In 1685, during the height of the English Rebellion, Matthew Hale, a rebel and traitor to King James, faces execution. But by Royal Degree, Hale escapes the hangmen's noose when he is sold into slavery in the Colonies to Edmund Carey, who then learns that Hale is the son of a man who saved his life during the English Civil War. Soon freed, Hale must make his way back to England and face the challenge of clearing his name, finding his wife, and discovering the truth.
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...
Anonymous
Posted November 22, 2004
The Rebel's Pledge is a thrilling account of Matthew Hale's banishment to the Colonies and the conflicts that he encounters. Rita Gerlach's ability to combine history with an intriguing story is first rate. You'll enjoy how the characters come alive and fight for survival, and the added romantic involvement that Matthew discovers adds even more to the success of this book. You won't be able to put it down.
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Posted May 14, 2004
The Rebel's Pledge takes us back to a time in America's early history. A time when a man's worth was something to be gained. Matthew Hale, the hero of the story, faces some of life's hardest blows and endures with a strenghtened faith in God. Gerlach takes us from an English prison to a colony plantation and back to England. The Rebel's Pledge is a journey all romantic readers will enjoy - Cynthia Hickey, author of Pursued by Evil
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Posted October 25, 2003
THE REBEL'S PLEDGE by Rita Gerlach Publish America ISBN# 1-58851-300-9 I have to admit. I did not achieve above average grades in history classes when I was in high school. I never had much interest in history; there were too many dates to remember. Once I began reading The Rebel's Pledge, I was immediately captivated by the author's precise use of imagery. Had a copy of this book been available in high school, I would have been intrigued to do more study, which would have resulted in a higher grade. The story takes place in the late 1600's with our hero, Matthew Hale sentenced to be hanged for his crimes of treason. By royal decree, he is sold into slavery and escapes certain death. To Matthew, this is a fate worse than death as he faces the shame of being purchased like an animal at the slave docks, and dreads the fact that someone else will own him and dictate his future. Edmund Carey, one of the few plantation owners who treat slaves as humans, purchases Hale and takes him to live on his estate. After a heroic rescue from an attack of Indians, Carey grants Hale his freedom. Having developed a bond of friendship with Carey, Hale decides to stay. As time progresses, Carey's health begins to deteriorate and he asks Hale to find his estranged daughter and bring her home to Maryland for reconciliation before he dies. The journey that follows will change Hale's life forever. I fell in love with the characters and found it difficult to put the book down. The Rebel's Pledge is a story that will embrace and inspire the reader. I look forward to reading Mrs. Gerlach's other novels.
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Posted July 9, 2003
The Rebel's Pledge is a masterpiece in the genre of historical fiction. My short review cannot possibly do it justice. I can honestly say that Ms Gerlach has the ability to mesmerize readers with fast-moving action, gripping intrigue, and larger than life characters. Set against the backdrop of England and the American colonies during the late 1600's, readers are taken on a breathtaking ride of adventure with Matthew Hale. He is a traitor to Kind James and the story opens with him facing his own execution in a prison in England. His life is spared, but he is sold into slavery to the highest bidder in Maryland. There is never a lull in the story as he sails from England to the colonies. He manages to free himself from slavery but his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets and falls in love with the captivating Laura. Subsequent trips to England add more spice to Matthew's escapades.Readers will be delighted with the masterful way that the author weaves her tale of love, honor and the aspects of good versus evil. Matthew must battle with pirates on the open seas, unsavory landowners and unscrupulous followers of King James. The story is enhanced by the author's attention to detail and historical facts of that era. I was so engrossed in the story that I was shocked to see 454 pages come to an end so quickly. The pages seemed to melt away as I devoured this book. I would highly recommend this book for lovers of great romance/historical novels. This one is well worth the time and money. Great job Ms Gerlach. I eagerly await you next novel.
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Posted February 6, 2003
The Rebel's Pledge is a book in romance, intrigue, and painstakingly researched historical fact. The author is an excellent writer, easy to place up against any of today's bestsellers, & the story she has woven will keep readers enthralled from the first page to the last. If you like historical fiction, you will find a winner in "The Rebel's Pledge."
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Posted February 4, 2003
This is the story of Mathew Hale, cast into slavery in the colonies by King James in 1686 for treason. The reader is transported through rich imagery into a very absorbing story filled with suspense, romance and swashbuckling adventure. A terrific tale that captures the political and religious intrigues of the times. Extremely well written, and thoroughly researched. A must read.
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Posted February 5, 2003
The author has a wonderful ability. She is able to transport her reader back to another time. The story takes place in the 17th century, but her descriptions of the suffering and harsh experiences of her protagonist, Matthew Hale, involve human emotions that are just as relevant in today¿s world, wherever men are victims of oppression. The authors talent and diligent research have resulted in an exciting first novel that keeps her readers mesmerized.
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Posted February 5, 2003
The author has a crisp, smooth-flowing style which makes this book extremely hard to put down. A wonderful, captivating story!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The Rebel's Pledge is a tremendous book with imagery that is as visually sharp as a movie, sensitive characterization and a plot that keeps going and going like the Everyready battery--you just don't want to put the book down, and you don't want to leave the characters at the end of the story either. They are developed with an astute grasp of what inner conflicts they had to overcome as well as the tensions between characters that the author played out convincingly in dialogue that reflects the time and historical setting as well as in narration. Perhaps most admirable is the author's ability to achieve real romance without dallying in erotica. She proves the reader's imagination is fertile enough. For a first novel, I was truly impressed. It is a story that will carry the reader away from daily concerns.
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Posted June 28, 2010
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Overview
In 1685, during the height of the English Rebellion, Matthew Hale, a rebel and traitor to King James, faces execution. But by Royal Degree, Hale escapes the hangmen's noose when he is sold into slavery in the Colonies to Edmund Carey, who then learns that Hale is the son of a man who saved his life during the English Civil War. Soon freed, Hale must make his way back to England and face the challenge of clearing his name, finding his wife, and ...