Tag Archives: Best of 2017

New from Laura Frantz!!

19 Tuesday Dec 2017

Posted by in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books, Virginia

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the lacemaker

 

From the Back Cover

Lady Elizabeth ”Liberty” Lawson has nearly everything a lady of her position could want. Daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony and a darling of fine society in a rugged land, she is anticipating an advantageous marriage. That her betrothal is a rake and love is lacking is of little consequence- or she tells herself.

Though her own life seems in order, colonial Williamsburg is a powder keg on the verge of exploding, and her fiancé’s cousin, Noble Rynallt carries the flame of the revolution in his heart. Those with connections to the British nobility are suspected as spies, and Liberty  soon finds herself left with a terrible choice. Will she stay true to her English roots? Or side with Noble and the radical revolutionaries?

My Thoughts

I was so thrilled to receive a copy of the Lacemaker in the mail this week! I simply loved it in every way. Laura Frantz tells an unforgettable story, rich in history with vivid characters and perhaps my favorite heroine yet! The story unfolds in perfect tempo, with enough turns and twists to keep you up late reading! I loved that Liberty fought for her own independence as the story unfolded. The hero of the story, Noble Rynallt, could not have been better suited for this revolutionary tale.

Many years ago, I stumbled upon Laura Frantz’s first book, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, in my local library. For me, it was love at first read. I have a short list of favorites, and Frantz is at the top! The Lacemaker is Frantz at her best! You do not want to miss this book!  As a side note, I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, not far from Williamsburg. This book was especially thrilling to read because I know the places in it so well. Thank you Laura Frantz for another piece of perfect historical fiction!

I requested a copy of The Lacemaker from its publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. I would have purchased this book had I not received a copy because Laura Frantz is my favorite! All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

About the Author

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award finalist and the ECPA best-selling author of several books, including The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel’s Lady, The Mistress of Tall Acre, A Moonbow Night, and the Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

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Do Not Miss This One!

12 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

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church of the small things

 

I read somewhere between thirty and fifty books a year. Some I barely get through, others I like enough to give away to a friend, and I genuinely love only a few. Church of the Small Things falls in the LOVE category without a doubt.  Melanie Shankle is hilarious, and I feel like we might be long-lost friends. I laughed so much reading this book, much to the chagrin of my trying to sleep husband.

Church of the Small Things is a memoir type book with reflection sprinkled throughout.  Even if memoir isn’t your thing, this book will be. My favorite few lines I highlighted I might just frame and hang somewhere I will be sure to see often. Melanie says in her introduction:

“A life is not made from one thing, one big moment, or one huge success. It’s created moment by moment, often with pieces that don’t look like anything beautiful on their own but are the very fabric of who God meant for us to become as we pack lunches, raise kids, love our neighbors, and simply be who he created us to be – nothing more, nothing less.”

It would be a mistake to have you believe this entire book is that serious. It totally isn’t. However, it reaffirmed for me the importance of the people around me. How I should love them fiercely, and treasure them while they are here.  Also, that dreams are worth chasing, and friendship is worth the investment.  I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and BookLookBloggers. I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t disclose that I sought this book out. I knew I wanted to read it and so i went hunting. I was not compensated and I was not required to write a positive review.

To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

24 Monday Jul 2017

Posted by in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Recently Read

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to wager her heart

 

Tamera Alexander is by far one of the best story tellers in historical fiction. Her attention to detail, realistic characters, and ability to convey genuine emotion make every novel she pens one that I will read over and over again. To Wager Her Heart is no exception. Like the two books that precede it, To Whisper Her Name and To Win Her Favor, I was captivated from the first chapter. I quickly became invested in the story of Alexandra Jamison and Sylas Rutledge.

Alexandra Jamison is a young woman who has known tragedy and loss. Looking for purpose, Alexandra takes on a teaching position at Fisk University and loses what is left of her family. She meets an undignified Sylas Rutledge who becomes an important friend despite her first impressions. I love the way this story unfolds! I so appreciate the way the relationship between Alexandra and Sylas develops.  I also enjoyed the history Tamera Alexander included regarding Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers. There is a moment in the beginning of the novel where Alexandra mistakes a generous colleague for a maid.  It was in that part of the story, that I began to appreciate how well Tamera Alexander creates flawed characters that we can fall in love with! I was literally embarrassed for the main character…I felt what she felt. This is the mark of a great novel.

If you love historical fiction, To Wager Her Heart is a must read!  I am admittedly a huge Tamera Alexander fan and I am always aware of when she has a new release coming out. I have read every single novel she has written and they are all fantastic. However, I must say, the Belle Meade Plantation Novels have been my favorite. You do not have to read them in sequential order as they easily stand alone. But you should definitely read the entire series! I was given an Advanced Reader’s Copy by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. ( I would have purchased this book anyway…it was on my MUST READ list.)