 |
| Love's Awakening |
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars*****
(No Spoilers)
(No Spoilers)
A Masterpiece Of A
Novel!
Once again, author Laura Frantz has crafted a literary
masterpiece that sweeps the reader along the banks of the weeping willow
and poplar tree-lined Allegheny River—to the elegant surrounding plantations
shrouded in secrecy, deceit, betrayal, and hidden passions.
The lovely Ellie Ballantyne decides it is high
time to return to her family's plantation, New Hope, after spending time at a
finishing school in Philadelphia. As she encounters a dangerous storm on her
way home, who should offer to escort her home but the equally
dangerous, Jack Turlock…the son of a wealthy whiskey magnate and sworn
enemy to the Ballantyne family. As Ellie opens a school for girls, she finds
herself traveling often to Jack's plantation, River Hill, to teach his 13 year
old sister the fine art of becoming a lady.
Futile feelings begin to smolder between the two of
them, as Ellie and Jack realize her family would never allow her to marry a
Turlock…with their pro-slavery views and dealings in the whiskey industry.
Ellie finds that things have changed at New Hope since she was away,
discovering secrets that could endanger and destroy her entire family if
discovered. As Jack prepares to leave River Hill to rid his heart and
mind of Ellie Ballantyne forever, she receives crushing news concerning
him, plunging her life into darkness and despair. Can she find love again
with Daniel Cameron, a man who has been wooing her incessantly and surely more
worthy of a Ballantyne?
Laura Frantz has done it again! She is truly a master
storyteller who interweaves as many twists and turns in her stories as the
Allegheny River. I was mesmerized as this story played out and although
Jack Turlock was terribly and decidedly brooding, I instantly fell in love with him…as I
do with all of Ms. Frantz's handsome heroes! This author is
absolutely the best at creating romantic tension and I found myself
catching my breath more than once while reading. With a spellbinding historical
plot, this is one award-worthy, beautifully written novel you won't
soon forget!
*********************************
Thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book in
exchange for my honest opinion.
TWO GIVEAWAYS of paperback copies
of Love’s Awakening!
Laura has graciously offered to
give away a copy and OWG is also offering a copy!
Please be sure to leave an email
addy for contact purposes.
I already have my copy and I have just started reading it. Love it already! Thanks for sharing this review. : )
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, CARRIE! And it just gets betterer and betterer. LOL
DeleteYet another beautiful & stunning review DIANA!! I adore the Ballantyne's but I've fallen for their enemy too, lol. Laura's writing has that effect on me as well so it seems!! :) This really is a beautiful story!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, NOELA! Yes, only Laura can make us fall for the enemy---and so quickly, too. lol
DeleteBeautiful description of the book's setting. Love that. This sounds like a very enthralling book. I would love it! Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks for letting us get a taste of this new book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, SONJA! You are so welcome! This book is a reviewer's delight...and readers too, of course! :)
DeleteCan't wait to read this book, if I don't win it I will go purchase it...
ReplyDeleteJoan
goangaz@aol.com
JOAN, I still have a "Laura book" I'm supposed to give you. sheesh! You just jarred my memory which is quite a feat these days. :P Maybe I need to mail it to you! Thanks for coming by and good luck in the drawing!!
DeleteI love Laura's work and will be happy to read this one if I win!! The review was precise and amazing as always Diana. Blessings! Darlene Keith
ReplyDeletespangldlady(at)gmail(dot)com
DARLENE, you're so kind! Aren't Laura's books the BoMb! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteWould love to win!
ReplyDeleteGotcha entered, DEBBIE!!
DeleteDiana, beautiful review of Love's Awakening! I've had the pleasure of reading this wonderful book and loved every minute of it. But then, I love all of Laura's books. ;) So, no need to enter me in the drawing. I just wanted to stop by to say 'hello' and support my friend, Laura. Happy reading to the winners of this book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, ANGI...for your kind words and your support!
DeleteI definitely want to read this book. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to leave my email. wwchildren at gmail dot com
DeleteWILANI, what a lovely name! Thank you for coming by OWG!
DeleteLaura Frantz's books are all so good - I'd love this one too!
ReplyDeleterdalquis(at)css(dot)edu
I agree, RACHAEL! I've yet to find one of hers I haven't loved to the max! Thanks, and here's hoping for a win for you!
DeleteI'm joining her fan club also! Love her books!
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
Good for you, MELODY! I love them, too!!
