A Bound Heart is the latest tale from Laura Fantz. Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall have lived their lives on the isle of Kerrera in Scotland; however, when they both are falsely accused of crimes, they soon find themselves traveling across the ocean toward America as indentured servants!

After a rough crossing, Magnus and Lark find themselves in a world unlike anything they had ever seen. They both miss their old home; however, Magnus and Lark are ready to adjust to this new place. Lark is to work in the stillroom, as an apothecary, at the Royal Hundred plantation in Virginia; while Magnus, former laird of Kerrera Castle, will head off to the Caribbean to work as the factor to oversee the plantations at Trelawny Hall in Jamaica!

Hang on as see Magnus and Lark trust God, while they find their place in this new world!

From a Scottish island to Virginia and the West Indies, this author makes readers vividly become apart of the story. Lark and Magnus' story winds slowly toward an ending that begs for more. I'm hoping the author will continue their story. Highly recommended!

Lark MacDougalls loves her home on the island of Kerrera. She keeps the bees and works in the stillroom at laird's castle, and while it's a simple life, there's nowhere else she'd rather be. Loyal to the laird, Magnus MacLeish, Lark does what she can to try to help his wife, Isla, bear him an heir, but after multiple miscarriages, Lark feels there's little she can do to help Isla. When Isla dies unexpectedly, Lark is accused of killing her, and Magnus, in his attempt to protect Lark, also finds himself imprisoned. While spared the noose, Lark doesn't know what she'll do when she and Magnus are indentured and sent across the Atlantic to a new world and a new life.

This book was phenomenal! The descriptions and the characters are amazing; from the very beginning, Laura Frantz did a terrific job of transporting me to Scotland alongside Lark. It was just amazing how she drew me into the setting as much as the plot. Everything about the story was so interesting--from the Scottish daily life with the poverty alongside the beauty to the harsh British laws that punish the Scots to life as an indentured servant. There's just so much here to fall in love with--including Lark and Magnus, who were both strong, wonderful characters and they were so well-developed and really felt like real people. I really loved getting to read their story and see how things played out for them.

5 stars. A fantastic book to kick of 2019--this one sets a high standard for everything I read from here on out!

I read an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Such a beautiful story. I enjoyed the characters in this story, each character brought much depth to the story. The beauty of Kerrera is burned into my memory. I can see the cliffs and caves with the might waves crashing over them. The cottages that sit on top with its beautiful garden. The author did a excellent job of drawing the reader into loving this place as much as the characters in the book. The piracy, romance and heartbreak bring so much to the story. There was not a single page that was boring, just emotions that are drawn out by the story. Another great book by Laura Frantz!.

In this historical novel, Ms. Frantz takes us to Scotland where we meet Magnus and Lark. Lark is the beekeeper and over the stillroom (mixes herbs etc.). Magnus is the laird of the island where they are living. This is during turbulent times in Scotland. After Magnus’s wife suddenly dies, her family blames Lark. Eventually, their paths lead to Colonial America. This is a romantic story. This book was fascinating to read especially the historical places and the time period that the book took place during. Ms. Frantz does not disappoint in her latest release! This book will take you to another time and place and you will be wanting to continue to read more and more. I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz is excellent Christian Historical Fiction that travels from Scotland to Virginia and Jamaica in 1750. I enjoyed the story of Lark and Magnus, the period detail, the values of the Christian characters, and most of all the continual thread of God‘s faithfulness. Laura Frantz has a rare talent with the written word and includes her own personal family history in her work. Yes, I am prejudiced she is one of my favorite authors and I recommend every book she has written.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate this opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

Laura Frantz's A Bound Heart is historical fiction set in the 1750s in Scotland, Virginia, and Jamaica. The hero and heroine find themselves far from their native land--and not by choice. Both are "transported" to the colonies, albeit different colonies to serve out their indentures.

Lark MacDougall, our heroine, is a joy to spend time with. She's a bee keeper and a keeper of the stillroom. Like her grandmother, she knows how to make elixirs and remedies for most of what ails you. Unfortunately, she hasn't found an elixir that can cure infertility which is what her mistress is demanding of her.

