Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with. Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa’s … him Tessa’s long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.
Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand–and heart–are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.
Intense, evocative, and laced with intricate historical details that bring the past to life, An Uncommon Woman will transport you to the picturesque and dangerous western Virginia mountains of 1770.
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I just finished An Uncommon Woman and I feel as though I have been on an 18th century vacation. I had anticipated this story for two years and I was not disappointed when it finally came my way. Every word, sentence, and paragraph was placed in the perfect spot to make me feel as if I was on this journey side by side with Tessa and Clay. Oh what a journey! Oh what love and friendship! I grew spiritually and learned no small amount of American history as I read this story. We as 21st century Americans take many many things for granted. This book points to some of them. This read, and all others by Laura Frantz will reside on my keeper shelf. I thank God for an author like her that goes above and beyond when it comes to historical research. Also, she isn’t afraid to acknowledge our Father in Heaven in her books. Words I think of when I think of An Uncommon Woman are: Lovely, Mysterious, Friendship, Love for God, and Love for each other. I think of frontier, pioneer, and unexplainable bravery. Without people like the ones we read about in this story our country would not be as blessed as it is today. For that I am thankful. Everyone who even remotely enjoys a historical read needs to read this book!
I was given a copy of this book from Revell. All opinions or descriptions are my own.
I think I have a new favorite Laura Frantz book. When it comes to riveting novels based on the frontier, Frantz is at the top of my list. And with her latest one… I was completely enthralled. She has such a way with words, with dialogue, with descriptions… I felt as if I was right in the middle of the wilderness, seeing, smelling, and tasting it all alongside the characters.
This book pits tragedy against hope, hate against love, and fear against truth. With a roller coaster of emotions, Frantz builds a plot of ever increasing tension. Prepare to be completely distracted by this one! But also be prepared to fall in love with the hero and heroine. They fully embed themselves in your heart and mind, immersing you in a tale so rich you will hate to see it end!
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Laura Frantz is one of the undisputed authors of frontier fiction. An Uncommon Woman once again drives that truth home.
Readers are immediately pulled into the time and place and tension of living with the constant threat and fear of Native American attacks from multiple tribes. As the only girl in a family filled with brothers, Tessa is a tough woman but also has a soft heart when it comes to family, friends, and God.
When Clay Tygard arrives, there is a slow connection that forms between him and Tessa. As the two spend time together, they come to know and expect each other.
Frantz expertly balances intense and action-packed moments of danger and suspense with emotional and moving scenes.
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 Uncommon Woman is a well-written, page-turning, flowing narrative conveying the reader to the beautiful and dangerous Western Virginia mountains of the eighteenth century. The story abounds with historical detail and vivid, descriptive imagery. The characters are well-developed and convincing. The development of the relationship between Tessa with her “folksy groundedness” and “honest vulnerability” and Clay who is “buried beneath layers of upheaval and hurt” is exceptional and makes for a moving story. The ribbon of faith that is woven through the story is meaningful and inspiring. I highly recommend this book!
“An Uncommon Woman” by Laura Frantz
is a beautifully written, historical fiction book that draws its reader into the wilds of the 18th Century West Virginia. From the moment I opened this book, I was drawn in by the excitement, anticipation and vivid descriptions. The research that the author puts into her stories, along with the vivid details of the locations, and historical accuracy, make you feel as though you have just stepped into the past, and are walking along side the characters.
The characters, are so well written and likeable…Tessa Swan, plainspoken, yet strong and fiery; Lenape raised war hero Clay Taggert; Keturah, Tessa’s childhood friend returned from capture; along with so many wonderful secondary characters…you will not want to put this book down! I struggled between taking breaks to make the story last, to wanting to devour it all in one sitting.
This book is yet another powerful example of Laura Frantz’s master storytelling skills.
I highly recommend this book and author to everyone, and wait in anticipation for her next release.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
This is only the second Laura Frantz novel that I’ve read and now I’m wondering why, because I’ve really enjoyed both of them! Her writing style pulls you in to the story and you just want to keep reading. I am definitely adding her back list to my TBR!
This story is one to be savored. The descriptions and writing style made me feel completely immersed in Clay and Tessa’s lives. Their story is filled with so much depth and emotion. They are both wonderful characters that you root for the entire time you’re reading. I also loved the secondary characters, especially Keturah. I really want her story – all of it! She is the measure of a true friend!
I was really sad to see this story end! I wanted more and I really would’ve liked an epilogue! I can’t wait to see what Laura Frantz writes next! In the meantime, I’ll be accumulating her back list!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
An absolutely delightful and engrossing tale. I consumed it in two different sittings because I did not want to put it down. Tessa’s confident and playful nature is a perfect offense to breaking down Clay’s barriers. I could not help but cheer for them from the first meeting. Their romantic interactions left my heart pounding and my face smiling. I would love to see a series come out of this with the other wonderful supporting characters. There are some very difficult interactions to portray and once again, Laura gracefully handles them and doesn’t gloss over the painful historical details. I highly recommend this for all Laura Frantz and clean, inspirational, historical fiction fans. If you’ve never read a book by Laura Frantz, this is the perfect one to introduce you to her wonderful writing talents.
