: A Heart Adrift

 A Heart Adrift

by Laura Frantz

About the Book

It is 1755 and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmeé Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she’s never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.

Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmeé. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril–on the sea and in the heart–in this redemptive, romantic story.

My Thoughts

Love, loss, and hope culminate in a tender romance set against the lush backdrop of colonial coastal Virginia.

I loved this heartfelt love story set in the colonial era. It had beautiful prose, great historical details, and lifelike characters that make themselves at home in your heart.

Esmeé was a lovely heroine. As sweet as the chocolate she makes, she has a big and caring heart. Her work with the women of the almshouse was inspiring and I loved how she continued to help those women even after she left York. Of course reading about her profession was delightful, and, fair warning–it will make you hungry! I also liked reading about the relationship she had with her sister. While they were both polar opposites, and Eliza could be very trying, it was sweet the way they were always there for each other and had one another’s best interests in mind. Henri is a swoon-worthy hero. His obvious admiration for Esmeé was endearing, as was his heart for people. I loved how he was willing to speak out against slavery when so many of his peers were not. Their mutual passion for helping right injustices made Esmeé and Henri a perfect match. Reading as they go from a strained relationship, to falling in love all over again will delight those who love a good romance.

The supporting cast of characters was delightful, as well. From Esmeé’s father, to the people of York, they weave a colorful and interesting backdrop for the book. Mistress Saltonstall’s monkey Hermes in particular was so charming!

The world of colonial York and Indigo Island come to life within the pages of the book. You can practically smell the salty breezes weaving with the scent of Esmeé’s confections and brewed tea as you read. Combined with careful attention to detail and descriptions of the lush gowns and powdered wigs worn by the characters, it paints a charming picture of 18th century life.

Any fan of historical romance will love this beautifully written book. I highly recommend A Heart Adrift.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.