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25 September 2014

Diana Flowers Reviews Love's Fortune By Laura Frantz

Revell, Sept. 9, 2014

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~*****
 
 
 Fabulous Fiction By Frantz!
 
From the wooded, primitive hills of Kentucky to the industrial city of Pittsburgh comes a sweeping saga of the affluent Ballantynes -- and of the beloved Rowena "Wren" Ballantyne, who finds herself caught between both worlds.
 
Wren loves her simple life in Kentucky; crafting fiddles, dulcimers, and violins with her father, Ansel Ballantyne, and roaming the countryside in her mismatched clothing. But when Ansel receives a summons to return home to Pennsylvania because his father is ill, Wren's world is turned upside down. Entering high society means new dances to learn, ball gowns, corsets, and proper etiquette, and poor Wren longs for home. She is befriended by the rugged, James Sackett, a steamship pilot for Ballantyne Shipping, but it is the wealthy and irresistible, Malachi Cameron, who has his heart set on making Wren his bride. Will Wren choose her beloved Kentucky over the forbidden love of two handsome men? -- one of whom harbors a dangerous secret, and the other with a woman from his past waiting in the wings...
 
Laura Frantz has written another masterpiece -- destined to be an award winner! Not simply a story of balls and frippery, Ms. Frantz delves into the covert and dangerous world of aiding fugitive slaves, and seedy characters who will stop at nothing to obtain wealth. The romantic tension was exquisite torment (sigh), and the author's writing skills were unsurpassable. Wren was one of the most genuine "down to earth" young women, and I so fell in love with her character from page one. The only regret I have concerning this magnificent novel is saying "goodbye" to the Ballantynes...who leave behind a legacy of wealth, wisdom, and most of all -- love. 

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 This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstore.

TWO BOOK GIVEAWAY -- one from Laura and the other from OWG! A copy of any one of the Ballantyne Legacy books in your choice of format! Leave a comment to enter. 
*Leave your email or check back in winners column either Sunday or Monday to see if you have won!*

 

74 comments:

  1. What a delight it is to be back reviewing with the OWG "angels!" And an honor that I start back with reviewing one of my favorite author's book, LOVE'S FORTUNE! A special "thank you" for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from our viewers here at OWG---before, during, and after surgery. Dr. said I recuperated ahead of time -- well no wonder! Love all of you and may God richly bless you!

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    1. Wonderful to have you back DIANA!! :-) I was thinking that very thing... How very special for you to return by reviewing this beautiful novel by such a huge favourite of everyone's - Laura Frantz!! :-)

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    2. Thank you, my beautiful "cohort." Yes, this is special to me for another reason. This will be my 150th review on Amazon and Laura Frantz's book, The Frontiersman's Daughter, was the 1st review I ever wrote! So it's so cool -- I've come full circle with Laura! Or maybe half -- I plan on writing reviews for her for years to come! :)

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    3. THAT IS SO COOL Diana! Not only 105 but that the first was Laura and the 105th is Laura! :D Congrats on 105 to! :)

      Hugs, Amada

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    4. Thank you, dear AMADA! And that's 150 not 105. A whole lotta writing. lol I could have written a book. :P

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    5. OOPS!! SORRY!!! Maybe it's time for a new pair of glasses! LOL! ;) 150 is EVEN More AWESOME! :D Really really Congratulations! That is a ton of writing and reading! :)

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    6. AMADA, you're too sweet. THANK YOU! Yes, it is and a ton of fun, too! :)

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  2. A perfectly summarized and beautifully written review DIANA!! It's so difficult saying goodbye to the Ballantyne's isn't it... *sniff* I will really miss these endearing and irresistible characters of Laura's... especially a certain Scotsman.. ;)

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    1. Thank you, NOELA! I put off reading the last few chapters of this one b/c I didn't want to say goodbye! But then I couldn't stand it, and had to see how it all ended.

      Here's a tissue, sweetie. Blow! ;)

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  3. Laura is certainly one of the best when it comes to historical fiction! I have the first two books in the series and would love a copy of this newest release...

