When colonial Williamsburg explodes like a powder keg on the eve of the American Revolution, Lady Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson is abandoned by her fiancé and suspected of being a spy for the hated British. No one comes to her aid save the Patriot Noble Rynallt, a man with formidable enemies of his own. Liberty is left with a terrible choice. Will the Virginia belle turned lacemaker side with the … radical revolutionaries, or stay true to her English roots? And at what cost?
Historical romance favorite Laura Frantz is back with a suspenseful story of love, betrayal, and new beginnings. With her meticulous eye for detail and her knack for creating living, breathing characters, Frantz continues to enchant historical fiction readers who long to feel they are a part of the story.
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Descriptive and sweet.
In The Lacemaker, Laura Frantz has once again woven an enchanting tale that keeps the reader engaged from page one to the very end. It takes place in Williamsburg, Virginia in the early days of the Revolutionary War. Both hero and heroine face a common problem, families divided in their loyalty to either the Crown or the Patriot cause. The story is filled with fascinating characters, romantic tension, deception, action, sacrificial love, and courage. As a Williamsburg resident, I can state the author knows our town and has done a superb job of bringing out its rich Revolutionary War history.
WOW! This book was phenomenal! From it’s front cover all the way through til the end. It is rich with history and the love story is well told and beautiful. This truly is a lovely story and I’m thankful I was able to read it!
Patriotism, liberty, love, and the American dream blend and bind in this work of art authored by Laura Frantz. The Lacemaker, is an exquisite, colonial era novel set in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Once again, we travel back in time to a place in American history that leaves the reader desiring to have been there in that period and to have experienced life as our ancestors and forefathers knew. Every time I read one of Laura’s books, I am so deeply engrossed in the story, atmosphere, and realistic setting, that I almost forget real life happening around me. The Lacemaker is no exception. I came out of a daze and realized (in the manner of our friend, Alice, who visited Wonderland) that I was back in my own world and not walking around 18th century Williamsburg. Neither was I enjoying a respite on a riverside plantation.
Colonial Williamsburg seems to be a wonderful place in which to live and work. Laura Frantz creates an inviting, boisterous, entertaining atmosphere for the extrovert. For the introvert, we have the town’s foil of the peaceful, relaxing riverside estate, Ty Mawr. Southern hospitality reigns in both of these havens. All isn’t glamorous and peaceful for these souls, though. Over this idyllic world hovers the serious prospect of war. Freedom has to be bought with a price. The American Revolution period is a fascinating time in history. Laura Frantz does an outstanding job of reminding us of what our forefathers experienced and sacrificed to gain their freedom, as well as, ours.
Lady Elisabeth Lawson (also known as Liberty), is a lovely heroine. She is fragile and fare, joyful and gentle. I loved her optimism and attitude of thankfulness. Liberty endured some difficult, life-changing circumstances, but depended on God for the outcome. She did her best to rise above, not seek revenge. When she needs strength and steel for a difficult task, she is enabled by Scripture and the Holy Spirit working in and through her.
Noble Rynallt, certainly lives up to his name by putting “gentle” in the word gentleman. The Bible tells us to think on things that are “noble” and we will certainly follow its instruction! Noble is handsome, tall, and dark (of course), but those attributes fade to the background. This hero’s character, gracious southern manners, and godly life shine like a light into the heart of the heroine and into the darkness of war. His home, Ty Mawr, is a haven to run to in time of trouble; a heaven in which to relax in time of tranquility. Over and over again, Noble rescues, invites, serves, and loves others. He is a reflection of Jesus.
The romantic moments in The Lacemaker are precious treasures we uncover within the folds of the story. There’s a sense of anticipation; waiting with bated breath for each new expression of tenderness, love, and passion. Beautifully written with delight and decorum.
Laced with meticulous detail, story, captivating characters, and historical gems, The Lacemaker, is a novel to partake of with pleasure.
Wow. This is a book that kept me thinking about it long after I finished. The pace is somewhat slow, but steady as the characters are developed and events occur that lead us to the heart of the story. The historical details are ones to savor as the world of Colonial Virginia is richly laid out and I felt like I could step right into the setting. It was fascinating to witness the shift Elizabeth experiences from opulence to desperate circumstances, although her faith prevented her from feeling truly desperate. I admired her fortitude in making her own way as seamstress and lacemaker, and the change of her name to Liberty marked an important transition in her life. The details of the turbulence and politics of the country as it heads into war made me apprehensive for Liberty and Noble and I worried for the upheaval that would inevitably disrupt their relationship. Their romance is as slow-building as the plot, being held back because of Noble’s patriotic politics and Liberty’s background as a Tory, but the anticipation builds and it is worth the wait! I loved their sweet moments together and the sacrifices they make for each other. I can’t imagine the fullness of the courage and grit that these Patriots must have had to stay strong and hold to their convictions. This book made the revolution really come to life and made me ponder the gravity of what our forefathers (and foremothers) did to prepare the way for our country. It made me consider that the movers and shakers of the time were really just regular people in extraordinary circumstances, but there were also countless other regular citizens supporting the cause that aren’t remembered by name but sacrificed as well. Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I am a fan of this writer’s work typically, however, this book was hit and miss for me. There were moments the story did not grasp my attention and I found myself bounding over the words. Then, there were times where I was fully engrossed in the story. Overall, I would recommend this book, especially if the reader likes historical christian fiction/romance.
The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
I love the way Laura Frantz incorporates history into the fictional characters’ lives as if they actually lived within 1770’s Colonial Williamsburg. I enjoyed watching Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson as she matures into a strong woman of character and faith as she overcomes the challenges forced upon her by the conflict. Patriot Noble Rynallt is an honorable man of noble character (he was named well) and a man of integrity. I love his strength and the way he looks out for those in need. The Lacemaker is a suspenseful story of love with memorable and unique characters, betrayal, new beginnings, love and faith. A heartwarming story.
Laura Frantz‘s books are excellent historical fiction with Biblical truth woven into each story. Read them all!
Very much enjoyed reading this inspirational book of true American History interwoven with real and fictional characters. Reading this lively book was like coming together with a good friend! As I am also familiar with and love Williamsburg, this book was a treat as I knew many of the streets and all the establishments mentioned in the story line!!
I enjoyed this historical fiction. It is set during the Revolutionary War period. A good clean romance with a bit of suspense.
Oh. My. Goodness. Laura Frantz never disappoints. The book is written so beautifully that I have no words to describe it. I could not put this book down. I fell in love with Noble from the beginning and Libby is the perfect heroine. I was transported back in time to the Revolutionary War period and it was described so well, I felt like I was right there. This book will sit with me for a long time. If you have not read one of Laura Frantz’s book, this is a great one to start with, although all of them are fantastic!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Do you like historical romance set about the time of the American Revolution? If so the The Lacemaker is a must read. The time is right before the war between England and the Colonies. Elizabeth’s father is the Lt. Govenor of Virginia. She has a mother that supports the Patriots. Elizabeth is caught when the turmoil begins. Her home is ransacked, her father deserted her when he fled Virginia, her mother is in England, her fiance’ deserts her and she is left at the mercy of the looters. Her fiance’ cousin comes to her rescue but he’s a Patriot. Elizabeth’s father is a Tory. The action will keep you turning the pages.
You will find some historic characters making an appearance, you will see how both sides feel and react to the changing times. There is danger, spies, intrigue, a broken engagement, a touch of romance. I discovered Laura Frantz as an author through the Book Club Network. She caught my attention and I’ve been a fan ever since. She does her research on the era and brings it to life. The characters rub shoulders with the greats but are always on the fringe and still in the middle of the action. The characters show their strength, weaknesses and faith through the trials they go through. I can honestly say I’ve never been disappointed in any of Laura’s books. I’ve read most of them.
I preordred The Lacemaker (as I do all of Laura’s books) and no one asked me to leave a review. I bought this book and all opinions are my own. I only leave reviews on books that I truly enjoy. Laura Frantz’s style of writing always grabs my attention and keeps it. Not only do I recommend this book I recommend any book by Laura Frantz.
Black and white. That’s how Elisabeth Lawson’s world can be described at the beginning of the book. Everything in her life is determined by her father – who she’ll marry, where she can go, where her loyalties are. He’s taken her freedom, her happiness and her mother away from her. There are few spots in her life where her father hasn’t shown his fisted demanding hand. Basically, her music, her lacemaking, her gardening, and her faith. And, once her world is completely torn apart, each of these items will have a new special place in her life, a connection to her old life that doesn’t bring hurt, a purpose, and a foundation to live during treacherous times.
As new colors start to make way into her life as simply Liberty and not the cocooned daughter of Governor Lawson, the biggest surprise will probably be patriot Noble Rynnalt and his readiness to aid her. Theirs is a tentative romance; she once was his cousin’s fiancée, her father has put a price on his head, and she’s been bred with Tory mindsets. Still, their interactions prove you can embrace without contact – through practical gestures, gentleness, treating the other as equal, and so much thoughtfulness that can’t be described, only experienced.
Liberty and Noble. These are not names given without a cause, a hope, possibilities. So, as they measure consequences in a time stained by disunity, what are the battles they’ll be willing to embrace?
There aren’t words to explain this book. It’s quiet and has a solemn atmosphere, silently wrapping around your heart that you don’t notice how invested you are until something obliges you to put the book down. The story has a slow pace, for sure, but not in a boring way. It’s a heartfelt journey of finding self and loyalty when one can so easily be bought to commit treason. But justice can’t be won by bitterness and cowardliness, only through steadfastness and truth. And these can’t be built quickly, they must be tested by fire, outlasting gossip and hurricanes that come at night and turn everything dark. Faith must be kept unwavering through the simplest of tasks as well as those capable of bringing us into despair.
One of my favorite authors, but not one of my favorite books of hers, although she is always good! She is usually not predictable, but in this book there was really no surprise, and I felt some of the story line was underdeveloped and skipped past.
This is one of the best Christian fiction books I have ever read. Actually, it’s one of the best historical fiction books. The characters are real… their triumphs and tragedies make them who they are. I recommend this to everyone
Laure Franz lifts the inspirational romance genre with her epic and richly told historical fiction. The Lacemaker was no exception. The sorry was enthralling, romantic and intelligent. Her gutsy, smart heroines and and heros inhabit authenticly rendered places in history.
Loved it and the historical backdrop!
I found The Lacemaker to be an incredible story of love, growth, and devotion. Liberty’s circumstances at the beginning of the story are ones of wealth and privilege. While she has a kind heart, she is naïve to the dangers growing around her. When her life is drastically changed practically overnight, she rises to the challenge in a most admirable way. I appreciate her ability to adapt and willingness to work hard, despite her pampered upbringing.
Noble is a Patriot and a true gentleman, coming to Liberty’s aid when she has no one to whom she can turn. He doesn’t judge or condemn her for her upbringing and instead follows the Bible’s admonition to “looketh on the heart,” and not on outward appearances. It such a sweet, gradual love story, and I loved watching them grow together in faith and love! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Virginia’s history and appreciates a sweet love story.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
Perfect novel for someone who has been to or is going to tour Williamsburg! One can picture these characters in that lovely setting!
The main struggle taking place is the rebellion of the Americans against British rule – American Revolution. While trying to take care of their families and some to fall in love the men and women of this era were taking on England with their superior Navy and land troops. I had to keep reminding myself during the terrible struggle that we did in fact win that war!!!