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The Frontiersman's Daughter
Lovely but tough as nails, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father's former captivity with the Shawnee Indians, as well as the secret sins of her family's past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. Though she faces the loss of a childhood love, a dangerous family feud, and the affection of a Shawnee warrior, Lael draws strength from the rugged land she calls home, and from Ma Horn, a distant relative who shows her the healing ways of herbs and roots found in the hills. But the arrival of an outlander doctor threatens her view of the world, God, and herself--and the power of grace and redemption.
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. Laura Frantz's debut novel offers a feast for readers of historical fiction and romance lovers alike.
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. Laura Frantz's debut novel offers a feast for readers of historical fiction and romance lovers alike.
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2009
382 people are currently reading
3671 people want to read
About the author
Laura Frantz
21 books2,764 followersLaura 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 484 reviews
January 29, 2018
This is a hard one to review. It is both wonderful and exasperating all at once. The writing is lovely, the story a good one. It captured my attention immediately and kept me coming back. There were really only two flaws but they were significant enough to cause problems.
1. (May or may not be considered a flaw, depending on personal preference) The author takes an inordinate amount of time describing surroundings and writing about the daily chores of living. Life on the 18th century frontier is eloquently portrayed and very interesting - to a point. When the descriptions drag on and on and over and over, one finds themself skimming to get back to the original story. I did this a lot as the book progressed. By the second half of the book, it became frustrating. I wanted the story to continue, I KNEW about the life already!
2. The heroine drove me insane! I loved her but wanted to smack her upside the head! She NEVER says what she thinks, wants or feels!! Every single time a problem arises, rather than say anything to clarify or improve a situation, she stays silent and misjudges or waffles forever because she is uncertain. This is understandable at the beginning from the fourteen-year-old’s perspective but come on! Seven years later and she hasn't learned a single thing? If we are to sympathize there needs to be some growth!!! In this area, I found myself pulling my hair out and rushing ahead because I couldn't stand her any longer.
So why the 4 stars? Because even though it drove me crazy, I still loved the overall story and message. The Christian aspect was subtle and perfectly done, the voice of the story was charming and, even though I thought it drug on, the descriptions were incredibly enlightening. I would highly recommend the book as long as a caveat it attached.
1. (May or may not be considered a flaw, depending on personal preference) The author takes an inordinate amount of time describing surroundings and writing about the daily chores of living. Life on the 18th century frontier is eloquently portrayed and very interesting - to a point. When the descriptions drag on and on and over and over, one finds themself skimming to get back to the original story. I did this a lot as the book progressed. By the second half of the book, it became frustrating. I wanted the story to continue, I KNEW about the life already!
2. The heroine drove me insane! I loved her but wanted to smack her upside the head! She NEVER says what she thinks, wants or feels!! Every single time a problem arises, rather than say anything to clarify or improve a situation, she stays silent and misjudges or waffles forever because she is uncertain. This is understandable at the beginning from the fourteen-year-old’s perspective but come on! Seven years later and she hasn't learned a single thing? If we are to sympathize there needs to be some growth!!! In this area, I found myself pulling my hair out and rushing ahead because I couldn't stand her any longer.
So why the 4 stars? Because even though it drove me crazy, I still loved the overall story and message. The Christian aspect was subtle and perfectly done, the voice of the story was charming and, even though I thought it drug on, the descriptions were incredibly enlightening. I would highly recommend the book as long as a caveat it attached.
August 7, 2011
When I wasn't bored, I hated it. Lael was very flighty, and falls in love with three different characters and jumps around between them throughout the novel. Loyalty and good judgment are qualities that she is severely lacking. Alot of questions were left unanswered, which is surprising considering the length of the book. I would have loved for the book to address what happened to Captain Jack, it was hinted he died, but never confirmed. I thought it indicative of Lael's character that she had Captain Jack promise he would come back for her, but then she ran off to Scotland with the doctor before he could come back to claim her.
Overall, Im glad the book was free from Barnes and Nobles, otherwise I would of been severely dissapointed.
Overall, Im glad the book was free from Barnes and Nobles, otherwise I would of been severely dissapointed.
February 6, 2017
~4.5 Stars~
I really liked the way this book was written and how it went through different stages of Lael’s life. It started out with Lael as a thirteen-year-old and went all through her life until she was around twenty-three or twenty-four. I loved how we got to see her grow as a character…especially near the end of the book. Lael did have many love interests throughout the story (around 3-4), but with a time span of about ten years, I think that was reasonable…Although I did get really annoyed by some of them. Particularly, Simon…ughh I just could not stand him at all :/ I didn’t really trust him from the beginning, but I did also feel a little sorry for him at times... only a 'little' though lol other times he made me want to punch him! I don’t want to spoil anything though so I cannot say too much :P But I am surprised by how it ended and I didn’t think it would go in the direction it went, but I am happy with it and am really glad I decided to give this book a try! ^_^
There were so many characters that I grew to love! Ma Horn, Ransom, Susanna, and Ian are a few :)) I also enjoyed the Indian/Shawnee side of the story. But I think my favorite parts were toward the end of the book. That is all I can think of to say without spoiling anything so you'll have to go and read it to find out more! ^_^
Thank you Revell and Baker Publishing Group for providing me a copy in exchange for a honest review
I really liked the way this book was written and how it went through different stages of Lael’s life. It started out with Lael as a thirteen-year-old and went all through her life until she was around twenty-three or twenty-four. I loved how we got to see her grow as a character…especially near the end of the book. Lael did have many love interests throughout the story (around 3-4), but with a time span of about ten years, I think that was reasonable…Although I did get really annoyed by some of them. Particularly, Simon…ughh I just could not stand him at all :/ I didn’t really trust him from the beginning, but I did also feel a little sorry for him at times... only a 'little' though lol other times he made me want to punch him! I don’t want to spoil anything though so I cannot say too much :P But I am surprised by how it ended and I didn’t think it would go in the direction it went, but I am happy with it and am really glad I decided to give this book a try! ^_^
There were so many characters that I grew to love! Ma Horn, Ransom, Susanna, and Ian are a few :)) I also enjoyed the Indian/Shawnee side of the story. But I think my favorite parts were toward the end of the book. That is all I can think of to say without spoiling anything so you'll have to go and read it to find out more! ^_^
Thank you Revell and Baker Publishing Group for providing me a copy in exchange for a honest review
November 19, 2016
It's hard to believe that this was Laura Frantz's debut novel! This book has been on my Kindle for some time, often calling my name but I found myself so caught up in Laura's more recent releases, that I hadn't carved out the time to go back to the very beginning and open the pages of this beauty. I am so glad that I finally did! Having read The Frontiersman's Daughter, it is absolutely no surprise why Laura holds such a special place in Christian historical romance. Her writing is superb and her ability to pen a gripping love story always seems so effortless. Truly elegant prose to linger on. This story really did a number on me. So many paths Lael could have taken in life. Not like a steady river, but little rivulets to run down the mountainside, leaving the reader to wonder which course she'll follow. The story line held me in it's grip until the final word and it was with a satisfied sigh that I closed the cover. I will add that there was a particular character who's presence remained more of a mystery than I would have liked...but that in no way detracts from Laura's skill...in fact, in only builds upon her ability to pen heartrending characters that are so real and captivating, the reader is simply left wanting more! A beautiful, beautiful tale.