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    1. PATTY, you have to get this one to say goodbye! wahhh Not to mention, all the previous characters are back and that was special! Lotsa luck to you!

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  4. Diana, beautiful review! I'm SO loving this book! It's hard to HAVE to put it down to do other things, especially when I want to keep reading. LOL! The Ballantyne series is one of my ALL TIME favorites and I just don't know how I'm going to get along without them, particularly that certain Scotsman that Noela mentioned. ;) No need to enter me as I'm right in the middle of Wren and James' story.

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    1. Thank you, ANGI! I so hated saying goodbye to this special family. Have you read any of Laura's other books, besides this series? They are all awesome and I highly recommend them!

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    2. I totally agree Angi! I LOVED it SO much I didn't want to put it down, and if I didn't have to sleep I wouldn't have! LOL! I also don't want it to end!

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  5. Winning any of the books would be cool!

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    1. BECKY, I would start with the first in the series if you haven't read it yet. Even though these can be read as stand alones, you won't want to miss out on meeting the Ballantyne family -- especially Silas! Did I just say that? lol

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  6. Diana, I've read every one of Laura's books. The Frontiersman's Daughter was the book that introduced me to Laura's writings and she's been one of my favorite authors ever since. I highly recommend her books as well! :)

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  7. Good to have you back Diana! Enjoyed your review very much.
    I love Laura Frantz's books and would love to win a copy of this one.

    Blessings,Tina
    tfrice@comcast.net

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    1. TINA, thank you! This is such an awesome series. Good luck!

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  8. Dear Diana ~ My first thought is, "Forget that Wren!" I'm just overjoyed at having you back:) And it's divine timing that this will be your 150th review and also your come back! And that we first met through Lael. I remember your and dear Carrie's reviews for TFD back then and they remain among my very favorites. But all of your reviews are a lovely reflection of you and I can't thank you enough for enjoying Wren, continuing to love Silas even at age 90 or so in this last book, etc.

    Anyway, lest I write a novella here, I must just THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart and share to FB and Pinterest, etc. I'll be away this afternoon but will check back in tonight. Thanks to everyone here for their kind comments! See you soon!

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    1. Dearest Laura. lol And what did I tell you? I had already started loving Wren from chapter one and I couldn't forget her. Not when she needed me the most. ;) I look at my first reviews, Laura, and just go "UGH, what was I thinking?", but I'm so glad we met through Lael and became such wonderful friends! As far as Silas goes, aren't we about close to the same age anyway. ;) Well, maybe I just feel 90 today with this cold, rainy weather! Thank you for your sweet words and know that reading and reviewing this book was my immense pleasure.

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    2. So pleased for you Laura that you've published all these books since Lael's fantastic story and so fun to have been the first person to have interviewed you! It was great meeting you online before The Frontiersman's Daughter released. And I found you because of looking for a comparable story to my own MS at the time! I remember seeing your book on Amazon and then figuring out how to contact you. What a thrill when the copy came in the mail! Many blessings!

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  9. The forbidden love of two handsome men? sounds like a great story!
    dkstevensne (at) outlook .com

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    1. One has a secret and one has a secret admirer, DEANNA! What a dilemma for poor Wren! Thx for coming by!

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  10. Hoping I win a copy of her newest release. Laura's writing is magical. I cannot get enough of it.

    emmamalissa(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. PERFECT word to describe Laura's writing, EMMA! Magical---wished I had thought of it while writing my review!

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  11. Diana, I love your review. This sounds like an exciting book to read!

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    1. Thx so much, KAY! Nice to see you again and good luck in the giveaway!

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  12. Thx, ROBIN! Even tho this book can be read as a stand alone, you're missing out if you haven't read the first two books in this series. Amazing. The author brings back all the Ballantynes once again under the same roof, so to speak, in this one.

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  13. Would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com

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  14. Welcome back, Diana.......prayed for you!
    I am currently enjoying Laura's book Courting Morrow Little and yesterday I finished The Colonel's Lady....love her writing! I am anxious to read this Ballantyne series so winning this one would be great!
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. JACKIE, thank you! God heard your prayers.