DeleteOh, I feel so spoiled this morning with everyone's gracious comments! Love reading your review, Diana. You say things so poetically and with such feeling. Your Allegheny River comment is quite a nice touch, too! Glad Gentleman Jack won you over. I've had readers say he even bumps Red Shirt and Colonel McLinn, etc! I can't wait for you to meet Rowena and cast in book 3. Cover art has begun and we have a new title for the third book - Love's Fortune.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for everyone for stopping by! I'll be back later after working a bit. Bless you for being here!
Thank you so much, LAURA! HMMM...Red Shirt and Colonel McLinn are pretty tough to beat! They're all tied for first place IMO. :) I can't wait to read the next book in the series, but guess I'll have to! :(
DeleteThank you for sharing this magnificent review, Diana. I can't wait to fall in love with Laura's latest novel!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
You'll fall in love with Jack Turlock, too, BRITNEY---in spite of yourself! ;) Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteLaura, I have enjoyed each book of yours that I've read! (I think Courting Morrow Little is my favorite so far!) Looking forward to reading Ellie's story! Thanks for the chance at winning a copy!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com
That Red Shirt was something else, STEPHANIE! I love all of Laura's books and heroes as well, even the delightfully, brooding Jack Turlock!
DeleteDIANA another outstanding review of a magnificent book!! Laura's books are always extra special!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, TERESA! Extra, extra special! Such a wonderful talent the Lord has blessed Laura with.
DeleteI'm so excited to read this one! the cover is amazing and I've read some really great reviews. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com
HEIDI, this cover is totally Ellie. You'll see when you read the book. :)
DeleteI haven't read it and would love too...thanks for the chance...vrush729@aol.com will be gone a few weeks, having surgery so just for grins, giving you my address.....V. Rush 2781 CR 639, Buna, Texas 77612
ReplyDeleteVIRGINIA, I love this comment!! You are too cute. We love a positive attitude on OWG! Even if you don't win the book, you should get alot of get well cards! :D
DeleteThis is definitely on my soon to read list! I haven't gotten it yet though. I love Laura's books. She has a talent! Nancycooks4u@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say thanks for the chance to win.
DeleteLaura is one of the most talented authors I have had the pleasure of reading, NANCY! Thanks for coming by OWG!
DeleteI love Laura! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteCclark207 @ gmail.com
I love her, too, CCLARK! Thanks for visiting OWG! :)
DeleteHow can you not want to read these books after reading such glowing and well written reviews? I would love to win a copy! Throw my name in the hat please! ;-)
ReplyDeleteVicki
vmarney at hotmail
What a sweet thing to say, VICKI! Threw your name in my cyberhat! ;)
DeleteLove your review, Diana! Can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteGWEN, hi!! Hoping you get the chance ASAP! :)
DeleteLaura, I just LOVE your comments - you are such a gracious, kind, complimentary lady!
ReplyDeleteWith every review I read, am getting more anxious to read your books - they ARE on my TBR list, just don't know how long it will take me to work my way down to them! Thanks to you & OWG for the giveaway opportunity!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
BONNIE, Laura is a gracious lady and a wonderful author, I agree! Put this one at the top of that TBR pile when you get a copy...maybe from us!
DeleteWell, I absolutely LOVED the first book in the series, Love's Reckoning. I agree that Laura weaves a beautiful story. The characters just come alive for me and I am so invested in their lives. Thanks to both of you, Laura and Diana, for offering chances to win a copy of Love's Awakening.
ReplyDeleteBrittany McEuen
kbmceuen at yahoo dot com
BRITTANY, this is such a great series...I wholeheartedly agree with you. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteThe number of replies lets you know how much folks love Ms. Frantz's writing... myself included.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of Love's Reckoning there's a teaser chapter for Love's Awakening and immediately I put it in my Kindle wishlist. (Now if I can just get my husband to look at the list, I'd be a happy camper). Or I could win it! ( tojoleen at gmail dot com )
LOL, JOLEEN! Just tape that wishlist to the refrigerator or the tv. Maybe that would work. Don't those teasers at the end of a great book just make you salivate? haha
DeleteCan't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteemail: candicervaldez at gmail dot com
DeleteCANDICE, can't wait for you to read it!! lol
DeleteI just finished the book and love LOVE it. But, Laura. . . 2014 till the next book? *Offering to read manuscript*
ReplyDeleteWENDY, I hear ya! grooannn...