March 20, 2020
There are several things to enjoy about this novel such as historical details and the main female character's toughness and kindness for others. Overall, I didn't love this one like I have other novels by Laura Frantz.
March 20, 2010
I had heard wonderful things about this book, but really wasn’t prepared for how blown away I was going to be!
THE FRONTIERSMAN’S DAUGHTER has it all. Adventure, romance, grudges, war, a gutsy heroine and not one, but two awesome heros!
From the first page where Lael let down her hair in the presence in a war party of Shawnee I was hooked. Usually in a romance I can ultimately tell who will be the heroine’s choice- I had no idea in this novel! It kept me completely entranced in the story. The waterfall scene was gripping and had me gulping air like a fish out of water. At another point in the novel, I was so shocked I couldn’t believe what I was reading and was turning pages until they were warm beneath my fingers.
Lael is an amazing heroine. Her strength and determination in life make her seem invincible in the world of Kentucky of the 18th century. But it’s the grudges she has buried deep that make her human. And her gentle discovery of Christ’s love make this story touching and real.
This isn’t a novel to blaze through. It is meant to be savored, each page read thoroughly and enjoyed to its fullest potential. Because each page holds a treasure, a key to unlocking the tapestry of Lael’s life. I would whole heartedly read this book again and again and highly recommend it!
This debut novel by Laura Frantz is incredible and she can only get better from here. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of her second novel, Courting Morrow Little. Laura Frantz has found herself a new fan!
THE FRONTIERSMAN’S DAUGHTER has it all. Adventure, romance, grudges, war, a gutsy heroine and not one, but two awesome heros!
From the first page where Lael let down her hair in the presence in a war party of Shawnee I was hooked. Usually in a romance I can ultimately tell who will be the heroine’s choice- I had no idea in this novel! It kept me completely entranced in the story. The waterfall scene was gripping and had me gulping air like a fish out of water. At another point in the novel, I was so shocked I couldn’t believe what I was reading and was turning pages until they were warm beneath my fingers.
Lael is an amazing heroine. Her strength and determination in life make her seem invincible in the world of Kentucky of the 18th century. But it’s the grudges she has buried deep that make her human. And her gentle discovery of Christ’s love make this story touching and real.
This isn’t a novel to blaze through. It is meant to be savored, each page read thoroughly and enjoyed to its fullest potential. Because each page holds a treasure, a key to unlocking the tapestry of Lael’s life. I would whole heartedly read this book again and again and highly recommend it!
This debut novel by Laura Frantz is incredible and she can only get better from here. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of her second novel, Courting Morrow Little. Laura Frantz has found herself a new fan!
April 25, 2020
This was a very enjoyable book, a good 4.5 stars rounded up. The story of Lael Click, daughter of a legendary frontiersman, in the early days of Kentucky. Caught between her father's English and Indian worlds, with the eye of a Shawnee, unable to forgive her mother, drawn to a medicine woman, sent away to become proper, and then fell in love with the frontier doctor. I loved the story, it didn't really end the way I wanted, but I was happy for Lael in the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I look forward to Ms. Frantz's next read.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I look forward to Ms. Frantz's next read.
December 4, 2022
Superb debut!!
This book took my interest just from the title and I bought it immediately. I love history and this book is a very well researched novel dealing with early American history. Lael Click is the daughter of a well known frontiersman in Kentucky, sort of like Daniel Boone, when we first meet her at age 13. Her father has been a captive of the Shawnee Indian tribe, one of whom would like to make Lael his own. Her father sends her away to a Virginia finishing school to remove her from this Indian's attentions. When she receives words several years later that her father has drowned, she decides she is going to live as a frontier woman because she is happier here than anywhere else. This novel is rich with historial detail of the daily lives of settlers on the American frontier. She also develops her characters so well that you feel you know them. I felt as if I could hear the creek singing and smell the flowers as Lael rode along the hollows and valleys with her herbal remedies for the settlers' ailments. She relationship between Lael and the new doctor, Ian Justus, is absolutely amazingly told and just exceptional. The small pox scare is so well written, I could feel the heat of the block house and smell the odor of death, as she describes the pain and anguish of the settlers who lost their lives and loved ones. Lael's journey to acceptance of Christ is also well described in this book.
The book is shelved with Christian fiction but it also deserves a place in literature and history as well.
Do not pass this one up. You will not regret it. I am eagerly looking forward to another book by Laura Frantz
December 4, 2022. Finished a reread and thoroughly enjoyed it. Proved once again how wonderful of a writer Frantz is.
This book took my interest just from the title and I bought it immediately. I love history and this book is a very well researched novel dealing with early American history. Lael Click is the daughter of a well known frontiersman in Kentucky, sort of like Daniel Boone, when we first meet her at age 13. Her father has been a captive of the Shawnee Indian tribe, one of whom would like to make Lael his own. Her father sends her away to a Virginia finishing school to remove her from this Indian's attentions. When she receives words several years later that her father has drowned, she decides she is going to live as a frontier woman because she is happier here than anywhere else. This novel is rich with historial detail of the daily lives of settlers on the American frontier. She also develops her characters so well that you feel you know them. I felt as if I could hear the creek singing and smell the flowers as Lael rode along the hollows and valleys with her herbal remedies for the settlers' ailments. She relationship between Lael and the new doctor, Ian Justus, is absolutely amazingly told and just exceptional. The small pox scare is so well written, I could feel the heat of the block house and smell the odor of death, as she describes the pain and anguish of the settlers who lost their lives and loved ones. Lael's journey to acceptance of Christ is also well described in this book.
The book is shelved with Christian fiction but it also deserves a place in literature and history as well.
Do not pass this one up. You will not regret it. I am eagerly looking forward to another book by Laura Frantz
December 4, 2022. Finished a reread and thoroughly enjoyed it. Proved once again how wonderful of a writer Frantz is.
July 8, 2018
This is a book that really touched my heart. It's an epic story spanning the years, a time of harsh struggles, where joy is found in simple and lovely things- a close friend, the beauty of nature, the excitement of dancing. Throughout the story as she grows into a young woman, Lael yearns to know and understand her own heart, and find peace. It's gentle, sobering, gritty, and realistic. I appreciated the historical details and I loved learning more about this time period and setting in our country's early history. Such a sweet romance as Lael grows and matures and gains faith to match her strength.