      I have read every book Laura has written and they're all simply wonderful! Courting Morrow Little was sweet solace to me after the death of my mom, and that book holds a special place in my heart for that reason. That plus Red Shirt, but I won't go into that! lol

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  15. I haven't read any of Laura's books but I have several on my TBR lidt :)

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    1. SHARON, you have really missed out! :( I read The Frontiersman's Daughter (the 1st book Laura ever wrote), and I was hooked! Hoping you will win one here so we can make a '"Laura" fan of you yet! Hugs!

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  16. Thank you for a great review, Diana! Love's Fortune sounds like a winner to me!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Indeed it is, MELANIE! Just tossed your name in my cyber-hat here! ;)

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  17. Awesome Review.... My copy came other day...can't wait to read it...
    Laura is such an awesome sister and author. Such a blessing to me, as you are too Diana, always
    tagging me on good books and always so encouraging.
    Love you both a lot.
    Hugs
    Linda

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    1. Oh, LINDA! Your kind words blessed me so tonight! Laura is such a wonderful author, but a good friend as well. Thank you so much! Hugs and <3 to you!

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  18. Fabulous indeed!! This does sound wonderful.

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    1. It is, MARY! I'll be surprised if it doesn't win an award!

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  19. This really is a FABULOUS book and series. I'm the opposite of Patty I've had the pleasure of reading the last two but not the first! LOL! It would be AWESOME to win it! Thank you for the opportunity! I LOVE OWG! :)

    Blessings, Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez

    P.S. Welcome back Diana! :)g

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    1. Thank you, AMADA! It's good to be back! The 1st one is sooo good...hope you get the chance to read it ASAP! Hugs!

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  20. Welcome back, dear Diana - thrilled to "see" you, praying you're feeling better than ever - or soon will be!! I've missed, not only your beautiful reviews, but also that humorous wit of yours!!

    What a beautiful review for Laura's beautiful Wren and "Love's Fortune"!! Thank you so much!!

    As with you - I've fallen in love with Wren also, even before I read the first word of the book. In pondering the reason - I feel the "behind the scenes" book cover shoot video enhanced the attraction, by seeing the sweet model portraying Wren and hearing Laura read excerpts from "Love's Fortune", even hearing the video music - which I will forever associate with Wren. However, even more importantly, l see so much of Laura, herself, in Wren. Laura is one of the most accomplished, masterful, intelligent, well-read, Christian fiction authors - ever, and has experienced so many wonderful adventures (such as living in a castle while studying abroad). Yet, underneath all this, I feel she is the same genuine, "down-to-earth" woman - who is overjoyed at simplicity - that you "saw" in Wren. The fact that Wren is from the hills of Ky. - near where I was born, raised, and currently live (and where Laura once lived, also) - only increases the book's attraction for me, as do the scenes with the "fugitive slaves and seedy characters". There is, in fact, a house in my small town that was part of the Underground Railroad.

    And who doesn't fall in love with James Sackett as well as many of the Ballantynes - Ansel, Silas, Eden, etc.?? I absolutely love every book Laura has written, am always saddened when one comes to an end, will always cherish those characters who have already stolen my heart, and will miss reading about the Ballantynes, dearly!! However, I know, without a doubt, that I will become just as enchanted by the characters of Laura's future writings and so joyfully await them!!

    I am so appreciative and honored, to read books of such beauty and inspiration as those Laura writes and feel doubly blessed by her precious friendship!! To love Laura is to love her books, and vice versa, they are "one and the same"!!

    Shared post!!

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    1. I don't know if hubby thinks it's so humorous or witty, BONNIE! hehe Yes, wasn't that video just wonderful? That is a great comparison. Laura is really humble and so down to earth like Wren and that's why we love her so much! You put it so aptly, " To love Laura is to love her books, and vice versa, they are "one and the same"!!

      Love and hugs to you, dear Bonnie!

