Contributor Review ~ The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

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?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.

Reviewed by Rebecca Maney 

"Intoxicating Story!"

Sophie Menzies is virtually exiled within the boundaries of her own post-Revolutionary War estate; located in beautiful Roan County, Virginia. Abandoned by her father who has returned to Scotland and fearful of her missing brother's fate, she has remained secluded on property that is most certain to be sold out from under her. When the owner of the adjoining estate of Tall Acre, General Seamus Ogilvy, returns home with his six year old daughter, Sophie becomes reacquainted with her closest neighbor. Instantly bonding with the motherless Lily Cate, Sophie and the serious- minded, decorated war hero develop a fragile friendship that surprises both of them by transforming into something quite serious and excruciatingly unexpected.

Seamus Ogilvy does everything his commanding presence can accomplish to assist his lovely neighbor, who is practically starving to death, yet politely refuses to come under his employ. Working tirelessly to restore Tall Acre to its prosperous past, Seamus is continually drawn to the woman whom his child adores. Just what kind of arrangement would Sophie accept, and how can he protect the two persons closest to his heart from escalating threats and a calculating specter from his past?

"The Mistress of Tall Acre" is a gentle, intoxicating narrative resplendent with gorgeous scenery and deep, thoughtful characters; reserving just enough room for treachery and suspense, balancing out riveting, captivating romance. Laura Frantz is masterful with words and this story is full of her penned beauty and elegance.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. 

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Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With nearly 28 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".