The Thistle and The Rose

I should have had this review written long before now, and my only excuse is wedding planning. ;)

This is only my second Laura Frantz read, and while I personally preferred "A Heart Adrift", both have left me wanting to binge read all her previous books! She has such a way with history, and with words, drawing the reader into the very heart and weather climate of the story. You can see the sights, smell the aromas, feel the atmosphere of every conversation and unsaid thought.

I appreciate how well written, clean, and moving the works of Frantz have proven to be.

Sincerely,

The Lost Melody

The Lost Melody is a gripping and stirring symphony of beautifully written feeling and life; life that is valuable regardless of it's inevitable difficulties and heartache, and that holds music in spite of them and need not be given over to despair.

The Lost Melody will weave it's rhythm around you and draw you in until you see yourself in some characters tune, and recognize the love and care of our heavenly Father that brings light into our deepest fears and unknowns.

Intricate and satisfying; you don't want to miss this!

Sincerely,

Where the Road Bends

Where the Road Bends? It bends quite suddenly, actually.

Did NOT see the early twist this book was going to take coming AT all.

In fact - I have to be honest - the first couple chapters, while enjoyable, had me a little bit like "thiiiis could take a while." It seemed like it was going to be one of those...THIS long of a book to say thiiis little bit sorta setups.

But no.

I literally turned a page and went...

Hold up.

Excuse me?

N-n-no you don't.

And then proceeded to devour the rest in short order.

Turns out it had a lot going more to offer than I originally judged, and I'm glad I was incorrect.

Heart. Charm. Healing. Growth. A little suspense. Romance. Friendships. A little Les Mis meets Love Comes Softly, and throw in Chip and Mrs Potts from Beauty and the Beast.

Highly recommend for a sweet but also unpredictable read.

Sincerely,

The Lady of Galway Manor

The Lady of Galway Manor has a sweet premise and a lots of rich culture! I personally couldn't get involved in the story or character development as much as I like to, and I felt like there was some aspect missing, but it was a clean, gentle-paced romance with some important themes.

Sincerely,

A Heart Adrift

"A Heart Adrift" is rich in culture, character, and romance, drawing readers in with the smell of chocolate in the air...the bite of a salty ocean breeze...and the undeniable pull of a greater cause wafting on both.

This was my first Laura Frantz read, and while the development was certainly never slow, I appreciated the gentle progression as the characters and plot grew and transpired naturally.

I found the entire thing cozy, vivid, and endearing; the themes, important...love, compassion, duty. hope, patience, and God's perfect timing.

Looking forward to further exploring this historical era as seen and told by Frantz.

Sincerely,

A Midnight Dance

Beauty. Grace. Broken. Healing. Truth. Love. Belonging.

Be swept up in the breathtaking production that is this story, with intricate and demanding choreography and footwork, a complex and endearing cast of characters, all backdropped by gorgeous imagery and mystery.

Politano has such a magical way with words, and is a master storyteller.

I so enjoyed this artistic and intriguing visit to the world of ballet, and captivating glimpse into the lives of the people who dance it.

Sincerely,

A Lady in Attendance

 This sweet story kept making me think of Anne and Gilbert, if the two had met when older and more mature.

The romance was precious and natural, a comfortable "just friends" that no one - including the couple - believes.

The characters and plot were well developed and realistic.

Themes of forgiveness, restoration, and the importance of family and hope, gave depth and climactic satisfaction.

Highly recommend for an easy, endearing, and heartwarming read!

Sincerely,

Never Miss

"Never Miss" was the first Romantic Suspense I had read in a long time! And it was exactly that...romantic...and suspenseful. Win!

The romance was slightly sappier than I prefer and the descriptions of each main character observed by the other did have me eye-rolling a little bit, but as this isn't my go-to genre, I can't blame it, and the author did a good job at adding substance to it.

The suspense, on the other hand, was spot on, and the plot was both intriguing and intricate; very well written and I appreciated that I could follow the realistic fight sequences without getting lost.

For lovers of this genre, I could make a super cheesy pun off the title about Never Missing out on this read...but I'll just leave it at you should definitely not miss it. ;)

Sincerely,

Fanny's Hope Chest

This little story is bigger than it seems and is itself a hope chest of sorts.

I know I needed to read Ellie and Fanny's stories, and that any other woman (whatever your age) who is struggling or has ever struggled with singleness will be encouraged both by the feeling of not being the "only one" like we so often lament, but also by the exhortation and truth that remind where our hope must be founded.

I appreciated that while the reminders are clear and helpful, the reality of this being a real, ongoing, emotional rollercoaster for many is also there! The reminder isn't a "one and done", and we should never feel - and certainly not make others feel - like there is weakness or shame in needing a word of encouragement, understanding, and ultimately perspective-adjustment now and then and even often. God talks so much about desires and His comfort and provision during times of loneliness, despair, frustration, and discouragement that I think it's safe to say He knew this would be an area His children would need Him and His Word often.

That being said, read this! It's a quick read but flows well and is packed with so much emotion, truth, and restoration.

Sincerely,

Yours Truly, Thomas

"Putting a stamp on a letter, and sending out into the world, is an act of faith."

-Oliver O'Toole

Dear Reader,
I'm recommending you this book because it's lighthearted and sweet; a step out of the hectic normalcy of life and into the easy pace of simple life in a small town that- while it has its share of secrets and trouble- is full of life and neighborly souls who aren't constrained by the cage of society made up by rules and expectations.
You will find two of these souls have just wandered in, as we have; they are looking for a fresh start and purpose for each day, and invite us to observe and join in the socials and barn raisings as they navigate through the steps of their past and present pains and growth that intertwine to make up the dance of this satisfying and whimsical fairy tale in the welcoming arms of Azure Springs!
Yours Truly,