Book Review: The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz

About the Book:

The call for liberty creates a divide between family and country, desire and duty, love and loyalty.

In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon's quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides--Patriots and Loyalists--causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond.

As Mae's friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Mae, torn between her deepening love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, leaves the only home she's ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she's forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty.

On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Laura Frantz offers a stirring friends-to-lovers historical romance of divided loyalties, patriotism, sacrifice, sisterhood, and love set during the American Revolution.

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My Thoughts:

The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz highlighted the Patriot struggle in America’s War for Independence which made it an appropriate read as the United States celebrates its 250th year in 2026. The plight of the characters, though fictional, reflected what people of that time may have experienced: financial loss, death of loved ones, physical injuries, families torn apart, and other war-related trauma. The Belle of Chatham included those realities without feeling too dark and heavy. This story reminded me of the bravery, stoutheartedness, and devotion the Patriots held to freedom, though I wished that same freedom had been extended to all genders and races in the new nation. Each chapter began with a quote from a historical figure which I enjoyed reading.

The Belle of Chatham held more romance than some of Laura Frantz’s other novels. I loved the tension and swoony moments between Mae and Rhys, but their relationship went deeper than attraction and chemistry to a union of hearts and ideals. Sadly, the book’s ending wrapped up hurriedly, and I wished that season of their relationship had been fleshed out more.

The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz also touched on the price of elevating political beliefs over personal relationships, the beautiful and not-so-beautiful sides of sisterhood, and the importance of living honestly. This standalone novel provided plenty of romance, history, and intrigue that held my attention. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Faith Lytton Jackson cannot abide a bully, whether it's an older boy or the King of England. As a wealthy widow and former ward of George Washington, she dedicates time and effort to the Patriot cause. When leaders of the Patriots propose that a woman deliver messages to the spy placed in the Loyalist ranks, Faith volunteers for the dangerous mission. The spunk and bravery she has possessed since childhood aid her as she embarks on nighttime meetings to deliver coded messages. Upon meeting Matthew Weber, the Patriot spy within the Loyalist ranks, she is drawn to him and eagerly awaits each meeting. Attraction buds between Faith and Matthew, but as war looms, it is an inopportune time for love. Read more in The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse.

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse is the fourth installment in the Daughters of the Mayflowers series. It is a stand-alone novel that can be read completely independent of the other novels.

I struggled to finish The Patriot Bride. It wasn't for lack of action and suspense. The plot clipped along nicely and danger lurked constantly. I liked Faith. She was feisty, brave, and intensely loyal. However, there wasn't much character development – nothing about her as a person really changed from beginning to end. The plot was more about the events that occurred around and to her – carrying messages for the Patriot cause, dealing with an unwanted suitor, daydreaming about Matthew, etc. Speaking of Faith and Matthew, I think the story would have benefited from more development of their romantic relationship as it seemed overshadowed by the pre-war hostilities, Matthew's relationship with Benjamin Franklin, and Faith's relationship with George Washington.

Quite possibly my favorite part of this book was on page 81. Faith discusses Psalm 136 with a group of ladies and says, “The end of each phrase is the same – like an answer to a difficult question, the answer will always be the same. His mercy endureth forever.” What a wonderful perspective on that Psalm! For every question or difficulty, His mercy endureth forever, is the answer! I would have enjoyed seeing this theme fleshed out in the story.

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse threads history and fiction together to create a story set on the eve of the Revolutionary War. Although, I won't read it again, this book may appeal to history lovers as it does contain lots of history and fictionalized versions of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

Read an excerpt from The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook courtesy of netgalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

Sophie Menzies once lived in luxury. Her father's loyalty to the British Crown and the American Revolution changed that. After her mother's death and her father's return to Britain, Sophie is left to occupy her home, Three Chimneys, while she waits for her brother's return from the war. As a social outcast and nearly destitute, Sophie finds that although the fighting is past, in many ways, the war carries on. When her neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, returns, Sophie's relationship with the general's daughter brings her frequently into contact with the decorated war hero. As Sophie faces the loss of her home, Seamus proposes a sensible marriage arrangement that will provide for Sophie's financial needs and his daughter's care. Sophie agrees and finds that her heart begins to long for a deeper relationship with Seamus. However, a woman from Seamus' past appears and Sophie's hope seems lost. Will this relationship survive or is Sophie's future bleak? Read more in The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz.

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz held my attention from beginning to end. Extra twists in the plot provided suspense and depth to create more than the standard marriage-of-convenience story. The relationship between Sophie and Seamus took time to develop, creating a strong foundation for their marriage and sense of expectancy for the reader. I found myself looking forward to my daily reading time and daydreaming about how the rest of the story would go.

As always, it's easy to recommend Frantz's work. The Mistress of Tall Acre is a well-written story to entertain inspirational romance fans. I'll stash it away with Frantz's other books to be read again in the future.

Read an excerpt from The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."