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A Fierce Devotion

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Exiled from his beloved Acadie in Canada, Bleu Galant has little on his mind but survival as the tumultuous French and Indian War comes to a close. When his journey to Virginia's Rivanna River settlement takes an unexpected turn, he crosses paths with Brielle Farrow--a woman whose presence stirs something in him he cannot explain nor express. Unable to forget her, his decision to help her takes them across an ocean into a lavish world he's never known. Will their intricate tie decide not only her fate but his future?

225 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2025

166 people are currently reading
562 people want to read

About the author

Laura Frantz

21 books2,764 followers
Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Wood.
Author 7 books252 followers
July 31, 2025
Le perfectionnement. Happy sigh.

Chances are, if you read A Seamstress of Acadie and fell in love with Sylvie like I did, you've also been anxiously awaiting a book about Bleu, Sylvie's older half-Mi'kmaq brother. A Fierce Devotion is the stunning delivery of just that! I loved every page, from the instantly-inspiring main characters when they arrived on the page to the end and Bleu's fantastic grand gesture to win the woman he loves. This story travels from a crossroads inn in the Shenandoah Valley to Will and Sylvie's plantation on the Rivanna River to elegant rooms in western France. Every setting was equally delicious and the sprinkling of French added romance in just the right amount.
I'm grateful to JustReads and Laura for allowing me to read this beautiful book so I could write an honest review!
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
782 reviews358 followers
August 3, 2025
If you loved The Seamstress of Acadie, you will love this book! Bleu Galant was a character from that book but now he gets his own story! I really liked Bleu’s character and I love how caring and confident he is. He is definitely a hero type character. Brielle is servant who is rescued from her contract. Bleu rescues her and Titus. I liked how both Bleu and Brielle made sure Titus was taken care of. I loved Bleu’s family! They were a great addition to the story! There were a couple moments that I thought focused a little much on the attraction to Bleu. But overall I enjoyed this story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,442 reviews217 followers
August 6, 2025
Do you remember seamstress Sylvie Galant from A Seamstress of Acadie? This companion book spotlights her brother, Bleu and draws attention to the plight of the Acadians, the settlement in Virginia, and a quest across the ocean.

As a historical fiction lover, I know that I’m left in capable hands with a Laura Frantz book. I was swept back to 1763 while Frantz brought the history I’d learned about in school and taught as a teacher to life. I’m always in awe of how Frantz can place me in the action. It’s as if I’m experiencing the events for myself and this always makes for an immersive and compelling read. As a reluctant romance reader, I always appreciate how this author crafts her slow-burn romances.

The themes of love, loss, trust, allegiance, and new beginnings are wonderfully highlighted in Franz’s narrative. I enjoyed the reminder that somewhere in the middle of all our anguish and heartache is beauty. It’s waiting to be discovered and has the opportunity to help us refocus, re-aim, and forge ahead.

This is one you won’t want to miss this summer! Frantz will have you sipping pine needle tea from an old Mi’kmaq recipe as you settle down to savor this beautiful story.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
652 reviews80 followers
July 27, 2025
This was such a sweet story. If you enjoy a slow burn romance with themes of faith woven throughout, this book is for you.

When Bleu comes across Brielle and Titus in trouble, he steps in to help, planning only to stay long enough to ensure their safety. But when it comes time to leave, he realizes he can’t just walk away. His plans begin to change....Will he find a future that includes Brielle and Titus, or was his place in their life only temporary?

Now free to pursue a life she never imagined, Brielle faces choices that could take her in many directions. Will they lead her closer to Bleu, or further away? And what does she truly want?!

This touching story belongs as much to Bleu as it does to Brielle, and of course, sweet Titus. It is very much a slow burn romance, but I truly enjoyed watching their love grow. The title fits perfectly. Their devotion to one another was BEAUTIFUL and inspiring. It was a blessing to witness such a love!

This was my first book by Laura, but it definitely won’t be my last. I am looking forward to reading more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,196 reviews
August 5, 2025
Captivating story of two hearts tested and bound together by A Fierce Devotion.

In this much-anticipated companion to The Seamstress of Acadie, Bleu Galant finally gets his story. Easy to read as a companion or as a standalone, it was fun to see familiar faces in the pages of this novel, as well as passing mentions of others that made me smile. This book beautifully brings to life early colonial life, and the storytelling with a graceful touch makes you want to linger over every sentence.

