The Lacemaker

A wonderful adventure in a historic time of our nation's birth. Thank you, Laura Frantz, once again for sharing your heart. Loved it as I have every other book you've written. Still my favorite author!

Easy to read, some historical fiction mixed with an interesting cast of characters. While a quick and sometimes gripping read, not really much that might be worthy for a book club discussion. Would however, make for a great summertime read.

Easy to read, some historical fiction mixed with an interesting cast of characters. While a quick and sometimes gripping read, not really much that might be worthy for a book club discussion. Would however, make for a great summertime read.

This book is fantastic. I was hooked from the very beginning! I love the romance and mystery throughout the storyline. I love how the author shows the importance and power of prayer! Very well written!

Williamsburg is my favorite place to visit, so it was fun to read a book and meander through town with Liberty and Noble. Ms. Frantz does such an amazing job telling a story that keeps you captivated and wanting to keep reading to see what will happen next.

Beautiful prose, a solid storyline and characters you both detest and root for - this is a wonderful read that kept my interest and me turning pages hoping what I wished for came true. Add in honest prayers and a subtle Christian undertone and this book will definitely be a staple in my favorites.

Laura Frantz is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. This is my favorite book to date. Her historical accuracy is amazing and really makes you feel like you are right there with the characters in the 18th century. Can't wait for the next one!

In 1775, Elizabeth Anne Lawson is a young colonial lady of great social standing. Her father is Lord Stirling, Lt. Governor of Virginia, loyal to the crown and the Church of England.
 
As we meet Elizabeth, she is about to be married to a man of her father's choosing, Miles Roth. However, Miles is a womanizer and a gambler. As a direct result of Miles's foolish ways, Elizabeth meets Noble Rynallt, his distant cousin. Rynallt is sent to escort her to Miles' and Elizabeth's engagement ball because Miles is indisposed.

The more Elizabeth sees of Noble, the more she realizes he lives up to his name, compared to her fiancé. However, he is fighting against all her father stands for. Herein lies another issue, as Elizabeth begins to realize her own parents stand on opposite sides of the Tory/Patriot debate. 

I am so glad I did not live during this time period. Both sides compellingly used Scripture to support their beliefs and actions. Life was uncertain and not guaranteed if one was caught and proven treasonous to the other side.

Some great quotables:
"You cannot dictate honorable conduct." (Hmmm...probably true today?!)
"God hasn't forgotten us, Isabeau. There's been no revolution up above, remember."

While The LaceMaker is a departure from Frantz's late writings of the Kentucke wilderness, I look forward to more in this vein. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are solely my own.

The Lacemaker, written by Laura Frantz, is an exceptional read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. Initially, I thought I'd read this over my vacation, but I couldn't put it down once I started reading it!
So hard to pick which character is my favorite as there were so many great characters within its pages, but I guess I'd say Elizabeth. She comes from a home lacking in so many ways and yet becomes a stronger woman because of adversity. "Adversity is a school in which few men wish to be educated." What a strong woman for being "just" a lacemaker.
I love the way Frantz describes the clothing, the homes, the feelings, and happenings. It's as if I were sitting there with these characters I couldn't get enough of.
If you're looking for a great historical romance set during the American Revolution, you must read The Lacemaker.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

As I was reading The Lacemaker, my thoughts drifted back to my time in Williamsburg, Virginia. When I was in graduate school at Liberty University, I visited this small historic town, and after entering each unique building, I was momentarily transported back to another time period. I remember visiting a bookbinder shop, which Frantz mentions in this novel, and I it was so amazing to hear how delicate a process this was. These men cared for books in such a gentle and precious way because to own a book was quite priceless. Not everyone could hold or purchase such a luxury. Knowing this about history reminds me how grateful I am to own such a book collection.

Frantz’ story takes place in Williamsburg, Virginia during a time of much strife. There are opposing thoughts and beliefs on every side, because so many individuals want to separate from England. However, there is another side that wants to stay true to the Crown of England. As she tries to discern the motives of those around her, Lady Elisabeth finds herself in the middle of this conflict. Trusting people does not seem to come easy and her feelings of constantly missing her mother makes life even more difficult. Even though she is supposed to marry, the days leading to the blessed event fill her with confusion and fear. Why would those closest to her leave her side without a word?

