Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Unavailable
The Lacemaker
Unavailable
The Lacemaker
Unavailable
The Lacemaker
Audiobook12 hours

The Lacemaker

Written by Laura Frantz

Narrated by Aimee Lilly

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

()

Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

When colonial Williamsburg explodes like a powder keg on the eve of the American Revolution, Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson is abandoned by her fiancé and suspected of being a spy for the hated British. No one comes to her aid, save the Patriot Noble Rynallt, a man with formidable enemies of his own. Liberty is left with a terrible choice. Will the Virginia belle turned lacemaker side with the radical revolutionaries, or stay true to her English roots? And at what cost?

Historical romance favorite Laura Frantz is back with a suspenseful story of love, betrayal, and new beginnings. With her meticulous eye for detail and her knack for creating living, breathing characters, Frantz continues to enchant historical fiction fans who long to feel they are a part of the story.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateApr 2, 2018
ISBN9781974905812
Author

Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz is an award-winning bestselling author who is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th century. She writes her manuscripts in longhand, and her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. A direct descendant of George Hume, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying, she lives in the heart of Kentucky. For more information, visit www.laurafrantz.net.

More audiobooks from Laura Frantz

Related to The Lacemaker

Related audiobooks

Christian Fiction For You

View More

Related articles

Reviews for The Lacemaker

Rating: 4.376623376623376 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

77 ratings31 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I am definitely going against the majority of reviews but, I must say, I didn't like this book. The stunning front cover first caught my attention and the synopsis on the back sounded intriguing, but the story inside did not live up to expectations. I found the plot line flat and the writing choppy, disjointed and wordy. If the author could use three or four words instead of one, she did. I also found first half of the book tediously slow. The author put too much detail into her writing to the detriment of the actual story, losing its natural flow. Thankfully, the latter half of "The Lacemaker" was better, but I had lost interest by then and was looking forward to reaching the last page. I also wasn't impressed with the main character, Elisabeth. Despite having a controlling father, I found her frustrating and spoilt, and I never felt connected with her. She did change throughout the book but too slowly for my liking. Noble was by far my favourite character. He was a great hero, and I liked him from the start. He was kind, loyal and steadfast. However, the romance between he and Elisabeth, like most of the book, developed at a very lacklustre pace. Overall, I found "The Lacemaker" to be a very disappointing read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson, daughter of the lieutenant governor of Virginia, is Williamsburg's bride. Her planned future includes marriage to Miles Roth, master of Roth Hall, and a life as its mistress. Love is not necessary. However, Williamsburg turns perilous for Elizabeth as tensions rise daily between the British Loyalists and American Patriots. When tragedy strikes in her own home, Elisabeth finds herself on a new life path that involves intrigue, independence and the handsome Noble Rynalt, cousin to her fiance and a leader of the independence men. Torn between family and the future, Elisabeth must decide which side to stand with. Read more in The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz.I'm not sure how many of Laura Frantz's books I've read, but The Lacemaker is my favorite. This stand-alone novel is permeated with history, courage, faith, and romance. Being set on the eve of the American Revolution, plenty of action keeps the story moving and the reader devouring its beautiful narrative. Liberty and Noble's relationship grows and matures throughout the book and it was a pleasure to observe. Laura Frantz's writing is amazingly beautiful and practically effortless to read. She makes writing a book look easy, though I'm sure it's not. I recommend The Lacemaker to fans of historical romances. If you've read and like Laura Frantz's other books, you'll probably like The Lacemaker as well.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the first time I've read a book by Laura Frantz. I am very pleased to say she is now on my favorites list. The book is set at the beginning of the American Revolution. The story flow was excellent. The characters very well developed and believable. It was a review copy and so I will not comment on the editing, except to say, knowing that, I was not disappointed. I will not give a synopsis as you can read that for yourself. I will say if you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction, you will enjoy this book. Not a pushy, preachy type of Christian book, just characters with strong faith.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This novel tells the story of Elizabeth, a young Tory lady whose father is a prominent figure in Williamsburg, VA. The colonies teeter on the brink of revolution. The Patriots are organizing, and overthrow the colonial government. Elizabeth's father escapes, but leaves her behind, assuming she will soon be wed and her husband will take care of her. These plans all fall through, the house is sacked, and Elizabeth is left to fend for herself in an increasingly restless town. The plot moves forward to a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends.The setting of Colonial Williamsburg is intriguing to me, since my husband and I enjoy visiting the site as it is now restored. I was able to visualize the different locations as they were mentioned in the book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Having grown up in a southern town that played a somewhat important role in the Revolutionary War, (or should we say, the War for American Independence?) and that was also steeped in pre-revolutionary war and later the Civil War history, I grew up fascinated by history. I have also read previous publications by the author Laura Frantz and found her writing style a joy to read and her attention to historical research and detail impeccable. So the opportunity to read The Lacemaker was met with much anticipation.From the beginning of this story I was able to visualize the streets of Williamsburg where much of the story played out. The scenes were easily imaginable based on a visit I made years ago to Williamsburg and the author's apt descriptions.Now the story...... This is a work of fiction though there is of necessity a sprinkling of real people involved in the story and the staging of the story is pretty much true to the history of the area and time. It is the cusp of the American Revolution and Williamsburg, Virginia, is about the explode. The Patriots and the Tories seethe with the fervor of their cause - be it King and Country, or Freedom and Liberty. Our heroin is a lovely Tory lady who is left, deserted by her father, friends, and fiance on the eve of their wedding. Then her home is trashed and confiscated by the Patriots and she is left bereft of home, protection, fortune, and livelihood. She determines not to be defeated and seeks employment - unheard of for a Lady - but she does have the lady-like skill of lacemaking and needle-work that she begins to market.Not trusted by Tories or Patriots, she is in danger. Her rescuer is a Patriot, a gentleman, a protector.The story unfolds amidst the conflicts of the time and war ensues and with it the dangers to each person. Lady Elizabeth who becomes known as Liberty and Noble Rynallt are both strong, believable characters. Their faith shines through strengthening them for what they have to endure.Laura Frantz has penned a wonderful story and one I highly recommend.DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell a division of Baker Publishing House, to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really loved this historical romance. Laura Frantz never lets me down. I always have a hard time putting these books down. It would be so hard to go from a privileged person to one who has to work for a living. I enjoyed Elisabeth and Noble. I always love to read about the beginning of the Revolutionary war. It would have been hard to choose to be a rebel. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Eh. Set in colonial America, immediately pre-Revolutionary War, this story tells the tale of a privileged young woman forced to separate from her Loyalist father and rebel mother and make her own way in the newly forming nation. While the writing form was quite good I have to say that the story was just "eh". It was good, not great. Entertaining, but not riveting. Worth reading once but I doubt that I would pick up another book by this author. I was also put off by the constant thread of praying/prayers throughout the story. I realize that this was important to the author, but I found that the story would have stood even without it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz takes readers back to 1775 in the Virginia Colony. Lady Elisabeth Lawson is the only child of the Earl of Stirling who is the lieutenant governor for the area. Lady Elisabeth is betrothed to Miles Cullen Roth which was arranged by her father. Lady Elisabeth has led a privileged and sheltered life with her path laid out before her by her dictatorial father. The night before her wedding, she wakes up to glass breaking and a crowd of men (rebels) in her home. The revolution has started, and her father has fled along with the Lord Dunsmore (his wife, children, and their servants). The one bright spot is Miles calls of their engagement (the cad). Elisabeth must now find a way to make it on her own. Patriot Noble Rynallt takes Elisabeth into his home while she decides on her next move. She changes her name to Liberty and obtains a position as seamstress at the Raleigh while selling her handmade lace at the local market. When an opportunity to aid the war effort presents itself, Liberty must make a decision. Will she stay loyal to the British or will she side the Patriots? How will Liberty fare during these tumultuous times?The Lacemaker is nicely written and the author captures the time-period with her descriptions of the town, clothing, mannerisms, attitudes