(I received a copy of the book in a giveaway; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a copy of the book in a giveaway; all opinions in this review are my own)
March 20, 2015
This book was Chock-a-block full of beautiful descriptions, I couldn't get enough. In style it reminded me of Lady in the Mist, because of those charming word pictures. I would love to see what Kentucky looks like now, I never cared to before. Congratulations to the author for making me want to camp out there. And this won't be my last of Laura Frantz's books, she has made her mark.
I especially liked the attention to details, the herbs used for healing, the doctoring of the time and a little bit about dress, it was never in your face. It was put in such a way that you felt like you were there too. Two things I'll never forget are the blue beads, and the rose pink sack dress.
Every feeling came alive. The snapping cold, the immobilizing fear of Indian attacks and the worry that one day Lael's long, long blond hair would be stolen, scalped, or "trimmed". I loved ever minute of the adventure. Lael was strong, she didn't let finishing school steal away the wildness in her, she only became more like her Pa. Her Pa, by the way, was one of my favorite characters. I think it was the mystery that shrouded him and his quiet, undemanding ways. And it was his friend, Captain Jack, a Shawnee Warrior, that I liked next best.
Several characters were jerks, Chiefly among them was Simon. I took a dislike to him from the first words out of his mouth. I wish Lael had seen what he was sooner.
I admit that I do not like love triangles, I do not like them, Sam-i-am. Because, I am always the poor slob that falls for the wrong one. As I did in this one. Not that I ever knew much about him, but I wanted to a whole lot more than any of the others. That brings me to my spoiler, I've tried not to spoil the plot too much.
If you want to know about the ending and loose ends, go ahead and read this spoiler:
PG for the doctoring and Indian wars. Oh, and we hear that two characters ran away together
May 1, 2015
This was my first book by Laura Frantz and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it! I had seen this book at bookstores, and to be honest, the cover really put me off. But, trust me, this book was so well-written!
The book starts out with Lael being 14-16 years old and ends when she’s around 24 years old. Obviously, there’s a lot that goes on, and I loved that! It wasn’t a perfect arch of a storyline, it was just her life.
The characters were realistic and sometimes even made me want to strangle them, especially Lael. But even though I found her to be frustrating, I loved her!
After I finished this book, I just sat there and thought about the character development and the descriptive writing–I was in awe, to be honest. The Frontiersman’s Daughter was a book that impacted me and I will not soon forget it!
I think Frantz did a wonderful job, and this book is a 5/5 stars for me! I will definitely be picking up other books by her!
To read more of my reviews visit my blog: http://www.kelvreadsbooks.blog.com
*I was not sent this by the publisher or author. All opinions are my own. I was in no way compensated for this review.*
The book starts out with Lael being 14-16 years old and ends when she’s around 24 years old. Obviously, there’s a lot that goes on, and I loved that! It wasn’t a perfect arch of a storyline, it was just her life.
The characters were realistic and sometimes even made me want to strangle them, especially Lael. But even though I found her to be frustrating, I loved her!
After I finished this book, I just sat there and thought about the character development and the descriptive writing–I was in awe, to be honest. The Frontiersman’s Daughter was a book that impacted me and I will not soon forget it!
I think Frantz did a wonderful job, and this book is a 5/5 stars for me! I will definitely be picking up other books by her!
To read more of my reviews visit my blog: http://www.kelvreadsbooks.blog.com
*I was not sent this by the publisher or author. All opinions are my own. I was in no way compensated for this review.*
March 27, 2020
A gorgeously written novel of loss, love, & growth. Laura’s writing reads almost lyrically as she describes Lael’s life in the woods of colonial Kentucky. This novel is what I would call a more “heavy” story in my opinion, but worthy of every moment spent reading it. Family secrets & love matches abound as Lael journeys from girlhood to becoming a woman.
Lael’s character is one of the most round and real to me characters I’ve read in a while. She is high spirited and her father’s daughter through and through. She continually is called back to the woods but keeps steady friends throughout the novel such as the lovable Ma Horn & dear Will & Susanna. I was so engrossed that the further I read Lael’s story the more I felt like it was my own! I was so moved that I felt every emotion with her; I teared up multiple times, which happens rarely to me while reading.
With new characters around every corner, it was hard to guess who would win her heart. The multiple love connections made in this novel may not appeal to some readers, but seemed appropriate as it mirrored the progression of Lael’s character.
This novel was impossible for me to put down and I felt immersed into the story every time I picked it up. Like a true artist, Laura Frantz’s impossibly good debut novel and it’s characters will remain with me.
P.S. I would like to point out that this novel’s title is very appropriate as being a frontiersman’s daughter defines Lael and is a theme thorough-out the book. There are so many book titles with “ The *insert occupation here’s* Daughter” and I’ll read the book & be thinking, “Why on earth is that the title when that had nothing to do with the character and/or the parent with said occupation was not even mentioned.” Just thought I would praise the title for being true to the book.
Also, the book cover does not do this story justice. ❤️
Lael’s character is one of the most round and real to me characters I’ve read in a while. She is high spirited and her father’s daughter through and through. She continually is called back to the woods but keeps steady friends throughout the novel such as the lovable Ma Horn & dear Will & Susanna. I was so engrossed that the further I read Lael’s story the more I felt like it was my own! I was so moved that I felt every emotion with her; I teared up multiple times, which happens rarely to me while reading.
With new characters around every corner, it was hard to guess who would win her heart. The multiple love connections made in this novel may not appeal to some readers, but seemed appropriate as it mirrored the progression of Lael’s character.
This novel was impossible for me to put down and I felt immersed into the story every time I picked it up. Like a true artist, Laura Frantz’s impossibly good debut novel and it’s characters will remain with me.
P.S. I would like to point out that this novel’s title is very appropriate as being a frontiersman’s daughter defines Lael and is a theme thorough-out the book. There are so many book titles with “ The *insert occupation here’s* Daughter” and I’ll read the book & be thinking, “Why on earth is that the title when that had nothing to do with the character and/or the parent with said occupation was not even mentioned.” Just thought I would praise the title for being true to the book.
Also, the book cover does not do this story justice. ❤️
September 5, 2011
I just devoured the last half of this novel without even realizing that time had passed. I wish it had a better cover. Honestly, this one is pretty, but it doesn't do the contents of the novel justice. Full review to come later. I don't like to review immediately after I've finished a book :) Once again I'm surprised that this is the author's debut novel.
Review time! I was a bit thrown by this book. What I expected to be light and fluffy was actually full of depth! Frantz does not shy away from difficult subject matter. The main character Lael felt so genuine to me, so human and real. I've found that sometimes in Christian fiction, the main character is just too good to be true or just too good, in general, but that wasn't the case with this novel.
The plot of the novel was fast-paced at times, yet it seemed to flow along in keeping with the tone of the book. Life for settlers was often slow and weather-driven. I could really feel Lael's reluctance at a winter shut up in the fort. Frantz portrayed her feelings so well, that by the time Lael could leave the fort, I was longing for escape too. The best thing about the plot is that it wasn't predictable. I wasn't sure what type of life Lael was going to choose for herself and Frantz kept me guessing until the end. It was certainly refreshing.
