"The Colonel's Lady" Review & Giveaway

Romance - check.
History - check.
Soldier - check.
Did I mention the hero is an Irishman? 

Yep, The Colonel's Lady is pretty much the perfect book for me. 

About the book: 

In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own--some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him?

Readers will be enchanted by this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness from reader favorite Laura Frantz. Her solid research and deft writing immerse readers in the world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become intimate friends. 

Can love survive the secrets kept buried within a tormented heart? 

Roxanna Rowan may be a genteel Virginia woman, but she is determined to brave the wilds of the untamed frontier to reach a remote Kentucky fort. Eager to reunite with her father, who serves under Colonel Cassius McLinn, Roxanna is devastated to find that her father has been killed on a campaign.

Penniless and out of options, Roxanna is forced to remain at the fort. As she spends more and more time with the fiery Colonel McLinn, the fort is abuzz with intrigue and innuendo. Can Roxanna truly know who the colonel is--and what he's done?

Immerse yourself in this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness set in the tumultuous world of the frontier in 1779.

My thoughts:

From the moment I opened the package, I couldn't wait to dive into The Colonel's Lady. The gorgeous cover caught my attention even before I started reading the story. 

Like her previous novel, The Frontiersman's Daughter (currently free for Kindle), author Laura Frantz has painted a beautiful picture of untamed Kentucky wilderness.

I will admit to being a bit of feminist and cannot stand the simpering 'heroines' that need to be rescued over and over. Thankfully, Laura Frantz doesn't either! Roxanna is a strong character who knows her mind and the romance between her and Colonel McLinn is beautifully written, without being overdone.

I really did enjoy the book, especially the historical thought and research put into it. I had one issue throughout, with Colonel McLinn using the word 'ken' repeatedly. It really is a Scottish word and felt out of place for an Irish character (unless he is from Ulster?). A minor thing really and those not obsessed with both the Scotch and Irish culture probably wouldn't notice.

While not as fast paced as what has been on my reading list lately (think Digitalis and The Negotiator), The Colonel's Lady was a relaxing and refreshing read. Frantz is a skilled writer and truly wove a delightful story. I will look forward to more from her in the future.  

The Colonel's Lady is available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

And now for the giveaway! 

How to enter:
1. Main entry - Leave a comment answering the following question: The Colonel’s Lady takes place in the wilds of Kentucky during the Revolutionary War. What one thing would you miss the most if you were suddenly transported to 1779? (For me? My laptop!)

Bonus entries - Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

2. Like "Our Crazy Life" on Facebook (or if you already do, leave a comment letting me know!)

3. Share this post on Facebook - or any other Social Networking Site using the "Share the Love" buttons below the post. One Bonus entry per 'share', make sure to leave a comment for each entry! (P.S. You can share 1x a day for each site!)

4. Follow me on Google Friend Connect (or if you already do, leave a comment letting me know!)

5. Add my button to your blog (Worth two entries, leave two comments!)

Make sure you leave a way to contact you, either by having your reply-to email address set or by leaving your email address in your posts.

Contest will end Wednesday, 8/31/11, at 10:00 pm CST and the winner will be chosen by a random number generator.

Winner will be mailed a copy of Laura Frantz’s The Colonel’s Lady via media mail.

*Fine Print: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions expressed are all mine and I was not required to give a positive review.

I hope you win ;0) 

Come back soon for more book reviews and giveaways during the next several weeks. 

Love,