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Harwood House #1
Rose's Pledge
Step back into the early days of America, where Rose Harwood and her sisters become indentured to the highest bidders. When Rose’s new owner takes her deep into Indian Territory, a young frontiersman named Nate Kinyon tags along, hoping to save Rose from the machinations of a grubby trader and the appraising looks of young braves. How much is he willing to pay—in dollars and sense—to redeem the woman he loves? And how much is Rose willing to sacrifice for his protection?
317 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
195 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Sally Laity
68 books40 followersSally Laity considers it a joy to know that the Lord can touch other hearts through her stories. She has written both historical and contemporary novels, including a co-authored series for Tyndale House and another for Barbour Publishing, nine Heartsong Romances, and twelve Barbour novellas. Her favorite pastimes include quilting for her church’s Prayer Quilt Ministry and scrapbooking. She makes her home in the beautiful Tehachapi Mountains of southern California with her husband of fifty years and enjoys being a grandma and great-grandma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 24, 2011
I have always enjoyed reading historical novels set in Colonial America. Plots where women had to rough it to survive on the frontier make those types of stories even more intriguing to me. Toss in the fact that the heroine was orignally from England and sold herself as an indentured servant along with her sisters to help keep her father out of debtor's prison, thus causing them all to be shipped off to the Americas... Well, I'll just say that makes for a intriguing plot with major potential. The authors pulled this concept off well and I learned quite a bit about the French and the Indian raids on traders' posts during that perilous period in time. The setting was so well done I was freezing right along with them while they were on the run. The authors' writing and "voice" were seamless, as if written by one person rather than two.
Rose's Pledge was an enthralling novel with excellent pacing. It held my attention so well I wanted to do little else but read. The hero was charming and the spiritual thread in the story was gripping and believable. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and can't help wondering whose story will be next. I'm thinking it will be Mariah's story. I can't wait to read that one because I'm already intrigued with the setting she is in and her delusions of romance and grandeur.
I appreciated how the authors' used Rose's story to show how sometimes God uses the most unlikely circumstances to bring about our greatest joy in life. The authors also showed that sometimes God strips everything from us so that we'll depend on Him for everything and learn to see Him working in every situation in our lives. Peril will cause even the most unlikely people to seek God's protection and help, and sometimes they will even turn their hearts toward Him. Well-written, Rose's Pledge has a solid plot with great pacing, believable characters, and an intriguing setting. But most of all, it is a story of deep and abiding faith. I loved it!
Rose's Pledge was an enthralling novel with excellent pacing. It held my attention so well I wanted to do little else but read. The hero was charming and the spiritual thread in the story was gripping and believable. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and can't help wondering whose story will be next. I'm thinking it will be Mariah's story. I can't wait to read that one because I'm already intrigued with the setting she is in and her delusions of romance and grandeur.
I appreciated how the authors' used Rose's story to show how sometimes God uses the most unlikely circumstances to bring about our greatest joy in life. The authors also showed that sometimes God strips everything from us so that we'll depend on Him for everything and learn to see Him working in every situation in our lives. Peril will cause even the most unlikely people to seek God's protection and help, and sometimes they will even turn their hearts toward Him. Well-written, Rose's Pledge has a solid plot with great pacing, believable characters, and an intriguing setting. But most of all, it is a story of deep and abiding faith. I loved it!
July 30, 2019
I liked the writing and the setting, but disliked the characters. I found Rose Harwood to be pompous, judgmental and hypocritical, and an all-around unlikable character. Instead of straightening her out a bit, Nate Kinyon climbed right up onto the high-horse with her... Book 3 in the series was definitely my favorite.
January 3, 2012
Rose's Pledge by Dianna Crawford and Sally Laity
5 STARS
Never sure how this would turn out. Did not want to put it down while my kindle recharged. I hope thier are follow up books with these characters.
In England the police came and where going to throw her father in debt prison, but Rose convinces the cop to give her the rest of day to come up with the money. She takes what ever she can find and sells it not enough so she sells herself for four years as a dentured servant in America. Her younger sisters go with her they are supposed to go together but the ships Captain sells them seperately.
Rose gets sold to old stinky guy who really never tells her about where they are going. Just that he needs a new cook because his stomach his killing him. He also brings lots of goods for his store and milk cow, and chickens.
Rose ends up at a Indian camp. The old trader was being honest in that he needs to eat better. His indian wife like Rose or for that fact her husband.