I admired how Bleu gave Brielle the space to make her own decisions and showed his steadfast love for her in the things that he did. Brielle goes from being a caged bird to having the world at her feet, yet she stays true to herself, and I liked that she fought for what she wanted.

A quietly riveting read that sneaks up on you when you aren't looking and grabs you by the heart. A fantastic addition to the world that Ms. Frantz has created, with endearing characters, and themes of faith. Highly satisfying read.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Courtney Clark.
709 reviews112 followers
September 14, 2025
A Fierce Devotion is a complex and lovely historical romance follow-up to The Seamstress of Acadie. I was enamored at meeting the character of Bleu in Acadie, and was THRILLED to hear he gets his own happily ever after in this book! Bleu and Brielle are a complementary match, bringing rich heritage and fierce fortitude together in their romance. Their relationship has unexpected beginnings and twists, which also means their romance grows with a slow-burn connection. It was a delight to catch up with beloved characters Sylvie and Will, and see the Rivanna in its flourishing glory between the pages. Frantz employs her signature, poetic wordsmithing to bring a unique light and poignancy to the story itself. This is one short novel I will treasure rereading.
Profile Image for Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama.
681 reviews93 followers
August 15, 2025
Oh it was so magnifique to return to these characters and Bleu's story!! Gah!! I absolutely loved every moment of this story. And I especially loved that the main character's name is Brielle which just happens to be my daughter's name and we don't see that name often. This was an easy read and while you can pick it up as a stand alone I would highly recommend you grab The Seamstress of Acadie so that you get to know the Galant family.

I loved how Bleu came to the rescue, so to speak, for Brielle and saved her from falling to the hands of a horrible master. He not only rescues her but gives her all the opportunities she can have in order to not only have a future but also to see her long lost family. Bleu is completely swoony! Their love story is absolutely romantic and you just cant help to have more of their story so I was completely sad when the story came to an end but I am hoping that is not the last we see of the Galant family as I would love to know what happens to Sabine, although shes not family, but also Sylvie and Bleu's missing brothers.

As always reading a Laura Frantz story is quite a delight and I can't wait for her next one!

I received a copy of this book for review. All views are my own.
Profile Image for Caroline arrow_reads.
168 reviews57 followers
September 5, 2025
Laura Frantz is becoming a favorite author and I’m slowing reading through her backlist books. I am so thankful for the opportunity to read her most recent book, 𝘈 𝘍𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. Frantz creates such a vivid setting that I can easily picture Bleu, Brielle, the crossroads tavern, the Shenandoah Valley, and beyond. The romance is the icing on the cake. Now I need to go back and read The Seamstress from Acadie!
Profile Image for Becky Lewis.
1,058 reviews59 followers
August 8, 2025
“She prayed whatever he saw in her was bon. As bon as what she saw in him.”

I don’t think I’ve anticipated another book book as much as Laura Frantz’s A Fierce Devotion! Her inspirational historical fiction, The Seamstress of Acadie, captured my heart and imagination like nothing else! The Seamstress tells of the English expulsion of the Canadian-French Acadians. That story introduced Bleu, mixed-blood brother of Sylvie. A Fierce Devotion, a novella, picks up the thread of Bleu, another Acadian deeply scarred by the racial hatred exhibited by the conquerers. The “French and Indian War” (or the “Seven Years’ War) has just ended. The book is mesmerizing, lyrical, and a feast of beautiful descriptions. Absolutely stunning!

Despite his mixed heritage, Bleu is a sought-after bachelor in both his Acadian world and his Mi’kmaq world. Yet it is the indentured servant, Brielle Farrow, he discovers following happening upon a deadly raid scene, that grows on his heart.

Bleu is not the type to settle down though, and he is a much-sought after scout. Brielle doesn’t share his heritage, nor much of his French language, either.
I was laughing so hard at the one pivotal French sentence that Bleu shares in with his sister in Brielle’s presence! ( which Frantz explains in English!) It’s always amazing in life, when we miss one sentence or word that could change our whole attitude!!

How can these two find enough in common to even consider a relationship, when competition abounds and there are surprising factors that will put up even more barriers between them?

I loved the French phrases, but Frantz explains them for non-French speakers( a must for readers!)

Character growth? Given what both Bleu and Brielle have endured, there is going to have to be a lot of forgiveness learned, even for those who don’t ask for
it. Sylvie ( Bleu’s sister) and he are discussing this issue one day: “For a long time I felt like you. I still do though my ire doesn’t burn as bright. I’ve only moved past it by choosing a new life here and letting the past rest.” (Sylvie)

I loved, loved, loved, this book!! There’s an old French rowing song I would borrow a line from, “Jamais je ne t’oublierai!!” ( NEVER will I forget you!)

