What do you think?
Rate this book
Broken Promises
Originally published as In the Lion’s Den
1861: The war that’s been brewing for a decade has exploded, pitting North against South. Fearing that England will support the Confederate cause, President Lincoln sends Charles Francis Adams, son of John Quincy Adams, to London. But when Charles arrives, accompanied by his son Henry, he discovers that the English are already building warships for the South. As Charles embarks on a high-stakes game of espionage and diplomacy, Henry reconnects with his college friend Baxter Sams, a Southerner who has fallen in love with Englishwoman Julia Birch. Julia’s family reviles Americans, leaving Baxter torn between his love for Julia, his friendship with Henry, and his obligations to his own family, who entreat him to run medical supplies across the blockade to help the Confederacy. As tensions mount, irrevocable choices are made—igniting a moment when history could have changed forever.
1861: The war that’s been brewing for a decade has exploded, pitting North against South. Fearing that England will support the Confederate cause, President Lincoln sends Charles Francis Adams, son of John Quincy Adams, to London. But when Charles arrives, accompanied by his son Henry, he discovers that the English are already building warships for the South. As Charles embarks on a high-stakes game of espionage and diplomacy, Henry reconnects with his college friend Baxter Sams, a Southerner who has fallen in love with Englishwoman Julia Birch. Julia’s family reviles Americans, leaving Baxter torn between his love for Julia, his friendship with Henry, and his obligations to his own family, who entreat him to run medical supplies across the blockade to help the Confederacy. As tensions mount, irrevocable choices are made—igniting a moment when history could have changed forever.
325 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2009
60 people are currently reading
893 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 16, 2016
This is a very interesting Civil War novel, which, unlike most other novels of the genre which tend to focus on the battlefronts, sheds light on the diplomatic side of the war, vis-a-vis Great Britain and the U.S.
The author fleshes out with the skill of a Seurat pointillist, the real-life characters Charles Francis Adams, Sr. (son of John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the U.S., and grandson of one of the nation's Founding Fathers, John Adams), whom Lincoln appointed shortly before war broke out as the American Minister to Britain; Henry Adams, Charles Francis' son, who accompanied him to Britain and served as an aide for his father; Thomas Haines Dudley, the U.S. consul in Liverpool; and several members of the British government and diplomatic community (e.g. The Foreign Secretary Lord John Russell and the Russian Ambassador to Britain, Baron de Brunnow). Justaposed with these personages are 2 fictional characters: Baxter Sams, a Virginian and Harvard classmate of Henry Adams who was studying medicine in England, and Julia Birch, a well-born 20-something Englishwoman, whose father made no bones about his financial support for the Confederacy and contempt for Americans in general.
The novel was easily readable and offered the reader views of how the Civil War was regarded within Britain, the growing relationship between Baxter and Julia (which weathered a storm of challenges), and the harsh treatment often meted out in Northern prison camps to Confederate POWs. (The South, too, could be inhumane in its treatment of Union prisoners, as was evidenced by the notorious Andersonville prison in Georgia.)
All in all, I enjoyed this novel, which made me think more deeply about Britain's barely veiled financial and material aid to the Confederacy during the early years of the Civil War. Previously, I had not been aware of the full extent of this unofficial British support.
The author fleshes out with the skill of a Seurat pointillist, the real-life characters Charles Francis Adams, Sr. (son of John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the U.S., and grandson of one of the nation's Founding Fathers, John Adams), whom Lincoln appointed shortly before war broke out as the American Minister to Britain; Henry Adams, Charles Francis' son, who accompanied him to Britain and served as an aide for his father; Thomas Haines Dudley, the U.S. consul in Liverpool; and several members of the British government and diplomatic community (e.g. The Foreign Secretary Lord John Russell and the Russian Ambassador to Britain, Baron de Brunnow). Justaposed with these personages are 2 fictional characters: Baxter Sams, a Virginian and Harvard classmate of Henry Adams who was studying medicine in England, and Julia Birch, a well-born 20-something Englishwoman, whose father made no bones about his financial support for the Confederacy and contempt for Americans in general.
The novel was easily readable and offered the reader views of how the Civil War was regarded within Britain, the growing relationship between Baxter and Julia (which weathered a storm of challenges), and the harsh treatment often meted out in Northern prison camps to Confederate POWs. (The South, too, could be inhumane in its treatment of Union prisoners, as was evidenced by the notorious Andersonville prison in Georgia.)
