Review: A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz

 

About:

It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmée 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 Esmée. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Can Esmée and Henri's shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past and reunite them?

My Thoughts:

This is not a cookie cutter story with cardboard characters. This was a beautiful tapestry of love, family, and loyalty to one's country.

This is the story of Esmee Shaw and her long time ago beau, Captain Henri Lennox. For reasons that unfold they broke off their courtship but neither have been able to move pass their one-time love and still the flame flickers. 

I found Esmee a vibrant heroine who was not afraid to go after what she wants. Her devotion to the poor and downtrodden was admiral and the love for her family was refreshing to read. She also had an interesting profession as a chocolatier and her description of her treats made my mouth water. I knew Esmee and Henri would eventually find their way back together, but there was going to be some hardships and trial to come first. 

The backdrop of the year 1755 and its politics brought America's history and its dealings with France alive. And I enjoyed the colorful privateer versus pirate debate. It still amazes me how our country came to be and to thrive.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of a dozen novels, including An Uncommon Woman, Tidewater Bride, The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. She is a proud mom to an American soldier and a career firefighter. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.