I received a copy of the book from Just Read via NetGalley. I bought my own ebook, plus additional pb copies for myself and another’s keeper shelves. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Do you believe in coincidence?” “Nay. Divine instances, rather.” “This is one of them.”

“…you’ll find that the Almighty fills the emptiness with Himself along with countless other blessings.”- Sylvie

“Nothing is more important than family. When you’ve lost much you treasure those who remain.” Bleu

“The unknown was always frightening no matter how many times you faced it.”
Profile Image for Pegg.
Author 28 books620 followers
August 4, 2025
Once again, Laura Frantz steeps the reader in Colonial America, with all its sights, sounds, smells, and textures. The heroine is lovely and kind, the hero dark and dashing, and their future is at stake. A heart-tugging rags-to-riches story that will keep the reader turning the pages to the very end.
107 reviews5 followers
August 15, 2025
Great story

I love Laura Frantz, and this book was right up her alley! I really enjoyed this story of love, sacrifice, and grace all tucked into my favorite genre, Christian historical fiction!
291 reviews
September 5, 2025
Laura Frantz does some great historical detailing and I enjoyed the first part of this book. Although I like a good chick flick, the romance of this book got too soppy and obsessive for me and was pretty all-consuming for the majority of the book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
Author 17 books146 followers
October 5, 2025
A savory story that is easy to read, with its short chapters and endearing characters, but that lasts long after you’ve closed and set it aside.
Profile Image for Mimi.
782 reviews110 followers
December 18, 2025
Just... wow! Another amazing read from the author!

Bleu got the story we all wanted for him! He meets Brielle and he becomes her hero pretty much from the start. And it's well-earned to say the least! Brielle for her part tries to stay stoic surrounded by so much danger. When Native Americans ransack the settlement where she was living and killing everyone, she and little Titus have to forge ahead as best they can.

Bleu does his best to help them recover, but when the bondsman comes to take over the tavern from his dead family member, Brielle and Titus are in a worse situation than they started off in.

Of course, Bleu does what's needed! Thank goodness for that. He can see Brielle's goodness from how she treats others and especially, Titus. He makes some choices to help both of them and it's so wonderful. Here's this solitary man who does the right things! Slowly but surely his heart doesn't stay solitary.

I love how he learns Brielle's story and wants to help her be restored to her family. That means he'll have to do more for her than one would ever suspect! Of course, she doesn't know if he's coming to care for her or if he just feels like he needs to get her to her family. He, on the other hand, doesn't know if she cares for him because of what he's done for her or for who he is.

What a tale of love and sweetness! I absolutely loved this story!
Profile Image for Cheryl Barker.
Author 2 books137 followers
August 11, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5 - Books by Laura Frantz are always a treat. In this one, a novella, I dare you not to love both Bleu and Brielle from the very beginning. And there's a scene near the end that is going down as one of my all-time favorites. Whatever Laura Frantz writes, I'm there for it. Can't wait to read her next one!
Profile Image for Alissa  Peppo (bookstagrambyalissamorgan).
175 reviews46 followers
August 10, 2025
A Fierce Devotion is another romantic and picturesque masterpiece from Laura Frantz, who paints pictures with words to whisk you to both colonial Virginia and 18th century France for a cozy yet adventurous story of love, sacrifice, and faith. I was so happy to get Bleu’s love story (whom we met in The Seamstress of Acadie), and see his perfect match in hardworking, kind, and strong Brielle. Laura’s writing style is always cozy, but this book felt like taking a deep relaxing breath— full of traditional, sentimental, and romantic ways of life, community, and love in the 1700s— but of course not without trials and tribulations for the characters. The faith that Bleu and Brielle cling to is inspiring, and brings spiritual depth to the story. Every book penned by Laura Frantz is stunning, and this one is no exception. It is truly a delight!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I loved it!
Profile Image for Heather .
189 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2025
Bleu’s story is here!! When I heard that he was getting his own story, I was so happy because The Seamstress of Acadie is one of my favorite books by Laura Frantz. I was hoping that he’d get his own story, and I’m so glad that wish came true! From the beginning, my heart broke for Brielle and Titus. They endured so much and without any choice given to them. I wanted to reach inside of the book and rescue them myself. I admired Brielle’s determination to stay strong and watch out for Titus as best she could. Bleu showed up at the exact moment when they needed help the most. If it hadn’t been for him, I don’t want to think what would have happened to them.