On their way to the Indian camp they run into Nate Kinyon and his partner Bob who are hunters,trapper and explores. Nate trys to talk Mr. Smith from taking Rose 300 miles into Indian terratory.
They end up escorting Rose and helping her learn the things she needs to know. Bob is half indian but doesn't fit in anywhere. Bob is also a Christian. Rose and Bob talk a lot about different Preachers and the scriptures.
Nate and Bob take off they are going to try and earn the money to free Rose before winter. They go further out in more dangerous area with some goods of Trader Smith.
While they are gone away from the Indian camp. Rose earns the respect of trader Smith and ends up taking care of a little blond six month orphan Jenny. Who's mother been kidnapped and injured who hangs on long enough to ask Rose to take her to her parents somehow. Jenny softens traders Smiths heart. He plays with her daily and he starts teaching Rose the trading business when he realizes he is getting worse and going to die. Before he dies he frees Rose.
So Rose is left by herself hoping Nate and Bob come back. Rose keeps the trading going after Smith dies and his wife and her brother steals a lot of stuff,money and horses.
It is a very well told story and action keeps going and new problems keep coming up. I look forward to reading more books from Diana and Sally.I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
01/01/2012 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc.
http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.c...
5 STARS
Never sure how this would turn out. Did not want to put it down while my kindle recharged. I hope thier are follow up books with these characters.
In England the police came and where going to throw her father in debt prison, but Rose convinces the cop to give her the rest of day to come up with the money. She takes what ever she can find and sells it not enough so she sells herself for four years as a dentured servant in America. Her younger sisters go with her they are supposed to go together but the ships Captain sells them seperately.
Rose gets sold to old stinky guy who really never tells her about where they are going. Just that he needs a new cook because his stomach his killing him. He also brings lots of goods for his store and milk cow, and chickens.
Rose ends up at a Indian camp. The old trader was being honest in that he needs to eat better. His indian wife like Rose or for that fact her husband.
On their way to the Indian camp they run into Nate Kinyon and his partner Bob who are hunters,trapper and explores. Nate trys to talk Mr. Smith from taking Rose 300 miles into Indian terratory.
They end up escorting Rose and helping her learn the things she needs to know. Bob is half indian but doesn't fit in anywhere. Bob is also a Christian. Rose and Bob talk a lot about different Preachers and the scriptures.
Nate and Bob take off they are going to try and earn the money to free Rose before winter. They go further out in more dangerous area with some goods of Trader Smith.
While they are gone away from the Indian camp. Rose earns the respect of trader Smith and ends up taking care of a little blond six month orphan Jenny. Who's mother been kidnapped and injured who hangs on long enough to ask Rose to take her to her parents somehow. Jenny softens traders Smiths heart. He plays with her daily and he starts teaching Rose the trading business when he realizes he is getting worse and going to die. Before he dies he frees Rose.
So Rose is left by herself hoping Nate and Bob come back. Rose keeps the trading going after Smith dies and his wife and her brother steals a lot of stuff,money and horses.
It is a very well told story and action keeps going and new problems keep coming up. I look forward to reading more books from Diana and Sally.I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
01/01/2012 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc.
http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.c...
April 1, 2012
A tale set amidst the wilds of a young America.
Rose's family finds themselves in a financial predicament when a customer refuses to pay the large sum that he owes to their shop.
Rose takes matters into her own hands to protect her family, selling everything the family owns that is of value, and when that fails to be enough to pay off the debtor, finally selling herself as an indentured servant. Her sisters beg to come along with her, to start a new life in America.
Upon reaching America, the sisters are separated, each bound in a different direction. Rose is determined to work hard, and someday see her sisters again, but Rose's journey takes her far away from civilization with a group of traders. Along the way she meets Nate, a stubborn man, of honor and duty. What amazing adventures does this New World hold for Rose?
A fresh take on the indentured servant plot line, Rose's Pledge is a well written read, only gets better as it goes along. I found the story easy to follow, and I liked unexpected setting of the America wilderness, before the Revolutionary War.
My favorite character was Bob, because he was a man of truth and honor, who found his identity in Christ, and knew exactly who he was. Bob, was also pretty good at setting others right when they were headed down the wrong path :) I kinda wish Bob had been more prominent in the story and that some of the other other supporting characters had been a bit more developed, but then there weren't a whole lot of other characters walking around in the wilderness!
