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The Broken Vow
Marriage was what Charlotte had been brought up to. After all, it provided a happy ending for all the heroines in the novels she sometimes read. So it would be for her… right?
Born into luxury, Charlotte Fitznorton has always known a life filled with lavish parties and a line of suitors, all part of a future neatly laid out for her by her father, Sir Lucien. She is to marry well and continue the line at Plas Norton, the family seat. When Eustace Chadwycke – son of a viscount – proposes just before leaving to fight in France, it seems Charlotte’s destiny is perfectly falling into place.
Then, tragedy strikes. Her father dies unexpectedly, and her future hangs in the balance – threatened by the surprise pregnancy of her hated stepmother, Rosamund. News of Eustace, returning from the war broken by its horrors, leaves Charlotte fearing her engagement may be as fragile as her inheritance.
Determined to at least save her impending marriage, Charlotte pours her energy into turning Plas Norton into a healing place for Eustace and other war-weary soldiers. But small-minded townspeople, a bossy head nurse, and her newborn baby sister's arrival push Charlotte to her limits.
Just as hope is slipping through her fingers, a mysterious stranger arrives at Plas Norton. This newcomer holds the power to upend everything Charlotte has fought to preserve. Will she have the strength to protect her legacy, or could this unexpected visitor awaken a desire in Charlotte for a different life altogether?
A beautiful and heartbreaking historical novel, if you loved anything by Fiona Valpy or Lucinda Riley, this book is for you.
Born into luxury, Charlotte Fitznorton has always known a life filled with lavish parties and a line of suitors, all part of a future neatly laid out for her by her father, Sir Lucien. She is to marry well and continue the line at Plas Norton, the family seat. When Eustace Chadwycke – son of a viscount – proposes just before leaving to fight in France, it seems Charlotte’s destiny is perfectly falling into place.
Then, tragedy strikes. Her father dies unexpectedly, and her future hangs in the balance – threatened by the surprise pregnancy of her hated stepmother, Rosamund. News of Eustace, returning from the war broken by its horrors, leaves Charlotte fearing her engagement may be as fragile as her inheritance.
Determined to at least save her impending marriage, Charlotte pours her energy into turning Plas Norton into a healing place for Eustace and other war-weary soldiers. But small-minded townspeople, a bossy head nurse, and her newborn baby sister's arrival push Charlotte to her limits.
Just as hope is slipping through her fingers, a mysterious stranger arrives at Plas Norton. This newcomer holds the power to upend everything Charlotte has fought to preserve. Will she have the strength to protect her legacy, or could this unexpected visitor awaken a desire in Charlotte for a different life altogether?
A beautiful and heartbreaking historical novel, if you loved anything by Fiona Valpy or Lucinda Riley, this book is for you.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2024
718 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 23, 2024
The Broken Vow was book 2 of The Fitznortons series and I thought it was a terrific read. The author told a passionate historical account of the times. In so ways it felt very much like Downton Abbey but that doesn’t give it justice. It was so much more.
I was immediately committed when the story picks up with Charlotte a character in the last book I could barely stand. She was spoiled and mean. She is at the center of this compelling heartfelt drama and I watched with interest and trepidation as she was forced to grow up.
As a woman reading this I was frustrated with what would have been my choices back then. Unbelievable unfair treatment.
I was also charmed by many of the side characters, too many to mention. They completed the already good story and I was very happy with the ending. I can only hope the author is already working on a 3rd novel that I will gladly read.
I highly recommend this and hope you had it to your list.
Thanks Storm publishing via NetGalley.
I was immediately committed when the story picks up with Charlotte a character in the last book I could barely stand. She was spoiled and mean. She is at the center of this compelling heartfelt drama and I watched with interest and trepidation as she was forced to grow up.
As a woman reading this I was frustrated with what would have been my choices back then. Unbelievable unfair treatment.
I was also charmed by many of the side characters, too many to mention. They completed the already good story and I was very happy with the ending. I can only hope the author is already working on a 3rd novel that I will gladly read.
I highly recommend this and hope you had it to your list.
Thanks Storm publishing via NetGalley.
January 20, 2024
A debutante’s war effort!
Foolish, naive debutant finds inner dragon, her strength and determination, her calling if you will, and some harsh home truths.
When Charlotte Fitznorton discovers her fiancé Eustace Chadwyke has been injured and is suffering from shell shock after fighting on the Western Front she decides to open up the family country home as a convalescent home for officers.
Despite the odds, a much maligned step mother, a new baby half sister, and harassment from the locals who see the shell shocked men as malingers, rather than casualties, Charlotte rises to the occasion, much to the admiration of Doctor Kit Harvard.
A story set during World War I.
A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Foolish, naive debutant finds inner dragon, her strength and determination, her calling if you will, and some harsh home truths.
When Charlotte Fitznorton discovers her fiancé Eustace Chadwyke has been injured and is suffering from shell shock after fighting on the Western Front she decides to open up the family country home as a convalescent home for officers.
Despite the odds, a much maligned step mother, a new baby half sister, and harassment from the locals who see the shell shocked men as malingers, rather than casualties, Charlotte rises to the occasion, much to the admiration of Doctor Kit Harvard.
A story set during World War I.
A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
February 17, 2024
After having read The Gilded Cage, I went into this book completely unsure if I could like Charlotte at all. In that book and the beginning of this one, she was spoiled, vain, and insufferable. But Charlotte had an amazing growth of character, and by the end of this book, the author had managed to redeem her fully. She actually became a wonderful character as the story progressed.
