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The Rebel's Pledge
He was a rebel to King James, hunted down, captured, and enslaved in Colonial Maryland. Haunted by war and wrestling with a troubled past, Matthew Hale pledges to protect the daughter of his former owner and bring her from England to her father’s plantation along the Chesapeake, an undertaking that challenges the depth of his courage, and the strength of his faith.
Lara Carey will only wed for love, having kept the story of her parents’ unwavering devotion for each other in her heart. When she learns her guardian has promised her in marriage to a rich English lord in order to save the ancestral home, her hopes unravel, until she meets the heroic stranger that rescued her from the hands of a highwayman.
Lara Carey will only wed for love, having kept the story of her parents’ unwavering devotion for each other in her heart. When she learns her guardian has promised her in marriage to a rich English lord in order to save the ancestral home, her hopes unravel, until she meets the heroic stranger that rescued her from the hands of a highwayman.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2001
34 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Rita Gerlach
22 books166 followersRita Gerlach lives with her husband in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland.
"Inspirational romantic fiction is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and inspire them to live fully and gratefully."
"Inspirational romantic fiction is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and inspire them to live fully and gratefully."
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 27, 2017
This was the author’s very first book, originally published as a paperback in 2001. Ms. Gerlach edited it and republished it independently in 2012, in both paper and electronic form. I read the 2012 Kindle edition.
The Rebel’s Pledge (2001), “an inspirational colonial romance” by Rita Gerlach, is set in both Maryland and England between 1687 and 1690(?). (I think each location takes up about half of the book.) I wanted to read it because I really enjoyed After the Rain by the same author last year. I borrowed both books via Kindle Unlimited.
Rating: 4 stars
The hero: The story opens in 1687, with Matthew Hale in prison, destined to be put to death by hanging for participating in rebellious activities against King James. Matthew fought in the Battle of Sedgemoor, and he was one of 140 men sentenced to hang outside Taunton Castle. In an act of mercy, the king decided against hanging them in favor of transporting the group to America “to serve a sentence of seven years hard labor.” Matthew has a rough voyage to Maryland with the other men and is fortunate enough to be purchased (as an indentured servant) by a kind landowner.
Historical background, taken from Wikipedia:
The Battle of Sedgemoor “was the final battle of the Monmouth Rebellion, by which the rebel James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth attempted [and failed] to seize the English throne from his uncle James II of England.” King James's “Catholicism and his close ties with France” were the key issues spurring the rebellion. In the story, Matthew says, “Now we have enthroned James, who will have all Englishmen beneath the papal thumb.” Later, Matthew surmises that James II would be challenged again in the future. Indeed, Wikipedia notes that “James II was overthrown in a coup d'état three years later, in the Glorious Revolution” by “William III, Prince of Orange. William's successful invasion of England … led to his ascension of the English throne as William III of England.” At 67% on my Kindle book, a character says, “God bless King William,” so James is supplanted (in the background only) during the timespan covered by this book, and it affects the political climate of the story later on.
The heroine: I will not be discussing the heroine since she enters the story past the 10% mark!
Christian elements:One of the things I like about Rita Gerlach’s writing is her natural incorporation of prayers, Christian morals, and Bible verses. They’re sparse, but meaningful, and peppered throughout the novel. A few examples are below.
*As Matthew is expecting to be hanged, he prays, “This may be the last moon my eyes behold. God, give me courage to face my end.”
*A character going through a struggle thinks: “Would ending her life be her salvation? A moment later, she repented to have ever thought it.”
*As implied earlier, the reason Matthew was in the rebellion was largely a religious issue, illustrated by the following quotes.
Matthew: “Obviously you are a Protestant, and hated by the king.”
Other Prisoner: “It matters not whether he hates me. God does not.”
What I liked:
*A lovely quote referring to Matthew’s mother’s death: “The grief stayed with him for years until she became a gorgeous memory of a tender mother.”
