Love's Reckoning - A Review

Silas Ballantyne arrives in rural Pennsylvania to finish his blacksmith's apprenticeship. As he gets to know Eden Lee, the younger daughter of his master, he finds himself falling in love with her. Eden longs to be free of her father's house and her older sister's scheming. When her sister sets her sights on Silas, Eden steps back, though she has fallen in love with the young blacksmith. Against all obstacles, a betrothal is created between Silas and Eden. Yet something happens that forces them apart. When their paths cross years later, will Silas finally get the answers he seeks and will Eden be able to find the strength to let go of the pain in her past?

This is the first book I've ever read by Laura Frantz. It was beautifully written. I loved how the author showed how the Savior drew Eden to Him when she'd had no formal religious upbringing. Silas's strong character gave Eden the strength that she needed. I hated to see them part the way that they did and when they were brought back together, I felt that there was hope for a happy ending between them. There was once scene, a rape scene, and while no detail was given, it was written beautifully and as I as a reader could feel the anguish of the main characters when Silas demands answers that Eden couldn't give him. There was a sneak peak of the next book in the series at the end of this book, and I look forward to reading it as well next year.

I received this book for free from the publisher, Revell books, for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Look for Love's Reckoning in September 2012 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Recommended to fans of family dramas, Gone With the Wind fans, and historical fiction lovers.

Rating - 4 stars