It is also interesting to read the conversations among the male characters in this novel, because they are discussing well-known individuals who are living among them. Patrick Henry and George Washington are a just a few of the names mentioned during their meetings. For the reader, learning about how certain characters view the world around them at this time makes for a better understanding concerning this climax in history.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I recommend checking this novel out. I love the question on the back of this book: “It is the eve of a new age of freedom in the colonies. But can a proper English lady dare hope for her own independence?” What a great question to ask and answer! Happy reading!

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy.

I have been looking forward to The Lacemaker for several reasons. One, well it's Laura Frantz and her writing is always exceptional. Secondarily, I was excited to see her newest book was set in the colonial Williamsburg area. I live an hour away from the historic city and have visited there many times. I couldn't wait to see how she would translate the city I know and love into a fictional story. It was fascinating to see places like Duke of Gloucester Street, Market Square, Bruton Parish Church and Raleigh Tavern, among many others places, described in their historical context, as well as places like Yorktown, Norfolk and Great Bridge. I was so captivated by it all I could hardly put the book down, literally traveling the roads in my mind as the story unfolded. Then there's Nobel and Liberty's amazing story of hardship and sacrifice in the mist of political turmoil. Between their story and the historical setting, all I can say is, The Lacemaker is a masterpiece!

Lady Elizabeth Lawson, wealthy entitled daughter of the lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony, goes through quite a fall from grace, and society when her father disappears, a transformation that leads to her being simply Liberty Lawson. The road she travels reveals both her strength of character and her resilience in the face of adversity, a remarkable journey of self-discovery.

Nobel Rynallt. a wealthy landowner and Patriot, has his hands full running his estate and being a founding member among the Independence Men, a group who want freedom from English taxation. He's all honor and integrity and ends up being Liberty's rescuer when her friends abandon her.

The story begins with a layering of historical facts and builds to such a frenetic peak, I found myself holding my breath on more than one occasion. Noble and Liberty's love story was so charming, so captivating, I just adored it. When Noble says things like, "You need no dowry, anwylyd...You are enough". Well, what woman wouldn't swoon at being told that, enough said!

Laura Frantz has written an extraordinary historical, full of chemistry and sacrificial love, political struggle and intrigue, breathtaking in every way! This is the first book I've read this year, but I've already placed it on my "Best of 2018" list!

"Therefore my harp is turned to mourning and my flute to the sound of those who weep."

Daughter of the wealthy British lieutenant governor of Virginia, Lady Elisabeth Lawson has never truly known the meaning of the name her mother once loving bestowed upon her; "Liberty". Impending nuptials manage to consume nearly all of her attention, even though her groom has been noticeably absent; humiliating both of them by sending his cousin, Noble Rynallt, to escort Elisabeth to a lavish betrothal celebration.

When on the eve of her wedding, Lady Elisabeth's father flees his luxurious town home, leaving his daughter to experience the unbridled havoc of a patriot celebration in the streets of Williamsburg, she witnesses the ransack of her only home, shattering all hopes of a pleasant future. Once again it is the enigmatic Noble Rynallt, a well known Patriot leader, who demonstrates his honor and courage by offering the lady refuge. Trumped by Elisabeth's stubborn determination to support herself as a simple tradeswoman, a lace maker, Noble is forced to let her go.

"I want to protect you, but I do not know how. . . . . . I am not your husband nor your suitor, simply a concerned friend. . . . . . For all she knew he was her one true friend in all of Williamsburg."