Magnus MacLeish, our hero, is also a joy. He's also a laird, and Lark's employer. (These two have known each other all their lives, grown up together.) His city wife isn't adapting well to Kerrera. It doesn't help that she's been unable to have a child, an heir. With every miscarriage, she loses the will to live a little more.

I won't spoil the novel by telling you the details his crime or her crime. That should probably be "crime." For the justice system is more an injustice system for these two Scots.

But I will add in a thousand loves. I loved, loved, LOVED this novel. It was giddy-making. I loved the characters. I loved their big hearts. I loved their strength and determination. Magnus is definitely a swoon-worthy hero. Lark was lovely. Lark and Magnus just belong together. I was cheering for them from the beginning. I loved the setting as well. Scotland. Virginia. These are two places my own ancestors lived. The novel swept me up, up, and away. It was just a delight to read.

A Bound Heart has the allure of the Scottish highlands and a romance that endures a perilous voyage across the ocean. However, it falls short of fully planting its characters and setting with the weight of their history. It has a lot of potential for learning more about indentured people and colonial living, but it doesn't explore the full extent of the personal implications and the internal dilemmas the characters face. These circumstances would stir a lot of emotion in most people, but these characters seem mildly affected. It all comes across a little too clean. I hoped to see more of the reality of their struggle both internally and externally.

Okay. First off. I loved this book. Really loved it. Could-not-put-it-down status loved it. And second, if you’ve been seeing ads for Outlander all over your social media, but wondered if there was a book out there that had some of the same history, but maybe written for a different audience… THIS IS IT.

When I compare it to Outlander, mind you, I’m not referring to plot or time travel. A Bound Heart takes place shortly after Culloden and the rising of ’45 with references to the rising of ’15. It delves into the conditions imposed on the Scottish lands by the English as punishment for the rebellion. The outlawing of Tartan and the rise of smuggling due to poor conditions. All fascinating to read about. Not to mention Lark’s knowledge of herbs – which is what gets her in trouble as a barren woman can be a desperate woman, nevermind Lark’s reluctance.

And so the story carries into the life of indentures and slavery in pre-revolutionary America and the West Indies. It’s a slow burn tale as the two of them seek to create a family with the infant orphan entrusted to Lark’s care and a future for themselves, all the while being hemmed in by misfortune, distance, “seasonings” and indenture contacts. But I think you’ll be sucked into every minute of it. Frustrated, hopeful, heartbroken and longing for the happily ever after I promise will come (Yes, it’s one of those books, and you’ll love it).

Frantz paints a majestic picture of life in the mid 1700s – the clothing, the people and houses and landscapes. Rich history of the conditions of the time and fascinating anecdotes about children wearing stays and pudding caps. It’s all just so good and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on it in January!

Absolutely enthralling book of intrigue, royalty and the early stages of Colonial America! I have never read Laura Frantz before, but I have enjoyed the masterful storytelling, characters that are well developed and a journey that does not let up.

The beginning chapters set the scene for the adventure to follow. Childhood friendships will be tested, pirates, love triangles, impossible adventures ensue...I am captivated by the book. I believe this story is for just about anyone who wants to read a well rounded, expertly investigated historical piece.

Drawing from her own family history and extensive research, Laura Frantz does a beautiful job of drafting people who leap off the page. I was thankful to be able to read early! Thank you, NetGalley!

Please, may I give this book 10 stars? For it truly deserves every one of those. How can I craft a review worthy of the words written on these pages? I feel woefully inadequate to the task and yet somehow I must.


'What was left of her sheltered world---that sacred, inviolate haven made up of Magnus and Kerrera, croft and castle---lay in irretrievable ruins.'


Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up together on the same castle grounds on the Scottish isle, but Magnus is now laird and Lark is the keeper of his bees and the one who keeps the stillroom. And she is the one who can provide a remedy for his ailing wife to conceive a bairn after many miscarriages. Then that wife dies suddenly and Lark is arrested, then Magnus, though for a different reason. They find themselves caught up in a maelstrom of uncertainly, sold as indentured servants in the New World and Jamaica. Will all their hopes for a new life be dashed against the rocks of the new place they have sailed to? Will God intervene?


