Broken Promises: a Novel of the Civil War

Summary (from the publisher): 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.

Review: 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.

Stars: 3.5