Love's Fortune ~ written by Laura Frantz

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     With two very different horizons stretched out before her, one young woman stands on the cusp of an unknown future.

    Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas’s vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. Then her father, Silas’s long-estranged son, Ansel, receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope. Rowena makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world— filled with family members she’s never met, dances she’s never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew. As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantyne’s shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her own peril?

    With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, Laura Frantz brings 1850s Pennsylvania alive with a tender story of loss, love, and loyalty in this final installment of the Ballatyne saga.

About the author:

    Laura Frantz was born and raised in Kentucky.  Her earliest memories are of the public library, standing in front of shelves filled with those little biographies of famous historical figures like Daniel Boone and George Washington and Sacajawea. She began writing stories at age 7 and thankfully never stopped. Her passion, back then and now, is history and all the wonders of past centuries.

    It was never a desire of Laura's to be published. She simply loves to write for the sheer joy of writing – and that is enough. But as Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

  

Jan's Review for Joy In Our Journey:

    It is not often that you can pick up a book and be instantly transported to another time and place.  Love’s Fortune, by Laura Frantz is just that kind of book.  Instantly you will be transported back to the 1850’s, as Rowena Ballantyne leaves the only home she has ever known and travels to her grandparents' home in Pittsburgh.  She finds herself sailing on The Rowena, the newest and finest ship in her grandfather’s fleet, which was named for her.  It is on this trip when she meets the handsome captain of the ship, James Sackett.

    Rowena, or "Wren" as she prefers to be called, reluctantly agrees to enter the high society of Pittsburgh and the ‘Coming Out’ that is expected of wealthy young society ladies of her day.  As she experiences the falseness of the society events, Wren finds herself longing for the simplicity and satisfaction of her old life as the daughter of a violin maker.  This is not the life she would prefer to live; however, she chooses to honor her grandparents and her father and follow their desires for her.

    The vivid descriptions, language and attention to detail make this not only an enjoyable book to read, but give the reader a glimpse of a way of life that no longer exists. Love’s Fortune is the third book in Laura Frantz’ Ballantyne Legacy series, a book you will enjoy, not only for a well told story, but for the fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of a bygone era of rank and privilege.