*I thought the following bit, which pointed to the profiles of slaves and indentured servants, was interesting:
Matthew: “I will aid any man who longs for freedom, black or white, indentured or slave. The exception being murderers and thieves.”
Carey: “Those are few and far between, for they are hung, drawn, and quartered after a quick trial.”
*Matthew is very well drawn. He’s strong and courageous, but knows fear and pain. “Beads of sweat formed over Hale’s brow” during a tense situation, and there are other examples, too. So many heroes seem inauthentic in their lack of fear, so I was impressed with this. My own husband is overconfident (although he is aware of it and is not cocky), and I admit to resting in that confidence. Perhaps more than I should? So I do know some men can be gung-ho when you might expect caution to be exercised. However, everyone is human, as well as mortal, and we all experience times of fear. Even men, which should include the heroes of romance novels!
What I didn’t like:
*There was bit of head hopping.
*There were some places that needed editing. It was distracting, but not enough for me to discontinue the book. (Ms. Gerlach graciously accepted my offer to email her any errors I found, so hopefully in the near future, the Kindle version of this book will be cleaned up.)
*Even though I liked both of the main characters, I didn’t feel that they had enough reason to care for one another initially. I decided to take it at face value and ended up enjoying the progression of their relationship in the rest of the story.
__________________________
I will continue to read more of Ms. Gerlach’s stories, and have put Surrender the Wind on my to-read list. I recommend this book to fans of historical Christian romance!
The Rebel’s Pledge (2001), “an inspirational colonial romance” by Rita Gerlach, is set in both Maryland and England between 1687 and 1690(?). (I think each location takes up about half of the book.) I wanted to read it because I really enjoyed After the Rain by the same author last year. I borrowed both books via Kindle Unlimited.
Rating: 4 stars
The hero: The story opens in 1687, with Matthew Hale in prison, destined to be put to death by hanging for participating in rebellious activities against King James. Matthew fought in the Battle of Sedgemoor, and he was one of 140 men sentenced to hang outside Taunton Castle. In an act of mercy, the king decided against hanging them in favor of transporting the group to America “to serve a sentence of seven years hard labor.” Matthew has a rough voyage to Maryland with the other men and is fortunate enough to be purchased (as an indentured servant) by a kind landowner.
Historical background, taken from Wikipedia:
The Battle of Sedgemoor “was the final battle of the Monmouth Rebellion, by which the rebel James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth attempted [and failed] to seize the English throne from his uncle James II of England.” King James's “Catholicism and his close ties with France” were the key issues spurring the rebellion. In the story, Matthew says, “Now we have enthroned James, who will have all Englishmen beneath the papal thumb.” Later, Matthew surmises that James II would be challenged again in the future. Indeed, Wikipedia notes that “James II was overthrown in a coup d'état three years later, in the Glorious Revolution” by “William III, Prince of Orange. William's successful invasion of England … led to his ascension of the English throne as William III of England.” At 67% on my Kindle book, a character says, “God bless King William,” so James is supplanted (in the background only) during the timespan covered by this book, and it affects the political climate of the story later on.
The heroine: I will not be discussing the heroine since she enters the story past the 10% mark!
Christian elements:One of the things I like about Rita Gerlach’s writing is her natural incorporation of prayers, Christian morals, and Bible verses. They’re sparse, but meaningful, and peppered throughout the novel. A few examples are below.
*As Matthew is expecting to be hanged, he prays, “This may be the last moon my eyes behold. God, give me courage to face my end.”
*A character going through a struggle thinks: “Would ending her life be her salvation? A moment later, she repented to have ever thought it.”
*As implied earlier, the reason Matthew was in the rebellion was largely a religious issue, illustrated by the following quotes.
Matthew: “Obviously you are a Protestant, and hated by the king.”
Other Prisoner: “It matters not whether he hates me. God does not.”
What I liked:
*A lovely quote referring to Matthew’s mother’s death: “The grief stayed with him for years until she became a gorgeous memory of a tender mother.”
