1. Love's Reckoning, Ballantyne Legacy Series #1
    Laura Frantz
    Revell / 2012 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$17.99 Retail Price$20.00 Save 10% ($2.01)
    4.9 out of 5 stars for Love's Reckoning, Ballantyne Legacy Series #1. View reviews of this product. 39 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW720414
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Displaying items 21-25 of 39
  1. Christianfictionaddiction
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Compelling from the first page!
    September 8, 2012
    Christianfictionaddiction
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Love's Reckoning is a compelling read, one that gripped me from early on in the story as my sympathies for Eden quickly grew. I always know an author has succeeded at immersing me into the story they have woven when I find myself growing angry on a character's behalf, and I was soon holding the pages tightly due to wanting to remedy Eden's situation! Elspeth is a selfish, conniving sister who treats Eden with harsh disdain, serving as the perfect foil to Eden's gentle spirit and loving nature, and the injustice Eden faces kept me moving quickly through the pages to see how things would resolve. Laura Frantz has created wonderful characters in this first book of the Ballantyne Legacy, and she has set them in a fascinating period of history that is brought to life with vivid detail. My only critique of the story is that I felt it could have perhaps been shortened somewhat to keep up the pace in the last third of the book, though other readers will no doubt disagree with me. As a whole, the story is great entertainment and time well spent as Frantz succeeds at unfolding a masterfully-told tale.

    This first book in the series ends with a satisfying conclusion, yet leaves me greatly wondering where the story will lead to next, as it appears the next novel will focus on the sister who did not win Silas' heart - and that should be an interesting story indeed!

    I highly recommend this book and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

    Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

    Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
  2. i blog 4 books
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Even better than expected!
    September 8, 2012
    i blog 4 books
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    After reading Courting Morrow Little, I declared myself a fan of Laura Frantz. After reading The Colonel's Lady, I knew I would read anything she wrote. Sadly, I had to wait longer than I would have liked for the release of Love's Reckoning, but it was definitely worth the wait!

    When Liege Lee takes on a new apprentice, he decides he will follow the old tradition of marrying off one of his daughters to the apprentice. In his mind, this is the perfect plan. It will relieve him of the responsibility of one of his two grown daughters and assure him of long-term help in his blacksmith shop. When Silas Ballantyne arrives, though, Liege gets more than he bargained for with an apprentice who is devoted to the Lord and to seeking His plans. With two sisters as different as night and day, one tries to woo Silas with overt advances, while the other tries to stay out of the way and unwittingly develops a solid friendship with the apprentice. Silas must decide if he will continue with his plans to move west or if he will allow himself to fall in love and trust the Lord to work out the details.

    Love's Reckoning is so much more than a romance novel. Instead, it is an epic drama rife with sibling rivalry, troubled family relationships, secrets, betrayal, love, and faith. Frantz's descriptive writing style drew me into the story in a way that at times made it feel more like watching a movie than reading a book. The characters, settings, and conflicts really came alive.

    Silas was a magnificent character. He's tough and one hundred percent masculine, but he is also kind and gentle. I loved the way he pursued the Lord above all else without coming off as soft or weak. It was obvious that the Lord was the source of his strength. Elspeth and Eden were completely opposite and made for some interesting dynamics throughout the book. At times I was so frustrated with Elspeth's antics and Eden's submissiveness that I could hardly keep reading. But I just had to know what would happen next! There were a number of other characters that helped round out the story, providing friendships, mentors, and other deep relationships that helped me as a reader learn more about the main characters.

    I wasn't ready for the book to conclude but was satisfied with how the author wrapped up many of the loose ends–tidy enough for some closure but definitely left me anxious for the next book in the series, which won't release until next September.

    Love's Reckoning is in many ways different from Frantz's previous novels but still showcases her incredible talent for telling a beautiful, emotional story! Highly, highly recommend! [5 stars]

    I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my fair and honest review.

    Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
  3. VicsMediaRoom
    Irvine, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    An Epic Retelling Of A Bible Story = Classic
    September 7, 2012
    VicsMediaRoom
    Irvine, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Laura Frantz in her new book, "Love's Reckoning" Book One in The Ballantyne Legacy published by Revell takes us York County, Pennsylvania in 1784.

    From the back cover: On a bitter December day in 1784, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, Pennsylvania. Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship quickly and move west. But because he is a fast worker and a superb craftsman, Liege endeavors to keep him in York by appealing to an old tradition: the apprentice shall marry one of his master's beautiful daughters.

    Eden is as gentle and fresh as Elspeth is high-spirited and cunning. But are they truly who they appear to be? In a house laced with secrets, each sister seeks to secure her future. Which one will claim Silas's heart—and will he agree to Liege's arrangement?

    In this sweeping family saga, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.

    "Love's Reckoning" is an epic reworking of the Biblical account of Jacob when he went to work for his father-in-law, Laban, fell in love with Rachel but was tricked into marrying her sister, Leah, instead. Ms. Frantz has taken all those components and jazzed them up so that we are given a story comparable to the classics we used to read when we were in school. Silas Ballantyne is a man of God. Eden is a sweet young woman who was not allowed to go to church but with the advent of Silas things change for her. Liege and Elspeth are scheming connivers that are out to get what they want for the betterment of themselves.

    Laura Frantz has written a truly intriguing story full of God's provision and protection in a house full of secrets, half-truths, and manipulations. In "Love's Reckoning" Ms. Frantz has woven in history, romance and grand adventure all in one story. Get ready for a thrilling ride in Ms. Frantz's best to date. I recommend this book highly.

    If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.

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    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. 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."

    "Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
  4. kingsdaughter1611
    IL
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Excellent Historical Novel!
    September 7, 2012
    kingsdaughter1611
    IL
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This next book is by an author I have followed since reading her first book, The Frontiersman's Daughter. Laura Frantz knows how to write a good book and I have loved all her stories. Love's Reckoning is the first book in the Ballantyne Legacy and I am anxiously awaiting the next one. Let me tell you my thoughts on this one first though:)

    One of my favorite things with Laura's books is the ability to go back in time to a different period and see how things were. Reading one of her books is like going on a journey or taking a trip. This one was no different. I also love her Scots who are bigger than life. Silas is the apprentice who is given an ultimatum, marry one of my daughter's, or leave. I had never heard about the tradition of an apprentice marrying into the family to keep the trade alive. He has slowly fallen in love with one of them through a lot of scripture. If you haven't read this, you won't understand what I mean but I don't want to give anything away.

    There is a lot of secrecy and mystery in this book along with some good romance. There is one part I didn't care for but I know things like this happen. This part is about two-thirds of the way through and at that point, the story-line took a turn for the worse. Not for me, but for Silas and Eden. It was a little odd going 6 years into the future but didn't take away from the book.

    My only gripe, I wish the book hadn't ended where it did. I would have liked to have some of the book with them married but I am hoping the second book delves into that a little bit more. My last thought, I LOVED it! Another excellent read from Laura Frantz. Keep them coming:)

    Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

    According to FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
  5. Winnie
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A wonderful historical by Laura Frantz
    September 7, 2012
    Winnie
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    York, PA holds many secrets, some of them buried deep inside the Lee home. Eden Lee is the center of it all. And with the arrival of her father's new apprentice, Silas Ballantyne, these secrets will be driven to the surface.

    Once again Laura Frantz brings the sweeping grandeur of America's early years to life within the small confines of a book cover. Moving from her beloved Kentucky, she takes us deep into the heart of Pennsylvania's untamed wilderness. Her painstaking details of life wrought on those who braved the land to build a new country is evident in the rich descriptions of every day life to the gorgeous gowns and homes that Eden and Silas bring to life.

    A beautiful and heart-wrenching start to what promises to be a lasting and well-loved series.

    Thanks to Revell for the book for review purposes.
Displaying items 21-25 of 39