The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

  

While not a military family, we have lived, worked, worshiped, and volunteered among military families our entire marriage. We have seen the sacrifices the duty members and their family members have made. The Belle of Chatham, more than any other novel set during the American Revolution that I have read, has given me a glimpse of how these same sacrifices manifested themselves as our country fought for its independence. It also brings to the forefront that even though we were at war with another country, families that had resided here their entire lives were divided in their loyalties, much as were Civil War families, experiencing heart-wrenching sacrifices.

The Belle of Chatham is a lovely story in its ability to portray this era in the history of our nation and to remind us of what motivated not only our forefathers, but also average Americans, to commit their lives to securing freedom. As often is the case lovely endings are preceded by ugly circumstances and hard truths. Laura Frantz has excelled in using fiction to bring forth truth. She has developed characters whose shoes we can step into, characters we can walk alongside and empathize with, characters who model lives of faith and perseverance.

I most highly recommend The Belle of Chatham which I have rated five stars, not something I often do. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

  

From the 1710s to the 1770s Scottish merchants who traded in tobacco grown in the colonies were known as Tobacco Lords. They were innovators in capitalism who became very wealthy. The American War of Independence marked the beginning of the end for this type of tobacco enterprise as growers were then able to send their tobacco directly to Europe, cutting out the middle men.

Juliet Catesby, also known as the Indigo Heiress, helped her father run his business interests including the multiple crops that the Royal Vale Plantation grew. In spite of her assistance, Royal Vale continued to accumulate debt, a problem her father chose to alleviate by betrothing her to Tobacco Lord, Leith Buchanan.

Laura Frantz weaves a tale filled with action, romance, betrayal, and intrigue, all wrapped around extensive research of the era's history on both sides of the Atlantic. The story includes characters that readers will easily become attached to and empathize with. Emotions will run high as injustices and poor timing impact Juliet and Leith's relationship. Readers will be encouraged by these characters' developing spiritual maturity, evolving priorities, and the power of prayer in their lives.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Indigo Heiress from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

   

I really enjoy Laura Frantz's historical fiction stories, but my favorites are those set in and around Williamsburg. The female characters who ply a trade are most interesting whether it be a lighthouse keeper, lacemaker, chocolatier, or, as in this book, a seamstress. Sylvie Galant lived in Acadie, modern day Nova Scotia, in the mid-1700s, serving as a seamstress to the French Fort Beauséjour. She and her family fall victim to the eviction of Acadians by the English, in spite of their neutrality in the conflict with the French. The story tells of Sylvie's life after she and a few fellow Acadians were rescued when the ship they were placed on foundered in a storm off the Virginia coast. Frantz admittedly has written in some key characters who treat the Acadians as they should have been treated rather than as most Virginians treated them in actuality. That is the beauty of historical fiction, sometimes we can view events through a lens of what ifs. Of course the story includes a touch of romance with a brave hero, Major William Blackburn, a man of integrity and the conviction to do the right thing.

I give The Seamstress of Acadie five stars and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

  

I am sure the intensive research required by a novel of this quality was pure pleasure for author Laura Frantz as she visited France and Scotland, including Wedderburn Castle, the home of her Hume ancestors. The Rose and the Thistle includes a great deal of Hume history combined with Frantz's flair for creating a wonderful historical romance. The story is set in the time leading up to and including the Jacobite uprising of 1715, a time when families were sometimes split by their loyalties. Lady Blythe Hedley's Jacobite father works to protect her from the repercussions of his political leanings, imposing on an old family connection with the Hume family, much to the consternation of the new laird, the Earl of Wedderburn. Readers will be intrigued by the power, responsibility, and function of the hierarchy of nobility's role in this story. They will be captivated by the grandeur of the castles and landscapes, and they will be charmed by many of the residents of Wedderburn Castle.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Rose and the Thistle from Revell via LibraryThing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

   

Set in the Virginia Colony in the 1750s, A Heart Adrift tells the love story of Captain Henri Lennox and chocolatier Esmée Shaw. This is no simple love story as the novel delves into the themes of the value of human life, the worth of all no matter the station of life, and the importance of a life well-lived. Themes our culture would do well to consider.

