Love's Awakening

In Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz, book 2 of The Ballantyne Legacy, we are reunited with Silas and Eden from Love's Reckoning and also introduced to new characters. Laura continues her tradition of masterful storytelling and, as with her other novels that I've read, has created a moving epic that will long linger in my thoughts.

Laura Frantz has a natural gift when it comes to creating characters and narratives that engage the emotions, set against a historical backdrop so rich in details so that you get a realistic feel of time and place. I never want to miss one of her novels.

Love's Awakening is set in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania during the pre-Civil War years of 1822-1823. Silas and Eden from the first novel don't appear until show more almost halfway through, and I couldn't believe how eager I was to see them again - and that's a mark of great storytelling. In the same way that I was drawn to Ballantyne patriarch Silas, I was also drawn to his son, Ansel, and youngest daughter, Ellie.

Ansel is an easygoing, unpretentious young man with great inner strength, and the musical tradition that began with Silas in Love's Reckoning continues through the talents of Ansel and Ellie. "Between running fugitives and seeking solace in music, Ansel led a strange double life." With all the Scottish/Irish jigs and folk tunes mentioned, combined with the classical duets of Ellie and Ansel, I almost think a soundtrack should be released with this novel!

And then there's the Turlock family! Jack is the younger son in a family that had come to America in the early 1700s, rich from illicit whiskey refining and smuggling in Ireland. The Turlocks were "poisonous distillers and slave owners in dire need of God's saving grace, and having none of it."

Although Pennsylvania had enacted legislation for slavery's gradual abolition, its grip on the state lingered. Pro-abolition vs. pro-slavery forces take center stage in this novel as the Ballantyne family provide safety as part of the Underground Railroad. The times were heartbreaking for slaves and dangerous for those who were willing to help them. A cupola atop the Ballantyne's New Hope estate, often lit by Ansel when it was safe for runaways to cross the river, symbolizes the hope of freedom to all.

Laura does a great job at blending spiritual themes throughout the story, such as the characters' strong faith in God's Word and a reliance on prayer. But one message that shines through is that we don't have to be defined by our family's actions. As Ellie once asked, "Doesn't Scripture also say the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father if he turns from his sins?" It is a joy to watch Jack's spiritual awakening and the love between he and Ellie grow. In Jack's words, "As the old saint Whitefield said, we are immortal until our work is done."

The romance between Jack and Ellie is tender, sweet and emotional - another trademark of Laura's writing. Her use of quotations at the beginning of each chapter adds so much depth and meaning, as with this Leo Tolstoy quote that relates to Jack's feelings: "He felt now that he was not simply close to her but that he did not know where he ended and she began."

I don't think I've ever seen anyone more creative than Laura when it comes to Pinterest! With her Love's Awakening board, she has pinned much scenery, as well as period clothing and furniture. Referring to this board while reading will make the story come even more alive.

I think the appeal of Love's Awakening goes far beyond fans of inspirational historical romance, so I don't hesitate to highly recommend it to all readers.

Love's Awakening is available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Book 3 in The Ballantyne Legacy releases August 2014.

This book was provided by Revell as part of their blog tour in exchange for my honest review. show less

Ellie Ballantyne and Jack Turlock descend from rival families, but a terrible storm brings them together temporarily until Jack can return Ellie home. Once home, Ellie feels strangely out of place, as if things are not what they seem. Determined to use her finishing school training to benefit others, she opens a day school for young ladies. Chloe Turlock, Jack's younger sister, is especially in need of Ellie's instruction. As Ellie attempts to mold Chloe into a lady, Ellie finds herself increasingly drawn to Jack. A public, social rivalry isn't the only thing standing between Ellie and Jack. Both of their families have secrets of life and death importance. Although loyalty constrains Ellie to her family, will love find a way to flourish show more between her and Jack? Find out in Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz.

Love's Awakening is the second installment in The Ballantyne Legacy series by Laura Frantz. I do recommend reading them in order. Some general background information from the first novel in the series, Love's Reckoning, is provided. However, there were some vague references to events in Love's Reckoning that I couldn't completely recall even though I read it just last year.

I was pretty much hooked by Love's Awakening from Jack's first glimpse of Ellie in chapter one. The chemistry between the two characters and the adverse circumstances surrounding them made for a captivating story. As usual, Frantz's writing style was both beautiful and admirable. The story pace never dragged and Frantz added unique twists that kept the story fresh. I highly recommend Love's Awakening to fans of Christian historical romance. It's in my top three favorite books I've read this year and I know I'll reread it again in the future. Definitely a keeper!

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller, from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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." show less

This book, second in the Laura Frantz's 'Ballantyne Legacy', is just wonderful.

I was provided with an early copy and decided to re-read the first in the series, "Love's Reckoning", which brought it all back in wonderous beauty.