Laura Frantz once again takes her readers on a journey that is full of grace, beauty and the mercies of God. Her prose is magnificent and readers are instantly transported to the time and place in which her story is set. Her descriptions of locale, wardrobe and food are indeed feasts for the imagination. Truly, she plops us right down into the very core of her story and the world around us ceases to exist as long as we are reading. There we stay until book's end. And for a time to come, even.

There is something so incredibly precious about settling down and sinking into a Laura Frantz novel that is just soul-nourishing. The feelings her novels evoke are not to be missed. All her books have a permanent place on my keeper shelf, destined to be read again and again.

Frantz takes us on an epic, heart-wrenching journey from Scotland to the colonies in Virginia and to the sugar plantations of Jamaica in the mid 1700s. Details are her specialty and these two characters lay their hearts on the pages and will remain with me for many a month. Lark, with her plants and bees, her tender heart and strong faith, always looking to God for His will for her life. Magnus, a noble man, truly loyal to Christ and a true heart for Lark and God.

This one is masterful and extraordinary, full of Frantz's heart and made my own heart swell more than once. I purely loved everything about it and highly recommend it.

* My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions stated here are entirely my own.

A Bound Heart
By Laura Frantz
Take a trip back in time to Scotland, and the New World.
Lark MacDougall lives and serves as a gardener to the castle on the Isle of Kerrera. Although she is of marrying age, Lark is content living with Granny, taking care of the gardens and tending to the mistress of Kerrera castle for now. One night however changes the future she envisioned for herself. Larks simple life is no longer in her hands as she is caught up in a whirlwind of drama. Larks calm and polite demeanor does not go unnoticed by the gentlemen in her life. In this turmoil can one still find love?
Laura Frantz did a wonderful job at weaving this tale. I could imagine everything she wrote so clearly. It was quite a journey that the characters went through. I was pulled in and only to get lost into the landscape and story she brought to life.

I have always loved books by Laura Frantz. For some reason, I did not love this one. The stories of Magnus and Lark were interesting and engrossing until they actually arrived in America. They are sent separate ways and for me, the book just stalled at that point. Laura Frantz is still one of my favorite authors but this book is just not one of my favorites. I'm sure that it is only personal and others will love it because, let's just say - LAURA FRANTZ!

As the beekeeper and apothecary on the Scottish Isle of Kerrera, Lark MacDougall is responsible for giving the laird's wife comfort after her many miscarriages and finding some herbs that will help her keep a baby to term. But when the querulous invalid dies, Lark is blamed for it and sent to prison. Indentured servitude in the Americas beckons, and Lark must do her best to survive aboard ship and in a strange land of slaves, masters, and rare botanical beauty. 

Magnus MacLeish, laird of Kerrera, was raised side by side with Lark, but at his father's behest he took a noble wife from the town of Edinburgh instead of an island girl. With his Jacobite heritage, Magnus has few friends on the judges' bench, and when he springs to his friend Lark's defense over the unjust accusation, he finds his castle, lands, and position stripped away. Now, bound for the fever-filled fields of Jamaica, he must see if he can survive the rigors of the plantations and find his way to colonial Williamsburg to retrieve his faithful Lark. 

In this book, Laura Frantz departs from her standard setting on the American frontier and ventures to bonny Scotland where things are...not so bonny. Suffering the same unjust taxation that afflicts the American colonies, many Scots engage in smuggling--or "free-trading"--to put food on their tables. Compelled by her Presbyterian honesty, Lark tries to avoid participation in the smugglers' trade. Magnus attempts to uphold the king's law as well, but his offense of wearing the outlawed Scottish tartan ends up costing him dearly.  The difficulty of the Atlantic voyage is displayed in grim detail as Lark must protect herself from both the ship's officers and the elements of nature. The subject of indentured servitude is not one usually explored, and it was interesting to see the terms of the contracts that bind both Magnus and Lark. 

