Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, … accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning–together.
Laura Frantz’s prose sparkles with authenticity and deep feeling as she digs into her own family history to share this breathless tale of love, exile, and courage in Colonial America.
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Lark works in the stillroom creating herbal tinctures and teas, she refuses to participate in the free-trading done by many of the islanders to survive due to her Christian convictions. She is working on a herbal remedy to help the Lady Isla after the miscarriage of her 6th babe, but an unfortunate accident leaves her wealthy family looking for someone to blame.
The Lark and the laird of the island, Magnus, grew up side by side, sharing a deep friendship, with hopes unspoken. Mourning the loss of his wife he seeks to prevent another wrong by defending Lark, but he himself finds himself convicted of crime, and together they are exiled to the New World away from the familiar hills of Scotland.
Could their exile be the start of something new?
A captivating read, riveting in it’s stark wildness, beauty, injustices, and hope. Lark is a beautiful young woman, considered a spinster in her community, she lives with her wise grandmother. Lark is descended from a highly regarded family, but their lot has fallen in recent generations. Lark is beautiful inside and out, holding to her convictions of her faith through may trials. Her beauty catches the eye of many men that she meets from a sea captain who lives by his wits, a laird, a plantation heir, and others. She has a big heart, and compassion for those hurting, and I admired her unwillingness to compromise in regard to her faith.
Larkin is a bonnie braw lad, well loved and a unexpected blessing. He brings joy to many around him, seeming to defy his lot in life at every turn. Many of the characters are well developed, and I liked the thoughtful Miss Flowerdew, as well as the many who befriend Lark and Larkin.
Magnus is a man of many responsibilities as laird of an island, he tries to do his best to care for the people under his care, and is unashamed of his Scots heritage. He is bound by his responsibilities, I admired his faith despite the challenges he faced, honorably seeking to glorify God no matter the circumstances, holding back his own desires in the interests of others.
Overall an utterly compelling read that grabbed my heartstrings and didn’t let go, from the vast wild beauty of the stark lands, to the noble, faithful, Lark and Magnus who are admirable in the face of injustice. I especially enjoyed the strong themes of faith, holding to the promises, and strength in weakness. You won’t regret picking up this epic journey of second chances and faith. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was kept very engaged almost the entire book. It was really well-written and well-edited.
The main characters and even several of the supporting characters were very unique and memorable. (The only inconsistency I noticed was in Magnus’s “roguish air” and jest of the immoral relationship of the captain’s on page 232.)
The setting was beautifully done, with each of the three main settings marking a change in circumstances and plot. I loved the differences between Scotland, the ocean voyage, and the Virginia colony in pre-Revolution days.
I also enjoyed the strong faith thread, especially Lark’s refusal of a man whose religion was only nominal. Though I didn’t like how they merely used the word Providence for God sometimes, I know that’s how the Founding Fathers talked, so I took it to mean the God of the Bible, not just fate.
At 2/3 of the way through, I mentioned to my book club that there was only ending I would be happy with, and if the author hadn’t given it to me, I would have been very angry! 😉 She gave it to me. It was the perfect ending.
The only thing I didn’t like was how long it took to get that perfect ending. Once they landed in Virginia, it really wasn’t necessary to the plot to drag out the circumstances of Lark and Larkin’s daily life. And [spoiler alert] having three different men trying to woo her, one in each setting, got a little old. I wished for a different obstacle. The one with the factor Grainger in Virginia would have been enough for me. Or take out the one in Scotland totally. After reading the Author’s Note at the end, I realize that she included Rory’s character because of the caves she visited. But nothing he did really needed to be in there at all, especially considering his conclusion.
Favorite quotes:
“The captain shrugged. ‘I’ll take my chances.’ ‘Then leave Lark out of it.’ Magnus underscored his words with a direct gaze that the captain did not hold.” (p.98)
“The music had them circling and gliding and spinning, testing their skill and surefootedness. Beneath it all pulsed a sweetness, an excitement that she danced with the handsomest man on Kerrera, mayhap in all the islands. Once she looked up at him, and his eyes were every bit as warm and lively as the music when they met hers.” (p.55)
I’m sure there are more, but I didn’t mark them, as I was so enthralled and this was a library book so I couldn’t mark in it, like I do my own. 😉
Love all things, Laura Frantz. The details, the history, the journey is always a favorite.
I loved A Bound Heart. The story and characters were fabulous, and I was unsure of which man Lark would end up with for quite some time so I was on the edge of my seat. There’s a great dictionary of all the Scottish terms in the book, which helped as there were several I didn’t know.