As always Frantz's research is evident, placing readers securely in the time and place alongside memorable characters. Her writing evokes deep empathy and compassion. She has inspired me to want to once again visit Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown once this pandemic is under greater control. For now, I will sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Heart Adrift from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

    

Set in the 1630s James Towne, Virginia Colony, Tidewater Bride tells of the shortage of women and at times the shortage of peace within the area. While originally welcomed by the Naturals, the colonists had done much to lose their friendship and respect, not the least of which was to encroach on their land. While there were good people who sought to establish relationships with, to learn from, and to live in peace with the Naturals, there were others who demonstrated hostility and disrespect, sometimes even towards their fellow colonists. Frantz's latest novel, set with this backdrop, is filled with romance, adventure, and a bit of mystery. As always she completely draws her readers into the story, has them hanging on every word, and leaves them anxious for her next offering.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Tidewater Bride from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

   

Tessa Swan is indeed an uncommon woman. She seems unaware of her inner or outer beauty as she helps her mother and also pitches in assisting her five brothers at Swan Station along the Buckhannon River in Western Virginia in the mid 1700s. Swan Station is located near Fort Tygart in border country, an area prone to Indian attacks.

Colonel Clay Tygart, recently assigned to the fort bearing his name, prefers to remain unattached and unencumbered, but ignoring the beautiful Miss Swan becomes harder and harder as time goes by. How can he be sure that the people under his care will not be harmed by such a distraction as signs of Indians increase in the border area? How much of that increase may he have brought upon them in the form of the Lenape's warrior Tamanen's resentment of him?

Laura Frantz has given us another piece of wonderful historical fiction. This time there are no fancy gowns, and only simplest of lace. Linen petticoats are more at home in this settlement area of Western Virginia. Even without these fripperies, Tesssa is a true lady among ladies. I recommend this book and this author to all fans of historical fiction, and am grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

   

Initially I had difficulty finding the rhythm to the language of this story, but somewhere in the third chapter all fell into place. A Bound Heart is a delightful story of two people with so much in common yet in very different stations in life. Through a series of very vexing circumstances it appeared that love would find a way, but new complications continue to arise, and priorities have to be examined and reconsidered. It is a story of learning to wait upon the Lord, and of holding on to trust in Him.

Both the characters and the setting of A Bound Heart are engaging, whether they are the ones you adore or the ones you abhor. The reader will experience a history-steeped Scottish isle, a disease-provoking West Indies island, and a both welcoming and threatening Virginia Colony. (I especially enjoyed mentally revisiting Colonial Williamsburg.) The reader will also experience a broad range of emotions that Frantz is so skilled at evoking. One cannot help but care about the characters she creates.

I highly recommend A Bound Heart along with any book by this author. I thank NetGalley and Revell Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

     As soon as I heard about Laura Frantz’s new book, The Lacemaker, I began to search book sites to see when the release date might be or whether or not advanced reader copies might be available. Frantz’s reputation as a stellar author was of course one reason to be interested in this book, but for me the big draw was the setting, Colonial Williamsburg. Having visited there twice in recent months, I am enthralled with the stories of Colonial Williamsburg. The Lacemaker was not a disappointment, but rather a compelling read.

     Elisabeth Anne Lawson, daughter of the lieutenant governor of Virginia Colony, once a close friend of Lady Charlotte, the first lady of the colony, and her daughters, finds herself abandoned by both her father and her fiancé. She must make her own way in the midst of the rumblings of what will become known as the War for Independence. Fortunately, her mother, for whose return she awaits, taught her the skill of lacemaking, and what was once a form of entertainment becomes a vocation alongside her other needle skills. In order to ply her trade Elisabeth must take on a new identity, one apart from her family’s Tory reputation, and apart from the social status and protection she has always known.

     Noble Rynallt, independence man, master of Ty Mawr and Ty Bryn, and cousin to Elisabeth’s former fiancé, is struggling with trials of his own. While still mourning and dealing with guilt associated with his sister’s death, Noble seeks to take his place among those striving for independence from the mother country. Separated from his brother by a vast sea, and from his cousin by a vast difference in character, Noble has no close family with whom to share his joys or his burdens. Now he feels compelled to take Elisabeth under his arm of protection, while she strives to find her own sense of independence.

     Readers who have never visited Colonial Williamsburg will enjoy Frantz’s ability to place them directly on the streets of this town during the birth pains of our nation. For those who have visited, they will enjoy walking the streets once again, enjoying the memories of the Raleigh Tavern, Bruton Parish Church, the Governor’s Palace, and many other Colonial Williamsburg landmarks. I thank Revell Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Lacemaker in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation.