Friday, September 27, 2013

Book Review: Love's Awakening


For the past two days I’ve been living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the tumultuous years of the 1820’s. I’ve been a silent guest in the majestic rooms of New Hope, where Ellie Ballantyne resides with her three older siblings and her two doting parents, Silas and Eden. I watched, anxiously, as Ellie came home from finishing school to discover her family in a perilous endeavor.

As Ellie’s journey unfolds, I was invited to River Hill, the once grand, now rundown and almost forgotten home inherited by Gentleman Jack Turlock. Jack is the son of a notorious Whiskey maker and slave holder—his family known for their ruthless activities. But a near death experience has left Jack to face his past…and question his future.

I silently witnessed Ellie being reacquainted with Gentleman Jack, the boy who taunted her as a child, but the man who ignites her desire as an adult. Ellie is a Ballantyne, and Jack a Turlock, their families bitter enemies even before they were born. Despite their very different lives, I stood by breathlessly in the dusty halls of River Hill as Ellie and Jack fell in love.

I devoured Love’s Awakening in two sittings. Laura Frantz is a brilliant writer, her stories crafted with a masterful pen. I was amazed at the breadth and depth of the emotions I felt while reading this story. It isn’t often that I have to stop and hug a book to my chest, just to allow my emotions to calm down, but such was the case with this book! I literally found myself holding my breath during pivotal scenes. I had to restrain myself from yelling at one character as he came between Ellie and Jack during a delicious scene in a moonlit garden. I was enraptured and I simply could not stop reading until I reached the end. The characters became real, their hopes and dreams palpable, and their struggles unbearable. I savored every word.  

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

Your Turn: Have you read Love's Awakening? Have you read any of Laura's other books? Are you just as smitten as me?

13 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, I loved Love's Awakening SO much. I read it in one day. Just gorgeous writing...and Ellie and Jack are one of my new favorite couples ever. :)

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    1. I'm so in awe of Laura's talent. I would have devoured it one day if I could have! I fall in love each time I read one of her stories. My only disappointment is that I have to wait a whole year for her next book!

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  2. I loved the Colonel's Lady by LF. I have not read any of this new series yet, but I do have a copy of book 1 waiting on me!
    Great review.

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    1. Oh, Patty! If you enjoyed The Colonel's Lady (which was my first Laura Frantz read) I know you'll love the Ballantyne Legacy! I hope you can read Love's Reckoning soon. Here is my review for that book: http://gabrielle-meyer.blogspot.com/2012/09/loves-reckoning-book-review.html?m=1

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  3. I love Laura's books and can't wait for this one!

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  4. I've read a few of Laura's books and can't wait to read this one, especially since so many wonderful friends recommend it. And besides all that, Laura is such a sweetheart!

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    1. She is a sweetheart! I'm always amazed that she makes me feel like I'm one of her favorite fans--but she has the ability to make all of her fans feel that way! Don't hesitate, Lindsay, get this book in your hands!

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  5. Gabrielle, I'm so touched and honored by your review. In fact, I loved it so much it took me forever to figure out which part to pin on Pinterest as they have a word cap - and I still couldn't decide!

    Thanks so much to other dear friends here for their kind comments. They mean a lot.

    You really hook us with your way with words and I'm so thankful you're a reading/writing kindred spirit. Can't wait till our giveaway date next week. Hope everyone has a blessed weekend!

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    1. Oh, Laura, I feel like I can never do your books justice in my reviews! They are so powerful and mesmerizing. Thank you for sharing part of my review on Pinterest! You inspire me to get more involved on that social media outlet. I can't wait for next Wednesday, either!!!

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  6. I haven't read any of Laura's books - but have read so many wonderful things about them, & her, in the last few weeks, that I will definitely be reading them.

    Thanks for the review!

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    1. You won't regret it! My first (and still one of my favorites) is The Colonel's Lady. I hope you enjoy!

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  7. Gabe,
    What a wonderful review -- your making me want to pick up a copy!

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Your comments are my favorite part of blogging!