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26 November 2013

Noela Nancarrow reviews 'LOVE'S AWAKENING' by Laura Frantz

Love's Awakening

Love’s Awakening
Revell (September 15, 2013)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
~5 Stars~ *****

Breathtaking Historical Romance

‘Love’s Awakening’, the second in the Ballantyne Legacy series, is the beautiful, stirring tale of a gentle and blossoming love that strives to flourish against a background of grave danger, various family angsts, and difficult family and societal expectations. This exquisite novel possesses rich historical detail and a sublime visual display of the locales, and is further complimented by the deeply-layered and endearing characters!

Elinora (Ellie) Ballantyne, the youngest daughter of the respected and powerful Ballantyne family of Pittsburgh, has arrived home sooner than expected from finishing school in Philadelphia. Ellie’s unforeseen early arrival home lands her in the midst of much hustle after the recent storm, but she’s also getting the distinct impression she’s not wanted there by her siblings. With her parents Silas and Eden away on a lengthy journey, Ellie decides she needs to get out from underfoot and to make her own way in life by opening up a day school for the young ladies of Pittsburgh. When Chloe Turlock, the youngest daughter of the Turlock family who have been long-time enemies of the Ballantyne’s, asks to join the class, it sets off a sequence of events that will forever change lives.

Jack Turlock, the younger son of Henry and Isabel Turlock who are wealthy whiskey tycoons and well-known exacting slave holders, is troubled. He’s had a life-altering experience that he’s shared with no-one, and although he is still beholden to his family, he desires to separate himself from the family’s cruel legacy. It is to Silas Ballantyne that he looks up to, but figures he’ll never measure up to the noble and respected Ballantyne’s. When Jack’s feelings begin to grow for Ellie, he knows there can never be anything between them, and arranges to head out west. With the danger becoming more dire for those helping slaves, and knowing the abolitionist leanings of the Ballantyne’s, Jack can only pray they’ll be safe in his absence. With two families as different as light is to dark, can there be any hope for love to triumph against such opposing forces? Or will Ellie and Jack need to betray their feuding families to be able to grasp a chance at love?

Love’s Awakening is a beautifully written tale with impressive research into historical details, giving the reader a glimpse into life in the early 1820’s. Undeniably, author Laura Frantz also writes some of the most tangible and memorable characters ever written, and that seem to take on a life of their own. Endearing women such as Ellie that are genteel and dulcet, yet possess a hidden strength; Chloe, Jack’s young sister who’s a tomboy that lacks many social graces but owns a big heart; and heroes like Jack who are strong yet gentle, chivalrous yet vulnerable, and a man of few words… but those few words ooze an intense personality and great depth of character.
Love’s Awakening forged a path straight to my heart just as all of Laura’s sterling stories do, but then I didn't expect anything less!
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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, or your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: I will be giving away an e-book copy of 'Love's Awakening' to someone who leaves a comment! Make sure you include your e-mail address for contact purposes if you're the winner!


43 comments:

  1. As always, an excellent review, Noela!!! Like I told T. - I can't wait to start reading this book, but...it has to wait till next year. You make it sound so good, and, of course, I know Laura is a top writer. Her books are always worth the wait!!

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    1. Thanks MARIAN! Yep, you know how good Laura's books are, and I know how very busy you are but even so, I do admire your strength!! ;)

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    2. I'm getting ready to read Marian's debut and cannot wait! It's been teasing me on my Kindle and I'm about to dive in. I only hope when I post my review I do it as beautifully as Marian does (and you, too, Noela).
      In Him,
      Laura

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    3. I so hope you'll enjoy Albert and Michelle's story, Laura!! :)

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  2. Great review. Tammy Hudson
    HUBTIVOLI1@YAHOO.COM

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    1. Thanks TAMMY, all the best with your entry! Blessings!

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  3. beautiful review. I've read her first two, and this sounds like the best one yet.

    Kathy

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    1. Thank you KATHY, and yes this is an amazing story! LAURA may remember that I fell in love with Silas in the first Ballantyne Legacy book 'Love's Reckoning', so I'm a little biased and would have to say that in my opinion these two are both incredible stories! ;)

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  4. A breathtaking review as well as the book!! Can't wait until Laura's next one, but guess I'll have to! sighhh...

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    1. Haha I feel the same way DIANA!! What is there to do but wait? Except to look forward to the next one as one does to Christmas maybe?! :) Thanks for the sweet words too!

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  5. Noela, I COMPLETELY concur -- Laura is absolutely one of my TOP, TOP FAVES!!! Great review, my friend, as always!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. JULIE, every time I see your beautiful smiling face I just wish I could hug you!! :) You're so fun, lovely and a great encourager, AND we have so much in common for e.g. our favorite authors, lol! ;) Of course, you're up there with Laura as well, friend!

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  6. Great Review! Sounds like a great book too
    God bless you
    Chris Granville
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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    1. Thanks CHRIS, and yes it sure is a great book!! You'll love it Chris! God bless you too my friend!

