A Heart Adrift

I wanted to love this book. I really did. The romance was clean, it has great reviews, and the cover's gorgeous. Maybe I just don't like the time period, though I did learn quite a bit about it from this story. For me, there just wasn't enough going on. I love suspense. I love action. There didn't seem to be a lot of either going on; it seemed to be mostly romance. Which is fine, if you like that to be the main theme. It just isn't my preference.

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz is a stand-alone colonial romance. Esmee Shaw contents herself by working in her chocolate shop after a failed romance. Captain Henri Lennox returns to York after several years at sea. Can Esmee and Henri overcome the past and start anew? Will they get a second chance? What a lovely romance story; throw in chocolate, a lady light keeper, a sea captain, treasure and political intrigue and you have the makings of a great story. Esmee was such a strong woman. She was always helping those less fortunate. The story ended way too soon! I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

A historically rich slow burn romance, with well researched details that come alive as a love once thought lost is given another chance. Chocolatier Esmee Shaw has contented herself tending to the needs of her family's shop and advocating for those in need. But when the dashing sea captain who once claimed her heart a decade ago, re-emerges into her life she struggles with uncertainty and the ghosts of lost dreams. On the brink of a coming war with France, is an uncertain future enough on which to rekindle an old romance? A thoughtful read, that pays great attention to detail to bring colonial times to life. One of my favorite things about Ms. Frantz is how she does such a wonderful job of rendering authentic patterns of speech and dialect for the time. This book is no different. Esmee is a sensible and compassionate heroine, who knows her own heart. She is a rock for her father and sister, and through her kindness has won a handful of true friends. Henri is honorable, a man of integrity with a natural leadership about him. Overall, this was a absorbing read that I was loathe to put down. A captivating read with characters masterfully created and brought to life. The story reminded me a bit of Persuasion by Jane Austen. I loved how the faith was a natural part of the everyday lives of the characters, and two of the people that surprised me most were Nathaniel and Eliza. A well written novel of love, faith, hope, as richly tempered as the chocolate. Highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Laura Frantz does it again! A Heart Adrift is a beautiful novel that explores a period of history through the lives of well-developed and engaging characters. The 1755 war with France and the role of privateers in that war are elements of history that I was not very familiar with but they have taken greater shape in my mind both as historical events and what it may have been like to live during that time. Frantz weaves this history into the delightful love story of her characters, which is not rushed or shallow, but rather grown with care and intentionality. A Heart Adrift confirms why Laura Frantz is a personal favorite when it comes to historical fiction! *I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A Heart Adrift is among one of the best pre Revolutionary War novels I have read to date. I loved being transported back in time to Colonial Virginia. I adored Esmée’s story and getting to know her. The historical details made me feel as though I was living among her inner circle and watching her in real time. I loved the chemistry she had with Henri. Such a beautiful story. I loved every single page. I am giving A Heart Adrift a very well deserved five plus stars. Readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction, particularly those set during the American colonial time period. It is definitely not one to be missed. I believe it is going to be among my favorites I have read in 2022. I received a paperback copy of A Heart Adrift from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Like a favorite chocolate placed on your tongue this book was rich and rewarding, something to be savored with new flavors unfolding at every page's turn. A Heart Adrift was *somehow* my first read by Frantz, but it certainly won't be my last. My reader's heart has been won! Bittersweet and warm, this beautiful tale draws you in and lets you sink into the narrative alongside the characters, all of whom a reader can't help but come to love. (And speaking of, I've heard that another book is coming and can't wait to read more - hoping I know who will star in that book!) I loved the experience, the relatable feelings and questions, and the answers from Scripture that were woven in like a fine golden thread. Simply stunning! [I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

“Did she realize she held his heart? Not just a piece of it. The entire whole of it.” I do so love second chance romance and Esmee and Henri have it down perfectly in 1755 Virginia. Laura Frantz has a beautifully lyrical way of writing that transports the reader to the heart of York, Virginia. The story is infused with such realistic backdrop of the port city and such rich and fascinating history ranging from building a lighthouse operated by a woman to delicious details involved in chocolate and candy making during the colonial times to dangers of privateering in the midst of war against the French. I loved Esmee’s strength of character and Henri’s generous compassionate heart. Even in times of terrible grief and suffering, Esmee and Henri hold onto each other and to their faith to guide them. If you are looking for a heart-warming historical romance, you will absolutely love this newest book by Laura Frantz. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.