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| Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz |
Love's Reckoning
by Laura Frantz
Riveting Historical Fiction!
In Love's Reckoning, Laura Frantz has penned a
gripping, literary saga of the Ballantyne Legacy--a legacy that begins with
lies, deceit, and treachery, but ends with what many waters cannot quench--an
undying love that knows no bounds.
Silas Ballantyne has come to York, Pennsylvania,
to finish out his remaining time of apprenticeship under the tutelage of master
blacksmith, Liege Lee. Liege insists that Silas marry one of his two beautiful
daughters, with the underlying motive of having a second man of such talent
working with him at the forge to obtain more wealth. Silas, carrying deep,
hidden wounds from his native Scotland, only wishes to finish out his time and
move west to Fort Pitt, and has no desire for a wife.
Eden and Elspeth Lee are as different as night
and day; Eden with a quiet, gentle spirit, and beautiful Elspeth, who is
plucky, seductive, and has a great head for business. Both feel drawn to the
handsome, new apprentice, and soon jealousy and manipulation begins to rear its
ugly head. Unbidden secrets come to the surface as both sisters fight for the man
they love, but will Silas fulfill his dream and leave them both behind?...or
will he finally find love and healing for his tormented soul? And when one of
the sisters finds herself in terrible danger, that threatens to tear her very
soul asunder, will her chance at love be lost forever?
Laura Frantz has done it again! This story is a
literary masterpiece, that left me feeling almost unworthy to review. As in all
of Ms. Frantz's books, there is that element of uncertainty...how can there
ever be a happy ending here, or will there be one? With realistic characters,
and a spiritual thread throughout this is a must read for all historical
fiction lovers! I literally cried all the way (happy and sad tears) throughout
this book, so be sure to keep the tissues handy. With its many twists and turns
that Laura is so well known for, and a marvelous surprise conclusion, this is
definitely one for your keeper shelf! Oh, and I almost forgot to mentioned the
swoonworthy romance scenes that left me covered in goosebumps!
Very nicely done--again, Laura Frantz!
Bio: Diana L. Flowers is the Senior Reviewer on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. Diana has shared many of her wonderful reviews with the Colonial Quills staff. Thank you Diana!!!
Very nicely done--again, Laura Frantz!
Bio: Diana L. Flowers is the Senior Reviewer on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. Diana has shared many of her wonderful reviews with the Colonial Quills staff. Thank you Diana!!!
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered
in this week’s contest. Drawing will be
late Saturday. Your choice of Laura's books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International
winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.
Thanks for having me, Quillers! This was an awesome read and a privilege to review...good luck to all the entrants!
ReplyDeleteDiana, I'm so touched and honored by your review and love reading and RE-reading it!! You bring out so many wonderful insights yet don't give anything away as far as storyline:) You just present and tempt, lol, in a very lovely way!! I thank the Lord for you every day.
DeleteThank you, Laura. This review was challenging in the sense that I had to be very careful NOT to give anything away. I had to "present and tempt" very carefully. lol
DeleteMy neighbor has been fighting cancer and she just loved the bag of books I brought her; especially Courting Morrow Little. I didn't have copies of your other two books, as they are roaming between family members, and my copy Of Love's Reckoning is on its way to a friend who loves your books, and I know she will make sure I get it back! :)
It matches my decor and looks too pretty sitting on my table, to not ask for it back. :) Plus I want to read it again, since I read an ARC!
DeleteI haven't read a book that made me cry in a long time! I've heard lots of good things about Laura's books but have yet to read one, looking forward to the opportunity.
ReplyDeletePatty
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Patty, I love books that make me cry and agree they're few and far between! Thanks so much for wanting to read this one - and for your kind comments here.
DeleteOh my gosh... sign me up! I LOVE the cover of this book, and while I haven't read anything by Laura yet, I've heard wonderful things about her books! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
ReplyDeletelubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
Elyssa, LOVE that you love the cover. My publisher sure appreciates that! And thanks much for sharing you've heard good things about my books. You're a blessing!
