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17 September 2015

Diana's Review of THE MISTRESS OF TALL ACRE by Laura Frantz

Revell, Sept. 2015
 
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars~
(No spoilers!)

           Exquisitely Breathtaking!

In The Mistress of Tall Acre, author Laura Frantz pens a sweeping epic tale set after the American Revolution–poignant and evocative–beset with betrayal and secrets as twisted as the fragrant wisteria and lovely roses twined about the gardens of Tall Acre.

Sophie Menzies is on the verge of losing her plantation, Three Chimneys, after her beloved brother is declared missing and her father returns to Scotland. After eight long years of fighting, General Seamus Ogilvy–Sophie's handsome neighbor and owner of the plantation, Tall Acre, has returned home from the war. A widower with an adorable six-year-old daughter, Lily Cate, enlists Sophie's help with the child who doesn't even know him and cries bitterly for her mother every night. Sophie grows to love Lily Cate as her own and makes a rash decision to accept Seamus's proposal, knowing that he could never love again and that it would be a marriage of convenience only. Secrets unfold as Sophie finds an old diary rife with discontent and betrayal, and dangers ensue as someone wishes her gone from Tall Acre. Just as passions begin to ignite, a woman from the past appears at Tall Acre and all loyalties will be tested as the newly formed foundation that binds Seamus and Sophie begins to crumble.

Such exquisite torture as Laura Frantz, the master of romantic tension and angst, weaves her magic web once again and ensnares the reader from page one and will not let go. Be still my racing heart! I found myself lost in another place and time; simply amazed at the author's incredible research and talent of applying descriptive words and prose used exclusively in colonial times...such as a busk (I had to google that one–and when I did it set my heart to fluttering and skipping a beat or two!), types of colonial architecture and clothing, and "ayes", "nays", and "mayhaps." I could see the whole story playing out in my mind's eye as though I were watching a movie. A story rich in faith, obedience and sacrifice, as well as a riveting, tantalizing page turner with copious twists and turns, The Mistress of Tall Acre is sure to be at the top of my 2015 list of faves!


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This amazing book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Laura has generously offered a paperback copy of The Mistress of Tall Acre to one blessed commenter! To be eligible be sure to leave to leave your email written (at) and (dot) to prevent yourself against spammers. 

74 comments:

  1. This books sounds fantastic! I'm looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the giveaway. kosterbind (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Hi, KELLY! Totally divine... I can't wait for you to get the chance to read it!

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  2. A beautiful, sweeping review Diana to match Laura's divine story!! Definitely one of my favourite's for the year as well! The busk was a new discovery for me too, and I loved the romance behind the gift! :)

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    1. Thank you, NOELA! You're the sweetest! Ahh..the busk scene surely made my heart flutter and skip a beat a two!

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  3. I have heard such awesome things about this book. can't wait to get my hands on it finally

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    1. Oh, I can't wait for you to get your hands on it either, MIA! You will love it!

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  4. Diana, you did it again! What a wonderful review of Laura Frantz' book "The Mistress of Tall Acres!" It takes place in an exciting time in history and sounds like it is very well written - I am ready to be swept back in time to watch Sophie, Seamus and Lily as their lives become intertwined and become locked in the story's twists and turns! Thank you, Diana. Joyce Graves - Heart"wings" - joyce1510(dot)jrg(at)gmail(dot)com.

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    1. You are too kind, JOYCE. Thank you! Oh, you just HAVE to read this one -- there are not enough adjectives to describe the wonder of this book!

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  5. DIANA, thank you for the exquisite review of The Mistress of Tall Acre! I can't wait to read this novel.

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    1. CARYL, you're welcome! It's such a pleasure to write a review for a novel as amazing as this! Hoping you get the chance to read it ASAP! :)

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  6. Diana, what a gem of a review you've done . I've heard such great things about this book and frankly I'm not surprised because the Frantz books I've read have been outstanding and I wouldn't expect anything less from this one. Did I just do a run on sentence ? Oh well, sometimes when you write ,the words just come tumbling out and you can't shove them back in . I need to read this asap ! Deanne
    Book1lovingmomma at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you, DEANNE!! Your comment made me smile this morning. This is one book you are entitled to run on about! lol Nope, you can't shove words back in although there are times I wish I could have! hehe

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  7. I CAN'T WAIT! I've enjoyed each of Laura's books that I have had the chance to read...

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    1. PATTY, you will adore this one!! Can you leave an email addy as we have several Pattys that comment here! Hugs! :)

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    2. Sorry about that, here it is.

      pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  8. I have enjoyed all your books would love to win a copy of your latest Mistress of Tall Acre 3mother9grands(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi, PAM! Thank you on behalf of Laura and I wholly agree with you! All of her books are fabulous!

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  9. Wow--this book looks wonderful! And what a wonderful review! :)
    mmbbg72493(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you so much, MEGHAN! A truly unforgettable read...