The Broken Vow is an outstanding work of historical fiction featuring strong female characters. Set during WWI and focusing a lot of attention on the welfare and mental health of the soldiers. This book is a poignant and heartfelt read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Broken Vow is an outstanding work of historical fiction featuring strong female characters. Set during WWI and focusing a lot of attention on the welfare and mental health of the soldiers. This book is a poignant and heartfelt read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 11, 2025
*Becoming*
This is the final book in the two-book series, The Fitznorton Series.
The book continues the saga of the Fitznortons. This time, it focuses on Charlotte, the only daughter of Sir Lucien, a dream father to her but a cruel and awful husband to Rosamund, her stepmother. Tragically, as Charlotte’s mind was poisoned and conditioned by her father, she believed his lies and never understood how he could end up with a cold and weak stepmother. She was never privy to that side of him. Now, Charlotte is in mourning after her father’s passing.
Due to the war, she is engaged to Eustace Chadwycke, the son of a viscount. It had always been her father’s ambition that Eustace would be her suitor.
Charlotte has a friend named Venetia, who is very tall and has a commanding presence. She thinks very differently from Charlotte, who is spoiled and, in many ways, very naive. She is a product of her father’s upbringing, but Venetia is instrumental in helping Charlotte start to evolve.
When Charlotte hears through her prospective in-laws that Eustace has shell-shock and is returning from the war, they want him to be somewhere discreet. With Venetia’s encouragement, Charlotte decides to return to her childhood home, Plas Norton, and turn it into a place where soldiers can convalesce.
While Charlotte is staying in London, her entire home is shut down due to the war. This will bring her into conflict with her stepmother, Rosamund, whom she detests. Since her father’s death, his estate should go to Charlotte, but because Rosamund is pregnant, the gender of the baby could become a threat. If it’s a boy, he would inherit everything, but a girl means that the inheritance is shared.
Charlotte suddenly has to grow up. At the age of 20, she is inexperienced and learns a part of what Rosamund endured at the hands of her father. When the baby arrives, tragedy strikes, and Charlotte is faced with difficult decisions about what to do with the child.
She also gets the house in shape with some staff.
What will Charlotte learn? Will she make a success of the place and how will she grow?
This was a wonderful and heartfelt journey that I absolutely adored
This is the final book in the two-book series, The Fitznorton Series.
The book continues the saga of the Fitznortons. This time, it focuses on Charlotte, the only daughter of Sir Lucien, a dream father to her but a cruel and awful husband to Rosamund, her stepmother. Tragically, as Charlotte’s mind was poisoned and conditioned by her father, she believed his lies and never understood how he could end up with a cold and weak stepmother. She was never privy to that side of him. Now, Charlotte is in mourning after her father’s passing.
Due to the war, she is engaged to Eustace Chadwycke, the son of a viscount. It had always been her father’s ambition that Eustace would be her suitor.
Charlotte has a friend named Venetia, who is very tall and has a commanding presence. She thinks very differently from Charlotte, who is spoiled and, in many ways, very naive. She is a product of her father’s upbringing, but Venetia is instrumental in helping Charlotte start to evolve.
When Charlotte hears through her prospective in-laws that Eustace has shell-shock and is returning from the war, they want him to be somewhere discreet. With Venetia’s encouragement, Charlotte decides to return to her childhood home, Plas Norton, and turn it into a place where soldiers can convalesce.
While Charlotte is staying in London, her entire home is shut down due to the war. This will bring her into conflict with her stepmother, Rosamund, whom she detests. Since her father’s death, his estate should go to Charlotte, but because Rosamund is pregnant, the gender of the baby could become a threat. If it’s a boy, he would inherit everything, but a girl means that the inheritance is shared.
Charlotte suddenly has to grow up. At the age of 20, she is inexperienced and learns a part of what Rosamund endured at the hands of her father. When the baby arrives, tragedy strikes, and Charlotte is faced with difficult decisions about what to do with the child.
She also gets the house in shape with some staff.
What will Charlotte learn? Will she make a success of the place and how will she grow?
This was a wonderful and heartfelt journey that I absolutely adored
February 13, 2024
This was a good story quite interesting and I enjoyed it. I hadn't read the first book but it really didn't matter. The only downside was it was a little slow at times. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 13, 2024
Set in Wales during WWI, Charlotte Fitznorton’s father, Sir Lucien, has just died and her fiancé, Eustace, has enlisted to fight in France. When Eustace returns suffering from ‘shell shock’, Charlotte resolves to turn her family residence into a convalescent home for mentally injured soldiers. Charlotte soon becomes aware that she has to decide just what she wants from life. Is Eustace the be all and end all?
I really enjoyed this gripping and beautifully written historical novel. It’s a story mostly about the part women played during the first world war, how they put their best foot forward and survived, starting to change the way the world works. Even though Charlotte comes across as an overindulged and vain young lady at first, I liked her and she develops into a kind and caring individual. I also particularly liked Venetia, she’s a strong and feisty character and plays an integral role. I could easily visualise her striding around Plas Norton! It’s quite an emotional tale and shows love in all its forms. I haven’t read the previous book, The Gilded Cage, but can confirm The Broken Vow can be read as a stand alone. However, I will be reading The Gilded Cage as I am eager to find out how it all begins. I can highly recommend The Broken Vow - it’s an engaging and captivating read. Ideal for historical fiction fans.
