Saturday, July 9, 2011

Book Review: The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz/4.5 Stars

About the book:

One woman searches for love--and herself--in a wild land.

Lovely and high-spirited, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father's ties to the Shawnee Indians and her family's past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. As she faces the many trials of life on the frontier, Lael draws strength from the rugged land. But the arrival of a handsome doctor threatens her view of her world, her God, and herself. Can the power of grace and redemption break through in this tumultuous place?

This epic novel gives you 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 who would not be defeated.

My thoughts:

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.

Southern?  Yes
Sass?  Yes



12 comments:

  1. I haven't read any Laura Frantz yet either, but like you, I've heard great things about her. I signed up for The Colonel's Lady blog tour so that will be my first.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Me, too, Joy. I'm hoping to find time to read CML before TCL gets here, but I've got a lot of other books to read in between.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Christy, I can't thank you enough for your gracious, heartfelt review! After a long week, it really ministers to me. It also means a lot as I know your TBR stack is toppling and yet you took the time. Joy, so happy to know you're on the blog tour! I rec'd my copy of TCL yesterday. Readers like the 2 of you make it all so worthwhile. Anyway, bless you both bunches! And happy reading!

    p.s. love the southern and the sass;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Laura, you are so very welcome, and thank you so much for coming by! I'm so grateful that so many of my wonderful friends spoke so highly of your books. I'll be joining in with them now, for sure! ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so happy you enjoyed TFD, Laura is a favorite of mine (and super nice to boot!). :) CML was even better than TFD in my opinion, so I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of The Colonel's Lady!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, dear, Ruth...I foresee a pile of unwashed laundry in my future when I read CML! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I agree with Ruth TFD was good, I liked Lael and that she learned how to be a healer/midwife from Ma Horn, but CML was by far my favorite from being to end. I liked how Lael story ended but I loved her Morrow's story ended. I think your enjoy CML just as much as you did TFD.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looking forward to reading from this author! This sounds like a really good book!! I love your blog and am now a new gfc follower as countrysunset40.

    Have a great Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Carissa, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Looks like I'll need to carve out some time for CML sooner than I thought!

    Tracy, thanks for the follow. I hope you'll discover lots of great books to read! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh yes, Christy! You need to read CML as soon as possible! I loved TFD and CML -- two of my favorite books of all time! Laura is an amazing author and a fantastic lady! I'm signed up for The Colonel's Lady blog tour, as well, and I can't wait! : )

    I'm also passing this blog award on to you . . .
    http://sweettreatsandinspiration.blogspot.com/2011/07/irresistibly-sweet-blog-award-thank-you.html

    I recently found your blog, and I'm really enjoying it. : )

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Christy, I just found your blog through Michelle's :) I've had Courting Morrow Little on my bookshelf for awhile now and after reading your review on the authors writing style I'm excited to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wasn't this fantastic? I'm so glad you liked it.

    I didn't think I'd find anything better and then along came Courting Morrow Little, which I like even better. I am so excited for The Colonel's Lady.

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments!! They make me happier than cold sweet tea on a hot summer day! :o)