The Seamstress of Acadie - By Laura Frantz

 

 

QUICK FACTS

Title: The Seamstress of Acadie

Author: Laura Frantz

Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction

Publisher: Revell (January 9, 2024)

Length: (416) pages

Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 

ISBN: 978-0800740689‎

Book Tour Dates: January 8 – 22, 2024

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

 

BOOK REVIEW

Set in the early days before the French and Indian War, Laura Frantz writes a masterpiece about Sylvie, an Acadian Seamstress who lives in what is now Nova Scotia with her family. The Acadian people speak French but want to stay neutral in the battle between the French and the English. This becomes impossible due to the English wanting the fertile territory. This sets Sylvie on a course she had never anticipated. She crosses paths several times with a man named William Blackburn, once she knows who he is, she sees him as the enemy, however, the actions in Acadie have set them both on a different path. Through various hardships, their paths cross again and again and something wonderful begins to happen.

This story has all the depth of a good historical novel. The history is rich and feels like the reader is there beside Sylvie as she faces each new challenge and tries to contend with everything her heart faces. The descriptions are breathtaking and the tension in the book is palpable. Laura Frantz has captured this world in a way unlike I have seen. I want to see more.

I received an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

 

PRAISE FOR THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE

“Frantz’s atmospheric writing is easy to sink into, from the grimness of the disease-riddled voyage to the ethereal Acadian landscape. While William and Sylvie’s romance is a slow burn, there’s a rewarding payoff to this tale of second chances born from tragedy. Frantz’s fans won’t be disappointed.”— Publisher’s Weekly

“This book is undoubtably one of the best books I've ever read. I loved the faith thread, I loved the light in the darkness theme, I loved the characters, I loved the hope brimming from almost every page. I loved the growth (through every struggle and triumph), and I loved the history embedded into each detail.”— Tasha, The Clean Read Book Club

“Fantastic story! The beautiful writing engages the reader from the beginning... Laura Frantz's books are exceptional because they evoke an abundance of emotions beyond the typical novel. I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction readers.”— Milena Bookish, Goodreads

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB |    GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.

 

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.

 

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Kissing Kate - by K. Lyn Smith

 

QUICK FACTS

Title: Kissing Kate

Series: Hearts of Cornwall (Book 4)

Author: K. Lyn Smith

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance

Publisher: Davenwood Press (January 23, 2024)

Length: (306) pages

Format: Trade Paperback, & eBook 

ISBN: ‎978-1737657989

Book Tour Dates: January 15 – 29, 2024

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

“Benedick Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger than fact.”

A LADY’S UNSPOKEN LONGING

Kate Parker is resolute in her quest for marriage, seeking a dependable match among Newford's eligible bachelors. But behind her composed demeanor, Kate’s heart holds a stubborn affection for her less-than-dependable friend and an unspoken longing for a kiss that was never claimed.

A ROGUE’S LOST AMBITION

Years ago, Ben Kimbrell harbored ambitions, chief among them a kiss from Miss Kate Parker. Fate, though, had other plans. Now, his heart is weighted by family tragedy, his pain concealed behind a carefree charm. His reputation as an aimless rogue is well-earned, but beneath the façade lies a man who yearns for more.

AND A HEART WELL-GUARDED

When Kate sets her sights on Ben's dependable cousin, a man who fits her expectations if not her heart, Ben can no longer stand idly by. His efforts to save her from a loveless match find the two of them paired together in a village production of Much Ado About Nothing. Tasked with crafting the enchanting sets for their town's inaugural performance, their undeniable affection finds the perfect stage to blossom.

But for their love to flourish, Ben must reveal his true self and confront the shadows of his past. Can he find the courage to unlock his heart before it's too late?

Kissing Kate is a heartwarming best-friends romance about finding the courage to choose happiness and the healing power of love. Set in the charming seaside village of Newford, each book in the Hearts of Cornwall series stands alone.

MY REVIEW

Kissing Kate was a wonderful story. Kate and Ben both have a lot to learn at the beginning. Ben thinks he is unworthy to marry Kate, but he has wanted to kiss her for years. He’s the best friend that she could always depend on. Kate is feeling pressure to marry and because Ben has always told her he will never marry and has been acting a rogue, she tries to convince herself to love his cousin.

During the development of the story and the production of the village play, Kate and Ben spend more time together and learn to trust each other more. Kate and Ben are a beautiful couple and it is clear that they belong together, to the audience and the rest of the town before it is clear to them.

Ben’s journey is one of forgiveness, for himself and of dreams. He has dreams of what he wants to do. His family is loving and supportive. His family is truly #goals.

This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I will definitely be back. Kissing Kate was a fun, beautiful story that I look forward to reading again. There is nothing better than a good story, and this is a really good story.

I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

PRAISE FOR KISSING KATE

• “I really enjoyed this book, and absolutely recommend it to historical romance readers who are looking for a “Hallmark” style read that offers real depth of character, beautiful Cornwall scenery, and a warm prosaic style.”— Bobbie Jo Fersten, Reading Historical Romance
• “A sweet installment in the Hearts of Cornwall Series… I loved the progression of their feelings as they deepened from friendship to romance…This was my first read by K. Lyn Smith and I would pick up more!”— Genesis Aleman, Geny Reads  
• “The growth of Kate and Ben is so much fun to watch, and I enjoyed the entire construct of them getting ready to perform a play for their town along with the cousins and friends…Kissing Kate is such a warm hug of a read! I recommend it.”— Michelle, Tales Untangled

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

 

AUTHOR BIO

K. Lyn Smith lives in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, while many of her other titles have been shortlisted for awards such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, and the Maggie Award.

 

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her with family, traveling and watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?

 

WEBSITE | X (FORMERLY TWITTER) | PINTERST | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

 

READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR K. LYN SMITH

 

K. Lyn shares her inspiration for the story and characters in Kissing Kate, the research process, and Regency era theater productions. Read the full interview here.