DeleteELYSSA, you have been missing out, my dear! You just HAVE to read The Frontiersman's Daughter...a must read as is this one!
DeleteThis book looks wonderful! Great review! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeletejennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Jenny, Thanks for entering the giveaway! Love your excitement and warm words here:)
DeleteWow, what a great time period! My daughter would definitely love to read this... please enter me!
ReplyDeleteicohen62(at)gmail(dot)com
Ira, Your daughter is very blessed to have a dad like you! Thanks so much for entering on her behalf:) I'd love to send a book your way!
DeleteI'd love to read anything by Laura! Haven't had the chance to yet, but I'm really looking forward to it!
ReplyDeletethejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com
Happy to see you again! Love your enthusiasm:) I pray the book blesses you if you read it. I sure enjoyed writing Eden and Silas's story!
DeleteI was already drawn to this book by it's beautiful cover, but after this glowing review, I REALLY want to read it!! Thanks for the glimpse at the book Diana and for the Giveaway Laura and Colonial Quills!
ReplyDeleteladettek[at]gmail[dot]com
You are so welcome, LADETTE. I hope you will get a copy in your hands asap!
DeleteWhat you said about the "element of uncertainty" is probably the thing that makes a novel the most compelling to me. Even if I think it will turn out fine, the unknowning how, or really if, is the mark of a great read in my opinion. I can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeletemuschfarm at yahoo dot com
I'm with you, NAOMI! I'm so tired of predictable books with the same plots basically...this one was definitely not predictable. And even though it isn't a cliffhanger in the sense that we know it, the conclusion still leaves you with that "what's going to happen now?"...and totally anticipating the next book!
DeleteI enjoyed her previous two books, they are certainly not typical historical fiction! I would love to enter for this one! martha(at)lclink(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMARTHA-definitely not typical, but definitely awesome! Thank you for showing your support for Laura's books!
DeleteDIANA...what a wonderful review of a tremendous book! Laura's books are always so enthralling! I thought the Frontiersman's Daughter was my favorite but I'm thinking this one might be now, it's hard to choose between any of Laura's, they are all so good! :)
ReplyDeleteThank goodness my comments are showing up on here! It has been several months since I was able to leave a comment!
DeleteI'm so glad you finally made it through here, TERESA, and thank you, gf! Another we have in common, I don't have a favorite anymore either...they are all awesome!
DeleteI guess I just had to take the plunge and try Google Chrome! LOL!
DeleteBless you for persisting, Teresa! I've had the same problem but Google Chrome does work:) And thanks so much for the kind comments about my books!
DeleteFirst of all I love the cover of this book. It's very intriguing. I've heard Laura talk about this book and it fascinates me. Thanks for this opportunity. I'd love for my name to be put in the hat for a chance to win this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Nora St.Laurent
TBCN Where book fun begins!
www.bookfun.org
NORA, it's a pleasure to see you again. I have moved (temporarily.) lol! I know you will find this one fascinating and I hope you get a chance to read it soon. Throwing your name in our little colonial cyberhat here!
DeleteDIANA, great review! And LAURA, great book! You both are my favorites!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, MARIAN! I know I can speak for LAURA, too, when I say you are definitely our favorite. What a blessing you have been in both of our lives!
DeleteThanks for the kind words, D.!
DeleteGreat review, Diana! Laura does such a fantastic job of creating romantic tension and heart-wrenching conflict in her books. I can't wait to read Love's Reckoning! :-D
ReplyDeleteThank you, GWEN! I couldn't have said that any better myself!
DeleteI really enjoy historical fiction. Can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteSHARON, thank you for coming by! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteWOW, between Diana's review and Laura's talent which I keep hearing so much about, this sounds like a book I must read!! My congratulations and best wishes on the release, Laura! And great job on the review, Diana!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for being here, Lisa! Speaking of talent, you have it in spades! I'm still thinking of how you worded things in your debut novel - can't wait till your 2nd!!
DeleteLISA, thank you so much! You are such an encourager, and the Lord knows I sure do need it today! And I agree with Laura...you are a wonderful talent!