The historical setting was also unique and well done. In a genre that seems to be swimming with regency settings (not that I'm complaining, that's another favorite of mine, hehe), it was refreshing to read a novel in this setting. I felt fully enmeshed in the Kentucky wilderness, and Lael's love for the land was lovely.
One minor issue I had with the novel was how abrupt the ending was (although I find that I can be quite picky about ending). How Lael felt at the end was more told to the reader, rather than shown.
I already have The Colonel's Lady on my shelf to read, and I really look forward to reading it and Frantz's other novel!
Review time! I was a bit thrown by this book. What I expected to be light and fluffy was actually full of depth! Frantz does not shy away from difficult subject matter. The main character Lael felt so genuine to me, so human and real. I've found that sometimes in Christian fiction, the main character is just too good to be true or just too good, in general, but that wasn't the case with this novel.
The plot of the novel was fast-paced at times, yet it seemed to flow along in keeping with the tone of the book. Life for settlers was often slow and weather-driven. I could really feel Lael's reluctance at a winter shut up in the fort. Frantz portrayed her feelings so well, that by the time Lael could leave the fort, I was longing for escape too. The best thing about the plot is that it wasn't predictable. I wasn't sure what type of life Lael was going to choose for herself and Frantz kept me guessing until the end. It was certainly refreshing.
The historical setting was also unique and well done. In a genre that seems to be swimming with regency settings (not that I'm complaining, that's another favorite of mine, hehe), it was refreshing to read a novel in this setting. I felt fully enmeshed in the Kentucky wilderness, and Lael's love for the land was lovely.
One minor issue I had with the novel was how abrupt the ending was (although I find that I can be quite picky about ending). How Lael felt at the end was more told to the reader, rather than shown.
I already have The Colonel's Lady on my shelf to read, and I really look forward to reading it and Frantz's other novel!
July 2, 2020
This is my first time reading anything by Laura Frantz. Very interesting story line and very well written. The chapters were plentiful, however they were nicely broken up into mostly short chapters. The life of those on the frontier is definitely interesting. Especially the twists and turns that occur throughout her journey. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author for sure!
April 7, 2016
There was a lot to like about this book. It absolutely immersed me in the Kentucky of the late 18th Century. Everything about it felt authentic - the dialogue, the descriptions of living in the wilderness, and the pace of the characters' lives. Also, the author writes beautifully, and uses a richness of language that really invokes deep emotion. I like the history to have equal time in historical romance, and the history here was a living, breathing character. The author's research was impressive.
While I got very frustrated with Lael, the heroine, I realized that she was a complex character. Her flaws were big ones (she held grudges, she was unable to forgive, she rarely told anyone close to her what she was thinking and feeling, she made rash-and often bad-decisions), and I liked that a heroine had real imperfections. It gave her a lot of room to grow. I also think that although she had feelings for three different men throughout the book, this was believable. After all, the book began when she was 13, and ended when she was 21. One of the men was her friend from childhood, and she had loved him since then. The second man - a settler captured by the Shawnees who completely becomes one of them - is handsome and exotic, and it's no wonder that a 13 year old girl would be entranced by his (on again/off again) courtship. And as for Ian, the Scots doctor, well who wouldn't be attracted to him. And he was the only one of three that she met as an adult, and at that point her complicated feelings about the other two men had not yet been resolved.
Finally, the secondary characters were wonderfully drawn, and were fully developed individuals who added to the novel's richness.
So, why the three stars? Because the author left so many loose ends that I was really frustrated. All the loose ends were extremely unsatisfying, and the epilogue was disappointing, so that brought the book from an initial solid 4 stars down to a 3 for me.
While I got very frustrated with Lael, the heroine, I realized that she was a complex character. Her flaws were big ones (she held grudges, she was unable to forgive, she rarely told anyone close to her what she was thinking and feeling, she made rash-and often bad-decisions), and I liked that a heroine had real imperfections. It gave her a lot of room to grow. I also think that although she had feelings for three different men throughout the book, this was believable. After all, the book began when she was 13, and ended when she was 21. One of the men was her friend from childhood, and she had loved him since then. The second man - a settler captured by the Shawnees who completely becomes one of them - is handsome and exotic, and it's no wonder that a 13 year old girl would be entranced by his (on again/off again) courtship. And as for Ian, the Scots doctor, well who wouldn't be attracted to him. And he was the only one of three that she met as an adult, and at that point her complicated feelings about the other two men had not yet been resolved.
Finally, the secondary characters were wonderfully drawn, and were fully developed individuals who added to the novel's richness.
So, why the three stars? Because the author left so many loose ends that I was really frustrated. All the loose ends were extremely unsatisfying, and the epilogue was disappointing, so that brought the book from an initial solid 4 stars down to a 3 for me.
January 18, 2021
This is my second Laura Frantz novel and I loved it! It was very emotional. I ALMOST cried at one point but it was even more that the story as whole, made you feel exactly what the character was feeling; love, jealousy, anger, sadness, longing, loss etc. At one point, I actually wanted to pray for the main character! It was an intense and rich story with so much depth. I gave it four stars instead of five, simply out of personal preference of how I wished the story would have developed towards the end. Laura Frantz is definitely a new favorite author and I can’t wait to read another one of her books! I almost feel like I need a break because this story wore me out with all the ‘feelings’! 😉
January 4, 2019
This was a pleasure read for me but I love it so much that I added it to my top 2018 favorites post on FaithfullyBookish.com
My heart was so torn for Lael! This is a delightfully engrossing read and the audio is wonderful as well. I'm so glad I borrowed this story!
My heart was so torn for Lael! This is a delightfully engrossing read and the audio is wonderful as well. I'm so glad I borrowed this story!
November 26, 2012
Where I got the book: Kindle freebie.
I've got to say at the outset that I liked this book a whole lot more than Frantz's latest, Love's Reckoning. The somewhat loosely constructed plot of The Frontiersman's Daughter revolves around Lael Click, the daughter of a remarkable father who was instrumental in founding their small part of Kentucky (called Kentucke because this is the 1800s) and spent some time living with the local Indians to boot, during which time her mom ran off with her uncle. Yep, it's Kentucky all right.*
I thought this was going to be a straightforward romance but no, Lael has THREE men competing for her affections: bully-boy Simon, romantic but Indian (but he's really white but still HE'S INDIAN AND THAT'S A PROBLEM) Captain Jack, and--not appearing until way, way into the novel--Scottish doctor Ian. Much of the novel, in fact, is about Lael being true to her frontier roots despite all her father's efforts to the contrary and all the dire warnings about what'll happen if she doesn't "fort up" at the first sign of Indian activity.
I liked a lot of things about this novel:
- Lael was no Mary Sue - she's more often scruffy than not and strikes me as a real person.
- Frantz's use of the Kentucke dialect did not grate on me like her 'twases did in Love's Reckoning. It felt spot on and I loved it.
- Tons of interesting detail about a time when settlers were always one step from death.