I really enjoyed this gripping and beautifully written historical novel. It’s a story mostly about the part women played during the first world war, how they put their best foot forward and survived, starting to change the way the world works. Even though Charlotte comes across as an overindulged and vain young lady at first, I liked her and she develops into a kind and caring individual. I also particularly liked Venetia, she’s a strong and feisty character and plays an integral role. I could easily visualise her striding around Plas Norton! It’s quite an emotional tale and shows love in all its forms. I haven’t read the previous book, The Gilded Cage, but can confirm The Broken Vow can be read as a stand alone. However, I will be reading The Gilded Cage as I am eager to find out how it all begins. I can highly recommend The Broken Vow - it’s an engaging and captivating read. Ideal for historical fiction fans.
January 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this historical novel. Set against the background of World War One, it demonstrates the wide impact of the war on all parts of society back in Britain. I loved the development of the characters as the novel progressed. I hadn't read the first book in the series, but this did not take away from my enjoyment of the novel one bit. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fictions
April 8, 2024
The book portrays the daily lives of women during the war. The main character, Charlotte Fitznorton, undergoes a major transformation from the beginning to the end of the book! A transformation for the much better. I loved it! I couldn't stop reading!
January 15, 2024
What an absorbing and inspiring novel by Luisa A. Jones! The Broken Vow latched on to my heart from page one and squeezed out every emotion imaginable with its incredible character developments, fast paced drama and nail-biting plot. The setting, of course, was unforgettable, too, as we are taken back to Charlotte’s stately childhood home. I loved Luisa’s first instalment of this series so was anxious to read the second and she certainly delivered above and beyond my expectations. I became totally invested in this stunning story right from the Eleanor Roosevelt quote: “A woman is like a tea bag. You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” What a brilliant line and so fitting for this novel!
Once I started The Broken Vow, I could not put it down and read even while I was eating! It is incredibly captivating to see the transformation of Charlotte who started as a spoiled self-centred young woman but eventually becomes a responsible and selfless one. Admirable strengths begin to surface when she is put in some difficult situations. Her development is astonishing—considering she is only nineteen years old and quite inexperienced in many areas of mundane life activities. But she is a fast learner and once she discovers her passions, she is able to throw herself into the challenges and accomplish some impressive things.
Charlotte’s relationship with the men in her life is an interesting study. She grew up without her mother so her father was everything to her. She felt safe in his presence (ironically the opposite experience for Rosamund—his wife). Charlotte is engaged to Eustace but she does not really know him well. Currently he is off fighting the war so she is alone, biding her time when she can marry this man of title picked out by her father before his passing. Her father is her idol and her loss of him is immense. Every move she makes initially is to gain and keep his approval—even after he is gone. During the interim, she lives with her aunt in London, rather than with ‘sour-faced Rosamund,’ her stepmother. Charlotte once revelled in her father’s ‘growing dislike for his wife.’ She felt Rosamund was taking precious time away from her. She wanted to continue to be the centre of her father’s attentions. It is a very negative description of Charlotte but this is how she was at the beginning—until life started throwing her some serious curve balls and then she begins to change and see things differently—even her opinion of Rosamund— a woman loved by many.
Charlotte’s wonderful friend Venetia is an incredibly positive force in this story with her upfront predictions, comments and criticisms. I loved her spiels on the importance of women’s voices, their intelligence, entitlement to sharing power and to bring about important changes. Venetia is a force of change herself and gets Charlotte to look at her own actions and motives. In many ways, she becomes Charlotte’s conscience. Then there is Venetia’s cousin Doctor Harvard who comes to visit and shakes up Charlotte’s world and emotions. He offers her a different perspective, appreciates her progress and makes her feel more like a productive human being. He is a product of high society and working society due to his parents’ backgrounds. But he leans to his common roots with his desire to save the helpless and offer assistance to the poor. When Charlotte decides to turn her home into a place for soldiers to convalesce, due to her fiancé Eustace and his injury, it is here she begins to learn what it means to help others and be useful in society. This provides her with some much needed self-fulfilment and purpose in helping the victims of war in her home. Charlotte and Doctor Harvard do some wonderful work together for the soldiers. What he prescribes for the 'shell shocked' men is brilliant and quite a different approach than what was normally taken back then.
I must add it is of help to read book one of the series. And why wouldn’t you as Luisa’s writing is phenomenal and her first book is as captivating as the second! You will learn of Rosamund’s early days, her difficult marriage to Charlotte’s father and its effects on her. You will also get a clear picture of what she was dealing with in trying to rear his challenging child. The child who adored her father to the point of never seeing or believing he could do anything wrong. Not to mention her exasperating desire to please him at her own expense. Charlotte is quite a different person in book one and to some extent, still similar at the start of book two but once she is thrown into some hot water, she begins to grow and we love her by the end.
There are some great victories in this novel but also some deeply sad and unfortunate events. I was moved by it all at both spectrums. The characters are so real I felt as if I knew these people by the end of the story. I had tears for some and smiles for others. There is so much to discuss about The Broken Vow (including what this title means) but I must cease and just say, get this novel and read it! It will melt your heart, break it and restore it, too. There is so much love flowing by the end you will feel uplifted.
Beautiful writing, captivating drama, incredible depth and exciting progress. In closing I will quote a line from Venetia that haunted Charlotte. It gave her the grit and confidence she needed to charge forward into change. “The biggest problem with women, my dear, is how vastly they underestimate themselves.” Wise words and something to remember! This novel makes a positive statement on the power of women, what they can do when given a chance and when they believe in themselves and start to value their contributions. An absolute must read for 2024! Cannot wait for the next one! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once I started The Broken Vow, I could not put it down and read even while I was eating! It is incredibly captivating to see the transformation of Charlotte who started as a spoiled self-centred young woman but eventually becomes a responsible and selfless one. Admirable strengths begin to surface when she is put in some difficult situations. Her development is astonishing—considering she is only nineteen years old and quite inexperienced in many areas of mundane life activities. But she is a fast learner and once she discovers her passions, she is able to throw herself into the challenges and accomplish some impressive things.
Charlotte’s relationship with the men in her life is an interesting study. She grew up without her mother so her father was everything to her. She felt safe in his presence (ironically the opposite experience for Rosamund—his wife). Charlotte is engaged to Eustace but she does not really know him well. Currently he is off fighting the war so she is alone, biding her time when she can marry this man of title picked out by her father before his passing. Her father is her idol and her loss of him is immense. Every move she makes initially is to gain and keep his approval—even after he is gone. During the interim, she lives with her aunt in London, rather than with ‘sour-faced Rosamund,’ her stepmother. Charlotte once revelled in her father’s ‘growing dislike for his wife.’ She felt Rosamund was taking precious time away from her. She wanted to continue to be the centre of her father’s attentions. It is a very negative description of Charlotte but this is how she was at the beginning—until life started throwing her some serious curve balls and then she begins to change and see things differently—even her opinion of Rosamund— a woman loved by many.
Charlotte’s wonderful friend Venetia is an incredibly positive force in this story with her upfront predictions, comments and criticisms. I loved her spiels on the importance of women’s voices, their intelligence, entitlement to sharing power and to bring about important changes. Venetia is a force of change herself and gets Charlotte to look at her own actions and motives. In many ways, she becomes Charlotte’s conscience. Then there is Venetia’s cousin Doctor Harvard who comes to visit and shakes up Charlotte’s world and emotions. He offers her a different perspective, appreciates her progress and makes her feel more like a productive human being. He is a product of high society and working society due to his parents’ backgrounds. But he leans to his common roots with his desire to save the helpless and offer assistance to the poor. When Charlotte decides to turn her home into a place for soldiers to convalesce, due to her fiancé Eustace and his injury, it is here she begins to learn what it means to help others and be useful in society. This provides her with some much needed self-fulfilment and purpose in helping the victims of war in her home. Charlotte and Doctor Harvard do some wonderful work together for the soldiers. What he prescribes for the 'shell shocked' men is brilliant and quite a different approach than what was normally taken back then.
I must add it is of help to read book one of the series. And why wouldn’t you as Luisa’s writing is phenomenal and her first book is as captivating as the second! You will learn of Rosamund’s early days, her difficult marriage to Charlotte’s father and its effects on her. You will also get a clear picture of what she was dealing with in trying to rear his challenging child. The child who adored her father to the point of never seeing or believing he could do anything wrong. Not to mention her exasperating desire to please him at her own expense. Charlotte is quite a different person in book one and to some extent, still similar at the start of book two but once she is thrown into some hot water, she begins to grow and we love her by the end.
There are some great victories in this novel but also some deeply sad and unfortunate events. I was moved by it all at both spectrums. The characters are so real I felt as if I knew these people by the end of the story. I had tears for some and smiles for others. There is so much to discuss about The Broken Vow (including what this title means) but I must cease and just say, get this novel and read it! It will melt your heart, break it and restore it, too. There is so much love flowing by the end you will feel uplifted.
Beautiful writing, captivating drama, incredible depth and exciting progress. In closing I will quote a line from Venetia that haunted Charlotte. It gave her the grit and confidence she needed to charge forward into change. “The biggest problem with women, my dear, is how vastly they underestimate themselves.” Wise words and something to remember! This novel makes a positive statement on the power of women, what they can do when given a chance and when they believe in themselves and start to value their contributions. An absolute must read for 2024! Cannot wait for the next one! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 17, 2024
BOOK: THE BROKEN VOW
AUTHOR: LUISA JONES
PUB DATE: 23 JANUARY 2023
🪖🏥
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🏥🪖
This book was a rollercoaster. It was amazing and easy to read from start to finish. I was able to finish it in a day. The author did a really good job, and I commended her.
🪖🏥
When I first started the book, Charlotte was a character that's mainly the villain in most historical romances. She was selfish, vain, rude, and thought the world revolved around her. I really really loved seeing her develop her character and discover herself. Although, I admire her determination even if it was wrongly applied at the beginning of the book. She learned to appreciate and treat servants better. She learned to accept and understand her stepmother and rise up to insurmountable responsibilities. She learned how to actively help society. You might start the book hating, but you'll finish it loving, I did.
🏥🪖
The storyline itself was well thought out. In 1915, mental health was something feared and ridiculed, and no one really understood anything about those conditions. I could feel what it would be like being mentally ill in those times. I loved reading about what war felt like at home rather than in the battlefields. The fear and hope to be stronger was palpable through the pages.
🪖🏥
I loved the different storyline of Charlotte, Maggie, and Rosamund, especially Maggie's, because it's not always that the life of a lower middle class character is examined in books, and I appreciate that. FYI, I did NOT like Joseph C. My favorite character was Venetia, she was the best!
🏥🪖
All in all, I loved this book, and it was a wonderful read. You'd definitely like it.
🪖🏥
AUTHOR: LUISA JONES
PUB DATE: 23 JANUARY 2023
🪖🏥
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🏥🪖
This book was a rollercoaster. It was amazing and easy to read from start to finish. I was able to finish it in a day. The author did a really good job, and I commended her.
