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.
: : :
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".
