The Mistress of Tall Acre

Back Cover

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news.  When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come.  But the general is not a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother.  Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement.  But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost.  When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal - you will find it all in the rich pages of this newest novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz.

Review

I watched a new movie, Goosebumps recently.  Now that may be a strange thing to reference in a review about a historical romance, but there was a quote in that movie that I think aptly applies to this novel.  One of the main characters, the author of the Goosebumps series, R.L. Stine, acted by Jack Black, states that there are three parts to a novel: the beginning, the middle, and the twist.  That is so true for The Mistress of Tall Acre!

The beginning starts off well by introducing the reader to the main characters, the General, Sophie, and the General's daughter, Lily-Cate, as well a a strong supporting cast.  The relationships among these characters slowly blossom and carries the reader into the middle portion of the book whereby an element of danger is introduced and the relationship between the General and Sophie begins to deepen.  And the ending - the "twist" - WOW.  I did not see that one coming!  When it was revealed, it left me dumbfounded as to how the author was going to be able to give sufficient and satisfying closure to all the loose ends.  But she does!  

The Mistress of Tall Acre is a great novel.  It held a strong theme surrounding relationships and what it means to be mindful of others and their needs.  Faith also was showcased with a reminder to always, always trust God with your needs and desires - there is nothing too big that He can't handle.  Hallelujah!  

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.