It is impossible to ignore the author's lovely lilting way with words, or the courage ingrained deep within each of her characters, or the inspiring history saturating each chapter, for "The Lacemaker" is truly an exquisite display of talent.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

When colonial Williamsburg explodes like a powder keg just before the start of the Revolutionary War, Lady Elisabeth Anne “Liberty” Lawson finds that staying neutral isn’t an option. Since Williamsburg is predominately leaning towards the patriots cause, those loyal to the English king quickly discover that they’re not particularly welcome, to the point that Elisabeth’s Tory father, the Lieutenant Governor, had their home and other holdings forcibly confiscated. In the wake of the ensuing scandal, her fiancée breaks off their betrothal and her father and some of his associates hole up on a riverboat, in the middle of the James river, leaving Elisabeth and her maid to fend for themselves, with nowhere to go, with only her lacemaking skills to try to support them with. Nobody comes to her aid, except for Patriot, Noble Rynallt, a man with plenty of enemies of his own. Liberty finds herself having to decide whether to stay loyal to her English heritage or side with the radical revolutionaries. And, because of who her father is, some of the patriots think she’s a spy for the tories, while others want her to become a spy for their side. Will she become lacemaker by day and patriot spy by night?

There were a few things that drew me to this book. One was the beautiful cover. I know the old adage about not judging a book by its cover, but this one really caught my eye. I’ve always been fascinated with historical fashion, so the cover was very appealing to me. Another thing was the author. I’ve read a few books by Laura Frantz and have enjoyed every one. Then, the description really sounded like a story I’d enjoy. And I’m so glad that I read it! Once again, Laura has written a story with the perfect blend of action, intrigue, romance, and history. She managed to catch my attention from the very beginning and hold it to the last page. I genuinely love the characters, especially Liberty, Noble, and Isabeau. The descriptions and scenery were amazing and I could picture everything in my mind’s eye. In fact, it’s possible that Ty Bryn is my new dream house. I could also tell that Laura does an incredible amount of research. I loved that so many of the characters were actual people.

I’d like to say thank you to Laura Frantz, Revell, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy of The Lacemaker, in exchange for an honest review. I understand that this in no way obligates me to leave a positive review and had no effect on my opinion or the content of this review.

Lady Elizabeth Lawson lives comfortably in the colonies, the belle of many balls, and engaged to marry Miles Roth a wealthy landowner with good social standing. But when revolution breaks out she finds herself town between the two sides, and her engagement broken. Mile's Welsh cousin and Independence Man, Noble Rynallt, comes to her rescue offering her protection and a arrangement to save her reputation and help her to start anew.

With the dawn of the Revolution, love blooms, and hearts find a home.

Elizabeth "Liberty" or "Libby" is a talented lacemaker, taught by her mother. When her father and her fiance abandon her, she takes her life in her hands and decides to try to make her own way, doing what she can to fight for liberty. I admired her strength and growth throughout the book, stepping out in faith, seemingly alone she was willing to face a very different life than the one she was raised in.

Noble is a man worthy of his name, he believes in the cause of freedom, and is willing to put everything on the line for its cause, he bravely declares his loyalties early on. Noble admires Libby's decision to break from her father, and try to make her own way using her lacemaking skills to support herself. He admires her character, and longs to be the protector that she needs, but will the arrangement that he can offer ever be one of love?

A well-crafted read, that brings to life the turmoil of an uncertain future in the early days of the Revolution. Liberty is a lady, with very little responsibility, she is naive, and her change in situation isn't easy, but she is stronger than she thinks and leans on her faith during troubled times. I like how Ms. Frantz brought Libby's plight to life, in this well researched historical read. Tingling with romance, Libby and Nobles lives are changed as they fight for freedom and love in a brave new country.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Laura Frantz brings to her readers a historical, complex story of faith, love and sacrifice that they will want to re-read very soon.

