by Laura Frantz
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: Aug 1, 2011
Source: sent by publisher
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Summary from goodreads.com:
In 1779, when genteel
Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded
by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died.
Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as
scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is
attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of
his own—some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can
she ever truly love him?
Readers will be enchanted by this
powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness from reader favorite
Laura Frantz. Her solid research and deft writing immerse readers in the
world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become
intimate friends.
My Review:
I was very excited to read this book because it is set in the Kentucky frontier in the late 1700's. The author is very knowledgeable about Kentucky history and you can tell she has a great love and respect for the area. She makes you feel like you are right there at the fort with Roxanna and Cass. I was very impressed with the detail of the setting as well as the depth of the story.
The story was heavy at times, often melancholy and a little sad, which isn't what I normally read. However, it fit the harsh setting, and there was always a hopeful, survivor type of attitude that was more uplifting than sad.
I liked the way the Christian message was sent in this one. Roxanna had very strong faith, but whe was never condescending or pushy about it. I especially liked her attitude towards the 'fallen women' at the fort. She never condemned them for their mistakes, she just tried to help them fix the mistakes without scolding.
My favorite secondary character was Bella. She was a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is breath of fresh air. Her snappy dialogue always added some spice to the story.
The romance was very nice, but I think this book will appeal to others too, not just romance fans. There is so much history here and many story lines other than the romance.
Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 4/5
Setting: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Bottom Line:A wonderful, in depth look at the Kentucky frontier, with a meaningful story and romance.
“Available September 2011 at your favorite
bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”