*I thought the following bit, which pointed to the profiles of slaves and indentured servants, was interesting:
Matthew: “I will aid any man who longs for freedom, black or white, indentured or slave. The exception being murderers and thieves.”
Carey: “Those are few and far between, for they are hung, drawn, and quartered after a quick trial.”
*Matthew is very well drawn. He’s strong and courageous, but knows fear and pain. “Beads of sweat formed over Hale’s brow” during a tense situation, and there are other examples, too. So many heroes seem inauthentic in their lack of fear, so I was impressed with this. My own husband is overconfident (although he is aware of it and is not cocky), and I admit to resting in that confidence. Perhaps more than I should? So I do know some men can be gung-ho when you might expect caution to be exercised. However, everyone is human, as well as mortal, and we all experience times of fear. Even men, which should include the heroes of romance novels!
What I didn’t like:
*There was bit of head hopping.
*There were some places that needed editing. It was distracting, but not enough for me to discontinue the book. (Ms. Gerlach graciously accepted my offer to email her any errors I found, so hopefully in the near future, the Kindle version of this book will be cleaned up.)
*Even though I liked both of the main characters, I didn’t feel that they had enough reason to care for one another initially. I decided to take it at face value and ended up enjoying the progression of their relationship in the rest of the story.
__________________________
I will continue to read more of Ms. Gerlach’s stories, and have put Surrender the Wind on my to-read list. I recommend this book to fans of historical Christian romance!
August 20, 2012
I love all of Rita Gerlach's books! This one is no exception. If you're tired of the standard historical romance fare out there and are looking for something more literary with language that sweeps you away, a story that is more like an epic than a simple tale, raw emotions, and often unexpected endings then don't hesitate to pick up this author's books. I haven't been disappointed yet.
July 28, 2012
cation Date: June 17, 2012
He was a rebel to King James, hunted down, captured, and enslaved in Colonial Maryland. Haunted by war and wrestling with a troubled past, Matthew Hale pledges to protect the daughter of his former owner and bring her from England to her father’s plantation along the Chesapeake, an undertaking that challenges the depth of his courage, and the strength of his faith.
Lara Carey will only wed for love, having kept the story of her parents’ unwavering devotion for each other in her heart. When she learns her guardian has promised her in marriage to a rich English lord in order to save the ancestral home, her hopes unravel, until she meets the heroic stranger that rescued her from the hands of a highwayman..
I really really liked this Book, I couldn't put it down, Rita Gerlach is such talented Writer, she takes you right there, you can feel the Fog and Rain. I highly recommend it.
He was a rebel to King James, hunted down, captured, and enslaved in Colonial Maryland. Haunted by war and wrestling with a troubled past, Matthew Hale pledges to protect the daughter of his former owner and bring her from England to her father’s plantation along the Chesapeake, an undertaking that challenges the depth of his courage, and the strength of his faith.
Lara Carey will only wed for love, having kept the story of her parents’ unwavering devotion for each other in her heart. When she learns her guardian has promised her in marriage to a rich English lord in order to save the ancestral home, her hopes unravel, until she meets the heroic stranger that rescued her from the hands of a highwayman..
I really really liked this Book, I couldn't put it down, Rita Gerlach is such talented Writer, she takes you right there, you can feel the Fog and Rain. I highly recommend it.
July 5, 2012
Cannot believe I forgot to,review this on here. This has to be one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is extremely well written and the skilful use of words draws you into the story. I was hooked from the first sentence. The characters are well drawn and I found myself loving them and hating them in turns. The suspense element is well handled and I found myself breathless with the twists and turns. It is a historical novel set in both the UK and America and gives you a real glimpse into life a the time of King James. It is apparent the author has down her research. However, it does not read like a history text, but a very entertaining novel. I would more than highly recommend this book.
November 27, 2012
I hate to admit it, but this was one of those books that I only finished to see how it ended. I actually thought the story was done halfway through, then was shocked to see how many pages were left (I was reading the e-book version, so it wasn't obvious I was only half-done). I believe the reason I thought it was done early was because the story seemed to go too quickly; Carey trusted/promoted Hale too quickly, Hale and Lara fell in love too quickly, etc. I'm used to characters taking their time with these big decisions. I wanted to like this story, and at times I did, but overall it was just too rushed, too one-dimensional.
February 4, 2021
This is typical for the genre but maybe a little better. There are a LOT of grammatical errors as if the script was put through spellcheck and the words may be spelled correctly but cannot be the word intended (or maybe the word intended but in that case "I don't think it means what you think it means").
The story is interesting enough. The characters are stereotypical and everyone is good looking. People fall in love instantly (that is lust, love takes time) and are either good or bad rather than nuanced.
There was a little bit of lack of continuity. Example: Lara inherited her father's estate which previously seemed to include a fleet of ships as well as other investments, yet after the return to England Matthew must rely on other's charity. Why? They could not draw on her resources or pledge repayment once their problems were worked out?
This sounds like a negative review and I do not intend it that way. I will read more by this author but offer this, if she reads it, as constructive criticism. I believe there is a better writer inside of her and encourage her to work at her craft.
The story is interesting enough. The characters are stereotypical and everyone is good looking. People fall in love instantly (that is lust, love takes time) and are either good or bad rather than nuanced.
There was a little bit of lack of continuity. Example: Lara inherited her father's estate which previously seemed to include a fleet of ships as well as other investments, yet after the return to England Matthew must rely on other's charity. Why? They could not draw on her resources or pledge repayment once their problems were worked out?
This sounds like a negative review and I do not intend it that way. I will read more by this author but offer this, if she reads it, as constructive criticism. I believe there is a better writer inside of her and encourage her to work at her craft.
October 8, 2019
Slavery and freedom, nicely tied together.
This is a complicated story of murder, class struggles, revenge, slavery (both physical and spiritual), the pursuit of freedom, the consequences of sin, and the power of forgiveness. The protagonists were certainly is very difficult situations, but by relying on their hope in God and the truth of His Word, they overcame. I don't know that I "enjoyed " reading it, but it was difficult to put down. I did rejoice to see fallible humans rely on the infallible Word of God. The only reason why I gave four stars is because of the many typos and incorrect words. If the author reads this review, I am a professional proofreader and copy editor and would be delighted to work with her.
This is a complicated story of murder, class struggles, revenge, slavery (both physical and spiritual), the pursuit of freedom, the consequences of sin, and the power of forgiveness. The protagonists were certainly is very difficult situations, but by relying on their hope in God and the truth of His Word, they overcame. I don't know that I "enjoyed " reading it, but it was difficult to put down. I did rejoice to see fallible humans rely on the infallible Word of God. The only reason why I gave four stars is because of the many typos and incorrect words. If the author reads this review, I am a professional proofreader and copy editor and would be delighted to work with her.
May 3, 2018
An okay book.
The story was intriguing. A lot happened. A good amount of time goes by. There were some bits of the story that didn't seem necessary or quite random, not quite full ideas. And there is one traumatic scene that is just kind of brushed aside. It happens and they get over it really fast. If what is implied actually happened, then I believe it would take a lot longer to get over.
This book needed a lot more editing. A lot more! So many mistakes. Easily fixed mistakes. It's a little distracting.
The story was intriguing. A lot happened. A good amount of time goes by. There were some bits of the story that didn't seem necessary or quite random, not quite full ideas. And there is one traumatic scene that is just kind of brushed aside. It happens and they get over it really fast. If what is implied actually happened, then I believe it would take a lot longer to get over.
This book needed a lot more editing. A lot more! So many mistakes. Easily fixed mistakes. It's a little distracting.
October 5, 2018
This is the first book I have read of Rita Gerlach, but it won't be the last. I totally enjoyed reading Matthew and Lara story. Not only was their adventure a real page turner, but I learn some history along the way. Excellent story.