and speech. You can tell that Ms. Frantz did her research for The Lacemaker. The author provides vivid and detailed descriptions. It allows me to picture the scenes in my head. While I enjoy the historical details, it does slow down the pace of the novel (she needed to find a balance). I was happy to see the pace pick up in the second half of the book. I thought the characters were realistic and well-developed. I liked how the author incorporated her fictional characters with famous historical figures (Patrick Henry, George Washington). Liberty found herself in a difficult position. She is caught between two worlds. One wrong move and Liberty could have found herself in jail (or much worse). The romance between Liberty and Noble does not progress beyond friendship until later in the book. The attraction between them is visible from the moment they meet, but circumstances prevent them from moving forward until later in the story. The romance between the pair is heavily featured in the latter half of the novel. The ending felt incomplete and rushed. We live through each day with Liberty and then in the end months go by. Also, the historical details are missing. I found it deficient. It seemed like the author ran out of steam. The end did not live up to the rest of the book. The cover for The Lacemaker is just lovely. It caught my attention right away which led me to read the excerpt and ultimately, the book. Readers who enjoy historical romance novels will be delighted with The Lacemaker.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Elisabeth ?Liberty? Lawson, daughter of the lieutenant governor of Virginia, is Williamsburg's bride. Her planned future includes marriage to Miles Roth, master of Roth Hall, and a life as its mistress. Love is not necessary. However, Williamsburg turns perilous for Elizabeth as tensions rise daily between the British Loyalists and American Patriots. When tragedy strikes in her own home, Elisabeth finds herself on a new life path that involves intrigue, independence and the handsome Noble Rynalt, cousin to her fiance and a leader of the independence men. Torn between family and the future, Elisabeth must decide which side to stand with. Read more in The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz.I'm not sure how many of Laura Frantz's books I've read, but The Lacemaker is my favorite. This stand-alone novel is permeated with history, courage, faith, and romance. Being set on the eve of the American Revolution, plenty of action keeps the story moving and the reader devouring its beautiful narrative. Liberty and Noble's relationship grows and matures throughout the book and it was a pleasure to observe. Laura Frantz's writing is amazingly beautiful and practically effortless to read. She makes writing a book look easy, though I'm sure it's not. I recommend The Lacemaker to fans of historical romances. If you've read and like Laura Frantz's other books, you'll probably like The Lacemaker as well.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission?s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really enjoyed Laura Frantz 's new book, The Lacemaker. It is a good story set during the Revolutionary War. The story centers around Lady Elizabeth and Noble Rynallt. Elizabeth is a kind-hearted girl, but a bit spoiled. She is pledged to marry a man of her father's choosing. She does not love the man, but feels it her duty to obey her father. Elizabeth's mother is unwell and on the surface, has been living in England for her health. Deep down, Elizabeth knows that her father conveniently sent her mother away to prevent her from writing pro-independence poetry. Noble and Elizabeth meet at a party and Noble is drawn to her, even though she is spoken for.Just before her wedding, patriots march on the city and destroy all future plans for her life. Shunned by her friends, neighbors, and abandoned by her father, Elizabeth discovers she is made of sterner stuff. She leaves her ransacked home, changes her name to Liberty, finds a job, and supports herself making lace. Noble Rynallt is the only friend she has left. Eventually, friendship turns to love. But the ugly side of the fight for freedom leaves Liberty trapped in the middle. Laura Frantz had written many good stories filled with history, rich settings, likable characters and happy endings. The Lacemaker is no different. I read it through in one sitting, anxious to get to the end. If you like historical fiction and Laura Frantz, you will enjoy The Lacemaker.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I love it when I can easily sink into a book. Especially when it takes place during a historical period that I've read little about. Though she has her flaws, Lady Elizabeth is likable and goodhearted, and I sympathized with her. Her life becomes a calamity and I rooted for her. I've read and enjoyed other books by Laura Frantz, and think this is one of her best. If you enjoy historical fiction, or have read previous books by this author, I feel you'll enjoy this one. :)I received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Laura Frantz is a one of the best historical romance writers I have had the privilege of reading. You can tell of her love for 18th century Colonial Williamsburg, in the way she writes with such interest and painstaking detail. Once while visiting