Renee C. (steelergirl83) reviewed Love's Awakening (Ballantyne Legacy, Bk 2) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
After having read five books by this author, I'm of a mind that nobody has mastered the craft of weaving a delightfully entertaining and romantic tale better than Laura Frantz. From the very first chapter to the very last line of every book, and possibly none more so than with her latest, Love's Awakening, I have been hooked. The second book in the Ballantyne Legacy is a winner!
With complex and engaging characters, historic Pittsburgh has been brought to life as I've never seen it before. Being a native to the area, I couldn't help but be half in love with this story before I even turned the first page and I'm happy to say it lived up to, and greatly surpassed, my already high expectations. I'd love to think that some of my ancestors could have easily traveled the paths that Ellie did in this story. Love's Awakening is by far my favorite of the series and sweet Ellie Ballantyne one of my favorite heroines brought to life by Frantz. It was easy to picture a genteel lady struggling with love and faith in a rough, rapidly evolving city. Our hero, Jack Turlock, is as equally an impressive character. Without giving anything away, let's just say he's a delish reformed rogue. Who doesn't love a bad boy? I never thought anyone could top Red Shirt from her previous novel Courting Morrow Little, but I think he may have a rival in Gentleman Jack! ;-)
Everything about Love's Awakening captures the essence of great Christian fiction. Perfectly balanced with love, just a bit of adventure, and a lot of history I could not find a thing I did not enjoy when it came to this book! If you're looking for a story that engages the mind and the heart definitely consider this book and this series!
*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
With complex and engaging characters, historic Pittsburgh has been brought to life as I've never seen it before. Being a native to the area, I couldn't help but be half in love with this story before I even turned the first page and I'm happy to say it lived up to, and greatly surpassed, my already high expectations. I'd love to think that some of my ancestors could have easily traveled the paths that Ellie did in this story. Love's Awakening is by far my favorite of the series and sweet Ellie Ballantyne one of my favorite heroines brought to life by Frantz. It was easy to picture a genteel lady struggling with love and faith in a rough, rapidly evolving city. Our hero, Jack Turlock, is as equally an impressive character. Without giving anything away, let's just say he's a delish reformed rogue. Who doesn't love a bad boy? I never thought anyone could top Red Shirt from her previous novel Courting Morrow Little, but I think he may have a rival in Gentleman Jack! ;-)
Everything about Love's Awakening captures the essence of great Christian fiction. Perfectly balanced with love, just a bit of adventure, and a lot of history I could not find a thing I did not enjoy when it came to this book! If you're looking for a story that engages the mind and the heart definitely consider this book and this series!
*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
*Sigh* That's how I felt when I reached the last page of this book. "Oh no, what will happen next?" was my next reaction. What a good story. Ellie and Jack are such great characters. I would definitely have wanted to be friends with both of them. I also enjoyed revisiting Silas and Eden (Ellie's parents) from the first book. There was a lot of great push and pull in the action and so much great historical information about slavery in Pennsylvania. I didn't know that slavery was so bad in a northern state. I also liked watching Jack learn about God and grow into his love for Ellie.
I love words that take you by the hand and lead you deeper into the story-what reader doesnt? Loves Awakening is one such title I have been hording until just the right reading moment and that moment presented itself to meand it was so worth the wait.
I didnt expect anything less than what I received between the gorgeous covers of this historical romance. Characters that brim with spice and spunk and a determination to do what is right in the eyes of God. History is rich in filling between the cracks of the characters lives, but in a way that does that detract from the story at all but only adds to the fullness of every minute spent within the story.
Ellie and Jacks love story is no conventional onefall in love with your fathers enemy? The towns professed villain? And yet their attraction is so pureand so passionate. Jack is such a noble hero with the burden of the world on his shoulders which I wanted desperately to see released. And for Ellie to come truly into all her characters potential.
There is never just one layer to a story like this. Too many between characters, story world and secondary contributors to mention in one simple review and I cant begin to do the book justice. I can promise it is fully worth the read.
I didnt expect anything less than what I received between the gorgeous covers of this historical romance. Characters that brim with spice and spunk and a determination to do what is right in the eyes of God. History is rich in filling between the cracks of the characters lives, but in a way that does that detract from the story at all but only adds to the fullness of every minute spent within the story.
Ellie and Jacks love story is no conventional onefall in love with your fathers enemy? The towns professed villain? And yet their attraction is so pureand so passionate. Jack is such a noble hero with the burden of the world on his shoulders which I wanted desperately to see released. And for Ellie to come truly into all her characters potential.
There is never just one layer to a story like this. Too many between characters, story world and secondary contributors to mention in one simple review and I cant begin to do the book justice. I can promise it is fully worth the read.
