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Promise & Honor Trilogy #1
Promise and Honor
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Amanda Graham's husband dies a hero's death. Left with no source of income, she smuggles medical supplies for Lieutenant Colonel William Jackson and the Confederacy. Although a rogue, Wil is a man of courage and fiercely loyal to Amanda. Lieutenant Samuel Prescott, a soldier of honor and former comrade before the war, fights for the Union. As opposing forces move into Virginia, Sam clashes with Wil on more than the battlefield, when both men fall in love with Amanda. Torn by grief and loyalty, Amanda struggles with the harsh reality that her way of life has been altered forever by the growing storm...
262 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2002
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115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 30, 2019
Civil War
This was a very interesting and exciting story. I am very interested in the Civil War. The way the author wrote made you feel as if you were there. My husband’s great grandfather from Ireland fought in the war along with two of his sons who were drummer boys. One son did not return. I would recommend this book to anyone.
This was a very interesting and exciting story. I am very interested in the Civil War. The way the author wrote made you feel as if you were there. My husband’s great grandfather from Ireland fought in the war along with two of his sons who were drummer boys. One son did not return. I would recommend this book to anyone.
June 29, 2017
Really good book. I felt like I was there in the struggles and battles of the Civil War. I kept guessing and hoping who Amanda would end up with and I was pleased that she ended up with the one I picked and that he survived. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
March 24, 2020
Not memorable
June 5, 2021
I love historical fiction and this Civil War book did not disappoint
August 3, 2014
In this solidly-written and well-researched novel, the complicated relationships between the three main characters symbolize (at least to me) the extremely complicated nature of the American Civil War. In this time of conflict, when the country was at war with itself, when friends and relatives sometimes as close as brothers fought on opposite sides, many came to question their beliefs and loyalties. Even Jo, who disguises herself as a boy to enlist, has a myriad of reasons (most importantly, a family to support) for doing what she does. Nothing is ever simple -- a statement so true during this time in American history.
Amanda Graham, a widow in Virginia, lives in the area between the Union capital, Washington DC, and the seat of power for the Confederacy, Richmond. She is also similarly caught between two men, the upright Union Major Sam Prescott and Colonel Wil Jackson, a charming Confederate rogue who will no doubt remind many readers of another famous southern character -- Rhett Butler.
As a Virginia resident, I found it interesting to read about the areas I drive through or visit on a regular basis. I found myself looking at these places with new eyes. And if you wince like I do at the dialogue used for black characters in books set during the 19th century, note that the author has done her best to recreate speech patterns as accurately as possible.
Ms. Murphy skillfully describes the fighting and the resulting injuries of this drawn-out conflict. When Amanda and Frieda are treating Sam's injury, I was actually gritting my teeth. Although painful to read, these scenes showcase the author's talent. She also brings home the misery of so many young men losing limbs and life and how, in the end (and often much too late), humanity triumphed over politics on the battlefield.
I understand that this is the first in a trilogy, but the characters felt solid, with interesting backstories and a consistent way of reacting to the surreal situations happening around them. The physical descriptions were also well-done without being overdone. I could SEE Sam Prescott and those blue eyes of his.
However, I found Amanda so reserved (understandable in this turbulent time and after all she'd gone through) that I had a hard time warming up to her and unfortunately couldn't identify with her as much as I would have liked. This made the love story between her and the man she ultimately chose fall a little flat for me. In fact, Amanda herself seems unsure of this choice, although this uncertainty may just be a lead-in to events in the sequel.
If you’re at all interested in the Civil War, I would recommend you pick up this book. It’s an interesting way to learn more about our history, and it certainly makes you realize how the conflict between the north and south was a lot more intricate and nuanced than you might have realized.
*Disclaimer - I was provided a copy of the manuscript for an honest review.*
Amanda Graham, a widow in Virginia, lives in the area between the Union capital, Washington DC, and the seat of power for the Confederacy, Richmond. She is also similarly caught between two men, the upright Union Major Sam Prescott and Colonel Wil Jackson, a charming Confederate rogue who will no doubt remind many readers of another famous southern character -- Rhett Butler.