Early America. Families moving into the wilderness. Different tribes–Shawnee, Cherokee, Lenape. Whites killed and kidnapped. The father of Tessa had been killed by Indians, her best friend kidnapped. Tessa eventually reunites with her friend, who by then had a history as a Lenape. Col. Clay Tygart is an effective leader partly because he too had been held as a child by Indians. An uncommon woman meets an uncommon man during a defining era of American history. A very rich and rewarding tale.
A book you won’t want to put down! Laura Frantz has written another winner with An Uncommon Woman! Tessa Swan is a brave young woman who has only known the rough life on the western Virginia frontier. At the age of twelve, her best friend was stolen by Indians while they were berry picking. I was captivated by Clay Tygart who was taken by Lenape Indians as a child but is now the colonel at Fort Tygart. You will experience the difficult life on the frontier, the crowded life inside a fort and being captured by Indians. It is obvious that Ms. Frantz has done thorough research for this book. I highly recommend An Uncommon Woman to anyone who enjoys historical romance. I received advance copies of An Uncommon Woman from NetGalley and Revell Publishing. This is my honest opinion.
If Laura Frantz’s name is on it, that is enough to tell me I’m going to love a novel, and most probably, consider it a favorite. An Uncommon Woman is no exception. Ms. Frantz takes the reader back to colonial Virginia, but the far side of the Appalachians, where the Buckhannon River runs free and life is hard. At a time when the Colonies are bursting at their seams, some have traversed the mountains to make the wildlands their home. But with Indian tribes both mistreated and feared, life on the frontier is unstable at best.
Laura Frantz has an enviable way with words that mesmerizes the reader as she paints a comprehensive word picture of the dangers of the forts established at this time.
“How would I feel if” is the question I find myself asking when reading a Laura Frantz novel. One can’t help but be drawn into the lives of Tessa and her bereft family, who are honoring her pa by continuing the life he staked out for them. Yet Tessa remembers a fearful time in childhood that affected the whole community. She also longs to return to the East, a refined land she has never seen.
Colonel Clay Tygart, for whom the fort is named, is an enigma both in appearance and personality. A “white Indian,” where will his loyalties lie when the Indian unrest breaks loose?
The secondary characters of Keturah, Tessa’s brothers, Tessa’s ma and the neighbor fill in the background to help weave a taut, suspenseful narrative that exposes human prejudices for what they are.
Vengeance-based feelings against people who might differ from oneself, held accountable for someone else’s actions. I wanted to cry at times, at others beg and plead with characters and whole groups of people to think more clearly, with forgiveness.
This is a story of many loves. A few romantic. * Sigh. * Several familial, but each different depending on the character of the persons involved. One strong friendship that supersedes all, beautifully portraying that “friend that is closer than a brother.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.
Laura Frantz’s -An Uncommon Women. As always Laura’s books are rich in historical detail, vivid Imagery and believable characters. Laura is a favorite of mine because her stories transport you to the place and time and you feel like you are right in her story. Her books are a treat for the senses. I enjoyed Tessa because she was strong, self sufficient and witty; growing up on the frontier and with 5 brothers- no sisters, she had little time to be prissy. What I found as a surprise in the book was Tessa was not the only “uncommon women,” but no spoilers here.
If you are a fan of frontier fiction; An Uncommon Women is a must read for your collection. You will not be disappointed!
I received a copy of this book from the Publisher. I wa not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.
The highlight of my January so far has been the release of another novel from one of my favorite authors: Laura Frantz! Her latest novel, An Uncommon Woman, is a truly stunning literary masterpiece. The most uncommon heroine, Tessa Swan, endeared herself to me immediately as Laura’s gifted prose transported me back in time to 1770. The masterfully described setting, rich historical detail, and budding romance enthralled me until the all-too-soon ending. I fell in love with Laura’s true-to-life characters, and I could not put this book down! If I could give An Uncommon Woman 10 stars, I would! Don’t miss out on this exceptional novel from a masterful storyteller!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the second book I’ve read by Laura Frantz and it was great. I was reluctant to put the book down and devoured the pages. I was also sad to come to the end.
Laura Frantz brought to life her characters. They were very real. She also put you in real life colonial frontier. You could feel like you lived there or were at least watching things unfold. The story flowed well and was very interesting.
The editing was very well done. That may sound odd, but a poorly edited book can ruin a story.
