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A Virginia chocolatier and a privateering sea captain collide once more after a failed love affair a decade before. Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart? Or will a new shared vision reunite them? It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esm�e Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she's never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life. Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esm�e. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty. Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril-on the sea and in the heart-in this redemptive, romantic story.… (more)
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I enjoyed reading about chocolate, about the ships out to sea, the love that Esmee and Henri still had for each other 10 years after they had broken up over his need to go back to sea and her wanting him to stay with her in their coastal Virginia town. I enjoyed reading about the
I liked that after 10 years Esmee and Henri still loved each other and that even during tense times the story didn't become too dramatic. Problems were solved, their faith in God kept them "afloat". A lot happening in this story but never making me feel like "all is lost". A good solid read that I really enjoyed.
So much talk about chocolate did make me stop reading long enough to make a batch of brownies!
It's a beautifully told tale, with a bit of a feel of Jane Austen's [Persuasion] about it. Faith is a strong thread in the story, but it flows naturally and believably from the characters, never feeling overly forced or preachy. I highly recommend this story to lovers of historical romantic fiction..
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.
I just love a second chance at romance story. This one has a nostalgic feel, and centers on a longtime separated love between Esmee and Henri. I loved how
This is a good, clean read that has me waiting for the next book!
Thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for my complimentary copy.
This was a good book. I felt it ended abruptly and was left wondering what happened next...so perhaps a sequel is in the future for Henri, Esmee and the family & friends...???
I will let you read the synopsis for yourself, but if you like Christian
Author: Laura Frantz
Pages: 394 (ARC)
Year: 2022
Publisher: Revell
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Henri Lennox is a captain in colonial Virginia, serving King George in 1755 during the French and Indian War. He has been at sea for ten years and has decided he wants to settle down on
Esmee Shaw has worked in the family’s chocolate shop and given of her time and resources to the local almshouse. Both of these endeavors were her mother’s passion. Esmee took over these positions when her mother died. They aren’t passions of Esmee’s but she just sort of drifted into them. She has heard the rumors that Henri has returned, and the townspeople of York are wondering if their romance will resume. Esmee was so deeply hurt when Henri chose a career at sea over remaining on land with her that she has not been open to other suitors. Upon hearing the lighthouse has been completed, she decides to make a drastic change in her life and do something that interests her.
Both of the main characters seem to be floating along with the current of life and not making any waves. They are both strong in their faith, which is the only thing that has allowed them to keep going after their devastating break up. Now that they have met a few times, will they touch their toes in the water of love once again, or will they run away from the waves as they crash on the shore, leaving them safe but alone? Laura Frantz once again has shown her ability to capture the time about which she writes. I was there in 1755, seeing the events through the characters’ eyes and hearts.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility
We are gifted with a romance that has been broken, a family that is there for each other, then we throw in pirates! There is
I loved how the main character has such heart for her fellow, less fortunate, man. She goes above and beyond, and we walk in her shoes.
This read has a great conclusion, you don't want to miss, especially, the grieving widow!
I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
It is 1755 during colonial America in the colony of Virginia.
Esmee Shaw and Captain Henri Lennox were deeply in love and destined for the altar that is until a lover’s spat caused them to part ways, 10 years ago!!! Fast forward 10 years later and she is 28 years old, an old maid for sure in those times! She has settled into the life of caring for her deceased mother’s chocolate shop and her father. She longs for more but what? She won’t admit it but Henri still holds her heart.
Much to her confusion and surprise, Captain Lennox returns home after all these years at sea. He has no doubt his love for Esmee has never died and wants to restore their relationship. With love, nothing is ever simple. Because of his bravery and expertise as a sea captain, the government asks him to complete a dangerous and secret mission. His commitment to the sea was the cause of their parting in the beginning. Can he turn his back on his country for love?
There is so much more to this book. It was unique in that when you thought the story was ending, it surprises you with new, different, and exciting developments! I loved this!
I immediately became immersed not only in their love story but also in the complicated and trying lives the colonists lived. Reading about politics, rules of society, daily life, handling illness, survival and those less fortunate during this era made this more than a novel, it became an experience. What resonated most with me was the characters strong faith and reliance on God. Very inspirational! I would so like to see a sequel to this book. It was an honor to read and review it before publication!
I look forward to Laura Frantz's next book!
I do so love second chance romance and Esmee and Henri have it down perfectly in 1755 Virginia. Laura Frantz has a beautifully lyrical way of writing that transports the reader to the heart of York, Virginia.
I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
As always Frantz's research is evident, placing readers securely in the time and place alongside memorable characters. Her writing evokes deep empathy and compassion. She has inspired me to want to once again visit Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown once this pandemic is under greater control. For now, I will sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.
I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Heart Adrift from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a copy of the book from the author and Revell through NetGalley. I also bought myself and a loved one a paperback copy to treasure.
Notable Quotables:
“He chose the sea—his captaincy and ship—over me.” “And I could not conscience being left behind onshore.”