Stories that are placed in the Revolutionary War are some of my favorites as I am fascinated with how this country’s freedom was unexpectedly won. With a Militia that consisted mainly of farmers and shopkeepers and leaders that were firebrands and lawyers, they would not have won without their hard-held belief that everyone should be free to live as they liked. Leaders such as George Washington were who would give the people the training they would need to face the mighty British military while lawyers like Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry would give them their battle cries. Laura Frantz begins her story on the eve of this great freedom fight with characters that inspire readers to give as freely, love as deeply and sacrifice all for the sake of those we hold most dear. Lady Elisabeth Anne Liberty Lawson has everything she could ever want – a beautiful home, a wealthy fiance, and the admiration of all she knows. Her father is also a well-known Loyalist who is much liked by the current colonial leadership. But Elisabeth is not as happy as others would think; for one thing, she hasn’t seen her fiance in six months, and for another she is not positive she will ever come to love him given his devotion to gaming rather than her. Enter Noble Rynallt, Patriot, Freedom article writer, cousin to Elisabeth’s fiance and the handsomest man Elisabeth has ever seen. Alarmed by her instant attraction to this enemy of her father’s, Elisabeth sets out to make the best of the time she must spend in his company until her fiance arrives at their betrothal ball. Little does she know that she will soon come to depend on Noble far more than she ever expected. Noble Rynallt is a true Patriot, seeking freedom from a king who wishes complete control over the colonist’s lives. Working alongside Patrick Henry, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, Noble is determined to help his fellow countrymen extract freedom even if it costs his life. But meeting Elisabeth will give him pause as he has never truly considered having a wife and family given his dangerous work. When Elisabeth’s world comes down around her ears, it will be Noble who comes to her rescue, providing shelter and safety when all others are questioning her allegiances. Elisabeth soon becomes determined to make her own way in life, using the lacemaking skills her mother taught her from a child. Finding compassion and a new home with unexpected friends in town, Elisabeth mends clothing of the Patriot soldiers and makes lace for their wives’ needs. But when danger comes to her doorstep with rumors that she is a Loyalist spy, Elisabeth will be rescued by Noble once again. This time she refuses to stand idly by and works on a plan to become the spy she is accused of being – but for the Patriots – ensuring that her father and his evil cronies will not succeed in their plans to destroy all Patriot soldiers. Afraid Elisabeth will be unable to defend herself from her many enemies, Noble offers marriage, praying they will move beyond convenience to real love given time together. His prayers will be answered in spite of the many responsibilities that come to pull them apart because there will be far more that will bring them together as a true family at last. I really enjoyed the way Ms. Frantz wove true history into her fictional story. Giving Patrick Henry a voice in this story made him more real and relayed a vein of truth to the main story. I was pleased to see that she also showed how those who stood behind the soldiers on the front lines of battle felt and thought. How much faith it would have required to let your father, brother, sweetheart or husband go off to fight in battles they were ill-equipped to win. And the joyous celebrations that took place when they came home safe each time were exactly as those that happen today. I was also glad to see that Ms. Frantz gave her characters a faith journey throughout the book, one that would teach them deep trust and faith not only in each other but in God to supply all they needed. My only problem with the book was that it rushed the timing a bit towards the end. Given that Ms Frantz ended her book right after the start of the war it made sense to not draw out both Noble and Elisabeth’s prison time but seemed that the last few chapters were hurriedly finished and not complete in their descriptions. Otherwise it was a very good book with plenty of danger, suspense, romance and challenges for faith. I have not had the opportunity to read anything from Ms. Frantz before but I’ve got several of her other books on hold at the library. I can hardly wait to read more of her excellent stories. I will most certainly recommend this story to others and I look forward to re-reading it myself.

I received this E-Book free of charge from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

Do you like historical romance set about the time of the American Revolution? If so the The Lacemaker is a must read. The time is right before the war between England and the Colonies. Elizabeth's father is the Lt. Govenor of Virginia. She has a mother that supports the Patriots. Elizabeth is caught when the turmoil begins. Her home is ransacked, her father deserted her when he fled Virginia, her mother is in England, her fiance' deserts her and she is left at the mercy of the looters. Her fiance' cousin comes to her rescue but he's a Patriot. Elizabeth's father is a Tory. The action will keep you turning the pages.

You will find some historic characters making an appearance, you will see how both sides feel and react to the changing times. There is danger, spies, intrigue, a broken engagement, a touch of romance. I discovered Laura Frantz as an author through the Book Club Network. She caught my attention and I've been a fan ever since. She does her research on the era and brings it to life. The characters rub shoulders with the greats but are always on the fringe and still in the middle of the action. The characters show their strength, weaknesses and faith through the trials they go through. I can honestly say I've never been disappointed in any of Laura's books. I've read most of them.