Overall, a great book, that wasn't quite what I was expecting, but that's OK. There were some times that were slow moving for me, mostly in the middle, but that's just my personal opinion. One of the things that I really liked about this story was how Rose made it very clear that a relationship with God was a requirement for a relationship with her. A great read.
Final Rating: 4
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
August 15, 2014
Tedious and predictable
Tedious and predictable
The almost fairytale nature of the writing became insufferable as the chapters unfolded. I kept hoping there would be some drama or tension that never occurred.
Tedious and predictable
The almost fairytale nature of the writing became insufferable as the chapters unfolded. I kept hoping there would be some drama or tension that never occurred.
November 16, 2011
It's an historical novel with a lot of religious issues so really is not very my tape of novel, but Thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the preview.
Read
December 8, 2014A very unlikable heroine.
March 23, 2018
In the 1700's in England, Rose Harwood was a very refined and privileged young woman taking care of her father and the family household. In order to help her father get out of debt, Rose travelled to America to sell herself into indentured servitude for four years. Her two younger sisters followed her across the Atlantic Ocean. As they arrived on American soil each girl was auctioned off to the highest bidder going to different owners.
This story follows Rose's years during her indentured servitude. She was bought by a fur trader that was in charge of a Trading Post. As Rose's journey begins she was taken deep into the American wilderness to Indian Territory. She found herself facing rain, mud, freezing cold weather, doing the cooking on open fires, sleeping outdoors, crossing rivers, and watching out for Indians and other adventures including a romance and living among friendly Indians and helping others.
The story was filled with American History about indentured servitude, early frontiers men, fur trappers and the French and Indian War. The author is an outstanding storyteller with real live characters. The descriptions of the wilderness was vivid and the plot was so well written it gives the feeling as if you are in the middle of it all. The story was fast paced and good from the first page to the end. A good read of Early American adventures with good history lessons. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all.
This story follows Rose's years during her indentured servitude. She was bought by a fur trader that was in charge of a Trading Post. As Rose's journey begins she was taken deep into the American wilderness to Indian Territory. She found herself facing rain, mud, freezing cold weather, doing the cooking on open fires, sleeping outdoors, crossing rivers, and watching out for Indians and other adventures including a romance and living among friendly Indians and helping others.
The story was filled with American History about indentured servitude, early frontiers men, fur trappers and the French and Indian War. The author is an outstanding storyteller with real live characters. The descriptions of the wilderness was vivid and the plot was so well written it gives the feeling as if you are in the middle of it all. The story was fast paced and good from the first page to the end. A good read of Early American adventures with good history lessons. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all.
January 12, 2022
Rose’s Pledge is a moving, well-written story about one aspect of life during colonial America. Rose and Nate are complex characters with an intriguing mix of confidence and uncertainty. I learned a tremendous amount about the time period (of which I knew very little), without the information being dumped into the story or presented in a dry, textbookish way. The development of Mr. Smith (Rose’s trader-owner) was fascinating, and I liked seeing him through Rose’s eyes. Her experiences with the Native Americans were also interesting from her first view of them through the end of the story. Her knowledge was based on here say and assumption, most of which were untrue, giving thought to modern day issues of prejudice and why it occurs. Descriptions evoked the beautiful scenery as well as the brutally cold winter of the West. Dialect gave the flavor of the time without being distracting or difficult to read. There are a couple of incidents with the Native Americans, but the violence is neither gratuitous nor graphic. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
July 2, 2017
This is a great story. I like the colonial historical fiction. I have an ancestor who moved at the end of the 1700s/beginning of the 1800s, near the Ohio River and he was killed by Indians one day while he stood in his doorway. This book no put me in mind of that ancestor even though these events in this book took place about 40+ years before my ancestor settled near the Ohio River (actually near little Pigeon Creek).
Anyway, Rose was such a marvelous character and the other supporting characters were great, too.
The writing style sometimes seemed wordy and I scanned along through probably 1/2 or 2/3rds of it. 🤔. Usually, I required such books to be rated automatically two stars. I though this book had more going for it than that.
I didn't particularly care for Mariah's character (book 2) and I would be more interested in Lily's character (book 3), but I will dutifully attempt book 2
Anyway, Rose was such a marvelous character and the other supporting characters were great, too.
The writing style sometimes seemed wordy and I scanned along through probably 1/2 or 2/3rds of it. 🤔. Usually, I required such books to be rated automatically two stars. I though this book had more going for it than that.
