When Laura Frantz writes a book you sit up and take notice because you know it is going to be a great read. A Heart Adrift is no different. The characters are rich and refreshing. Laura's words flow like the chocolate her character creates. I love reading Laura Frantz books because she writes about faith, family, and love while preserving historical facts. A Heart Adrift speaks of love lost and lives lost, but it speaks of hope, faith, and friendship. This is definitely a must read book.

I would like to thank Revell Books for the advanced reader copy. The views expressed are solely my own.

19th April 1749

Dearest Esmée,
Four Years. We have not spoken nor seen each other, yet you still seem nearer to me than the sea I sail upon. For all I know you have chosen another who, I am certain, is not a mariner. No matter our past, I choose to remember the good, for there was much of it in hindsight, if not the misspent words between us at the last…

-Laura Franz, A Heart Adrift


Always intertwined around early American history, Franz pens another stunning romance full of love, drama, and the intricacies of war. She is so accurate with the details of speech, the happenings of the time period (The French and Indian War), and the people that went along with it. In A Heart Adrift, you see the characters come alive. You live the struggles they endured and hope and believe alongside them. The story is beautiful and shows the reader that the love between a man and a woman can be requited too and redemption achieved.

Esmee Shaw a strong and independent woman is the owner of a chocolate shop in Yorktown. Captain Henri Lennox has the sea in his veins and breaks Esmee’s heart to answer the call of the ocean. But he returns, with the French and Indian War not far behind him. He also returns to find the woman that he once loved very different than when he left her 10 years earlier. They both must choose what is most important to them and decide what they are willing to sacrifice even if it means giving up what they both hold most dear- each other. I have read all of Laura Frantz’s books with “The Lacemaker” and “Tidewater Bride” being my favorites. However, “A Heart Adrift” has joined that list of favorites! Once I began reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. I grew up in Tidewater Virginia, a stone’s throw from the Chesapeake Bay, and was a student at The College of William and Mary, so that connection made this book all the more entrancing. Ms. Frantz writes with such depth and detail, that I could picture myself at the harbor in Yorktown or walking down Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg right alongside Esmee. The historical accuracy along with the fictional aspects blend perfectly into a book of pure delight. The characters have deep emotion and don’t appear as superficial. There was one minor character that became a major part of the book, towards the end, that I was not expecting! The mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure found throughout the book was thrilling to watch unfold! Thank you to NetGalley and Revell Publishing for the ARC of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

Laura Frantz crafts a slow-burn yet satisfying romance with her latest, A Heart Adrift.

Laura Frantz has a fantastic ability to drop you in a rich historical setting with relatable characters. With A Heart Adrift, she paints a vivid picture of colonial York and Williamsburg, drawing you into a romantic tale steeped in history.

Though a slow burn for sure, this romance is definitely worth reading. Captain Henri Lennox serves as a fantastic hero, managing to combine roguish pirate with consummate gentleman. And Esmée Shaw proves to be a relatable heroine whose flaws felt realistic. I loved seeing them thrust together again as they dealt with unresolved feelings. I kept wondering how they would finally come together, especially with the obvious romantic tension between them.

The spiritual content in this book is also outstanding. I enjoyed the discussion on God as an engaged Father as opposed to a distant Creator. And Eliza provides a great thread about inner beauty. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the way Frantz handled that plot point was remarkable and thought provoking.

Overall, A Heart Adrift is an engaging historical romance perfect for fans of rich historical detail and second chance romances.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

A Heart Adrift



I love Williamsburg and the Yorktown area.  I have been wanting to visit there again to explore the rich history that it shares with you.  I can not thank Laura Frantz enough to give me a taste of what it would be like if I was there in the 1700s.  I am quite impressed with the research that was required to write this glorious story of Henri and Esmee'.  


I'm from Michigan and we do have lighthouses along with the shores of the Great Lakes.  Esmee' desire and eagerness to work the lighthouse was a surprise to me as well as others in the storyline.  She wasn't raised to do such a task.  She knew that she wanted to do more than carry on her mother's ambition.  Esmee' "Heart" was adrift until she found what it desired.  


A great book that kept me up until the late hours this week.  

I received this book from Revell Reads to review.



#AHeartAdrift

Where is the 10 Star rating?!?! OOOOOH MY, I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! Welcome to 1755 Virginia, compliments of Laura Frantz and her novel, “A Heart Adrift.” The setting is beautifully depicted, and the characters are expertly developed. Esmee Shaw is a maker of chocolate…CHOCOLATE!!! And Captain Henri Lennox is a privateer. Throw in the growing threat of war, treasure, some sweet romance, and a lighthouse and you have all the makings of a wonderful historical fiction novel. This is a must read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Laura Frantz never fails to weave a great tale. Here she tells of two people and second chances. Two people who made choices a decade ago they have never failed to regret. While the story is set during the time of the French and Indian War, there are no Indians. Instead we are drawn into the towns of York and Williamsburg in coastal Virginia and the part the sea played not only in the war, but also the lives of those living near it and heeding its call. A young couple fell in love ten years ago but he as a young naval officer, felt drawn to life at sea and she, the daughter of a naval officer, understood all too well how that affected family. She wanted a more safe and secure family life. Time, maturity and tragedy teaches them that sometimes we don’t always get what we want the way we want it and God has something else in mind. I did receive an advanced electronic version of the book, but was in no way indebted to leave a positive review of the book. I really enjoyed the book.