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  10. Laura's attention to the details you mentioned makes her one of my all time faves. Can't wait to read this one! muschfarm(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Me, too, NAOMI! It makes one feel as though they are definitely in another century! Thank you for coming by and good luck in the drawing!

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  11. Diana!! Dear, dear DIana!! You have such a lovely way with words that I feel OVER THE TOP blessed first by Noela and now YOU! Dear Teresa blessed me, too, by posting reviews and also messaging me some very heartfelt things. I don't know where to begin about your gracious words here ~ and then the commenters! God is so good to give us the gift of Christian fiction and readers like you. You've been with me since Lael's story in The Frontiersman's Daughter and it's such a joy to continue to share new releases with you. I'm very thankful you found the tenants of Tall Acre to be worthwhile - your insights here are beautiful and memorable. Lest I write a novella here, I'll sign off with a very grateful heart <3!!

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    1. We are blessed with so much talent here on OWG with Bonnie, Noela, Carrie, and Teresa! Thank you for your oh, so kind words, LAURA! It's books like yours that make writing reviews so enjoyable. You pour your heart and soul into your books and it makes us want to do likewise with our reviews. We are the ones with the grateful hearts -- your books have given us so much enjoyment during some very dark hours. <3

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    2. Laura, your books have always been a blessing to me, and to everyone that reads them I'm sure! Thank you for your sweet words but I assure you it was all my pleasure to be able to do review; which is only a small token of the appreciation I feel. (((HUGS)))

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  12. Well written Diana. Sounds like a toe-curler. ;-)
    Luke

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    1. Thank you, LUKE! A toe-curler and a heart racer! lol Would be a nice Christmas gift for your sis-in-law for those long hours spent rocking the new baby. :)

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    2. I might do that. Thanks.

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    3. Oops, I forgot about the fact she might not read English, Luke. However, all of this author's previous books have been translated into Dutch! How cool is that? Shows what a good author she is bc they don't just translate everyone's. Our mutual friend can give you a title of our favorite one.

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    4. Thanks for helping me pick Angela's Christmas present. ;-)
      Luke

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    5. Thumbs up! And maybe some perfume or a nice scarf, too. *wink*

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  13. Another lovely review, Diana! And thank you for no spoilers! I am looking forward to reading this - saving it as a lovely treat for myself!
    Cheers,
    Susan

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    1. You deserve it, SUSAN! Thank you for your kind words! There are so many spoilers that could slip out in this one, I had to be very careful not to write anything that was not in the blurb, but just to expound upon it a bit. I'm so disappointed when I read a review with spoilers and don't really care to read the book anymore. I wanted all of you to be able to read the review with no worries about spoilers which is why I put that at the top! :)

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  14. Diana, after reading yours and Noela's reviews, I may not ever post another one on OWG! lol Seriously, your review is outstanding, but even if was just the basic facts it would have been wonderful because of Laura's writing!

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    1. Thank you, TERESA! I just love your heartfelt reviews and whenever I read them I think,"Why didn't I think of that?" I truly do! Like the word "specter" - man, I wish I had thought of that word! lol I agree about Laura's writing...how could anyone write a bad review?

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  15. Great review! Laura has a way of pullling the reader into her well-crafted stories.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    -Janella
    arieljo12 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. Thx, JANELLA! She definitely has a talent for that! I mean from page one I was hooked on this story already! I hope you get a chance to read it soon!

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  16. Sounds great, I love books that include history, I'm going to get it thank you for the posting

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    1. Hi, KAR! This one is just so awesome I can't say enough good things about it! I know I sound like a broken record. lol If you would like to be entered in the drawing first to see if you win it before buying...please leave your email addy for contact purposes! Thx! :)

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  17. I need this in my TBR stack... It's definitely on my wanted list :)
    dkstevensneAToutlook (dot)CoM

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    1. DEANNA, this is definitely a necessity! Put it right at the top! lol

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  18. What an excellent review! Even if I hadn't already been planning to read The Mistress of Tall Acre, I sure would be putting it on my "want to read" list after reading your review.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. PAM, you're a doll! Thank you! I just KNOW you'll love this one!

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  19. Wonderful review Diana! I really would like to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway :)
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. BETTI, bless you! I hope you get the chance to read it soon -- perhaps random number will looove you! ;)

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  20. Oh my, this sounds so good. I can't wait to read it. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

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    1. STELLA, thank you for sharing! Please come back and leave your email, hon. We want to be able to get in touch with you, should you be our blessed winner!

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  21. Loved your review ! i have been wanting to read this, Laura's books are always inspiring, Thank you for giveaway
    mcnuttjem0(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Thank you, JACKIE! I'm tossing your name in my cyber-hat here. Good luck!