Williamsburg I saw a display for homemade lace. I remember being awed by all of the bobbins and threads it took to make a few inches of lace. Reading those segments of Laura's novel took me right back there. Her book has suspense, love and in parts I found it quit sad. Yes I cried. I could not read it fast enough. I wanted to find out what was happening next. I did not want to risk missing one single word, so I didn't speed read. You are instantly drawn into the story, location and the characters with Laura. Noble, what an appropriate named character. He was so real, I think I am in love. He has to be one of my favorite heroes. The way he loved Liberty and honored her made your heart putter-patter. I could go on and on about The Lacemaker, but I won't. I think you can see I really loved this Christian, Historical, Romance. This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. My thanks to them. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is not my first Frantz book, I have read every one of her novels and am always impressed with her writing. I love her characters (or hate, like her fiance in this novel) and how they seem to come to life for me. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is because I like her earlier works better. I would have liked to read more about her time as a hired seamstress and as a spy. Of course that would have made for a fairly lengthy novel. 4 starsI received this novel as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The author has set this story at the beginnings of the American Revolution and soon we are experiencing it up close and personal, and walk in both Elisabeth aka Liberty, and Nobel Rynallt a patriot, shoes.We wonder for a little bit whether one or both of these people, that the author has made us care about, will live through the turmoil that is falling about them. The setting for this read is Virginia, and we are still under the Kings rule, but the beauty of the area is seen through the eyes of those we now care about.I could just picture Liberty making her lace, what a beautiful talent, and I could see Nobel and his majestic horses, and made me want to live in this area, but with the war looming will it continue to exist as it is?This is a read that would make a wonderful movie, and I felt I was watching as each chapter unfolded, once you pick this one up you will not want to put it down, you will have to know the outcome.I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    **special note: I received an ARC in exchange for a review.**Laura Frantz impresses me with her writing. She makes me wish I could jump into the story and join the action. If you like historical fiction, you will have no problem liking this book. I love stories about Colonial America and the War for Independence, so this book was definitely my cup of tea! (Pun intended.) The characters are engaging and very passionate about their loyalties to the King or to the Patriot cause. I look forward to reading more of her work!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Laura Frantz never disappoints! I particularly enjoyed the early American setting.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    An ok read for the genre. I must say I am quite impressed with the narrator, Elizabeth Jasicki. Good plot but not great. I still felt myself get excited over the romance though.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I love it when I can easily sink into a book. Especially when it takes place during a historical period that I've read little about. Though she has her flaws, Lady Elizabeth is likable and goodhearted, and I sympathized with her. Her life becomes a calamity and I rooted for her. I've read and enjoyed other books by Laura Frantz, and think this is one of her best. If you enjoy historical fiction, or have read previous books by this author, I feel you'll enjoy this one. :)I received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    For me, The Lacemaker was a wonderful book. I learned some historical information , I was inspired by its characters and entertained by the story line. My favorite kind of book!
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Couldn’t finish it. The story is probably great, but I couldn’t get past the poorly done Welsh accent. The other accents are fine, but this one was beyond annoying.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book is VERY well read. She has a real gift of reading that keeps my attention thru the whole story. I trust she will be reading more books. Well done both author and reader!! Thank you for including the Lord`s hand in the story.