A wonderfully written historical romance! Magnus and Lark will capture your heart and take you right along on their journey. Magnus is the quintessential hero. He is strong, honorable, and best of all…God is foremost in his life and heart! Lark is a beautiful heroine. Her love for her family, nature, and the Lord is inspiring. The vivid descriptions of their surroundings makes you feel as though you’re along for their adventure…the beauty, the trials, the losses, and the joy. I enjoyed every moment of their story and look forward to what Laura Frantz will bring us next!!
I received a complementary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
# A Bound Heart by Laura Feagan Frantz . I would highly recommend this Christian historical romance book. Take a step back into 1752 Scotland to meet Lark MacDougall and Magnus MacLeish. See how love does waiver in time away from each other. Go to Williamsburg, VA. Love the quotes in each chapter and Scottish words. I love the book
Laura has a wonderful way of telling a story and putting you right in there. A Bound Heart is the lovely story of two souls who become indentured servants unjustly. They are forced to leave the comforts of Scotland and serve in America and the Caribbean Islands. Settting is the early 1700s. This is a good book to read while sipping tea in front of a fire.
I must admit I’ve been waiting rather impatiently for this book since I first caught sight of that gorgeous cover. Plus, who can resist Scotland . . . and castles . . . and Scottish lairds . . . and the beautiful, exquisite stories written by Laura Frantz. It was definitely worth the wait. From the beautiful, craggy island of Kerrera in Scotland to the shores of America and even to the steamy heat of Jamaica, Frantz brings the settings to vivid life with her descriptive imagery and places the reader right into the story. The carefully-crafted and captivating characters are easy to visualize. Lark is a compassionate, caring, and courageous heroine, and Magnus is a loyal, dedicated, honorable hero with great integrity and trust in God. The trials they go through are heart-wrenching, but their faith and courage are inspirational.
Filled with intrigue, suspense, rich historical detail, and a touch of romance, A Bound Heart is historical fiction at its finest. It has earned a spot on my keeper shelf and another on my favorite books of the year list. I heartily recommend it to those who enjoy outstanding historical fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Laura Frantz’s latest book A Bound Heart gave readers a beautiful insight into the Scottish countryside. This historical fiction novel took place in the 1700s, and the wonderful descriptions made readers feel like they were in Scotland themselves. The relationship between Magnus and Lark was somewhat slow moving due to various circumstances throughout the book. I appreciated the fact that the author used authentic Scottish words in the dialogue but it did make it a little more difficult to follow along with what some of the characters were saying. The author did include a Scottish glossary in the beginning of the book to assist readers with understanding the terms. An overall enjoyable story by Laura Frantz. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Revell Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Scots, history, love, danger, a healthy fear of God! How could I not love a book by Laura Frantz! Magnus is such an honorable man, even when everything is taken away from him for wearing a kilt! Lark is a caring young woman who is falsely accused, imprisoned and sent to the new world. In spite of the hardships, Lark keeps trusting in God. I loved the use of Gaelic terms and the Scottish setting in the early part of the book! I have enjoyed all of Laura Frantz’s books and A Bound Heart was no exception. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
Danger, peril, and stormy seas abound in this book by author Laura Frantz. Lots of action kept me turning the pages quickly. But the pace of the book but was not frenzied; there were enough slower portions to help make this an enjoyable read.
I loved the descriptions of the Scottish Highlands. Frantz did a really good job of putting the reader in Lark’s little cottage, for example. The wonderful descriptions continued throughout the book.
The characters, especially Lark and Magnus, were strong and well developed. They were strong in their faith, and very human. You’ll love them! The secondary characters filled out the plot nicely with personalities that made you think.
With a Christian thread from beginning to end, this book is a great read for those who enjoy Christian historical fiction. I recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The book cover and design of this book is really quite lovely. It helps me create imagery as I am reading through the story.
The details of the life of Lark has me captivated, because the author has successfully brought me into her world. I can visualize her gathering the herbs and creating her “recipes”. The descriptions of the Laird and especially Rory were especially descriptive which helped with me in the rest of the book.
However, and unfortunately there is a however, despite the great storytelling, I found it extremely difficult to get into. I completely understand that the speech of the day was not like our modern day English as we know it, but I still found myself plodding slowing through each chapter where there was dialogue. It interrupted my story flow in that there was plenty of stop’s and go’s where there should having been a flowing melody.
My thoughts of the story is I wish it had gone a little faster. Based on the back cover of the book I already knew that the Laird’s wife was going to die and each chapter I passed I kept waiting for her to die. And while the back of the book describes Magnus (the Laird) and Lark where is any mention of Rory?
