A Heart Adrift: A Novel

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!

A Heart Adrift By Laura Frantz Years ago Esmée Shaw thought she'd marry Captain Henri Lennox but she didn't want to share him with the sea. As the years have gone by they have managed to avoid one another for the most part. But Henri has returned to the York/Williamsburg area with hopes to finish the lighthouse he and Esmée had dreamed of completing. Esmée has had a decade to rethink her break with Henri. She has her regrets and though she doesn't want to admit it her heart is Henri's. Society and its expectations have little bearing on her life as she is given over to her chocolate shop and her efforts for the alms house. She doesn't have time to deal with her feelings for Henri but someone has other plans as Henri and Esmée keep coming into situations that bring them together. Henri has tired of his extended absences from home. He longs to settle down but war is threatening the peace. Could colonial America be drawn into the dispute between England and France? And will he be drawn back to the sea? Henri has some serious thinking to do both about where he will call home and his feelings for Esmée. I really liked this book A Heart Adrift has an easy to get into it quality. The story is engaging and I love the historical aspects to it. Esmée is a caring person who allowed her observations of her mother's experiences with her father, a man of the sea, to decide her future with the man she loved. A Heart Adrift is a book of second chances. Uncertainty and danger is an aspect of any life and I feel that this was something that Esmée needed to realize and come to terms with. I love Laura Frantz's work and have never been disappointed with her ever. Her characters have a depth that one can identify with. I love the rich attention to detail in the everyday operation of the chocolate shop and the historical settings. If you are a fan of Historical Romance you will not be disappointed. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

Emphatic 5 Star Read! ***** Set in 1755 along the cold Virginia Coast, Captain Henri Lennox, an old love returns from the sea hoping to avoid chocolatier Esmee Shaw. Circumstances throw them back together and we are swept up in chocolate making, merchant ships, a private coastal island, officials in white periwigs seeking their own gain, social engagements of the upper crust, and ill-treatment of those in the almshouse. ***** “Chocolate’s becoming the beverage of choice for colonists,” Esmee said, “if for no other reason than the crown’s infernal tax on tea.” ***** “Dear Lord, let it be our earnest prayer to serve Thee better day by day as we grow in grace and trust Thee for our wants in soul and body. For these and all Thy blessings, God’s holy name be praised for Christ’s sake. Amen.” ***** This story is so rich in detail, prayer, love, action, and more. The cover is stunning and I highly recommend it. Laura Frantz is a master craftswoman with the written word. ***** I appreciate the gifted book I received from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own without compensation or expectation.