Laura Frantz has the unparalleled ability to combine history, romance, and faith to create stunning masterpieces of the written word, and she has once again delivered a magnificent story with A Heart Adrift. Laura has deep insight into the human spirit and Christian faith, and her characters always overcome trials by the grace of God and with strong spiritual lessons learned along the way. It is what makes her work so undoubtedly encouraging to those who enjoy inspirational fiction. Laura Frantz excels in using imagery to set a scene, and A Heart Adrift was no exception. I could smell the richness of the cocoa in the chocolate shop. I could see the fall foliage and hustle and bustle of Williamsburg as if I were right in the middle of it all. And the island……ah, the island. I could hear the waves, smell the salt in the air, and see the sea unfolding before me from the windy lighthouse tower. Laura painted each scene with such lyrical descriptions that I felt like I was standing right next to Esmee to experience it all. Best of all, A Heart Adrift features a second chance relationship with a strong heroine, dreamy hero, and romantic chemistry that could make a reader weak in the knees! With a wonderful cast of side characters that make the story all the more exciting, Esmee and Henri journey from being estranged lovers to having their own happily ever after with plenty of adventure in between. I simply cannot give this book any higher esteem, and words do not adequately describe how it captivated me. Do not miss this breathtaking adventure with romance, faith, suspense… and a bit of chocolate.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I truly adored it!

This is my new favorite book from the oh-so-talented Laura Frantz. I don't know how she does it! Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, this one is a novel I will definitely be rereading and recommending to everyone!

What I Liked:
• I liked all of the characters
• It was a sweet story
• I love send chance romances

What Would Have Made Me Give It More Stars:
• If it was a little later on in the story before Esmee and Henri got back together.
• If it didn’t drag so much in some of the story.
• Why won’t Eliza and Ned end up together once she has had time to grieve? It seems like he is the only one who is able to help her and he himself has lost his love.

Overall I enjoyed this book, but it didn’t stand out to me. (Although it did make me want chocolate for about half of the book lol). This is the first book I’ve read by Laura Frantz and I’m excited to read more of her books.

“How did one let go of the past and risk love again?”

I’m always delighted when Laura Frantz writes a new book. She is one of my favorite writers of historical fiction, and how could I resist this book when the heroine owns a chocolate shop? Set in Virginia in 1755, Esme Shaw and Henri Lennox meet again after a failed love affair ten years before. Esme is courageous, compassionate, and wondering if she made a mistake by turning down Henri’s proposal all those years ago. Henri is a brave, heroic sea captain who has made a name for himself but has not given up his love of the sea.

Frantz’s writing flows beautifully and flawlessly and immediately caught me up in the story. Her careful attention to historical detail and colorful, realistic, emotionally layered characters add authenticity and depth to the tale. Packed with adventure, suspense, romance, and threads of forgiveness, hope, and faith, this novel of second chances has earned a spot on my keeper shelf.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers throughNetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I hadn't even finished the Prologue and I was already hooked and fully invested in Henri and Esmee. The story is a bit slow when compared to some of her others, especially the first half, but there's this delightful underlying tension throughout the book which keeps you on edge and reading. The book is rich in detail and history and I always love learning about new professions I haven't read about before, in this case chocolatiering (is that a word?). I really enjoyed the growth of Esmee's character, how she went from being complaisant to boldly stepping out and seizing the life she wants. I wish a greater percentage of the story was from Henri's perspective but I enjoyed what was there. He's a captain. On a big ship. He's strong, tough and sweet. Of course I loved him! Normally, I'm not a big fan of second chance romances because they're always written with so much anger, arguments and emotions. But Laura Frantz took a different track and instead wrote an achingly sweet romance with more sadness than anger. And that romantic tension until the first kiss is so worth it!

I was gifted a copy of this book but all views and opinions expressed are wholly my own.

A sweet, tender, and thoroughly enjoyable romance. I love the setting of early colonial Virginia and the surrounding islands. Esmee and Henri were so in love and so young. An ultimatum did not turn out as either planned. Now, many years later, they have another chance. I love how they both know what they want and despite everything going on around them, grab it and run with it. I love the references to the chocolate shop, early colonial politics, and general life in and around those times. I thoroughly enjoyed Esmee and her tender heart and quiet strength to stand up for what she wants. I also loved her sister and loved seeing her sister grow into her own character of strength. Henri is the leading man you hope for and can’t help but fall for early on. He is quiet, strong, determined, a gentleman, values all life, and is well respected. I could not put this book down and highly recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Laura Frantz has long been a favorite author of mine and I am always content to get lost in her newest book.

