A deeper insight into Laura Frantz’s latest characters? Yes, please! I was thrilled when Laura agreed to do a character spotlight on Tessa Swan and Clayton Tygart as I fell in love with both unique characters as I read An Uncommon Woman – you can read my thoughts on this epic historical romance novel here. One of Laura’s many strengths as a writer is to flesh out realistic characters, with traits and emotional responses and quirks that are specific to their times, yet so relatable and intriguing. Tessa is a product of her birth on the frontier, yet desires a city life. Clay is a peacemaker, yet responsible for the fort named after him. The contrast of their dreams and realities are part of what makes them so fascinating! Anyway, enough from me…enjoy Laura’s insight into her latest couple!
Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa’s long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.
Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand–and heart–are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.
Intense, evocative, and laced with intricate historical details that bring the past to life, An Uncommon Woman will transport you to the picturesque and dangerous western Virginia mountains of 1770.
Introducing Tessa & Clay
Physical Stats
Height: Tessa Swan is five feet nine inches, uncommon for a woman of that era
Hair colour & style: She has unkempt black hair usually braided which Revell captures so perfectly on the cover
Eye colour: Indigo blue
Favorite accessory or clothing style: Her flounced petticoat 😊
Resembles…
Again, the cover captures her perfectly!
Can’t live without…
Clayton Tygart
Strengths
She can be unbending as iron, says our hero, which is not always a good trait. She’s also as fearless as Clay, something he admires.
Vulnerabilities
She has no great love for the frontier and though she’s never been overmountain to civilization, she compares herself to townbred women.
Passions
She loves the natural world and her family.
What book would they recommend?
She is book-deprived as many were in her day.
What has shaped their character and resilience?
Being raised with five brothers, she’s not your usual prim miss. Frontier women were quite hardy if they were to last, and she’s the embodiment of all that was required to make a life in a harsh environment
Your inspiration for the character
Reading of many stalwart women in West Virginia’s (then western Virginia’s} history inspired my creation of Tessa. Her last name ‘Swan’ was given rather tongue-in-cheek.
Background to the story
After creating Morrow and Roxanna in Courting Morrow Little and The Colonel’s Lady, both more genteel women on the frontier, it was a pleasure to create a woman who was born and bred for the wilderness and more than a match for what life hands her there.
Rel, I must thank you for these very thought-provoking questions which caused me to think of my characters in fresh ways!
Physical Stats
Height: Our hero, Clayton Tygart, is ‘built like a bull’ as someone says in the novel and stands a towering 6 feet three inches. I can’t help but contrast him with Daniel Boone, my hero, who was of a stocky build and thought to be 5 feet 8 inches
Hair colour & style: Soot black hair tied back with a leather whang like most frontiersmen
Eye colour: His most unusual feature is his eyes – one is blue, one is a brownish-green. The medical term is heterochromia which also occurs in animals
Favorite accessory or clothing style: His fine Pennsylvania-made rifle
Resembles…
Jonathan Stewart who played Daniel Boone in the History channel’s The Men Who Built America, the Frontiersmen. Photo attached.
Can’t live without…
Tessa Swan though he does everything in his power to avoid her!
Strengths
He is quite resilient and capable of almost any task, also fearless in most circumstances save the one wrenching plot twist involving our heroine 😊
Vulnerabilities
Since childhood he has been sensitive about his looks. He is my very first un-handsome hero!
Passions
Peace
What book would they recommend?
He lends our heroine a book of poetry
What has shaped their character and resilience?
Clay is a mutt of a man, born Quaker, raised by Lenape/Delaware Indians, returned to the white world and then forsaking his Quaker roots. All this change and turmoil harden him into who he is, good & bad. It also lends to an odd refinement amidst all that buckskin!
Your inspiration for the character
My love for intrepid frontiersmen goes deep, inspired by my lifelong regard of Daniel Boone. Any time I can create an honorable if conflicted hero, I’m all in 😊
Background to the story
Since childhood I’ve been fascinated by Indian captivity narratives of which there are many. Most puzzling is why many redeemed captives had no desire to return to the white world. So, it’s been a true pleasure to create a hero and also a secondary character, an uncommon woman named Keturah, both former captives. Our heroine also has her own hair-raising escapade with the Indians. All based on true West Virginia history.
Thank you, Laura, for the spotlight and this wonderful story!
Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven historical novels, including The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel’s Lady, and The Lacemaker. When not reading and writing, she loves to garden, cook, take long walks, and travel. She is the proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.
Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Frantz @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Laura’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: An Uncommon Woman or Koorong
I love these characters spotlight!! Thank you for the chance!
Mia, Thank you for taking time here and entering the giveaway!
What a great review! Thank you!
Forgive the delay, friends, as I’ve been returning my youngest to college the last couple of days. Rel writes THE BEST reviews, Kari. You are so right!
Laura Frantz » Aww….xo
So wonderful to get your thoughts about the characters and the inspiration for the story Laura! I cannot wait to read it and then to let them sail over the ocean again!