DeleteWendy, You always bring a blessing. I was so touched by seeing my cover and your comments on the Books & Such blog. I'm finishing up book 3 right now and wish I could hand it to you along with my editor :)! Thanks from the bottom of my heart for taking time for my books!
Deletewould love to read this! Laura Frantz is wonderful! email is jmsoffes73@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYes, she is, JANETTE! So glad you stopped by and lottsa luck in the drawing. :)
DeleteFantastic review, DIANA! Oh, I can't wait to read this book!! I just know Laura has written another masterpiece and created a great cast of characters as she always does.
ReplyDeleteMy copy hasn't arrived yet, so I'm impatiently waiting for it to arrive. :)
Thank you, MARIAN! Patience is a virtue...except when it comes to waiting on Laura's great book to arrive! Then it's ok to camp out by the mailbox. ;)
DeleteCamp out by the mailbox . . . almost sounds like a vacation! ;)
DeleteNot if your mailbox is as close to your house as mine is. lol
DeleteThis looks like a great book. I would love to read it.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj@msn.com
You'll enjoy it, SUSAN! Thanks so much for dropping by OWG!
DeleteGreat review:) I love this series:) Ellie and Jack have to be one of my favorite of Laura's characters (next to Cass and Roxie, from TCL)
ReplyDeleteRebeccahartman07@yahoo.com
Thank you! It would be so hard for me to pick, REBECCA! I loved Lael in The Frontiersman's Daughter so much, too!
DeleteThis one sounds like a fabulous read! Would love to win and pass it on to others after I have enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Betti
bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
BETTI, what a good friend you are! This is a fabulous book...you're so right!
DeleteWow - so touched by all the very kind comments here! I so wish I could respond to everyone individually like usual but have a few deadlines keeping me away. Sigh! But Diana is doing a wonderful job as always! Thanks again to everyone for being here. Wish we could send a book to each of you!
ReplyDeleteWe have it covered, LAURA! Just keep on writing. :D
DeleteI would love to win a copy of this book ,it sounds so good thanks for a chance
ReplyDeleteShirley B jcisforme@aol.com
Blees you for coming by, SHIRLEY! As Laura just said I wish we had a copy for everyone, but since we don't perhaps you will be one of the lucky winners!
DeleteLovely interview! I have heard so much about this book lately, everyone loves it.
ReplyDeletelattebooks at hotmail dot com
SUSAN, thank you! Everyone loves all of Laura's books it seems!
DeleteThis book sounds really good! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletepj4824(at)yahoo(dot)com
PAULA, it really is! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI've heard great reviews about this book. The book sounds fantastic. Love the cover. Thank you for the opportunity of this giveaway. Please enter my name.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
BARBARA, I'm sure Laura will appreciate these nice comments! Got your name entered!
DeleteIt sounds great! I can't wait to read this book! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteANONYMOUS, I hope you get a chance to read this asap!
DeleteWhat an interesting book. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteeppersonkatrina@yahoo.com
You're welcome, KATRINA! Good luck!
DeleteI really want to read this book!!
ReplyDeletelotsofbooks1(at)live(dot)com
Hope you get the chance, BOOKISHQUEEN! :)
DeleteLove the interview Diana . I love Laura's books and would love to win this book .
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway .
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much, ELIZABETH! Aren't they just the best!
DeleteThank you for another wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteThe cover is just so beautiful.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
You're welcome, MARY! I agree about the lovely cover!
DeleteLoved the first in this series and can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteinspiringdaring (at) yahoo (dot) com
I hope you enjoy it, RACHELLE! I'm loving this series!
DeleteGreat review! I loved the first book in this series and I can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletegatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com
ABBI, I so hope you'll get a chance to read this one ASAP! This is such a great series. :)
DeleteThank you for another review that is wonderful ! I was so taken in by the cover of the book when I first saw it ! I would love to win a copy to read.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Linda Finn
Faithful Acres Books
faithfulacres7@gmail.com
LINDA, always a pleasure to see you here! Thank you for your kind words and here's hoping you'll soon be holding that lovely cover in your hands!