All in all, I enjoyed this novel, which made me think more deeply about Britain's barely veiled financial and material aid to the Confederacy during the early years of the Civil War. Previously, I had not been aware of the full extent of this unofficial British support.
March 30, 2011
2.5 stars
Charles Francis Adams (son of John Quincy Adams) is sent to London by Lincoln as a diplomatic representative of the U.S. His son Henry is along for the trip and they're soon mixed up in the growing tensions as the U.S. splits in two - and England seems to side towards the south. There's also a side story involving Henry's old friend Baxter Sams and Englishwoman Julia Birch. Baxter's from the south, Julia's family thinks she too good for any American and Henry and Baxter's friendship is strained over the Civil War. Baxter arranges to bring contraband morphine home for the Southern troops which gets him into a pickle (too spoilerish to mention) that only Julia can save him from.
Really, that's about it. I was rather underwhelmed with the whole thing, and like another reviewer I'd have liked to have seen this story fleshed out more. The chapters were too short, the characters not defined enough for me to like or dislike them, I didn't pick up on much chemistry between Baxter and Julia and frankly in the end I just didn't give a damn. I very much liked seeing this period from the English side of things and the slippery slope of keeping them out of the war, but for the most part I found it rather dull. This book was originally published as In the Lion's Den and a big thumbs up to the publishers for putting that right on the cover so readers won't be confused and buy the book twice. Kudos for that. 2.5/5 stars rounded up to three.
Charles Francis Adams (son of John Quincy Adams) is sent to London by Lincoln as a diplomatic representative of the U.S. His son Henry is along for the trip and they're soon mixed up in the growing tensions as the U.S. splits in two - and England seems to side towards the south. There's also a side story involving Henry's old friend Baxter Sams and Englishwoman Julia Birch. Baxter's from the south, Julia's family thinks she too good for any American and Henry and Baxter's friendship is strained over the Civil War. Baxter arranges to bring contraband morphine home for the Southern troops which gets him into a pickle (too spoilerish to mention) that only Julia can save him from.
Really, that's about it. I was rather underwhelmed with the whole thing, and like another reviewer I'd have liked to have seen this story fleshed out more. The chapters were too short, the characters not defined enough for me to like or dislike them, I didn't pick up on much chemistry between Baxter and Julia and frankly in the end I just didn't give a damn. I very much liked seeing this period from the English side of things and the slippery slope of keeping them out of the war, but for the most part I found it rather dull. This book was originally published as In the Lion's Den and a big thumbs up to the publishers for putting that right on the cover so readers won't be confused and buy the book twice. Kudos for that. 2.5/5 stars rounded up to three.
December 14, 2011
The perfect combination of historical characters and events with fictional characters and romance. It was intriguing, heart-wrenching at times and truly satisfying at the end. A great read.
March 20, 2011
I enjoyed Elizabeth Hoffman's characters in this novel. It is obvious that the author has a sure grasp on the history of this period. The specific details that are covered in this fictional version of events are compelling. I find the period of the civil war interesting and thought the premise of this book was compelling. Unfortunately the history itself didn't come to life for me.
Some of the dialog seemed less than authentic and the characters could have benefited from greater development, I think the short chapters did them a disservice in that regard. I also think alternating perspectives in each chapter somewhat stilted the forward movement of the story. I never felt that I got into this story. There was little suspense in the story overall and I guess that I was expecting more suspense as well as more personal conflict between individual characters.
The forward momentum was often slow, at times details were mentioned repeatedly which didn't move the story forward, the chapters were short which didn't allow this reader to settle into the story and then the focus of the following chapter would shift to another story-line, further stalling momentum.
I am not a fan of short stories, I like long chapters with lots of details which I think this story could have benefited from, but those readers who like short stories and short novels will probably appreciate this style more than I did. Overall, I liked the period and the characters but thought the story itself had the potential to be so much more engrossing than it was.
Some of the dialog seemed less than authentic and the characters could have benefited from greater development, I think the short chapters did them a disservice in that regard. I also think alternating perspectives in each chapter somewhat stilted the forward movement of the story. I never felt that I got into this story. There was little suspense in the story overall and I guess that I was expecting more suspense as well as more personal conflict between individual characters.
The forward momentum was often slow, at times details were mentioned repeatedly which didn't move the story forward, the chapters were short which didn't allow this reader to settle into the story and then the focus of the following chapter would shift to another story-line, further stalling momentum.
