The Lacemaker

It is the eve of a new age of freedom in the colonies. 
But can a proper English lady dare hope for her own independence?

Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson has nearly everything a lady of her position could want. Daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony and a darling of fine society in a rugged land, she is anticipating an advantageous marriage. That her betrothed is a rake and love is lacking is of little consequence--or so she tells herself.

Though her own life seems in order, colonial Williamsburg is a powder keg on the verge of exploding, and her fiancé's cousin Noble Rynallt carries the flame of revolution in his heart. Those with connections to the British nobility are suspected as spies, and Liberty soon finds herself left with a terrible choice. Will she stay true to her English roots? Or side with Noble and the radical revolutionaries?

Published January 2nd 2018

 by Revell

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BAKER BOOK HOUSE

My Review:

I loved this book!!

The beautiful cover gives a glimpse at the magnificent story enclosed.  As I opened the first page I was immediately drawn into the story.  Elisabeth Lawson is a lady of position and all that entails in society by being the daughter of the British Lieutenant Governor for the Virginia Colony.  Her mother, who has been very vocal about her political thoughts, is currently in London, but due home at any time.  Elisabeth seems like a young woman who has never been given the opportunity to think for herself, but has always followed orders as expected.  This character tugged on my heart and reminded me of how far women have come and what those before us had to endure.  

The author weaves words together that bring the characters and setting to life for me.  The characters are engaging, endearing and complex.  When Elisabeth finds herself abandoned by her father, penniless and suddenly alone she must reach inside herself and find out if she has the strength to take care of herself.  I loved the journey that Elisabeth took to find her true self and love.  
This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good clean story or a story centered around historical events.  
I received this book from the publisher as part of their book blogger program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

A Moonbow Night

On the vast, uncharted Kentucky frontier of 1777......

 

Her wilderness survival skills are without rival.
But her greatest talent is keeping other people's secrets.
After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke--men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew, looking for an experienced guide.

Though he balks when Tempe is appointed to lead his team through the wilderness, it isn't long before Sion must admit that her abilities may outmatch his own. But can the tenuous tie they are forming survive the dangers waiting just around the bend?

Published January 3rd 2017

 by Fleming H. Revell Company  

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  LIFEWAY  

CHRISTIANBOOK  BOOKS-A-MILLION 

Meet the Author:

 
Laura Frantz is a Christy

Award finalist and the author of several books, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Mistress of Tall Acre, and The Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

Connect Online:

WEBSITE 

FACEBOOK 

PINTEREST 

INSTAGRAM 

I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, 

how you followed me in the wilderness, 

in a land not sown. 

~Jeremiah 2:2 (ESV)

My Opinion:

Laura Frantz is a talented author known for her historical novels and loved by many readers.  For me she is so much more than that.  Yes, she is well known and loved by many, but to me she is a fellow Kentucky girl who loves God, her family and state.  I don't want to sound cliche`, but you really have to be from Kentucky to truly realize how deep her roots run.  

This story takes place starting in the spring of 1777 in a new area through the "Gap" which is now known as Kentucky.  As a child growing up in Kentucky I loved learning about Boone and his many adventures and I can't begin to count how many times I have visited
Fort Boonesborough.  Here is a map that shows a little about the setting of this story:

This story centers around Temperance Tucker and Sion Morgan.  Temperance is a unique, young woman.  She and her family fled from Virginia under a cloud of suspicion and settled along the Shawnee River.  Out of necessity she has developed wilderness skills that will rival any man.  The description of Temperance in the first few pages just pulled me in.  She an Sion are not so different, both portray characters with a softer side and tough exteriors.  

As Sion arrives along the Shawnee River he has a job to do, but knows that to accomplish it he needs to hire a guide to lead them through this vast wilderness.  Temp Tucker is the name he is given, but is hesitant at first.  As their journey begins a friendship is established between these complex characters, but suddenly there is an attraction that neither want o admit.  

For me this was a spectacular read!

Some books you read and love, then there are others that swallow you heart and soul. Well this one swallowed me heart and soul. 

The cover is beautiful and gives just a hint at the wonderful story it contains.  The author's ability to weave words together and bring both setting and characters to life is amazing.  The plot is engaging and flows effortlessly. The story accurately portrays the rugged frontier life.  The characters are well developed and found myself thinking of the characters even after closing the last page.  This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves history, romance or just a great read.  

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  

 

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.”
 

 http://www.facebook.com/laurafrantzauthor

 http://pinterest.com/laurafrantz/

 

 

Love's Fortune

Love's Fortune

the Ballantyne Legacy #3

Publisher: Revell

5 Stars

Take I the morning wings, and dwell in utmost parts of the sea;

Ev'n there, Lord, shall they hand me lead,

thy righ hand hold shall me.

Psalm 139:9

Old Scottish Version

Book Description:

Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas's vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Rowena makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world--filled with family members she's never met, dances she's never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew. As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes' shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?With her signature attention to historical detail, Laura Frantz brings 1850s Pennsylvania alive with a tender story of loss, love, and loyalty. Fans will cheer for this final installment of the Ballatyne saga.

My Review:

Laura Frantz brings us a historical romance with a hint of suspension. Her use of vivid imagery brings the story to life and pulls the reader in. The plot flows effortlessly and kept me turning the pages. Even though this is the third book in the series, it's easily a stand alone novel. Her well developed characters weaved their way into my heart. Rowena "Wren" Ballantyne has just lost her mother and is dealing with many emotions, but lets music soothe her soul. Dealing with her grief suddenly the life she knows goes under a drastic change. Your strength of character, courage and faith emerge during difficult times. I was amazed at what I saw in Wren. I would recommend this book to anyone. I received this book from Revell via the Book Club for and honest review without outside influence.    

Meet the Author:

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.”

Connect with Laura:
http://laurafrantz.net/

Please contact me at lauran@tfon.com
http://www.facebook.com/laurafrantzauthor

http://pinterest.com/laurafrantz/