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  21. Thank you for the review. Laura is an amazing author. Thank you. also for the giveaway. Shirley. straitfromthehive(at) email(dot) com

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    1. Nice to "see" you here at OWG, SHIRLEY! She is indeed....good luck in the drawing!

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  22. Great review! I would love to read Laura Frantz's series! Laura is a new author for me. This series would be a wonderful introduction.

    psalm103and138"AT"gmail"DOT"com

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    1. CARYL, you have missed out, dear friend! Hoping for a win for you -- you're in for a real treat!

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    2. Caryl, congrats! You're sure to become a Laura Frantz now!

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  23. Thanks for your review, Diana, I can't wait to read this one!

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  24. What a fabulous review, Diana! Welcome back!

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    1. It's great to be back, CARLA! Thank you so much! :)

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  25. Great review. Sounds Like a great book! Cant wait to read it weather by winning or buying it. Thanks :)

    ~Charity F.B.
    ilovehistoricalfictionbooks(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi, CHARITY! I hope you get a chance to read the whole series -- you will love it!

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  26. Welcome Diana o being able to be here, I think it is wonderful that you have done so many Reviews. Congrats on that too! Laura is a very talented author. I would love to have a chance to win one of these books. Maxie
    > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. Thank you, MAXIE! I can hardly believe I have written that many---have had a lot of good books under my belt! :)

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  27. I have read a few of Lauras books and each one just gets better and better, i would love to be winner of this give away thanks
    Shirley Blanchard jcisforme@aol.comofLU



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    1. Sorry about email its jcisforme@aol.com

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    2. SHIRLEY, thank you for your kind words on Laura's behalf! I'm inclined to agree with you and can't wait to see what she has in store for us in the future!

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  28. Thank you, Diana, for your wonderful review. I have never had the privilege of reading any of Laura's books and would so love to win this contest and novel! It sounds tremendous! If I win, I would prefer the book in printed form! Thanks ever so much. Sincerely, Mary Lou K flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Oh, MARY LOU. You have missed out, my dear friend. Laura is just one of THE best and has been nominated for many awards. I know you go to the library. If you'd like, see if they have Laura's 1st book there -- The Frontiersman's Daughter. Oh what bliss.

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  29. Diana, You are amazing and so gracious with all these great comments:) You have SO many friends out there on the web! It's heart-warming to read through all these and meet some new readers. THANK YOU all for being here and wanting to meet Wren and those Ballantynes. No doubt it's due to Diana's way with words and her review. I feel so blessed! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Awww...Laura, thank you so much. When you love the subject you are talking about it's quite easy for those words to come! And we just have the BEST followers here on OWG!

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  30. Great review, Diana, and congrats on this being your 150th wonderful review! That is so wonderful! We're so glad you joined us here on OWG! And to have this be for Laura's book makes it even more special since hers was your first review! Hugs and love sweet angel!

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    1. Aww...thank you, CARRIE! I'm so proud to be on a blog that promotes the BEST Christian books w/out compromising! Hugs and love to you, my sweet friend!

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  31. What a wonderful post. I love Laura's books. And I really love the Christian standards in these books. Thanks so much for this opportunity. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you for coming by, SONJA! Laura's books are just so wonderful and....meaty! lol A lot of substance and love her gift of writing books with such romantic tension!

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  32. Definitely adding this to my "MUST read" list after reading this review! My interest is piqued for certain! Can't wait to read this one! What a way with words... and this is the review! lol!
    Blessings!
    Kelly Y.
    kelly *at* dkcountryarts *dot* com

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    1. KEllY, what a delight you are! Thank you, but I can't even come close to Laura's wonderful prose. My niece's name is Kelly, and a good friend that I had when I lived in CA as well, and my dear friend, Noela (here on the blog) has a daughter named Kelly, so I'm kinda partial to that name. :) Good luck to you in the draw!

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  33. This sounds wonderful. Thanks for your excellent review. boernerb at fuse (dot) net

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    1. Thank you, OHIOHOMESCHOOL! Lotsa luck to you in the drawing!

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