I am not a fan of short stories, I like long chapters with lots of details which I think this story could have benefited from, but those readers who like short stories and short novels will probably appreciate this style more than I did. Overall, I liked the period and the characters but thought the story itself had the potential to be so much more engrossing than it was.
October 26, 2009
Do you like your history accurate and light? Do you like wit dressed up in sentences that are elegant and clear? Then Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman’s In the Lion’s Den is the historical romance for you. The setting is the Civil War when English sentiment is wobbling precariously between supporting the Confederacy or the Union, and it is the job of Charles Francis Adams of the famed Adams family, with the help of his young son, Henry, to make sure the Court of St. James does not come down on the Southern side. Their mission, plagued with spies, covert operations, and stealthy maneuvers, is ultimately successful. But not before a handsome Confederate doctor falls in love with an anti-slavery English lass, several “ironclads” secretly bound for the South escape the detection of the English authorities – or are they complicit?- and a strong-willed young woman disobeys the orders of her pro-slavery father and sails off – alone – to America to get her true love released from a Northern prison. And not before the Reader has the pleasure of many well turned phrases: e.g., about a book shelf: “Novels and poetry mingled with works of law and philosophy like bohemians at a supper party”; about the ages of dinner party guests: “Several of the guests looked as if they stayed alive out of a sense of duty alone”; about the Russian ambassador’s uniform: “His chest was a minefield of jeweled medallions and crosses, and he wore a stunning gold cravat.” And there’s more where that comes from. But you need to read this delightful book to find out for yourself.
Joyce Nower 2009
Joyce Nower 2009
August 31, 2011
This was a very different sort of read for me. I hadn't yet read anything about the American Civil War and this book certainly took on an interesting angle of this historic event. The bulk of the novel takes place in England, so as a reader we have the interesting perspective of seeing what the British reaction was to the Civil War. I had honestly never really considered the British impact and reaction to this event. For those of you that are like me and did not know about this – they were helping out the Confederacy and hoping for the dissolution of the Union. This entirely makes sense to me now.
While I was excited to see a different angle of this iconic event, it did end up being a little bit of a letdown. I would say about 75% of the book was focused primarily on the political aspect of the Civil War and the impact of British involvement. This led to a sometimes very dry reading experience. I appreciated the research and new knowledge acquired, but it would make me have to put down the book after only short periods of reading. We are not taken to the scene of the battlefields or witness any of the blood and guts you would expect in a war novel. The remaining 25% of the novel kept me fascinated and that was mostly the events that took place in the United States – and this was not due to the setting. During these portions there was action and adventure and the characters actually expressing emotions.
I very much enjoyed the main characters of this book. We have representatives of all sides of the war: Baxter Sams is a Confederate, Henry and Charles Adams are Union, and Julia Birch is British. This allows you to see all sides and opinions of the war. Baxter was my favorite for his personality and willingness to help his family despite personal political feelings.
I usually don’t pay much attention to quotes from other authors or books that sometimes grace the beginning of a chapter or section, but those selected in this novel were superb. There were selections from the Adams Cycle of Letters which was very pertinent as the Adams were a huge force in this novel. Most interesting to me was the selections from Mary Chesnut: A Diary From Dixie because these gave little snippets of life from the Confederate side of the war. I plan on reading this Diary in its entirety and come back with more on this topic later.
Please be advised – this book was previously released under the title In the Lion’s Den – so if you have read that one, this is essentially the same book.
This book was received for review from the Amazon Vine Program - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
While I was excited to see a different angle of this iconic event, it did end up being a little bit of a letdown. I would say about 75% of the book was focused primarily on the political aspect of the Civil War and the impact of British involvement. This led to a sometimes very dry reading experience. I appreciated the research and new knowledge acquired, but it would make me have to put down the book after only short periods of reading. We are not taken to the scene of the battlefields or witness any of the blood and guts you would expect in a war novel. The remaining 25% of the novel kept me fascinated and that was mostly the events that took place in the United States – and this was not due to the setting. During these portions there was action and adventure and the characters actually expressing emotions.
I very much enjoyed the main characters of this book. We have representatives of all sides of the war: Baxter Sams is a Confederate, Henry and Charles Adams are Union, and Julia Birch is British. This allows you to see all sides and opinions of the war. Baxter was my favorite for his personality and willingness to help his family despite personal political feelings.
I usually don’t pay much attention to quotes from other authors or books that sometimes grace the beginning of a chapter or section, but those selected in this novel were superb. There were selections from the Adams Cycle of Letters which was very pertinent as the Adams were a huge force in this novel. Most interesting to me was the selections from Mary Chesnut: A Diary From Dixie because these gave little snippets of life from the Confederate side of the war. I plan on reading this Diary in its entirety and come back with more on this topic later.
