The Mistress of Tall Acre

 

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

 

Publication: September 1, 2015

 by Revell

5 Stars 

 

What a fantastic book!

I literally opened this book and didn't close it until the last page turned. 

Laura Frantz and Revell brings us a fascinating historical romance that is set in Virginia in 1783.  The prologue pulled me into this story.  

1778 General Seamus Ogilvy is home briefly for the birth of his daughter and  is completely smitten with her. 

"You're only a few hours old and already you've worked your way into my heart." His voice was a ragged whisper. "But there are some things you need to know. I don't want to leave you.  I'm willing to die for you...and if I don't come back, I want you to forgive me."

 

Wow what a statement! 

Yes, it only gets better.

This story introduces us to the wonderful characters, Seamus Ogilvy and Sophie Menzies.  We are swept up in a battle for not only parental rights, but also one for love. The intriguing plot will keep you turning the pages until the end. I picked this book up yesterday morning and finished it last night at 1 am.  Needless to say I didn't get anything in the house done.

Seamus Ogilvy has returned now that the war is won.  He has seen and experienced horrors unimaginable. This battle weary soldier wants to pickup his life and that includes raising his motherless 5 year old daughter on Tall Acre his family farm. Seamus returns home to only be denied his child who has been living with his sister-in law and her husband, but her rectifies that one night and heads for Tall Acre.  His one desire is to protect his child at all cost. 

Sophie Menzies lives at Three Chimney's which makes her a neighbor to Seamus.  She has experienced many trials in the past few years with the war.  Her father returned to Europe which held his allegiance with no regard for his family's well being or safety.  Leaving Sophie, her mother and brother, Curtis to basically fend for themselves.  Curtis went to war and was under the command of General Ogilvy, but has not returned. A year ago her mother passed away, so basically Sophie has been left to fend for herself.  

Upon meeting Lily Cate, Seamus' daughter, Sophie develops not only a kinship, but a bond.  She wants to help Seamus navigate the rocky road of fatherhood in hopes to save Lily Cate the heartache she endured as a child.  

The message I received from this story is one of faith and trust.  

Trust that God is with you always and faith that he will see you through both the good and bad times in life. 

Laura Franz has a unique ability to weave words together that draw the reader in and keep them entertained, but also begging for more.  This story is one of romance, but also includes a mystery and suspense.  I would recommend this book to anyone.  I received this book from Revell for a honest opinion without bias or outside influence as stated above.  I would like to thank them for this opportunity. 

 

 

http://laurafrantz.net/

 

I was born and raised in Kentucky, living first in Ashland, Mammoth Cave, Bowling Green, and then Lexington. But my heart has always been in Berea, Madison County, the place my family has resided since the 18th-century. I came to know Christ there at the age of 12, was baptized, and spent my childhood roaming through the woods and swimming in the rivers of my books.
My earliest memories are of the public library, standing in front of shelves filled with those little biographies of famous historical figures like Daniel Boone and George Washington and Sacajawea. I began scribbling stories at age 7 and thankfully never stopped. My passion then and now is history and all the wonders of past centuries.
I attended college at Denison University in Ohio and also in England, living in a manor/castle and studying the American Revolution from the British perspective. Shakespeare and 18th-century literature form the backbone of my English degree. Strangely enough, I only took one creative writing class.
It was never a desire of mine to be published. I simply love to write for the sheer joy of writing – and that was enough. But as Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
 

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