November 13, 2019
Good book. I enjoyed the story. While the characters were obviously Christians, the book really didn't go into detail about how they lived their faith.
September 7, 2012
This was just... not my kind of book at all. The characters were incredibly one-dimensional; you knew immediately if someone was a "good guy," a "bad guy," or "just misguided." The villian, for example, was pure evil with not a trace of humanity in him. The situations they found themselves in were unbelievable - a ship is burning and sinking with sailors jumping off and lowering lifeboats, but somehow, two sentences later, there are no survivors - and no explanation as to what happened to them. And my last complaint, and probably the serious issue I had with this book, is that the writing was so stilted and unemotional. For example, the pivotal moment when our hero realizes he's in love with our heroine:
----
"...She glanced back over her shoulder, a look of anticipation in her eyes. Captivated, Hale followed her.
He then realized he might be falling in love with Carey's daughter.
Lara suggested they ride south, along the bridle path toward the cliffs above the sea. After they had gone the first mile, she turned her horse into an open glade white with clover."
----
Lara goes on to questions Hale about his possessions in the following paragraphs. This may be the most dispassionate realization of love I've ever read. And that's it.
----
"...She glanced back over her shoulder, a look of anticipation in her eyes. Captivated, Hale followed her.
He then realized he might be falling in love with Carey's daughter.
Lara suggested they ride south, along the bridle path toward the cliffs above the sea. After they had gone the first mile, she turned her horse into an open glade white with clover."
----
Lara goes on to questions Hale about his possessions in the following paragraphs. This may be the most dispassionate realization of love I've ever read. And that's it.
September 13, 2012
In the early 1990s Rita Gerlach began writing this book by hand, green but eager, and didn't quit until she had a 142,000-word manuscript. She published it using an on-demand publisher in 2001, and now, after much polishing, it has been published again. I think you will enjoy this edition.
Matthew Hale is one of the many political prisoners sentenced to be sent to the American colonies for seven years of hard labor - slaves sold to the highest bidder. He is purchased by a good man, Edmund Carey, but Matthew still chafes at being a slave. Within a week he saves the life of his owner, and Carey sets him free, giving him a job managing the plantation books. It isn't long before Carey regards him as a son.
Meanwhile, back in England, Carey's daughter lives a life of luxury in the home of her deceased mother's brother, Lord Philip Wade. She's courted by Lord Grey, and it is assumed they will marry. Not that she cares for Lord Barrington Grey, but he is attentive and wealthy.
It's inevitable they will meet and share many unpleasant adventures before happiness ensues. You may help them along on their journeys by purchasing the book from either Barnes and Nobel or Amazon.
Matthew Hale is one of the many political prisoners sentenced to be sent to the American colonies for seven years of hard labor - slaves sold to the highest bidder. He is purchased by a good man, Edmund Carey, but Matthew still chafes at being a slave. Within a week he saves the life of his owner, and Carey sets him free, giving him a job managing the plantation books. It isn't long before Carey regards him as a son.
Meanwhile, back in England, Carey's daughter lives a life of luxury in the home of her deceased mother's brother, Lord Philip Wade. She's courted by Lord Grey, and it is assumed they will marry. Not that she cares for Lord Barrington Grey, but he is attentive and wealthy.
It's inevitable they will meet and share many unpleasant adventures before happiness ensues. You may help them along on their journeys by purchasing the book from either Barnes and Nobel or Amazon.
January 14, 2013
I really like Rita Gerlach's books, but this one was very dissappointing. I found the plot very disjointed - and the characters under-developed. I stuck it out until the end because I was enjoying the overall story, but the way it was constructed was strange. I finished the book without really understanding who Hale was or why Lara fell in love with Hale. Their relationship seemed very superficial.
I also felt like there was repetative use of some phrases. For instance, Hale was always kissing Lara's fingers. It was a little odd.
There were several typos in the book; I am not sure if that was due to my electronic version or if they were also in the printed version. That was distracting to me.
