Courting Morrow Little

Laura Frantz is my favorite "artist with words". Her unsurpassed wordsmithery excels in the three levels of her storytelling: the vivid historical detail, the characterizations and the love story, and the true acceptance of deep and abiding faith. "Courting Morrow Little" is set in the raw, wild beauty of 18th century Kentucky, and it does not shy away from depicting the shades of good and evil to be found in all human beings. Morrow Little and her family live in the Kentucky frontier, and her childhood becomes a nightmare when attacking Shawnee kill her mother and sister and steal away her brother. Morrow and her father survive, and her father, who is a man of God, later accepts friendship with a Shawnee Chief and his son. Morrow show more struggles with her deeply felt fear and grief, and later she is sent to live with an aunt in Philadelphia. Returning home to Kentucky at age eighteen, she finds her father in failing health. The young Shawnee boy who visited her home with his own father is now a man. Red Shirt is now a scout, handsome and compelling, and his intelligence and masculinity are most appealing. When Morrow's father passes away, she must face reality and choose the path of her future. But what about her heart's longing? Can she free herself from the grip of fear and prejudice and go forward toward true happiness? In "Courting Morrow Little", Laura Frantz humanizes history, showing the virtues and failings of all sides of the conflicts between the British, the Settlers, and the Shawnee. History is made by humans, none of whom are perfect, but some of whom are larger than life and ever-fascinating. I believe that the answers to our future are to be found in the questions from our past. This is not just an involving tale of American frontier history, it is also an exquisitely written love story, one that grows deeper and richer as the tale unfolds. Characters and story lines from the author's first book, "The Frontiersman's Daughter" are a welcome touch. Highly recommended. show less

This book takes place in the wild and untamed territory of kentucky, in the late 1700's. Morrow Little, the main character's life is left in shambles at the tender age of 5yrs old, after losing her mother, brother and baby sister in an Indian raid. Left with only her loving and very forgiving father and bitter memories that cause her to walk in fear and unforgivness. Can she put aside her own feelings and learn to follow her heart and trust again? More importantly can she trust the lover of her soul to heal her brokenness and learn that love truly does bear all things?

After spending a few years in Philledalphia with her Aunt, trying to recover from the memories of her tormented past, Morrow returns home to Kentucky and her father. upon show more her arrival she immediatley notices the changes in her friends and father. Her father has become sick and is growing weaker by the day. Her friends have become consumed by thoughts of finding the perfect suitor and perfect life. And the men are suddenly noticing Morrow in a new light, as she becomes one of the most sought after prospects.

One thing that hasn't changed is the company her father is keeping. For years the same Shawnee braves have been visiting thier cabin in the wood, and Morrow has always felt a certain uneasiness towards Native Americans, due to the attack on her family. But one of them starts to show interest in Morrow, and Morrow feels the same feelings towrds him. A chain of events turns her life upside down and sends her on the greatest journey of her life.

I experienced almost every human emotion I can think of while reading this book. sometimes within pages of eachother. Morrow, in my opinion is a very complex and loveable character. Too often I read stories where the main character is too hard or too strong and it takes the absolute worst to break them down. Morrow was a soft and strong person. She was in constant fear and wore it on her sleeve. She didn't pretend that that she could bear more than she could. I loved watching her change and flourish. The romance in this novel was unbelievable. Red shirt and Morrow's love for one another was breathtaking and completely swept me off my feet. My heart broke for them when they were separated and rejoiced when they were reunited. I was completely taken back as I watched their fragile love grow and strengthen over time.

Nothing melts my heart more than reading a classic romance. This story had so much depth, there were moments when I could almost feelas if my heart was going to beat right out of my chest. Red Shrit, the Shawnee warrior that becomes Morrow's love interest, in my opinion is the perfect male lead. He is strong and wise. He knows how to be patient with morrow, and shows her affection when needed. Thier love blossomed from literally fear, turned into attraction then friendship and then eventually love. The tenderness of thier love story was phenominal, told in a way that I've read in historical fiction.

“Morrow . . . my heart is on the ground.” The simple Shawnee phrase rent her heart. She simply bent her head as he whispered, “Remember how much I love you. Remember love bears all things.

Oh. My. Goodness.
I don't want to give away too many spoilers. I highly recommend this book. If you are in the mood for a uplifting and encouraging romance that demonstrates God's forgiveness and healing. This books is definitely for you. This is the first book by Laura Frantz I have ever read, and I have instantly become a fan. I recently purchased a copy of "Loves Awakening" which I can not wait to devour. show less

This is my first book by Laura Frantz, and now I'm desperate for more. I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait to read more from this talented Christian fiction author.

