Laura Frantz transports the reader to Scotland’s rugged isles in this historically rich and emotionally deep novel. I love how Frantz can draw the reader into the story, whether the setting is the wilds of Kentucke Territory or across the ocean in the old country.
Lark is a sweet, compelling character, with a depth of character that compels her to do what’s right, even against the pressures of the culture and people around her. And to her own danger at times. Magnus is a strong hero, eager to step in when needed, but still flawed. As these two find themselves in a mess too tangled to undo, they must learn to trust each other and to trust God to lead and guard them.
While I enjoyed this story and the history it is steeped in, the pacing threw me off. I expected the story to move towards their time in the New World much faster. Looking back, I appreciate the way Frantz drew the story along, but as I was reading it, I felt like I kept waiting to get to that part of the story.
In all, though, I enjoyed this latest read from Frantz. She delivers in the areas she’s so good at: history, romance, and depth of story. While this is not my favorite of her novels, it has earned a spot on my shelf.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

When I found out that one of my favorite authors, Laura Frantz, was releasing a new novel with a highlander hero coming to Colonial America, I let out a peal of delight. I admit that part of that reason was because I was in the throes of penning my own highlander-come-to-the-colonies novella, and I wanted to see how a popular author like Ms. Frantz handled it, but largely, it was because she always, ALWAYS comes through with a marvelous story. A Bound Heart is no exception. Spanning the Atlantic Ocean from Scotland's craggy shores to Colonial Virginia and the Jamaican Islands, Ms. Frantz weaves a story the longing for home, of change when the future isn't ours to control, and especially of love deferred.

In A Bound Heart, the author not only touched on a spectacular tale of romance, peril, and adventure, but she delved into another era of history I've long enjoyed studying, that of the indentures that came to the new world for so many reasons and were "bound out" for so many more. In A Bound Heart we find characters from various stations of society, all bound together as prisoners from Scotland. First their is the Laird of Kerrara--Magnus Macleisch--and what a hero he is. He is conflicted, intelligent, and oh-so-handsome. His love interest, Lark McDougal, lives in a humble croft with her granny, but she has long had links to life in the Macleisch castle and brings life-saving healing to the people on her island. Another character who I really liked was "the captain" - Rory MacPherson. Rory was a dangerously intriguing character, handsome and devilish. BELOW IS A SPOILER ABOUT RORY.

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SPOILER ALERT: Don't read this if you haven't read the book yet. But if you have, go ahead. I'd like to know your thoughts.
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I feel like Rory was very complex, and he brought something really special to this story, even though we all knew he wasn't right for Lark. I was sad to hear that he was killed at the end. Unless...does Ms. Frantz have a sequel in mind? Is it truly the last we've heard from the notorious captain? I really have no idea, but if this were my book, I'd definitely bring him back for some redemption.
OKAY--END OF SPOILER.

It might be just me, but the lady on the cover reminds me of Demelza from Poldark.

Anyways, I had been eagerly waiting to read this book. I must say that I was not disappointed. The descriptions in this book made the book come alive. A Beautifully written story that takes us on a scenic journey from Scotland, across the Atlantic to Virginia, even to Jamaica. I loved Lark, even admired Magnus a bit. A lovely story about second chances.

An engaging and warm story. The characters are great. The plot is interesting. It's a good read overall.

Ah, I don’t even know where to begin with this beautiful book! Laura Frantz gives readers a story that spans from the Scottish Highlands to a sea voyage to Virginia and on to Jamaica. Each setting is given vivid and detailed descriptions placing readers right into the time and place.

Lark MacDougall is such a relatable character. She’s torn between what she longs for in her heart and what is expected of her. Throughout her trials, she leans hard into her faith. Magnus MacLeish has given into his familial expectation and is unhappy in his situation but striving to be the best laird and husband he can in his circumstances. He is a spiritual beacon for Lark when she most needs it.

There are a few love triangles throughout this story but underneath it all is Magnus and Lark’s friendship and longing for each other. And even though they are apart for a good portion of the story, their romance is organic and enjoyable.