🪖🏥
When I first started the book, Charlotte was a character that's mainly the villain in most historical romances. She was selfish, vain, rude, and thought the world revolved around her. I really really loved seeing her develop her character and discover herself. Although, I admire her determination even if it was wrongly applied at the beginning of the book. She learned to appreciate and treat servants better. She learned to accept and understand her stepmother and rise up to insurmountable responsibilities. She learned how to actively help society. You might start the book hating, but you'll finish it loving, I did.
🏥🪖
The storyline itself was well thought out. In 1915, mental health was something feared and ridiculed, and no one really understood anything about those conditions. I could feel what it would be like being mentally ill in those times. I loved reading about what war felt like at home rather than in the battlefields. The fear and hope to be stronger was palpable through the pages.
🪖🏥
I loved the different storyline of Charlotte, Maggie, and Rosamund, especially Maggie's, because it's not always that the life of a lower middle class character is examined in books, and I appreciate that. FYI, I did NOT like Joseph C. My favorite character was Venetia, she was the best!
🏥🪖
All in all, I loved this book, and it was a wonderful read. You'd definitely like it.
🪖🏥
January 13, 2024
A book that takes you on a journey of discovery to new avenues of self awareness. I hadn’t read the first book but you can read this as stand alone book.
Charlotte is everything you can think of a spoiled person who does not treat people who are working for her properly. She is engaged to Eustace who is fighting in France. Eustace gets shell shocked and Charlotte decides to open up her house for the shell shocked soldiers. This is where Charlotte changes for the better.
The author has researched how soldiers behaved when they were shell shocked and also how people reacted to them thinking they were cowards.
A well written book. Would recommend the book.
Charlotte is everything you can think of a spoiled person who does not treat people who are working for her properly. She is engaged to Eustace who is fighting in France. Eustace gets shell shocked and Charlotte decides to open up her house for the shell shocked soldiers. This is where Charlotte changes for the better.
The author has researched how soldiers behaved when they were shell shocked and also how people reacted to them thinking they were cowards.
A well written book. Would recommend the book.
January 7, 2024
The Broken Vow is a beautiful, well-written historical novel featuring strong female characters who break the mold of what society, at that time, expected from them, reminding us of the intense struggle women faced throughout history. The character development of Charlotte throughout the story was impressive and very enjoyable.
January 8, 2024
The second book in the series. What a good series. This book however can be read on its own but I’d read it in order. Good characters and a good story. Well worth a read.
December 25, 2023
The Broken Vow
By: Luisa A. Jones
5 Stars
When I first started this book, I was unaware it was the second in the series. Upon finding this out, I went back to read the first, just to have ALL the info and I loved it, which made this second book, The Broken Vow, easy to fall in love with too. You meet Charlotte in the first book as a young and spoiled child. In this book, her father is gone, left with only her stepmother and her aunt, and with a future on the edge of changing at any time. War is raging, and when her fiancée is injured, Charlotte decides she needs some changes now in her life.
I have to admit. At first, I didn't love Charlotte. This second book really showed her growth and made this book an amazing story to add to the first. I loved all the characters, both the good and bad. They made this book. The storyline followed well behind the first book, and I found it easy to jump right in here and enjoy the stories continued telling. It was a story with pain, war, and grief, but it told me so much more. It told of forgiveness and bravery. It told of love and redemption. It was a well written and powerful story from start to finish.
I really look forward to reading more from this author. I absolutely loved these 2 books. It's hard to do justice to one without the other here. They were both great.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
By: Luisa A. Jones
5 Stars
When I first started this book, I was unaware it was the second in the series. Upon finding this out, I went back to read the first, just to have ALL the info and I loved it, which made this second book, The Broken Vow, easy to fall in love with too. You meet Charlotte in the first book as a young and spoiled child. In this book, her father is gone, left with only her stepmother and her aunt, and with a future on the edge of changing at any time. War is raging, and when her fiancée is injured, Charlotte decides she needs some changes now in her life.
I have to admit. At first, I didn't love Charlotte. This second book really showed her growth and made this book an amazing story to add to the first. I loved all the characters, both the good and bad. They made this book. The storyline followed well behind the first book, and I found it easy to jump right in here and enjoy the stories continued telling. It was a story with pain, war, and grief, but it told me so much more. It told of forgiveness and bravery. It told of love and redemption. It was a well written and powerful story from start to finish.
I really look forward to reading more from this author. I absolutely loved these 2 books. It's hard to do justice to one without the other here. They were both great.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
December 29, 2023
What fun it was to see a young society lady find her way and her voice during the First World War. I found myself rooting for her more and more as the story progressed. Through love and loss, these personalities are quite endearing, all the while strong female characters are front and center.
ARC copy provided at no cost in exchange for my honest review.
#netgalley #bookreview #thebrokenvow#luisaajones
ARC copy provided at no cost in exchange for my honest review.
#netgalley #bookreview #thebrokenvow#luisaajones
May 30, 2025
Graceful Portrait of Post-War Womanhood
Luisa A. Jones’s The Broken Vow is a well-crafted historical novel set in post-World War I Britain. As the second book in the Fitznortons series, it follows Charlotte Fitznorton, whose life is upended by family tragedy and societal change. Faced with the emotional toll of war, particularly through her fiancé’s shell shock, Charlotte transforms her ancestral home into a convalescent facility for officers, confronting class, gender, and personal challenges.