Readers will find her newest book, A Heart Adrift, as delightful as the concoctions created by chocolatier Esmee Shaw. Loved this story of two sisters. One who longs for a quiet life and a second chance at love, while the other is at the center of Williamsburg society during the French and Indian War. I was captivated by the atmospheric settings of Williamsburg, York and Indigo Island- and the stunning cover will definitely reel in new readers.

The author's prose is absolutely beautiful, allowing the reader to fully escape into the world of colonial America. Tucked within an intoxicating blend of history and romance is a sweet faith message that I have come to expect as the backbone of one of Laura Frantz' novels.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Did she realize she held his heart? Not just a piece of it. The entire whole of it.”

I do so love second chance romance and Esmee and Henri have it down perfectly in 1755 Virginia. Laura Frantz has a beautifully lyrical way of writing that transports the reader to the heart of York, Virginia. The story is infused with such realistic backdrop of the port city and such rich and fascinating history ranging from building a lighthouse operated by a woman to delicious details involved in chocolate and candy making during the colonial times to dangers of privateering in the midst of war against the French. I loved Esmee’s strength of character and Henri’s generous compassionate heart. Even in times of terrible grief and suffering, Esmee and Henri hold onto each other and to their faith to guide them. If you are looking for a heart-warming historical romance, you will absolutely love this newest book by Laura Frantz.

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz will delight readers of historical American history with a hint of fiction to explain the story. I am not really a fan of stories in this time period because it is not around the major conveniences that we have today. I have a hard time staying focused on the story. With A Heart Adrift, it was no different than what I was expecting. The writing is top notch. Frantz is very familiar with the setting and the type of lifestyle of the shipping towns and the types of money that were involved in that era. This was wonderfully handled. As for the plot, I read the sixty-five percent, according to my Kindle, then the predictable moment occurred, and the story lost my attention. It was okay, but it really did not capture my attention. Nothing really happened. A lot of parties. People moving around, but nothing really happened. No chases. No hunt for buried treasure. Even the romance was a little wishy-washy. Not that this could not be a wonderful story for readers of early American history, but this is not the type of novel for me. I need more action in my plots.

I received a complimentary copy of A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I rich historical journey into 1700s Williamsburg! Esme is a chocolatier in her family's shop and has resigned herself to being a spinster after a falling out with her fiancé 10 years ago. When he returns she tries as hard as she can to avoid him, to no avail. Captain Heni after so many years at sea is wondering whether he is ready to settle down on land or to continue his sea going adventures.

I cheered for Esme and Henri through the whole book. Even when they are being thrown together and can barely speak civily to each other. I enjoyed that their love not only grows but matures.
Parts of the book where its just the day to day parts of living could have become mundane but you can tell the author has done lots of research so it was very interesting to see how they lived back then. And to know how chocolate was introduced and became popular in that time period. Lots of good faith content. Not only praying but characters quoting scripture.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Up for a Christian based romance during the Revolutionary War period? A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz may be just what you need in the trying times we have today. In comparison to a cozy mystery, this is a cozy romance. It is a delicious story of a woman who runs a chocolate shop in colonial Virginia who has a very full life, but finds out her past suitor is back in her town. The pride and dignity of life in the 1700s runs deep for Esmee Shaw, who can do it all on her own. However running into someone who makes your heart beat faster makes the mind wander. With the author’s last novel set in Jamestown, she moved just south this time to Yorktown. Frantz draws me in with the locations she chooses, descriptions of scenery and interesting insertions of historical names and details of the areas. She will be an author I choose without hesitation now. From running a shop to manning a lighthouse, Esmee gathers a lot of courage. I love how this author’s heroines have no qualms about flipping their entire lives around to include the men that seem meant for them. But life gets in the way. As would be normal in this time period, the characters lean on God in prayer and to help them cope. It shows great reminders that so much in historical times is out of their hands. If you are a fan of Victoria Holt novels (I still have a few more to read!), you will enjoy A Heart Adrift. Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Laura Frantz has written a beautifully lyrical story. She has a way with words. This historical romance is set during the colonial days in 1755. The heroine is a chocolatier, and the hero is a naval captain. The story for me took off during the second half of the book, where more of the romance, angst and action occurred. I found myself staying up late to finish. I feel this is my favorite of her works so far. I highly recommend it.
* I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

I absolutely adored this story! It is so beautifully written and the detailing is so vivid. The struggle between Henri and Esmee was so angsty and the culmination was deliciously satisfying. There is heartbreak and triumph woven through the pages of this book and it’s breathtaking. I loved all that the main characters and even secondary characters stood for. And I sincerely hope a certain sister gets her very own book!!