Morrow Little was just a child when Shawnee warriors attacked her family's cabin, killing her mother and baby sister and kidnapping her older brother. Morrow is left alone with her father and the memory of that awful day. Her father, a minister, forgives the Shawnee people and even befriends a Shawnee warrior and his young son. They visit the cabin often, frequently eating meals and bringing gifts.

As Morrow grows into a young woman, her father sends her to visit her aunt in Philadelphia, hoping Morrow will benefit from a woman's guidance. Now returning to her show more father and the Kentucky wilderness she left a few years ago, Morrow is confronted by all the wounds and aches of that fateful day. She's upset to find that the Shawnee warrior and son are still visiting her father and is concerned about his safety, should news of his association with them reach the other settlers and soldiers. Morrow is intrigued to find the young Shawnee boy has now grown into a man (Red Shirt), and that he speaks fluent English. Suddenly, Red Shirt appears on their doorstep, wounded and in need of care. As Morrow nurses his wounds, she begins to lose her heart to him. But, how can she be with someone who reminds her of such tragedy? As Morrow contemplates marriage to another man, she discovers more about herself, forgiveness, and healing.

I was "hooked" immediately, and the pacing of this book was so perfect, I never lost interest. There are so many characters and problems throughout that you will be hanging on until the very end. This is a sweet love story, but it's about so much more. This is such a beautiful, inspirational story. You will not be disappointed! show less

Loved the book!!

I loved this story. I felt sorry for Morrow to lose her mother and baby sister at the tender age of five. Not knowing if Jess was alive or dead would be a difficult cross to bear too. Considering the circumstances, I can see why she was leery of the Shawnee visitors, but I am glad that she eventually chose forgiveness and allowed Red Shirt a place in her heart. It's a lovely story and I have no doubt that I will re-read it again.

What an incredible read. This novel covered so many avenues of adventure and emotion. Not to even mention that the cover is gorgeous. With essences that remind me of the TNT miniseries Into the West and bits and pieces making me envision the love between Red Shirt and Morrow and that of Sully and Michaela. The first half of the book I read with hardly a stop, then with the necessities of baby and sleeping I had to wait to get back into the rest. But they were pages that I hated to be parted from.

Definitely Laura Frantz is on my keeper shelf and on my list for future reads. There was so much in this book, but it was not too much. The emotions are raw and so real. At times it was more than I wanted to handle on the difficulties between show more colonials and the native tribes of the land, but it was real and valuable to read. I look forward to more from Laura.

*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.* show less

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Franz

(For review from Revell)

Synopsis:

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men—ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable—vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones—and garner suspicion from her friends—by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?
This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them show more from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness to the west in search of true love.

Thoughts:

I was really interested in doing this review, for several reasons. One of my main reasons was because I am from Kentucky and the setting for this book is in my general neighborhood. I was really excited to see if Laura Franz was able to capture the pioneer spirit of the early Kentuckian's, the hardships they had to face and the determination they had to succeed here. I was pleasantly surprised by her in depth descriptions of the area and her knowledge of life in a wilderness fort.
When I was in 6th grade we had a unit on Kentucky history and from there I was hooked. I've always been a history buff and I minored in history in college. This is a time period that I have considered in my own writing. I really enjoyed reading Franz's book. Her family still resides in Madison County and she gets her great love of Kentucky History from her grandmother.

Another reason I liked this one was the cover art. I am a huge fan of great covers and Revell never seems to disappoint. Most of their fiction covers feature beautiful portraits of the heroine's in the book and Courting Morrow Little is no exception. I loved the colors and the representation of Kentucky life. I look forward to reading Franz's next book with another great cover.

The characters in the book including Morrow, were very well developed and readers will want to delve into this story and try to figure out ways to help Morrow work through her problems. She is faced with haunting memories, the possibility of marrying a man she doesn't love and the attraction of a forbidden love. Makes for a great story!

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I give this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag! show less

This one was definitely well worth the read. While a little slow moving on the first half, the story was engrossing, and kept me hooked. When she finally marries, the plot steps up a little and gets more 'exciting'. Definitely well worth the read, with a satisfactory ending that wraps things up nicely. The romance is carried over through the whole story, and blooms nicely. Unlike the first book that took forever to get anywhere.All in all, I'd recommend this one. :)