Jones offers a compelling exploration of resilience, duty, and female agency in a changing world. With rich historical detail and nuanced character development, The Broken Vow is a thoughtful and engaging read that stands firmly within the tradition of classic historical fiction. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Luisa A. Jones’s The Broken Vow is a well-crafted historical novel set in post-World War I Britain. As the second book in the Fitznortons series, it follows Charlotte Fitznorton, whose life is upended by family tragedy and societal change. Faced with the emotional toll of war, particularly through her fiancé’s shell shock, Charlotte transforms her ancestral home into a convalescent facility for officers, confronting class, gender, and personal challenges.
Jones offers a compelling exploration of resilience, duty, and female agency in a changing world. With rich historical detail and nuanced character development, The Broken Vow is a thoughtful and engaging read that stands firmly within the tradition of classic historical fiction. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2023
The Broken Vow
by Luisa A. Jones
Pub Date: 22 Jan 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Born into luxury, Charlotte Fitznorton has always known a life filled with lavish parties and a line of suitors, all part of a future neatly laid out for her by her father, Sir Lucien. She is to marry well and continue the line at Plas Norton, the family seat. When Eustace Chadwycke – son of a viscount – proposes just before leaving to fight in France, it seems Charlotte’s destiny is perfectly falling into place.
Then, tragedy strikes. Her father dies unexpectedly, and her future hangs in the balance – threatened by the surprise pregnancy of her hated stepmother, Rosamund. News of Eustace, returning from the war broken by its horrors, leaves Charlotte fearing her engagement may be as fragile as her inheritance.
Determined to at least save her impending marriage, Charlotte pours her energy into turning Plas Norton into a healing place for Eustace and other war-weary soldiers. But small-minded townspeople, a bossy head nurse, and her newborn baby sister's arrival push Charlotte to her limits.
Just as hope is slipping through her fingers, a mysterious stranger arrives at Plas Norton. This newcomer holds the power to upend everything Charlotte has fought to preserve. Will she have the strength to protect her legacy, or could this unexpected visitor awaken a desire in Charlotte for a different life altogether?
by Luisa A. Jones
Pub Date: 22 Jan 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Born into luxury, Charlotte Fitznorton has always known a life filled with lavish parties and a line of suitors, all part of a future neatly laid out for her by her father, Sir Lucien. She is to marry well and continue the line at Plas Norton, the family seat. When Eustace Chadwycke – son of a viscount – proposes just before leaving to fight in France, it seems Charlotte’s destiny is perfectly falling into place.
Then, tragedy strikes. Her father dies unexpectedly, and her future hangs in the balance – threatened by the surprise pregnancy of her hated stepmother, Rosamund. News of Eustace, returning from the war broken by its horrors, leaves Charlotte fearing her engagement may be as fragile as her inheritance.
Determined to at least save her impending marriage, Charlotte pours her energy into turning Plas Norton into a healing place for Eustace and other war-weary soldiers. But small-minded townspeople, a bossy head nurse, and her newborn baby sister's arrival push Charlotte to her limits.
Just as hope is slipping through her fingers, a mysterious stranger arrives at Plas Norton. This newcomer holds the power to upend everything Charlotte has fought to preserve. Will she have the strength to protect her legacy, or could this unexpected visitor awaken a desire in Charlotte for a different life altogether?
January 27, 2024
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Captivating, dramatic and wonderfully compelling, The Broken Vow is a spellbinding tale from Luisa A. Jones perfect for historical fiction fans.
Born to great wealth and privilege, Charlotte Fitznorton had her future mapped out for her by her father, Sir Lucien, the second she was born. Charlotte would make a suitable match and marry a man of equal rank and fortune and have a family. She would then become chatelaine of the family seat, Plas Norton, and continue living the life she had been accustomed to since birth. When she is proposed to by Eustace Chadwycke, it looks like everything will be falling into place for Charlotte – until tragedy strikes and her entire life is turned on its head…
Sir Lucien dies unexpectedly, her inheritance is threatened by her stepmother Rosamund and Eustace returns from the war a broken man haunted by the horrors he had witnessed on the battlefields. With her inheritance about to slip through her fingers, Charlotte vows to do whatever it takes to secure her future with Eustace so she pours all her time and energy into turning Plas Norton into a sanctuary from her fiancé and other war weary soldiers. However, little does she realize that external forces will conspire against her and test her like she’s never been tested before.
When a stranger arrives unexpectedly at Plas Norton, everything Charlotte has fought so hard for is put in jeopardy. Will she find the strength and courage to fight for her future? Or will she realise that her future might lie far from Plas Norton?
Luisa A. Jones’ The Broken Vow is storytelling at its finest. Atmospheric, enthralling and evocative, The Broken Vow is a passionate tale of love, courage and sacrifice written straight from her heart with a heroine who at the beginning of the book is a spoiled and petulant girl who grows into a strong, resourceful and resilient woman readers will end up rooting for.
The Broken Vow by Luisa A. Jones is a first-rate historical novel that is hard to resist and even harder to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Captivating, dramatic and wonderfully compelling, The Broken Vow is a spellbinding tale from Luisa A. Jones perfect for historical fiction fans.
Born to great wealth and privilege, Charlotte Fitznorton had her future mapped out for her by her father, Sir Lucien, the second she was born. Charlotte would make a suitable match and marry a man of equal rank and fortune and have a family. She would then become chatelaine of the family seat, Plas Norton, and continue living the life she had been accustomed to since birth. When she is proposed to by Eustace Chadwycke, it looks like everything will be falling into place for Charlotte – until tragedy strikes and her entire life is turned on its head…
Sir Lucien dies unexpectedly, her inheritance is threatened by her stepmother Rosamund and Eustace returns from the war a broken man haunted by the horrors he had witnessed on the battlefields. With her inheritance about to slip through her fingers, Charlotte vows to do whatever it takes to secure her future with Eustace so she pours all her time and energy into turning Plas Norton into a sanctuary from her fiancé and other war weary soldiers. However, little does she realize that external forces will conspire against her and test her like she’s never been tested before.