Mena, So happy you’re here! I so enjoyed answering Rel’s questions. Made me think about the novel in an entirely new way. Hope you enjoy every word of AUW. Thank you for your ever gracious words!
I have read some of your other books and really found them informative about the characters. Thank you
Hi Mary, Thrilled to know my books aren’t new to you and you’ve enjoyed past ones. Hope you like this new frontier tale very much. I appreciate your presence here!
I discovered Laura’s books just a few years ago and I think the character I’ve loved the most is Tempe in A Moonbow Night. And now I can’t wait to read An Uncommon Woman! 🙂
Love that Tempe has significance to you, Cheryl. Thanks so much. I can’t wait for you to meet these wild, West Virginia swans:)
This sounds like a very good story and I hope it will in depth character description and show their personalities.
Vivian, Your hopes for indepth characters are sure mine, too, as an author. Thanks for being here and entering the giveaway!
Vivian Furbay » Laura’s characters are among the best I’ve ever read!
I’ve only read A Bound Heart so far but LOVED Magnus and Lark. Can’t wait to meet Clay and Tessa.
I’m delighted you’ve met Lark and her hero and are ready for another bookish couple. Your comments make release week extra sweet:) Thanks for being here and celebrating with us!
I haven’t read any of her books, but am recently enjoying more and more historical fiction and this book in particular is set in one of my favorite American times as well as settings.
Hi Danielle, Happy to hear this time period and setting appeals to you. Frontier fiction is a joy to write even though it includes very dangerous, often heart-rending history. Thankfully I always promise hope and a happy ending. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Danielle Hammelef » Oh, Danielle, you are in for a treat. Enjoy every one of Laura’s stories, you won’t be disappointed!
It’s been a while since I read a Laura Frantz book but I enjoyed them and I would like to read another.
Carol, Happy you’d like to read more of my books. Thanks for being here!
So fun to read about these characters before reading the book!
Patty, I so agree about meeting the characters here before beginning the book. Whets the reading appetite. Thank you for coming by and taking part in the giveaway!
I’ve read all of Laura’s books and I’m currently reading An Uncommon Woman, so I really enjoyed more of the background Storie and character profiles. I think Lark has been my favorite so far, it I’m always open to new leading ladies taking this spot! 😊
Dear Brandi, I’m over the moon to hear you’re reading AUW right now! Heartfelt thanks. Lark is very dear to me so hearing you mention her makes me smile. It’s interesting to think about how all my heroines are so different. Thank you, too, for reading all 11 of my novels!
The Colonel’s Lady is one of my all time favorite books. I adore Roxanna and Cass together and how Roxanna’s presence brings out Cass’ thoughtful tenderness. I also feel the book has some of the most memorable supporting characters of any of Laura’s books.
Brittaney, Love your comments about TCL. That’s a reader favorite, for sure. And the first time I wrote from the hero’s perspective. Colonel McLinn really came alive for me and thankfully for you, too! I miss those characters. So hope you enjoy this new story and are here for the giveaway!
Oh, I’m definitely here for the giveaway. I love everything you’ve written!
Brittaney » 🙂
I really like Morrow Little but Laura may be better!
Joan, Thank you for the Morrow mention! Can’t believe it’s been 10 years since her release! I’m actually hosting a special giveaway this month and giving away a print copy. So appreciate your being here at Rel’s beautiful site!
I really enjoy historical fiction. This looks like a really good book.
Hi Erika, So happy to hear historical fiction is a win-win for you. Me, too. 2020 is going to be a wonderful year for that genre. Thanks for taking time here!
I’ve loved Laura’s stories for many years. I really liked the characters in The Colonel’s Lady. I loved Noble and his Christ-like character. Lily Cate is a star! As is Lark … Eager to know Tessa and Clay. (Swan — too perfect, Laura!) But also must say ~ Laura renders the setting as a character in its own right. Write on, Laura. 🙂
PS Laura, how do you pronounce Clay’s last name? Thanks!
Love your comments and that p.s. Mary Kay! TIE-gurt is the way I pronounce it though am sure readers could spin that multiple ways:) It has that frontier feel. Tessa’s name originally was Paisley as she hails from Paisley, Scotland but it didn’t fit and my head editor asked me to change it which I happily did! I am absolutely smitten with the name Keturah. Biblical and lovely. I’ve had it in reserve for several years hoping to christen just the right character. I hope you think it worked well!
I think I fall a little bit in love with each of Laura’s heroes when I’m reading about them. It would be hard to chose just one as a favorite. I also enjoy her strong woman characters.
Thanks for the chance to win An Uncommon Woman. I enjoyed reading more about Tessa and Clay.
Dear Pam, So appreciate your thoughts about strong heroes. I am more fond of creating Godly heroines than heroines! Thank you for entering the giveaway!
The Ballantyne Legacy is when I fell in love with Laura Frantz’s stories! Her books hold a special place on my “keeper” shelf!
Dear Caryl, You’re always a bright spot. So happy my books are keepers. Would love to have this one on your shelf. Thanks for entering!
