The Colonel’s Lady
By Laura Frantz
Revell (August, 2011)
Five Stars *****
Five Stars *****
Roxanna, at almost nine and twenty, is a full grown woman and the oldest of Laura’s heroines thus far. She sees through a woman’s eyes and as someone who has experienced loss but can still reach out to love others, included a little girl who has lost her voice. This mute child, similar to the daughter in the movie “The Patriot” is believably continually mute for she experiences one horror after another.
Roxanna’s father was a scrivener for the colonel but she must take his place after he is killed. Laura does a nice job of incorporating her work into the storyline and of explaining what is involved without fussing over it (no easy feat).
While Christian readers who do not partake of alcohol may be surprised at finding this included in The Colonel’s Lady, this was a very real problem in Kentucky, especially, through the 19th century. I cannot address beyond that as I have not read, but quite likely given the history of turning to spirits for many reasons including difficulty at times with ensuring drinkable water. And imbibing is not glamorized nor sugar coated in this book. Similarly, Ms. Frantz introduces some of the more tragic ladies of the time, many of whom experience devastating outcomes for their immoral behavior. And while it is not “on the page”, some of the severe punishments given to soldiers are also mentioned. So, gentle reader be advised that this is not a “glossification” (my word) of the times nor does TCL whack you over the head with the gory details such as some recent Christian fictions I have read.
Biggest complaint: Must wait another year for another Laura Frantz book!!! Second biggest complaint: Not available on audio and if it was I would listen to this and her other books over and over again!!
This review by Carrie Fancett Pagels was initially posted on Colonial Quills (http://colonialquills.blogspot.com) I received a copy of The Colonel’s Lady from the publisher however I have already pre-ordered a half dozen copies for giveaways. My opinions are my own.
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