I was gifted this book through the Revel Reads program. I am not required to leave a positive review and this review is my honest opinion and freely given.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the frontier thanks to Laura Frantz. An Uncommon Woman was extremely well researched and every sentence added to the 1770 atmosphere. The intense struggles and losses depicted contributed to this suspenseful adventure. Yet, daily life included scenes of close family life and friendships. Frantz knows how to make her story come alive and her characters real by using beautifully descriptive language. I soon became wrapped up in the romance between two strong characters. Each had their own story, faith journey and lessons learned. I hope that she considers writing a sequel because I hated to let these characters go. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions were my own.
This book was so good. I loved how unique the characters are. Tessa is one of a kind. She was raised in an area where watching your back was second nature, not that it doesn’t get to you. Their family has faced tragedy, and knows that something could happen again at any time. Being scared all the time can really wear on a body. Doing the best with the life she has, when news arrives of they legendary Clay Tygart making an appearance at the nearby fort, Tessa can’t help but become hopeful. Can Clay, a man once raised by Lenape Indians bring peace to an area that so desperately needs it?
This story took me away to another place and time. I could feel myself holding my breath awaiting what might happen next. I felt the Swan families tension as they fought to protect what was theirs. I can’t imagine tragedy being a part of everyday life, but I know back then that it wasn’t an uncommon thing to face. I can’t comprehend living in fear as they often did, but also can appreciate their bravery and wanting better for their children than what poverty in a big city would give. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. This book made me feel an array of emotions: from heartbreak, to joy, and I also felt their fear. I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
u202aare falling in love while trying to stay alive. Wonderful story that makes me want to read everything by Laura Frantz. I would love a sequel for these magnanimous characters. u202c
u202aI received a copy for review and this is my honest opinionu202c
My first read of the new year will be hard to top! I’ve been a Laura Frantz fan from the beginning, and she truly never disappoints. Once again, I feel like I just returned from a trip back to the 18th century frontier. As with every Laura Frantz novel, the setting took on a life of its own and became such a vital character in this story. The author has a way of describing the landscape, both physical and political, in all of its beauty and danger and terrifying unpredictability, that seems to transport the reader back in time. The historical detail woven into such beautiful prose and gripping characters is what makes Laura Frantz a master at what she does. The love story that develops between Tessa and Clay, two people who have been thoroughly shaped by the Frontier, is my favorite kind! It’s slow and reluctant and tested and just so lovely. I simply cannot recommend this book highly enough!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from author/publisher. I was not required to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This novel starts as an intense story of life on the frontier that takes place on the very edge of civilized territory. Every day holds danger and work is completed while toting a weapon and looking over a shoulder. It is about two people, Clay Tygart and Tessa Swan, who are not looking to add love to this dangerous mix. Clay was accustomed to women giving him coy looks and batting their lashes and he resisted such behavior; but when Tessa tells him she has had her fill of men with five brothers and is not looking for a husband…she proves to be irresistible. From their very first meeting they are both “moonstruck.”
Laura Frantz is a wonderfully talented and is by far my favorite author. She has a descriptive writing style that captured this readers attention and heart from the very first page. I often found myself re-reading a paragraph just to enjoy the beauty of a scene she had portrayed. The story is well put together and the dialogue flows so smoothly that it makes the book easy to follow.
I was moved by the ever present danger in this tumultuous historical time. It left me with a greater respect for the brave people who settled our nation. I appreciate the historical research the author has done right down to the period details. Laura has a way of feeding us history and making us enjoy every bite.
For a time I struggled with Tessa’s reactions after her abduction, (the abduction was mentioned on the back cover,) but as I continued to read I realized that her feelings were completely true to life and human nature. It would have been easy to wrap up the story in a “happily ever after“ at the point of rescue, but Laura led us to a depth of character we can relate to and learn from. Anyone that experienced a violent abduction would come through it somewhat changed and, perhaps, in shock. I enjoyed Clay’s ability to love Tessa with a biblical type love that commands a husband to love his wife as he loves his own body. Clay’s willingness to do what was best for Tessa, regardless of his own desires, plans, and goals, made me realize this book could easily have been subtitled, An Uncommon Love. Thank you, Laura Frantz, for another exciting journey through the American frontier.
I was given a book from the publisher in exchange for my review, but my opinion is my own.
Every word of this book is utterly enjoyable. I loved it so much! I love reading about historical time periods because it can make you feel like you are really there, and Laura Frantz did an AMAZING job of this. The story flowed very well, not too fast and not slow. The romance was a slow burn that kept me intrigued as to where it would go. I can’t tell you how much I loved this book. This is one of her best books, in my opinion. This is definitely a must read.
This book is a great Historical Fiction book about the Indians and the white man. A story about Tessa and her friend Keturah. Keturah was captured by the Indians and returned to her family by Clay Tygart. Clay was raised by Lenape Indians. Its a great story with a lot of interesting information. Loved the characters in the book. kept me wanting to read more.