Book Review: Love's Fortune, by Laura Frantz

May I just stop and sigh? As soon as the book covers appeared above, that's exactly what I did! Wrapped up in these three breathtaking images are journeys, relationships, and wonderful memories that have become a part of who I am, truly. I feel like I should be recognized as an honorary member of the Ballantyne family.

Over the past three years, as each book released in Laura Frantz's series, I devoured them like I would a decadent treat. I ached with the Ballantynes, I celebrated with them, and I fell in love over and over again, until their story became mine.

That's how much I love The Ballantyne Legacy and its author, my dear friend, Laura Frantz.

I'm thrilled to be sharing the third and final review for this series. You can find my reviews for Love's Reckoning here and Love's Awakening here.

But today is all about Wren and her Jamie, in Love's Fortune.

Love's Fortune is the story of Wren Ballantyne, the granddaughter of Silas and Eden from Love's Reckoning, and the niece of Ellie and Jack in Love's Awakening.

Wren grew up in the peaceful Kentucky woods, far away from the prestige and responsibilities of her Pittsburgh family. When her father is called back to Pittsburgh to help with Ballantyne business, Wren is thrust into a society she abhors, and finds herself a pawn in her aunt and cousin's scheme to marry her off well.

James Sackett is one of the Ballantyne's most trusted steamboat pilots, and a close friend of the family. When he is asked to act as an escort for Wren's debut into society, he is reluctant, but agrees. He finds Wren to be enchanting, but out of his reach. Embroiled in the Underground Railroad, his life in danger, James is in no position to take a wife--and even if he was, he has nothing to offer Wren Ballantyne.

As the Season progresses, and Wren wins a place as the most sought-after debutante in Pittsburgh, will she follow the plans carefully laid out for her--or will she embrace her heart's desire?

Love's Fortune is set in Pittsburgh in the early 1850s, when political turmoil, rapid industrial growth, and distinct societal roles add suspense and drama at every turn. The historical details in Love's Fortune are impeccable, and both educating and entertaining all at once. Laura artfully weaves three generations into one sweeping series, and includes secondary characters seamlessly throughout all the books.

As always, Laura's beautiful prose and lovely descriptions paint a captivating picture. The colors, smells, tastes, and textures are almost tangible. She adds enough detail to set you firmly in her storyworld, but leaves room to allow your own imagination to roam across the Pennsylvania and Kentucky landscapes.

From the steamboat, bringing Wren up the river to Pittsburgh, to the castle-like mansion being built by a neighbor, this beautiful story dances to life, and offers a fitting end to an exquisite series of books.

Your Turn: Have you read any of Laura's books? The Ballantyne Legacy spans many decades in American history. Which is your favorite decade, and why?

Be sure to check out Laura's Pinterest board for Love's Fortune here.

A Wedding & A Winner!

Katie & Mike Meyer ~ and my beautiful girls!

I just returned from a three day wedding! My husband's brother was married over the weekend and we traveled to the Twin Cities on Thursday evening for the rehearsal and groom's dinner (my husband was best man and our daughters were the flower girl and ring bearess). The ceremony was on Friday evening in their backyard with thirty-five close family and friends, with a dinner following, and the large reception was on Saturday afternoon/evening with a hundred and fifty guests, also in their backyard. It was a lovely wedding (I took over four hundred pictures!), but I'm happy to have the family back home and I look forward to sleeping in our own beds again (three nights in a hotel is enough for this mama).

By the way, I started reading a new book over the weekend (between wedding events) and I'm almost finished. It's called With Every Letter, by Sarah Sundin. It's excellent! I'll be sharing my review of it in the coming weeks - but, wow - love it!

I thought it would be fun to share a few of the pictures from the wedding (scroll down to see the winner of last week's book giveaway!):

The ring bearess and the flower girl



My hubby and the girls

Our twin boys

Mike, Dave and Matthew (my husband
in the middle and his brothers)

 

My girls and I



My father-in-law and my husband
dancing with the girls



My hubby and our daughter (who
became the dancing queen this weekend!)



The bride and groom's first dance
 (with partners!)

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I have a winner from the interview with Laura Frantz on Wednesday's blog post and it's:

Teri Metts!

If you'd like to read the interview, you can find it here.

To read my review of Laura's newest release, Love's Reckoning, go here.

What about you? What did you do over the weekend? Reading a good book? Any big plans in the near future?

Laura Frantz & Book Giveaway

It is my great pleasure to welcome author Laura Frantz to my blog today. Please join our conversation in the comments below. Laura is giving away a copy of her newest release, Love’s Reckoning, to one very lucky winner!

