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| A Moonbow Night |
A Moonbow Night By Laura Frantz
Revell Publishing, January 3, 2017
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars!~
Synopsis:~ Her wilderness survival skills are without rival. But her greatest talent is keeping other people's secrets.
After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersman traveling the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke - men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew looking for an experienced guide.
Though he balks when Tempe is appointed to lead his team through the wilderness, it isn't long before Sion must admit that her abilities may outmatch his own. But can the tenuous tie they are forming survive the dangers waiting just around the bend?
With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons you to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.
My Thoughts: Author Laura Frantz is a masterful artist who paints stunning pictures with words, and A Moonbow Night is a portrait that left me awestruck. This novel is an evocative, heartbreaking, and hauntingly beautiful tale with courageous, strong characters, and deliciously descriptive prose. The author's historical research is impeccable and well-detailed and her writing style is indescribably spectacular—quite possibly the best I have ever read by Ms. Frantz! The reader is immediately drawn in to the dangers and beauty of the early Kentucke wilderness—from the constant terrifying fear of savage Indian attacks to the dazzling allure of the moonbow o'er misty waterfalls.
Although I would love to have had more romantic tension between Sion and Tempe earlier on, I realize that they were both haunted by loss and heartbreak...and to rush things would have been unseemly and unrealistic. The waiting and anticipation was well worth it, however, and the romance was utterly breathtaking...and yes, might I add toe-curling!?😛As I read the last chapter with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, I knew that I had been someplace special—into the heart and mind of Laura Frantz and her beloved Kentucky. And what a beautifully captivating journey it was.
**Note to OWG viewers** This review is actually my tribute to Laura Frantz, whose first book The Frontiersman's Daughter, paved the way for me to begin writing reviews on OWG...which literally changed my life. Our mutual love of this fabulous book first drew Carrie Fancett Pagels, Marian Baay (one of our earlier reviewers), and I together as FB friends and we maintain a staunch friendship to this day. This in turn led Carrie to ask me to join OWG blog. I have read every book Laura Frantz has ever written and I urge you to as well. As I will soon be leaving OWG, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell Laura "thank you" for all the hours of reading pleasure (looking forward to many more!), and for helping me get through the death of my mother with Courting Morrow Little and her loving support. A Godly, humble lady, and a precious friend to all—may God bless you, dearest Laura!
Although I would love to have had more romantic tension between Sion and Tempe earlier on, I realize that they were both haunted by loss and heartbreak...and to rush things would have been unseemly and unrealistic. The waiting and anticipation was well worth it, however, and the romance was utterly breathtaking...and yes, might I add toe-curling!?😛As I read the last chapter with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, I knew that I had been someplace special—into the heart and mind of Laura Frantz and her beloved Kentucky. And what a beautifully captivating journey it was.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of A Moonbow Night will be given away to one blessed commenter! US entrants only. To be eligible, please leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers. DRAWING SUNDAY!
The best way to end a journey like this is with a review of a toe-curler. ;-) I have read most of your reviews in the past two years since I've known you and have enjoyed reading them. I'm hoping you will write a toe-curler in the future. I like your writing-style blondie. :-) God's blessings on your life journey.
ReplyDeleteDD ;-)
What kind words and music to my ears this morning, DD. :) If I thought I could even come close to Laura's writing I might try writing a toe-curler. lol Thank you so much for your friendship and your encouraging, sweet comment. :)
DeleteIt's neat that you've come full circle; I've generally found that it makes a good confirmation that God is having me move on to the next big thing. God bless your transition! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleterachaeldalquist(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks so much, RACHAEL! Normally Laura's books come out in September, but it was not God's time for me to leave the blog in September. And strangely this one happened to release in January. I prayed about it (already knowing I was sadly going to have to leave the blog, just not knowing when) and He spoke to me and said you started with Laura, now end with Laura. So you are totally right - that is confirmation. And God is a God of details and perfect timing.
DeleteI just love Laura Frantz books! She invites the reader into every single page-I always feel as if I'm a part of the story somehow. I cannot wait to read this book! Thank you for a generous giveaway.
ReplyDeletettmom 42 at gmail dot com
I know exactly what you're talking about, TERRESSA! I could see everything perfectly in my mind's eye and I felt like I was watching a movie actually. This would make a really good one for sure! Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteDear Diana, I'm so, so touched that we've come full circle together through our love of Christian fiction! The older I become the more I see like Scripture says that everything is a season. Your season here as a book missionary in the very best sense of the word has been sweet and needed and will endure. I'll never forget how you actually wrote me my first reader letter and now here we are years later. God is so personal and I can't wait to see what He unfolds next for you. You have so many gifts that this will be exciting!
ReplyDeleteMoonbow as I call it is very different than my other books with the focus on the history and not the romance. In a way it's my small way of helping preserve the history of my beloved state or bring it to life in ways people have forgotten. Not an easy read, for sure, which makes your review all the more meaningful!
I can't thank you enough for your beautiful friendship and ALL your finely crafted reviews. Kudos to Carrie, too, for having such a lovely place to share Christ's message through fiction!
Laura, you are so dear and your words so kind. I love that -- a book missionary! That makes me smile, and all the long hours that we bloggers put in promoting Christian fiction make it all worthwhile when we stop to think Who we are really doing it for. I'm excited about the future -- whatever it may hold. I felt your heart and your love for Kentucky poured into this book which is why I wrote those last two sentences. And though, not merely a romance it was a beautiful one indeed, and the anticipation was making me crazy! LOL! And, yes, I owe so much to Carrie for giving this girl a chance when I didn't think I could do it. Love and appreciate her lots! Thank you for your lovely friendship and your kind words, Laura.
DeleteI've been glad to have this blog for Christian fiction ministry, LAURA, and thanks for your kind words! Was so delighted when DIANA joined me. Her reviews were so wonderful and we loved the same types of stories, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, your beautiful debut book! Will miss our dear Angel Girl Diana here on the blog but am so GRATEFUL to God for her presence here!
DeleteAww...thank you, Carrie! I will miss you all, too, and will be looking forward to reading future posts on OWG! I'm the grateful one to have been blessed to be a part of this wonderful blog. God's blessings on your writing, Carrie!
DeleteSounds like a great book and I LOVE the cover! It would be an honor to win this book. I'm sad you are leaving OWG--it was part of how I found you so we could reconnect after so many years apart. God has truly given you a gift for writing reviews and I understand that you need time to concentrate on your health & lighten the stress of deadlines; however, I hope we will still see you every once in awhile on OWG. Besides--I'm sure you will get homesick for OWG... lol
ReplyDeleteYour friend & former neighbor,
Vicki
Thank you, Vicki! I'm sure I will be by to win a giveaway or two. I can now! LOL! That was a joke of course, and yes, I will miss it very much. But I'll still be reviewing on a lesser scale bc I can never stop promoting great Christian fiction! Thank you for your kind words and you said it best -- "God gave me" and I never fail to acknowledge that.
DeleteLaura Frantz is one of my favorite authors these days. I've read everything i can get my hands on. Would love to read Moonbow. Thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteHELP! Anonymous, you really are anonymous! :( Please leave your email addy so I know how to contact you. I'm so pleased you love Laura's books -- she's the best! Bless you, dear, and I hope you come back.
DeleteI so agree with your thoughts on this wonderful book, mdh! Isn't it funny and wonderful how Laura's debut brought us all together years ago?! :)
ReplyDeleteVery wonderful and we may have never met without her! :o Not good! Thank you, Laura.
DeleteDIANA, once again a wonderful review. Reading it both excites and saddens me; Laura's writings are always without flaw, and so overflowing with beauty and so are you reviews, which are going to be missed immensely. At the moment I am reading A MOONBOW NIGHT and even with the stress-addled brain I'm enjoying it beyond words! :-) Love, Love, Love Laura's writings!
ReplyDeleteI Love you Diana and please know you will be missed here on OWG.
Oh, Teresa. You just made me tear up. I'll miss you guys here, too. Thank you for your sweet words. Moonbow is so wonderful and you said it so perfectly "overflowing with beauty", and yet, not a light easy read. I'm so glad you are enjoying it, but sad you are going through so much stress. I love you, too, Teresa.
DeleteDear Teresa, I worried that sending you a book about grief would only add to your hurting heart & here you are reading anyway! Your gracious, faithful spirit blesses me more than words can say. 💛
DeleteLAURA, the beauty and love of GOD and His Creation in your books always outshines anything else. When He bestowed talent to you, He surely gave you a double blessing! :-)
DeleteLaura is in my top picks of authors! I have read all of her books and love them and have recommended her to my friends. jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteShe is the BoMb, JOAN! Have you read Moonbow yet? Thank you for sharing!
DeleteOh my Diana, what a wonderful review! Laura Frantz has a way of capturing the reader and transporting them into the pages of the book along side the characters. A Moonbow Night sounds like a book that will do just that...I already have it on my TBR list. I certainly will miss seeing your reviews here on OWG Diana...how special that God lead you to start and end your reviews here with Laura's books.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings dear friend, Tina
TINA, thank you so much! Laura did such a fine job of transporting the reader in her descriptive prose that I found writing a review for it very daunting. It's just such an amazing book that I wondered if I could possibly do it justice, so I appreciate your kind words. I will miss being here, but you can still follow me on goodreads and sites such as Amazon where I will still be doing a little bit of reviewing. God is so amazing...I could have never timed it this way myself.
DeleteLove and blessings right back your way, Tina!
Goodness! I need my toes curled. Sign me up. jlytranch at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteJJ, LOL! You'll fall in love with Sion, I can assure you!
DeleteI too have read all her books....she is truly a gifted writer....she makes the characters come to life and touches my heart.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read this book.!
Sunnygarden7 at aol dot com
Hi, LOV2COPON! Indeed she is. One of the best! I can't wait for you to get a copy ASAP. You'll love it!
DeleteThis sounds like a great book. I have a couple of Laura's books on my TBR shelf. I may need to move them to the top.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
Yes, you do indeed, SUSAN! I have never met a "Laura" book I didn't love! lol Good luck!
DeleteWhat a lovely review! Your reviews will be missed. I've only read two of Laura's books (The Colonel's Lady and The Mistress of Tall Acre) so I really need to remedy that, since they were so good. It sounds like I'd really enjoy reading A Moonbow Night. Thanks for the giveaway and chance to win it.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks so much, PAM! I will miss all of you as well. If you never read another book in your life (besides this one) you HAVE to read The Frontiersman's Daughter. Forbidden love, Indians, etc. One of THE best books I have ever read!
DeleteLove, love, love each of Laura's books that I have read. I have to many books in my TBR stack that I didn't immediately purchase it, but I would love to win a copy!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
I never get caught up, PATTY, so am with you on that. Good luck in the contest! Hugs!
DeleteHi Diana!! I'm sorry, I didn't read your review! I'm holding out to having to read this myself (if I win a copy!) If not, I'll have to put it on my TBPurchased list! I love Laura's writing!
ReplyDeleteAnnie
justcommonlyATgmailDOTcom
ANNIE! LOL! I copied the blurb off the book and just gave my thoughts! You could have read my review (no spoilers!) Or nothing that you don't find out from the back of the book. :P I hope you did read my tribute to Laura under the pic. It's interesting how God has worked and how everything has come around full circle. Luv ya, girl, and good luck!
DeleteThanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteCandice's Valdez at gmail dot com
CANDICE! Welcome to OWG! You are quite welcome and lotsa luck!
DeleteDiane!! Wonderful review my friend! I'm reading this special book at the moment, and am literally hanging out for Sion and Tempe to connect in a more intimate way! But at the same time, thoroughly enjoying the journey, of both their hearts and their physical trek across the beautiful landscapes. I find myself in awe as well of Laura's skill with the written word... Truly masterful and altogether stunning. And the history, fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI would know, if LAURA is reading this, how she pronounces their names as I don't know that I'm doing it right in my head. ;) Thank you Laura for the blessing of your books and yourself, and thank you Diane for sharing your thoughts. I've so enjoyed your reviews here on OWG, they have inspired me to no end! :) God bless you both!!
Thanks so much, NOELA! You're either going to have to hang out for quite awhile or smack some sense into the two of them. lol Actually their story is very realistic and it does take love awhile to blossom. For most people anyway! Oh, that I could write like Laura! No words to describe her talent. God bless you!
DeleteSo happy knowing you're reading, Noelia! Sion rhymes with Zion but the 's' makes it softer. Tempe is 'Tim-P' so hope this helps:) MOONBOW is way more historical than romance, for sure. My next one is almost fluffy in comparison & uber 💓!
DeleteThanks, Laura! Now I know why Tempe never listened to me when I tried to tell her what to do. I was mispronouncing her name. lol I can't imagine Laura writing fluffy, can you, Noela? 🤔
DeleteNo, but I'm sure DD could imagine me writing fluffy. ;) I do know however, Laura's writing will be outstanding no matter the amount of fluff, or anything!
DeleteThanks Laura for helping me out there. And don't worry Diane, now I have her name right, I'll tell her what to do.. ;)
Lol, Noela! I agree about your fluffy writing! And I also agree that Laura's books are always great, and something I look forward to every year. Fluff or no fluff. ;) Good luck with Tempe. She's a bit stubborn and she certainly can stand up for herself. But she's also vulnerable, too, just like the rest of us women.
DeleteLooking forward to another great read from Laura. Thanks for the peek inside with this review! muschfarm at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteNAOMI, it's so awesome to see you here. Get ready to sit a spell bc this is not a book to rush through. You'll want to savor every word! God Bless!
DeleteDIANA, You have blessed so many of us in your time here at OWG! I remember when you came on board. :) You will be missed, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI really hope I win a copy of this book. Between your review and others I have read, it is a definite must read!!!
I love you, sweet Diana and wish you God's best as you move on to other Kingdom work.
{{hugs}}
ANNE, you always just bless my socks off. I will miss you all for sure. But I'll still be on FB and goodreads, Amazon, etc. Smaller reviews and less, perhaps, but it will take alot to get me to hush completely about good Christian fiction! lol I love you, too, my dear friend, and thank you so much for your sweet words!
DeleteLooks like a great red. Thanks or the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteJoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com
You're welcome, JOAN! Lotsa luck!
DeleteThank you for the opportunity to win this exciting book.
ReplyDeleteMarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com
Thanks for coming by, MARION! Keep your fingers crossed! (wink)
DeleteThis looks and sounds like an exciting and interesting read. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com
Laura's writing is definitely the cream of the crop, MARILYN! Good luck!
DeleteI need to get a hold of a copy of this book! My nearest bookstore is one hour away.
ReplyDeleteArletta
tmkgrup2soonAThotmailDOTcom
ARLETTA, that's quite a distance! I guess each time you go you'll have to come out with an armload of books because you never know when you'll get a chance to go back again. Lol That sounds good to me! Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteSounds like a wonderful review. I so want to read this book. Diana you will be missed.
ReplyDeletefishingjan(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you, Jan. I really appreciate that. I hope you get a copy of A Moonbow Night in your hands ASAP!
DeleteWhat a lovely review Diana, but I expect nothing less from you (as always) :-) I really want to read this one, thanks so much for the giveaway chance!!
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Thank you, TRIXI! What a kind thing to say! I sure hope you're feeling a lot better.
DeleteWhat a great book ! Lovely cover, lovely review...thank you Diana!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Thanks so much, Melanie! I adore the cover! Oh my!
DeleteGreat review, wonderful tribute. The cover is so gorgeous. Would love to win.
ReplyDeletedebsbunch777(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Chappy! I loved looking at that lovely cover while reading. It literally glows. I hope you get a copy soon - maybe here! :)
DeleteReading through these comments are so enjoyable:) Diana, you have many adoring fans! I'm one of them❣ Thanks to everyone for their kind comments. Love what Diana said - this book cover really does glow:) 💫🌙
ReplyDeleteUmm...I think the adoring fans are yours, Laura. lol And I'm definitely one of them. But thanks for your sweet words. Aren't our viewers just the best here at OWG? They have become more than just viewers, they're friends!
DeleteWow, Diana, I can't believe this is your very last review on Overcoming with God blog. What wonderful reviews you have written and what a dear friend you have become. I hope we can make your "retirement party" from the blog fun, even though we'll be so sad to see you go! Big hugs! Lovely review of Laura's newest novel and what a gorgeous cover, right?
ReplyDeleteCarrie, thank you so much. I can honestly say I don't think I've ever done anything so pleasurable and rewarding as being on OWG blog. Unless it's being a mother, of course! Thanks so very much for giving me an opportunity to challenge myself and to see what I could do. Gorgeous cover indeed and a great novel! Big hugs and lots of love, Carrie!
Deletesounds like a book i definitely would love to read :)i too love the cover!
ReplyDelete(debihis at gmail dot com)
DEBI, welcome! It is one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen. It literally glows. As does Laura Frantz's lovely storytelling! God bless!
DeleteBeautiful review, Diana, thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThere may not be enough words to describe the exquisiteness and beauty of Laura's writing - much like Laura, herself. I'm blessed, encouraged, educated, entertained, and inspired by it. Seeing that moonbow is on my bucket list now - I've seen the falls, but not the moonbow.
I'll miss your reviews on OWG, but am thankful you'll still be doing a few on other sites and also that we'll still have contact with you. Your friendship is one of God's blessings to me - thank you!!
Thank you so much, BONNIE. I found it quite daunting (to say the least) to as you say, describe the beauty of Laura's writing and this novel. I simply did the best that I could. I would love to see a moonbow as well! I'll miss being with you angels on OWG, but I will still be on other sites and on Facebook. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship also. God is good to give us wonderful new friends at this stage of our lives.
DeleteIt's neat to feel like your part of the story!
ReplyDeleteIt surely is, DONAMAE! If you would like to be in the giveaway please leave your email address so I can contact you should your name be drawn. Thanks!
DeleteA wonderful review, Diana! I would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
Thanks so much, BETTI! I hope you get a copy of Laura's book in your hands ASAP. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteStellar review, Diana! I ADORE Laura's books! This is one for the keeper shelf!
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Thanks so very much, CARYL! I wish I had a full set of every one of Laura's books on my keeper shelf. I loaned them out and I didn't write down to who and didn't get them all returned to me. Sigh... But I have loved every single one of her books!
DeleteCongrats to ANNIE JC who won a copy of A Moonbow Night via random number. Thanks to everyone for your kind and gracious comments -- to Laura and to me! :)
ReplyDelete