I didn't particularly care for Mariah's character (book 2) and I would be more interested in Lily's character (book 3), but I will dutifully attempt book 2
August 9, 2021
Rose Harwood has pledged to save her father from debtor's prison. To that end, she sells nearly everything in the house that isn't nailed down, and when that isn't enough, she sells herself ... as an indentured servant. Her two younger sisters, Mariah and Lily, join her aboard the ship to America, with the understanding that the three of them will be sold as a family.
However, at the auction in Baltimore, the ship captain auctions them individually, and the sisters are separated for the first time in their lives. Rose finds herself the possession of a trader named Eustice Smith, and she is unceremoniously whisked off hundreds of miles west to the American frontier, to be Smith's cook at his trading post among the Shawnee Indians.
Rose's courage, and her faith, will be severely tested in the months to come.
A glowing Christian romance set in the 1750s, before the French and Indian Wars.
However, at the auction in Baltimore, the ship captain auctions them individually, and the sisters are separated for the first time in their lives. Rose finds herself the possession of a trader named Eustice Smith, and she is unceremoniously whisked off hundreds of miles west to the American frontier, to be Smith's cook at his trading post among the Shawnee Indians.
Rose's courage, and her faith, will be severely tested in the months to come.
A glowing Christian romance set in the 1750s, before the French and Indian Wars.
May 22, 2024
This first novel sets the tone for the Hardwood House series. The first installment introduces us to Rose Harwood, a strong-willed and compassionate heroine, and her journey to find love and purpose in the late 1800s.
Sally Laity’s writing is engaging, and her characters are well-developed and relatable. Rose's struggles to navigate her new life and her growing feelings for the charming Thomas are expertly woven into a narrative that's both nostalgic and inspiring.
The historical setting is vividly portrayed, transporting readers to a bygone era. The author's attention to detail and her ability to craft a story that's both romantic and faith-filled make this book a true delight.
If you're a fan of historical romance like I am I do recommend Rose's Pledge. With its gentle pace, endearing characters, and heartwarming story, this book is a perfect choice for a cozy afternoon read.
Sally Laity’s writing is engaging, and her characters are well-developed and relatable. Rose's struggles to navigate her new life and her growing feelings for the charming Thomas are expertly woven into a narrative that's both nostalgic and inspiring.
The historical setting is vividly portrayed, transporting readers to a bygone era. The author's attention to detail and her ability to craft a story that's both romantic and faith-filled make this book a true delight.
If you're a fan of historical romance like I am I do recommend Rose's Pledge. With its gentle pace, endearing characters, and heartwarming story, this book is a perfect choice for a cozy afternoon read.
December 16, 2018
Wilderness, Indian territory and adventure.
An interesting read about 3 English girls whose father lost his fortune and Rose, the fiesty heroine of the story, arranged for all three of them to become bondservants in America. Contrary to the arrangement, the sisters were separated and sold to different masters. Rose ends up going deep into the wilderness into Indian territory, with an owner she doesn't trust. On the way, she meets Nate Kinyon, and clings to the hope he will rescue her. There are lots of details about the territory, the food, the weather, the conflict between French and English, and Indian life. Through it all, she trusts in God to protect her and to know what's best for her and those around her. The author has obviously done her research.
An interesting read about 3 English girls whose father lost his fortune and Rose, the fiesty heroine of the story, arranged for all three of them to become bondservants in America. Contrary to the arrangement, the sisters were separated and sold to different masters. Rose ends up going deep into the wilderness into Indian territory, with an owner she doesn't trust. On the way, she meets Nate Kinyon, and clings to the hope he will rescue her. There are lots of details about the territory, the food, the weather, the conflict between French and English, and Indian life. Through it all, she trusts in God to protect her and to know what's best for her and those around her. The author has obviously done her research.
February 13, 2018
The saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover", doesn't apply to this book. Usually, I don't like realistic pictures or photos of the characters on the cover of the book. I'd rather leave it to my imagination. It really bugs me when I read a book and the cover picture doesn't match the book; such as a blonde hair, blue eyed woman when the character has brown hair and green eyes. In the case of this book, the characters pictured were perfect! Not only was the book a wonderful adventure through the backwoods of a developing America along with all the hardships and romance, but the characters were perfectly and imperfectly matched. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 6, 2018
I thought the book was great in how Rose quickly adapted to living in the American wilderness having lived in England as a merchant's daughter. She hated that she and her sisters were split up when they arrived in the colonies as indentured servants. Her relationship with the old man who ran the trading post mellowed toward her as the weeks and months went by and saw that Nate had feelings for her. She learned how to survive in the wilderness and brought both Nate and Mr. Smith closer to the Lord. I loved how she and Nate became man and wife and adopted little Jenny.
