This is the first book in the Ballantyne Legacy series and what an excellent one it was! Laura Frantz has a way of putting words together that makes everything feel alive: the setting, the characters, the emotions, and the events. I absolutely loved Silas, what a strong, godly hero. He is so focused on his future; he just wants to finish his blacksmithing apprenticeship, save money, and then go west to Fort Pitt. He doesn't expect to get distracted by the blacksmith's daughters but of course, he does. I loved Eden as well; such a gentle, quiet spirit who longed for more. To the outside observer, she may appear subservient, soft, and weak but she had an inner strength. She quietly planned to go to Philadelphia to work at an orphan hospital. She sought to learn about the Bible, even if it was in secret. She helped tenants every Sabbath and did all the work around her home. Her heart just longed for more, not only for her future but more of God. There are some difficult characters like Elspeth, Eden's sister, and you just know she is going to cause trouble. Silas and Eden grow to love each other but circumstances and other people conspire against them leading to an 8 year separation. The reader knows there will be a HEA but it is an emotional journey to get there. Just be forewarned that the separation was caused by something horrendous happening to Eden. I'm glad I didn't know what happened beforehand because I would have been hesitant to read this book. However, I'm so glad I read it because I just loved this story! Not only am I in awe of the way Ms. Frantz can put words together to create this world, but also how seamlessly she includes God in the story. Just because one believes in God doesn't mean your life will be perfect. It means that God will be there for you in those bad times (as well as the good) and He will make everything right in His time. I really recommend this book even though it was very emotional and heart-wrenching at times. I have the second book, Love's Awakening (The Ballantyne Legacy Book #2): A Novel, already and I can't wait to read it! Excellent book from Christian Fiction. Silas takes a job as an apprentice -blacksmith. Not knowing the hidden agenda of his boss whowants him to marry his oldest daughter. But wait there are twodaughters. Silas does not want to marry anyone; a new baby(who is the father-who is the mother?); what will the father doand say to force a marriage? Exciting book, could not put itdown and waiting for book 2 of series. Time of book probablyearly 1900's.
Do You like book Love's Reckoning (2012)?
A lovely (while slightly unexpected) start to the series. Excited to read the next in the series. :)
—Lance
Amazing!! The story ended a bit abruptly but it I still love it!
—giginedelma
Very interesting story line and a quick read.
—dinomujki
