Wednesday, January 22, 2020

AN UNCOMMON WOMAN by Laura Frantz, Reviewed by Winnie, Paula and Kim!!



WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Brimming with adventure and rich descriptive imagery, An Uncommon Woman showcases Laura Frantz’ impeccable research and attention to detail beautifully. The setting in 1770 on the western Virginia frontier with all its difficulties and hazards is a wonderful, intriguing backdrop for this captivating story. Frantz is a master at creating colorful, engaging, and multi-layered characters that come alive on the page.

Courageous, hardworking, and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is indeed an uncommon woman who bravely goes about her daily life while dreaming of the day she can live someplace where she doesn’t always need to have her guard up—where she can feel safe. Clay Tygart is an intrepid, likeable hero who enjoys the open country as opposed to the social life of the more populated towns. I enjoyed the slowly budding courtship and romance that simmered between the two. When I read a Laura Frantz book, I’m always torn between wanting to savor each page and needing to hurry to finish the story, and this one was no exception.

Filled with intrigue, suspense, rich historical detail, and just the right amount of romance, An Uncommon Woman is historical fiction at its finest. It has earned a spot on my keeper shelf and is a contender for my favorite books of the year list. I heartily recommend it to those who enjoy outstanding historical fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy courtesy of Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Through the beautiful prose of Laura Frantz, I was taken back to the rich history of our western frontier in 1770’s Virginia. I was mesmerized by the story as if I were right there alongside the characters.

Clay Tygart was captured and raised by the Lenape Indians. After returning to civilization, he is now a colonel on his way to command a fort that bears his name on the far reaches of western Virginia. Tessa Swan is an uncommon woman living at Swan Station, not far from the fort, on the Buckhannon River with her widowed mother and five brothers. Ms. Frantz paints stunning word pictures of the area and gives us an honest rendering of what life was like in the wilderness of early America.

A tender love story is told among the danger and conflicting emotions of the characters. How are they to treat their Indian brothers? Are they friend or foe? While trying to eke out an existence, are the settlers pushing the Indians westward away from their rightful lands? Not all were out to eradicate the Redman. Ms. Frantz tells of the Moravians who had outposts to minister to the tribes thereby reaching them for Christ. It was refreshing to return to a time when people’s faith was the underpinning of their very lives and their reliance on God a thing to be cherished.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 



KIM'S REVIEW:
This is only the second Laura Frantz novel that I’ve read and now I’m wondering why, because I’ve really enjoyed both of them! Her writing style pulls you in to the story and you just want to keep reading. I am definitely adding her back list to my TBR!


This story is one to be savored. The descriptions and writing style made me feel completely immersed in Clay and Tessa’s lives. Their story is filled with so much depth and emotion. They are both wonderful characters that you root for the entire time you’re reading. I also loved the secondary characters, especially Keturah. I really want her story - all of it! She is the measure of a true friend!

I was really sad to see this story end! I wanted more and I really would’ve liked an epilogue! I can’t wait to see what Laura Frantz writes next! In the meantime, I’ll be accumulating her back list!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

 
BackCover Blurb:

Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

Intense, evocative, and laced with intricate historical details that bring the past to life, An Uncommon Woman will transport you to the picturesque and dangerous western Virginia mountains of 1770.


Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:

Buy An Uncommon Woman at Amazon
Buy An Uncommon Woman at Christianbook.com

4 comments:

  1. I bought the audiobook without a second's hesitation. Right?
    thanks, ladies!

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    Replies
    1. Debra, I can't thank you enough for that audio purchase! This narration by Aimee Lilly & Two Words actually has music in it which I find quite unique. Hope this story delights your historical heart like it did mine writing it. I'm now working on an epilogue at reader and agent request. So appreciate your ongoing, faithful encouragement and support of my books!

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  2. Oh, this is completely unexpected and delights me no end! Thank you Winnie, Kim, and Paula for taking time to not only for the book but also writing reviews that are pure pleasure to read! Your gracious words mean more than I can say. I appreciate how each of you draw out the best of the book and characters and setting. Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This book sounds intriguing and like a very good read, and the cover is Beautiful! Thank you for posting about it. Have a Great day. God Bless you.

    ReplyDelete

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