Have I mentioned that Laura Frantz is a favorite author of mine? No? Well, read my recent review of Love’s Awakening, then, to see more of why I love her stories. Her latest, Love’s Fortune, is just as epic and beautiful. It’s the third and final book in the “Ballantyne Legacy” series. It follows the story of Ansel’s daughter, Rowena “Wren” Ballantyne.
Isn’t this cover just breathtaking? I love the rich autumn hues.
Plot Synopsis from Goodreads: Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas’s vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Rowena makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world–filled with family members she’s never met, dances she’s never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew. As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes’ shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?
With her signature attention to historical detail, Laura Frantz brings 1850s Pennsylvania alive with a tender story of loss, love, and loyalty. Fans will cheer for this final installment of the Ballatyne saga.
Wren is caught between a new family she loves dearly and the expectations that come with society –including a “season” with suitors. Unlike Ellie in the previous book, Wren doesn’t have a strong sense of her place in the Ballantyne family. She’s grown up as an outsider, so experiencing life with the Ballantynes — and the reputation that follows — is new and daunting. In addition, the lavish lifestyle of others in Pittsburgh makes her uncomfortable.
As she struggles to reconcile her new surroundings with what she knows of her father’s history, she finds some comfort in the companionship she shares with James. He, however, is caught up in perilous situations as his role working for Silas brings risk and new enemies. Because he’s afraid open his heart to Wren, another potential suitor comes on the scene, railroad magnate Malachi Cameron, causing Wren to question her destiny of finding love or fulfilling her responsibilities as a Ballantyne. (I’ll say no more about the romance element of the story — you’ll have to just read it for yourself! Laura definitely leaves you wondering which man she’ll choose…)
I thought the setting in pre-Civil War Pittsburgh unique and interesting, with the industry there, balls, concerts, and large mansions and homeplaces also in Love’s Awakening. This book is a good conclusion to this series, answering little questions I had about the characters from the previous story. Ultimately, the story illustrated the importance of following God’s path for your heart and life. And, trusting that His protection is there even when we feel vulnerable or confused. With this series finished, I’m eager to see what’s next from Laura!
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Revell!
What have you been reading lately?
The Green Mockingbird 
Courtney, You are a gem of a reader who has a way with words not to be forgotten! Thanks for making time for Wren and enjoying her world as well as Eden’s and Ellie’s. I’m so thankful the story meant something to you. Your review means so much to me. Also, the pictures you took with LA and LF are just beautiful. Must pin this, too! Thank you so much.
Your compliments made my day! Thanks, Laura, for sharing these characters with the world. I was so glad to see Ellie frequently in this story and how her family and happiness had grown. I’m glad you like the pictures! I had fun setting up LA with sheet music.
It’s so wonderful to have you stop by!
Blessings,
Courtney
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