With two very different horizons stretched out before her, one young woman stands on the cusp of an unknown future.
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. Then her father, Silas’s long-estranged son, Ansel, 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 Ballantyne’s shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her own peril?
Have you ever wondered how they design a cover? What goes into the background or the model photography? Well, in this video Laura takes us on a behind the scene tour of Love’s Fortune coming to life.
My Book Thoughts:
If you follow me on Facebook, then it’s no secret that I love Laura’s books. She ranks up at the top of my list of favorite authors. Her books are written with such a passion for history. Her gift of storytelling is being able to weave those special facts into the story, but not in a way that will leave the reader bored. I have never scanned a page of Laura’s book without reading every word. Her words are too valuable. knowing I will have to wait another year for her next book!
Wren’s story did not disappoint. I immediately knew I was going to like this girl. She is humble and unassuming. Easy to like. She isn’t interested in the trappings of the world, but quite content to stay in their small Kentucky cabin. She is the type of character we want to protect and see happy. We follow Wren when she journey’s to visit her extended family in Pennsylvania. Our hearts break a little ,with understanding, in her reluctance to leave their beloved home.
Enter James Sackett, here is a man worthy of the hero title. He is the strong silent type. Willing to endure death for the woman he loves. His loyalty to the Ballantyne family is never questioned, as he continually puts others before himself. A true example of sacrificial love. Yet, nobody is perfect, not even one of Laura’s well scripted characters. Yes, even James has his faults. But, more often than not, I found his faults to be more enduring than frustrating knowing he only desired to protect the family who he viewed as his salvation.
As always my biggest issue with Laura’s book are with the length. They are way too short. I need another hundred pages or so, before I can feel that I’m ready to let go of these friends. Her masterful storytelling is sure to weave a spell around your heart, leaving you wanting more.
Giveaway!
Laura will send one reader a free paperback copy of Love’s Fortune! If you are interested in being entered, please leave a comment. A drawing will be held Saturday, September 20th.
Happy Reading!
Stacey
If you are interested in buying a copy of Love’s Fortune, please visit: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD, Family Christian
You can visit Laura Frantz: http://laurafrantz.net/
Laura’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFrantzAuthor
suburbanthoughts 
Congratulations Janella! You have won a copy of Love’s Fortune. I’ll send you an email shortly. Thank you to everyone who entered. I’ll have another contest posted soon with my review of Anne Mateer’s new book, Playing by Heart.
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Congrats to Janella! So glad you own LR and LA and this will complete your set:) Heartfelt thanks to all who came by and entered. I so wish I had a book for everyone. Thrilled that Anne’s new book will be next. Love that cover – my favorite of hers so far! And thanks to you, dear Stacey, for taking the time and care to have Wren and this author as your guest. You’re just the best!
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Yay!! I am really looking forward to having the complete series on my bookcase.
Blessings
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Thank you for your wonderful review of Laura Frantz’s newest book. I especially enjoyed the video of the cover shoot. It is exciting to see what goes on “behind the scenes” and to see Laura as she describes what it entails.
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Hi Terri, thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my review. I agree that the video Laura created is pretty amazing. I loved seeing how the cover was created. Very talented folks over Revell! I have entered your name in the drawing.
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I have read all of Laura’s books so far and have enjoyed each. I have my favorites, but this series has really come to life for me. I’m eager to see what happens in Wren’s story…
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Hi Emma, I’m so glad you are enjoying the series as much as I did. I’m entering your name into the drawing! Best of luck.
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Hi Stacey & Laura ~ I LOVE this series! I also love that this book ties to Louisville (right where we love). And that video is awesome! Loved the post, ladies. ; )
Hugs,
Kristy
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Hi Kristy! Thanks for stopping by, sweet friend! This was my first time to post a video on my blog. I’m thrilled with how easy it was to do. I can see this becoming a regular thing around here. 😉 I’m entering you in the drawing, so you can experience Wren in all her glory.
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Hi, Stacey!!
I appreciate your comments!! No, I’m not a writer (except in lengthy emails, cards, and comments, LOL) – however, I have been encouraged to write by more than one author. One beloved Inspirational Historical Fiction author is, in fact, praying that God will lead me in that direction. If it is in His plans for me – it will happen. However, He will need to give me a heavy dose of patience, encouragement, and determination as I know writing is a journey filled with hard work that could prove very lengthy before being published, if ever, and I am 70 years old.