- The men in Lael's life were often secondary to the story and could disappear for months at a time without making the story less interesting. You go, girl.
- I'm a sucker for stories with Indians. YES I LIKED DANCES WITH WOLVES DEAL WITH IT.
Considered as a novel, maybe a bit more structure would have improved matters. There's something a bit rambling about the story. Nevertheless it kept me engaged and, at times, even fascinated. Frantz's writing has its quirks, and the overuse of "nearly" and "almost" in conjunction with a verb ("she nearly stumbled") is one that tended to irritate, but that doesn't mean I won't pick up another Frantz book. And that, dear Reader, is what writers want; if we can get you to come back to the table for more, we know our cooking's good.
*Gosh I'm only kidding, Kentuckians. Chill.
I've got to say at the outset that I liked this book a whole lot more than Frantz's latest, Love's Reckoning. The somewhat loosely constructed plot of The Frontiersman's Daughter revolves around Lael Click, the daughter of a remarkable father who was instrumental in founding their small part of Kentucky (called Kentucke because this is the 1800s) and spent some time living with the local Indians to boot, during which time her mom ran off with her uncle. Yep, it's Kentucky all right.*
I thought this was going to be a straightforward romance but no, Lael has THREE men competing for her affections: bully-boy Simon, romantic but Indian (but he's really white but still HE'S INDIAN AND THAT'S A PROBLEM) Captain Jack, and--not appearing until way, way into the novel--Scottish doctor Ian. Much of the novel, in fact, is about Lael being true to her frontier roots despite all her father's efforts to the contrary and all the dire warnings about what'll happen if she doesn't "fort up" at the first sign of Indian activity.
I liked a lot of things about this novel:
- Lael was no Mary Sue - she's more often scruffy than not and strikes me as a real person.
- Frantz's use of the Kentucke dialect did not grate on me like her 'twases did in Love's Reckoning. It felt spot on and I loved it.
- Tons of interesting detail about a time when settlers were always one step from death.
- The men in Lael's life were often secondary to the story and could disappear for months at a time without making the story less interesting. You go, girl.
- I'm a sucker for stories with Indians. YES I LIKED DANCES WITH WOLVES DEAL WITH IT.
Considered as a novel, maybe a bit more structure would have improved matters. There's something a bit rambling about the story. Nevertheless it kept me engaged and, at times, even fascinated. Frantz's writing has its quirks, and the overuse of "nearly" and "almost" in conjunction with a verb ("she nearly stumbled") is one that tended to irritate, but that doesn't mean I won't pick up another Frantz book. And that, dear Reader, is what writers want; if we can get you to come back to the table for more, we know our cooking's good.
*Gosh I'm only kidding, Kentuckians. Chill.
January 30, 2014
I loved it! I'm so glad Lori Mauldin shared this book with me. I have wanted to read this for some time. It totally met my expectations. It was very much about the history aspect but also very much about Lael, the main character. Her story starts out when she is 13. She loves her family and her home. She goes through a lot of trials in her life, although I didn't find this book too sad or stressful at all. There is Indian trouble and intrigue. But it is not the main focus. Who she is, as her father's daughter, is also a big part of the book. She comes to know the Lord at the end of the story, when she finally comes to an end of her self and turns to God. This book is somewhat reminiscent of The Little House on the Prairie books only with a deeper, grown up story. I wish I could find more books like this.
April 8, 2020
I thought I had read all of Mrs. Frantz’ books. I was wrong. This is my new favorite. I absolutely loved the Scott. I could not put this book down and stayed up half the night reading. I believe some say this book is exasperating because of the wishy-washy ways of Leal. I think it’s realistic. Leal is a lost soul, blown about by the wind. Only the love of Jesus can ground her.
March 9, 2020
This was *so* close to a 5 star read. I just loved the way the author told Lael's story, and especially how the people around her ministered to Lael and taught her the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
4.75 stars
4.75 stars
November 27, 2011
I received a free copy of this book. This isn't the type of book I normally go for, though I do enjoy Christian romances from time to time.
Set in the 1700's in the wild territory of Kentucke, Lael Click is the daughter of a rather famous frontiersman who was captured and spent time with the Shawnee, learning their language and some of their customs. One day, a Shawnee warrior known as Captain Jack appears, making it pretty clear that he wants Lael. At first Lael is afraid, sure that she is in love with a childhood friend. Her father sends her away for five long years to finish growing up and to learn how to be a lady. When she returns, the childhood friend is nothing like she remembers and Captain Jack is all she wants, though he appears like a dream and rarely shows himself to her though she often thinks he's watching her. Then a new doctor moves to the settlement, upsetting the delicate balance Lael has achieved between her civilized side and her wild side.
I was more than a little disappointed with this book. While it's well told, it's billed as a Christian romance, even though there is really very little romance in the book. The story is more about the hardships of frontier life. The different elements of the book didn't mesh well for me. The book starts with a scene between Lael's family and the Shawnee Indians, which I interpreted as a foreshadowing of events to come...events that never occurred. I kept reading on and on, through pages of descriptions and feelings, hoping to finally get to the meat of the book, yet the events I expected never happened. As a reader, it's sometimes comforting to know what to expect, and the way this book was set up, I felt like I knew what was going to happen.
In the end, Lael just seemed so fickle and unsure of herself, despite the strong character the author tried to depict. She jumps in and out of love so often, that when she finally settles on one man, it was hard to care much. And once she's made her decision, that's that. The book is over, leaving multiple questions that the author never bothered to answer. There is very little closure in the ending to tie it all together. The author also had a bad habit of jumping between scenes within the same chapter, often causing confusion, and I found the first half of the book to be incredibly boring before things started to pick up. The author introduced two possible love interests that I found myself caring for, so it was difficult to really root for just one. I liked them both equally.
Finally, I didn't care for the message this book seemed to have. I know this is a Christian romance, so of course Lael would probably end up with the man who believed in God, but up until the very end of the book, I really thought she would run away with Captain Jack (therefore becoming a heathen, I guess). Even the doctor makes notes of this -- that Lael would have to worship the Shawnee gods. I couldn't really see how this would be a bad thing since at one point she really did love Captain Jack. Isn't love the most important thing? I guess not when you want your character to conform to the Christian religion and become a believer.
Set in the 1700's in the wild territory of Kentucke, Lael Click is the daughter of a rather famous frontiersman who was captured and spent time with the Shawnee, learning their language and some of their customs. One day, a Shawnee warrior known as Captain Jack appears, making it pretty clear that he wants Lael. At first Lael is afraid, sure that she is in love with a childhood friend. Her father sends her away for five long years to finish growing up and to learn how to be a lady. When she returns, the childhood friend is nothing like she remembers and Captain Jack is all she wants, though he appears like a dream and rarely shows himself to her though she often thinks he's watching her. Then a new doctor moves to the settlement, upsetting the delicate balance Lael has achieved between her civilized side and her wild side.
I was more than a little disappointed with this book. While it's well told, it's billed as a Christian romance, even though there is really very little romance in the book. The story is more about the hardships of frontier life. The different elements of the book didn't mesh well for me. The book starts with a scene between Lael's family and the Shawnee Indians, which I interpreted as a foreshadowing of events to come...events that never occurred. I kept reading on and on, through pages of descriptions and feelings, hoping to finally get to the meat of the book, yet the events I expected never happened. As a reader, it's sometimes comforting to know what to expect, and the way this book was set up, I felt like I knew what was going to happen.
In the end, Lael just seemed so fickle and unsure of herself, despite the strong character the author tried to depict. She jumps in and out of love so often, that when she finally settles on one man, it was hard to care much. And once she's made her decision, that's that. The book is over, leaving multiple questions that the author never bothered to answer. There is very little closure in the ending to tie it all together. The author also had a bad habit of jumping between scenes within the same chapter, often causing confusion, and I found the first half of the book to be incredibly boring before things started to pick up. The author introduced two possible love interests that I found myself caring for, so it was difficult to really root for just one. I liked them both equally.
Finally, I didn't care for the message this book seemed to have. I know this is a Christian romance, so of course Lael would probably end up with the man who believed in God, but up until the very end of the book, I really thought she would run away with Captain Jack (therefore becoming a heathen, I guess). Even the doctor makes notes of this -- that Lael would have to worship the Shawnee gods. I couldn't really see how this would be a bad thing since at one point she really did love Captain Jack. Isn't love the most important thing? I guess not when you want your character to conform to the Christian religion and become a believer.
April 11, 2014
To say that Laura Frantz has created a novel that is well written doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the excellent quality of writing that is found between the pages of this novel. God has given Laura an amazing gift, and I cannot emphasis enough how much I appreciate what she's done here in Lael's story. It's a substantial 412 pages of deep, meaty substance; each word a scrumptious morsel to be savored.
It isn't very often that I read a book where the words seem to come off of the page as a beautiful, lyrical song. As I read page after page, I was truly amazed at the beautiful craftsmanship of this story. The setting so rich, that I felt I was standing right there amidst the action. I felt completely immersed in the story from beginning to end, and cared for Lael as if I knew her in real life. The characters are so vividly drawn, and so unique, I can't help but think that they'll remain with me indefinitely.
I was also greatly impressed by the tremendous amount of detail that went into illustrating the setting, characters, and Lael's private thoughts. As I read, I couldn't help but think of a magnificent piece of artwork, drawn with such intricate precision, that you can't help but be captivated and drawn in by its beauty.
I don't hesitate to say that Mrs. Frantz is a master of her craft, and has composed a novel that I would certainly read again; highly recommending to anyone who enjoys reading outstanding literature.
From the very first chapter, I new that I had happened upon a treasure. Lael's coming-of-age journey, in late 1700's Kentucke, is one that will captivate you and touch your heart for a long time to come. Add this one to the top of your list . . . with adventure, romance, faith, and a sweet story of redemption, you can't go wrong!
It isn't very often that I read a book where the words seem to come off of the page as a beautiful, lyrical song. As I read page after page, I was truly amazed at the beautiful craftsmanship of this story. The setting so rich, that I felt I was standing right there amidst the action. I felt completely immersed in the story from beginning to end, and cared for Lael as if I knew her in real life. The characters are so vividly drawn, and so unique, I can't help but think that they'll remain with me indefinitely.
I was also greatly impressed by the tremendous amount of detail that went into illustrating the setting, characters, and Lael's private thoughts. As I read, I couldn't help but think of a magnificent piece of artwork, drawn with such intricate precision, that you can't help but be captivated and drawn in by its beauty.
I don't hesitate to say that Mrs. Frantz is a master of her craft, and has composed a novel that I would certainly read again; highly recommending to anyone who enjoys reading outstanding literature.
From the very first chapter, I new that I had happened upon a treasure. Lael's coming-of-age journey, in late 1700's Kentucke, is one that will captivate you and touch your heart for a long time to come. Add this one to the top of your list . . . with adventure, romance, faith, and a sweet story of redemption, you can't go wrong!
May 22, 2018
I don't know what it is about Laura Frantz's writing that is so engaging. Even when the story is less than happy, I still can't put it down. Her books are rich in historical details, the characters are always wonderfully developed (whether I like them or not is another story), and the relationships that she portrays are always compelling. This book was no exception.
However, I had a hard time liking the h. She cried a lot. It seemed like she was crying every other chapter and the Vulcan in me didn't like that. I also didn't like how fickle she was. I don't judge her too harshly for it because: 1) I remember being young and dumb once, given to fancies and fleeting infatuations, 2) given her relatively isolated upbringing, I imagine it was easy for her to assign more importance to certain interactions than her more cultured counterparts, and 3) it made her a more realistic teenage girl/young woman. Her lack of steadfastness really irked me, though. The romance lover in me always enjoys reading about a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, and her emotions flitting from one man to another did not convince me of that.
What really sold the story, besides the masterful telling, was the H. He was wonderful. I liked him for his faith, convictions, compassion, and self restraint. I would have loved an epilogue that took place further into the future, but that's just me being greedy. There were also a couple of loose ends that I would have really loved having tied up with a nice bow on top, but that's just me being greedy again. If anything, the loose ends serve to make the story more realistic since we don't usually get closure on everything in our lives. (Blame 30 minute sitcoms for that lie.). All in all, I enjoyed this one.
However, I had a hard time liking the h. She cried a lot. It seemed like she was crying every other chapter and the Vulcan in me didn't like that. I also didn't like how fickle she was. I don't judge her too harshly for it because: 1) I remember being young and dumb once, given to fancies and fleeting infatuations, 2) given her relatively isolated upbringing, I imagine it was easy for her to assign more importance to certain interactions than her more cultured counterparts, and 3) it made her a more realistic teenage girl/young woman. Her lack of steadfastness really irked me, though. The romance lover in me always enjoys reading about a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, and her emotions flitting from one man to another did not convince me of that.
What really sold the story, besides the masterful telling, was the H. He was wonderful. I liked him for his faith, convictions, compassion, and self restraint. I would have loved an epilogue that took place further into the future, but that's just me being greedy. There were also a couple of loose ends that I would have really loved having tied up with a nice bow on top, but that's just me being greedy again. If anything, the loose ends serve to make the story more realistic since we don't usually get closure on everything in our lives. (Blame 30 minute sitcoms for that lie.). All in all, I enjoyed this one.
July 9, 2011
It was clear to me right away why all of my friends love Laura Frantz's books. Seriously, she has got a way with words that very few authors can replicate. It's an almost lyrical, haunting style that transported me to the back hills of Kentucky (referred to as Kentucke), and drew me into the relationships between Lael, Ma Horn, Ian, and Susanna, that it was oh-so-very-hard to turn that final page.
I couldn't help but compare The Frontiersman's Daughter to two other stories that I've watched and/or read about over and over--Christy by Catherine Marshall (book) and Dr. Quinn (tv show). Ian reminded me a great deal of the doctor (his name escapes me, but he's also from Scotland) from Christy that had to slowly gain acceptance in an area full of superstitious people, while also silently carrying a torch for Christy herself. Then, Lael reminded me a bit of Dr. Quinn because of her care and concern for the Indians. Lael didn't have as much contact with them in this book as Dr. Quinn did in the tv show, but her father did when she was a young girl, and the lessons he taught her early on about them stayed with her the rest of her life.
For those who can't get enough stories about this area and these people, and also enjoy a slow-paced story, I would suggest checking out Jan Watson (Sweetwater Run and Still House Pond are two that I've read). Personally, all these back-woods-type stories are starting to grow on me, and I know it won't be long before Courting Morrow Little makes it way into my hot little hands, quickly followed by The Colonel's Lady. :o) My rating is 4.5 Stars.
I couldn't help but compare The Frontiersman's Daughter to two other stories that I've watched and/or read about over and over--Christy by Catherine Marshall (book) and Dr. Quinn (tv show). Ian reminded me a great deal of the doctor (his name escapes me, but he's also from Scotland) from Christy that had to slowly gain acceptance in an area full of superstitious people, while also silently carrying a torch for Christy herself. Then, Lael reminded me a bit of Dr. Quinn because of her care and concern for the Indians. Lael didn't have as much contact with them in this book as Dr. Quinn did in the tv show, but her father did when she was a young girl, and the lessons he taught her early on about them stayed with her the rest of her life.
For those who can't get enough stories about this area and these people, and also enjoy a slow-paced story, I would suggest checking out Jan Watson (Sweetwater Run and Still House Pond are two that I've read). Personally, all these back-woods-type stories are starting to grow on me, and I know it won't be long before Courting Morrow Little makes it way into my hot little hands, quickly followed by The Colonel's Lady. :o) My rating is 4.5 Stars.
May 30, 2020
3.5 Stars!
An ok story but this was mostly a 3 star for me as some parts I enjoyed like learning what a frontiersman is and Lael was an interesting character but most of the story I found boring and a little creepy. I have given an extra 0.5 as I liked the ending :).
4 stars to Laura Jennings for a engaging audio performance.
Don’t let this book put you off this author. Some some of her other books are very good!
An ok story but this was mostly a 3 star for me as some parts I enjoyed like learning what a frontiersman is and Lael was an interesting character but most of the story I found boring and a little creepy. I have given an extra 0.5 as I liked the ending :).
4 stars to Laura Jennings for a engaging audio performance.
Don’t let this book put you off this author. Some some of her other books are very good!
August 15, 2010
This is an incredibly moving and absorbing debut novel.
Lael (pronounced Lay-elle) Click is the 14 year old daughter of a noted frontiersman, guide, hunter and leader in pre-Revolutionary War era Kentucky (or Kentucke as its called in the book).
They live in the shadow of her father's 4 year captivity by the Shawnee. He attempted to save a group of miners lives by offering to join the Shawnee instead of being slaughtered, when they were set upon by a war party. What transpired was that only the Frontiersman was welcomed into the tribe (for his bravery) and the rest of the men were made slaves. Now, years later, he is both revered and hated for his time with them because he took to the life with a relish. Lael's mother has never adapted to life on the frontier and as Lael begins to become a woman (at 14 you are eligible for marriage) she starts to resent her for her ways which have become so much like her father: Lael lives, breathes and loves the wilderness of Kentucke.
Lael is in (puppy) love with a 20 year old man her father does not approve of. Click, as he's known on the frontier, believes Simon has a wandering eye and a head for drink. Curiously, however, Click doesn't seem to mind when an old Shawnee friend, Captain Jack (a white man who was taken in by the Shawnee as a young child) begins to show interest in Lael. He tells her that it would be a life she could learn to enjoy. The dialog in the book is so rich and descriptive, in just a few words, its sums up the way Click apparently misses his "old life" among The People. However its not meant to be at this time, due to Lael's mother's very strong feelings of doom and Lael is shipped off to the state of Virginia to a finishing school and to get her away from both Simon and Captain Jack.
4 years later Lael returns, a softer woman in flesh but a harder woman in spirit. Her father has only visited her a handful of times and her mother not at all. Her father has been killed in a guiding expedition in Ohio territory and her mother has remarried a barrister and moved to a town in another territory. Lael moves back into the family's old cabin on the frontier and bonds with an old family friend - a herb woman - and learns the way of healing. It is through this new life she's created for herself that she meets the new settlement doctor Ian, an Scot recently arrived from Boston.
There are so many twists and turns for Lael. Simon has married but wishes to spirit Lael away and live in sin. Captain Jack has come back for Lael once again and for the first time makes Lael feel wanted. And Doctor Ian confuses Lael's heart. She alternately yearns to get to know him and dislikes him.
The dialog is very lush and descriptive without being wordy. If you have ever seen the Movie "Last of the Mohicans", this novel is set in the same area. Its very green and mountainous, misty and lush. The author does an incredible job of drawing you in and you feel as if you are right in the middle of the forest with Lael.
This book is marketed as a Christian novel but the religious elements are not in play until the last 1/4 of the book, and even then, they pertain more to the storyline than to proselytizing. If you're not a believer, look upon these sections as the belief's of the day. At this point in history, religion was a large part of a person's life.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys pre-Revolutionary War stories. The writing is excellent, the characters fully fleshed and the diaglog rich without being wordy.
A+
Lael (pronounced Lay-elle) Click is the 14 year old daughter of a noted frontiersman, guide, hunter and leader in pre-Revolutionary War era Kentucky (or Kentucke as its called in the book).
They live in the shadow of her father's 4 year captivity by the Shawnee. He attempted to save a group of miners lives by offering to join the Shawnee instead of being slaughtered, when they were set upon by a war party. What transpired was that only the Frontiersman was welcomed into the tribe (for his bravery) and the rest of the men were made slaves. Now, years later, he is both revered and hated for his time with them because he took to the life with a relish. Lael's mother has never adapted to life on the frontier and as Lael begins to become a woman (at 14 you are eligible for marriage) she starts to resent her for her ways which have become so much like her father: Lael lives, breathes and loves the wilderness of Kentucke.
Lael is in (puppy) love with a 20 year old man her father does not approve of. Click, as he's known on the frontier, believes Simon has a wandering eye and a head for drink. Curiously, however, Click doesn't seem to mind when an old Shawnee friend, Captain Jack (a white man who was taken in by the Shawnee as a young child) begins to show interest in Lael. He tells her that it would be a life she could learn to enjoy. The dialog in the book is so rich and descriptive, in just a few words, its sums up the way Click apparently misses his "old life" among The People. However its not meant to be at this time, due to Lael's mother's very strong feelings of doom and Lael is shipped off to the state of Virginia to a finishing school and to get her away from both Simon and Captain Jack.
4 years later Lael returns, a softer woman in flesh but a harder woman in spirit. Her father has only visited her a handful of times and her mother not at all. Her father has been killed in a guiding expedition in Ohio territory and her mother has remarried a barrister and moved to a town in another territory. Lael moves back into the family's old cabin on the frontier and bonds with an old family friend - a herb woman - and learns the way of healing. It is through this new life she's created for herself that she meets the new settlement doctor Ian, an Scot recently arrived from Boston.
There are so many twists and turns for Lael. Simon has married but wishes to spirit Lael away and live in sin. Captain Jack has come back for Lael once again and for the first time makes Lael feel wanted. And Doctor Ian confuses Lael's heart. She alternately yearns to get to know him and dislikes him.
The dialog is very lush and descriptive without being wordy. If you have ever seen the Movie "Last of the Mohicans", this novel is set in the same area. Its very green and mountainous, misty and lush. The author does an incredible job of drawing you in and you feel as if you are right in the middle of the forest with Lael.
This book is marketed as a Christian novel but the religious elements are not in play until the last 1/4 of the book, and even then, they pertain more to the storyline than to proselytizing. If you're not a believer, look upon these sections as the belief's of the day. At this point in history, religion was a large part of a person's life.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys pre-Revolutionary War stories. The writing is excellent, the characters fully fleshed and the diaglog rich without being wordy.
A+
August 26, 2016
Free Kindle download.
The author took her time with this one — I couldn't be sure that it was a romance because I couldn't quite predict where it would go; the heroine's life journey is long, and the path meanders a bit. The hero is not who you think it would be, and when he's introduced into the story, you wonder later, "Why at that moment?" There are other men in the story that could easily have been the hero, so there is no clear indication who to root for when each of these men are introduced into the story.
Also, the heroine is not the conventional sort, even for the time. She's headstrong and independent and makes some choices that seem really unsafe, which at times annoyed me. Some of her actions were the sort that, if this were another book, would have resulted in really dire consequences.
All in all, though, I enjoyed the book. I think part of it was that it DID meander. It doesn't follow the conventional formula of a historical romance, and as a result it was less predictable and gave me reason to keep turning the page to find out what happens next. I'm beginning to think that's the aim of a lot of the Christian romances out there — to make it more like life and give it the same feeling of randomness that life has, with an equal focus on other interests and relationships, not just in the relationship between the hero and heroine. In mainstream romances, the story focuses more on the relationship, and everything else is mostly for texture and contrast, a background for the primary relationship, the one between the hero and the heroine.
I find the differences interesting. They are probably what will keep me alternating my reading between the two genres.
The author took her time with this one — I couldn't be sure that it was a romance because I couldn't quite predict where it would go; the heroine's life journey is long, and the path meanders a bit. The hero is not who you think it would be, and when he's introduced into the story, you wonder later, "Why at that moment?" There are other men in the story that could easily have been the hero, so there is no clear indication who to root for when each of these men are introduced into the story.
Also, the heroine is not the conventional sort, even for the time. She's headstrong and independent and makes some choices that seem really unsafe, which at times annoyed me. Some of her actions were the sort that, if this were another book, would have resulted in really dire consequences.
All in all, though, I enjoyed the book. I think part of it was that it DID meander. It doesn't follow the conventional formula of a historical romance, and as a result it was less predictable and gave me reason to keep turning the page to find out what happens next. I'm beginning to think that's the aim of a lot of the Christian romances out there — to make it more like life and give it the same feeling of randomness that life has, with an equal focus on other interests and relationships, not just in the relationship between the hero and heroine. In mainstream romances, the story focuses more on the relationship, and everything else is mostly for texture and contrast, a background for the primary relationship, the one between the hero and the heroine.
I find the differences interesting. They are probably what will keep me alternating my reading between the two genres.
July 2, 2013
I wanted to stop reading at the 25% mark, when Lael was still only 13 years old, but I kept reading for all those people who think it's not fair on the author to give a low rating without finishing the book. Well, that means the book went from a 2-star Did Not Finish to a 1-star.
It was long. Too long. And it was boring.
The entire book was written from Lael's point of view, and I didn't find her that interesting as a character. She was alone most of the time, which meant the action (such as it was) was all narrative, with very little dialogue. That made it seem even longer, and even less interesting. The best bit was the last 10%, which had a lot of internal and external conflict, and a lot of people and things happening.
On the plus side, the research was outstanding. But overpowering. If I'm reading a book and seeing the research, that means I'm not seeing the story, which means there is something wrong with the story (see above).
I've also read Courting Morrow Little, and that made a much better job of integrating the research into a story with more action and a better balance between introspection and action. Maybe that's why I found The Frontiersman's Daughter disappointing: because it's not as good as Morrow's story. It could also be that Morrow's story is a historical romance, whereas this is definitely historical fiction, in that the focus of the story is on Lael, not her relationship(s).
It's a Christian novel, but the Christian content really only starts to come in at the end. Sometimes that's a good thing, but in this case it almost felt as if it was tacked on the end to appeal to a specific market.
It was long. Too long. And it was boring.
The entire book was written from Lael's point of view, and I didn't find her that interesting as a character. She was alone most of the time, which meant the action (such as it was) was all narrative, with very little dialogue. That made it seem even longer, and even less interesting. The best bit was the last 10%, which had a lot of internal and external conflict, and a lot of people and things happening.
On the plus side, the research was outstanding. But overpowering. If I'm reading a book and seeing the research, that means I'm not seeing the story, which means there is something wrong with the story (see above).
I've also read Courting Morrow Little, and that made a much better job of integrating the research into a story with more action and a better balance between introspection and action. Maybe that's why I found The Frontiersman's Daughter disappointing: because it's not as good as Morrow's story. It could also be that Morrow's story is a historical romance, whereas this is definitely historical fiction, in that the focus of the story is on Lael, not her relationship(s).
It's a Christian novel, but the Christian content really only starts to come in at the end. Sometimes that's a good thing, but in this case it almost felt as if it was tacked on the end to appeal to a specific market.
August 23, 2012
I can't believe that I have put off reading this book for far too long. It came highly recommended and definitely did not disappoint. The writing was incredible... scenes were so descriptive, I felt like I was on the frontier with the characters. My heart broke for Simon early on. I felt like he always loved Lael but was just too caught up in taking the easy way out. I still was hoping that he never married Piper and that he would end up with Lael... and then there's Captain Jack. Oh goodness! I wasn't too impressed with him early in the book until Lael had her first run-in with him in the woods =) that's when I fell for his Shawnee charm. lol. I definitely thought that they would be a for sure thing after the river encounter. However, Ian Justus is more than just "eye candy", he was the perfect leading man in this book. He was dashingly handsome, a doctor, he feared the Lord, and he's Scottish! I really began to have a love for him as soon as he entered the picture as the mysterious man who almost kissed Lael. I love this book and would probably read it again in the future.
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