Author: Laura Frantz
Publisher: Revell
Pages: 428
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2041-4
Synopsis: 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.
This is the first book that I've read by Laura Frantz and it's safe to say, not the last. The detail to the story was wonderful! The depth of the characters is fantastic. This story sucked me in and it was hard to put down.
Eden is a quiet and meek girl when we are first introduced to her. Her only happiness is in her solitude and as the story goes on, you can see why. Her elder sister Elspeth is a lying, sneaky, selfish girl who berates her sister at a drop of a hat. Everything is a game to Elspeth. Eden does what she can to not be the target of her sister's outbursts. Her father is only driven by his work as a blacksmith and the connection he can make, even if he has to use his daughters like chess pieces.
The Revolutionary War has come to an end, and America is setting up to be it's on country, not colonies. Eden's life is hard, but she is able to find joy in parts of her day. She has a heart for service and care. Her passion to help others shines through the hardship she endures at the hands of her sister and her father. Eden also has a passion to learn the Bible. Something that has been forbidden by her father, but when Silas Ballantyne shows up, she not only is able to finally learn and grow as she wants to, but she is able to discover what she wants with her life. Secrets however play a huge role in the Lee house and they are a test for Eden.
Too read!
4 out of 5.
6 comments
I really liked this book too! I think it was my second read by Laura Frantz, I haven't read many of her books but I have some on my TBR shelf. I actually own The Frontiersman's Daughter and plan to read that one soon. I hear it is extremely good:)
ReplyDeleteI have heard Frontiersman's Daughter was good as well. I need to look into that one soon.:-) Can't wait to hear what you have to say when you do read it.
DeleteGreat Review
ReplyDeleteFound you on network your blog, New GFC Follower
Danielle @ Coffee and Characters
http://daniellecromero.blogspot.com/2013/06/generation-v-by-ml-brennan.html
Thank you! I just had a look at your blog, thank you for the link! :-)
DeleteAt first, around the period when this one came out I was reluctant to read it because I heard it's gritty story.. I still am not too sure if or when I'll read it but I know I'm interested. It's been talked about so much. Thanks for sharing, Kate!
ReplyDeleteGanise, It is a gritter story than her others. I tend to gravitate to gritty more. :-) But, it isn't bad. The story I really enjoyed. It was very realistic, I thought.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Leave a word, leave a line, I would love to hear what you have to say.