A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz

ABOUT THIS BOOK

It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmée Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she’s never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmée. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril–on the sea and in the heart–in this redemptive, romantic story.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

A Heart Adrift  By Laura Frantz –  Five Stars

I haven’t read a Laura Frantz book for a while so I was more than thrilled with the chance to read A Heart Adrift. The amazing book cover drew me in from the beginning. Isn’t it just stunning? And now for the story. Set in 1755 colonial York, Va., Chocolatier Esmée Shaw runs her mom’s Chocolate shop. I love her character because she has such a caring personality, always willing to help those in need. And always thinking of her old fame Henri and wonder if she will ever see him again. Will the war, the distance and the years keep the two apart forever? Esmée is just the sweetest. I enjoyed getting to know her so much, and oh my, all that Chocolate! I could literally smell the chocolate as I read this book. Henri had to grow on me somewhat, but I found that the two are just perfect together. The attention to vivid details takes this book to a different level. Author Laura Frantz does a fantastic job of research as well as creating wonderful characters and writing a story her readers will not soon forget. I can’t seem to get Esmée and Henri off my mind. I am sure I will be reading this one again in the near future. I think anyone who enjoys a good clean historical fiction with elements of faith running through will love this book. A Hearts Adrift by Laura Frantz deserves Five Stars from me. 

This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

Award-winning, bestselling author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.According to Publishers Weekly, “Frantz has done her historical homework.” With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.netFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurafrantzauthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/LFrantzauthorPinterest: http://pinterest.com/laurafrantz/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/laurafrantzaut

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz from Revell

The Mistress of Tall Acre

by Laura Frantz

There can be only one 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?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal–you will find it all in the rich pages of this newest novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz.

Purchase HERE

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Laura Frantz is just an awesome author! I love of her books, and I love her latest, The Mistress of Tall Acre! Sophie finds herself married to widower General Seamus Ogilvy and being mom to his small daughter. It was a safe sensible marriage. That is until another woman from the General’s past shows up unannounced on their doorstep, totally turning life upside down at Tall Acre.

Sophie was such a sweet character, and she was getting the bad end of the deal from every way. I was excited for her when she married the general. Even though she had the child to take care of, life was still difficult for her. But Ms. Frantz does an amazing job weaving all of these problems, and difficult situations together and bringing them all to a heartwarming end. And I am not going to give away any more! I highly recommend this book to you, and especially of you love historical fiction. The history throughout this book is amazing and will make you want to be there at Tall Acre’s with the all of these characters.

I received this book from Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

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, and the Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky. Learn more at http://www.laurafrantz.net.

Revell Presents Love’s Fortune by Laura Frantz

Revell Presents 

Love’s Fortune by Laura Frantz

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 THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Laura Frantz has a special way of bringing historical fiction to life with her vivid details of everything history in her books. Set in Pennsylvania in the 1850’s, Love’s Fortune is another amazing and wonderful story brought to readers from this very talented author. When Wren’s father takes her to Pennsylvania to her grandfathers manor, she wasn’t expecting the life she was about to live. Being a country girl, she wasn’t use to the high society with all of its thrills and frills. What an amazing coming out bash with James Sacket as her hot and handsome escort. But things changed and Wren found herself in difficult situations with important life changing decisions she needs to make. This book is so chunked full of fun and excitement you won’t be putting it down once you start. If you enjoy historical fiction, this book is a must!!

I received this book from Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

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Endorsements

“Laura Frantz surely dances when she writes: the words sweep across the page with a gentle rhythm and a sure step. Her characters in Love’s Fortune are sympathetic yet flawed, making them oh-so-easy to care for, ache for, cheer for. Her historical details are well chosen, and her sense of time and place rings true. Above all, it’s Wren’s journey that engages our hearts and makes the pages turn. Well done, lass!”

Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine Is the Night

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The Author

Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

Love’s Awakening by Laura Frantz

Love’s Awakening by Laura Frantz

The path to true love lies somewhere between two feuding families

 In the spring of 1822, Ellie Ballantyne leaves finishing school and returns to the family home in Pittsburgh only to find that her parents are away on a long journey and her siblings don’t seem to want her to stay. Determined to stand her ground and find her place in the world, Ellie fills her time by opening a day school for young ladies.

But when one of her students turns out to be an incorrigible young member of the Turlock family, Ellie knows she must walk a fine line. Slaveholders and whiskey magnates, the Turlocks are envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly entangled with the rival clan–particularly the handsome Jack Turlock–she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future. Will she betray her family and side with the enemy?

Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love and loyalty. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.

“Frantz’s in-depth historical research combines with her fascinating characters to create a gripping romance that kept me turning pages late into the night. I highly recommend Love’s Awakening. It is a rare find.”–Serena B. Miller, RITA Award-winning author of The Measure of Katie Calloway

For more information, please visit http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/love-s-awakening/329670

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Laura Frantz is one of the reasons I love historical fiction. I really liked Jack Turlock, even thought his was the not so perfect life and Ellie Ballantyne because she was just a typical young lady, and the two make a great couple. I enjoyed watching their characters develop throughout the story, and the tensions and twists and turns in their relationship with their parents is enough to keep your nose in the book reading till the very last page! The vivid details of the history in her books makes you want to come back for more by Laura France. I love how she makes each scene come to life on the pages before your eyes. It takes special talent to do that! I can’t wait for the next book in The Ballantyne Legacy Series to come out!