September 5, 2017
Exciting
Dianna Crawford's writing is so discriptive I felt I was there as Rose Harwood fought valiantly with Captain Dunsmore to prevent her sisters and herself from being split up and auctioned off as bondswomen. That was only the beginning of her many adventures along the wilderness trail, at a frontier Trading Post, living among Shawnee Indians and fleeing for her life from hostile Indians.
If you are interested in books about Colonial America I recommend this book.
Dianna Crawford's writing is so discriptive I felt I was there as Rose Harwood fought valiantly with Captain Dunsmore to prevent her sisters and herself from being split up and auctioned off as bondswomen. That was only the beginning of her many adventures along the wilderness trail, at a frontier Trading Post, living among Shawnee Indians and fleeing for her life from hostile Indians.
If you are interested in books about Colonial America I recommend this book.
June 13, 2022
Colonial America is a favorite genre of mine so I was eager to read this book when I first discovered these authors. The story was engaging from the beginning. It moved fairly quickly and had a few surprising twists and turns. The ending was fairly predictable. Overall this was an enjoyable story and I look forward to reading Books 2 and 3 in the series.
August 3, 2017
Enjoyable!
I liked this book and look forward to reading about Mariah and Lily, too. I was on the edge of my seat for most of Rose's story. I enjoyed the interaction between Nate and Rose as well. Well done, Dianna Crawford.
I liked this book and look forward to reading about Mariah and Lily, too. I was on the edge of my seat for most of Rose's story. I enjoyed the interaction between Nate and Rose as well. Well done, Dianna Crawford.
March 17, 2018
Rose’s Pledge drew me in from the first. Selling herself as an indentured servant to pay family debts, Rose comes to the colonies. Difficulties, hardships and surprises work together to make a great story. If you like to read of life in the 1700’s, this is a book you’ll enjoy.
April 16, 2019
Great story of faith and trust
This story presents so many challenges and struggles to the heroine that forces her to go deeper in her faith and realise she's not who she thought she was. Got so caught up in the story stayed up to 4am to finish it, on a work night.
This story presents so many challenges and struggles to the heroine that forces her to go deeper in her faith and realise she's not who she thought she was. Got so caught up in the story stayed up to 4am to finish it, on a work night.
April 27, 2020
I cannot believe I actually finished it.
This book was tedious, predictable, and with flat, boring characters. The writing was supermarket romance in style without any bodice ripping, to keep it appropriate for the Christian market. I wish I had kept count of how many times the main character raised or lowered her lashes, or how many times her admirer was drawn to her "femininity and grace."
This book was tedious, predictable, and with flat, boring characters. The writing was supermarket romance in style without any bodice ripping, to keep it appropriate for the Christian market. I wish I had kept count of how many times the main character raised or lowered her lashes, or how many times her admirer was drawn to her "femininity and grace."
October 18, 2024
I love these two authors together! This book had several twists and turns and a sweet ending. I was hoping that the spiritual content would be a little deeper than it was, and the beginning felt rushed—but I enjoyed the story overall and am looking forward to reading more.
October 28, 2017
Historical fiction
The faith statements in here were great. It didn't seem like a romance, though. They were just friends through most of the book. It was also very long and slow.
The faith statements in here were great. It didn't seem like a romance, though. They were just friends through most of the book. It was also very long and slow.
June 17, 2018
I could not get into this book. Rose's family seems ungrateful for her efforts at the beginning of the book.
March 25, 2019
Couldn't get past the language of the colonists. I do not believe that second generation Americans sounded like modern day backwood hicks.
April 18, 2019
In the beginning
A story of the begining of the colonies and how the French and the English along with the Indians scrabbled to take control
A story of the begining of the colonies and how the French and the English along with the Indians scrabbled to take control
July 5, 2019
Lovely
I procrastinated reading this book for 2 years because i didn't think it would be that good. I was so wrong this was an amazing book I have fallen in love with this series.
I procrastinated reading this book for 2 years because i didn't think it would be that good. I was so wrong this was an amazing book I have fallen in love with this series.
December 7, 2019
Nice story
I enjoy historical novels. This was at nice and Roses pledge was an interesting story. Take the time to read.
I enjoy historical novels. This was at nice and Roses pledge was an interesting story. Take the time to read.
January 27, 2021
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews