You Always
Series: Book 1, Orphan Train
Author: Jody Hedlund
ISBN: 9780764218040

Review: Waves of Mercy

Waves of Mercy is one of the the newest novels by Lynn Austin. Every time I look at the cover the song "Every Move I Make (Waves Of Mercy)" comes to mind. It's a good song and I would recommend looking it up. I will also share that it is not related to Austin's book. Austin's story is based in Holland, Michigan which is on the shores of Lake Macatawa (off of Lake Michigan). Austin also weaves in an ocean voyage across the Atlantic. The characters live near water or stay in a hotel near the lake. On Austin's blog, she shares a behind-the-scenes peek at Waves of Mercy.

I was taken aback when I opened the book. (I didn't read the description thoroughly because I loved the cover and the author.) I didn't realize the story was in two voices and when between different time periods. I grumbled a bit for the first couple chapters, but soon lost myself in Anna and Geesje stories. They share their troubles, fears, struggles, and faith journeys. It was so beautifully written and felt so honest about their thoughts and feelings. I would not consider this a fluffy romantic story, but one of contemplation. I think if I read it again, it would be like reading it for the first time because the story's depth. It ended unexpectedly for me. I think there could be a sequel but I honestly do not know. I'm hoping so. I want to hear more about Anna's journey and the friends she met while staying at Hotel Ottawa in Holland.

Time Period: 1897 / 1840's
Location: Holland, Michigan and Netherlands

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Lynn Austin and Bethany House!

Title: Waves of Mercy
Author: Lynn Austin
ISBN: 9780764217616

Ways to Connect with Author Lynn Austin:
Lynn Austin on Pinterest
Lynn Austin on Twitter
Lynn Austin on Facebook
Lynn Austin on GoodReads

Review: Wonderland

Coloring is a hot topic, but it's also a long time pastime. People have been coloring, drawing, painting, and creating art for hundreds of years. It's truly amazing to see how many different coloring books are currently on the market. Let me introduce you to one of them ...

Wonderland: A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures by Amily Shen

Amily Shen is a Taiwanese artist with three drawing books. Wonderland is her first coloring book. She is also a full-time illustrator and art instructor.

Wonderland is a coloring book that's more than just a book full of black and white pages. Readers can follow Alice's adventures with a personal twist from Amily. She helps put the book owner in the story. There are complex coloring pages, beautiful simple pages, drawing pages, and even a seek-n-find game. Now, that's just the inside of the book. The dust jacket can be removed and on the reverse side there is an extra long poster to color! The book cover and back also have coloring designs on them. The cover is tinted pink and made of thicker, glossier paper, so a different color medium might be needed for coloring the cover vs. coloring the the dust jacket or pages. This is a fun book to give to a friend or purchase for yourself!

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Title: Wonderland a Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures
Author: Amily Shen
ISBN: 9780399578465

Review: A Worthy Heart

A Worthy Heart is the second book in Susan Ann Mason's series, Courage to Dream. I greatly enjoyed book one, Irish Meadows. When A Worthy Heart arrived in the mail, I went in search of my copy of Irish Meadows. A re-read of the first book was needed.

I'm so glad I could jump into Mason's Courage to Dream world again. Irish Meadows was great and Mason does not disappoint in A Worthy Heart. It's worth a read, friends! Not only does the story delve into the life of mystery brother, Adam O'Leary, but two Montgomery siblings arrive from Ireland. Don't worry about missing out on the characters you read about in Irish Meadows, they are present and very much a part of this book. Every one grows through faith, conflicts, illness, and love. For under 400 pages, Mason writes a wonderfully complex storyline. I liked Maggie Montgomery's story, but Adam's life was beautifully heart-wrenching. He'd fallen to the bottom of his pit and was picking himself up. It's amazing how faith and friends can help raise someone up who is struggling. I especially loved Mason's honesty about Adam O'Leary in her Author's Note: she didn't like him in book one, but the more she got to know him, the more she loved him.