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I’m always a bit hesitant when approaching a new Christian author; yet Frantz is definitely one of the higher rated and reviewed ones. She’s able to balance her Christian elements with a great story and well-rounded characters. While the ending felt a bit rushed and so lacked a certain punch, I’d still say this was a fantastic novel.The history is why I was interested in the first place. Anything set during the American Revolution will draw my interest, my being fascinated by that specific era from childhood. Frantz does a great job in getting her details right, giving us a window into a rarely explored part of the Revolution, that of early 1770s Virginia. The early rumblings of such individuals as Patrick Henry and his compatriots set a simmering cauldron of resentment and republicanism against which our main story is set.Liberty and her dilemma are the real meat of the story. An endearing mix of vulnerability and fortitude, she gives us an intimate window at a woman caught in the winds of war and change. She draws strength from her Christian faith and her ability to adapt from gently reared gentleman’s daughter to simple seamstress. I felt she was a relatable character through which to tell the story.While I didn’t feel as strong a connection to Noble, I still enjoyed his rock solid sense of honor and commitment to his cause, his Welsh estate members, and Liberty. The way these two play off each other was just beautiful, gently flowing through the turbulence of revolutionary America and keeping both steady in its rocky waters.Story wise, Frantz had a great flow going. With a steady buildup of suspense and coming together relationship wise, I never found myself bored. I continuously wanted to know how Liberty was dealing with her new station in life and how she dealt with the warring factions of pre-revolutionary Virginia.However, the ending felt extremely rushed to me. I don’t want to give any details away; but within a short time period, we had people in danger, rescue, marriage, and everything‘s resolution. And when I say short timeframe, I’m speaking like a couple of chapters, pages only. With all the detail and build up the author put into the rest of the story, I felt like the ending gave little pay off.Even so, I still found enjoyment in my introduction to Frantz. She handles her characters well, developing them with hidden depths and wells of strength. The story is strong against a well-developed historical backdrop, sucking me in from page 1. Despite that lackluster ending, I’d still recommend this tale for any lovers of historical fiction and the American Revolution.Note: Book received for free via Library Thing giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Revolutionary romance. It was a little too convenient to have a mother so entwined with the Liberty movement, and a father so solidly Loyalist in order to show the lacemaker daughter both sides of this debate. With the hero named “Noble”, the reader already knows which direction this tale is heading. Still, it was a fun historical ride. Though it is labeled “Christian Fiction”, there is no preachiness here. It is a domestic story about how people live – at that time and in that place. There are city people, plantation people, Christian people and non. A bit lightweight, but a fine historical novel of Williamsburg.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The Lacemaker is a fascinating and engrossing story set in Colonial Williamsburg during turbulent times. Lady Elisabeth Lawson, daughter of a Tory, was soon to be married when her life changed drastically. Her privileged life vanished in a moment, leaving her virtually homeless and poor. It was going to take strength and determination to survive.. Noble Rynallt entered her life as her fiancé's cousin, but circumstances made him more than that.This is a beautifully written book. In exquisite detail, life in Colonial Williamsburg during 1775 is presented. Readers will become immersed in the lives of the inspiring protagonists. This book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.I received a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I am not sure I will receive a Christmas gift this year that will compare with getting a copy of the Lacemaker in the mail this week! I simply loved it in every way. Laura Frantz tells an unforgettable story, rich in history with vivid characters and perhaps my favorite heroine yet! The story unfolds in perfect tempo, with enough turns and twists to keep you up late reading! I loved that Liberty fought for her own independence as the story unfolded. The hero of the story, Noble Rynallt, could not have been better suited for this revolutionary tale.Many years ago, I stumbled upon Laura Frantz’s first book, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, in my local library. For me, it was love at first read. I have a short list of favorites, and Frantz is at the top! The Lacemaker is Frantz at her best! You do not want to miss this book! As a side note, I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, not far from Williamsburg. This book was especially thrilling to read because I know the places in it so well. Thank you Laura Frantz for another piece of perfect historical fiction!I requested a copy of The Lacemaker from its publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. I would have purchased this book had I not received a copy because Laura Frantz is my favorite! All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book gave me a personal view of life during the American Revolution I had not seen before. I hadn’t thought how much of a perilous time it was for many. History is great at giving the facts but does not share the intimate experiences of individuals during that era. I knew the Patriots and Tories were passionately opposed America’s independence, but I had never taken into consideration the great cost and private losses to those faithful to the Crown. I found it strange to think George Washington and Patrick Henry were viewed as the bad guys, when