I just found myself a bit frustrated, while enjoying the basic writing, yet wishing for more. I’ve ready this authors books in the past and have enjoyed them in the past. Perhaps I need to do another read of the book with no back cover expectations and see how I feel about the book.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
Ah, I don’t even know where to begin with this beautiful book! Laura Frantz gives readers a story that spans from the Scottish Highlands to a sea voyage to Virginia and on to Jamaica. Each setting is given vivid and detailed descriptions placing readers right into the time and place.
Lark MacDougall is such a relatable character. She’s torn between what she longs for in her heart and what is expected of her. Throughout her trials, she leans hard into her faith. Magnus MacLeish has given into his familial expectation and is unhappy in his situation but striving to be the best laird and husband he can in his circumstances. He is a spiritual beacon for Lark when she most needs it.
There are a few love triangles throughout this story but underneath it all is Magnus and Lark’s friendship and longing for each other. And even though they are apart for a good portion of the story, their romance is organic and enjoyable.
Oh, and if you want to be even more immersed in the story, the audiobook narrator does a wonderful Scottish brogue!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
An incredible epic tale from a master storyteller!
I have heard of Laura Frantz’s gift as a historical romance author but this is my first book by the celebrated and beloved author. She has certainly found herself another avid fan. I know whose backlist of titles I’ll be reading through in 2019. If you love well-written historical romance full of adventure and heart-gripping characters, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
Magnus, our Scottish laird, and Lark, the stillroom (kind of like apothecary and herb garden combined) mistress and beekeeper, take the reader back to 1752 Scotland in the midst of ongoing struggle and turmoil between England and Scotland. Magnus is a steadfast, kind, generous and proud leader of the MacLeish, whose loyalty lies wholly with God, his country, and his people. Though admired by his colleagues and people, personal tragedy follows Magnus. Lark whose name means “open hearted, brimming with life and spirit” is true to her namesake and is beloved by all. Due to tragic circumstances upon tragic circumstances, Magnus and Lark find themselves as indentured servants bound for the new colonies – Magnus to Jamaica and Lark to Virginia. Through all the heartbreaks and heartaches, their faithfulness to their Lord and Savior and to each other endures. Even in the midst of unjust justice system and cruelty of slavery, Magnus and Lark find ways to show God’s goodness to those they encounter; their desire and action to see God glorified are admirable and completely applicable to all of us today.
My heart is full and completely satisfied after reading this book. I can’t wait to delve into Laura Frantz’s other books as I impatiently wait for her next novel.
I was given a copy of the book by Revell/Baker Publishing Group via Interviews and Reviews. I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz is excellent Christian Historical Fiction that travels from Scotland to Virginia and Jamaica in 1750. I enjoyed the story of Lark and Magnus, the period detail, the values of the Christian characters, and most of all the continual thread of God‘s faithfulness. Laura Frantz has a rare talent with the written word and includes her own personal family history in her work. Yes, I am prejudiced she is one of my favorite authors and I recommend every book she has written.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate this opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.
A beautiful book. Frantz never disappoints.
I have such mixed emotions about this book. I have to admit Laura Frantz’s writing style isn’t my favorite. But the premise of the stories she writes has me picking up the book to read it, even though I know that. I loved the Scottish and even the Virginian and Jamaican settings. I adored Lark and Magnus, as well as most of the other characters. The storyline makes sense and is realistic, which I enjoyed. But I also found the storyline incredibly frustrating. It seemed like it took forever for things to happen in the middle/end of the book. I think what bothered me the most was how long it took to hear what was going on with Magnus. And then there was no epilogue! I wanted to know what happened after they finally were together!
Laura Frantz has such a gift for storytelling. Her settings are superb and draw you into the story. Her characters are intriguing and feel familiar. What a journey this book took me on! From a murder investigation in the Scottish Highlands, life threating illness in the West Indies and finally, looming danger in Virginia Colony. The romance is quite a slow burn and at first it was overshadowed but boy, was it able to hold its own for the last half of the story! At this point I will read anything Laura Frantz wants to write knowing that it will be a wonderful experience. I would recommend this book to fans Jocelyn Green, Lori Benton and Jody Hedlund.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I love this author’s writing style and lovely voice and the believable characters and settings she creates.
Wonderful book. This wasn’t so much a “will they, won’t they” as a “if disaster could please stop striking, that’d be great.” It’s refreshing not watching characters go back and forth about their feelings but instead work on overcoming the obstacles between them. Laura Frantz’s romances are more about characters growing in the midst of the relationship rather than a tug-of-war between selfish desires and shallow misunderstandings. Her stories always contain a depth to them, and A Bound of Heart is no exception. You can see my full review at https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2019/02/15/just-read-a-bound-heart-by-laura-frantz/