Oh, and if you want to be even more immersed in the story, the audiobook narrator does a wonderful Scottish brogue!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Laura Frantz is truly a master of vivid descriptions of beautiful landscapes and sea/skyscapes as she lyrically composes the lives and times of her historical characters. A Bound Heart is set in Scotland. While Ms. Frantz is such a romantic writer, she could probably make Antarctica sound like a vacation spot, I had to wonder if I would like the island of Kerrera any more than Isla did.
Smugglers, fighting against unjust taxes, a corrupt court, an ocean voyage of horrors, several love triangles; all make for a very tightly woven story. Frantz’s characters are full of life, passion, and pride in their heritage. When these freedoms are removed, what will remain behind?
It was very interesting to learn about the Scots’ way of life in the 1750s. I must admit, I had a hard time with a love triangle involving a married person. While no wrong actions occurred, I would have preferred to see one party or the other take steps to put physical distance between them. The glossary was a huge help, as was the context in which Frantz used the unfamiliar words. A few wonderful quotes:
On the horrid ship: “Lord, all I have is Ye. Make that enough.”
“Fear had a terrible taste.”
This is a good book, but it will not be my favorite Frantz book. To each his own. Anxiously awaiting the next Frantz novel.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are solely my own and no positive review was required.

Laura Frantz's latest novel, A Bound Heart, is an utterly captivating read. Whisking you away from the islands of Scotland to colonial Virginia, Frantz entrances her readers in a time long past. Yet this story is in no way stale with time. On the contrary, the passions and hearts of her characters hold dreams and purposes all too familiar for us today. This story, though centuries past, rings a bell with the present, holding the power to inspire and strike our hearts.

In my opinion, Frantz's books hold a timeless appeal. Her characters are multidimensional, with a depth that connects them to her readers in an unforgettable way. Frantz's research and gift for infusing truth into her plots is hallmark. I come away from each of her books inspired, uplifted, and challenged to live with truth and integrity. This is not a light, flippant romance, but a hard fought journey into a new life of promise.

I highly recommend this and all other books by Laura Frantz. She is not an author to be ignored.

I love Scotland, probably due to my Scottish roots. And a man in a kilt... Magnus was by far my favorite character in this story. Like all of Laura Frantz's books, history was brought to life.
As much as I love the Scottish setting, the story picked up more after the trip to America. I blame the blurb for this. It gives too much away. If you happen to read this review before reading the blurb, don't read the blurb.
I was provided a free copy by the publisher, but my opinions are my own.

Childhood friends now grown into the rolls that life has stationed them at. Magnus as laird and Lark as the castle's healer. Lovely story of two people who love each other but are separated by the stations in life they are in. Magnus marries for status. Lark remains single. Through trials, ups and downs this story flowed so well and kept me locked In wanting to read more even when my eyelids said otherwise. Loved the ending and am patiently waiting on the sequel

My thoughts... The first time I saw the cover of this novel I was drawn in. What a beautiful image of the main character, Lark, and the place where this epic tale begins. I can picture in my mind the cliff's edge where Lark lived with her Granny on the Isle of Kerrera in Scotland. It definitely makes me wish I could go there myself. The amazing amount of detail put into this novel breathes life into its characters and settings as we are taken on a journey that begins in Scotland, moves on board a ship to colonial Virginia, and even to the Caribbean Islands. The sights, sounds and smells come alive and create a feast for the senses.
The novel definitely stays true to its genre of historical Christian fiction, including the Christian faith of the characters (without being "preachy"). The hardships of life in Scotland and the reality of how lives can be turned upside down because of deception and bribery are not sugar coated. Even as they were forced upon a ship bound for America, Lark and Magnus came face to face with human depravity. The horrors of slavery and life on a colonial plantation, as well as a sugar plantation in the Caribbean Islands, were written realistically, but not in overwhelming graphic detail. While there was much hardship, the strong bond between many of the characters offered support, care, and the will to press on. In several instances, Lark was approached by men who wanted to court her, and accepting them could've made her life easier. In each situation, Lark sought God's guidance and made sure that whoever she accepted would share her faith. I also loved the bond between Magnus and Lark. They grew up together on the Isle of Kerrera, and developed a dedicated friendship in their early years. That deep friendship continued throughout the novel, as they both wanted what was best for the other, which is a true depiction of Biblical love. You will delight in the journey you'll take with Lark and Magnus! Devotion, faith, endurance, and love are all beautifully depicted in this novel. I highly recommend it!