I preordred The Lacemaker (as I do all of Laura's books) and no one asked me to leave a review. I bought this book and all opinions are my own. I only leave reviews on books that I truly enjoy. Laura Frantz's style of writing always grabs my attention and keeps it. Not only do I recommend this book I recommend any book by Laura Frantz.

This book takes place during the very beginning of the American Revolution in 1775. Lady Elizabeth Lawson, a native Virginian, finds herself at a crossroads when she is abandoned one night by her Tory father and her fiance and loses everything to angry, drunken Patriots who damage her home. Elizabeth's mother, a Patriot writer, has been away in England and goes to Philadelphia to stay safe and further the Patriot cause. Elizabeth chooses to stay in the town and mend clothing while making extra money making exquisite lace. Soon she meets Noble Rynallt, a staunch supporter of the Patriot cause, and they find themselves falling in love. Which side will Elizabeth choose in the face of dangerous and uncertain times?
I enjoyed this book very much and was quite happy to read a book set during the Revolution, which I think needs to be written about more often, especially in these uncertain times. I thought the plot, characters, and the setting were described particularly well. Many times I felt as though I was experiencing the events firsthand. This is a clean read with an encouraging message from various Bible verses. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be going back to read more of Laura's books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The author’s love for the Lord comes through so clearly in The Lacemaker. As Libby faces the various trials in her life, she turns to God and remembers Scripture and prays. And all this pours out of her so naturally. I love how when she was visiting her mother, she turned to Philippians 4 as her guide in how to relate how she was doing instead of causing her more worry than she could bear, whatever is good, whatever is pure…

What could she, a sole woman, do at such a time? Prayer seemed the greatest need they had.

I really appreciated the way the author made the entire story feel as if it was written in the 1700s instead of today. References to objects by terms we don’t use today were not explained for what they are, but used in such a context that I could tell what was meant. And in doing so, it gave the book a more genuine feel.

I gained a new appreciation for, or at least a reminder of, the cost of the Patriots’ sacrifice in rebelling against the King as a result of reading this story. With it taking place in 1775 as the war was merely a shadow looming ahead, and the people trying to decide which sides to take and how to count the cost, it became more real than I think it has in any other story I have read about this time period.

Everything about this book was perfect. The characters, the realistic descriptions of the places and people, the suspense, the fear, the danger. I highly recommend it.

Once alone in the townhouse garden, out of sight of the street, she sought refuge among a small army of plants once victim to the mob. Now rallying in colorful profusion, no longer keeping to their beds, they spilled over walks and crept round corners with independent abandon.

Therein lies a lesson. Perhaps the Lord was showing her how brokenness could become abundance in the days to come. ‘Twas a hope worth holding on to.

This review first appeared on AmongTheReads.net
I am grateful to Netgalley, Revell for giving me a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

THE LACEMAKER is set in 1775, pot-boiling days leading up to The Revolutionary War when allegiances were strained and loyalties shifting. Williamsburg, Virginia seems at the center of it all. Into this turmoil Frantz drops Lady Elisabeth Lawson, dutiful daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony. At her father’s arranging, Elisabeth is betrothed to a man of low morals and even lower integrity—a total rake.

As the story opens, Elisabeth is at the mercy of the decisions made by the men in her life, and I wanted her to stand up to them. When very soon, most of them prove their selfishness by abandoning her, she does set out to determine her own course. But in this time of great uncertainty, she has no guarantee of success.

Frantz skillfully weaves history and story to bring this time alive for us. We've likely never lived in a time and place where one’s every move and word is watched, evaluated, and judged with life or death being the consequence. But just such immense stakes are the hinge of this story, so well told that we ache under the weight of each decision.