they are our heroes!Through Elizabeth Lawson I was able to experience all of this. It is 1775 in Williamsburg Virginia. Wealthy and socially elite, she plans her wedding to Miles Roth. There is no love involved; it is arranged by her father. Sadly what Miles has in social standing he lacks in morality and character, a skirt chaser and gambler. On the night of their engagement party he is involved in is favorite pastimes and sends his cousin Noble Rynallt to escort her. This causes quite a stir in more than one way; Rynallt is a Patriot. She is extremely impressed by him, especially in comparison to his no-count cousin.Then one night her entire world is turned upside down and her future changed forever. The Tories flee, including Elizabeth’s father and fiancé, the revolutionaries ransack her beautiful mansion, looting and destroying. All her servants flee but two and she survives unharmed. She goes from being rich to homeless. Noble steps up and to offer his protection by inviting her to his home. This was an awkward situation at best, especially considering their opposing political sides. Having no choice she accepts.I was amazed at her strength and faith! She was not the whiney, shallow rich girl that many of that time were. I saw a great lesson in controlling one’s thoughts. She did not allow negative, self-pitying, or fearful thoughts to remain, but consistently directed her mind back to God’s Word. This was quite a feat considering her French maid was constantly bombarding her with negativity.Noble, lives up to his name and proves to be a man of integrity and compassion. He too has a strong faith in God and that his guide. I admired how he was able to allow Elizabeth her views while continuing to pursue and stand for his quest for our nation’s independence.Through Ms. Frantz’s skilled writing I was a part of the scenery, customs, and drama of the time! A book I truly enjoyed!I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Title: The LacemakerAuthor: Laura FrantzPages: 416 (ARC)Year: 2018Publisher: RevellMy rating is 5 out of 5 stars.The colonial period in our history is one of my favorite time periods to read about and Laura Frantz is an author who writes well-written tales that will captivate readers for hours. This latest novel is no exception. The setting is colonial Williamsburg and the nearby towns in the year 1775.Lady Elisabeth Lawson is a loyal Tory with her father as the lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony as well as a member of the British aristocracy. He has controlled every move of his only child’s life and has orchestrated a betrothal between Elisabeth and a wealthy man loyal to the Crown. There is no love between the two, and her fiancé has minimal contact with her. She has planned her wedding alone as her father has sent her mother to England as she was expressing too many anti-Tory sentiments. So, Elisabeth is stunned when the Patriots gain control of the colony and her father leaves her alone to fend for herself. Her fiancé also abandons her, leaving her alone and at the mercy of angry Patriot men who roam the streets looting and vandalizing. In steps Noble Rynallt, a diehard Patriot originally from Wales, but also a gentleman.Noble is the cousin of Elisabeth’s betrothed and feels it is his duty to keep her safe. He is aware of her political stance, but nonetheless he is attracted to her. With nowhere else to go, as all the Tories have left town and the Patriots will not house a Tory, Noble invites Elisabeth to stay at his home along with her maid until she his cousin and she marry. Lacemaking is a skill that has been passed down for generations on the female side of Elisabeth’s family. She soon will have to depend on that skill to support herself when her fiancé doesn’t come to collect her. Noble keeps tabs on her as he knows she isn’t safe as a Tory female, living alone in the explosive Patriot atmosphere. Elisabeth finds herself questioning why she is a Tory and thinking about Noble quite a lot. What is God’s plan for her?I have read several of Laura’s novels and have been fascinated with the details and the unique stories she pens about colonial life, whether it be in a city or untamed territory. I get lost in the pages, imagining life back then and how I would react to the situations her characters encounter. Faith is incorporated in this story as Elisabeth learns how to live out her faith in dependence on God and to have faith that He knows what is best for her. I anxiously await the next historical tale from this author!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    As soon as I heard about Laura Frantz’s new book, The Lacemaker, I began to search book sites to see when the release date might be or whether or not advanced reader copies might be available. Frantz’s reputation as a stellar author was of course one reason to be interested in this book, but for me the big draw was the setting, Colonial Williamsburg. Having visited there twice in recent months, I am enthralled with the stories of Colonial Williamsburg. The Lacemaker was not a disappointment, but rather a compelling read. Elisabeth Anne Lawson, daughter of the lieutenant governor of Virginia Colony, once a close friend of Lady Charlotte, the first lady of the colony, and her daughters, finds herself abandoned by both her father and her fiancé. She must make her