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02 October 2012

Teresa Mathews Reviews Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz

Love's Reckoning
                                                                                                                                                
Love's Reckoning
by Laura Frantz
(Revell, 2012)
5 Stars*****
Reviewed by Teresa Mathews
In this book one of the Ballantyne Legacy series Laura Frantz has once again written a beautiful masterpiece. The setting is 1784 York County, Pennsylvania and we are introduced to the Lee family.      
Liege Lee is a harsh man who long ago turned his back on God. Since then he has little regard for anyone that crosses his path, including his humble wife Louise and his two daughters, Elspeth and Eden. Elspeth is beautiful and smart and helps her father keep the books for the blacksmith shop. Eden the younger of the two is quiet, sweet and beautiful on the inside and out with a love for God. She is the one that keeps the household running and helps her mother look after the two younger boys.
After having several men quit on him, Liege finds himself in need of another apprentice to help in the blacksmith shop. When he receives a letter stating his new apprentice in on the way, there’s excitement because it is a well known rule that the apprentice is to marry the daughter of the master blacksmith.  Both girls have their thoughts on what this Silas Ballantyne, a Scotsman, will be like. Elspeth who loves a challenge knows he will be hers, dear Eden who has long let Elspeth have her way to keep the peace, has no notions about him being hers because she has other plans that will hopefully take her away from this horrible place. Will either girl even want to marry this Scotsman when they see him or will he ignore both so he can move on to where his dreams lie unencumbered by a wife?
When Silas Ballantyne arrives he is such a wonderfully talented handsome man both girls as quite taken with him. But Silas has not come here to seek a wife; there are things in his past and future that keep him from wanting to marry. Even evil Liege Lee seems to have met his match in Silas, he can outwork Liege any day and his craftsmanship is far better also.  Business has picked up tremendously since word of Silas’ beautiful work has gotten out and no one seems to be bothered that Liege has gone up on his prices, except Silas who demands that Liege stop cheating people.  Knowing what a find Silas is Liege tries to force him into marrying one of his daughters, will Silas decide that one of the beautiful girls is worth him changing his life’s plans? Or will he not give in and still leave at the end of the apprenticeship without so much as a backward glance?
This story is not one you can hurry through; you can tell Laura has put her heart into the making of this tale and you will want to savor it. There are a lot of secondary characters that you will love and some you will hate and that is the making of a marvelous story. There are a lot of twists that you won’t see coming and there will be quite a few times you will be hurriedly flipping the pages like I did. This is a must-read extraordinaire! Thank you Laura for this heart touching story that kept me not just entertained but enthralled the entire time I was reading. 

THREE GIVEAWAYS This week!!!:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Laura’s books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.

83 comments:

  1. A must-read for sure!! Awesome review TERESA! I knew just a little of the story before but having read your review, you've made me even MORE eager to get it in my hands now! :) What an exquisite story-teller Laura is - just LOVE your books Laura!!

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  2. Hi NOELA,
    You are so right, LAURA's books are awesome! I know you will LOVE this one! Good Luck in the drawing!

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  3. A marvelous review of a marvelous book! Loved it!

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  4. I have been trying to win this book for sometime--hope this is the time! :D Great review Teresa! Blessings! Darlene

    spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

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  5. DIANA it is a marvelous book, hated to see it end.

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  6. DARLENE, I hope this will be your lucky week! :) Good luck in the drawing.

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  7. Great review! I can't wait to read Love's Reckoning. I just finished reading Frontiersman's Daughter literally ten minutes ago. It was fabulous! Laura is a fabulous writer and I look forward to reading more by her!
    Amy C
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  8. AMY, I LOVED FD! I thought that one would be my all time favorite but this one is right up there with FD! Both are fantastic! Good Luck in the drawing! :)

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  9. AMY, The Frontiersman's Daughter was one of my favorite books of all time. I was so taken with it I wrote a handwritten letter to Laura, from which sprang a wonderful friendship. I love all of her books!

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  10. I think I have The Frontiersman's Daughter on my bookshelf waiting to be read. Sounds like I need to put it on the top of the stack! Would love to win Laura's newest book.

    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  11. I love Historical fiction and it being a christian book makes it even better!
    likesmusic2@consolidated.net

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  12. PATTY, move that one on up! She has written four books so far--all fantabulous! Hoping you will win one out of the four.

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  13. DEBBIE, if you haven't read any of LAURA'S books yet, do yourself a huge favor and do so asap! As Loreal says, "You are worth it!" :)

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  14. PLEASE enter me! I have been dieing to read Love's Reckoning (or any of LAURA FRANTZ books for that matter!!!) Thanks for the review!!!

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

    amada_chavez[AT]yahoo[DOT]com

    Acts 16:31 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)

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  15. AMADA, I hope you'll get to read any of LAURA's books soon! They are not to missed. Good luck in the drawing.