This is one of Frantz’s most overt romances, and it works very well. The object of Elisabeth’s affections, the master of Ty Mawr estate and Independence Man Noble Rynallt, is a hero beyond expectation! The barriers to any relationship for these two are huge. When they seem insurmountable, I expected to leave the story with only bittersweet memories and the echo of "Anwylyd." But noble sacrifices, exactly what one expects from a larger-than-life hero, emerge out of nowhere and bring sighs and hope and, as Frantz always promises ~ hints of HEA (happily-ever-after).

This is a marvelous story I will happily read repeatedly. Frantz’s ability to paint with words introduces us to characters as if in person, presents scenes we can experience with all our senses, and plaits a story that wends its way into our hearts.

The Lacemaker (2018) by Laura Frantz is yet another stunning stand-alone novel. Today is release day, and it can be purchased wherever books are sold. This novel is available in all forms including eBook, and is 416 pages in length. With a full-time job and a precocious five-year old at home, this book took me three days to read. I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from Revell Books. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this book 5+++ STARS. The Lacemaker is a Historical Christian Romance set in 1775 colonial Williamsburg at the cusp of the wars between England and the Revolutionists.

Laura Frantz has done it again! The Lacemaker is a stunning story. From page one, I was hooked and I could not put the book down. The characters are beautifully crafted, the setting is so realistic I felt like I was in 1775 Virginia, the romance is sweet and heartfelt, and the social upheaval of the day is excellently portrayed.

The main characters are Liberty and Noble. I absolutely love their names, and found them to be perfectly fitting.

Liberty is amazing. Her world gets turned upside down in one night, and instead of giving up and whining about her change in circumstances, she picks herself up by her bootstraps and forges through the hard times. She is so resilient and strong! I don’t know if I would have been able to make it like she does (on her own!!!) if I had been in her shoes. Liberty has true grit and tenacity, and she loves God so much. Liberty’s faith is solid, which she falls back on time and time again. What I loved the most about her is that she is able to self-correct her thinking. An exhausted moment will hit her, and she starts to doubt herself, her choices, her circumstances, but by her next thought, will chide herself and shut that line of thinking down and bring it back to God. This is a great example for me. I tend to get stuck in the exhausted, whiny moments a little too long. I need to be more like Liberty!!! I need to “liberate” myself from those bellicose moments that lead to negative, and focus more on God and the positive.

Noble Rynallt is the perfect hero. He, too, is brave. He, too, has a steadfast faith in God, and really sticks to his principals. He is a man’s man who stands up and fights for what is right. Noble knows when to give Liberty the space she needs to grow into the independent woman she wants to become, but he also knows when to warn her of trouble. He is thoughtful of Liberty’s wants and desires. He definitely lives up to his name! And, he is quite swoon-worthy. There is a moment in the story where Noble is frustrated because as just a friend there is very little he can do to protect Liberty the way he wants to protect her. In a very exhausted moment, where he sort of lets his guard down, he confesses to Liberty that he wants to protect her but he doesn’t know how because he isn’t her husband or family member. His admission and his vulnerability in this moment made me fall in love with him!!! He is such a great character. I definitely rooted for his and Liberty’s relationship to blossom into a happily-ever-after.

One aspect that I found really interesting is the similarities between the chaotic political upheaval of 1775 America and modern-day America. There are several moments in the book where the parallels between then and now are staggering. I found myself really relating to Liberty and the sense of foreboding she feels. At one point, she states, “Twas a normal day in Williamsburg, yet [she] sensed an undercurrent of tension, of something tearing at the very fabric of their ordinary lives” (212). I, too, feel this tearing. I feel like America is sitting on a ticking time-bomb that is mere seconds away from exploding. Like Liberty, I fear this explosion is just around the corner, but I don’t know what to do. So, I will do what Liberty does — I will keep praying to God and trusting that He’s got it all under control.

The Lacemaker is a phenomenal story — one that will stick with me long after I’ve finished reading. I am very sad that my time with Liberty and Noble is over, but I am so very blessed to have had the opportunity to read this book. I truly cannot recommend this book enough. Ms. Frantz, you are an amazing writer, and I pray God blesses you with many more fabulous story lines.