own way in the midst of the rumblings of what will become known as the War for Independence. Fortunately, her mother, for whose return she awaits, taught her the skill of lacemaking, and what was once a form of entertainment becomes a vocation alongside her other needle skills. In order to ply her trade Elisabeth must take on a new identity, one apart from her family’s Tory reputation, and apart from the social status and protection she has always known. Noble Rynallt, independence man, master of Ty Mawr and Ty Bryn, and cousin to Elisabeth’s former fiancé, is struggling with trials of his own. While still mourning and dealing with guilt associated with his sister’s death, Noble seeks to take his place among those striving for independence from the mother country. Separated from his brother by a vast sea, and from his cousin by a vast difference in character, Noble has no close family with whom to share his joys or his burdens. Now he feels compelled to take Elisabeth under his arm of protection, while she strives to find her own sense of independence. Readers who have never visited Colonial Williamsburg will enjoy Frantz’s ability to place them directly on the streets of this town during the birth pains of our nation. For those who have visited, they will enjoy walking the streets once again, enjoying the memories of the Raleigh Tavern, Bruton Parish Church, the Governor’s Palace, and many other Colonial Williamsburg landmarks. I thank Revell Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Lacemaker in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Wow, what a beautiful story! I just recently read my first Laura Frantz books and loved them (the first two books in the Ballantyne Legacy). So I had a feeling I would love this one as well, and I did—so very much!Ms. Frantz has such a way of writing and describing detail that transports the reader to colonial Williamsburg. Her setting is so well written that it takes on a life of its own and almost becomes as important a part of the story as the characters. I don't typically prefer the setting of colonial Williamsburg, but I love it when Ms. Frantz writes about it! I could feel the tension of a Williamsburg that is on the dawn of Revolution. She has a way of writing about history so that you learn a lot and still enjoy an amazing story! "The Lacemaker" also has characters that the reader will fall in love with. The two main characters are on opposite sides of the political spectrum when the story begins. It is fascinating reading from the two different political viewpoints. I never thought I'd feel sympathy for a Tory, yet I came to see that there are bad guys both among the Patriots and the Loyalists/Tories. Elizabeth (also called Liberty), is our heroine, who has a strong faith. Her example of continuing to pray and seek God, even when her world falls apart, is an inspiration to me. She is even able to find something to be thankful for and thanks God, when everyone has deserted her and she has lost her home. I also like the cameo appearances and references to men like Patrick Henry and George Washington. Ms. Frantz writes an incredible story, one I wish I had had when I was first learning American history. She makes history come alive. I came to love the setting and the characters! This is a must read for lovers of historical fiction, American history and romance!Content: I would give this book a PG rating for some minor content. Some examples of the content are: reference to a woman’s daring décolletage, talk of drinking and gambling, a man is drunk, there are almost naked slaves and a brief description of the brutal way they are treated when being auctioned, a reference to the pleasures of marriage as opposed to being celibate and men smoke tobacco.Rating: I give this book 5 stars!Genre: Christian Fiction; Historical; Romance.I want to thank Laura Frantz, LibraryThing Early Reviewers and Revell for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    In 1775, Elizabeth Anne Lawson is a young colonial lady of great social standing. Her father is Lord Stirling, Lt. Governor of Virginia, loyal to the crown and the Church of England. As we meet Elizabeth, she is about to be married to a man of her father's choosing, Miles Roth. However, Miles is a womanizer and a gambler. As a direct result of Miles's foolish ways, Elizabeth meets Noble Rynallt, his distant cousin. Rynallt is sent to escort her to Miles' and Elizabeth's engagement ball because Miles is indisposed.The more Elizabeth sees of Noble, the more she realizes he lives up to his name, compared to her fiancé. However, he is fighting against all her father stands for. Herein lies another issue, as Elizabeth begins to realize her own parents stand on opposite sides of the Tory/Patriot debate. I am so glad I did not live during this time period. Both sides compellingly used Scripture to support their beliefs and actions. Life was uncertain and not guaranteed if one was caught and proven treasonous to the other side. Some great quotables:"You cannot dictate honorable conduct." (Hmmm...probably true today?!)"God hasn't forgotten us, Isabeau. There's been no revolution up above, remember."While The LaceMaker is a departure from Frantz' late writings of the Kentucke wilderness, I look forward to more in this vein. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are solely my own.