Synopsis:~
On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?
In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love’s Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.
My take:~
Love’s Reckoning, the first in the highly anticipated Ballantyne Legacy is a stunning tale of love, loss, courage and faithfulness. Establishing herself as a premier writer of historical novels with an exceptional debut novel, The Frontiersman’s Daughter and her subsequent offerings, Courting Morrow Little and The Colonel’s Lady, Laura Frantz has exceeded expectations with Love’s Reckoning. It is a beautifully rendered story about a young woman whose calm and patient spirit captures the heart of a man whose talent, determined ambition and strength of character destines him for greatness beyond the small town of York and the self seeking father who seeks to control his abilities and his future. Laura crafts characters of immense depth and imbues them with all manner of unique qualities, both appealing and irksome, each one vividly drawn. and unforgettable. With descriptive prose and attention to the smallest detail, I was plunged into 1780s Pennsylvania, feeling the heat of the forge, the pain of a father’s rejection and the love of an honourable man. The path towards love is evocative and intricate, littered with hurts, fears and healing, yet never certain in its conclusion leaving me breathless more than once. If you seek a story of great substance, spiritual depth and superior prose, look no further than Laura Frantz and Love’s Reckoning.
Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
With thanks to the author and Revell for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Cassius & Roxanna
Reviews of The Colonel’s Lady, Courting Morrow Little and The Frontiersman’s Daughter
Character spotlight on Lael Click
Character spotlight on Morrow Little
Visit Laura’s website and blog
Buy Love’s Reckoning at Amazon and Koorong
September 5, 2012 at 1:12 am
Rel, You always pull out the best in books and showcase them in intriguing ways:) Heartfelt thanks for taking time for Silas and Eden’s story and crafting such a fine review. We fiction writers would be quite lost without you! Your encouragement and dedication are very appreciated. Bless you for all you do!
September 5, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Laura Frantz » It’s easy to showcase fiction as fine as yours, Laura – makes my job easy! Your kind and generous words bless me more than you know xo
September 5, 2012 at 3:06 pm
So glad to see you showcasing another of Laura’s remarkable books!
September 5, 2012 at 5:40 pm
Carla Gade » It is always such a pleasure to do so, Carla. Her books are amazing and she is such a delightful person 🙂
September 7, 2012 at 6:55 am
Yes, I so agree!!
September 12, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Oh, all this kindness and kudos are going to my head, lol:) You and Carla are the best of the best!
September 5, 2012 at 4:16 pm
So excited about the series you are starting, Laura! I already have this one in my TBR pile. It is great to see someone as humbly sweet and contagiously kind as you succeeding in your work for the Lord. I hope to see you in Dallas this month.
September 5, 2012 at 5:41 pm
Aaron McCarver » Move it up that TBR, Aaron! There’s nothing not to love, not even a decapitated cover model 😉 I reiterate your lovely words about Laura, too.
September 12, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Oh Aaron, You are too kind! And the good wishes are entirely mutual, my friend. I will miss seeing you and Diane in Dallas. Am quite sad I won’t be there! But till we meet again, please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
September 6, 2012 at 12:36 am
Heya, Rel! Not only was my heart captured by this story, I absolutely adore the cover. Everything from facial expression of the model, to the glow behind her captures such emotion. Whoever designed it deserves some sort of award, I think. I hate that its not in color on my Kindle! This might be one of those few series that I feel entirely led to purchase in paper, just so I can look at them. What a keeper!
September 7, 2012 at 7:26 am
Serena Chase, Edgy Inspirational Romance » It’s a fabulous story, isn’t it! I have a character spotlight on Silas and Eden coming up – just wait until you see the pic Laura chose for Silas…….very nice!!
September 6, 2012 at 12:37 am
Yeesh. It’s. Not its. Get it right, Serena! *embarrassed*
September 12, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Serena, So happy to see you here:) And thanks so much for taking time for Silas and Eden’s story. I have to agree with you about Brandon Hill’s cover – WHEW! Is the man gifted or what! Please check out his website. He’s the up and coming designer in the CBA. I hope/pray he’s on board for all the books in this series!
September 6, 2012 at 11:44 am
Oh happy day!! I feel like I have been waiting ages of Laura’s new book but that is just because I have no patience waiting for my favourite authors. Fantastic review as usual my dear 🙂
September 7, 2012 at 7:24 am
Lydia » Can’t wait to hear what you think of it, Lydia – love sharing book love with you!
September 12, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Lydia, Bless you for saying I’m one of your favorite authors. That means so much. I am a little late seeing these comments and apologize – they’re my Tuesday nite dessert, I guess:) Leave it to Rel to make her site so inviting and gracious!! Bless you both very much.
September 15, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Laura Frantz » Your visits always bring a smile to my face and brighten my day – thank you xo