Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz, c2012

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.

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of 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 Lancaster. 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?

Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel's Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

Love's Reckoning
By Laura Frantz
978-0-8007-2041-4
$14.99
Paperback 432 pages
Publication Date: September 1, 2012

Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group for sending me Love's Reckoning in exchange for this review in my own words. Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.
My Review

"The plan is this," he went on. "If the apprentice comes before the babe, the jig is up and he's to wed Eden. If he comes after the babe is born, he's yours, Elspeth. You know how things stand with an apprentice." --Love's Reckoning, page 9

Apprentices marry into their master's family. Choose thus then wise thy trade! This must be a Rachel and Leah story I am thinking. Is he to be indentured for 14 years? And, my heart? I hope he gets the right one! One contrary, one softness surrounding her unspoken heart. With his letter of arrival, he sends a gift. A fine gift.

"Upon my soul, he's a city smith--and a master engraver!" Papa's eyes narrowed and nearly gleamed. "No doubt I could sell this for a pretty penny." --page 11

He is a mercenary. Who would want to be his son-in-law? No wonder he is sending afar!

And here is beauty:

"Even the pond gracing the near meadow looked more puddle, swollen by rain, yet devoid of its blue brightness. 'Twas simply an uninspiring dove gray like all the rest, mirroring the dullness inside her. She longed for a little color. Her soul felt nigh starved for it. But she was no better, totally nondescript in butternut wool, worn leather shoes, and fraying bonnet." --page 14

Oh, my. I am so ready to read this beautiful prose. This wordsmith has me enraptured. I want freedom for this "softness surrounding her unspoken heart," as I have described her. It is in the depths of winter. Within and without, it seems. But, no:

"Oh, let a snowfall dress the landscape like a bride!" --page 16

She lives!

And the bridegroom cometh!

"But he was rich in spirit, he remembered, lest self-pity take root. He had some tools. A violin. A vision. And he'd traveled nearly fifty miles in two days, lacking but thirty more till he reached York County."  --page 17

Are you ready for him to arrive?

With a lame horse and a fresh snow, he is diverted from his travels to a light in the distance. Warmth, and memories of his Highland home, fresh bread and mutton stew mingle with the wood smoke at twilight. He pays for quarters in the stable to rest his horse, as he only has money for one. Turning to go, he is blocked at the door, as patrons enter. He is intercepted!

The neighbor bordering the land of the master blacksmith he is contracted to, shares the remaining table and meal, informing him of his destination and offers him a position after his apprenticeship is complete.

Are you remembering the timing? He beds down in the stable and leaves in the morning.

At daylight he is on his way. Birthing day. Late afternoon arrival, he belongs to the sister. The first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy begins. He is Scottish. He does not know of their custom.

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.