When a stranger arrives unexpectedly at Plas Norton, everything Charlotte has fought so hard for is put in jeopardy. Will she find the strength and courage to fight for her future? Or will she realise that her future might lie far from Plas Norton?
Luisa A. Jones’ The Broken Vow is storytelling at its finest. Atmospheric, enthralling and evocative, The Broken Vow is a passionate tale of love, courage and sacrifice written straight from her heart with a heroine who at the beginning of the book is a spoiled and petulant girl who grows into a strong, resourceful and resilient woman readers will end up rooting for.
The Broken Vow by Luisa A. Jones is a first-rate historical novel that is hard to resist and even harder to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 23, 2024
A gripping and engaging historical fiction novel which kept me captivated throughout. Charlotte Fitznorton is used to her life of luxury and her life is all planned out for her by her father, Sir Lucien. She knows she must marry well and continue her family line at the family seat, Plas Norton. Charlotte feels her life is nicely falling into place when a son of a viscount, Eustace Chadwycke proposes to her before leaving to fight in France. Charlotte’s future then hangs in the balance following her fathers unexpected death and the news that the stepmother she hates, Rosamund is pregnant. With her life now less certain and her inheritance at stake, she hears that although her fiancé is returning he has been left broken by the horrors of war.
Charlotte is determined to care for Eustace and turns Plas Norton into a place of healing for him and other war-weary soldiers. However, small minded, interfering townspeople are not happy and along with a very bossy head nurse and the birth of her baby sister, Charlotte is pushed to her limits. When a mysterious stranger arrives Charlotte must fight for all that she has achieved and protect her legacy. However, this visitor awakens a desire in Charlotte and she begins to wish for a different life then the one her father had planned. This was a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story which took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. Charlotte’s character really changes and develops throughout the story, making her very realistic and relatable. The descriptive narrative really brings the setting to life and the added historical details made me feel fully immersed in the era of WW1. This a wonderfully written story and I found it was a real page turner.
Charlotte is determined to care for Eustace and turns Plas Norton into a place of healing for him and other war-weary soldiers. However, small minded, interfering townspeople are not happy and along with a very bossy head nurse and the birth of her baby sister, Charlotte is pushed to her limits. When a mysterious stranger arrives Charlotte must fight for all that she has achieved and protect her legacy. However, this visitor awakens a desire in Charlotte and she begins to wish for a different life then the one her father had planned. This was a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story which took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. Charlotte’s character really changes and develops throughout the story, making her very realistic and relatable. The descriptive narrative really brings the setting to life and the added historical details made me feel fully immersed in the era of WW1. This a wonderfully written story and I found it was a real page turner.
January 22, 2024
The Broken Vow was an intriguing story set during WWI
The story opens with widowed Rosamunde Fitznorton awaiting the birth of her child in the Dower House of Plas Norton her deceased husband’s estate. Meanwhile her estranged step-daughter Charlotte is in London reluctantly assisting in the war effort while awaiting word of her fiance Eustace and missing all the fun parties and shopping from before the war. Charlotte stands to lose her inheritence if the baby Rosamunde is expecting is a boy. While awaiting the resolution of her inheritence, Charlotte decides to turn Plas Norton into a rehabilitation hospital for her fiance and other soldiers decimated by the War. Tragedy strikes for Rosamunde, and Charlotte is left with the custody of her infant sister and the duty of keeping her familly and estate together through the depravations of war.
I really enjoyed this book. Charlotte starts off as an unlikeable spoiled young girl, but shows real grit and resilience through the trials and tribulations she faces. She experiences real growth by the end of the novel and I found myself rooting for her.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
The story opens with widowed Rosamunde Fitznorton awaiting the birth of her child in the Dower House of Plas Norton her deceased husband’s estate. Meanwhile her estranged step-daughter Charlotte is in London reluctantly assisting in the war effort while awaiting word of her fiance Eustace and missing all the fun parties and shopping from before the war. Charlotte stands to lose her inheritence if the baby Rosamunde is expecting is a boy. While awaiting the resolution of her inheritence, Charlotte decides to turn Plas Norton into a rehabilitation hospital for her fiance and other soldiers decimated by the War. Tragedy strikes for Rosamunde, and Charlotte is left with the custody of her infant sister and the duty of keeping her familly and estate together through the depravations of war.
I really enjoyed this book. Charlotte starts off as an unlikeable spoiled young girl, but shows real grit and resilience through the trials and tribulations she faces. She experiences real growth by the end of the novel and I found myself rooting for her.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
January 22, 2024
After initially struggling to get into the book and saying I "would give it one more night" I found myself enjoying every chapter more and more. As another reviewer said the main character was so cold that I failed to warm to the book. When her character improved slightly the book followed suite!
There are lots of twists and turns which as a reader I did not always see coming. I particularly liked Venetia's character. I hope there will be another book in the series following Josephine and Maggie.
I haven't read the first book in the series and can confirm that this title can be read as a standalone book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
There are lots of twists and turns which as a reader I did not always see coming. I particularly liked Venetia's character. I hope there will be another book in the series following Josephine and Maggie.
