Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Love's Awakening (The Ballantyne Legacy #2)



















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.

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

About Laura
 Laura Frantz is the author of several books, including The Colonel's Lady and Love's Reckoning. A two-time Carol Award and INSPY Award finalist and a recent Christy Award finalist, she currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

 You can learn more about her at her website http://laurafrantz.org





My Thoughts:

I have been a fan of Laura's since she wrote The Frontiersman's Daughter. When I read Love's Reckoning I fell in love with the Ballantyne's and couldn't wait for Love's Awakening to be released. In this second book, much like the first book pulls your right in and holds you until you turn the last page.  Ellie and Jack are the main focus of this book. Ellie is the youngest daughter of Silas and Eden Ballantyne. Jack is a Turlock, a family who are slaveholders, and make whiskey. The Ballantyne's are abolitionists and are saving slaves, helping them get to freedom. Ellie has returned home and begins a day school to keep her busy. Chloe, Jack's younger sister asks Ellie to teach her, but her real reason is to play matchmaker with Jack and Ellie.

Laura pens with such emotion that you are right there with the characters, and they linger even after you close the book. Are we who we are born into or can we change, is the big question in this beautiful novel, of love and forgiveness. Just because we are born into a family doesn't mean who they are and what they do is something we have to follow. As with Jack. His family may be drinkers, and believe in having slaves, but does that mean he is just like them. 
Makes me think of my wonderful husband, Mark. He was born into a family where his dad was a drinker, and committed adultery on his mom. He is nothing like his dad! He chose to be a faithful man, hates alcohol with a passion, and God is his compass. It is all in our choices.

This is a perfect book for Fall. Grab a blanket, and your favorite hot beverage and sit down for a wonderful read.
Highly recommended!






2 comments:

Laura Frantz said...

Andi, A beautiful, heartfelt review! Love hearing about your husband and his history and the fact, like Jack, he's been remade into the man God wanted him to be.

So thankful you understood the heart of this story. You sure bless me for taking time for my books! Thank you.

Andi said...

Laura,

You are so very welcome! The part about my husband didn't come to me until I was writing it. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful man.

I am so anxious for book three! I read the prologue and was so sad when it ended.

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