Both Magnus and Lark are extremely sympathetic characters. Magnus is honorable, honest, devout, and godfearing, and looks like a Norse Viking. Lark is diligent, devoted, perseverant, and faithful, and if the cover of this book is anything to judge by, a great beauty with her Scottish coloring. Although they are bound by their indentures, they are also bound to each other, and neither pestilential fever, cruel overseers, backbreaking sugar cane, or fear of the unknown can keep them apart in the end. 

My one complaint about this book is that I wish it were longer. Yes, the ending was satisfying (no cliff-hangers here!), but there were so many fascinating details about Magnus' new life in Jamaica that I wished Laura Frantz had extended the plot line farther into the protagonists' lives as she did in Courting Morrow Little. Recommended. 

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

If you’re in the mood for a story that is like taking a long meandering stroll through a beautiful garden, you’re sights and senses heightened by prose and descriptions, this is the book for you. An epic tale. One lovers of Poldark will be swooning all over.

4.5 Stars
I always look forward for the release of a Laura Frantz book. She has a way of bringing a story to life. You not only feel you know the characters but are also a part of the tale itself. Everything from the surroundings to the minor characters are described in a way they are brought to life and you lose yourself in the time period.

A Bound Heart starts out in Scotland but is later moved to Colonial America and Jamacia. I loved the describtions and customs in Scotland but also found it so intriguing to find out how Magnus and Lark adjust to the changes they encounter.

This is another epic romance from Laura Frantz that is a must read. I highly recommend it.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my own honest opinions and view for A Bound Heart.

A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz is an inspirational Christian romance novel set in the mid 1700’s. The story chronicles the relationship of three unlikely friends.

Rory MacPherson, Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall were playmates on the Isle of Kerrera on the coast of Scotland. Rory and Lark are of humble beginnings, though Lark is a descendant of the once powerful Clan MacDougall, while Magnus is the heir of the ruling Clan MacLeish. Magnus and Lark are educated together until Magnus leaves to continue his education at the university in Edinburgh. The three are still known to each other but cannot maintain close relationships because of the differences in status and lifestyle.

Rory is owner and captain of the merchant ship, Merry Lass, now part of a smuggling ring. Lark is the bee keeper and healer of Castle Kerrera struggling to find a treatment for the barren mistress of the castle, Magnus’ wife, Isla. Magnus is now laird of both the Isle and Castle Kerrera and has all the stress and responsibility that comes with the title. Lark is friendly with both Magnus and Rory, but Magnus now disapproves of Rory’s lifestyle. After Isla dies tragically, the former playmates are all accused of crimes and are sent to the Colonies as indentured servants. Romance, while hinted at throughout the novel, actually seems to be a side note and not the focus of the story. The beginning of the novel alludes to a relationship between Lark and Rory, since Magnus is married to the the intractable Isla. A relationship between Magnus and Lark only becomes a possibility when they are aboard the transport ship, Bonaventure, crossing the Atlantic.

I was pleased to find that scripture is a major component of the makeup of this novel and is appropriately quoted throughout. Magnus and Lark are devout, but Rory finds no use for religion. Trials cause Magnus and Lark to turn even more to their faith, while Rory only becomes more bitter.

The scenery is compelling and plays an important role in the development of the plot. The story begins on the coast of the Scottish Highlands, then crosses the Atlantic to Virginia and Jamaica. Frantz has done her research, and each locale is genuinely portrayed, from flora and fauna to weather, food and culture.

The primary characters are well-developed. Rory, Magnus and Lark have complete backstories and are believable. Unfortunately, the plethora of minor characters detracts from the plot development.

Overall I enjoyed A Bound Heart, though I wish that the romantic aspects of the story we more developed. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good Christian fiction. Conversely, those who dislike religious themes would probably not enjoy this novel.

My thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

•*• Like a fantastic miniseries you can’t wait to watch each night •*•
This story is so authentic and heartfelt. I was swept up in the emotion of it all the way through.
This story takes you on an amazing journey beginning in 1752, rich in detail, from the beautiful isle of Kerrara including the castle and its garden, the small cottage homes, the caves where a pirating sea captain offloads his cargo, to the grime and misery of Edinburgh, to the awful ship where indentures and prisoners serve during transport, to the young colonies of America and the slave islands of Jamaica. Lark is a simple and sweet young lady full of never-ending kindness. Her heart is linked to Magnus whom she cannot have. At times she considers Rory, the pirate captain, who may be her best chance at a future. Later she is drawn to Trevor who might meet her needs in America when her options seem to be running out. No matter her thoughts, she continually seeks the Lord for wisdom and guidance.
This book is so rich in history, faith, and love. I truly enjoyed it.

Interesting History can be found on Wikipedia re Gylen Castle which recently went through a restoration process thanks to worldwide members of the Clan MacDougall.
SCOTTISH PROVERB: The devil’s boots don’t creak.
FAITH QUOTE: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.
TEA QUOTES/MOMENTS: •*• “None could afford salt – or tea – since the Crown taxed both nigh to death.” •*• “Now, shall we have a dish of tea?” No more was said about the past. Lark felt a burden lift like a slate wiped clean. The lovely porcelain tea set appeared, the cozy room suffused with the fragrance of souchong. Though the housekeeper took her tea lain, she remembered Lark liked otherwise. Silver sugar tongs and a small jug of cream sat on the tea table. Truly, tea was the cup that cheered.” •*•“’Twas four o’clock in the afternoon. Lark watched as Mistress Flowerdew poured steaming water into a silver teapot and let the tea leaves steep for the customary three minutes. “I’m growing quite fond of cups with handles,” Theodosia said. “No more burning one’s hands and spilling tea on one’s skirts. I’ve ordered an entire set of Wedgwood from England and expect it any day now.””
DEDICATION: “To my sixth great-grandfather, George Hume of Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland.”
SCOTS GLOSSARY: Can be found at the beginning of the book which was useful and interesting.


I downloaded a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation thanks to NetGalley and Revell Publishing.

Loved Loved this book!!
I stayed up til 3 am to try and finish this awesome story about Lark and Magnus!!
I also loved that this was based on the author's ancestors. How truly fascinating!! I wish I knew my family history!! But alas I am adopted.
However I do know that my adopted father's family came directly from Germany!
But anyway, I held my breath in some places and was rooting for the characters the next.
Lark is a magnificent woman!!! Her faith just astounds me!! It's like o wow!! I admired how she got through the tough times.
Little Larkin bless his soul. I think he had to be my little hero!!! Be times I wanted to reach into the story and hold him myself!! Makes me sometimes miss having a little one to hold!! So I imagined getting to hold him in the story. It's funny how babies sense things. I loved how Larkin didn't like certain men but he took to others. Smart baby I hope his story continues!!
Magnus is something else. He knows how to get things done!! I love how he loved the Lord as well as Lark did.
I am thinking that this story is telling us not to marry someone that is unequal or an unbeliever I should say.
It would make a marriage more fullfilling.
I also believe that people shouldn't own one another. It's wrong on all accounts
Sometimes waiting patiently can be very rewarding!! In my opinion it makes that person a little more appreciate the finer things in life!
Way to go Magnus and Lark!!
Oh I also loved Lark because she has red hair like me lol!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was no compensations were received All opinions are my own

The cover of this book is so beautiful, as are the author's descriptions of the places that the characters go, both in Scotland and in the new world of Virginia. The author does a great job with all of her descriptions, and you can tell that she put a lot of research into making it an authentically period piece. However, I just had a really hard time connecting to the story's characters. The love story aspect just didn't work for me, as they're almost never together! Geographically, they're in the same areas, but they're not together. The disconnect makes it difficult to connect with them, both individually and as a couple. That aside, I'm giving this story four stars because I felt that I learned a lot about this period - all of the 'little things' - that made it interesting. History lessons through literature are the way to go... :)