When Elizabeth Lawson’s father, Lord Stirling, flees his position in Williamsburg, she is left behind with a ransacked home, no friends, and a faithless fiance who wants nothing more than to distance himself from the unpopular Tories. Her fiance’s cousin, Noble Rynallt, is made of truer stuff, however, and he gives Elizabeth shelter until she can decide whether she will flee to England or remain in tempestuous Virginia. A patriot himself, Noble had no intention of marrying with war so soon on the horizon, but his growing attraction to Elizabeth makes him desire to be more than just a Good Samaritan. Unwilling to be beholden to Noble any longer than necessary, Elizabeth takes up menial work as a seamstress and a lacemaker to support herself. But when anonymous accusations surface claiming that the former belle is now a British spy, Elizabeth’s tenuous position is threatened once again….

The characters in this book are beautifully rendered, and the romance exquisitely crafted. Both of the characters are gracious and steadfast, Elizabeth seeking liberty from the tyrannical selfishness of her father while Noble seeks liberty from the sorrows of his past. When Elizabeth changes her given name to Liberty (“Libby”), Patrick Henry’s phrase, “Give me Liberty or give me death!” takes on a different meaning both for the reader and for the characters themselves. The story arc is different than that found in your typical historical romance, as the “happily ever after” arrives in its own time and not where one might expect. In some ways, the story line reminded me of one of Frantz’s earlier books, Courting Morrow Little.

As in all of Frantz’s stories, the historical details are far more than just a backdrop, and one comes away immersed in the world of 1775 and wanting to know more about this period. My husband and I are both fans of the TV show Turn (based on George Washington’s spy network), so the element of espionage in the story added to my interest. Another thing I appreciated was how adeptly the author wove religion into the fabric of the story. The characters’ actions are influenced throughout by their Christian beliefs and by their understanding of what the Bible calls them to do. Yet everything transpires in a manner consistent with the historical era, and there was no “preachy-ness” to take one out of the plot.

The Lacemaker is an excellent first read to start the new year, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the American Revolution or in well-crafted romantic historical fiction.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Williamsburg, Virginia - 1775

Elisabeth Anne Lawson, daughter of the Lieutenant Governor of the Virginia Colony and the Earl of Stirling. Her mother has been spending time in Bath England. She is engaged to Miles Cullen Roth of Roth Hall. She has been making lace using white linen thread while thinking of her upcoming wedding. Her French maid, Isabeau, reminds her of her plans to have tea at the Governor’s Palace with Lady Charlotte, the Countess Dunmore, to discuss her betrothal ball. Elisabeth is not enamored of Miles who spends a lot of time apart from her while participating in his own entertainments.

Noble Rynallt has just received a letter from Patrick Henry saying he must attend Lord Dunmore’s ball on June 2 to gather intelligence. Noble is a distant cousin to Cullen Roth. As one of the Independence Men, he knows that Elisabeth’s father wants none of these men at the ball. Once again, Miles is delayed and has asked Noble to escort Elisabeth to her own betrothal ball in his place.

Elisabeth is descended, on her mother’s side, from five generations of lacemakers. She is waiting for her mother to return from Bath to attend her wedding. Her father does not approve of her mother’s political views and comments and threatens to have her institutionalized.

When an uprising happens, Elisabeth’s fiancé, Miles, leaves her but Noble is there to keep her safe at his home, Ty Mawr.

Elisabeth’s father has left and she now calls herself Liberty. Her maid, Isabeau, is now indentured to Noble. Liberty plans to seek work with a Williamsburg business as a lacemaker. Some say she is a spy but Noble stands with her and she has his support.

The story follows the dissidents that fought against English rule and those that were loyal to the Crown. I admit that I became confused at time with the events as written in the book.

Having lived most of my life in the Yorktown, Virginia area, I am familiar with Colonial Williamsburg and many of the merchants mentioned in the book that are still there today. The author obviously did an enormous amount of research for this novel which encapsulates a very important time period in American history.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I loved Laura Frantz's book The Lacemaker! Rich in history and romance. She has a father who only cares for what his daughter can bring him and a fiance who doesn't love her, Elisabeth is left to make a life of her own after her home is ransacked. She has no one to help her until Noble Rynallt comes to her rescue. But he is a rebel and she is a Tory. She turns to her lacemaking skills to support herself. This story has danger, betrayal and romance. I have enjoyed all of Laura's books and am looking forward to reading more from her.

I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review and all opinions are my own.

I'm seeing a lot of strong female characters in several of this year's upcoming novels. In The Lacemaker, Elisabeth transforms from a very dependent woman...oppressed by her strict, overbearing father...into "Liberty," a woman who discovers who she truly is: a woman of courage, independence, and resourcefulness. Her stubbornness was frustrating at times, but it added to her humanity and allowed her to learn and grow as a character. Her journey takes many different directions...I loved the plot twists!