DeleteOh Diana. You have done it again wrote such a good review and led me in where I need to find out more. And, another book about Plantations and history. Love these books. Please put my name in the pot and draw my name. Now, be a good girl. :o) You OWG girls are too good. You are drawing in so many fans that I have way too much competition. GOD bless you all. And, Laura I love the story and the cover. Thanks for the give-away. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMAXIE, you are so adorable. Thank you! I'm glad my review did its job---lol. As far as drawing your name, I would love to...maybe random number will feel the same! ;)
DeleteLOVE this line: " Futile feelings begin to smolder between the two of them," I have GOT to read Laura's books :) {{hugs}} sweet friend. Hope you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteThey were so futile, dear ANNE! I mean his family was wealthy from selling whiskey of all things! Poor Ellie. I hope you are doing much better, too! I know you'll be glad to get on the other end of this that you've been going through with as of late. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThis cover is SO stunning, Diana! Revell does such a great job with their covers! GREAT review, Diana. And with you feeling so bad this is yet again an example of When I am weak then I am strong (in Him--for He does what I cannot do.) Big hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it though? Even without seeing the cover this is just what I would envision Ellie to look like.
DeleteThank you, CARRIE. I remember being so sick when writing this review and praying with a somewhat blank mind for God to help me do a good job---not for my sake but for His and Laura's. And His strength was made perfect in my weakness. PTL! Big hugs back!!
This looks like a lovely book! Thanks for the chance for us to win it! OWG makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteMEGAN, I'm convinced you will love it! Gotcha entered!
DeleteHaven't read the first book, but sounds very exciting!
ReplyDeleteTracy
tlcfinch4 (at) gmail (dot) com
TRACY, you just gotta read this series! Hope you get a chance to read Love's Reckoning first! Thanks for coming by OWG!
DeleteDiana, You were absolutely inspired when you wrote this review - but all of your reviews are unique and lovely. I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well at the time! You sure couldn't tell!
ReplyDeleteI shared to Pinterest twice and also Twitter, etc. Bless you for being here and for your gracious, welcoming spirit. And no, you don't have to respond to this, my friend!
Oh, but I want to! lol Thank you first of all for sharing, but also for your kind words. You're so gracious, LAURA. Those times when we have to rely totally on God, He always shows up and let's us know Who's in charge. Of ourselves we can do nothing...sick, well, or in between!
DeleteWould really like to win. bjphillips3170 (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara
BARBARA, we welcome you to OWG! Keep those fingers crossed! ;)
DeleteI don't believe I have read any of this author's books and it seems like that needs to change! Rhonda Nash-Hall
ReplyDeleterhonda_nash_hall (AT) comcast (DOT) net
RHONDA, I would start with The Frontiersman's Daughter and read every one of them thereafter. I think this is Laura's 5th book if I'm not mistaken. You'll be hooked after reading TFD for sure! Happy Reading!
DeleteLove's Awakening sounds very dramatic. Please add me to the drawing, I love Laura's rich stories!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Rich is a great choice of words, MERRY! Rich in historical detail, romance, fabulous characters---what's more to ask for in a book?!
DeleteThis sounds like an exciting and interesting story. I haven't read any books by Laura Frantz, but Loves Awakening sounds like a novel I don't want to miss. Thank you for offering a chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletemay_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com
KAY, you have truly been missing out! If you can order Laura's 1st book, The Frontiersman's Daughter, I highly recommend it! It will surely make a Laura Frantz fan out of you! Hope you get to read this one soon as well! Bless you!
ReplyDeleteDiana, You would make a wonderful addition to a marketing team :). I can't thank you enough for your warm words and those of others here. In the sea of books out there, it's so nice to meet new readers. I encourage people to ask their local libraries to order my books though often they have them. I just finished a large mailing to Pennsylvania and Ohio and Indiana libraries. That way everyone benefits. My books are also available in large print format, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, dear Diana, and readers!
ReplyDelete
LAURA, a marketing team, huh? ;) We thank you in turn for writing the wonderful books that you do and want to encourage you to keep on using the gift that God gave you to write. And we'll keep on spreading the word about the wonderful Laura Frantz!
ReplyDeleteLoved the first book and can't wait to read this one so count me in..rrwalter34atgmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteGotcha entered, BECKY! You made it in time as drawing isn't until tomorrow! :)
DeleteCongrats to Sonja and Virginia for winning a copy of Love's Awakening! Random number liked your positive response apparently, Virginia! ;) I know I did! Thanks to all of you for your great comments!
ReplyDeleteOur library readers love Laura's books. I would love to win this one to give to the church library.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
JANET, a winner was drawn on Sun (see above), but it's such a pleasure to see you here anyway!
Delete