DeleteLaura is a new author to me and I have only heard good things. Thank you for the opportunity to win the book!!
ReplyDeleteBless you, Leenlow, for wanting to read:) I sure appreciate it!
DeleteI would love to win this book! The cover is magnificent and the review is so great,Diana, who wouldn't want to read it. So many great books, so many great authors-SO LITTLE TIME!! :D
ReplyDeletespangldlady(at)gmail(dot)com
I so agree - so many books, so little time! Thanks for entering the drawing and wanting to read mine:)
DeleteThank you, DARLENE! I did my best to entice everyone to want to read it. :)
DeleteDIANA, welcome, again(!), to Colonial Quills as a guest poster. We are so blessed to have you visit with us as we are blessed to have you as our senior contributor on OTT-WGH!!! Great to see you and LAURA here and that beautiful cover-wow!
ReplyDeleteJust got back from the eye doctors from an emergency appointment for inflammation and edema in my left eye. Maybe we should have stayed up north! Great to see so many people coming by to remark on this new release by one of the founders of Colonial American Christian Writers--Laura Frantz, an amazing writer!!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteCarrie, what a pleasure to be here as your guest, especially (as you so aptly put it), for an amazing writer such as Laura Frantz!
DeleteI'm so sorry about these health issues greeting you upon your arrival back home :); praying you will be in ship shape soon!
Thanks DIANA! Praying for you, too!
DeleteOkay, please don't hit me. I have yet to read a Laura Krantz book, and Diana, your review has just enticed me to place this particular gem on my Amazon.com wishlist. Which is growing larger every time I read your reviews! ARGH! Woman! :)
ReplyDeleteBut ah well, there must be good books to peruse or I'll die. Thank you for bringing this one to my attention. Now I'm coveting and I'm telling God it's YOUR fault! ;) (You know I'm just kidding ya)
Cheers~
amanda38401 at gmail dot com
AMANDA, you crack me up, gf! If you haven't read a Laura Frantz book, you have been missing out! I mean it's like going your whole life without tasting ice cream! Can you imagine that? So you best get crackin'! LOL! And if my reviews entice, I know I have done my job, and that makes me feel reeeeal good, MS. STEPHAN! hehe
DeleteYes, I see your point. But, on the flip side, if I went my whole life without tasting ice cream, I wouldn't *look* like I've been splurging the last four years! ;)
DeleteYou should be ASHAMED of yourself. Now I have to have that book AND ice cream!
You're. So. BAD!
Well, I have read the book, but let's go for the ICE CREAM!! See how very ashamed of myself I am! hehe
DeleteI loved the review, I can't wait to read it. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of it. I looks and sounds wonderful. God bless you both.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Parker
parker.glenda@ymail.com
Thank you so much, GLENDA! Blessings back atcha, and hope you'll be blessed with a win here as well!
DeleteGreat Review.....Would love to win this.
ReplyDeleteJoan Wilke
goangaz@aol.com
Thanks so much, JOAN! I have your copy in my bag here, and hope to get it to you tomorrow.
DeleteWonderful review! I'm waiting for Amazon to release the Kindle edition, and now I'm even more impatient than ever to get into the story!!!
ReplyDeleteJoan, I love your enthusiasm!! You're such a blessing to me. And let me tell you, I'm all for Kindle editions. I'm just not sure why they lag behind the paperback release times. Thanks so much for being here. Diana really draws a crowd:)
DeleteUmm...for some odd reason I don't think I'm the one drawing the crowd! I would say it's more like Eden. :)
DeleteYou're so gracious, Diana! We'll compromise, lol, and say it's you AND Eden:)!
DeleteThis is one book that I have been looking forward to the most and this review makes me want to read it even more!
ReplyDeleteP.S. The cover is so beautiful!!
samanthaakuiper(at)gmail(dot)com
The cover is really gorgeous, SAMANTHA! And it so looks just like the lovely, unassuming heroine described within its pages.
DeleteI'm a total fan of Laura and her books. I haven't gotten my copy of this book yet and would love to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Laura!
