Love, Loss and Forgiveness on the Kentucky Frontier
Stunning debut novel will delight historical fiction fans of Lynn Austin
in this story of romance and adventure during one of America’s most exciting eras
In The Frontiersman’s Daughter, debut novelist Laura Frantz plants readers into the demanding realities of frontier life during the time in American history when Daniel Boone was settling Kentucky. This story has personal significance to Frantz, because her ancestors were among those settlers who journeyed with Boone—and many remain in those original areas of Kentucky.
Drawing from cherished family lore as well as in-depth research in her writing, Frantz is able to paint a story with a distinct, captivating authenticity.
Frantz introduces readers to Lael Click, who is lovely but tough as nails and coming of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement that her father—a celebrated frontiersman—founded. Life as a pioneer isn’t easy, and it’s more than just the hardships of living in the wilderness that Lael must contend with: The arrival of an outlander doctor threatens her view of the world, God, and herself—as well as the power of grace and redemption.
In the midst of this, Lael must also face the loss of a childhood love, a dangerous family feud, the affection of a Shawnee warrior and the secret sins of her family’s past. Rather than give up, this strong woman draws strength from the rugged land she calls home. This epic novel gives readers a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman.
The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz
(ISBN: 978-0-8007-3339-1; August 2009; $13.99)
Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz’s family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County where her family still resides. Frantz is a former schoolteacher and social worker who currently lives in Port Angeles, Washington, with her husband and two sons, whom she homeschools.
Here is my review of this wonderful epic tale:
First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Laura Frantz and her publisher for sending me a copy of "The Frontiersman's Daughter" to review for them. I have always been grateful for this generosity, and I am trying to improve at being consistent in taking the time to thank these wonderfully giving individuals in a public forum. I really appreciate your time, effort and expense in making a reviewer copy available to me.
“The Frontiersman’s Daughter” by Laura Franz is an adventurous love story of epic proportions. Written with a very evident slow Southern style, this novel is a wonderful read for a long, lazy weekend relaxing on the front porch swing with a pitcher of lemonade.
Lael is a lovely young girl with a complicated life on the Kentucke (yes, that’s how it’s spelled…) frontier. Her family’s past haunts them in the form of a “white” Shawnee warrior who wants to woo her. This is the same warrior who assisted in kidnapping her father and holding him with the Shawnee several years prior to the start of our story. Another family ghost takes shape in the form of her brother, Ransom, who belongs to Lael’s mother and her uncle – from a time when Lael’s mother assumed her husband was deceased during Lael’s father’s capture by the Shawnee.
The plot line is not so much complicated as it is sweeping. “Watching” Lael grow up and develop relationships with estranged family and new friends was an absolute pleasure!
in this story of romance and adventure during one of America’s most exciting eras
In The Frontiersman’s Daughter, debut novelist Laura Frantz plants readers into the demanding realities of frontier life during the time in American history when Daniel Boone was settling Kentucky. This story has personal significance to Frantz, because her ancestors were among those settlers who journeyed with Boone—and many remain in those original areas of Kentucky.
Drawing from cherished family lore as well as in-depth research in her writing, Frantz is able to paint a story with a distinct, captivating authenticity.
Frantz introduces readers to Lael Click, who is lovely but tough as nails and coming of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement that her father—a celebrated frontiersman—founded. Life as a pioneer isn’t easy, and it’s more than just the hardships of living in the wilderness that Lael must contend with: The arrival of an outlander doctor threatens her view of the world, God, and herself—as well as the power of grace and redemption.
In the midst of this, Lael must also face the loss of a childhood love, a dangerous family feud, the affection of a Shawnee warrior and the secret sins of her family’s past. Rather than give up, this strong woman draws strength from the rugged land she calls home. This epic novel gives readers a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman.
The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz
(ISBN: 978-0-8007-3339-1; August 2009; $13.99)
Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz’s family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County where her family still resides. Frantz is a former schoolteacher and social worker who currently lives in Port Angeles, Washington, with her husband and two sons, whom she homeschools.
Here is my review of this wonderful epic tale:
First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Laura Frantz and her publisher for sending me a copy of "The Frontiersman's Daughter" to review for them. I have always been grateful for this generosity, and I am trying to improve at being consistent in taking the time to thank these wonderfully giving individuals in a public forum. I really appreciate your time, effort and expense in making a reviewer copy available to me.
“The Frontiersman’s Daughter” by Laura Franz is an adventurous love story of epic proportions. Written with a very evident slow Southern style, this novel is a wonderful read for a long, lazy weekend relaxing on the front porch swing with a pitcher of lemonade.
Lael is a lovely young girl with a complicated life on the Kentucke (yes, that’s how it’s spelled…) frontier. Her family’s past haunts them in the form of a “white” Shawnee warrior who wants to woo her. This is the same warrior who assisted in kidnapping her father and holding him with the Shawnee several years prior to the start of our story. Another family ghost takes shape in the form of her brother, Ransom, who belongs to Lael’s mother and her uncle – from a time when Lael’s mother assumed her husband was deceased during Lael’s father’s capture by the Shawnee.
The plot line is not so much complicated as it is sweeping. “Watching” Lael grow up and develop relationships with estranged family and new friends was an absolute pleasure!
Comments
You've written such a beautiful review - full of insightful, heartfelt things. I thank you so very much! Readers like you make writing so worthwhile. Thank you for enjoying Lael's journey!