Another Great Drama: Love's Reckoning (The Ballantyne Legacy, Book 1) by Laura Frantz

Love's Reckoning
(Ballantyne Legacy, Book 1)
by Laura Frantz
Copyright 2012
Revell Books
ISBN: 9780800720414

About the Book:
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 Thoughts:
After reading a Laura Frantz novel I love setting down to type up a review because I don't have to watch my words. Often times, especially this past summer, the books I have been reading haven't been the best and it's hard to say what I liked about the story (if anything at all!) while still trying to be respectful and mindful of the hard work that the author has put into the story. I believe I can safely say I don't think I'll ever have to worry about writing a negative review for this author. Actually, I might still have to watch my words and learn to tone things down a bit so I don't seem too "gushy." These days if I finish an almost 500 page book in 2 sittings you know it has to be good and Love's Reckoning was just that: good.

By now, if you're at all familiar with Ms. Frantz's work you know she has a flair for writing a story with a feel that's authentic to the century in which it's set. Love's Reckoning is set in late-18th century eastern Pennsylvania, specifically York County and later, Pittsburgh. I felt I could have sat down and spun wool with Eden or hammered out iron on the anvil at the smithy the setting was so detailed.Not only that, Silas Ballantyne is a blacksmith from Scotland and you figure that out rather quickly by the manner of his speaking. I'll admit to finding myself reading his words in my head using that Scottish brogue a time or two!  If you like detailed stories that move at a natural pace Love's Reckoning will probably be a story that will grab you like it did me. Now, if you're not one who's into setting and history and want more of a "fluffy" romance this probably won't be for you but I'm not discouraging you from giving this one a try.

Eden's story is at times difficult to read since she lives in a home where love isn't expressed but anger   is, both verbally and physically, and is usually aimed at her. Liege Lee, Louise Lee and Elspeth Lee Eden's family aren't in the least bit likable and I must say I won't be disappointed if we don't see more from them in the books to come in this series unless they go through some major changes in attitude. It's amazing how authors can make you love some characters and loath others just by a single word they utter or a dastardly deed and Laura Frantz did just that in this book with the Lees and a few others.

I was a bit disappointed in the ending because I would have loved to have seen more interaction between the characters in raw, gritty Pittsburgh instead of just a few rushed chapters but this is still a story worthy of my keeper shelf...and hopefully yours!


To learn more about the author and her books visit her newly redesigned website HERE

“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

~ My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ~

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

Happy Reading!