Bonnie Leon
www.bonnieleon.com
Bonnie, I'm so glad you want this for your stack:) I just hope you enjoy it like you did TCL! Thanks so much for being in the drawing. The more the merrier, I always say!!
DeleteA wonderful posting, Diana...I cannot wait to read Laura'a latest masterpiece...thanks for the chance :)
ReplyDeleteKARENK-thank you so much...here's hoping you get a copy soon!
DeleteWhat a cover! Wow!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very intriguing and unique. Thank you for the lovely review and the giveaway!
My e-mail is:
Deleteks4readin@yahoo.com
Sorry! I forgot to include this!
Thanks again!
4Readin, Love your blogger I.D.:) And your cover kudos - I'm so happy you want to read this story! Bless you for saying so.
DeleteGreat review! I really can't wait to read this book and would love to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com
Thanks, Liz, for being here and sharing the JOY:) I pray you like the book very much!!
DeleteFABULOUS REVIEW, DIANA, and DEAD ON ... especially the words "literary masterpiece"!!! That is EXACTLY how I felt about this book when I read it. It's truly the only book I've ever read where my heart was pounding in my chest towards the end and I wondered if my atrial fibrillation was back despite the medicine I take. But, NO, it was pure Laura Frantz ... or maybe I should say Silas Ballantyne!! ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the cover, love the book and LOVE the author -- a MUST READ!!
Hugs,
Julie
Thank you, JULIE! I'll admit to my heart skipping a beat or two or three during this one! Talk about romantic tension...and oh, that first kiss! YOWZAH! I'm not sure who I'm more smitten with at this point-Colonel McClinn or Silas Ballantyne?
DeleteThis is a book I've really been wanting to read! I'll keep my fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteMELODY, keep your fingers crossed, your legs and feet crossed, and you eyes crossed! No, not your eyes! Mama always said your eyes will get stuck like that! LOL
DeleteWow... Diana, that was a 5 star review!! It was pure poetry... I aspire to be able to write them like you! :) Simply cannot wait to read this epic story and feeling so impatient waiting on my Amazon copy to arrive!! Laura, you are so gifted... and I thank God for you always! <3
ReplyDeleteNOELA, what a lovely thing to say! Just pray before you write one, and let your feelings for the book just flow straight from your heart onto the page, which I'm sure you do. Yours are wonderful reviews with your own unique style. :)
DeleteI agree with Noela and feel Diana writes with such grace and insight - this author feels so blessed! And thanks so much, Noela, for ordering! I'd love to hear when it arrives and hope it's soon:) Bless you so much!
DeleteI'm definitely the blessed one here-but thank you both so much for making this lady's day!
DeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI feel guilty leaving a comment as I just won a copy of this book last week from Laura's giveaway here so don't enter me. Give someone else the blessing of this book. But I still wanted to let you and Laura know that I'm so excited to get it in my hands! Your review just fed my anticipation....
Blessings,
Becky
Don't enter me -
BECKY, never feel guilty about commenting-we love hearing from you! What a blessed lady you are, having just won Laura's new book. Enjoy, dear!
DeleteI agree with Diana, Becky - wonderful to see you here, there, or anywhere:) You should see that book soon and I pray you're blessed by Eden's story. It was a joy to write.
DeleteDiana! I couldn't agree with you more! Awesome review for an amazing book! I just finished on Saturday, and I need to get busy writing my review for the blog tour. So MUCH to say about this incredible story, by one of my favorite authors! Literary masterpiece, indeed! : )
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts, Diana. I always enjoy your reviews. : )
**not an entry**
MICHELLE-thank you! I can't wait to read yours! And you're right; so much to say without saying too much. lol! I tried very hard not to put any spoilers in. Bless you for coming by, MICHELLE!
DeleteMichelle! So fun to know you finished Saturday well ahead of the blog tour - wow! I know how busy you are! You're such an encouragement and gift to me. Still thinking of ways to clone you:)
DeleteI really want to read this! Sounds like such a good book. =) Laura Frantz is a great author!