And then there's Noble Rynallt. First of all, I love his name! Laura Frantz named her characters in this novel perfectly. While Liberty is searching for freedom in many forms, Noble is the strong and steady hero. In faith, he prepares a place for Liberty to be in his life without knowing what their future will hold. He is also willing to give up everything for those he loves for the sake of freedom. So much depth to this story, not to mention romantic tension at its finest, and so much detail that you feel like you stepped right in to the 18th century.

In the New Year, I'm going to add a little "takeaway" at the end of my reviews. Something that I can take from this work of fiction and apply to my own life. My takeaway from The Lacemaker: no matter how hard things are, we can stand strong and have courage. Our liberty is not in how strong we are in our own strength, but in the strength that God gives us to press on towards the goal He has for each of us.

Be sure to check out The Lacemaker as well as the other amazing novels by author Laura Frantz. Happy Reading!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher so that I could share my honest thoughts, which I did.*

Laura Frantz takes readers back to a fascinating time in American history in The Lacemaker. Full of historical detail, adventure, and love, Frantz's latest may be one of my new favorites. Witnessing the tide of public opinion turn against the British and the early days of the Revolution making for a truly engaging backdrop, and a page-turning story. Cameos and mentions of famous revolutionaries like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin add depth and interest to the story as well. Noble is everything swoon-worthy in a romantic lead, and Frantz does an excellent job telling Liberty's story of growth, maturity, and independence. I enjoyed every last page.

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.

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.

Oh my! How I enjoyed The Lacemaker, Frantz's latest novel! Lately, I haven't been able to get drawn into the books that I've tried to read. But finally ... blissfully ... a new Frantz book released! Laura's writing style feels like coming home; being able to sit, relax, and breathe again.
Noble and Libby's story was entrancing and captivating, luring me back to the book every spare minute.
It's like I've been away to another time and place and I feel sorry to say goodbye to a very pleasant experience. But ... mayhap ... in the near future ... I will revisit this wonderful time and place in this beautifully written grand historical tale! Pure bliss. :)

The Lacemaker was a fascinating historical fiction set right before the start of the Revolutionary War. It follows Elisabeth 'Liberty' Lawson, a young lady caught between her father's Tory ways and her mother's Patriot beliefs, accused of being a spy and abandoned by her friends and family.

I really enjoyed reading this fictional tale set during such a pivotal time in our country's history. There were so many interesting historical details, facts, and prominent historical figures woven seamlessly throughout. I became completely immersed in this novel, in 1775 Colonial Virginia. I felt like I was right there with the characters. And what amazing characters they were! Libby had to endure so much, but handled everything with such grace and strength. She's such an admirable young lady. And Noble! His name fits him to a T. He's an honorable, good, and yes, noble man. He's definitely giving Silas Ballantyne (the hero in Love's Reckoning) a run for his money as my favorite Frantz leading man.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

"Her heart-her whole heart-turned over in such a poignant rush that all strength seemed to leave her."

Colonial Williamsburg is 1775 is a dangerous place to be. Loyalties are divided and war is on the horizon. Lady Elisabeth Lawson, daughter of the British lieutenant governor, is on the verge of marriage to a man picked out by her father. Even though her life seems in order, the times are explosive. Her fiancé's cousin, Noble Rynallt is a Patriot and Elisabeth soon finds herself with some touch decisions to make.

Laura Frantz has long been a particular favorite of mine and every time I get my hands on one of her books, I feel like disappearing until I've finished. Settling down into one is sublime! I love history and her research is always impeccable, carrying the reader far and away into another time and place. Her way of creating characters that seem like living, breathing people is amazing! They seemed to take on the very breath of life. I am always carried away into her stories, feeling the wind blowing, smelling the flowers and tasting the food each time I go deep into her tales.

When Laura Frantz writes, there is nary a word wasted, each rich in meaning, completing the fullness of each sentence. Each word is savored, so much so that I found myself rereading passages over and over again. The reader feels that not one word should be missed. Her descriptiveness of everything is something that will always be awesome to this reader. She takes the reader into every scene, every heartbeat, every thought. I was captivated by the entire book.

I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment and this one, like Frantz's other books, is destined to be read again and again. They all sit proudly on my shelves.

*My thanks to the publisher for a preview copy of this book. My opinions are honest and entirely my own.

This was such a beautiful story, I didn't want it to end. The characters were rich, wonderful, believable and I was left in the end feeling like I was walking away from a beautiful friendship. I hated to say goodbye. It showed the strengths and weaknesses of the characters and really pulled you into the beginning of the fight for freedom for our nation. This is a don't miss book.