This was one of the many reasons why I loved Bleu’s character. While the other men treated Brielle and Titus terribly, Bleu went above and beyond to care for them and free them. The relationship between Bleu and Brielle was definitely a slow burn but also sweet, caring, and romantic. Their love for each other was so strong that they almost sacrificed their own hearts just so the other could be happy. Bleu, even if it broke his heart, was willing to let Brielle go if it meant she’d be happy with her family. Thankfully, they chose each other, and the story wrapped up beautifully. I can’t recommend this one enough!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,320 reviews74 followers
July 19, 2025
It was quite delightful to meet Brielle and get reacquainted with Bleu in 1763 Virginia. Seeing how Will and Sylvie’s family has grown was a metaphorical cherry on top. I enjoyed learning about the Acadian refugees and their flourishing settlement in Virginia as well as the tensions from the aftermath of the Seven Year War, both of which I knew nothing about. The setting near the river was absolutely breath-taking and I loved being a part of the Acadians’ daily lives. The latter part of the book took us across the ocean and I really enjoyed the completely different environment, full of opulence and decadence.
Bleu was the author’s stereotypical strong, often silent, loyal, compassionate, and tender hero. Brielle was loving, big-hearted, slightly fragile heroine who was a bit different from the author’s usually strong-willed heroines. Though both were likable, their personalities felt somewhat incomplete and I didn’t feel like I really knew them by the end of the story. Their romance was sweet but the angst in their relationship felt contrived and their longings drawn out while the ending felt rushed. Regardless fans of the author and genre will appreciate this historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Andrette Herron.
Author 1 book15 followers
July 28, 2025
A Fierce Devotion gives us the story of Bleu Galant who first appears in The Seamstress of Acadie. Even though I have not read that book yet, when I started reading A Fierce Devotion, I felt like I settled in for a comfort read with an old friend. No one writes historical fiction (and male heroes) better than Laura Frantz. She always delivers - from the voice she brings to the story as well as the depth to her wonderful characters. While this is the first time I met Bleu, I ADORE him! I love how we see the relationship develop between Brielle and Bleu - so many tender and sweet moments, including Bleu’s willingness to sacrifice it all so Brielle can have the life he thinks she deserves. I was in tears! So, if you love historical fiction, and even if you have not read The Seamstress of Acadie, you must read A Fierce Devotion. It definitely works as a stand alone story.

P.S. If you’ve read other books by Laura Frantz, you may be familiar with the epic hero Silas Ballantyne. Let me just say that Bleu comes as close as it gets because Silas is on a level all his own.

I received an early copy for review. The review contains my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Amber (Her Home and Hearts) Thompson.
58 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2025
This story made me feel so many deep emotions from beginning to end. When Brielle and Bleu meet under horrendous circumstances, Bleu becomes Brielle's real life "knight in shining armor". And their SLOW BURN love story begins. I had such fun following along their journeys and adventures together. About 2/3 through the book I was screaming at Bleu to tell her his feelings! I have never read a book where I was more fearful of the ending not turning out how I hoped! Their story had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. 10/10 recommend this lovely book.
No language. No spice. Just good clean historical fiction romance!!
Profile Image for Carissa.
1,016 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2025
first reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbooks...

Title: A Fierce Devotion

Author: Laura Frantz

Ch: 33 plus epilogue

Pg: 221

Series:

Genre: Christian Historical, Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: story Architect

Bleu Galant

Brielle Farrow



I'm not going to lie. I have wanted Bleu's story since I finished The Seamstress of Acadie, he was only a secondary character in that one but I could tell he needed a story. And with A Fierce Devotion we get his story. And it was indeed worth the wait. I loved seeing Bleu's growth from the end of The Seamstress of Acadie and this one. Without giving anything away Bleu became a favorite hero because of a heroic choice he makes early in the novel. I have to say that Bleu might just be Laura's most Boaz-like character yet. Brielle despite what she's lost she holds tight to her faith. Now Brielle gets a chance at a future she never thought possible and Bleu is also considering a different future than he once thought. Their adventure will take them from the Shenandoah Valley, to Virginia's Rivanna River and to France. Both Bleu's and Brielle's faith will be tested as the journey has the ability to change both their futures.



Bleu and Brielle's story may be my favorite love story that Laura wrote. I love a good slow burn romance not something found often in historical romance and even more so when he falls first one. This one touched my heart in ways that only a Laura Frantz novel can. I always know Laura's novels will make me cry and this one was no different. At least I wasn't crying by the end of the first line this time.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,612 reviews
October 6, 2025
If you have not yet read The Seamstress of Arcadie, I highly recommend that you read it before this book. Many of the characters and places in A Fierce Devotion will have more meaning if you've read their beginnings in Seamstress. If you aren't able to read it, you will still greatly enjoy this book.

I really enjoy Frantz's writing style and her descriptions. Life on the frontier in early America is not glossed over. Her characters become friends, and I stayed up way too late wanting to find out what happens to them. The emotions left me all wrung out. Great book!
Profile Image for Rachael.
Author 3 books17 followers
November 16, 2025
I really liked the first half, with frontier tavern life, indenture, and making a place at the Acadian settlement. However, the conflict that dominated the second half could have been entirely avoided if Bleu had just once asked Brielle what she wanted instead of assuming. Given the strong start, it felt anticlimactic to rely on the not-talking-to-each-other cliché as cause for the climax. Still enjoyable enough, but not what I'd hoped for given the strong the start!
Profile Image for Bruna.
198 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2025
I just loved this book

You must read the first book to fully enjoy this one. Bleu is such a fleshed out character. The love story in this second book satisfied me more that the first one.
Profile Image for Nicole.
324 reviews
August 4, 2025
This is a strong 3.5 to me. I enjoyed it, but I wanted more from it, too.
Profile Image for Kit Tosello.
Author 3 books75 followers
November 21, 2025
I’ve loved this series, and having to wait until now to get Bleu’s story made it all the sweeter. Laura’s historical writing is so fine… absolutely delicious!
469 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2025
Well-written historical fiction touches a special place in my heart. The Seamstress of Acadie was a "Bookstagram made me read it" story because everyone was RAVING about how incredible it was. So it was nice to read this story with my own opinions through the eyes of Bleu, who had been in S0A, and Brielle, an indentured servant with some hidden connections. Taking place in colonial Virginia at the end of the French and Indian War, Bleu is adrift and Brielle is in danger. Fighting to survive, these two make an escape from what they know and head into an uncertain future together in France. Bleu is the ultimate hero, and his small sweet gestures, as well as the grand ones, make this slow burn romance shine.

Be prepared for an emotional journey of second chances and faith in this novella-length, dual POV story. Laura is making a place as a master storyteller, and at this point, I'll read anything she cares to put out there. This story is almost an immersive experience, transporting you with beautiful prose, into the timeline of the story. This rags-to-riches story has something that any reader can enjoy, and will keep you captivated until the end.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my own.

Thank you to Just Read Tours for a copy of A Fierce Devotion.
Profile Image for Candy 2FRIENDSTALKBOOKS .
170 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2025
A Fierce Devotion
Laura Frantz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Following the end of the French and Indian War, Bleu Gallant sets off to visit his sister and her family in Virginia. Along the way, he encounters Brielle Farrow, an indentured servant who had just witnessed a violent raid on the tavern where she worked. Drawn to Brielle and and the young boy in her care, Bleu is determined to protect them.

Laura Frantz knows how to create the ideal male hero. Bleu Galant was the embodiment of everything a reader could want: strong moral character, unwavering commitment to his beloved’s best interests, fearless physical protection, and undeniable appeal. Our only lament was a full length novel was not devoted to the love story of Bleu and Brielle. Adoration, gentleness, and kindness are only a few traits developed in this heroine. Frantz’ latest work subtly illustrates the great length our own Savior went to redeem His beloved, the church.

We received an advance copy from the author. This is our honest review.
Profile Image for Kyliegh.
322 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2025
Laura Frantz gave us another wonderful story full of rich history in A Fierce Devotion. If you read ‘The Seamstress of Acadie’ you’ll love getting to catch up with Sylvie and will, plus all their children. Seamstress is where we first meet Beau I really enjoyed getting to know Bleu better and seeing his and Brielle’s relationship develop. I would have loved if this had been a full size novel because I can never get enough of Laura’s writing and characters. ‘A Fierce Devotion’ has sweet romance, found family, faith, and resilience. This novella is slower paced and doesn’t have quite as much action as Laura’s other books, but it was wonderful and sweet.

*I was sent a complimentary copy with no expectations for a favorable review.
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