“When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in
the night watches.” Psalm 63:6 KJV
“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the
faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep
his commandments to a thousand generations;” Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV
The best way to start a novel is with scripture. The above
texts from the Bible set the stage for a beautiful story to follow. I have never
been so fully emersed in a story as I was this one. The author transported me back
in time to Franklin, TN 1864. I became part of the Carnton household as they
witnessed the devastation of war, the horrific aftermath of battle, and the
difficult journey to healing and change. Experiencing this book was like living
history. I enjoyed getting to know the courageous people written about. I would
love to visit this historic location in the future.
My favorite part of With This Pledge was the
messages of faith throughout. I was encouraged to deepen my relationship with
God as I read of the characters growing closer to Him, through the truth of His
Word amid their trials.
I have had many titles by Tamera Alexander on my TBR list
and bookshelf for a while but have not had the opportunity to read any of her
books until now. I admire how the author uses her gift to share the Saviour of
the world with others and give Him glory. Since February was a slow reading
month for me, With This Pledge was the only story I finished. I
am glad this is the book that I chose to read. 5/5.
Before I finished reading my Kindle Unlimited copy of the
story, I purchased a physical copy of the book along with the novella Christmas
at Carnton. I look forward to adding more of the author’s stories to my
collection.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“She reached for strength beyond her own.”
“He had strong facial features and was a handsome man in
a rough, rugged sense. All except for his gray eyes, which had revealed a kindness
that brooked no argument, and that thoroughly convinced the onlooker of his
honor at first glance.”
“Grief coupled with regret had a way of bending even the
strongest man’s knees,”
“She didn’t doubt that God was watching. That he was
present. That he saw every man and even knew each of their names. She’d walked
with the Almighty long enough that he’d proven his presence to her time and
again.”
“He wrapped her in a hug as familiar as home and as
comforting as a feather bed come winter,”
“’Captain Jones, how may I make things more comfortable
for you, sir?” Sister Catherine Margaret bent over him. “Well, Sister . . .” He
grimaced. “Unless you have a full flask hidden somewhere in that habit of
yours, I’m guessing not much.” That earned him a grin, as he’d thought it
would. She made a tsking sound. “If only you hadn’t stipulated ‘full,’ Captain
Jones, I might have been able to comply.” Roland managed a slight smile. Just
what he needed. A nun with a sense of humor.”
“Hearing her voice, Roland opened his eyes and looked
toward the door, and felt as though the sun had risen for a second time that
day.”
“To know what was going on behind those eyes that could
sparkle like sunshine through stained glass when she laughed. At the moment
they resembled more the deep blue of a late summer night sky. Enchanting and
fathomless.”
“’For those who are in Christ Jesus, the best is always
yet to come. Believe that.”’
“’And yet, with all my heart,” she continued, “I trust
that God knows best.” A slow, almost sad smile turned her mouth. “Even in those
moments when I’m fairly certain I might know better.’”
“He caught a whiff of lilac soap and wished he could
finger the brown curl teasing her temple. He told himself it wasn’t wise to
allow his thoughts to take this trail, but his thoughts didn’t listen.”
“Her voice was so soft he had to watch her lips to make
sure he didn’t miss anything. Not too unpleasant a task.”
“Her eyes lit with a sparkle that precious stones would
envy.”
“Moonlight shone through the bare tree limbs and fell
across the front lawn, painting the night, and Towny’s familiar features, in
dappled silver shadows. But all she could think about was Roland.”
“’But I don’t want to go back to that life, Towny. And I
don’t want to forget. Not that I want to keep reliving the images from the
battlefield every time I close my eyes. But far too much blood has been spilled
to simply forget and move on. Instead, we need to learn from this. We need to
make changes.’”
“Lord, whatever changes are coming, let them come quickly.
And let them last.”
“He lay still in the darkness and listened, somehow
knowing he needed to memorize this moment. Needed to take it in. Needed to
remember what the Confederacy sounded like in its final moments.”
“What was it about Christmas that made the heart turn
home?”
“there was something fascinating about watching a force
of nature that, when contained, could help keep a man alive, but if unleashed
would destroy with merciless ferocity.”
“She grabbed her Bible from the bedside table and tiptoed
softly down to the kitchen, mindful of the worst offenders among the creaky
stairs. The kitchen was dark and still, and she walked to a window and stood
for a moment in the quiet, staring out the window into the night. The sun,
still tucked in slumber, wouldn’t rouse for a while yet, and she watched
transfixed as grayish tufts of clouds wafted across a thumbnail moon.”
“’If you and I have learned anything, Roland, it’s that
while life itself holds no guarantees, we both trust in the One who holds our
lives. So there’s nothing to fear.”
“’Do . . . you . . . love me?” She could scarcely breathe
for watching his face, trying to read the contents of his heart.”
“’More than my own life,” he finally said.”
“’It’s a beautiful day. Enjoy it.” Lizzie closed the
kitchen door behind her and took deep breaths, the scents of honeysuckle and
summer sweetening the air. Her heart felt lighter than it had in a very long
time.”
“I already love him or her with all my heart. Just as I
love you.” “And always will?” she asked teasingly. He answered with a promise
that didn’t need any words.”