Black and white. That's how Elisabeth Lawson's world can be described at the beginning of the book. Everything in her life is determined by her father - who she'll marry, where she can go, where ae her loyalties are. He's taken her freedom, her happiness and her mother away from her. There are few spots in her life where her father hasn't shown his fisted demanding hand. Basically, her music, her lacemaking, her gardening, and her faith. And, once her world is completely torn apart, each of these items will have a new special place in her life, a connection to her old life that doesn't bring hurt, a purpose, and a foundation to continue living during treacherous times.

As new colors start to make way into her life as simply Liberty and not the cocooned daughter of Governor Lawson, the biggest surprise will probably be patriot Noble Rynnalt and his readiness to come to her aid. Theirs is a tentative romance; she once was his cousin's fiancée, her father has put a price on his head, and she's been bred with Tory mindsets. Still, their interactions prove you can embrace without contact - through practical gestures, gentleness, treating the other as equal, and so much thoughtfulness that can't be described, only experienced.

Liberty and Noble. These are names not given without a cause, a hope, possibilities. So, as they measure consequences in a time stained by disunity, what are the battles they'll be willing to embrace?

There aren't words to explain this book. It's quiet and has a solemn atmosphere, silently wrapping around your heart that you only notice how invested you are until something obliges you to put the book down. The story has a slow pace, for sure, but not in a boring way. It's a heartfelt journey of finding self and loyalty when one can so easily be bought to commit treason. But justice can't be bought by bitterness and cowardliness, only through steadfastness and truth. And these can't be built quickly, they must be tested by fire, outlasting gossip and hurricanes that come at night and turn everything dark. Faith must be kept unwavering through the simplest of tasks as well as those capable of bringing us into despair.

I enjoyed The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz. It is an historical romance during the Revolutionary War. I enjoyed the second half way more than the first. The first part of the book was a bit slow in my opinion, but it really held my attention in the last part. The reason being the romance between Noble and Liberty was so sweet in that section of the book and also the suspense picked up there as well. The ending was awesome!!
*I was given a copy of this book via netgalley by the publisher.

This was an incredibly beautiful story filled with amazing historical details and a lovely romance. It was a unique tale set during Colonial Williamsburg. I love Laura Frantz novels and this one did not disappoint. I was up at night, swept away along with Noble and Liberty. Highly recommended.

I’ve never read anything from this author, but look forward to more historical fiction from her. You can tell that’s she researched the fine details of the era, really bringing it to life. We recently returned from Williamsburg, so that made the story even more realistic for me. The characters are well-developed; some are likable, some are not. There are multiple love interests, and loyalties are tested in the novel, as they were during the Revolutionary War. In a time where what you believed defined everything else about you, it must’ve been very difficult to play both sides off the middle, but that is precisely what some of the characters do here. It’s a story about staying true to yourself, but also loving and forgiving others who differ. My only complaint was that the ending just sort of…ended – almost as if the deadline came up, or the author ran out of allowed pages. Perhaps there’ll be a sequel?

Anwylyd. *sigh* Goodness me, I'm shook.
What a tale- what a romance- what characters. Laura has captivated me with yet another of her gloriously whimsical and utterly immsersive novels.
I'm used to her books being set in the Frontier time/era/location and loved them (I'm not even a frontier type of reader but she turned me into one, ha), but she seamlessly wrote a Colonial-era read, leading into the War of Independence, and had me fall in love with her writing all over again.
Noble and & Liberty (Elizabeth). Who- what, even. I loved their relationship. They were made for each other. So tender and kind and sweet and adorable. I just loved them.

All I have to say is, juussttt read this book. Buy this book. Read it and fall in love.
It's better than sitting down and watching a movie about the days leading up to the War of Independence. Of course- this book isn't a "war" book so if you had that in mind you'll be disappointed- but truly. I loved it.

Well done, Laura Frantz! Your literary prowess never ceases to amaze me.

Each book from Laura Franz seems to top the last and the Lacemaker is not an exception. Her mastery of rich historical detail takes the reader directly into the Revolutionary War era and seeing this fascinating period leading up to the war from the perspective of a heroine who is torn between family loyalty and the cause of freedom espoused by the man she comes to love kept me turning pages. Can't wait for the next Franz novel!

A sweeping tale with amazing historical detail! The beginning of the book started out a little slow for my taste, but layer upon layer was served up into a delicious story that leaves the reader satisfied. Noble was definitely a swoon-worthy hero in my eyes (I think I have a thing for heroes that use terms of endearment in another language) and Libby grew into a gentle strength that she wasn't aware she possessed at the beginning. I've always wanted to go to Colonial Williamsburg and that desire has only intensified ten-fold! A must read for those who love historical romances.