Saturday, September 26, 2015

My Review: The Mistress of Tall Acre, plus GIVEAWAY!


I have to confess - I really love this cover!  It's so lovely and gives a glimpse into the setting and story!  The designers at Revell definitely did an excellent job, in my opinion!

Description:
The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?



About the Author:
Laura Frantz is a Christy Award finalist and the author of several books, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, and The Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.







My Review: 5 stars!
I confess, this is the first book I’ve read by Laura Frantz. Now, don’t start throwing rotten tomatoes yet, because I am now a huge fan of hers! I had no basis for expectations, aside from the gushing of her fans (who I now must concur with). I have to think that if I’d had any, they would’ve been far surpassed. I adored this book!

Ms. Frantz is definitely a gifted writer and it shows through in every line of this book. I was engrossed from the very first page and I couldn’t read fast enough! I loved the historical details she includes, the little things to bring the story to life and transported this reader back to the trying days after the War for Independence. Every scene is vivid and full of images and descriptions that took flight in my imagination. Even when I would put the book down, a part of it would stay with me through my day, in the back of my mind, waiting for when I would pick it up again. This is a book that kept me up late more than once, then stayed with me long after I finished it.

I loved the intricate storyline and the twists and turns that kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could. Though I wanted to savor the writing, the desire to find out what would happen next won out more often than not. I will confess that I found a couple of the “surprises” a little lackluster, but mostly because I had already guessed as much from reading the book description. Sometimes I think a little too far ahead and try to guess what might happen next, rather than just enjoying the ride and being surprised with everyone else. Despite this, I was never disappointed with where the story went. I’m a sucker for marriage of convenience stories and this one sets the bar quite high for the future ones I’ll read.

I loved all of the characters, but I confess Lily Cate stole my heart at once, much as she did Sophie’s. Sophie Menzies is a character I wasn’t expecting. She’s faced hard times, trials, and difficulties, but she still loves freely. She gives freely, though she has little. She knows the true worth of a person isn’t their wealth, or their home, but their heart. I loved seeing this play out through every page, as she cared for and loved the people in her life, even those who were unkind to her.
Seamus Ogilvy (whose last name I never did figure out how to pronounce), is a unique hero. He’s a war veteran who has seen the darkest parts of life. He doesn’t know how to love his daughter, how to be the father he wants to be. I loved this broken leader of many. Because to lead, you have to be willing to do the work too, which Seamus does. He sets high expectations for himself, then does his best to meet or surpass them. He has his scars, but he tries so hard to be the best father, and then husband, that he can. Even when he falls short of the measure he built for himself, he gets back up and fights again.

This is one of those books that becomes so real that sometimes you have to step back and remember it is fiction. I had to do this a time or two, when I found myself forgetting completely where I was. I confess, it almost made me cry a time or two, and not many authors can manage that. The spiritual element was so realistically written that I could almost feel the characters’ pain, their questions to God of “why?” But in everything, I loved their faith. In the hard times, they believed God was still good. In the good times, they praised Him. And in the darkest moment where the only thing left was “why?” they still didn’t lose faith. I loved how Ms. Frantz handled the questions and how intricately she wove the faith aspect through out the book. I have to honestly believe she is a lady of deep faith, because it showed on every page.

I honestly don’t have a single complaint about any aspect of this book. I loved it and will be eagerly anticipating the next book by this new-found author! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling historical read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own. 

 

Now, I'm simply going to assume that most everyone reading this completely skipped my longwinded review in order to learn more about the giveaway.  And I honestly can't say that I blame anyone, because hey, free books are more exciting than my gushing, right?  That being said, I loved this book so much, that I want to share a copy of it with someone, hence the giveaway. :)
Every giveaway has to have rules, correct?  And mine are simple.  To be entered you have to do 2 things:
1) Leave a comment about almost anything (i.e why my reviews should be shorter, what books you like to read, the weather, something funny your dog just did . . . .).  I'd just like it to be something more than "I'm so excited!"  Okay?
2) Be sure to include your email address somewhere in your comment, so that I have a way to contact the winner.  A format similar to something[at]suchandsuch[dot]com is recommended to deter spammers.
And that's it!  The giveaway is open until midnight EST on Thursday, October 1st.  I'll notify the winner on Friday morning.  Okay!  I think that's everything . . . yep!  I hope you all have a fantastic day!