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I first met Laura in the pages of her novel, The Colonel’s Lady, and I became a big fan. At the time I read Laura’s book, I was beginning to feel I was ready to start pursuing my dream to write again, after we had our twins. Her book so enthralled me, I did something I’ve never done before, I went to an author’s website – and I stumbled across her blog.

I’ll never forget the moment I read the end of the third entry in Laura’s blog (shortly after she signed her first book contract), her words resonated in my writer’s heart and I was overcome with tears; I knew it was a divinely appointed time: “I am still stunned as I write this and I encourage anyone who might stumble upon this post to take heart and ...don't give up! If He planted the dream in your heart He won't leave you hanging. We have a Father who never fails.” That message was almost four years old, but it was lying there waiting for me to find it. I knew the time had come to start my own writing journey and her words were the encouragement I needed.

Imagine my stunned delight when Laura accepted my friend request on Facebook (the first author I’d ever requested!) and shortly thereafter committed to praying for my writing journey. She extended the hand of friendship and became one of my earliest blog followers. Her encouraging spirit, and belief in my writing, has propelled me much farther and much faster than I had ever dreamed possible. I thank God for introducing me to Laura Frantz. She’s quite a lady!

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Laura, welcome to my blog home! I’m so happy you’ve stopped by to chat and share a little about your newest release, Love’s Reckoning.

I’m so excited to be here, Gabrielle. Your site is one of my favorites, being fellow bibliophiles and history lovers and more!

Thank you! We do share many of the same interests and I know that’s why I love your books – and your blog – so much. In my introduction, I shared how I started my writing journey, could you tell us how you got started, and who has encouraged you along the way?

My Mom says she found me at my dad’s desk at age 7 writing a story about ships. Writing was just something that always felt like coming home to me – always a bit of magic involved, something otherworldly. When I found out I could step into a story like the ones I checked out at the library, I never wanted to leave that world behind. I still feel that same way as an adult.  I wrote historical fiction throughout high school and college, taking a 5 year break when my kids were small and then resuming again. I’m most comfortable when I’m writing just for the sheer joy of it.

My biggest encourager would be my brother, Chris, a pastor and teacher in Spain. He dared me to try to publish something. I thought nothing would ever come of it so guess he had the last laugh! I went through the Writer’s Edge and was picked up by Revell in about 6 months. I’m still pinching myselfJ.

I’m so happy your brother encouraged you to seek publication and that you picked up writing after taking a break raising your small children. As you know, I’m a wife and a mother of four young children; figuring out how to keep it all balanced with my writing dream is a challenge, but I know it can be done well. What wisdom have you gained, about keeping your life balanced, can a new writer benefit from?

I believe nothing is as important as family or our relationship with God. As writers we have to be very careful to not let writing become an idol and take precedence. Even after publishing, it’s important to stay centered on Christ and the fact that He gave us the gift of writing for His glory, not our own. I always urge writer moms to pray about their schedules and ask the Lord to give them pockets of time in which to write. He will! And like you said, it can be done well if you lean on the Lord and He gives you balance, not burnout.

I’ve had to do just that, seek out those pockets of time to work on my book. Since February, I feel like I’ve been on a crash course in Writing 101! I’ve spent many hours learning as much as I can about writing and the publishing industry, but sometimes I wonder what I should focus my attention on. What do you think is the most important thing you’ve done for your writing career?

It may sound too simplistic but the best advice is to simply WRITE. Devote the bulk of your time to your story and characters and what the Lord wants to do through your story. I came to publishing 5 years ago without anything – no agent, no writing conference, no contests, no online presence, etc.  I just tried to write the best story I was capable of and the door swung open in God’s time. There’s tremendous pressure today to be socially savvy regarding Twitter and Facebook and Blogger and other sites. But that can be a trap if we’re not careful and it can steal away valuable writing time. Another tip is to be a discerning reader. I learn more about stellar writing from reading authors who write better than I do than from any craft book, though craft books have their place.

I couldn't agree more and you've become one of my favorite authors to study, Laura. I had the privilege of reading your newest novel, Love’s Reckoning, and I’m anxious to share my review for it! It’s like a beautiful painting, with the perfect colors, shading and texture. It’s the first in a four series saga about the Ballantyne Family. Can you tell us a little about this book and the ones to come?

I’m truly itching to read your review, thank you! Set in Pennsylvania, The Ballantyne Legacy showcases one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, which sets the stage for generations to come. Love’s Reckoning is the first of four books beginning in the late 1700’s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War. It’s sort of a mail order groom story with a handsome young Scotsman and two sisters. Watch out for some historical fireworksJ!

I can’t believe I have to wait another year to learn what happens with the next generation of Ballantyne’s! I hope my review did your lovely book justice.

Sometimes I think we imagine things to be far different than they actually are, especially when it comes to the writer’s life. So far, what has been the biggest surprise for you?

