I often wonder how Captain Roland Ward Jones and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Clouston—real people who lived in the 19th century—would feel knowing that their lives and love letters are the inspiration for a 21st century novel.

Captain Roland Jones and Lizzie Clouston are the real life hero and heroine in With This Pledge who met and fell in love at Carnton in Franklin, Tennessee during the Civil War, following the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864.

In researching and writing Roland and Lizzie’s love story, I’ve had the extreme pleasure of connecting with Captain Jones’ great-great-great grandson, David. (Quite a thrill for this history loving author!)

David has shared the love letters between Roland and Lizzie with me, along with the family history (as have the wonderful folks at Carnton), and this rich wealth of resources and intimate insights have made the writing journey for With This Pledge a wonderful one. But it hasn’t been without its challenges. Weaving real history with fiction can be tricky. Add to that a cast of characters which is largely based on real people…and the challenges multiply!

I first visited Carnton in the fall of 2007 after my husband and I moved to Nashville following 17 years in Colorado. I purchased my ticket for the tour in a small trailer on the grounds and walked up a worn path toward the house.

 

 

As the docent unfolded Carnton’s history and turned time back on itself, I fell a little in love with the home that day—and with the McGavocks, the real family who lived there. But it was the living, breathing memory of what happened within those walls and on the surrounding hallowed fields of a bloody Civil War battle that stayed with me through the years. That kept pulling me back to Carnton.

And now, 11 years—and 15 novels—later, it’s those same living, breathing memories that have inspired me to write about this home, this family, and the remarkable people who lived, worked, fought and died at Carnton.

RELEASES
JANUARY 8, 2019

(Thanks to our own dear Lynn for this kind endorsement!)

What’s the last Civil War site you’ve visited? Or perhaps you’ve visited a battlefield from another war? What drew you to make that visit? 

Also, a very special thank you to everyone who submitted an application to be part of my launch team for With This Pledge. Nearly 300 of you applied for the 50 slots, which totally blew me away! I’m so grateful to each of you. HarperCollins and I are working on that list this week and will be responding to everyone soon.

Blessings on your Thanksgiving!

Tammy

 

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