Personal takeaway...We can trust God with our deepest fears, greatest losses, and need for love. He is faithful to walk with us through all of these.
**I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion, which I did.**

I am a huge, huge Laura Frantz fan, so I am having a hard time writing this review. I don't feel like this book lived up to all of her other books. The beginning dragged a lot for me. I was confused on which guy was supposed to be the main character, Magnus or Rory. I didn't feel like Lark had a real connection with either one of them.
Once they boarded the ship to go to America, the pace picked up a bit and I found myself more interested in the characters, but I still did not feel that connection between Lark and Magnus. Rory was a main character at the beginning of the book, but then he drops off. We are told where he went, but it was like his character just dropped off the face of the earth.

I still love books by Laura Frantz and I will always read her, but this book did not live up to all of her other ones, in my opinion. If you are new to this author, I recommend reading another one first.

I received a complimentary copy from netgalley. All opinions are my own.

A Bound Heart was a definite five stars. I fell into the book right from page one and was so happy with the very satisfying ending.

Lark MacDougall grew up on the castle grounds alongside Magnus MacLeish. As they have grown up, Lark has taken her place as the apothecary and Magnus as the Laird, with a wife that is unable to conceive. Magnus longs for a child. Lark has grown into a beautiful woman. Both Lark and Magnus share a similar faith. The Isle of Kerrera has a great deal of smuggling going on. Lark tries to take a stand and not assist with the smuggling. Magnus seems to always be there for Lark and tries to protect her from harm at every chance he gets.

Lark longs to help Magnus have children. Her aging grandmother makes a tonic but there is a problem with it and Lark hides it. When she is falsely accused of giving the tonic to Magnus's wife and causing her death, she is tried and convicted. As Magnus stands up to defend her, he is also tried and convicted. Both find their worlds completely changed as they become indentured servants. But despite their change in circumstances, Magnus does his best to protect her.

Lark and Magnus travel by ship to the locations where they are to serve out their sentences. Lark is set up in Virginia and Magnus is sent to a dangerous country to serve out his sentence. Both Lark and Magnus find out what is important in life and promise to wait for one another. When Lark hears Magnus has been killed, she is asked to think of her future and move on, but can she when her heart is so firmly fixed on Magnus? Wow, it was just that good. You travel on an emotional journey that keeps you engaged from start to finish. It was hard to put down.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest feedback.

There are books that describe places and then there are books that TAKE you to places.

In Laura Frantz’s newest novel, A Bound Heart, the reader is drawn into the world of Kerrara by the exquisite detail and descriptive beauty of Laura’s prose. As usual, reading a Laura Frantz book promises beautiful writing, and her newest offering to the historical fiction world (with romance) fulfills that promise. And as much as I usually fawn over Laura’s heroes in her books, the real star of this book is the heroine, Lark. Her story – the aches, uncertainties, compassion, and kindness – takes center stage, even as the dashing and honorable, Magnus MacLeish, plays a large role. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a formidable character – strong, thoughtful, kind…and intense. A true Scottish laird. It was such fun to see his lighter side at times and any time he and Lark shared the page??!!...those were my favorites!

Now, this book was kind of like brownies cooking in the oven. It took a while to benefit from the full effects of the work. The start moved a little slowly, but there was a lovely aroma of both conflict and romance to come, so that when both come, the reader is left savoring both the sweetness and richness of the flavor. The friendship between Magnus and Lark was sweet, and Lark’s relationship with her granny and Larkin add so much to the story! I’m a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, and we are certainly rewarded with the tender romance by the end.

If you were a fan of Laura’s book, The Lacemaker, then you’ll enjoy her newest release. There are many similarities in the flow of this story and the careful unfolding of both romance and historical detail.
It was a pleasure to read this story as my first of 2019.

I would rate this book as a 4.5 out of 5.
Thank you to Netgalley for making it available. I was not required to write a review. These opinions expressed are my own.

I always look forward to Laura Frantz’s historical fiction novels (with romance) and this one was no different. My thoughts:

What I liked

The premise. I’ve never read an indentured servant story quite like this one. Frantz does a very good job of showing just how difficult it must have been to be sentenced to an indenture and what that life would have probably looked like for people in that kind of situation.

History. As always, I learned a lot without feeling as though I had been taught. Frantz is able to insert a lot of small facts in her narrative that show that she did her research without beating the reader over the head with it. She also spends quite some time in the Caribbean which is definitely an area in which I knew very little about.

