Okay. First off. I loved this book. Really loved it. Could-not-put-it-down status loved it. And second, if you’ve been seeing ads for Outlander all over your social media, but wondered if there was a book out there that had some of the same history, but maybe written for a different audience… THIS IS IT.

When I compare it to Outlander, mind you, I’m not referring to plot or time travel. A Bound Heart takes place shortly after Culloden and the rising of ’45 with references to the rising of ’15. It delves into the conditions imposed on the Scottish lands by the English as punishment for the rebellion. The outlawing of Tartan and the rise of smuggling due to poor conditions. All fascinating to read about. Not to mention Lark’s knowledge of herbs – which is what gets her in trouble as a barren woman can be a desperate woman, nevermind Lark’s reluctance.

And so the story carries into the life of indentures and slavery in pre-revolutionary America and the West Indies. It’s a slow burn tale as the two of them seek to create a family with the infant orphan entrusted to Lark’s care and a future for themselves, all the while being hemmed in by misfortune, distance, “seasonings” and indenture contacts. But I think you’ll be sucked into every minute of it. Frustrated, hopeful, heartbroken and longing for the happily ever after I promise will come (Yes, it’s one of those books, and you’ll love it).

Frantz paints a majestic picture of life in the mid 1700s – the clothing, the people and houses and landscapes. Rich history of the conditions of the time and fascinating anecdotes about children wearing stays and pudding caps. It’s all just so good and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on it in January!

Absolutely enthralling book of intrigue, royalty and the early stages of Colonial America! I have never read Laura Frantz before, but I have enjoyed the masterful storytelling, characters that are well developed and a journey that does not let up.

The beginning chapters set the scene for the adventure to follow. Childhood friendships will be tested, pirates, love triangles, impossible adventures ensue...I am captivated by the book. I believe this story is for just about anyone who wants to read a well rounded, expertly investigated historical piece.

Drawing from her own family history and extensive research, Laura Frantz does a beautiful job of drafting people who leap off the page. I was thankful to be able to read early! Thank you, NetGalley!

Please, may I give this book 10 stars? For it truly deserves every one of those. How can I craft a review worthy of the words written on these pages? I feel woefully inadequate to the task and yet somehow I must.


'What was left of her sheltered world---that sacred, inviolate haven made up of Magnus and Kerrera, croft and castle---lay in irretrievable ruins.'


Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up together on the same castle grounds on the Scottish isle, but Magnus is now laird and Lark is the keeper of his bees and the one who keeps the stillroom. And she is the one who can provide a remedy for his ailing wife to conceive a bairn after many miscarriages. Then that wife dies suddenly and Lark is arrested, then Magnus, though for a different reason. They find themselves caught up in a maelstrom of uncertainly, sold as indentured servants in the New World and Jamaica. Will all their hopes for a new life be dashed against the rocks of the new place they have sailed to? Will God intervene?


Laura Frantz once again takes her readers on a journey that is full of grace, beauty and the mercies of God. Her prose is magnificent and readers are instantly transported to the time and place in which her story is set. Her descriptions of locale, wardrobe and food are indeed feasts for the imagination. Truly, she plops us right down into the very core of her story and the world around us ceases to exist as long as we are reading. There we stay until book's end. And for a time to come, even.

There is something so incredibly precious about settling down and sinking into a Laura Frantz novel that is just soul-nourishing. The feelings her novels evoke are not to be missed. All her books have a permanent place on my keeper shelf, destined to be read again and again.

Frantz takes us on an epic, heart-wrenching journey from Scotland to the colonies in Virginia and to the sugar plantations of Jamaica in the mid 1700s. Details are her specialty and these two characters lay their hearts on the pages and will remain with me for many a month. Lark, with her plants and bees, her tender heart and strong faith, always looking to God for His will for her life. Magnus, a noble man, truly loyal to Christ and a true heart for Lark and God.

This one is masterful and extraordinary, full of Frantz's heart and made my own heart swell more than once. I purely loved everything about it and highly recommend it.

* My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions stated here are entirely my own.

