It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmée 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 Esmée. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.
Can Esmée and Henri's shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past and reunite them?
My Review
This story, set at the beginning of the French and Indian war, was so well written and captivating, I found myself drawn in at every spare minute. I wished I could have sat down and read it in one setting. The imagery was fantastic. I could almost smell the chocolate and found myself needing some more than once.
Henri and Esmee were all they should be and more. The supporting cast of characters including Esmee's father and sister as well as members of Henri's crew was rich and full and added so much to the story.
My only complaint is that the story ended too soon. It had built up beautifully and the ending left me wanting so much more. Otherwise, it was a perfect read. The conflicts were natural and felt organic to the time period. The writing was beautiful and I found myself devouring every page.
I received an early copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.
About the Author
Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of a dozen novels, including An Uncommon Woman, Tidewater Bride, The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. She is a proud mom to an American soldier and a career firefighter. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.
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