The romance. To be honest, the hero and heroine did not actually have a lot of time together on the pages to fall in love, but the author set up such an intensely felt back story that I found myself rooting for them almost right away and never wanted to stop.

Spiritually, both main characters are believers and show it well with their actions. I love how no matter how difficult things got, Magnus’ faith never strayed. He’s a solid rock of a character. Lark constantly and consistently shows Christ’s love by loving others when it’s easy and when it’s difficult.

What I didn’t like

After reading what the book was about, I kept waiting for certain events to happen right away. The book felt a bit like it was taking its time to get there. In other words, the beginning was a little slow.

Also, the main characters, at one point, are separated for about 25% percent of the book (which I’m never a fan of) and what happens in that portion, while interesting, was also predictable.

The ending was fast. If this is a series, it works. I’m totally buying the next one. If this is a stand-alone, then there were too many loose threads for me.

Romantic scale: 8

Overall, I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would (it started slow folks). The characters had me completely invested and kept me thoroughly entertained.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

Outlander fans take note! This is a faith-filled tale set in the same setting and era as the famous series. I really liked the slow burning romance between Magnus and Lark. Due to numerous circumstances, their obvious attraction to each other is denied for many years, but this only serves to make the tale realistic and much more satisfying in the end.
So many exotic settings, tumultuous events, and twists in each of their stories kept me invested in the ultimate outcome. I was happy to see that there will be another book in this series because this book left loose ends hanging.
This is overall a beautifully told tale of longing, grace, forgiveness, and God's mercy despite terrible circumstances.

A Bound Heart is another fabulous read by Laura Frantz. I enjoyed Magnus and Lark's story. The rich and vivid historical details kept me intrigued. I loved how the author envisioned how the journey across the Atlantic and Colonial Virginia.
I am giving A Bound Heart a well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy to read historical fiction set during Colonial America. It is such a beautiful and well written story.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Initially I had difficulty finding the rhythm to the language of this story, but somewhere in the third chapter all fell into place. A Bound Heart is a delightful story of two people with so much in common yet in very different stations in life. Through a series of very vexing circumstances it appeared that love would find a way, but new complications continue to arise, and priorities have to be examined and reconsidered. It is a story of learning to wait upon the Lord, and of holding on to trust in Him.

Both the characters and the setting of A Bound Heart are engaging, whether they are the ones you adore or the ones you abhor. The reader will experience a history-steeped Scottish isle, a disease-provoking West Indies island, and a both welcoming and threatening Virginia Colony. (I especially enjoyed mentally revisiting Colonial Williamsburg.) The reader will also experience a broad range of emotions that Frantz is so skilled at evoking. One cannot help but care about the characters she creates.

I highly recommend A Bound Heart along with any book by this author. I thank NetGalley and Revell Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A Bound Heart (2019) by Laura Frantz is one of the most beautiful novels I’ve ever read! This novel will be available in all forms including eBook on January 1, 2019 (tomorrow!), and is 400 pages in length. With a full-time job and a precocious six-year old at home, this book took me one glorious week to read. I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from Revell via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this book 10 STARS. A Bound Heart is a Christian Historical Romance.

DISCLAIMER: I do not have adequate words to describe just how AMAZING A Bound Heart truly is. This review will be insufficient and for that I am sorry. Suffice to say, A Bound Heart is Laura Frantz’s best book yet — an experience not to be missed!

I have to begin by saying that Lark and Magnus truly stole my heart from page 1. They are FANTASTIC characters. Lark is one of the most relatable female characters I’ve ever read, and Magnus is so spiritually strong that his sure faith endeared him to me almost instantly.

