About the book:
The path to true love lies somewhere between two feuding families
In the spring of 1822, Ellie Ballantyne leaves finishing school and returns to the family home in Pittsburgh only to find that her parents are away on a long journey and her siblings don't seem to want her to stay. Determined to stand her ground and find her place in the world, Ellie fills her time by opening a day school for young ladies.
But when one of her students turns out to be an incorrigible young member of the Turlock family, Ellie knows she must walk a fine line. Slaveholders and whiskey magnates, the Turlocks are envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly entangled with the rival clan--particularly the handsome Jack Turlock--she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future. Will she betray her family and side with the enemy?
Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love and loyalty. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.
In the spring of 1822, Ellie Ballantyne leaves finishing school and returns to the family home in Pittsburgh only to find that her parents are away on a long journey and her siblings don't seem to want her to stay. Determined to stand her ground and find her place in the world, Ellie fills her time by opening a day school for young ladies.
But when one of her students turns out to be an incorrigible young member of the Turlock family, Ellie knows she must walk a fine line. Slaveholders and whiskey magnates, the Turlocks are envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly entangled with the rival clan--particularly the handsome Jack Turlock--she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future. Will she betray her family and side with the enemy?
Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love and loyalty. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.
My rating:
My thoughts:
Since I really loved book one in the Ballantyne Legacy series, Love's Reckoning, my expectations for Love's Awakening were very high. This book exceeded my expectations and, like book one, is now a favorite read of mine.
The characters were fantastic and so real. I loved Jack, Chloe, and all of the Ballantynes. It's hard to choose a favorite character, since they were all so great, but Jack was probably my favorite. Even though I didn't know what to expect from him at first, Jack completely won me over and he was such a wonderful hero!
Love's Awakening was a very moving read - there were many scenes where I got misty-eyed (whether from sadness or happiness) because of things that had happened. I was also so engrossed in the story and just loved every minute of this book.
The history in Love's Awakening was great and I definitely learned more about the Underground Railroad and Pennsylvania. The story had some sad scenes, but that made it all the more realistic.
Overall, Love's Awakening is a wonderful addition to the Ballantyne Legacy series and I can't wait to read the next book. I recommend this book to fans of historical romance.
*I received this book for free for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Available September 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Like what I read. Sure would like to read it. I have not read any of your books. jrs362 at Hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteHope you get to read it soon! It's a fantastic book - I loved it! :)
DeleteMelanie, Thanks so much for your great review of LA! Love that favorite book image of yours ;). You provide the inspiration needed for me to keep writing the kind of stories you like. I so appreciate your time and thoughts here!
ReplyDeleteIt's my pleasure, Laura! I'm just so happy I had the opportunity to read Love's Awakening and I can't wait for book three! :)
DeleteMelanie