Please be advised – this book was previously released under the title In the Lion’s Den – so if you have read that one, this is essentially the same book.
This book was received for review from the Amazon Vine Program - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
March 12, 2014
The early years of the Civil War are brought to life in Broken Promises. Charles Francis Adams, son of John Quincy Adams, was sent by President Lincoln to England. Once there he assumed the role of head of the American legation. His primary duty was to assess the extent of England’s support of the Confederate cause. Warships and supplies were being sent past the Union’s blockades. Adams’ pivotal role in this assignment played a key part in avoiding a disastrous conclusion to the Civil War. Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman’s meticulous research into this lesser known aspect of the War provides the reader with an insider’s view of just how precarious the Union’s position actually was. Combining the true story of Charles Francis Adams with a fictional romance will hold the reader’s interest to the end! This book won the San Diego Book Award for best historical fiction.
March 24, 2011
Broken Promises was a wonderful story. From the first page until the last line, I didn't want to put the book down. Elizabeth Hoffman is brilliant and her style of writing grabs the reader and won't let go. Baxter and Julia are star crossed lovers that you can't help but fall in love with. The book was amazing, a must read.
November 8, 2020
I liked it
April 10, 2011
As we gear up for the sesquicentennial of the Civil War this year, I am seeing a plethora of novels being offered through book clubs, discount bookstores, and the like. Now all we have to do is sort through them. Broken Promises tells the story of Great Britain's betrayal to the United States from the perspective of Charles Francis Adams, son of President John Quincy Adams, who was appointed to represent US interests in England during this period. Though the British spoke in favor of the emancipation of slaves, they disliked the interruption of their source of cotton for the mills in the North. Private industrialists found ways to circumvent the official neutrality stance of the Queen and Parliament, and ships fitted with armor and ready for cannons were slipped out of the harbors to help fortify the Confederate side in hopes that their victory would restore trade between the two nations.
Intermixed with this historical presentation is a fictional romance which somewhat stretches the imagination when the heroine, Julia Birch, disguises herself as a young man to gain passage on a ship and then changes back to a young lady and travels to America on her own. Having borrowed funds from an adoring uncle, she leaves her father and family to go in search of her heart's desire, a Southern gentleman she had only met three times and had been forbidden to see. She had learned he had been taken prisoner by the North and was determined to see him set free as he had an English mother. Granted, they had exchanged a few letters before the prisoners were denied mail privileges, but it was quite an undertaking for a young woman in her early twenties, and totally out of character for young Victorian ladies...but it makes for a stirring diversion to liven up the depressing historical information on the war itself.
I think the author did what she set out to do: tell a good story set within a historical context that is a hot topic for the next few years. Her scholarship appears to be accurate and the romance is a fun piece of fluff to counterbalance the academic parts. Only took about 5 hours to read - a nice afternoon's entertainment.
Intermixed with this historical presentation is a fictional romance which somewhat stretches the imagination when the heroine, Julia Birch, disguises herself as a young man to gain passage on a ship and then changes back to a young lady and travels to America on her own. Having borrowed funds from an adoring uncle, she leaves her father and family to go in search of her heart's desire, a Southern gentleman she had only met three times and had been forbidden to see. She had learned he had been taken prisoner by the North and was determined to see him set free as he had an English mother. Granted, they had exchanged a few letters before the prisoners were denied mail privileges, but it was quite an undertaking for a young woman in her early twenties, and totally out of character for young Victorian ladies...but it makes for a stirring diversion to liven up the depressing historical information on the war itself.
I think the author did what she set out to do: tell a good story set within a historical context that is a hot topic for the next few years. Her scholarship appears to be accurate and the romance is a fun piece of fluff to counterbalance the academic parts. Only took about 5 hours to read - a nice afternoon's entertainment.