P.S. Oops!  I almost forgot!  If you'd like to read more about this book before entering, or maybe consider purchasing your own copy, you can find it on these sites (as well as others):

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christian Book

45 comments:

  1. I have read all of Laura's previous books and loved them! Courting Morrow Little is probably my favorite. I really like the Ballantyne series too. But then The Frontiersman's Daughter andThe Colonel's Lady are great too! Can you tell I'm a fan of hers?
    jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Joan, I'm like that with so many authors, so I love your enthusiasm! I'm sure if you loved all of those, then you'll adore this book, too!
      You're entered! :)

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  2. I have been trying to get this book! I have heard so many good things about it. I am dying to read it.

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    1. Hi Rachel! Thanks for coming by! I loved this book, so I hope you will too!
      You're entered. :)

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  3. Hi Sarah! I write long-winded reviews, too, so no, don't shorten yours! ;) I have only read one other Laura Franz book, so would love the chance to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway and the review! Danandlyndaedwards (at) msn (dot) com.

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    1. Oops... The hazards of phone keyboards... I know it's Laura Frantz. :D

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    2. I love your reviews, Lynda! And great books deserve gushing, right? :)
      I've entered you.

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  4. This book must be really good since I've only seen high ratings for it so far. :-D Thanks for the giveaway! bookgrace11(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Grace! Confession, I have honestly not read any other reviews for it, so I'm happy to hear it has other high ratings!
      I've entered you. :)

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  5. Laura, I've always wanted to live in a log cabin! That would be ideal to work from.. My husband was a paint contractor & we did get to finish the logs on a new log home.. We got to enjoy being in on the construction and yes! I still think it would be awesome to live in a log home :)
    I'd love to read this book too!
    dkstevensne AToutlook (dot(com)

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  6. Totally read the review ;)
    I'm not sure of his last name, but Seamus us pronounced, most often, Shay-mus
    Amzech1188 at Gmail dot com

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    1. Alyssa - that's actually how I was pronouncing it, after I heard an actor's name pronounced the same way. I would make a comment about the odd spellings of different countries, but then I don't have a leg to stand on with our loony vocabulary.
      And thank you so much for taking the time to read my review! I so appreciate it!
      You're entered!

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  7. Totally read the review ;)
    I'm not sure of his last name, but Seamus us pronounced, most often, Shay-mus
    Amzech1188 at Gmail dot com

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  8. I read The Colonel's Lady and thought it was excellent so I want to read Laura's other books. I just haven't gotten to them yet (that "too many books, so little time" thing). Thanks for the review and the chance to win The Mistress of Tall Acre.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Pam, I have that exact same problem! My TBR pile is c-r-a-z-y! I hope you'll get to read more of her books, soon!
      You're entered!

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  9. I've read each of Laura's stand alone books, but not her most recent series. You should certainly get your hands on more of her books ASAP!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Partty, I'm sure I'll be taking your advice! It's hard to resist the library calling my name with wonderful books just waiting for me!
      You're entered!

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  10. I've read all of Laura Frantz's books, her writing is exquisite but I love The Colonel's Lady and Love's Reckoning the most. And I love marriage of convenience stories so I'm looking forward this one. Thanks for the giveaway!
    garfsgirl AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. Lis, thanks for coming by! I'll put those at the top of my list! The marriage of convenience part is definitely what first caught my interest. I hope you love it!
      You're entered!

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  11. Dear Sarah, HUGE, heartfelt thanks for such a beautifully worded, enthusiastic review! I'm beyond honored you'd go above and beyond and offer a giveaway, too! You are a gem of a reading friend and I'm so thankful there will be no tomatoes thrown, rotten, ripe, or green;) I'm saving your review and sharing on my sites. Hugs and thanks to each of your fellow book lovers here. It's a joy to write stories that lead to such interesting, insightful reviews!!

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  12. Thank you so much for another chance to win this wonderful book! By the way, I did read your review (well, at least most of it. LOL) God bless ruth.kyser@gmail.com

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    1. Ruth, thanks for coming by! And reading "most" of my review. I know it's long, but I don't know how to be less than long-winded, so we just crack jokes at that tendency and realize it's a part of life, right? :)
      You're entered!

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  13. Absolutely loved the review and so glad Laura shared on FB ! Love Laura's books and Laura much !
    faithfulacresbodysoulspirit@gmail.com is where you can reach me !
    Linda

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    1. Linda, glad you stopped by! Laura's sure to become a favorite author of mine, now! :)
      I've entered you!

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  14. It's been a while since I read one of Laura's books, and it's time to get back to her stories. She's a lovely person (we once did some booksignings together), and a fabulous writer.

