"Love's Reckoning" Review

"Love's Reckoning"
by Laura Frantz

Publisher: Revell
Release Date: Sep 1, 2012
Source: sent by publisher

My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

Summary from goodreads.com:
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 Lancaster. 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 Review:

This was a really exceptional historical inspirational romance. It really goes above and beyond the genre 'guidelines' and will appeal to readers who love history and romance, not just fans of inspirational fiction. The Christian element is there, but it never comes across as preachy. The message is about love and finding a place in the world instead of strict religious viewpoints.

The romance was so addicting. Eden and Silas meeting on the stairs in secret was really fun to read about. Yes it sounds scandalous, but really it wasn't at all, which made it all the more romantic. It really took so long for them to admit their feelings, and their finally coming together was really worth the wait.

Eden's family was so horrible to both Eden and Silas, except for her mother. Eden's sister, Elspeth, was just really the type of character that you love to hate. She was just so spiteful and jealous, you really couldn't put anything past her. Thankfully, Eden had friends in her neighbors, and unexpected strength in Silas.

Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5
Setting: 4/5

Romance: 5/5

Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 5/5


Bottom Line:  Fantastic historical romance, I really couldn't ask for anything more.



7 comments

  1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book. Now I really want to read it!

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  2. This isn't something that would jump out at me but this sounds good and I'm always a fan when the religious elements don't overpower the story

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  3. This cover is so beautiful! Loving it.

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  4. I was kind of turned off by the idea of him being interested in both sisters but you seem ok with it so I'm sure I would be too.
    We both are bothered by the same things :-)

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  5. I've read one other book by this author (The Frontiersman's Daughter) and really enjoyed it and I've been meaning to read her other novels. This sounds pretty good to me. Thanks for your review!

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  6. Oh this sounds lovely. At first I was a bit skeptical because liking both sisters turned me off but your review made those thoughts go away. This is one that I would love to read.

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Thanks so much for your lovely comments!