Love's Awakening takes up when Silas and Eden Ballantyne's youngest daughter, Ellie, is 20 years old and back home from finishing school. She feels that she is definitely in the way at home, her parents off on a trip, and her siblings are busy, so she decides to start a day school for young women. Chloe Turlock wants to be her student, but the Turlocks have always been mortal enemies of the Ballantynes and will stop at nearly nothing to ruin any of the Ballantynes.

Chloe's older brother Jack tells Chloe this is show more a bad idea but Chloe has ideas of her own to bring Ellie and Jack together. Will this bring further heartache and torment to both families? Is there even a slim chance that peace, even a small peace, can be achieved between these families?

Laura Frantz has the unique ability among writers to plop the reader smack dab right into her story, setting and all. They way she described the lilacs blooming at Ellie's house made me nearly smell their fragrance. She describes the interior of houses so well, I feel as if I could walk into them and be at home.

I have read every one of Laura's books and this never changes. She is a supremely gifted author, a talent given by God, in my opinion, and her books have pride of place on my bookshelves. I give them as gifts, too.

It doesn't take long after opening the pages of a Laura Frantz book to be drawn in completely. I was in tears, gasping in disbelief and sighing in peace during this book.

She brings back Silas and Ellie from the first book and they are as in love as ever, still putting God first in everything. They have grown into remarkable parents and seasoned in grace with God's love.

This book also goes into detail about the Underground Railroad during the early 1800s in the Pittsburgh history. Laura always goes on research trips and her historical research is impeccable. Reading her books makes you want to go back and delve into the history yourself, which I have indeed done. She doesn't embellish with the facts, either, but presents them as they actually happened. I was amazed at her research. As I was at the history of my country.

The Ballantyne Legacy is a sweeping saga, rich and full as any you'd ever want to read. These books would make a wonderful mini series! They are full of love, happiness, heartbreaking misery, the love of God to pull His children toward Him in their despair and redemption when no hope of redemption was found.

I loved this book and now I am bereft as I must wait another year for the next one. I just don't know how I'm going to stand the wait! If you miss these books, you are indeed denying yourself a wonderful experience. This is not just a book. It is an event that you will remember long after you turn the last page. I carry these characters around with me and think of them often. They're not like characters on a written page, but friends I know well and love. show less

This book is the second book in a series. Although I didn't read the first book, the author provided enough background so that I was not completely lost. The characters and setting were written so I could visualize the story as it happened.

4.5

I really enjoyed this book. As a native of Pittsburgh, I found the historical information very interesting. I can imagine it was just as beautiful as it is today.

I tend to avoid period stories that center so strongly on the issue of slavery, just because it's so overdone. While an important and interesting part of history, many novels that center on it seem to only show one opinion, one kind of protagonist and a flat and predictable storyline. To me, it's interesting to read a multitude of viewpoints and a main character can be be fascinating without being progressive.

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. The Ballantyne's involvement is a little extreme and it does appear to paint slave holders as being singularly evil show more people. But as I mentioned, these elements are typical, so I was able to look past it because the rest of the book was so good.

I enjoyed the imperfect portrayals of the various family members and relationships. The romance was predictable, but fairly well done. I didn't realize this was a sequel when I requested it, but it read just fine as a standalone novel. That being said, I will definitely be reading the first book, which I've since heard is even better, as well as looking for the 3rd book when it gets released next year! show less

LOVE’S AWAKENING by Laura Frantz Inspirational Historical Romance (American Frontier) set in 1822 Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania. #2 in “The Ballantyne Legacy”,but can be read as a stand alone. See,”Love’s Reckoning”. Another hit for this author and one not to miss! Fast paced and filled with faith,healing,forgiveness,passion,two feuding families and love. Join Ellie Ballantyne and Jack Turlock on their journey to love and loyalty. The Ballantyne Legacy is one of abolitionist,and power. The Turlock’s on the other hand are whiskey magnates,and slaveholders or so it would seem. What happens when two feuding families find more than mistrust,feuding and hate? You will have to read “Love’s Awakening” to find the answer!

Move over show more the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s the Ballantyne’s and Turlock’s are here!

What a gripping love story and one that will have you turning pages well into the night. A must read for any historical romance reader,and readers of American history. Ms. Frantz is a masterful storyteller who holds her readers in awe as they follow her characters on a journey of faith and love. Please do not be held off by the genre of inspirational for it is not a “preachy” story, but one of faith,hope,feuding,forgiveness,healing and the power of love. Ms. Frantz has not disappointed me in one of her stories so far, she is a masterful storyteller! “Love’s Awakening” is a gripping tale from the first page to the last page! A not to miss read!! Received for an honest review from the publisher.

*Available September 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*

RATING:4.5

HEAT RATING:Sweet

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More show less