Love’s Awakening is a must if you enjoy historical fiction. You will find hours of entertainment reading this book!

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

I received this book from the publisher Revell to read and review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz

Love’s Reckoning  

by Laura Frantz

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800720415
• ISBN-13: 978-0800720414

 

About the Book

On a bitter December day in 1784, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, Pennsylvania. Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship quickly and move west. But because he is a fast worker and a superb craftsman, Liege endeavors to keep him in York by appealing to an old tradition: the apprentice shall marry one of his master’s beautiful daughters.

Eden is as gentle and fresh as Elspeth is high-spirited and cunning. But are they truly who they appear to be? In a house laced with secrets, each sister seeks to secure her future. Which one will claim Silas’s heart–and will he agree to Liege’s arrangement?

In this sweeping family saga, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.

Endorsements

“Stunning. Heart-wrenching. Breathless. Not since Gone with the Wind have I read an epic novel that has stolen my heart, my breath, my sleep to such a jolting degree. Love’s Reckoning marks Laura Frantz not only as a shining star in Christian fiction today but as a shooting star who soars skyward to the glittering heights of Rivers and Higgs.”–Julie Lessman, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

 

Laura Frantz has penned a masterpiece with her new book “Love’s Reckoning,” with wonderful realistic characters that grip your heart from the very beginning, and hold it as their story unfolds between the covers of this book. Oh and I love the beautiful cover too.!

Poor Silas Ballantyne didn’t know what he was getting himself into when he accepted the job as blacksmith, but he was soon to find out that his life would never be the same. Torn between two ladies, which happens to be daughters of his boss, Eden and Elspeth Lee, will Silas be able to marry the woman he really loves, or will it be the woman his boss decided for him before he ever sit foot on their property? This story has so many twists and turns it is impossible for me to tell you what its about without revealing the good stuff that you need to find out when you read the book! The only bad thing about it is having to wait for the next book in this series to hit the shelves.

I highly recommend this book and encourage you to pick up a copy of your own enjoyment!

“Available September 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

I received this book from the publisher Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter,Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

 

 

Book Description

In a small Southern community where everyone is holding tight to something, the biggest challenge may be learning to let go.

Hope Springs, North Carolina, is the epitome of small town life—a place filled with quiet streets where families have been friends for generations, a place where there’s not a lot of change. Until three women suddenly find themselves planted there for a season.

Janelle Evans hasn’t gone back to Hope Springs for family reunions since losing her husband. But when she arrives for Christmas and learns that her grandmother is gravely ill, she decides to extend the stay. It isn’t long before she runs into her first love, and feelings that have been dormant for more than a decade are reawakened. And when Janelle proposes a Bible study a the local diner–and invites both African American and Caucasian women she has met–the group quickly forms a spiritual bond . . . and inadvertently adds to underlying tension in the community.

Becca Anderson is finally on the trajectory she’s longed for. Having been in the ministry trenches for years, she’s been recruited as the newest speaker of a large Christian women’s conference. But her husband feels called to become the pastor of his late father’s church in Hope Springs. Will small town living affect her big ministry dreams?

And Stephanie London has the ideal life—married to a doctor in St. Louis with absolutely nothing she has to do. When her cousin Janelle volunteers to stay in Hope Springs and care for their grandmother, she feels strangely compelled to do the same. It’s a decision that will forever change her.

As these women come together, facing disappointments both public and private, they soon recognize that healing is needed in their hearts, their families, and their churches that have long been divided along racial lines. God’s plan for them in Hope Springs—and for Hope Springs itself—is bigger than they ever imagined.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!

There is one thing to say about Kim Cash, and that is, she just has it going on when it comes to writing books! “Hope Springs” is another outstanding book that shows us family, faith, cooking up old friendships, forgiveness and healing, and yes, and a boost of romance added to give readers a story that will keep those pages turning. Janelle, Becca and Stephanie’s time spent in Hope Springs changed their life forever. I thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in the lives of these ladies throughout this story. Kim Cash will have you laughing, then crying, along with worshiping the Lord as you follow get to know these three characters. I appreciate the way Kim weaves the lives of her characters together with God and living their lives for Him. That’s what Christian fiction is all about. Following characters that live for God. Oh they may not start out that way, like many of us, but through there difficulties and trials, they end up giving it all to the Lord. And Thank You Kim for giving us a book such as this.

 

I received this book free from Booksneeze.com blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 Purchase this book from Amazon

About Kim

My life is marked by one big bright neon line down the center, showing a clear before and after.  For twenty-seven years, I lived without Christ, and everything was colored by the things of this world.  Growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, raised by divorced parents, black, female, college and law school-educated—all of it and more informed my opinions, decisions, attitudes, and actions.