October 20, 2009
If you like a fast-moving story where every line feeds the next and points it towards an inevitable yet surprising ending, read this book. If you enjoy a bosom-heaving historical romance, read this book. And if you’re mainly a history buff, read this book. In “In the Lion’s Den,” Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman braids these three genres so skillfully than there is no way to tell where one ends and another begins. One could say that the Civil War serves as the background of the novel, yet with equal justification maintain that the great conflict is one of its main characters. Charles Francis Adams, the grandson of John Adams, son of John Quincy Adams, and father of Henry Adams, is sent by President Lincoln on a crucial diplomatic mission to Britain, where high-placed politicians and shipping magnates are preparing to weigh in on the side of the Confederacy. Intrigue and shady dealings are part of the fascinating story. Meantime, in London, his son, Henry, runs into an old friend, Baxter Sams, a Southerner. Baxter hates slavery, but feels bound by loyalty to his family and other Confederates close to him to go on with a plan to smuggle medicine to the Southern side. To add to his dilemma, he is deeply in love with an Englishwoman (the stiff-upper-lip type that helped London survive Hitler’s rocket blitz during WWII) but whose family dislikes Americans on either side. With great skill, Cobbs Hoffman blends all these elements into a coherent and exhilarating whole, at whose end one wishes there were more.
April 13, 2011
It's March 1861, and Charles Francis Adams is sent on a mission to London by a less-than-confident President Lincoln. Adams, conscious of his family's stature and historical responsibilities (his father and grandfather both served as President) must convince the English not to recognize the Confederacy or to supply warships to the South.
Meanwhile, Adams' son Henry accompanies his father and reunites with his Southerner friend Baxter Sams, who is attending the Royal College of Surgeons. When Henry and Sams encounter the young Englishwoman Julia Birch at a society ball, Sams finds himself torn between running medical supplies across the Union blockade and earning Julia's love.
Hoffman writes in an intelligent, thoughtful style that can also convey the dramatic tension of a ship running the blockade. With a light wit (describing the Confederacy's intentions towards the U.S. government as "making old Sam cry Uncle") she seamlessly integrates primary material from Adams family letters to add personality and flavor to her historical characters.
Marking the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, Hoffman gives us a view of the conflict from a unique international perspective. Highly recommended for readers who like their history to breathe, and who enjoy a character-driven story.
April 25, 2011
Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman's In the Lion's Den has been re-issued with a new title and a new cover which better highlights the romantic sub plot that anchors the story. The newly christened Broken Promises does offer a new take on the civil war by setting most of it in England and through the perspective of Charles Adams (grandson of John and son of John Quincy). This perspective allows Hoffman to concentrate on the international politics of the period and the feat accomplished in keeping England out of the war. At the time England is profiting from the rebellion and international sentiment isn't entirely pro-union even after the Emancipation Proclamation which gave the Union higher moral ground. A few pages confirms how thorough researched the novel is. All of this is contrasted by the story of the fictional Julia Birch and the confederate by family, Baxter Sams. Julia finds Baxter's affiliation with the confederacy (slavery) repellent. Their burgeoning flirtation is cut short when Baxter's family calls on him to run the blockade to deliver needed medical supplies. Though politics are at times fascinating and the love story is at times compelling, the entire story feels disjointed and choppy like several sketches forced together.
April 22, 2011
As another reviewer said previously, I would have given this book 3.5 stars if it were possible.
I received this book through a First Reads contest and I am so glad that I did! I love historical fiction, but generally stay in the Tudor England time period. This book has thoroughly sparked an interest in Civil War era fiction.
I enjoyed the inside view of what it must have been like to be an American in England during this time. I found myself surprised at the complete disdain that most of the English characters in the book felt for Americans, but once I thought about it, it made sense. I like a book to make me think about something I normally wouldn't have and this one did do that.
However, I must admit that I had a hard time with the jumping back and forth between story lines. There were four perspectives in this book and it felt a little disjointed at time. Just as I would be getting enthralled in the Adamses struggle, we would switch to Julia or Baxter and vice-versa.
Overall, I would recommend this book to other historical fiction lovers. Especially those that want to broaden the type of historical fiction they read.
I received this book through a First Reads contest and I am so glad that I did! I love historical fiction, but generally stay in the Tudor England time period. This book has thoroughly sparked an interest in Civil War era fiction.
I enjoyed the inside view of what it must have been like to be an American in England during this time. I found myself surprised at the complete disdain that most of the English characters in the book felt for Americans, but once I thought about it, it made sense. I like a book to make me think about something I normally wouldn't have and this one did do that.
However, I must admit that I had a hard time with the jumping back and forth between story lines. There were four perspectives in this book and it felt a little disjointed at time. Just as I would be getting enthralled in the Adamses struggle, we would switch to Julia or Baxter and vice-versa.
Overall, I would recommend this book to other historical fiction lovers. Especially those that want to broaden the type of historical fiction they read.
