Thursday, September 18, 2014

Love's Fourtune 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.






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.

Here is a fun video of the making of the cover of this book.




My Thoughts:

First let me say a Thank You, to Laura for whisking me away to Pennsylvania in 1850 and introducing me to Wren and James.
Wren was raised in Kentucky and perfectly happy to stay there. Her father believes it is time she meet the rest of the family and so off to Pennsylvania they go. Wren was not prepared for all the "high society" that was put upon her. I felt so bad for her, and I wanted to sock Aunt Andra for the way she treated her. James seemed to show up at the just the right time to "save" Wren.
In this third installment of the Ballantyne series Laura's writing shines like a light in a dark place, it is lyrical and the characters are real with real life issues.
I thought the first book, Love's Reckoning was my favorite of the series, I think this one may just be the fave, although I love every one of them. I highly recommend this book, it can be read as a stand alone however, I recommend reading the others first, I think you'd enjoy a lot more.









2 comments:

Laura Frantz said...

Beautiful review, Andi - I'm glad I don't have to choose a favorite review of yours as I think they're all my favorite! But this one really shines. Love that you felt that way about Andra and all the insights you brought out here, including the radiant light. You are certainly that here with your site and love of books. Thanks for being such a wonderful reading friend!

bonton said...

Thanks for the wonderful review of "Love's Fortune", Andi!! I so agree with you re: Andra's treatment of Wren, and Laura's writing truly is a "radiant light" shining for Him, and an inspiration to all!! Such beauty they hold, in all ways - I love each of her books and never get enough of her writing!! The characters are entwined within my heart!!

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