“And then, much like a courtship, as wooing as a siren’s song, the sea had finally won him over.”
Her fervent prayers went the way of her hopes and became floating wreckage.
“How can you possibly provide all these items, Miss Shaw?” “I shan’t provide them,” Esmée said with a confident smile, pocketing the paper. “The Almighty shall.”
“…the island suddenly felt a tad hollow, as did his cottage. To say nothing of his heart.”
“ 'Tis never amiss to hope . . . dream.”
“I don’t believe in accidents, nor coincidences, but rather divine instances,”… "Especially in matters of the heart.”
“As for myself, I am in the prime of senility.”
"The only certainty about life was its uncertainty. Only God stayed steadfast. Only the Almighty could walk her through life’s many changes. And when she felt overwhelmed, like now, she simply had to look back to see how faithful God had been, did she not? The heartaches and closed doors of the past had made the present more beloved."
“Those for whom God has mercy in store He first brings into a wilderness.”
This book transported me back to the 1700s and of life in the Americas before the Revolutionary War. I thought the author did a very good job in capturing the essence of society in the way she wrote and the way
A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz rekindled my love for hot chocolate. Almost every day since reading this book, I’ve had a cup. Though my chocolate comes out of a pack, I enjoyed reading about Esmée’s chocolate confections and preferred hot cocoa recipe. Like Captain Lennox’s weakness for chocolate, a good romance can make me melt and the romantic tension in A Heart Adrift had me flipping pages to see how the romance would unfurl. The way the reunion came about disappointed me a bit, but Henri and Esmée still made a lovely couple.
A Heart Adrift is not my favorite novel by Laura Frantz, but I’m still a fan of this author and I’m glad I gave it a try. Clean romance readers with a taste for chocolate, beautiful writing, and historical settings will likely enjoy A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.
I was mesmerized by A Heart Adrift, and my love of history was fed by this story that includes the American colonies becoming involved in a war with France. I felt like I was living in York, Virginia, and I could almost taste those delicious chocolate delicacies. I could feel how torn Esmee was at the return of the man that she had never forgotten, and I also felt Henri's uncertainty when he returned. Watching them reconnect made my own heart flutter, and I truly wanted a happy ending for them!
This is a story of love lost, hope regained, and a faith that sustains through the worst of times. I highly recommend A Heart Adrift to all who enjoy historical fiction and clean romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation of a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Laura Frantz quickly became a must-read author of historical romance. Her blend of rich detail, real and relatable characters, and spot-on truths provides a very satisfying reading experience. A Heart Adrift met all my expectations. This novel transported me to colonial Virginia,
A perfect confection, A Heart Adrift will appeal to fans of historical romance.
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Laura Frantz never fails to deliver an emotional, profound historical tale fortified with unique characters, as her latest novel, “A Heart Adrift,” attests. Colonial life in York, Virginia at the beginning of the French and Indian War
Unconventional women are a hallmark of Laura Frantz’s fiction, and “A Heart Adrift” features Esmée Shaw, a chocolatier who has resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood after the man she loved walked out of her life a decade ago. A successful businesswoman, she seeks out the less fortunate to offer what she can rather than joining in the high society that her sister Eliza so enjoys, but both prove to be more intrepid than they seem. Eliza, in particular, demonstrates fascinating character development. Captain Henri Lennox, a privateer who may be the colonial government’s greatest asset, is a steadfast character whose role is more traditional, but he and the other main male figures in the story demonstrate the results of the social structure.
With a somber tone throughout much of the narrative, “A Heart Adrift” underscores the fact that no one is shielded from life’s hardships and heartaches, regardless of status. While fiction often provides an escape from the less pleasant aspects of life, there is so much value in works such as this one that address the suffering and those who have been blessed with the gifts to help. The Lord will always show up and put the right people in our lives at the right time. As Esmée reflects, “The only certainty about life was its uncertainty. Only God stayed steadfast. Only the Almighty could walk her through life’s many changes. And when she felt overwhelmed, like now, she simply had to look back to see how faithful God had been, did she not? The heartaches and closed doors of the past had made the present more beloved.” None of the trials that we face today are new. The smallpox outbreak, the glimpses into the inhumanity yet widespread acceptance of the slave trade, and the encroaching war in “A Heart Adrift” all have their direct parallels to today’s headlines. The lighthouse in the novel seems to serve as a beacon for not only Chesapeake Bay and colonial Virginia, but also for contemporary readers who may feel as if their own hearts are adrift. Coming home to the One who loves us, the true Light of the World, is the only way that we can truly live with our hearts firmly anchored amidst life’s storms.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.
It is a well written, very interesting tale which kept me turning pages until there were no more to turn.
It's a beautifully told tale, with a bit of a feel of Jane Austen's [Persuasion] about it. Faith is a strong thread in the story, but it flows naturally and believably from the characters, never feeling overly forced or preachy. I highly recommend this story to lovers of historical romantic fiction..
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.