June 28, 2011
Charles Francis Adams, son and grandson of Presidents, is the American Minister to Great Britain during the Civil War. Together with his son Henry, he is trying to keep the U.S. and Britain from going to war with one another while simultaneously trying to prevent the British government from recognizing the Confederacy. Hoffman introduces us to all of the political shenanigans going on in London as Victoria goes into mourning for her beloved prince, Prime Minister Palmerston tries to encourage the South, the Foreign Secretary ignores the shipbuilders in Liverpool (who are building warships for the South) and Henry Adams tries to carry on a semblance of normal life in the face of aristocratic hostility. In an interesting sub-plot, the daughter of a wealthy British merchant falls for a Virginian who, while studying in London at the Royal College of Surgeons, finds himself smuggling morphine through the blockade to the Southern coast. This was a novel for a history geek, for sure. The steady - and stubborn - hand of the Adams family was important to our nation's destiny in this third generation too.
April 8, 2011
I'd probably give this book I won as a first reads giveaway three and a half stars if I could. This novel is about Charles Francis Adams, son of John Quincy Adams, who is sent to serve as a diplomat in London during the Civil War. Charles Adams' son, who accompanies his father to London, meets up with his old UVA buddy Baxter Sams. The two are now on opposing sides of the war. Baxter, a physician in training, falls for the British Julia Birch, although their relationship is complicated by the war and anti-American sentiment.
I enjoyed this outside perspective of the Civil War, because I'd never read about any other country's involvement or perception of the war. Hoffman has clearly done significant research and it shows. My only complaint was that all of the main characters were a bit too intellectual and morally upstanding; some flaws would have made them more likable and relatable.
I enjoyed this outside perspective of the Civil War, because I'd never read about any other country's involvement or perception of the war. Hoffman has clearly done significant research and it shows. My only complaint was that all of the main characters were a bit too intellectual and morally upstanding; some flaws would have made them more likable and relatable.
April 11, 2011
I really enjoy historical fiction, and I especially like romances set in regency or England time frame. This book is set during the civil war time frame but from the perspective of the Adams family in England. Although it was good to learn the background and efforts that the Adams family contributed to the war, I really enjoyed the back story of the ficticious characters of Julia & Baxter. I haven't read very many civil war book but I really enjoyed this one. It wasn't too much about the battles but about the political maneuvers of those in England and the Confederacy with regards to ships. It was very interesting. This is one I would buy for my personal library.
May 21, 2011
I have a love hate relationship with historical fiction. I've read so many good biographies that it is hard for me to get past the made-up dialogue in these books. I enjoyed the story in that I was unfamiliar with the relations between England and the confederacy in during the civil war. After reading this, i want to go and read some of the underlying source material. The dialogue did not engage me however, and I'm not sure I needed a fake romance thrown into the mix of a generally gripping story.
It's worth reading, but did not knock my socks off.
It's worth reading, but did not knock my socks off.
April 9, 2011
I really love history!!! Some of my favorite books are historical fiction and I have not read any recently so I was really excited to win this one. The civil war is one of my personal interests. I really enjoyed the different look on things with this story. If you like history I would recommend this book.
May 24, 2011
This book was a very interesting look into the times of the Civil War & what was going on in other countries other than America at that time. It gave an interesting picture into the political decisions of President Lincoln & the story was sweet & unpredictable.
I recieved this book as a first reads give away!
I recieved this book as a first reads give away!
Want to read
March 16, 2011I just won as a goodreads giveaway! waiting to read it. Thanks.
February 23, 2017
This is a fictional account, albeit a well-researched one, of the American envoy to Great Britain during the civil war. Although the Brits talked of neutrality, the reality is that British shipbuilders were actively engaged in building vessels of war that would ultimately fight against the Union. It was up to Charles Francis Adams, accompanied by his wife and three of his children, to find diplomatic ways to keep England from formally recognizing the Confederacy. Your heart and sympathies are with Adams as he fights clearly an up-hill battle to prevent England from tipping to the side of the Confederates.
This book is also a thoughtful account of the choices that war forced on average people. Adams' son, Henry, who accompanies his father on his diplomatic missions among those in government, meets a fictional friend with whom he had associated at Harvard. Baxter Sams was studying surgery in Britain at the time the war began, and his Virginia-based Confederate-leaning family asked him to bring morphine from England to help the Confederate wounded. But Sams is clearly torn; he sees himself as an American, but his love for home and family ultimately win, and he agrees to shepherd the medicine through the blockade. His choice is made more complicated by a burgeoning love between him and Julia Birch, a young Englishwoman whose father hates all Americans, but works nevertheless to build up the interests of the Confederacy in England.