As a Virginia resident, I found it interesting to read about the areas I drive through or visit on a regular basis. I found myself looking at these places with new eyes. And if you wince like I do at the dialogue used for black characters in books set during the 19th century, note that the author has done her best to recreate speech patterns as accurately as possible.
Ms. Murphy skillfully describes the fighting and the resulting injuries of this drawn-out conflict. When Amanda and Frieda are treating Sam's injury, I was actually gritting my teeth. Although painful to read, these scenes showcase the author's talent. She also brings home the misery of so many young men losing limbs and life and how, in the end (and often much too late), humanity triumphed over politics on the battlefield.
I understand that this is the first in a trilogy, but the characters felt solid, with interesting backstories and a consistent way of reacting to the surreal situations happening around them. The physical descriptions were also well-done without being overdone. I could SEE Sam Prescott and those blue eyes of his.
However, I found Amanda so reserved (understandable in this turbulent time and after all she'd gone through) that I had a hard time warming up to her and unfortunately couldn't identify with her as much as I would have liked. This made the love story between her and the man she ultimately chose fall a little flat for me. In fact, Amanda herself seems unsure of this choice, although this uncertainty may just be a lead-in to events in the sequel.
If you’re at all interested in the Civil War, I would recommend you pick up this book. It’s an interesting way to learn more about our history, and it certainly makes you realize how the conflict between the north and south was a lot more intricate and nuanced than you might have realized.
*Disclaimer - I was provided a copy of the manuscript for an honest review.*
January 10, 2017
I just finished Promise & Honor last night and found that the style of writing flows and captures the time period very well. The fact the the lines between North and South were blurred was wonderful (as it truly was for so many families and friends). I was also appreciative that it was romantic but not explicit, realistic but not vulgar. That's why I intend on reading more from this author.
September 12, 2016
The audio version is horrible! The old woman reading it made Will, who is supposed to be tempting, sound like an 80 year old smoker with a pot belly.
Maybe it was just the audio, but the book felt like it had no plot. I was really moved the second time Sam got hurt and what happened on the battlefield. Other than that, I didn't care much what happened.
I didn't even finish the book. My checkout expired and I have no inclination to pursue it again.
Maybe it was just the audio, but the book felt like it had no plot. I was really moved the second time Sam got hurt and what happened on the battlefield. Other than that, I didn't care much what happened.
I didn't even finish the book. My checkout expired and I have no inclination to pursue it again.
February 16, 2015
"Promise and Honour" by Kim Murphy is a fascinating Civil War romance with great historical details. Competent and well researched the scene setting was amazing and brought a lot of interesting thoughts to my mind.
Admittedly, I know not that much about American history of that period and so for me the book was excellent on just on the account of information I got out of it.
I found the characters very intriguing. Amanda's decision to get involved with smuggling of medical supplies is based on multiple factors. Her adaptation to the new life (also as widow) kept my interest throughout the book.
Then enter the two men, different but both likeable - they make this story even more enjoyable with their rivalry. A very good read.
Admittedly, I know not that much about American history of that period and so for me the book was excellent on just on the account of information I got out of it.
I found the characters very intriguing. Amanda's decision to get involved with smuggling of medical supplies is based on multiple factors. Her adaptation to the new life (also as widow) kept my interest throughout the book.
Then enter the two men, different but both likeable - they make this story even more enjoyable with their rivalry. A very good read.
May 12, 2013
Hmm not quite a 4* read for me, maybe 3 1/2 *
I just didn't feel any chemistry between Sam & Amanda - i still think she would have had a far more fiery passionate life with Wil.
I probably will read the following 2 books but just not yet.
I just didn't feel any chemistry between Sam & Amanda - i still think she would have had a far more fiery passionate life with Wil.
I probably will read the following 2 books but just not yet.
May 17, 2014
Couldnt get into this Civil war romance.
December 10, 2014
I enjoyed this book but I'm a sucker for Civil War stories. It was a good, easy read.
November 6, 2015
Gave up when the God fearing heroine slept with one of the suitors. Please.
January 27, 2016
A great historical fiction circa Civil War. Very well researched and good narrator, too!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews