Heart Adrift A Novel

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Average customer rating 4.8 (14 comments)

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After reading this book, my fascination with chocolate has reached a new level! Author Laura Frantz takes us into the life of a chocolatier in the year 1755 and offers us a fascinating tale that is rich in historical detail and the mention of chocolate. Esmee Shaw operates her family's chocolate shop, and she is a devoted daughter, sister, and friend. She is also a twenty-eight-year woman who still loves the man who left her ten years ago to pursue his love of the sea. Is Captain Henri Lennox a respected privateer, or is he a pirate? Will Esmee ever know the joy that comes from being a wife and mother? I was mesmerized by A Heart Adrift, and my love of history was fed by this story that includes the American colonies becoming involved in a war with France. I felt like I was living in York, Virginia, and I could almost taste those delicious chocolate delicacies. I could feel how torn Esmee was at the return of the man that she had never forgotten, and I also felt Henri's uncertainty when he returned. Watching them reconnect made my own heart flutter, and I truly wanted a happy ending for them! This is a story of love lost, hope regained, and a faith that sustains through the worst of times. I highly recommend A Heart Adrift to all who enjoy historical fiction and clean romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation of a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

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A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz is a stand-alone colonial romance. Esmee Shaw contents herself by working in her chocolate shop after a failed romance. Captain Henri Lennox returns to York after several years at sea. Can Esmee and Henri overcome the past and start anew? Will they get a second chance? What a lovely romance story; throw in chocolate, a lady light keeper, a sea captain, treasure and political intrigue and you have the makings of a great story. Esmee was such a strong woman. She was always helping those less fortunate. The story ended way too soon! I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

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A historically rich slow burn romance, with well researched details that come alive as a love once thought lost is given another chance. A thoughtful read, that pays great attention to detail to bring colonial times to life. One of my favorite things about Ms. Frantz is how she does such a wonderful job of rendering authentic patterns of speech and dialect for the time. This book is no different. Esmee is a sensible and compassionate heroine, who knows her own heart. She is a rock for her father and sister, and through her kindness has won a handful of true friends. Henri is honorable, a man of integrity with a natural leadership about him. Overall, this was a absorbing read that I was loathe to put down. A captivating read with characters masterfully created and brought to life. The story reminded me a bit of Persuasion by Jane Austen. I loved how the faith was a natural part of the everyday lives of the characters, and two of the people that surprised me most were Nathaniel and Eliza. A well written novel of love, faith, hope, as richly tempered as the chocolate. Highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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A Heart Adrift is among one of the best pre Revolutionary War novels I have read to date. I loved being transported back in time to Colonial Virginia. I adored Esmée’s story and getting to know her. The historical details made me feel as though I was living among her inner circle and watching her in real time. I loved the chemistry she had with Henri. Such a beautiful story. I loved every single page. I am giving A Heart Adrift a very well deserved five plus stars. Readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction, particularly those set during the American colonial time period. It is definitely not one to be missed. I believe it is going to be among my favorites I have read in 2022. I received a paperback copy of A Heart Adrift from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

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“Tis never amiss to hope...dream.” Esmee Shaw was a heart adrift. It remained to bee seen if she would find her harbor, her home, with Captain Henri Lennox. “ she wasn’t reminded at every turn of Henri Lennox, like she was when at the chocolate shop. On the other hand, she didn’t need reminding, as he’d taken up permanent residence in her head and her heart.” From the beautiful cover until the last word, this is a treasure. Characters that are worthy of emulating. Esmee is a business woman in her own chocolate shop and a patron ofthe almshouse. Henri is a Captain in the Royal Navy who has been away for a decade. Once pledged to each other, they had a parting of ways which each now regrets. The story is rich in atmosphere, showing how each has matured through the years. The author captures the colonial period with sumptuous words, taking you through the streets of York and Williamsburg realistically. Ms. Frantz gives her characters a living faith that reaches out to us in the present: “The only certainty about life was its uncertainty. Only God stayed steadfast. Only the Almighty could walk her through life’s many changes. And when she felt overwhelmed, she simply had to look back and see how faithful God had been.... The heartaches and closed doors of the past had made the present more beloved.” This is a story that brings history alive. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell.I wasn’t required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

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Whew! I got down to nearly the very last page there and wasn’t sure how things could possibly wrap up satisfactorily! I enjoyed this book immensely. With its slow build, it was a very enjoyable change of pace from the last few books I’ve read recently. And did I mention I’m in love with lighthouses?!? So, win-win, lol! Author Laura Frantz has an extraordinary knack for taking historical settings and breathing life into them. Her stories really make the past come alive in a way that I’ve seldom experienced. I loved the captain and I loved Esmée, along with a whole slew of fun side characters! The colonial seaside and island settings had me enraptured and the storytelling and attention to detail in wording was almost poetic, it was so pretty! I look forward to Ms. Frantz’s next release extremely enthusiastically!

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Captivating...right to the end. A nice long read to sink into. Set in the early days of the French and Indian war. Esmee is the daughter of an Admiral that had spent much time at sea. She has been estranged from her friend Henri for 10 years, parting as he went to sea as she didn't want to be married to someone, like her father, who was also married to the sea. She kept busy as a businesswoman, running the chocolate shop that her mother had started and also doing charity work at the local almshouse. When Henri came back, she slowly realized how much she cared for him, just as he was called to set sail again - working for the government against French ships. So well written, it's very real. Frustrating and heart wrenching at times, and a truly lovely love story. As satisfying as the best chocolate! Lessons of Christian faith are wound throughout. I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #AHeartAdrift #NetGalley

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Set in the Virginia Colony in the 1750s, A Heart Adrift tells the love story of Captain Henri Lennox and chocolatier Esmée Shaw. This is no simple love story as the novel delves into the themes of the value of human life, the worth of all no matter the station of life, and the importance of a life well-lived. Themes our culture would do well to consider. As always Frantz's research is evident, placing readers securely in the time and place alongside memorable characters. Her writing evokes deep empathy and compassion. She has inspired me to want to once again visit Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown once this pandemic is under greater control. For now, I will sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Heart Adrift from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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A Heart Adrift  By Laura Frantz –  Five Stars I haven’t read a Laura Frantz book for a while so I was more than thrilled with the chance to read A Heart Adrift. The amazing book cover drew me in from the beginning. Isn’t it just stunning? And now for the story. Set in 1755 colonial York, Va., Chocolatier Esmée Shaw runs her mom’s Chocolate shop. I love her character because she has such a caring personality, always willing to help those in need. And always thinking of her old fame Henri and wonder if she will ever see him again. Will the war, the distance and the years keep the two apart forever? Esmée is just the sweetest. I enjoyed getting to know her so much, and oh my, all that Chocolate! I could literally smell the chocolate as I read this book. Henri had to grow on me somewhat, but I found that the two are just perfect together. The attention to vivid details takes this book to a different level. Author Laura Frantz does a fantastic job of research as well as creating wonderful characters and writing a story her readers will not soon forget. I can’t seem to get Esmée and Henri off my mind. I am sure I will be reading this one again in the near future. I think anyone who enjoys a good clean historical fiction with elements of faith running through will love this book. A Hearts Adrift by Laura Frantz deserves Five Stars from me.  This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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If you asked me at the moment what my ideal place to live would be, I would say living in a cozy cottage by the sea would be wonderful. And if it has a lighthouse nearby, that would be just perfect. If that sounds lovely to you, I think you’ll enjoy this book.☺️ A Heart Adrift’s setting was the highlight of the novel for me. It was so atmospheric. Oh, and this book calls for chocolate! Be sure to have some hot chocolate and your favorite chocolate on hand. 😉 I enjoyed the historical time-period as well. I haven’t read many books set during the 1700s so I enjoyed it quite a lot! As for the characters, Esmée and Henri were wonderful! Their love story was sweet and wholesome. I enjoyed reading their story of long lost love and reuniting at last. 🥰 The writing was beautiful! I loved how prayer and God’s word played such a integral part in the book. It was truly inspiring to me how these characters turned to God in times of worry and doubt as well as joy and thankfulness. The faith was woven beautifully into this story! So I’m conclusion, this was a beautiful story that I enjoyed very much! It was my first book to read by Laura Frantz and I was not at all disappointed! Now I’ll be daydreaming about living in a seaside cottage and be a lighthouse keeper.☺️ Sounds pretty great to me! *Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book to review. All opinions are my own.

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I do so love second chance romance and Esmee and Henri have it down perfectly in 1755 Virginia. Laura Frantz has a beautifully lyrical way of writing that transports the reader to the heart of York, Virginia. The story is infused with such realistic backdrop of the port city and such rich and fascinating history ranging from building a lighthouse operated by a woman to delicious details involved in chocolate and candy making during the colonial times to dangers of privateering in the midst of war against the French. I loved Esmee’s strength of character and Henri’s generous compassionate heart. Even in times of terrible grief and suffering, Esmee and Henri hold onto each other and to their faith to guide them. If you are looking for a heart-warming historical romance, you will absolutely love this newest book by Laura Frantz. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

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This was a wonderful read. There was great historical aspects as well as those second chances on love that we all love to read about, at least I definitely do! The author's command of the English language is amazing and I have to admit there were some words I had to look up! The author was very knowledgeable about the language of this period, which clearly would be different than ours. Good for building my vocabulary, I think! This author is a wonderful writer and knows how to engage the reader so that you can't stop reading until the wee hours! I loved the unique name of Esmee that is used in this story and I loved the detailed plot and the intrigue in this well-written novel. Henri is a great hero and then there is Quinn! It's simply an enjoyable book that you won't want to miss. I have enjoyed so many of this author's books and this one was another winner. I enjoyed reading about life in the 1700's in Colonial Virginia and being a chocolate lover, this book definitely was a hit! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

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This was such an enjoyable read, and it quickly became a page turner! What an amazing job the author did writing this, you never see what is coming around the next corner. We are gifted with a romance that has been broken, a family that is there for each other, then we throw in pirates! There is sadly a pandemic and few are except. I loved how the main character has such heart for her fellow, less fortunate, man. She goes above and beyond, and we walk in her shoes. This read has a great conclusion, you don't want to miss, especially, the grieving widow! I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

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Laura Frantz has done it again. She will transport you back in time to the pre-revolutionary war in Virginia and you will feel like you are actually there. Her descriptions and the story flow make this a most interesting book. I will let you read the synopsis for yourself, but if you like Christian historical fiction, then you will fall in love with this story. Well developed characters, a story that flows well and excellent editing all add up to a must-read book.