    Hmm. My dog - she's always doing something funny, she's a Corgi after all. But I think the sweetest thing about her is how much she loves her toys. We keep them in a container and put them up at night. When we set the container on the floor for her she goes wild, taking out each and every one and giving them a whirl before deciding on which one to settle down with. Her name is Mistie. She's a dear. My email address is bonnie(dot)leon52@gmail(dot)com.

    Have a blessed day. And Hoooray for you Laura for what I know is another great book.

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    1. Bonnie, I love corgis! Though I've honestly never had one (perhaps some day), yours sounds completely adorable! The few I've been around have been such sweethearts. It must be part of their dispositions. :)
      Thank you for coming by! I've entered you!

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    2. Bonnie, I love corgis! Though I've honestly never had one (perhaps some day), yours sounds completely adorable! The few I've been around have been such sweethearts. It must be part of their dispositions. :)
      Thank you for coming by! I've entered you!

      Delete
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  16. l.bergh@sbcglobal.net. I think I read one of Laura's books before. I did not know that she lives and writes from a log cabin in Kentucky. How cool!

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    1. You know, Laurie, I'm feeling like a real dunce right about now. I've been trying to figure out all of the log cabin comments, then it finally occurred to me that I never actually read Laura's bio. I just copied it and volia! LOL just call me "ditzy." :)
      You've been entered!

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  17. No dog here - 2 cats here consider me their "staff". Weather? Rain x 5! But we have had a slight drought here in Central Va., so I'll take the rain. I'm about to make a pumpkin spice McCafe K-Cup - want one too? My TBR pile runneth over, but the more the merrier on a bookshelf! Smithsinva4@msn.com

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    1. Okay, I love your comment! It made me smile after a long day at work, so thank you. And I will definitely take a pumpkin spice anything! I must agree with the more the merrier. My bookshelves are evidence of that. :)
      We're getting a fair amount of rain here, too. It must be passing through us to hit you. And my cat must take lessons from yours. LOL
      You've been entered!

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  18. Hi! I adore Laura ' s books. I'm looking forward to reading this one. I love reading historical fiction, and her novels stand out for me.

    I'd just like to say how excited I am that fall is here. I love this time of year...football, cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, and the coming holidays. I hope everyone seeing this has a wonderful holiday season!!!

    Brittany K.
    rolltide_04(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Brittany! I have to agree to loving Fall, just not really the cooler weather. I hope you have a blessed holiday season, as well!
      Thanks for stopping by! You're entered!

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  19. I can't wait any longer for my local library to get this book. I love to read Laura's books. And I have waited long months for this one.

    Becky whichydigit@gmail.com

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    1. Becky, I well understand the torture of waiting for the library! It seems like it takes them forever, though in reality, I'm just that impatient. LOL
      Thanks for stopping by! You're entered!

      Delete
  20. Sarah - a girl after my own heart. I read your review and loved it - you & I are so alike, I'm long-winded & write long reviews too, lol!!

    Laura is one of my very fave authors - I have each of her books, as well as this one. But would love to win a copy for my church library, enabling many more people to read it. Her writing has an indescribable beauty, the descriptions are magnificent, & the characters life-like - living on in my heart.

    Thanks, so much, for the giveaway opportunity!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Shared post!!

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    1. Bonnie, thank you for the kind words! There are just some books that earn our long-windedness and gushing, right? I can't help it if I can't say enough good things about a book and don't want to stop trying. :)
      I love your heart to share her stories - that's exactly why I'm giving this one away. I want someone else to have the chance to enjoy it.
      Have a blessed week! You're entered!

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  21. What a great time frame to write in! Excited to check out this book, thanks for the chance to learn more about you!

    Kim
    kdanisk(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  22. I have read 2 of Laura's books and thoroughly enjoyed them, and this one sounds like it will be just as good. Would love to get my hands on a copy!

    Lientje
    lientjiehuman(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au

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  24. I Ned this book in my life! Hahaha. I love Laura Frantz's books, such a great author! steelefairytale6506 at yahoo dot com

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  25. AMAZING review! I am so excited for the release of The Mistress of Tall Acre. I am looking forward to immersing myself in this intriguing story with a cuppa hot tea. *wink wink*

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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  26. Well, I did read your full review, but I think it will be my last about this book. I have yet to see a bad review. Now if that doesn't mean to just read it, I don't know what does.

    tlhcoupon (at) hotmail (dot) com

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