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| Love's Fortune |
Love’s Fortune (The Ballantyne Legacy Book #3)
by Laura Frantz
Revell (September 9, 2014)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
~5 Stars~ *****
A tale you'll never want to leave..
Mesmerizing. Breathtaking. Sublime. Synonymous with all of
author Laura Frantz’s novels; ‘Love’s Fortune’ is a story painted with eloquent,
luscious prose. The haunting echoes of dulcet tones sweep throughout the pages,
enticing the reader to savor
every exquisite morsel. With such incomparable writing, and the richly crafted,
enthralling characters within, I daresay you may find yourself wishing, like
myself, that this book never arrives at the end.
The enchanting and innocent character of Wren Ballantyne
infiltrates your heart almost as soon as you meet her. Innocent and devoid of
pretentiousness, how will this flower of Cane Run, Kentucky with her southern
drawl, calloused hands, and tanned skin, ever make it in the harsh and
unforgiving world of the 1850’s Pennsylvania high society? Her wealthy and
prominent Ballantyne relatives are mostly accepting, but the harsh appraisal
and cold manner of others has Wren longing to flee back to the hills and
hollows of Kentucky.
The dashing, perfectly-polished gentleman James Sackett, first
meets the beautiful Ballantyne heir, Wren, aboard the steamship he was piloting
as he transports her father and Wren to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Stalwart and
serious, and committed in his job as the Ballantyne’s most valued river pilot,
James’ unyielding veneer is almost undone by the guileless homespun charm of
the enchanting Wren. This battle within continues as he is given the
responsibility of being Wren’s escort in her coming out in society. He can
never allow her to know of his secret affection; his questionable heritage is
at odds with the Ballantyne name and the grim danger that pursues him because
of his abolitionist dealings is something he won’t submit her to. Can he truly count
on her being safe, and how will James’ heart endure watching her being courted
by others?
The legacy that the patriarch Silas Ballantyne has
established is vast and far-reaching. Though boasting an impressive line of
steamships and an industry of ironworks that have made the Ballantyne’s
incredibly wealthy and prominent in society, their most enduring legacy would
have to be family, love, commitment to God, and their clandestine endeavors of
aiding fugitive slaves. In this final installment of The Ballantyne Legacy, we
unearth the layers that make up Silas’ granddaughter Wren, including her
Nancarrow heritage; we meet the swarthy, rugged, and charismatic Malachi
Cameron; and we regrettably close the chapter on one of the most enrapturing ‘book’
families I've ever read about!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
You can purchase this wonderful book at these places: Amazon, CBD, BAM, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, and your local bookstore.
GIVEAWAY: A copy of any 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!
Leave your email or check back in winners column either Sunday or Monday to see if you have won!
It would be fun to win a book :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by BECKY! Always fun to win a book, and especially when they're as good as this one is! ;)
DeleteI just read that compelling review of Love's Fortune. Wow! Very well done! Alas, I have only Book 1 in the series and would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteOh KAYE, you really must read Book 2 then, and then Book 3... It's such a wonderful journey that I'd hate you to miss out on any of it! :-) All the best with your entry and I hope you're reading more of the Ballantyne's before too long!!
DeleteReally looking forward to reading this series! Thanks for sharing your thought Noela.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure PATTY! As with all of Laura's books, they will be ones to treasure!!
DeleteLaura Frantz is a new author for me! I've seen nothing but good reviews of her work. I would love to read this series.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138"at"gmail"dot"com
CARYL, you have SO much to look forward to with all of Laura's books!! They are among the most treasured of books upon my bookcase. I wish you all the best with your entry and hope you get to do some fine reading soon! :-)
DeleteBravo NOELA!! Your reviews are always wonderful and I am always a little jealous! :-) This is such an enchanting book, I know whoever wins a copy will be blessed!!
ReplyDeleteYou are too sweet, TERESA, my beautiful southern sister! I feel the same about yours too! :-) And absolutely... whoever wins a book from Laura will be blessed indeed!!!
DeleteA new book announcing a book written by Laura Franz always catches my eye. This sounds like a winner. What a lovely review, Noela. Thanks for this giveaway and the chance to win a wonderful read.
ReplyDeleteAnd they certainly are eye-catching covers too aren't they BARBARA! I hope you get to enjoy this beautiful book soon my friend!!
DeleteGreat review! I'm a huge fan of Laura's, and can't wait to read Wren's story! Thanks for the chance to win. =)
ReplyDeletelubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks ELYSSA! Nice to meet another huge fan of Laura's, and I hope you get to read Wren's journey very soon!!
DeleteOh Noela, You've given me a gift of words - your reviews are among my very favorites for good reason! Love how you describe Wren and James and how beautifully you bring out other, equally thought-provoking insights about the novel. So very thankful you have a heart for my books! Huge thanks to Carrie and Teresa and Diana and others here for their ministry of Christian fiction. So many authors like myself are honored to be connected with you here at OWG. Must pin and share! Thanks to the readers here, too, who want to meet Wren and cast:) Bless you all!
ReplyDeleteDear LAURA, for you to say that I have given YOU the gift of words has just made my day... What a beautiful thing for my favorite author to say!! And thank you so much for your lovely words to all our OWG girls. We're often amazed when we share our reviews, how we always seem to show different aspects and insights to the same books we read! :-) Thank you again for your precious words, and we especially thank you for writing!!!
DeleteI'm so excited to read this one!! Love the last two...although I'm sad Silas won't be in it any longer, I just know Wren's story will be just as thrilling.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!!
Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com
EMILY... You're a girl after my own heart, I absolutely fell in love with Silas also!!! What aura that incredible Scotsman had.. :-) But rest assured, our Silas is still in this last installment of The Ballantyne Legacy... and although he is now an old man, he continues to be a strong presence in the family's heart..
DeleteAll the best in the giveaway!!
I am wondering just how Wren Ballantyne will fit into the 1850’s Pennsylvania high society. Putting this one on my TBR list :)
ReplyDeletedkstevensne at outlook .com
DEANNA, it really is fascinating to watch! And believe me, your heart will go out to her!! I hope you get to enjoy this wonderful book soon! :-)
DeleteA wonderful review thank you. Such a beautiful cover.
ReplyDeleteThanks MARY, and yes, isn't that cover so amazingly beautiful!! Blessings Mary!
DeleteWow!!! You need to be writing more than reviews :) Sounds like a fabulous series. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteANNE, you're a sweetheart!! Yes, this Ballantyne series is one that will stay with me forever... An extremely memorable series and characters!! Hugs and love back!
DeleteLoved your review, Noela, and can't wait to get my hands on "Love's Fortune"! So excited, Laura! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks GWEN, and I'm looking forward to you reading this treasure also!! :-) Bless you!!
DeleteThis looks like a wonderful book too read.
ReplyDeleteoh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
It surely is DANIE, and I wish you all the best in the draw!! Hugs!
DeleteWhat a great review! It sounds like a wonderful book and I think the cover is beautiful.
ReplyDeletemauback 55 at gmail dot com
It's a wonderful book MELANIE and a wonderful conclusion to this amazing series! Bless you Melanie!
DeleteOh, Noela - your review of "Love's Fortune" is so beautiful, reading it brings tears to my eyes. So great is my love for not only "Love's Fortune", but each of Laura's books!! I love everything about it - from the video of the shoot of it's beautiful cover, to the rich historical content, realistic descriptions, beautiful story line, musical words, and mesmerizing characters who have taken residence in my heart.
ReplyDeleteInnocent Wren is such a sweetheart - as is her author, inside and out. Laura is one of Christian fiction's most masterful writers, her style is like none other, and I'm always saddened when any of her books end - my dream would be to have an endless new supply. I'm so inspired by her writing, thankful she felt led to publish it, and blessed by her friendship!! Love Laura and each of her books!!
Thank you, Noela!!
BONNIE, your beautifully words were just perfect regarding Laura and her exquisite stories... I couldn't agree more with everything you wrote!!! And thank you so much for sweet words about the review... I feel blessed to have brought tears to you eyes, lol! Love you, and Laura as well!
DeleteI love Laura, and I love this series! Hoping I win! :)
ReplyDeleteemmamalissa(at)gmail(dot)com
Yep, both are beautiful aren't they EMMA! God bless you heaps!!
DeleteBeautifully written review Noela and as usual, you bring along with your review a desire to read the book. I also have never read any of the books in this series by Laura. Thanks for the opportunity to win this wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteVicki
VICKI, this is such a beautiful series I so hope you get to read it soon! Be prepared to fall in love with these characters... especially Silas in the first Ballantyne book 'Love's Reckoning'! I sure did! :-) Bless you!!
DeleteNoella, thank you for the lovely review. I know I've missed something special by not reading any of Laura Frantz's books.
ReplyDeleteIt's never to late to begin reading Laura's books, KAY! ;) They are all masterpieces in themselves, so you have some real special reading ahead of you! God bless you, and all the best with your entry Kay!!!
DeleteHello to OWG. Thanks for this great review Noela. I would sure love to win one of these two books. I have 4 of Laura's books. I tried a lot of times to win The Frontiersman Daughter. Never could. Glad Diana is much better and on here today. Sounds like some great books. Hugs to all. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteBless you MAXIE, and thanks for coming by to read the review! Oh my, I can't believe you haven't read The Frontiersman Daughter yet... That is a must-read for sure Maxie!! Big hugs back! xx
DeleteWonderful review, now I really want to read Love's Fortune. Laura writes with such beauty and depth, I love her books!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Thank you MERRY, I sure hope you get to enjoy this beautiful story soon! It is such a pleasure to read stories like Laura's isn't it! :-)
DeleteI love reviews and other peoples point of view. This is the second review I`v read from this website and both where great! Thanks for taking the time to share.
ReplyDeleteCharity F.B. ilovehistoricalfictionbooks*at*gmail*dot*com
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words CHARITY! I/we really appreciate that, and are so glad you stopped by. God bless you!
Delete