ReplyDeleteBattles2001@hotmail.com
Hi, MELISSA! It is and she is! ;) Hoping you get a copy in your hands soon. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI would love to read all these comments, but I don’t want to chance even a “hint" of a spoiler before I read "Love's Reckoning". I bought my copy August 22, (while we were traveling) off the "to be shelved" cart at a Family Christian Store. I can't wait to read it, but have been falling asleep too early at night to read!! Hate it when that happens! As soon as life slows down and I can come in for a landing I will relish reading "Love's Reckoning." When a new book comes out by one of my favorite authors it is an exciting time for this avid reader. Thank you, Laura, for the prayer, thought, creative effort and work you put in to writing and launching a new book for us.
ReplyDeleteI bet you were excited to see LR on the cart, MARY!!! Many people don't realize all the effort it takes to write a book--that is neat that you do! Blessings!
DeleteOOPS-My reply to MARY went below.
DeleteMary, I've missed you! I hope your travels were wonderful in every way:) No doubt you had beautiful weather. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for purchasing LR. You are the reason I can continue writing. And I wanted to let you know we've updated the blog so friends can subscribe by email now and don't have the hassle of the feed which I couldn't figure out. Anyway, so good to see you here! I so appreciate your very gracious words, spoken from your ever gracious heart.
DeleteMARY, I don't think there are any spoilers here, b/c most haven't read the book yet, but I DO understand! Hoping you can come in for a landing soon, and take a nice refreshing dive into Love's Reckoning! So glad you were able to get the book that soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm entering for a friend! I think she'd really like to read this one! I've never read it myself, but I will ASAP! lol! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteEmreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com
EMILY, what a kind friend you are! If one of you wins you can always share...you will want to! Great book!
DeleteI LOVE Laura's books!!! So good! My favorite one is still Courting Morrow Little. I can't wait to read Love's Reckoning!!!
ReplyDeletemarissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
MARISSA, thank you for coming by and showing your support to Laura and her books! I love them all!
DeleteI am So looking forward to reading this one! Laura is new to me and it really looks out I have been missing out. She's been adding to my next to read author. Thanks for a great post.
ReplyDeleteAmy C
campbellamyd at gmail dot com
AMY, yes you have been missing out, but it isn't too late! The Frontiersman's Daughter is her first...just go on down the line and read them all! You will be so glad you did! Laura's books are extraordinary, and I'm picky, soooo...
DeleteWhat a lovely review, Diana! You mentioned the two things that I love most about Laura's novels--the plot twists and the romance! Her books make me remember why I fell in love with reading to begin with :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, ladies, for the chance to win.
Beth
bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com
BETH, you are sure to love this one then...filled with twists and turns, and what's going to happen next? No predictability here!
DeleteBless you, Beth!! I love hearing what readers enjoy and will try to keep giving you loads of romance and plot twists! I pray you find both in Love's Reckoning:)
DeleteI love Historical Christian Fiction!Hope I win and thanks for the chance
ReplyDeleteDEBBIE, I'm with you!...and Laura's books are historical Christian fiction at its finest! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteGuess what, DEBBIE--your hope was answered!!! You are the WINNER this week in our giveaway! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
DeleteI would love to win, love historical books. thanks for doing this.
ReplyDeletePAT, thank you for stopping by! I hope you get a chance to read Laura's newest novel!
DeleteI haven't had an opportunity to read any of Laura's books, but this one sounds like a GREAT one to start with! Thank you for the opportunity to win this. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, MIKAL, hoping you win your first one here! If not, even though her 3 previous books aren't a series, I would start with The Frontiersman's Daughter (fabulous), and just go on down the line and read each one. You will not be sorry you did! :)
DeleteJust checking in to see how y'all are doing. :) Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteMarian, You are so thoughtful, always! We're doing great this rainy Wednesday here in the northwest! Ballanytne book 2 goes into Revell this Saturday - woohoo:) So I'm a busy bee. I imagine you are, too, with all those books to read!
Deletesounds like a great read. thanks
ReplyDeletePAT, it's awesome! Thank you for coming by!
Delete