I will read Rita Gerlach again, because I do enjoy her books. I read that this was an older book she dusted off, updated and reprinted. That seems to be how this book felt - very choppy.
I also felt like there was repetative use of some phrases. For instance, Hale was always kissing Lara's fingers. It was a little odd.
There were several typos in the book; I am not sure if that was due to my electronic version or if they were also in the printed version. That was distracting to me.
I will read Rita Gerlach again, because I do enjoy her books. I read that this was an older book she dusted off, updated and reprinted. That seems to be how this book felt - very choppy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2016
Needs major editing
This was an interesting concept, and the description peaked my interest. However, the speed in which the main characters fall in love is implausible, I.e. they meet and boom they're in love. There really never is given ant rationalisation for the villain's obsession with the heroine. In addition, there are so many glaring grammatical errors throughout the text it was impossible for me to enjoy the story. A thorough and major editing is needed for me to raise my review.
This was an interesting concept, and the description peaked my interest. However, the speed in which the main characters fall in love is implausible, I.e. they meet and boom they're in love. There really never is given ant rationalisation for the villain's obsession with the heroine. In addition, there are so many glaring grammatical errors throughout the text it was impossible for me to enjoy the story. A thorough and major editing is needed for me to raise my review.
January 8, 2013
This book was a major struggle for me. There was very little that I liked about the book. This story is about a man named Matthew Hale who was a rebel who fought against the king. After that his life take a series of one unfortunate event after another. Mingled inbetween all the problems come great blessings but more unfortunate events keep falling. To me the love story didn't seem at all to be there. I also didn't like the numerous amount of horrible things that occurred.
June 25, 2012
Rita Gerlach has a talent to draw you into another world and era; this book does not disappoint. A romantic suspense so beautifully written, I think if Jane Austen could read this book, she'd clap. Why? Gerlach has strong Christian and social justice themes in this book, with no gray areas as far as moral purity and honor is concerned...just like Jane. Highly recommended.
August 13, 2016
This was okay, but I had some issues.
There is no time frame given. How long did Matthew serve Carey before he went to England? That seems like it would be important.
Carey paid for Esther. It wasn't the same situation with Sir John.
Things a good beta reader or editor should have caught make it hard to stay in, and enjoy the story.
There is no time frame given. How long did Matthew serve Carey before he went to England? That seems like it would be important.
Carey paid for Esther. It wasn't the same situation with Sir John.
Things a good beta reader or editor should have caught make it hard to stay in, and enjoy the story.
September 26, 2015
I enjoy Rita Gerlach but I did not care for this read. I never did warm up to Lara and I was surprised by how quickly Matthew fell in love. The story fell a little flat for me; but I have enjoyed Rita's books in the past. This read just didn't have the depth or the wildness I was looking for!
February 7, 2016
3 Stars
Good story, some of the characters could have used a bit of fleshing out. Overall the characters were interesting, the plot moved along, lagged a bit towards the middle. Some plot twist were a bit predictable.
Good story, some of the characters could have used a bit of fleshing out. Overall the characters were interesting, the plot moved along, lagged a bit towards the middle. Some plot twist were a bit predictable.
February 13, 2013
Really enjoyed the book.
January 10, 2015
Beautiful story
The author captivates you with intrigue and suspense. Good will always trump over evil. Beautiful story of love . Enjoyed the book.
The author captivates you with intrigue and suspense. Good will always trump over evil. Beautiful story of love . Enjoyed the book.
April 2, 2016
Faithful Reads-Kindle-Free. 3.5 stars. Interesting characters and a good story line
June 1, 2016
Love is in the air.
This is the BEST BOOK EVER. I am a hopeless romantic and this book is amazing for reading a beautiful love story. Just make sure you have a box of tissues.
This is the BEST BOOK EVER. I am a hopeless romantic and this book is amazing for reading a beautiful love story. Just make sure you have a box of tissues.
November 26, 2012
I really enjoyed this one. Very clean.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews