Rating: 4 Stars Description: On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?
In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. "Love's Reckoning" is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.
My thoughts: I really liked this book. The romance was good without being too mushy and the writing was beautiful. The people are real, with real hurts, feelings, and sins. Nothing upsets me more than to read a story where people are cookie- cutter and all around perfect.
It was only at the end were had any problem. When Eden and Silas had there issues (Don't want to give it away so I wont tell you what), it seemed that they then forgave and forgot far to easily. Sure it was over a few years, but for me it was a few pages. And Silas' thing with the other girl did not seem necessary.
Over all though, it was worth reading and I can't wait for the second book, Love's Awakening.
Buy from Amazon here.
Dear Bookishqueen, Thanks so much for your very thoughtful review! I always looking into the heart and head of a reader and finding what makes a book work for them (or not). Happy reading to you in 2013!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reading my review!
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