This is a book that will insist on staying with you. Its value is its ability to portray the civil war from the diplomatic angle. Lots of novels are out there that can stand you armpit deep in blood and 1860s-era gore, but far fewer of them look at the diplomacy that Adams undertook to save the Union. As you read this, you'll be forced to think about how much different the war would have turned out had England forced Lincoln to fight in the streets of Richmond and Toronto simultaneously. He almost certainly could not have sustained an international conflict on multiple fronts.
This is a magnificent blend of history and fictional romance. It is well enough written that some part of you will cheer for Julia and Baxter, despite the fact that they're clearly on the wrong side. You will recognize the courage of young Henry Adams as he worries about being branded a coward back home because he is in London clerking for his dad. I enjoyed these characters and the excellent balance of history and fictional romance.
I was drawn to this book because I heard its author interviewed on "Civil War Talk Radio," hosted by Gerry Propokowicz at East Carolina University. (www.impedimentsofwar.org) episode 1223.
This book is also a thoughtful account of the choices that war forced on average people. Adams' son, Henry, who accompanies his father on his diplomatic missions among those in government, meets a fictional friend with whom he had associated at Harvard. Baxter Sams was studying surgery in Britain at the time the war began, and his Virginia-based Confederate-leaning family asked him to bring morphine from England to help the Confederate wounded. But Sams is clearly torn; he sees himself as an American, but his love for home and family ultimately win, and he agrees to shepherd the medicine through the blockade. His choice is made more complicated by a burgeoning love between him and Julia Birch, a young Englishwoman whose father hates all Americans, but works nevertheless to build up the interests of the Confederacy in England.
This is a book that will insist on staying with you. Its value is its ability to portray the civil war from the diplomatic angle. Lots of novels are out there that can stand you armpit deep in blood and 1860s-era gore, but far fewer of them look at the diplomacy that Adams undertook to save the Union. As you read this, you'll be forced to think about how much different the war would have turned out had England forced Lincoln to fight in the streets of Richmond and Toronto simultaneously. He almost certainly could not have sustained an international conflict on multiple fronts.
This is a magnificent blend of history and fictional romance. It is well enough written that some part of you will cheer for Julia and Baxter, despite the fact that they're clearly on the wrong side. You will recognize the courage of young Henry Adams as he worries about being branded a coward back home because he is in London clerking for his dad. I enjoyed these characters and the excellent balance of history and fictional romance.
I was drawn to this book because I heard its author interviewed on "Civil War Talk Radio," hosted by Gerry Propokowicz at East Carolina University. (www.impedimentsofwar.org) episode 1223.
December 6, 2020
I typically love Historical Fiction, especially Civil War novels, but this was like reading a boring textbook. The writing was dry, and it felt like the author was trying to shove as many historical facts as possible into the book, then decided to add the romance aspect as an afterthought. I didn't like or connect to any of the characters, and I had to force myself to finish this one.
I could have potentially looked past these things, but the dialogue didn't fit in with the historical aspect at all. It felt as if I was reading the text messages of high school students, but within the time frame of the Civil War.
The alternating perspectives was confusing and not well done, and as a result, I didn't connect with any of the characters at all. There was technically conflict, but I wasn't invested in the storyline enough to feel any element of suspense.
I couldn't stand Julia Birch as a character. She was spoiled and disrespectful, and if I were her father, I probably wouldn't have felt as if she were ready to marry either. Instead of looking for a solution to her problems, she manages by getting her uncle to give her a large amount of money, and asking Mr. Adams for help. She then acts horrified and upset that the man she supposedly loves looks rough after being in a PRISONER OF WAR camp for months upon end. I couldn't handle the shallowness.
If you are an avid history buff, this may have been an interesting book to pick up, but I like a little more fiction in my historical fiction, so I will pass on Cobbs' books in the future.
I could have potentially looked past these things, but the dialogue didn't fit in with the historical aspect at all. It felt as if I was reading the text messages of high school students, but within the time frame of the Civil War.
The alternating perspectives was confusing and not well done, and as a result, I didn't connect with any of the characters at all. There was technically conflict, but I wasn't invested in the storyline enough to feel any element of suspense.