You’re so right – life pre and post publishing is quite different! The biggest surprise has been the amount of marketing and publicity involved. I’m not one of those writers who sell their books or self-promotes without pain. I’d much rather talk about you and what you’re doing or writing. But self-promo has to be done. Authors no longer live in isolation and having an online presence is here to stay. I’d encourage you and other bloggers to hone their writing skills and build an audience by doing just what you’re doing, having a writing ministry on your own site and connecting with others who share your passion. Once you’re published, you’ve made a jump start and that’s a beautiful thing!

Thank you for the encouragement, Laura. Just tonight I told my husband I’m getting the blogging blues, that I’m feeling a little rundown with my schedule and struggling to find topics to discuss, but he told me: “Keep doing what you’re doing, because people are loving it and you’re ministering to a lot of your readers.” He always knows what to say at the right moment and so do you. J

Laura, as always, I’ve enjoyed chatting with you! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions. I will continue to pray that God uses the work of your hands and heart to further His kingdom.

That’s a beautiful benediction, Gabrielle. I pray the same, too, for you.

What about you? Do you have a question for Laura? What wisdom have you gained about keeping your life balanced?

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Laura has generously agreed to give away a copy of her newest release, Love’s Reckoning, to one lucky commenter!

For extra chances to win, you can:

1. Become a blog follower 

2. Like my Facebook Author Page

3. Share this post on Facebook (@Gabrielle Meyer)

4. Share on Twitter (@MeyerGabrielle).

The drawing will close on Friday, September 7^th at 11:59 p.m.

To read my review of Love's Reckoning, go here.

Love's Reckoning ~ A Book Review

How can you sum up the beauty of a well written novel? How can you describe the wonder of a story that begs you to turn the page and invites you to climb into the setting and watch, not read, the tale that unfolds before your eyes? It's almost impossible and I couldn't do it any justice if I tried. What I can do is share my heart about this book and the creator behind it.

Laura Frantz is an author who is gifted with a distinctive voice. Her prose is stunning and creates a storyworld that is rich in colors, smells, textures and sounds. Her words are almost effortless to read, which means she has taken great pains to bring them to life.

As I read her newest novel, Love's Reckoning, I didn't even notice the passage of time. I was transported to the year 1784, to a rural town in Pennsylvania, on the tail of the Revolutionary War, where a domineering father, and a cruel sister, contrive to harness the future happiness of young Eden Lee and the strapping Scotsman, Silas Ballantyne.

Even amidst deception, manipulation and great loss, Laura is able to spin a tale that is rich in warmth and love. As the seasons changed from winter, to spring, to summer and fall, I felt temperatures rise and fall and watched the rolling Pennsylvania landscape change. Laura's setting is one of the things I always look forward to in her books and she delivered beautifully once again.

Silas Ballantyne is a strong hero, with enough wounding to make him vulnerable. His love for playing the fiddle, sharing Holy Scripture with Eden and dreaming about a prosperous future, in the wilds of Pennsylvania, left me cheering for him, chapter after chapter. Eden was also a strong heroine, but not in the way of the modern woman. Eden's strength was in her quiet and gentle spirit. Her heart was to serve and she did it with gladness that defied her circumstance. I also rooted for Eden. I wanted her to break free from the bonds of her home life and experience freedom and joy, far away from those who would selfishly steal it from her.

I loved how Laura wove Eden's growing faith, and Silas' steadfast beliefs, into the fabric of her story, bringing the tale to a deeper place within my own heart. As the story unfolded, their spirits were knit together through their shared love of Scripture and their secret meetings on the stairwell. During those scenes, I often felt like an observer from the corner of the dark passage, watching their love grow and their faith deepen, even when people and things conspired against them.

The characters in Love's Reckoning are varied and unique, from the lilt of Silas' Scottish accent, to the dialect of Eden's Quaker Friend, Margaret, and all the Pennsylvanians, both kind and evil, in between, there is no shortage of personalities and flesh and blood people. They jump off the page and demand to be noticed.

Even though I have closed the cover on Laura's book, and the final sentence has been read, her characters live on in my heart and mind, along with the story of faith, and the promise of hope, in the sweeping saga of the Ballantyne Legacy.

Available September 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Have you read Love's Reckoning, or any of Laura's other books?

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Please join me on Wednesday when I host Laura Frantz for a fun interview and book giveaway!

Labor Day Break

Happy Labor Day! I'm taking a little blogging break to enjoy this final day of summer vacation.

Please join me on Wednesday, September 5th when I welcome one of my all-time favorite authors, Laura Frantz! We'll be talking about the writing life & her newest release, Love's Reckoning, with a giveaway!