An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz - a book review and blog tour

When most of us think of the wild west we probably think of places like Tombstone, Deadwood, and cowboys and gunslingers.  But, in 1770, the west meant western Virginia.  That’s where Laura Frantz takes us in this story of a young woman, born and bred on the Virginia frontier.  Tessa Swan lives off the land, is hard working and is always aware of the danger in her surroundings.

It is obvious that the author researched her subject matter extensively.  Her detailed descriptions make the reader feel they are standing right beside the characters.   She transports you to a different time and place where life was simpler but also perilous.  In addition to her vivid descriptions she incorporates time appropriate mannerisms, customs and terminology.

The publisher gives a great synopsis of the story:

“Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical eighteenth-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 eighteenth-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the Seven Years' War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, who disappeared from the settlement years earlier.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when circumstances force Clay's hand--and heart--the stage is set for one very private and one very public reckoning. “

I really enjoyed reading and learning more about this exciting time in our nation’s history.  I think I would have enjoyed it even more if there had been a glossary of terms and a map to help me mentally visualize the area.

I think anyone who enjoys clean, historical romance would like this book.  The author does a great job of incorporating Christian faith and values in the story in an unobtrusive but yet meaningful way.

Read an excerpt HERE.

http://cdn.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/book-resources/files/Excerpt_9780800734954.pdf?1572896148

Learn more about Laura Frantz and her other books HERE.

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/laura-frantz/1232

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer - a book review

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

I really liked this book.  It’s set in Alaska in 1898 and Sawyer’s descriptions of the landscape and her attention to historical details takes your imagination back to those frontier days and Alaskan wilderness.

The story opens by introducing us to Lizzie Dawson, part Athabascan and part white.  Her white father left her when she was twelve years old.  She and her mother were left to fend for themselves because the tribe  has “shunned” them.  After her mother dies, Lizzie is left to survive on her own, and she does an admiral job of it, with only the company of her sled dogs. She becomes totally self sufficient.  However, she longs to grant her mother’s dying wish, to bring reconciliation between her and her grandparents.  Once she has accomplished that, she plans to leave and find her father.

Meanwhile, Clay Selby and his step sister, Vivian, arrive in the Indian community to set up a mission school.  They become acquainted with Lizzie and begin to form a friendship with her.  The tribal leaders warn Clay not to continue his friendship with her or risk losing his school.  His father was a great missionary and he has always longed to follow in his footsteps. He struggles with making the right decision.

Vivian, on the other hand, chooses to keep visiting with Lizzie in the hopes she can teach her the tribal ways and in exchange, Vivian helps Lizzie learn to “be” white.

This is a story of love, forgiveness, sorrow, faith, acceptance, racial and cultural differences, and spiritual lessons.

 I do wish that Vivian’s romance, (you know there had to be one!) was more developed, but maybe that’s for another book.  We can hope!

You can read an excerpt here:

A Whisper of Peace

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House  through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”