Yes, I am here, folks. I know it's been like 150 years...wait, let me check. Yep, 150. BUT! I have not totally left the world of HCR. In fact I am as deep in HCR as ever. But alas, life has taken a toll lately, so please forgive me for so many months without a post.I am SO pleased that my first post after so long is Laura Frantz's book, The Mistress of Tall Acre!
Pretty much....loved Every. Thing. About. It.
Book Rating: Best of the Best
It's funny how things work out sometimes. I was lucky enough to get this book quite a while ago, but I just didn't have time. Then I picked it up and after starting it had to put it down again. So sad!
Here's the cool thing though--and you may think this is weird, but I really needed this book right now and if I'd read it earlier I know I would have enjoyed it, but it wouldn't have impacted me the same. You know what I'm talking about?
For me, this story was sweet, and touching and really brought to life such a powerful time in our history. Of course you know this era is my favorite, and wow does Laura deliver. Her details are perfect and she really helps a person FEEL the characters emotions--brings it to life.
Oh! OH! Oh my wor--people! I mean, if you want to find a hero that will leave you in a sweet puddle of mush (that's a good thing) Seamus. All the way. He is--I mean, of course, to ME he's perfect! A Revolutionary War hero? Come on! You can't beat that. But even if you're not into the blue uniforms, he's tough and gentle and thoughtful and....OK, just read it and you'll know what I mean!!
Sophie is fantastic. I LOVED her. She wasn't the typical head-strong heroine that we see so often. And not that that's necessarily bad, but she was real. She was determined, had principles but was humble and understanding. Also, she was very pretty, to be sure, but not one of those knock-out beauties with uber-perky boobs.
And I HAVE to mention Lily Cate. Be still my soul! Little Lily Cate was the heart of the story for me, and I think--in all the stories I have read with children in them--Laura created the best little girl that has ever graced the pages of an HCR. True, I haven't read them all, but for me this is really true. :)
The end is FANTASTIC!!!! I won't say more about that, because I can't give anything away.
Have you read it?? I'm late in the game, I know, so most of you probably have.
Laura, I am SO happy for you. This book is truly a treasure and in my opinion, it's your best. But I think I say that every time, don't I? Much love to you, and thank you for sharing your gift.
Happy Reading!
Yes, an Amber review!!! I have read some of her books and have to agree with your findings. Fabulous author and fantastic books. BUT, and it's a big but, I have not read this one!! So now I'm all keyed up and anxious to get it into my hands to read. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Susan!!! Thank you for commenting! I love seeing you here. Laura's wonderful isn't she? I can't wait to hear what you think about this one, its so wonderful!
DeleteMuch love to you. Have a great week!
(BTW Rob was me...LOL)
DeleteI really loved this one! I loved the new historical details I learned and how easy it was to envision her characters. It was pretty intense too, but a great ride :)
ReplyDeleteA great ride is right! That last fourth of the book was killer!
Delete(Rob was me...LOL!!)
DeleteI have this one on my shelf and so want to read it, but have to get through my library book first. Also, I want a chance to sit down and savor it. Such a wonderful writer.
ReplyDeleteAmber, you're back with reviews! Yay!
Hi Sylvia!! How have you been? Yes, I'm back and it is so much fun. I will still be slower but hopefully not AS slow. Sheesh! ;) LOL
DeleteThat's what I did. This book really needs to be savored, it's a marvelous story.
Thank you, Sylvia!
(Rob was me, Sylvia! Sorry! LOL)
DeleteOh Amber (or Rob P) - it's so good to see you again!! We've missed you!!
ReplyDeleteWell - I did download the sample of this book to my kindle and did read it - - but I guess I'm not in the right "mind-set" for this because I put it down and just can't get motivated to pick it back up again. Maybe the timing isn't right for me as it wasn't for you the first time around. Anyway - - I've read Laura Frantz before and she's very good - - so maybe it's just something that I need for another time. But I'm very glad to see you (and Rob P) back again and hope you'll post more of your inspiring & energetic book blogging adventures!!! It's almost "turkey day" - - are you baking, roasting, frying or stuffing your big bird this year?
Pam!!! How are you?! Oh, I'm always so happy to see you here! :) <3
DeleteI will tell you, Pam, Laura is one of those writers that takes a while to set the stage, that's for sure. I do really think--like you said-- that sometimes we put books down and come back to them and find it was really the right time for that book. It really picks up in the end and was quite exciting, that's for sure! Let me know if you decide to read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you so much for your uplifting and kind words! I'm glad that you are glad I'm back. ;) Working on book three right now, so I'll get in as many reviews as I can but it might be slower than I like. However, now that I'm feeling good and we are all moved in, I am more able to do these things I love. ;)
I'm roasting my bird! What are you doing?!
Much love,
Amber
Feeling good?? Were you ill?? Oh no......say it ain't so...... are you on the mend?? And "all moved in???? Did you move?? From where - to where?? Do you like the new locale??
DeleteI'm also roasting my bird - I do an "all nighter" with mine. I learned a trick several years ago that makes getting that big bird ready without all the fuss. I have an independent roaster that will hold around a 16 pound turkey - so I just make sure he's thawed and then the evening before Thanksgiving I just season up that bad boy and put him in the roaster on 300 for an all night slow roast. Then in the morning I'll uncover him to let the skin crisp up - it's very easy and frees up my oven space for other baking and cooking needs. What else is on your holiday menu?
Hi!! Yes, I was pretty sick last year. Two surgeries! Yikes! But, I'm all well now and feeling very blessed. And also, yes, we bought our first home a few months ago, and we are so grateful to have such a good place to raise our kids.
DeleteWow! I LOVE that idea for a turkey. I'm totally going to try that sometime! This year we're going to my mom's in Oregon. But when it's my turn--I'm making a "Pam" turkey! :) <3 ;)
Much love!