I haven't read the first book in the series and can confirm that this title can be read as a standalone book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
March 6, 2024
Really enjoyed this second book in this series about the impact of the First World War on families - love how the author covers all classes not just the upper class. She highlights just how difficult it was for women to do anything outside the norm back in the 20th century. Charlotte turns from a brat into a wonderful but not perfect young woman. Maggie and her friend Jenny are interesting characters too. The patients dealing with shell shock are well described - the attitudes of the establishment and the medical professionals vividly portrayed. At least the officers weren't shot for cowardice unlike their unfortunate men. Looking forward to book 3.
December 19, 2023
I had such a roller coaster of feelings toward the FMC Reading this. Charlotte was insufferable at the beginning of this book. But as all good authors can do, the author gave the character amazing character growth. By the end of the novel, I was pleased with the woman she had become.
If you find historical novels with developing female characters interesting you’ll love this book.
I received a copy of this digital ARC from net galley and storm books in exchange for my honest opinon.
If you find historical novels with developing female characters interesting you’ll love this book.
I received a copy of this digital ARC from net galley and storm books in exchange for my honest opinon.
January 31, 2024
a well written historical read
Charlotte, as the main character in The Broken Vow grows and matures from a self-centred empty-headed girl into a caring, mature young woman, who puts her wealth and inheritance to a very practical use. In the process of setting up and managing a rehabilitation centre for officers suffering shell shock in 1915 she learns a lot about herself as a person.
The historical background and detail is well woven into the story. Issues such as discrimination against women, exploitation of the working class, social prejudice and wartime tensions are all subtly explored through the life experiences of the different characters.
I enjoyed this story because it is carefully researched and well written.
Charlotte, as the main character in The Broken Vow grows and matures from a self-centred empty-headed girl into a caring, mature young woman, who puts her wealth and inheritance to a very practical use. In the process of setting up and managing a rehabilitation centre for officers suffering shell shock in 1915 she learns a lot about herself as a person.
The historical background and detail is well woven into the story. Issues such as discrimination against women, exploitation of the working class, social prejudice and wartime tensions are all subtly explored through the life experiences of the different characters.
I enjoyed this story because it is carefully researched and well written.
February 12, 2024
The Broken Vow
It was a while, and several books, between reading The Builder Cage and The Broken Vow. I had to search back in my memory of the first book. Thankfully the author inserted several statements into the text explaining a memory so I was able to connect the characters in both books and go forward. A well thought out story, plot lines and character development. A great job in historical research for this time period which highlights that PTSD was very prevalent but unknown to the general masses. Really makes you think about how it affected the soldier and his family for the rest of his life. A good read with some romance thrown in. Would like to have a follow-up on little Josephine growing up and what she does and her relationship with Charlotte.
It was a while, and several books, between reading The Builder Cage and The Broken Vow. I had to search back in my memory of the first book. Thankfully the author inserted several statements into the text explaining a memory so I was able to connect the characters in both books and go forward. A well thought out story, plot lines and character development. A great job in historical research for this time period which highlights that PTSD was very prevalent but unknown to the general masses. Really makes you think about how it affected the soldier and his family for the rest of his life. A good read with some romance thrown in. Would like to have a follow-up on little Josephine growing up and what she does and her relationship with Charlotte.
March 22, 2024
This is the second book in the Fitznorton series. The book follows Charlotte, a recently orphaned girl, through her trials and tribulations of becoming a young woman. I was apprehensive about this book as I found her character extremely unlikeable in the first book and wasn’t sure if I would be able to connect with Charlotte on a deeper level. Her character arc is astonishing! You can feel development throughout the book. Extremely well done and written.
I will say I am a bit disappointed that Rosamund died. I would’ve liked to see more of her story as she navigated motherhood. This was an important part of Charlotte’s story and character development so I see why it was done.
There is yet some things left unsaid which may lead to a third book in the series. I would love to see Josephine’s story as she grows up under the care of her “sister.”
I will say I am a bit disappointed that Rosamund died. I would’ve liked to see more of her story as she navigated motherhood. This was an important part of Charlotte’s story and character development so I see why it was done.
There is yet some things left unsaid which may lead to a third book in the series. I would love to see Josephine’s story as she grows up under the care of her “sister.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
Charlotte's father has died but she lives her life as he would want. Her fiance has been injured in WWI and she decides to open her family home to take care of him and other officers who are suffering shell shock. The house is closed and all servants have gone. Charlotte with a few helpers takes on the opening of the house with cleaning and working to prepare the estate to receive the men, This is a lady who always had servants to wait on her. In the time that goes by she takes on a half-sister just born and five officers to care for and as she makes mistakes she learns from them. Maybe her father's way will not work in the present time. There is much to this story.
January 28, 2024
Beautiful Story!!
I really enjoyed both of these books they were wonderful to read! Love stories like this!! Recommend this book to all those historical fictional readers.
I really enjoyed both of these books they were wonderful to read! Love stories like this!! Recommend this book to all those historical fictional readers.
February 14, 2024
This novel was well written and in several point of views. I wish I had read book 1 of the series before reading this one. There are some things left to be known which makes me feel a third book will happen. I'd recommend to others.
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC of this title through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC of this title through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 23, 2024
Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I enjoyed reading it. Charlotte was not particularly interesting at the beginning, however her character developed nicely as she moved back to Plas Glyn and began the conversion to a convalescent hospital for soldiers. The author showed that she had researched the conditions these men faced as they returned from the 1st World War front line.
An easy read which I can recommend to lovers of historical fiction.
An easy read which I can recommend to lovers of historical fiction.
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