I hope more Courage to Dream books are coming! I feel connected to the O'Leary/Montgomery family and I want more. Thanks for an excellent series, Ms. Mason!

Time Period: Turn of the Century, 1914
Location: Long Island and New York City, New York, USA

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Susan Ann Mason and Bethany House!

Title: A Worthy Heart
Author: Susan Anne Mason
Series: Book 02, Courage to Dream
ISBN: 9780764217258

Review: The Wood's Edge

Welcome to the American frontier - New York in the middle of the 1700's!

Previous to The Wood's Edge, Lori Benton shared the stories of Burning Sky and Tamsen Littlejohn. Her earlier books took place place in the 1780's. The Wood's Edge opens the world of Early America in the 1750's to the 1770's. The setting was well within Benton's wheelhouse of history, but this new series was very different from her previous novels.

The Wood's Edge shares multiple view points within a wide stretch of time. At times, this novel felt like the opening chapter to the rest of the story. The story wraps up some ends, but another book is needed. (Which is coming out next year - 2016!)

It took me some time to become invested in the story and the characters. The book is divided into three major sections and it wasn't until the second section that I wanted to finish the book. I appreciated Benton's additional notes at the end of the story that explains how she came upon the history of the Haudenosaunee (the Six Nations of the Iroquios Confederacy). She also included acknowledgements, her research books, a readers guide, a glossary, and the Oneida 13 Moon Calendar.

Book extras, as well as a preview, are available on Lori Benton's blog!

Time Period: 1750's-1770's
Location: British Colonies (Early America)

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Title: The Wood's Edge
Author: Lori Benton
Series: Book 01, The Pathfinders
ISBN: 9781601427328

Review: Wanderville

Wanderville by Wendy McClure

Are you familiar with orphan trains? Children from New York (or other big cities) were sent out West to live "better lives" with families and big open spaces. Yet, many children were fearful of the unknown.

Jack, Frances, and Harold were a couple of children sent out to Kansas on an orphan train. They didn't want to leave, but they couldn't escape their traveling fate. After hearing awful orphan stories on the train, they decide to "jump ship" in the middle of Kansas. They meet up with another orphan named Alexander who gives them a new look at life in the prairie wilderness.

When I began reading this story, I thought it would be historical fiction mixed with fantasy. I was completely wrong. The magic of Wanderville and the letdown was realized at the same moment as Jack, Frances, and Harold. It was rather ironic and heartening to relate so well to the characters. Just as the children came to grips with their new situation, I knew that this wouldn't be a fantasy story, but reality (albeit in history). Don't let the knowledge of no fantasy elements steer you away from reading Wanderville!

McClure mixes historical fiction with a kid's today approach. The book is set in history, but the children face many emotions and circumstances that kids' today can encounter. The emotions of loss, fear, hope, friendship, and survival are very relate-able to today's audience. The theme of overcoming circumstances is largely woven throughout the text in different ways, but not overpowering. The story ends with a gentle cliffhanger - one that will have readers imagining what's going to happen next. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in 2014!

I think this story would be very appropriate for 3-6 graders. The author offers many different situations that can open the floor to great classroom, book club, or family discussions.

Reviewed from an Edelweiss copy. Thank you, Razorbill!

Christmas Review: A Regency Holidy & Wyoming Bride

A Regency Holiday by Allison Lane

Four novellas focusing on the Christmas season set during the Regency period in England.

Coventry's Christmas by Rebecca Hagan Lee
Suffolk, Buckinghamshire, and London in England, December 1813

Star of Wonder by Lynn Kerstan
North Yorkshire Dales, December 1819

A Christmas Homecoming by Susan Pace
December 1814

Home for Christmas by Alicia Rasley
Near Plymouth, December 1818

This Regency Christmas collection is a swift read to enjoy during the month of December. The author capture various Regency themes, such as, step-parents, soldiers, wards, turns of fortune, etc. Each novella is distinct and differ from each other so the reader cannot be bored reading the same themes over and over again in one book.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bell Bridge Books!

