{Revell Blog Tour) The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

ABOUT THE BOOK: 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--readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.
MY STAR RATING: 5 Stars

MY REVIEW:  Laura Frantz has done it again! She has penned a truly delightful story, in the special way that only she can!  There are so many wonderful things to say, but if I were to choose one word to describe The Mistress of Tall Acre, it would be captivating! Truly, this is the same word that I would use to describe every novel by Laura Frantz.  She is a master storyteller, well known for her lyrical prose, and she draws the reader in from the very first line. It's one of the highlights of my year to finally get my hands on Laura's latest book, and The Mistress of Tall Acre did not disappoint! 

Are you looking for beautifully rich historical detail?  Are you looking for well drawn characters that you actually care about? Are you looking for a bit of mystery, suspense, and intrigue?  Are you looking for the element of faith woven effortlessly through the story? How about a sweet, tender, realistic romance? You'll definitely find that here, and so much more! 

Laura Frantz takes the reader on a journey, where you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time, and early America comes to life in vivid detail. As always, I appreciate every word, and every sweet  "morsel" of the story . . . Laura's books are to be savored, and they truly are a treat for anyone who appreciates top-notch writing, that will leave your heart pounding, take your breath away, and warm your heart. I've said it before, and I'll say it again . . . you do not want to miss the stellar writing of Laura Frantz!

** Thank you to Revell for a copy of the book in exchange of my honest review. **

A Book Review: Revell Blog Tour {Love's Awakening} by Laura Frantz

About the Book:
Ellie Ballantyne, youngest child of Silas and Eden, has left finishing school. But back at her family home in Pittsburgh, Ellie finds that her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don't seem to want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The Turlocks are slaveholders and whiskey magnates, envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly tangled with the Turlocks, she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future--and Jack Turlock, a young man striving to free himself from his family's violent legacy. How can she betray her family and side with the enemy? And will Jack ever allow her into his world?

Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love, loyalty, and the makings of a legacy. With rich descriptions of the people who settled and civilized a wild landscape, Frantz weaves a tapestry of characters and places that stick with the reader long after they turn the last page.

My Star Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:
Masterful storyteller, Laura Frantz, has done it again! In this second installment of The Ballantyne Legacy, we witness the continuing journey of the Ballantyne family as they endure life's trials and joys.  Set among the backdrop of 1822 Pennsylvania, the story comes to life with vivid descriptions, and melodic and expressive prose that leaves me captivated at every page. 

With its rich, historical detail, and a fine cast of characters, I was drawn into another place and time.  There's so much to love about this story, it's difficult to know where to begin.  I'd have to say that while the story does start out at a relaxed pace, things certainly do pick up pace, and heat up.  With the Ballantyne and Turlock families both having a wide array of personalities amongst them, it makes for a good amount of tension and drama.  There are the characters that charm and endear you, and then others that make you cringe at their less than desirable ways.  It ends up being the perfect balance, and lends itself to a very interesting story.

In addition to tension and drama among the characters, I loved those scenes that brought a sense of danger, fear, heartache, and needless to say, . . . those moments that take your breath away and leave tears in your eyes.  There were a couple chapters where I literally found it hard to breathe -- oh, the emotion!  I was left with a pounding heart, and a feeling that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how things were going to be resolved.  Laura Frantz has a true talent for making the reader truly feel the entire gamut of emotions.  From heart-pounding tension, to sigh-worthy romance, this novel has it all . . . a literary banquet, to be sure!

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys well written, historical fiction with rich detail, well drawn characters, and a sweet love story to win your heart.

**Thank you to Revell for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.**
**Available September 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**

About the Author: 

From Laura's Website: "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.”
I hope my books bless you."

A Book Preview: {Love's Awakening} by Laura Frantz (September 2013 Release)

From beloved Christian author, Laura Frantz, comes Love's Awakening.  This is Book 2 in the Ballantyne Legacy Series, scheduled for release in September 2013, and if you've read any books by Laura Frantz, you know we're in for a real treat.  I can't wait for this one!  And look at that beautiful cover . . . WOW!  It's stunning, to say the least.

About the Book:

Ellie Ballantyne, youngest child of Silas and Eden, has quit finishing school. Missing her family, Ellie leaves Philadelphia determined to never return. But at her family home in up-and-coming Pittsburgh, Ellie finds her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don’t seem to want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The Turlocks, slaveholders and whiskey magnates, are envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly tangled with the Turlocks, she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future—and Jack Turlock, a young man striving to free himself from his family’s violent legacy. How can she betray her family and side with the enemy? And will Jack ever allow her into his world?

Love's Awakening is available for preorder at amazon.com.

A Book Review: {Love's Reckoning} by Laura Frantz -- Revell Blog Tour

About the Book:

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love's Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

My Star Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:

Oh, how I love a Laura Frantz novel!  This is her fourth novel, and the first in The Ballantyne Legacy series, which will span over four books, and four generations; an epic family saga, indeed!  I only wish we didn't have to wait so long in between books.

Laura has a tremendous talent to craft beautiful novels, and create images in the reader's mind that truly leave a lasting impression.  From unique characters, detailed descriptions, high tension moments of uncertainty, to sweet, tender encounters  . . . I found myself savoring every word, not only for its depth, but its incredible richness.  

Love's Reckoning is not your "run-of-the-mill" novel, and if you're like me, you'll find yourself captivated from beginning to end!  And just when you think you know which direction the story is headed . . . you're in for a surprise that perhaps you weren't expecting!  That was one of the things I appreciated most about the story . . . it took me places that I never saw coming.

I love how the spiritual thread is beautifully incorporated into the story, as we see Eden "thirst" for God and His word, and see her grow in her knowledge of Him. It's endearing how she keeps His word figuratively, and literally, close to her heart.  In addition, I think it's important to note that the novel opens up with Psalm 23.  Even through the dark times and trials, Eden and Silas experience comfort, protection, and leading from the great Shepherd.  He's there with us, even in those dark valleys, and I love how Laura blends this into the story.

If you're an admirer of historical fiction, and you appreciate great literature, this is one you won't want to miss.  It will charm and enchant you, and leave you with great anticipation for the next installment!

**Thank you to Revell, A Division of Baker Publishing Group, for a review copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.**

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