All of it gave me a ground-level perspective.

But in my mid-20s, God, in His lovingkindness, began to draw me—by dragging me halfway across the country from the D.C. area to Madison, Wisconsin.  Away from friends, family, and the diversity I’d always known, I was miserable.  I cried out to God . . . the God I’d heard about in Catholic grade school.  Didn’t they say He could perform miracles?  Then surely He could get me out of there!

God did perform a miracle, but not in the way I sought.  He didn’t get me out of Madison.  He changed me forever in Madison.  He saved me, raised me, and seated me in heavenly places.  Suddenly I had an aerial view.  The bright neon line was drawn, and my “after” would begin.

But I didn’t understand any of that at first.  I had no idea God would change everything about my world.  With broad brushstrokes, He began to paint over my perspective as I grew to know Him and His Word. We did eventually leave Madison. We moved to Dallas, then St. Louis, where we’ve lived for almost nine years. But as the seasons of our lives shift, that same “coloring” process continues.

I haven’t had a single day yet where something about my perspective didn’t need adjusting.  As a wife of eighteen years and mom of a teen and tween, I don’t have to look far to find a challenge, struggle, or worry.  Add the other hats I wear and, well, you can probably identify.

But no matter the issue, when I color my perspective in Christ, things change.  I find hope, peace, and joy.  I find eternal wisdom.  I find truth.

This blog is about that daily walk, that daily need to color our perspective in Christ.  And because blogs are about community, I’m continuing the tradition I started on my former blog.  It’s your turn!  I’d love to hear about you, so that’s where I’m pointing the camera.  Tell a little something about yourself.  Or just say, “Hey!” Go on, don’t be shy!

 

Revell Blog Tour…. The Colonel’s Lady……By Laura Frantz

The Colonel’s Lady……By Laura Frantz

Imminent Danger Surrounds Fort Endeavor; Spy Leaks Secrets To Enemy

Bestselling Author Laura Frantz Delivers Emotion-Packed Historical Romance

 

To the trail-weary and frightened women, Fort Endeavor seemed unwelcoming at first, but Roxanna Rowan  knew they needed to get to safety as quickly as possible in The Colonel’s Lady (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3341-4, $14.99, 416 pages, August 2011) by bestselling author Laura Frantz. Deep within the Kentucky Territory, Fort Endeavor could provide a new life for genteel spinster Roxanna as long as she was with her father.   She had to find him in the mass of all these soldiers. But where was he?

Shortly after arriving at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, the Colonel tells Roxanna that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna accepts the Scrivener position once held by her father.  Before long, Roxanna discovers secrets that her father uncovered shortly before his death. Who could she trust with this discovery that she found in her father’s Scrivener desk? Could she trust the Colonel? Was his attraction to her real or was he hiding his own secrets including her father’s death? Roxanna needed answers that only the Colonel could provide.

 Set in 1779 The Colonel’s Lady is a powerful and emotion-packed story full of love, suspense, intrigue, faith, and forgiveness from reader favorite Laura Frantz. Her solid research and skillful writing immerse readers in the world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become intimate friends.

 

Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz’s family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late eighteenth century and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter and Courting Morrow Little and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons. More information about Laura at: http://www.laurafrantz.net

 

 

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

Endorsements
“Portrays the wild beauty of frontier life, along with its dangers and hardships, in vivid detail.” – Ann H. Gabhart, bestselling author of The Blessed, Angel Sister, and The Seeker

 “Vivid and Poetic…you’ll disappear into another place and time.” – Jane Kirkpatrick, bestelling author of All Together in One Place and Flickering Light

My Review

This is my first book by Laura Frantz, and though it took me a while to get into the book, it turned out to be a wonderful read. And I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.

Roxanna Rowan makes a dangerous journey from Virginia to the Kentucky frontier to suprise her father, serving under Colonel McLinn. Upon arriving, she sadly finds out that her dad died in battle not long before her arrival. Just before his death, her father ask the Colonel to take care of his daughter Roxanna, but he has no idea he would have to face her upon returning to their fort, nor did he expect to be attracted to her. What will happen to Roxanna and Cass? Will they decide to live their lives together or will circumstances take them to situations so unforgiveable they can’t stand to look at each other?

As this wonderful historical war story unfolds, join Roxanna, Colonel McLinn and his men, Bella, Abby and all of the rest as the author takes us on a unique journey of a lifetime to experience love and hate, peace and war, betrayal, fear, mystery, brother hating a brother, and a spy thought to be a friend, with a little bit of romance thrown in for pleasure.

I enjoyed the lovely Kentucky setting of this story, and the family together of Bella, Roxanna, Olivia and Abby. I appreciate the faith of the characters spoken of throughout the book, not in a preaching way, but the grace and forgiveness of the Lord through the everyday lives of the characters.

“Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

I received this book from the publisher Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

Purchase the great book at Amazon