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Wyoming Bride: A Bitter Creek Novel by Joan Johnston

Wyoming Bride is the second novel in Johnston's newest series Mail-Order Brides. Wyoming Bride is also a continuation of her Bitter Creek series.

Wyoming Bride follows the lives of the Wentworth siblings, specifically Hannah. (Miranda Wentworth was featured in Texas Bride, Mail-Order Brides Book 1.) Hannah desires to save the rest of her siblings, Hetty and Josie, from the orphanage. She jumps in and becomes a mail-order bride. Hannah believes marriage to McMurtry will keep her family together. Unfortunately, the Oregon Trail is not an easy road to travel.

Johnston writes a fun and adventurous western. If you're unfamiliar with her stories, this book can be enjoyed by itself. Johnston throws in enough detail that the reader isn't floundering in unknown information. The author's note at the end of the book is well put together. Joan invites the reader to anticipate her next Mail-Order Bride book and encourages readers to enjoy her previous books before the next one arrives.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Random House Publishing Group!

Why is this in my Christmas reviews? They mention Christmas, of course! The Creeds traveled to Cheyenne to purchase Christmas gifts. 

Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2012

Today is the first day of The True Book Addict's Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2012! The reading challenge goes 'til January 6, 2013 (Twelfth Night or Epiphany). That's over a month of holiday reading to read and review. I hope to surpass the number of reads (and movies) that I enjoyed last year. (My round-up list is available here.) If you would like to join the challenge, sign up at The True Book Addict's blog. Happy holiday reading, friends!


Reviews: Christmas Wombat and Who Built the Stable?


The Christmas Wombat by Jackie French


Jackie French brings back the Australian wombat for a Christmas caper! Our wombat friends likes to eat, sleep, and scratch. He smells his favorite food - carrots and follows strange new creatures to carrots all over the world!

A simple and sweet story that doesn't hold a heavy holiday theme. The light touch highlights Santa, reindeer, and traveling in one night, but the main theme is a day with a wombat.

Reviewed from a library copy.

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Who Built the Stable?: A Nativity Poem by Ashley Bryan


The art of poetry and the art of painting explode in this new Christmas story about the birth of Jesus. The paintings were rendered in tempera and acrylic to create a vibrant story that describes a little boy's journey to see the newborn King. This young sheepherder and carpenter helped to build a stable then invited Mary and Joseph a place to stay the night of the Census.

Poetry is a great way to tell a story. It's beauty blends well with the bright colors. Children and adults will be charmed by this story.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Review: What I Didn't Say

What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor


One stupid night can change your life.

Everyone was partying and Jake wanted to tell his crush that he loves her. His friends record his drunken words then pile into a car to go to Samantha Shay's house. Under the influence, they never made it. Jake awakens in the hospital with no voice and big regrets.

Jake's vocal chords are gone. He will never speak again. His mother gives him notebooks to communicate. Jake uses them and tries to learn American Sign Language. A surprise is the new class schedule that will give Jake more time with his crush Samantha Shay.

I was impressed by the overall clean read. (Clean is relative to each reader, of course.) Some of the situations could be a bit over the top but it was amazingly believable. The teens were regular teens who play football, follow rules, break rules, plan for prom, go to class, etc.

Jake's growth was very interesting to follow. His life took a 180 turn and he records his time by the big events in his life. First it's all about the future, then it's about recovering from the accident, then it shifts to Samantha as they become closer and closer.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Keary Taylor!

Christmas Review: A Woodland Christmas

A Woodland Christmas by Tamela Hancock Murray

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Gabriel "Gabe" Noell is a woodcarver who moves from town to town in East Texas. As he carves and travels, he shares wisdom he has gathered from life experience and God's Word. Each novella can be read separately are as a group.

To Hear Angels Sing by Ramona Cecil
The Face of Mary by Darlene Franklin
The Christmas Chain by Janelle Mowery
Love Came Home at Christmas by Tamela Hancock Murray

Time Period: Western, 1800's
Location: Texas, USA