The Colonel's Lady
Written by: Laura Frantz
Narrated by: Laura Jennings
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-04-16
Publisher: Books & Such Literary Agency
Genre: Historical Romance, American Revolution
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Publisher's Summary
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? Listeners will be enchanted by this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness from Laura Frantz. Her solid research and deft writing immerse listeners in the world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become intimate friends.
©2011 Laura Frantz (P)2016 Laura Frantz
Review:
Roxanna lost her mother to illness and her fiancé to another woman. She manages to travel during 1779 through the dangers of war torn Virginia to the Kentucky fort where her father is serving as scrivener. Along the way she is joined by a handful of less than upright women, with a mute young girl, who have decided they need to find another town. When Roxanna arrives at the fort she soon learns that her father has died in the field, leaving her destitute. Colonel Cassius McLinn was with Roxanna’s father when he gave his dying request that the Colonel take care of his daughter. It is too late in the year to travel so the commander hires Roxanna as the new scrivener.
Roxanna tries hard not to be attracted to the too handsome Colonel. especially since she doesn’t think a man like him could be interested in a spinster like her. The Colonel has secrets that he knows will devastate Roxanna if she ever finds out. He tries to maintain his distance but he finds himself drawn to her deep-seated faith and kindness. A kindness that might be able to forgive him for the darkest of actions.
Roxanna discovers her father’s diary that reveals a danger to the Colonel and the fort in the form of a traitorous spy. Meanwhile they must cope with enemy Indians and the nearing battle with the British Army led by none other than the Colonel’s bitter and estranged twin.
I liked Roxanna’s character from beginning to end. She has passion, spunk and courage sustained by her unwavering faith. The Colonel is a strong man with demons to fight. Their romantic resistance, conflict and misunderstandings are handled beautifully amid a story that shows day to day life on the dangerous American frontier. The writing is straight forward, smooth and moves quickly. Ms. Frantz weaves strong but quiet messages of faith in an action-packed plot. The story shares moments of sorrow, fear, joy, grace and love. There is a great blend of historical detail, action and romance. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy Christian fiction and historical romance. I will definitely seek to read more by this author.
Audio Notes: Laura Jennings does a lovely job with the narration. She manages both the female and male voices as well as subtle English and Irish accents. The tone is unusually hushed but that fit the tone and setting of the story. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.
