Wednesday, February 2, 2011

On My Nightstand - The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

Lael Click, the daughter of a colorful frontiersman, longs for love. Whispers abound in the settlement concerning her father's ties to the Shawnee. Is he loyal to those in the fort or to his Indian friends?

She's haunted by family secrets, passionate about the Kentucky land where she was raised, and wonders if she'll ever find someone who accepts her unconditionally. Lael lives her life, determined she'll be courageous like her larger-than-life dad.

I first heard of Laura Frantz from a comment she made on a blog. (See visiting blogs and commenting does make a difference.) Little bits and pieces tickled my curiousity until I ordered her book. Wow, I'm so glad I did. What an enjoyable read!

The book is fast-paced and, unlike other romances, I didn't know who she'd marry until almost the end of the book. I liked that surprise element. It kept me engaged, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Do you like stories about the early days of the United States? What are some of your favorites?

24 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

When the book is set doesn't usually capture me as much as the characters. I love that the hero is a surprise!

Anonymous said...

I do like historical fiction as that is how I learn about history--non-fiction history books seem boring compared to a great fiction story!!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

I liked the surprise element myself. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

Yes, the stories bring the time period to life. I've become quite a fan of historical romance.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Diane said...

Historical fiction is great and I enjoy getting a realer glimpse of what the times were really like, back then. :O)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

I received the CBD Fiction catalog yesterday and noticed I'm drawn to historical romance. It's become a favorite genre.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jill Kemerer said...

Oh, Susan, I just read Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz (the first book I've read of hers) and LOVED it!! I didn't want to put it down, didn't want it to end, and cried off and on throughout.

Laura Frantz is such a gifted writer--I can't wait to read this one!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jill -

I just ordered, "Courting Morrow Little" tonight. Thanks for your glowing recommendation.

I think you'll love this book too. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

I'm with Jessica- story is HUGE for me. :0)

Rosslyn Elliott said...

I love early American stories! Thanks for featuring Laura.

Karen Lange said...

Sounds like a winner! Look forward to reading this. Thanks, Susan, for sharing your thoughts.
Blessings,
Karen

Rhonda Schrock said...

It's not my favorite genre, but I remember getting into the "Love Comes Softly" series as a young girl. There for awhile, I was completely enthralled by the Thoenes' Zion Chronicles and Zion Covenant (?). Loved those books. I've gotten away from it now, choosing more contemporary settings.

Waving and grinning,

R.

Laura Frantz said...

Susan,
Bless you for such a thoughtful, gracious review! I'm delighted you took time for my book and I hope you like Morrow's story, too, when it arrives.

I'm also so thrilled with the kind comments by others here (waving at Jill as I'm a huge fan of hers:)! Praying your own writing is going very well! Thanks so much!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great read! I love strong female characters :o) I haven't read any historical fiction in a while. I may check this one out!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

While story is huge for me, I love a great setting as well. We occasionally visit Sight & Sound, a theater that puts on Biblical productions. They're settings are amazing!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rosslyn -

American History fascinates me, so historical fiction in this timeframe catches my eye.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

I already purchased Laura's book, "Courting Morrow Little." I can't wait until it arrives.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

My tastes are eclectic. I like to mix it up or I get bored.

Romance, romantic suspense, historicals, contemporary women's fiction, chick lit, mystery/suspense, political, and an occasional thriller all grace my bookshelves.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Laura -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I've been trying to contact you. I'd love to do an interview.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Alisa -

I think you'd like this book. My Mom gets my books after I'm finished. This one got an enthusiastic response.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Carla Gade said...

Hi Susan, I'm so glad you're reading Lael's story. It's a real treat reading Laura's work, a refreshing writer she is! You will love Courting Morrow Little as well if you can even imagine enjoying a book more than The Frontier's Daughter (her debut novel at that!). The Colonel's Lady is coming out in the summer and I can hardly wait. You might enjoy visiting Laura's blog, it's always a very pleasant place to be, as is yours!

Rhonda Schrock said...

Well, now, if a good mystery is involved, this girl could be converted. :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carla -

I visited Laura's blog yesterday. Her post about Early American clothing fascinated me.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

A lot of romances have an element of mystery/suspense. You might want to try out a few. :)

Blessings,
Susan