A Bound Heart
By Laura Frantz
Take a trip back in time to Scotland, and the New World.
Lark MacDougall lives and serves as a gardener to the castle on the Isle of Kerrera. Although she is of marrying age, Lark is content living with Granny, taking care of the gardens and tending to the mistress of Kerrera castle for now. One night however changes the future she envisioned for herself. Larks simple life is no longer in her hands as she is caught up in a whirlwind of drama. Larks calm and polite demeanor does not go unnoticed by the gentlemen in her life. In this turmoil can one still find love?
Laura Frantz did a wonderful job at weaving this tale. I could imagine everything she wrote so clearly. It was quite a journey that the characters went through. I was pulled in and only to get lost into the landscape and story she brought to life.

I have always loved books by Laura Frantz. For some reason, I did not love this one. The stories of Magnus and Lark were interesting and engrossing until they actually arrived in America. They are sent separate ways and for me, the book just stalled at that point. Laura Frantz is still one of my favorite authors but this book is just not one of my favorites. I'm sure that it is only personal and others will love it because, let's just say - LAURA FRANTZ!

As the beekeeper and apothecary on the Scottish Isle of Kerrera, Lark MacDougall is responsible for giving the laird's wife comfort after her many miscarriages and finding some herbs that will help her keep a baby to term. But when the querulous invalid dies, Lark is blamed for it and sent to prison. Indentured servitude in the Americas beckons, and Lark must do her best to survive aboard ship and in a strange land of slaves, masters, and rare botanical beauty. 

Magnus MacLeish, laird of Kerrera, was raised side by side with Lark, but at his father's behest he took a noble wife from the town of Edinburgh instead of an island girl. With his Jacobite heritage, Magnus has few friends on the judges' bench, and when he springs to his friend Lark's defense over the unjust accusation, he finds his castle, lands, and position stripped away. Now, bound for the fever-filled fields of Jamaica, he must see if he can survive the rigors of the plantations and find his way to colonial Williamsburg to retrieve his faithful Lark. 

In this book, Laura Frantz departs from her standard setting on the American frontier and ventures to bonny Scotland where things are...not so bonny. Suffering the same unjust taxation that afflicts the American colonies, many Scots engage in smuggling--or "free-trading"--to put food on their tables. Compelled by her Presbyterian honesty, Lark tries to avoid participation in the smugglers' trade. Magnus attempts to uphold the king's law as well, but his offense of wearing the outlawed Scottish tartan ends up costing him dearly.  The difficulty of the Atlantic voyage is displayed in grim detail as Lark must protect herself from both the ship's officers and the elements of nature. The subject of indentured servitude is not one usually explored, and it was interesting to see the terms of the contracts that bind both Magnus and Lark. 

Both Magnus and Lark are extremely sympathetic characters. Magnus is honorable, honest, devout, and godfearing, and looks like a Norse Viking. Lark is diligent, devoted, perseverant, and faithful, and if the cover of this book is anything to judge by, a great beauty with her Scottish coloring. Although they are bound by their indentures, they are also bound to each other, and neither pestilential fever, cruel overseers, backbreaking sugar cane, or fear of the unknown can keep them apart in the end. 

My one complaint about this book is that I wish it were longer. Yes, the ending was satisfying (no cliff-hangers here!), but there were so many fascinating details about Magnus' new life in Jamaica that I wished Laura Frantz had extended the plot line farther into the protagonists' lives as she did in Courting Morrow Little. Recommended. 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

If you’re in the mood for a story that is like taking a long meandering stroll through a beautiful garden, you’re sights and senses heightened by prose and descriptions, this is the book for you. An epic tale. One lovers of Poldark will be swooning all over.

A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz is an inspirational Christian romance novel set in the mid 1700’s. The story chronicles the relationship of three unlikely friends.

Rory MacPherson, Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall were playmates on the Isle of Kerrera on the coast of Scotland. Rory and Lark are of humble beginnings, though Lark is a descendant of the once powerful Clan MacDougall, while Magnus is the heir of the ruling Clan MacLeish. Magnus and Lark are educated together until Magnus leaves to continue his education at the university in Edinburgh. The three are still known to each other but cannot maintain close relationships because of the differences in status and lifestyle.