I believe that God made women natural worriers. Christian society tells us that to worry means we don’t trust God, but I don’t think that is necessarily true. I think that fretting is a signal to us ladies to go to God. Let’s be honest. Most women don’t need anyone. Women are capable, strong, dependable, and hard working. We carry the world on our shoulders. We take what God gave us and we make lemonade. But we do tend to get stuck on islands of our own making seemingly isolated and paralyzed at times. It can be hard for us to go to others, including God, for help. This is why God put a worry button inside all of us women. When it goes off, we should immediately take our fretting to Him, not hole it away to be dealt with on our own. With God, we make the perfect team and are then able to figure out how to solve our issues. Lark is a woman whose life takes a drastic turn for the worse. Jesus says in the Bible that in this life we will have trials and tribulations. Words could not be truer for poor Lark. Her worry meter goes off the charts in this story and for seriously good reason. What I love so much about Lark is that she never lets the worry paralyze her. No matter what happens in her story, no matter how much she frets, Lark isn’t stopped. She attempts to do what is right by God always. Her thoughts and actions are all based off of the question, “What would God want me to do in this situation?” Lark even acknowledges that “when she [is] the most tired, most overwhelmed by [her] work, she [frets] the most,” which is so true to most every woman I know today, but she never stops turning to God. To Lark, God is not some far-off deity, but rather He is a close and intimate Father and King. No matter how bad it gets for Lark — and, man, does it get rough — she takes everything to God. Lark is a fantastic example of a Christian woman, and her actions in this novel serve as a great reminder to me for how I need to act when worry hits me square in the chest.

Magnus is a wonderful illustration of a righteous man. He is kind, compassionate, and loyal. He is hard working, dependable, and just. It matters not a person’s station in life, if Magnus can offer help, he will. Magnus is a man who loves Jesus with his whole being, and works very hard to be Biblical in all he does. Magnus is not a prefect superman though. He does have some big fears. But, what I loved so much about Magnus’s character is that his faith is so BIG and STRONG it eclipses all of his fears. As I was reading, I was often very encouraged by his faith. He is 100% confident in God, and he never wavers in that assurance. And, his faith is so sure he is able to help Lark through her fears and help her see God’s goodness in even the darkest moments. Honestly, that is how men should be today in their faith — so sure in God that they can help confirm for others when they might be slipping a little. It is so refreshing to read about a male character so strong and sure in God.

What I love so much about A Bound Heart is how encouraging this story is. I walked away from this book lighter and more hopeful because of its beautiful message. God has put us all in exactly the place we need to be for Him. Sometimes that is a really hard fact to accept. Sometimes life seems so dark and scary it’s like God can’t possibly be there. But, A Bound Heart reinforces the fact that if God puts a person in a particular place, He will be with that person in that place no matter what. There is a moment where Lark is fretting, as she does so well, and Magnus consoles her by stating, “God has seen us here and promises to turn things in our favor no matter how dark. If He promises to bring good from all this, should we not look for the good too?” This is exactly what Lark needed to think upon. These words put her back on track, and they reminded me of Romans 8:28: “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” God is not a BIG meany in the sky waiting to move things just right so we fall and are ruined. If God puts us somewhere, He means it for our good. As Magnus implies to Lark, we just need to see past the bad to find the good that God has in store for us. Especially in today’s scary, dark times, this message is a balm to my soul.

A Bound Heart is wonderful. I purposely took a whole week to slowly read this book because with a Laura Frantz novel you have to savor every beautiful word, setting, character, and plot line. I am SO sad that my time with Lark and Magnus is over. I will miss these characters very much. But I am blessed to have read this book. Filled with timely messages and excellent faith reminders, I am walking away from this story a little lighter and more hope-filled. It goes without saying, but I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this amazing, engaging, beautiful story. It is a 2019 MUST READ for sure.

I have read a few other books by Laura Frantz and this one was just as wonderful as the others I've read. At times it was heartbreaking and at others it was joyful, but it was never boring.

This story follows Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall through a sweeping tale from their homeland of Scotland to the struggles in America. Both experience a great deal of loss and pain, but their love is a beacon of hope for their future. It was interesting to see how they both adapted to their ever-changing circumstances. There were times I wanted to shake one (or both) of them, but it was wonderful seeing them overcome their obstacles.

I hated seeing their story end, but it was a satisfying conclusion to their tale. A fan of historical fiction will definitely enjoy this one.

I love the solemnity in Laura Frantz’s books. They are timeless and precious. She truly has a gift.
I’ve been holding my breath since The Lacemaker for her newest book because, if someone had not been convinced of Frantz’s gift until now, The Lacemaker surely did.

With trepidation and excitement I opened A Bound Heart, and oh how my bookworm heart was satisfied!!! Taking us from one continent to another, crossing different oceans, the power of story and connection is stamped throughout the pages. No review big enough can do this book justice.