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  7. So, so thankful for you and your heart for my books, Noela! I'm so struck by the lovely way you've worded things. You, Teresa, and Diana and others make these reviews sing! Love your insights into the novel and what you enjoyed. Such a blessing. All the comments are so encouraging, too.

    I must admit I loved "borrowing" your beautiful surname for this novel. It was a pleasure to pin Nancarrow to Sarah, Wren Ballantyne's mother, which you'll hear more about in book 3. And then there's Malachi! But no spoilers :)

    Thanks from the bottom of my heart for being here and having a beautiful ministry with words/reviews.

    Off to pin to Pinterest and share on my author page. Have a blessed Thanksgiving to all!

    Laura
    (cookies aren't cooperating so have to post as anon!)

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    1. Dear LAURA, thank you so much for your very sweet and encouraging words!! If my review 'sings' it is only because your story is a song! :) As we always say, it is not difficult to write a review for such beautiful and exceptional stories such as yours Laura! But I usually pray for the Lord to give me the words and inspiration so all thanks to Him!
      I have to say, having our surname in these exceptional stories is an incredible honor!! I can hardly wait for Book 3, and did you mention my Malachi??? Ohhh now you've really got me hanging... ;) And guess what, our little angel grandson turns one today!! Bless you from my heart also LAURA, love you!!

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  8. I have a hard copy of this book on its way and would love to have the e-book! I love having favorite books to co-read and re-read on my Kindle!

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    1. Lol REBECCA, I tend to do the same with my absolute favorite books also!! I mean, you never know when you want to delve back into an amazing story when you only have your Kindle handy! ;)

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  9. Great review! Sounds like a good book. Would love the chance to read it. My email is smileytwin10@gmail.com.
    Thanks!

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    1. Thanks SMILEY TWIN... I really hope you get the chance to read this fantastic story sometime! Blessings!

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  10. I have read all of Laura's books so far and I love her writing and her characters. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. Nancycooks4u(at)gmail(dot) com

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    1. NANCY, doesn't Laura write the MOST amazing characters ever?!! She even had me falling in love with one of her FICTIONAL character's, lol, now that's some great character writing!!! :)
      All the best with your entry Nancy!

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  11. I really wanna read this book! It sounds soooo good!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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    1. MELODY, it really is that good lol! Have you read the first in the Ballantyne Legacy series - Love's Awakening? Not that you need to read it first to enjoy this story, but I would sooo recommend you don't miss out on that one either! :) Thanks so much for stopping by Melody, always so nice to see you! Blessings!

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  12. Thank you for post featuring Laura. I am looking forward to reading this book! She always has the best of story lines and characters.
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You're welcome JACKIE, and I hope you get to read Love's Awakening soon!! I quite agree with you about Laura's books! :)

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  13. Great review! Sounds like a wonderful book! I hope to get the chance to read it soon!

    aeputney [at] liberty [dot] edu

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    1. Thanks, and I hope you get to to read it soon too, AMY!! Laura Frantz writes like no one else!

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  14. Nice review, I want to read this one myself ! Would love to win it for my kindle !
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you LINDA, I'd love for you to win it too, we'll see if Random.org agrees as well when it's time to do the draw, lol. Blessings!

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  15. Beautiful review! I can't wait to read this book since I loved the first one!
    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks ABBI, yep I'm with you in loving the first one so much too! And I'm sure you'll love Jack and Ellie heaps also! :)

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  16. I love reading historical fiction...this one reminds me of Romeo and Juliet. Thanks! would love to win! Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall AT comcast DOT net

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    1. This book is right up your alley then RHONDA as Laura's books give a great glimpse into history, informing and entertaining with her amazing stories! All the best with your entry too! :)

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  17. Hello to my OWG girls. Hope you are all well. And wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. I loved your review Noela. You did a great job. Would make anyone want to read Laura's book. But Alas, you know I don't do e-books so will have to wait for a print. I have the first one. Take care. Love to each of you. Maxie

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    1. Hello MAXIE, so sweet of you to stop by and say hello even though you can't use e-books. You always make my day Maxie with your sweet nature and comments! I am sorry I was only able to do an e-book giveaway but I do hope one day you are blessed to get your hands on a paperback copy. Take care yourself and much love to you from us all! x

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  18. Wonderful review, Noela!

    Love the cover, & story line, of Love's Awakening! Haven't read any of Laura's books, & would love to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much BONNIE! Bonnie, if you haven't read any of Laura's books yet then you have a treasure trove full of incredible books yet to read!! :) All the best with your entry and God bless!

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  19. Noela, Lovely review, as usual! God bless and keep you!

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    1. Thank you so much CARRIE, may the Lord bless you and keep you also!! Hugs!!

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  20. Excellent Review Sounds like a great book
    God bless you
    Chris Granville
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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    1. Got your entry above Chris, and about to do the drawing now! Winner will be posted possibly later today.

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  21. Thank you for a great review to a great book.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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