Rory is owner and captain of the merchant ship, Merry Lass, now part of a smuggling ring. Lark is the bee keeper and healer of Castle Kerrera struggling to find a treatment for the barren mistress of the castle, Magnus’ wife, Isla. Magnus is now laird of both the Isle and Castle Kerrera and has all the stress and responsibility that comes with the title. Lark is friendly with both Magnus and Rory, but Magnus now disapproves of Rory’s lifestyle. After Isla dies tragically, the former playmates are all accused of crimes and are sent to the Colonies as indentured servants. Romance, while hinted at throughout the novel, actually seems to be a side note and not the focus of the story. The beginning of the novel alludes to a relationship between Lark and Rory, since Magnus is married to the the intractable Isla. A relationship between Magnus and Lark only becomes a possibility when they are aboard the transport ship, Bonaventure, crossing the Atlantic.

I was pleased to find that scripture is a major component of the makeup of this novel and is appropriately quoted throughout. Magnus and Lark are devout, but Rory finds no use for religion. Trials cause Magnus and Lark to turn even more to their faith, while Rory only becomes more bitter.

The scenery is compelling and plays an important role in the development of the plot. The story begins on the coast of the Scottish Highlands, then crosses the Atlantic to Virginia and Jamaica. Frantz has done her research, and each locale is genuinely portrayed, from flora and fauna to weather, food and culture.

The primary characters are well-developed. Rory, Magnus and Lark have complete backstories and are believable. Unfortunately, the plethora of minor characters detracts from the plot development.

Overall I enjoyed A Bound Heart, though I wish that the romantic aspects of the story we more developed. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good Christian fiction. Conversely, those who dislike religious themes would probably not enjoy this novel.

My thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

•*• Like a fantastic miniseries you can’t wait to watch each night •*•
This story is so authentic and heartfelt. I was swept up in the emotion of it all the way through.
This story takes you on an amazing journey beginning in 1752, rich in detail, from the beautiful isle of Kerrara including the castle and its garden, the small cottage homes, the caves where a pirating sea captain offloads his cargo, to the grime and misery of Edinburgh, to the awful ship where indentures and prisoners serve during transport, to the young colonies of America and the slave islands of Jamaica. Lark is a simple and sweet young lady full of never-ending kindness. Her heart is linked to Magnus whom she cannot have. At times she considers Rory, the pirate captain, who may be her best chance at a future. Later she is drawn to Trevor who might meet her needs in America when her options seem to be running out. No matter her thoughts, she continually seeks the Lord for wisdom and guidance.
This book is so rich in history, faith, and love. I truly enjoyed it.

Interesting History can be found on Wikipedia re Gylen Castle which recently went through a restoration process thanks to worldwide members of the Clan MacDougall.
SCOTTISH PROVERB: The devil’s boots don’t creak.
FAITH QUOTE: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.
TEA QUOTES/MOMENTS: •*• “None could afford salt – or tea – since the Crown taxed both nigh to death.” •*• “Now, shall we have a dish of tea?” No more was said about the past. Lark felt a burden lift like a slate wiped clean. The lovely porcelain tea set appeared, the cozy room suffused with the fragrance of souchong. Though the housekeeper took her tea lain, she remembered Lark liked otherwise. Silver sugar tongs and a small jug of cream sat on the tea table. Truly, tea was the cup that cheered.” •*•“’Twas four o’clock in the afternoon. Lark watched as Mistress Flowerdew poured steaming water into a silver teapot and let the tea leaves steep for the customary three minutes. “I’m growing quite fond of cups with handles,” Theodosia said. “No more burning one’s hands and spilling tea on one’s skirts. I’ve ordered an entire set of Wedgwood from England and expect it any day now.””
DEDICATION: “To my sixth great-grandfather, George Hume of Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland.”
SCOTS GLOSSARY: Can be found at the beginning of the book which was useful and interesting.


I downloaded a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation thanks to NetGalley and Revell Publishing.

The cover of this book is so beautiful, as are the author's descriptions of the places that the characters go, both in Scotland and in the new world of Virginia. The author does a great job with all of her descriptions, and you can tell that she put a lot of research into making it an authentically period piece. However, I just had a really hard time connecting to the story's characters. The love story aspect just didn't work for me, as they're almost never together! Geographically, they're in the same areas, but they're not together. The disconnect makes it difficult to connect with them, both individually and as a couple. That aside, I'm giving this story four stars because I felt that I learned a lot about this period - all of the 'little things' - that made it interesting. History lessons through literature are the way to go... :)

This book!! 💗💗💗

A couple months ago, I found myself sooooo impatient for Laura Frantz's next book that I went back and read basically every other book of hers. Which was wonderful...but it only made me more impatient!