I couldn't stand Julia Birch as a character. She was spoiled and disrespectful, and if I were her father, I probably wouldn't have felt as if she were ready to marry either. Instead of looking for a solution to her problems, she manages by getting her uncle to give her a large amount of money, and asking Mr. Adams for help. She then acts horrified and upset that the man she supposedly loves looks rough after being in a PRISONER OF WAR camp for months upon end. I couldn't handle the shallowness.
If you are an avid history buff, this may have been an interesting book to pick up, but I like a little more fiction in my historical fiction, so I will pass on Cobbs' books in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2018
Another one I wouldn't have finished, except it took a while to get (and a little bit of postage fee).
It took *forever* for the central conflict to get going. (Other than the general conflict of the Civil War.) It was interesting to see a British perspective of the Civil War. And I still can't figure out what the "broken promise" was.
The author is a historian, and she got a little heavy with the detail on shipping rules of the time.
The bits about how few rights women had in that day and age (as in, none) always rankle, but at the same time I'm being thankful about how far women's rights have come, I try to stay in the spirit and time of the novel.
It took *forever* for the central conflict to get going. (Other than the general conflict of the Civil War.) It was interesting to see a British perspective of the Civil War. And I still can't figure out what the "broken promise" was.
The author is a historian, and she got a little heavy with the detail on shipping rules of the time.
The bits about how few rights women had in that day and age (as in, none) always rankle, but at the same time I'm being thankful about how far women's rights have come, I try to stay in the spirit and time of the novel.
July 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this, especially the glimpses of life in the Adams household and what it must have been like trying to influence Great Britain to stay out of the Civil War. The storyline with Julia Birch and Baxter Sams was interesting too, even if it seemed a little far fetched (eh, I just went with it). I was, however, bothered by the profanity during the prison scenes. I'm sure that WAS realistic but absolutely grated on my nerves. If you prefer your novels clean then you are forewarned.
July 23, 2018
Truly an enlightenment on England's part in America's Civil War. The war effected other countries as they observed the progression of the War between the States.
England's position and participation in the War between the States. It may not be well known that John Adam's grandson, Charles was ambassador to England during this time.
England's position and participation in the War between the States. It may not be well known that John Adam's grandson, Charles was ambassador to England during this time.
December 9, 2022
a dude got a boner looking at a medical diagram of the fallopian tubes. a couple fell in love after meeting twice. founding father fanfiction. good and accurate details about great britain’s role in the civil war at least!
June 22, 2018
I loved The Hamilton Affair. Broken Promises was just okay
May 10, 2020
Fun historical romantic fiction. Has the normal brave heroine typical for historical fiction. Bit it was a fun read and I enjoyed the storyline.
November 7, 2011
I absolutely loved this book, a real page-turner of intrigue and love set during the Civil War. This isn't the Civil War as you've seen it before: this is the drawing rooms of London, the ships of blockade-runners, and a reluctant Confederate who has fallen in love with a noblewoman's daughter.
At the center of this story is the son of John Quincy Adams, Charles Francis Adams, who is sent by Lincoln to be Washington's official delegation to Great Britain. Adams and his family struggle to hold up their heads in a society that is sympathetic to the Confederate cause, socially trying to make the case that the war is a war of abolition, politically trying to stop Great Britain from turning a blind eye to naval destroyers being illegally sent to the South or from declaring war against the United States for the illegal imprisonment of British citizens on board blockade-running ships.
Amidst all this a friend of Adams' son, a Virginian medical student, fights his conscience to run medical supplies to the Confederates despite his aversion to slavery, and falls in love with the daughter of a nobleman who is making a fortune off the Confederate cause.
I was intrigued to see that this book was originally published by iUniverse as "In the Lion's Den," before Ballantine picked it up and printed it as "Broken Promises."
At the center of this story is the son of John Quincy Adams, Charles Francis Adams, who is sent by Lincoln to be Washington's official delegation to Great Britain. Adams and his family struggle to hold up their heads in a society that is sympathetic to the Confederate cause, socially trying to make the case that the war is a war of abolition, politically trying to stop Great Britain from turning a blind eye to naval destroyers being illegally sent to the South or from declaring war against the United States for the illegal imprisonment of British citizens on board blockade-running ships.
Amidst all this a friend of Adams' son, a Virginian medical student, fights his conscience to run medical supplies to the Confederates despite his aversion to slavery, and falls in love with the daughter of a nobleman who is making a fortune off the Confederate cause.
I was intrigued to see that this book was originally published by iUniverse as "In the Lion's Den," before Ballantine picked it up and printed it as "Broken Promises."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews