Welcome to the inaugural Book Talk Tuesday! I’m so glad you’ve stopped by today. Hopefully, we’ll visit on a weekly basis.
I can’t think of a better way to jump start Book Talk Tuesday than by recommending Love’s Reckoning (Revell Books, 432 pages, September scheduled release), an historical romance written by one of my all-time favorite authors, Laura Frantz.
To pique your interest even more, I’m giving away a copy of Love’s Reckoning to one lucky commenter. Leave a comment telling me why you’d love to read Love’s Reckoning, and your name will go into a drawing. Contest closes Sunday, August 26 at midnight and the winner will be announced on Monday, August 27.
Now, about the book–here’s the description from Revell Books:
On a bitter December day in 1784, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, Pennsylvania. Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship quickly and move west. But because he is a fast worker and a superb craftsman, Liege endeavors to keep him in York by appealing to an old tradition: the apprentice shall marry one of his master’s beautiful daughters.
Eden is as gentle and fresh as Elspeth is high-spirited and cunning. But are they truly who they appear to be? In a house laced with secrets, each sister seeks to secure her future. Which one will claim Silas’s heart–and will he agree to Liege’s arrangement?
In this sweeping family saga, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.
My take:
Laura Frantz has once again proven why she’s one of my favorite authors. She’s a gifted storyteller who weaves an intriguing plot–one that’s far from cookie-cutter–with multi-faceted characters and vivid descriptions. Her pages scream to be turned …
But, when I rush to find out what’s happening next, I miss out. I love Laura’s lyrical, literary voice. Her prose is some of the best I’ve read, across genre. For her, the cadence and timbre of words and sentences is just as important as the story told. When reading a Laura Frantz novel, I want to savor it like I would a Handel symphony.
So if you delight in reading unpredictable stories written with fine prose, you’ll relish Love’s Reckoning. The only bad thing I have to say is that I have to wait another year for her next novel.
Love’s Reckoning is the first in the four-book Ballantyne Legacy series. The series spans 100 years and four generations of the Ballantyne Family.
Comments 56
Save the copy for a lover of historicals, but this is high praise and well-deserved from the sound of it. Enticing review for readers of historicals.
Nicole – you know I don’t typically read historicals either, but Laura Frantz’s work is so different. She’s not a formula writer at all and, as I said above, I absolutely love reading her prose. To me it’s pure beauty. If you ever have a hankering to read an historical, try one of Laura’s novels.
I’d love to read this book because I’m a great lover of history–especially the period in which this book is set in. In fact, I’m majoring in both History and English my two favorite things. And I myself is a historical fiction writer. Another reason why I would LOVE to read this books is I’m looking for another wonderful historical fiction series to read and this book fits perfectly.
Gabrielle, you would LOVE Laura’s stories. She stays true to history not only in fact, but in tone.
I wish you the best in your own writing endeavors.
Thank you for stopping by today.
Brenda
Thank you Brenda. I love it when authors of historical series keep to the facts but present them in a intriguing way so that it doesn’t bore the reader. Not that I would get bored with History!! I also love it when historical fiction authors write in the tone of the people of the time period they are writing. It makes all the more believable and entertaining. Thank you again.
Brenda, What a wonderful surprise!! And a BIG burst of sunshine for me this morning on a day when I needed it:) Waving at Nicole and Gabrielle! Thanks so much for your encouragement and support. You’re the very best!
Laura – I’m very happy to provide a little ray of sunshine for you. Reading your books always add light to my life. 🙂
*waves back at you* It is a pleasure to meet you Laura and I look forward to reading your series whether by winning this wonderful book or buying my own copy at a bookstore. No problem. I’m glad I could help support fellow writers like yourselves. After all, it is such great writers such as yourselves that made me want to become a writer and start writing a historical series of my own. So thank you, Laura.
The reason why I want to read the book is I’ve heard someone call it the best Christian Fiction she’s ever read…makes me want to see if it’s true. 🙂 But I’m a lover of historicals so that’s reason enough. 🙂
Melissa – I’d concur that Laura’s books are some of the best Christian Fiction I’ve read–I read a lot and I’m a picky reader. I know you’ll love Laura’s novels.
What a wonderful review, Brenda! I couldn’t agree with you more! Laura is one of my favorite authors for the very same reasons you’ve mentioned! : )
I’m currently reading Love’s Reckoning (on Chapter 20), so no need to enter me in the contest.
Have a blessed day!
Michelle
Melissa – Chapter 20? So you were halfway through when you commented–you’ve probably finished it by now, it’s so hard to put down. 🙂 You’ll have to stop by when you’ve completed the book & tell us your thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by!
Oops! I meant Michelle, not Melissa! Sorry about that! Proof that writers need editors.
Well, good afternoon!
Glad to stop by here, I liked your take on the book, Brenda!
Hmm… let’s see, why would I like to read Love’s Reckoning?
I read The Colonel’s Lady and I thought it was beautifully written. I’d like to read this one because the story sounds really good and I’m sure it will be also well-written.
Thanks for the opportunity. Cheers!
Hi Ganise – Love’s Reckoning is equally as beautiful as The Colonel’s Lady. Actually, I’d say Laura Frantz is improving with each novel, and that’s hard to do since he first one was so well written.
I’m so jealous!!!!! But Love’s Reckoning is in at my bookstore so I’m heading there tomorrow. Yahooooo! Hmmmm…so that means I’m still giddy with anticipation while it’s old news for you. I’m not jealous any more! 🙂
Love your website, by the way!
Thanks, Kav. 🙂
If you’re picking up Laura’s book tomorrow (I guess tomorrow’s already here), then you better set aside the entire day to read. I’m certain Love’s Reckoning will be your priority.
Hello Brenda! I received an advanced copy of Laura’s book and I devoured it within days. Her storyworld is magnificent, her plot is engaging and her characters jump out at every turn. She’s one of my all time favorite authors and she’s a sweatheart, too! 🙂 Please don’t enter me in the drawing; I just wanted to second your thoughts and encourage everyone who reads this to go out and buy Love’s Reckoning!
Very well said, Gabrielle. And I completely agree that Laura’s a sweetheart too–one of the most genuine people I’ve been blessed to meet. That makes it all the easier to endorse her works.
Author
Gabrielle – I peeked at your website and discovered you’re another writer from Minnesota! Waving “Hello” from Coon Rapids!
Loves Reckoning – hit my heart when I read the reviews. It seams so powerful and real. I believe in real romance, family secrets and God’s hand in it all. Winning a copy would make my just Plum Happy as a Lark on a Summers Day!!
Blessings~Jenn
Hi Jennifer – This book really does hit your heart. You would be plum happy as a lark on a summer’s day reading it too! 🙂
I have read so many outstanding reviews on this novel. Many saying it’s the best read of 2012. That reason and me being an historical nut makes me want to read it!
Amy – If you love historicals, you should read all of Laura’s books. She’s truly one of the most gifted authors I’ve read.
Oh, how exciting! I’m really excited to read this book- it looks wonderful! Thanks for the great giveaway!
It is wonderful, Elyssa! Good luck with the drawing. 🙂
I haven’t read anything by Laura yet, but this book looks intriguing- great time period!
Jenny, it really is a fascinating time period, made even more interesting with Laura’s story.
Thanks for stopping by.
My daughter has been telling me great things about this book even if she hasn’t read it yet- she’s so excited to! Please enter me!
You’re entered, Ira. And I agree with your daughter–it is a great book. 🙂
Count me in on this one! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book!
You’re counted in, Jesus Freak. 🙂
I think Historicals are probably my favorite books to read. I have heard many great things about Lauras books around the blogosphere and would love to win this one!
Patty
Patty – All the good things you’ve heard about Laura are true. And if you love historicals, you’ll especially love Laura Frantz’s novels.
I love ALL of Laura’s novels…thanks for the chance to read her latest masterpiece 🙂
You’re welcome, KarenK. You’re entered.
I would love to win this book. I really enjoy reading historical Christian fiction and Laura Frantz is a great author.
Melissa Battles – Yes, Laura is a great author! You’re entered.
I’d love to read Laura’s book! Looks like a great story…one that is well worth a few long summer afternoons. lol! I’ve never read anything from her before, but I’ve heard so much good about her books! Please enter me!!!
Emily – You’re entered. This is a perfect novel for the long summer afternoons.
I’ve never read Laura’s books before, but they look really good. In fact, I have The Colonel’s Lady on my self right now…and I believe it’s next on my life to read. Can’t wait to start! Sign me up for the giveaway!
Debbie – Don’t you love the cover on The Colonel’s Lady? The story inside is even better.
You’re signed up.
Thanks so much for the giveaway and the review. I enjoyed your take on the story. My daughter would love to read this book!
John – It would be fun for you to win this for your daughter. 🙂 You’re entered!
I LOVE historicals (although I’m ashamed to say I’ve never read any of Laura’s). I’ve read great reviews and the cover is absolutely gorgeous! I like that Love’s Reckoning is part of a four part series as opposed to her usual stand alones.
Well, Liz, you’ll have to pick up Laura’s books then! I’m excited about Love’s Reckoning being part of a series too. Problem is, we have to wait a year before the next book comes out.
Laura Frantz is one of my all time favorite authors! She always has me wanting more after I finish one of her books. I am really looking forward to reading Love’s Reckoning!!
Thank you for the great review and the giveaway!!!
Samantha, I’m the same way when I finish her books. I want more! It’s almost not fair to the author of the next book I read, because it can’t compare to Laura’s.
Thanks for stopping by!
I would like to win a copy of Love’s Reckoning because I keep hearing how wonderful Laura Frantz’s books are, and this one in particular. I also enjoy reading historical romances. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Pam K – All of Laura’s books are terrific, and each story is very different from the others. I recommend them all.
That’s easy! I love Laura Frantz’s style, I love historicals, and I love the “what’s-it-about?” summary of this one. 🙂 Count me in!
Thanks for the giveaway!
biblioprincess15 (at) yahoo (dot) com
You’re counted in, Rachelle. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Great review! I haven’t read any of Laura’s books, but I have heard only good things about them. Please drop my name in the hat! 🙂
Anna, even if you don’t win, you’ll have to pick up one of Laura’s books. You’ll love it!
Brenda, Bless you and others for all the wonderful comments here. I’m so touched by them and your willingness to do the giveaway. Happy Friday:)
Laura – I’m passionate about endorsing great writers, and I count you among that group. More so, I’m tremendously blessed to be able to call you friend. 🙂
Blessings!
Brenda