I’m so glad you enjoyed your recent visit to my beautiful home state of Ky. (the home of Laura’s heart) and I Amen every word you used to describe Laura and her writing – she truly is generous and does have a “heart of gold”, as well as a beautiful, gentle, gracious spirit. Her masterful writing is the “icing on the cake” – I’m blessed, thankful, and humbled by her precious friendship!!
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Great book review. I knew Ms. Frantz wouldn’t disappoint with this last book in the series. What an excellent series it’s been!
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Thanks, Lis! I appreciate your kind words. I have added your name to the drawing.
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I have read all of Ms. Frantz’s books, except this new one. She is one of my most favourite authors, would love a copy of her book, hopefully signed by her..
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Hi Juliet, thank you so much for taking the time to read my review and comment. Signed books are a treasure, I agree! I have added your name to the drawing. Have a great day!
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Beautiful review of a beautiful book, Stacey!! Thank you!!
Laura is one of my very favorite authors – I have both paperback and eBook of each of her books, having read the first 5 back-to-back, and now reading “Love’s Fortune”. With each of her books: the beautiful characters take up residence in my heart – there to remain, the history is engrossing, the descriptions rich, the inspiration compelling, and the words like music to my soul. I finish each one always yearning for more!!
Please don’t enter my name as I already have the book, Stacey!!
Shared post!!
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Hi Bonnie, thank you for reading my review, especially since you are already reading Love’s Fortune!! I love your poetic words. Are you a writer? You sound like one. 🙂 I’m feeling doubly blessed since you shared my post. Thank you for taking the time to do that. I hope you have a very blessed weekend.
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I have read all of Laura’s books to date and I’m anxiously awaiting for Wren. I live in Kentucky so I feel especially close to the characters.
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Hi Becky, we drove through Kentucky for the first time this past July. I fell in love with your state! It is so beautiful. I told my husband I can see Laura’s books! 🙂 The setting is amazing and she does a wonderful job of bringing it life on paper. I am adding your name to drawing. I’m so happy you stopped by and left a comment.
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I just finished The Frontiersman’s Daughter – what a wonderful epic novel that was. This series is no definitely high on my to be read pile!
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Hi Amanda, the Frontiersman’s Daughter was the first novel of Laura’s that I read. In fact, it was that book that stirred in my heart a desire to write again. After reading it, I contacted Laura and we have established a wonderful friendship. She is a generous person with a heart of gold. I’m so happy to hear you loved it, too! I have added your name to the drawing. Thanks for stopping by.
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Stacey, You wrote such a memorable review – your own gift for writing really comes through. This leaves me wishing I had this as back cover copy and more! Your insights about James are especially meaningful (but glad you liked Wren, too)! I’m honored to be a favorite of yours and pray/hope I can keep writing the kind of books you find worthy of reading. We’re truly kindred historical spirits:)
And I’m really encouraged by Staci and Janella and Joyce and Marissa leaving such great comments and being in the giveaway. Bless you – and thank you all!!
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Thanks for stopping by Laura. I know you are hard at work on your next book. Isn’t it wonderful to see so many people excited about Love’s Fortune? What a blessing!
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I have just started reading Laura’s books. My first read was TCL I’m now reading Love’s Reckoning & I have bought two more. I think I’m hooked.
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Getting hooked on Laura’s books is very easy to do! Welcome to the club. Thanks for reading my review. I have entered your name in the drawing.
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I wouldn’t mind winning this book 😉 I love ALL of Laura’s books. They’re able to take me far away form the world I’m in. I’m going to have to buy this soon if I don’t win it! 🙂
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Marissa, I love meeting another Laura fan. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I have entered your name in the drawing.
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Thanks for the review and giveaway!
As you mentioned, Laura has a gift for storytelling. I look forward to reading this third book as I already own the first two in paperback.
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Hi Janella, thanks so much for your comments! I have entered your name in the drawing.
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I’ve read the first two books of the series and very much enjoyed them. Laura’s style reminds me a bit of Liz Curtis Higgs. I’d love to win a copy of Love’s Fortune. Thank you!!!
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I bet Laura would love to hear that think of Liz Curtis Higgs when reading her books. 🙂 I’ve entered your name! Thanks for stopping by.
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