A Superb Historical: Love's Awakening (Ballantyne Legacy, Book 2) by Laura Frantz

Love's Awakening
by Laura Frantz
Copyright 2013
Revell Books
ISBN: 9780800720421
The Story:
The path to true love lies somewhere between two feuding families 

In the spring of 1822, Ellie Ballantyne leaves finishing school and returns to the family home in Pittsburgh only to find that her parents are away on a long journey and her siblings don't seem to want her to stay. Determined to stand her ground and find her place in the world, Ellie fills her time by opening a day school for young ladies.

But when one of her students turns out to be an incorrigible young member of the Turlock family, Ellie knows she must walk a fine line. Slaveholders and whiskey magnates, the Turlocks are envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly entangled with the rival clan--particularly the handsome Jack Turlock--she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future. Will she betray her family and side with the enemy? 



Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love and loyalty. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


My Thoughts:
After having read five books by this author, I'm of a mind that nobody has mastered the craft of weaving a delightfully entertaining and romantic tale better than Laura Frantz. From the very first chapter to the very last line of every book, and possibly none more so than with her latest, Love's Awakening, I have been hooked. The second book in the Ballantyne Legacy is a winner!

With complex and engaging characters, historic Pittsburgh has been brought to life as I've never seen it before. Being a native to the area, I couldn't help but be half in love with this story before I even turned the first page and I'm happy to say it lived up to, and greatly surpassed, my already high expectations. I'd love to think that some of my ancestors could have easily traveled the paths that Ellie did in this story. Love's Awakening is by far my favorite of the series and sweet Ellie Ballantyne one of my favorite heroines brought to life by Frantz. It was easy to picture a genteel lady struggling with love and faith in a rough, rapidly evolving city. Our hero, Jack Turlock, is as equally an impressive character. Without giving anything away, let's just say he's a delish reformed rogue. Who doesn't love a bad boy? I never thought anyone could top Red Shirt from her previous novel Courting Morrow Little, but I think he may have a rival in Gentleman Jack! ;-)

Everything about Love's Awakening captures the essence of great Christian fiction. Perfectly balanced with love, just a bit of adventure, and a lot of history I could not find a thing I did not enjoy when it came to this book! If you're looking for a story that engages the mind and the heart definitely consider this book and this series!


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

To learn more about the author visit her website:
http://laurafrantz.net/

Don't forget to leave a comment on her journal page!


~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, A Favorite! ~

Happy Reading!


Comments

  1. Tales of WhimsySeptember 29, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    Wow. Great review. This sounds fab. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)October 1, 2013 at 6:58 PM

      Thanks for reading and commenting! Laura's books are always "fab"! ;-)

      Delete
  2. Carrie at In the Hammock BlogSeptember 29, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    i love her books, so glad to hear you loved this one too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)October 1, 2013 at 7:00 PM

      Thanks, Carrie! I just bet you'll enjoy this book too, especially since you're a fan of Laura's previous tales!

      Delete
  3. UnknownSeptember 29, 2013 at 3:54 PM

    I thought it was fantastic as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)October 1, 2013 at 7:01 PM

      I'm so glad you enjoyed it too! I can't wait for the next book!

      Delete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2013 at 2:07 PM

    Great review, indeed, Renee. I second Juju :). And I thank Jamie and Carrie so much for the thumbs up, too! My trouble is PINNING your very fine review as I liked every part so much I want to throw my edit scissors away! But Pinterest sometimes feels as snappy as Twitter in that respect.

    I enjoyed reading your thoughts every bit as much as you enjoyed this book. Love your insights into the story and all that you've brought out. I'll hang up my writing hat if I ever pen a book that doesn't win you over!

    Pittsburgh is a fascinating place and I hope you find it even more interesting next book when we move into 1850 when it's a darker, even more memorable place.

    I couldn't do it without you and feel honored and blessed Revell and I have you reviewing!

    Am having browser and cookie woes today so am anon ;). Thanks so much for being here!
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)October 1, 2013 at 7:02 PM

      I don't think you'll have to worry about hanging up your writer hat any time soon! Hahaha! I think I love each story more and more! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and comment -- not may authors do that and I always appreciate it so much!

      Delete
  5. Laura FrantzSeptember 30, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    Oh, and love that Jack might have bumped RS :) Neither of them mind that a bit!

    ReplyDelete

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