I really enjoyed the character spotlight. It is amazing that Tessa is so tall, I would definitely think that would not be the norm. I also bet she is pretty tough after being raised with only brothers. Clayton’s differnt color eyes is also interesting. Thanks for pulling together some fun details!
Hi Perrianne! Tessa is uncommonly tall, much like Lael in The Frontiersman’s Daughter. Taller than most men! You’re so right, too, about being raised with all those brothers. A true tomboy 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and entering the giveaway. You’ve made my day!
I had forgotten that Lael was uncommonly tall. I am incredibly short, LOL.
Perrianne Askew » Laura did a beautiful job with the spotlight, I agree!
Yes she did and she definitely has a way with words.
When someone asked for book recommendations today, one of my comments was a anything by Laura Franz. This is the only one I haven’t read and I am looking forward to it.
Charlotte, I’m so honored you recommend my books! Word of mouth is the best way to share about them and I can’t thank you enough! And I’m delighted this new release is one you want to read, too. Thanks for being here!
I love these characters already! Can’t wait to read it.
You are a reader after my own, heart, Necee. Thank you so much!
Oh wow, what a great book. I am a big fan of Laura Franz. She brings her stories to life for me. Usually they are a one setting read for me, because I get so lost in them. I love the title, but it sounds like another strong, frontier woman. Thank you for this opportunity.
Katrina, So happy to see you here. Thanks for celebrating this release with me! You are so right about our heroine being a strong, frontier woman. She taught me a lot while writing her!
This book sounds so good to me. I have not yet read a Laura Frantz book but I would like to. I liked reading all about the characters here. Thank you for the chance!
Hi Monica, I’d love for you to meet these Swans in the novel – thrilled frontier fiction appeals to you. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I’m reading this book now and LOVING it! And thank you for the visual for Clay, that works perfectly!!
Dear Ruth, LOVE knowing you’re reading! Clay desperately needs a shave but he cleans up good 🙂 Thank you for your presence and the gift of your reading!
I don’t know, Laura, I think I like Clay’s “scruff.” 😉
That delights me 🙂 I’ll take him either way, truly!
Ruth Anderson » Doesn’t it just?!
The Colonel’s Lady has had multiple readings from me. Roxanna and Cass are my two most favorites of all of Laura Frantz characters. I’m starting An Uncommon Woman today, so that may change.
Amy, So happy AUW is in hand! Your comments about TLC really mean a lot. Since that was my first foray into my hero’s head it was quite memorable! Colonel McLinn came alive to me in ways many of my other heroes haven’t. Thank you so much for reading. Hope you enjoy those Swans!
Amy M. » Do you love Cass more than Red Shirt?????? Not that I didn’t love Cass, but…Red Shirt!
So excited to read this book. Laura is an amazing and talented writer.
Dear Bobbi, Love your gracious spirit. So hope you enjoy this very historic story!
I loved Lark, but I am also in love with Tessa. Reading it right now!
Dear Kathryn, So happy you’re reading and that Tessa hasn’t scared you off 🙂 I love her, too, and she was very interesting to create. Thank you for being here!
Kathryn Voss » It’s sooooo good!
I don’t think I’ve read a Laura book yet but I have Courting Morrow Little on my Kindle. Maybe I better get started! I love most historical romance, so these books seem like a good fit for me.
Hi Pam, Thank you for wanting to read and stopping here! Courting Morrow Little is probably the reader favorite of all my books. I hope you enjoy her story! If you enjoy historical romance, my books might be your cup of tea. I’d love to have you as a reader. Thanks again!
Pam Graber » Oh, Pam, you simply must read Courting Morrow Little. As Laura said, it’s a reader favourite and one of mine! I’ve read it and listened to the audio – both are perfection. Just beautiful. Let me know your thoughts once you have read it.
I haven’t read any of Laura’s books. I enjoy reading historical fiction and I have heard wonderful things about this book.
Merry » Oh, Merry, you are missing out!!!
Red Shirt will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m looking forward to meeting Tessa and Clay. These character spotlights are always so much fun!
Hallo, Hallo Rel and Ms Frantz,
Lael Click from The Frontier Man’s Daughter – as this is the first and only story I’ve read thus far by the author. I’ve been wanting to return back to reading more Historical INSPY novels by authors I was just starting to discover prior to being a book blogger for quite a long while. I’ve had a personal challenge to seek out at least 70 INSPY authors who are ‘new to me’ for the life of my blog – however, as you know, time gets away from us.
I have fond memories of this first novel I read but in truth, I need to re-read it! So much time has passed between then and now; I found it via my local library and remember I enjoyed the hours I spent inside it.
Thanks for introducing me to her newest characters and for creating a fun ‘sheet’ about each of them which provides more insight into who they are and what their personalities say about themselves.
I have read almost all of Laura’s books and absolutely love them! I fell in love with the Ballantyne family, but have loved each book and it’s characters equally for what they bring to the story and the history I learn. I loved Tempe in A Moonbow Light though; that book was especially touching for me!