Gina (aka Cleopatra) asked us each to do at least one book review per quarter. Here’s where I had to step up and try something I had no interest in, or, experience doing. I’m not saying I’m afraid of Gina, but I know when to take advantage of the Oklahoma Girl's "cattle prod" encouragement.The first order of business was some serious browsing for a new-release. I've got plenty of books to read but I'm about two years behind on my TBR pile. Oh, and be warned. This is no ‘real’ book review.
Late Breaking News: Word of Mouth Sells Books.
I chose Courting Morrow Little and actually bought it new. Woohoo, big spender! It’s the second book by award-winning novelist Laura Frantz and I'd heard plenty about her first book, The Frontiersman's Daughter. Who hasn’t?
Pretty Miss Morrow Little came in her nice cardboard box from my ‘enablers’ at Amazon on the same day I picked up the first book via my library system. Love the Library!
I’m really doing a poor job of reviewing Laura’s second book so far, aren’t I?
The Frontiersman’s Daughter is set in late 1700s Kentucky. I devoured it. I lost sleep. I put off my own writing and anything else I could shirk, to read this book. For me, it was simply ‘unputdownable’.
I'd consider this historical fiction with strong romantic elements versus calling it a traditional historical romance. But don’t think this book did not sing with romance and emotion, while it kept me hostage to the world of Lael Click. When I finished I went directly to my email and told my reader friends to Get This Book. That only happens about once every 3-6 years.I’m not here with any news. In fact I’m very late to the party. The Frontiersman’s Daughter has recently added a nomination to The INSPY AWARDs to its credits.
On to the book of the moment:
No disappointment here. Courting Morrow Little had me holding my breath and staying up just as late.
Are you loving these photos of Kentucky, by the way?Laura Frantz draws an amazingly detailed world so compelling I think I’d eat possum soup, and be glad of it, if only to spend time in Morrow’s kitchen. Can you tell I’m hopeless at book reviews? I’m just here to say, I loved this book. Real reviewers have done a much better job, but I can at least give you the ‘back cover blurb’ from the Amazon site:
Image via WikipediaMorrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love? This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness to the west in search of true love.Morrow's story is definitely a story of forgiveness and the cost of love, told flawlessly in the rich setting of revolutionary America. You might just reexamine your ideas of textbook history. I always try to imagine all sides of the story and Morrow's tale is one fascinating way to do it.
If you’ve read these two gems, tell me what other books you’d suggest while we wait for “The Colonel’s Lady” coming in 2011. (I’ve already read all the James Alexander Thom books years ago and have never forgotten them either.)I will be on the road today and won’t be able to respond in a responsible blogger manner to your comments. (I’ll be in a truck, moving eastbound on I90, not actually laying on the road, and yes I’m usually this literal.) God willin’ and the creek don’t rise—and I find WIFI—I’ll catch up later.
Here's a link to Laura Frantz' website. http://www.laurafrantz.net
I thank her for two of the best 'heroes' I've read in awhile (sigh) and commend her on our shared 'good taste' as she's an avid North and South (BBC) fan, too!
Have a great week, everybody!
I was surprised to see a picture of Laura's book in my google reader. This may not have been a review review, but it was still eligible in my book.
ReplyDeleteDebra, I loved how you went a little zany in your non-review review! Give me something conversational and personal over "book regurgitation" any day!
ReplyDeleteThe books sound great and I love the period... reminds me a bit of Elizabeth George Speare's Calico Captive- LOVED it....
Debra, I loved Courting Morrow Little, too. Have you read The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund and Julie Lessman's books. I think they read similiar (though different time periods).
ReplyDeleteHi, Debra! Thank you for featuring the work of Laura Frantz. As I have said before, Laura is an artist who paints stories with words. Each of her books is a treasure : ) Highly recommended!
ReplyDeleteLove those pictures and the books sound great. Thanks for the reviews and drive safely. Gotta love that I-90.
ReplyDeleteWow! Sounds like I have some books to add to my TBR list. Just finished Where Hearts are Free by Golden Keyes Parsons. Next on the list is The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog. But don't worry, there are about 20 more in line after that. And those are the ones I already own.
ReplyDeleteGreat review of both books! I've read them both and they are treasures in my book collection. Laura really has a gift, especially when it comes to showing the beauty as well as the grit of days gone by.
ReplyDeleteOther sweeping historical books of around the same time period that I have enjoyed are "Outlander" and "Into the Wilderness." Both are more hardcore romance, although they are extremely well written and researched.
I need to get my hands on these! Thanks, Deb!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your comments. I hope this 'review' has enticed you to pick up these two books. I'm sorry for the delay in commenting-I really DO appreciate your thoughts!
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