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  16. TERESA, once again a great review, girl! I also LOVED this book. Well, actually I loved all of LAURA's books!

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  17. Thanks for the review and drawing, I have Love's Reckoning on my dresser and I have yet to "savor it" as Teresa says.

    I would love the chance to win Courting Morrow Little.

    arieljo12 at hotmail dot com

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  18. J.GRACE, thanks for stopping by! We will enter you in the drawing. Good luck!

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  19. I love Historical romance fiction. I can't wait to read this book! luvsherfam @ gmail dot com

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  20. would love to win. it sounds good.

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  21. SUSTHAL, hope you can read the book soon. Good luck in the drawing!

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  22. Thank you, MARIAN! TERESA has a dr. app't and then I had to leave for awhile. You're the bomb! Thanks everyone for dropping by and good luck!

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  23. Thank you MARIAN and DIANA I love you guys more than you know! Sorry I was gone so long but had to stop by pharmacy too. :)

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  24. We're just glad to see you back again! :)

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  25. I've said this about a million times now...I can't wait to read this book!!!!!! :)

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  26. I can't wait to read this book either. That seems to be the general consensus! There is no doubt in my mind the quality of this story. But I always say, how can Laura's writing get any better? Thank you for the review Teresa!

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  27. MARISSA..I hope this will be your lucky week and then you can say I READ IT!! :) Good luck in the drawing!

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  28. DEBRA you are very welcome! Laura's writing is fantastic for sure! Good luck in the drawing! :)

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  29. How did that Carrie Fancett Pagels person ever get so fortunate to have you as one of the contributors on this blog? And a poet, too!!! Love your poems. Thanks so much for the review, Teresa, and for all you do for Kingdom work! Big hugs!!!

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  30. CARRIE FANCETT PAGELS you are going to make me cry! This is another time I have to sit back in amazement at the hand of God in our lives. I could have never dreamed this up in a million years. GOD IS SO GOOD...HE has sent me friends that are so precious to me, you and Marian and of course my "twin" Diana. :) And all of the fabulous authors I've meet and the sweet people that stop by OTT-WGH, it makes me smile from the inside out with overflowing joy.

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  31. Teresa and everyone, I'm here and so honored by this heartfelt review!! I apologize for the delay as I've been away all day and just came in. I'm so thankful for the gift of fiction and how the Lord brings His people together online through their love of good books and their passion for Him. Very humbling and inspiring. Now off to read the above comments.

    Thanks so much for taking time for Silas and Eden's story, Teresa. I hope you were as blessed by it as I am by your words here.

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  32. I've been reading wonderful reviews for Love's Reckoning that make me very much want to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy here on your blog.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  33. Noela, My precious friend from far away! So good to see you here And so happy you're ready to read!!

    Darlene, Bless you for your persistence and wanting to enjoy this story. I pray you do:)

    Oh Amy, So you've met Lael and Ian and cast! How I'd love to go back to that story fresh as a reader. Praying you like Love's Reckoning just as much!

    Diana, I still have that letter and picture, etc. Treasures - you were the very first reader to write to me! And I thank the Lord for you every day.

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  34. Pattie, Debbie, and Amada,
    Thanks for being here and for your kind encouragement! Would love to hear your thoughts once you read the story!

    Marian, You're one of those people who the Lord put in my path that make me so thankful I'm a writer - and makes me want to fly to see you:) You're such a light and blessing to me, always.

    JGrace, Thanks so much for having Eden's story so close! Love that. And I'm thrilled you want to read Morrow's story. That one is very dear to my heart in more ways than I can say. And I hope it's dear to yours! Thanks for being here and entering the drawing.

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  35. Sustahl and Pat, So glad to see you here! Would love to send a book your way:)

    Marissa, You deserve an award for being so encouraging and persisting! Such excellent qualities and ones my Silas and Eden have in spades, or so I think! Hope you enjoy the story as I'm sure you'll read it!

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  36. Deb, Wish I could show up somewhere near you, scoop you up, and take you to lunch and talk books!

    Thanks for your very kind words. If my stories do improve (thanks for saying so) it's the Lord's doing, that's for sure. I always tell people who ask I don't know how to write a book. But I do know THE ONE who does!

    Am hoping your own writing is going very well. And I'm praying we can meet offline sometime!

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  37. Oh LAURA everytime I read one of your books I am awestruck. Your words flow so beautifully they wrap themselves around your heart and stay there long after the book ends. It's always a pleasure to read your work. :)

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  38. thanks for the chance to win Laura's book

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  39. APPLE BLOSSOM you are welcome! Good Luck in the drawing! :)

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  40. Oh Teresa, Wow - I love that you care about the beauty of words. Many times people overlook that part of writing. I've often thought of writing as an act of worship. God gives us the gift of them and they become a means of expressing our love and praise back to Him. So to hear you find beauty in my words is truly heavensent. I pray that it may always be so.

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  41. Apple Blossom, Hello - and I second Teresa:) So glad you're in the drawing and want to read Eden's story!

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  42. Woohoo, another chance (or 3) to win "Love's Reckoning". :-)

    jruth418@live.com

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  43. JANELL, it's exciting isn't it? Good luck in the drawing.

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  44. Waving at Janell! Good morning everyone:) And bless you, Teresa, for being so faithful!!

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  45. Great review Teresa. I'm reading this one right now and it's SO good! I can't believe I haven't read anything by Laura before!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  46. Great review. I have this book on Kindle, but would love a paper copy since I love Laura's books and her heart as it shines through even online.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. A novelist myself (unpublished), I love to glean from others further along on the journey. Since I've not heard of Laura before, I'd love to win her book and get to know her writing.

    Blessings,
    Danie

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  48. Please, please, please, pick me! tamcoke@aol.com

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  49. LIZ welcome to the Laura Frantz Fan Club! LOL Her books are terrific. Good Luck in the drawing! :)

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  50. DANIE Good Luck in the drawing...maybe you'll win and you can get to know Laura's work. I know you will love her! :)

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  51. TaMara Good Luck in the drawing! Who knows?! Sat. might be your lucky day! :)

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  52. I would like to win another one of her books!
    Debbie Curto
    likesmusic2@consolidated.net

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  53. sounds wonderful, would love to win. thanks

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  54. One of the reasons that I read reviews is to improve my own writing of reviews. I loved what you wrote; it made me want to drop everything and run to the store to buy LOVE'S RECKONING! Wow! I must practice writing more.
    Kaye Whitney
    kayewhitney@bellsouth.net

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  55. PAT this IS a great book! Good Luck in the drawing.

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  56. Great review.
    I would love to win a copy of this book, sounds great and I love Laura Frantz books!!

    Blessings, Tina Rice
    tfrice@comcast.net

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  57. This book sounds amazing!!! I would love to win. Thanks so much for the chance!
    makeighleekyleigh@yahoo.com

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  58. Another great review for a great book! Thank you for the giveaway!! :)

    samanthaakuiper(at)gmail(dot)com

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  59. I would love to receive a copy of this book.

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  60. Kaye, I so agree - Teresa has a real gift with words and writing reviews. I can honestly say I may be able to write a book but I CANNOT write a good review. The Lord knew we needed people like Teresa! I wish you the best in writing reviews and being willing to learn by reading them to help with yours. A wonderful attitude!

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  61. Waving at Tena, Megan, Samantha, and Cecilia! Bless you for being here and wanting to meet Silas and Eden and cast:)

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  62. Wow, I'm in love with that book cover -gorgeous! Thanks for the chance to win! I've heard about this author for awhile, but have yet to read one of jer novels. Any suggestions on where to start?

    Jafuchi7(at)Hawaii(dot)edu

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  63. This sounds like an awesome read!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    Marie Ferland
    mariefluffy@yahoo.ca

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  64. I have been wanting to add this to my reading list!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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  65. Kaye you are so sweet, thank you for your kind words. Let me tell you last year this time I would have never dreamed I would be writing reviews! God is so amazing! Good luck in the drawing! :)

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  66. LAURA you are so precious and such a talented author it's easy to write a review for you! :)

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  67. LADYDRAGONKEEPER, I started with the Frontiersman's Daughter but all of Laura's books are wonderful so you can start with any of them. Who knows? You might win your choice on here come Saturday. Good Luck!

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  68. MARIE good luck in the drawing Saturday!

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  69. MEGAN, SAMANTHA and CECILIA, good luck in the drawing Saturday!

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  70. Love Laura's books and can't wait to read. I have added to my wish list. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  71. I just have to try for one of Laura's books. Love the titles of her books too! Love the interviews. Please enter me. Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

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  72. Wow, your review makes me want to read the book right now! It is on my to be read pile...and I can't wait! Thanks for the review and giveaway!

    Emreilly303(aT)gmail(dot)com

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  73. I'm here entering for my daughter! Thanks so much for the chance to win! God bless!

    Jreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net

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  74. I can't wait to read this book! The review was wonderful! I have it on my TBR pile, and I'm really looking forward to reading it!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  75. Great review and giveaway! I've never read any of Laura's books, but I've heard great things about them!

    jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

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  76. Awesome giveaway! I'm entering for my daughter, who loves Laura's books!

    icohen62(at)gmail(dot)com

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  77. Ooh, awesome! I seriously can't wait to read this book- or any by Laura! They all look so good! Thanks for the chance to win it. =)

    thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com

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  78. This sounds wonderful! Great review - thanks for sharing it!

    Jes
    jswaks at gmail dot com

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  79. Would love to read this book!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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