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  22. Another beautiful review, Diana! I'm reading "The Mistress of Tall Acre" right now and loving it (as I knew I would). Agreeing with you...this will definitely end up on my 2015 Favorites list. No need to enter me in the drawing. :)

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    1. ANGI, thank you so much! It's loyal viewers like you who are willing to share their thoughts that also ministers to these precious authors -- and to us!

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    1. Indeed, DARLA! Thx so much for coming by OWG! Please come back and leave your email addy so we'll know how to contact you in case you're our blessed winner!

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  24. A great review, Diana! Thanks for sharing it with our readers!

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  25. A gorgeous cover & a wonderful review thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Hi, MARY! Thank you! It's hard to do a wonderful book like this justice, but I gave it my best shot! lol

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  26. Thank you for the great giveaway of this beautifully covered book. Keeping my fingers crossed!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. You're welcome, MELANIE! Keep your arms and legs crossed too! But not your eyes -- my mom always said they would get stuck that way! lol

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  27. Great review....mayhap one could get stuck in colonial times with this book! :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. TRIXI, aye, for a time, but how I hated to leave. I kept going back and picking the book up, sad I didn't have it to read anymore. Mayhap I'll reread it some day, which isn't something I ever do but this book was so splendid! And mayhaps you will be blessed to win it!

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  28. Thanks for a great review Diana. I have heard so many authors speak highly of Laura's books. I would love to win one. Thanks for a chance. (((Hugs))) to my OWG girls. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. MAXIE, this one will be hard to put down...It's just loaded with good stuff! You'll love it! HUGS right back atcha. <3

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  29. What a great review! The book sounds absolutely amazing. I don't know if I've read Laura before, but it sounds like I sure need to!!
    blessedmama at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you, BLESSED MAMA! Oh, you have to read them all! Just not at the same time! lol There isn't a mediocre one in the bunch...they're all sooo wonderful!

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  30. An exquisite book, as you mentioned - with an exquisite review. Diana, thank you so much!!

    Had to check out that 'busk', lol - just glad they're no longer popular here. Don't think I would fare very well, were I whisked back to the era of the American Revolution - however, I am always overjoyed to visit/envision other eras via Laura's brilliance and skillful pen. Laura, on the other hand, would probably adjust perfectly. When I read the amazing descriptions in her books, I feel as if she must have been born in another era - a precious gift sent to present-day readers, her writing language so perfect and beautiful!!

    Laura has mentioned 'The Mistress of Tall Acre' was written in the midst of a very difficult period of her life - I knew the book was destined to be an emotional masterpiece, and possibly her best work yet. I'm so thankful for the incredible writing gift with which God has blessed her!!

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    1. Love how you say 'emotional masterpiece', dear Bonnie. I pray so! And I do think that has something to do with the season of life I was in when the book was written. You and others here bless my boots off with your very gracious, edifying comments!! Hugs and thanks to all, Diana and the OWG ladies, etc!!

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    2. I wish I had thought of that phrase "emotional masterpiece" instead of emotive...nice choice of words, BONNIE! It definitely is that and more, dear Laura! Hugs and blessings back your way!

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    3. BONNIE, thank you for your kind words about my reviews. It's the SCENE with the busk that caused my heart to go a'fluttering! lol Laura definitely has a God-given gift with words that take us back to another place and time. It's almost as though she lived during that era, but I'm sure extensive research plays an important role in that. We appreciate all the time and hard work Laura must spend researching each book she writes!

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    4. LAURA, re: 'emotional masterpiece': I KNOW so. Thanks to you and DIANA for your kind comments!! You're one of the author's whose writing "praises" I never tire of lifting as your books are always in the highest of book echelons. Amen to appreciation of the time and hard work Laura spends researching for each book she writes, Diana - research is truly one of the elements involved in making her books so enticing. Last year, I had the pleasure of attending a research session with Laura, which involved a seminar on women's historical clothing. The instructor shed clothing articles, piece-by-piece, as she described them. Such an interesting session - I don't remember if a 'busk' was involved, however, I feel sure Laura does, lol.

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  31. This sounds like another amazing, heart squeezing story by Laura. I still enjoy every one of her books and am looking forward to this one. Thank you, Laura, for sharing your amazing talents with us!

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    1. A totally heart squeezing, heart racing, heart fluttering, heart rending book, SANDY! lol Can you please come back and leave an email addy for contact purposes should you win? Hugs and good luck! :)

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  32. Eep! Lovely review! I'm even more excited to read The Mistress of Tall Acre now ...if possible! *wink* But truly, I'm so excited! Love your book, Laura! It feels like it's been forever since I've read one! Can't wait!!

    Blessings!
    swordmaidenofthelight(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words, SHANTELLE! I know how you feel -- a year is a long time! This book will captivate you, I promise! Good luck in the drawing!

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  33. Congrats to Marissa for winning a copy of The Mistress of Tall Acre via random number! My heart was full reading all of your wonderfully kind comments. Thank you!
    More giveaways this week so be sure to come back! :)

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