But I can definitely say now that this book was worth the wait. I loved Magnus, I loved Lark...I loved the slow burn of their romance. Honestly, probably my favorite piece of their romance was at the very beginning of the book when we see them as friends...and no possibility of being anything but due to their circumstances at the time. I don't know there, was something just so sweet about the innocence of it alongside the faintest whisper of longing...

Laura Frantz always excels at placing the reader so completely and enthrallingly in her setting...and this book was no different. But we got bonus settings! Scotland...the ocean crossing...Virginia...even Jamaica! The writing was, of course, beautiful. Altogether, a lovely, lyrical story that's definitely destined for my re-read pile!

A Bound Heart was a beautifully written story set in the 1700s. The story begins in Scotland and travels across the Atlantic Ocean to colonial Virginia. Here is what I liked about the book: The historical details, the use of the Scottish brogue/dialect in the dialogue, well developed and unique characters, and the strong faith thread. Things I struggled with were: The glossary of the Scottish words was not easy to access reading a digital book so I had to guess at the meanings. The romantic spark between Magnus and Lark never ignited for me. They spent too much time apart in the story. I found myself skimming through the last several chapters because I lost interest and was overwhelmed with too much side story and not enough of the story focused on the main characters.

Laura Frantz is a gifted writer. I have read several of her books and have enjoyed them very much. With that said, I had a hard time getting into this one. Maybe it was the prose, the Scottish words, I'm not really certain. I found myself skipping on ahead. I did feel the historical elements were very good. So, if you enjoy history then this one will be good for you. I give it 3.5 stars.

A Bound Heart was an entertaining roller coaster for the emotions. The story is a long one, and in some places the story dragged, but the overall story is a good one. Lark begins her story in the Scottish Isles, then she is on a ship for America. Magnus is from the same island, and the two have been friends since childhood. She is accused of killing his wife, then sentenced to being an indentured servant in America. He is also sentenced to being an indentured servant, and sent to Jamaica. The story is a good one, and I enjoyed reading it.

The cover of A Bound Heart is gorgeous and eye-catching, transporting you to the rugged cliffs of Scotland before you even open the cover! If you love the cover, prepare yourself for a soul stirring journey that will leave you breathless! The name Laura Frantz is synonymous with excellence in historical fiction. First off, this book was epic, EPIC! It should win a Christy Award, and after that be made into a movie where it will win Oscars! I did not want this book to end. A magnum opus, the magnificence and heritage of the Scottish Highlands in contrast to the newness of colonial Virginia will keep you glued to the pages. One of the major pitfalls I find with reading digitally is not mentally preparing myself for the end of the book. I don't have the feel of the last few pages to warn me the story is nearing its conclusion and this one left me feeling slightly upended. I was not ready to say goodbye to these beloved characters, I was totally invested in their story and after a somewhat abrupt finish, was left wanting more. I am hoping with all my heart there will be a sequel to this book. I would definitely buy this book for yourself or for a friend. It is my new favorite by Laura Frantz.

A Bound Heart will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer, January 1, 2019.

Thank you Revell and Net Galley for the free e-copy of A Bound Heart. The opinions expressed here are my own.

As with all of Laura Frantz’s novels her attention to research is flawless, filling the pages with breathtaking scenery, braided in biblical truths that will speak encouragement to your heart.
This is a book that is a must read for every historical romantic.

I generally love books like this. I have actually read a lot of Christian historical romance books that take place, at least partially, in Scotland. It is a genre I enjoy – they are clean, simple romances, often with typical second act conflicts that are always resolved, sometimes miraculously, in the third act. While these books always seem to follow typical plot points, I never seem to get bored with them because they are refreshing, sweet, positive reads. And I love the historical aspect of these books. I’ve read so many books that take place in 17th, 18th and 19th century Scotland that I almost feel like I have been there in real life!

This book, however, did not creep up to my list of favorites in this genre for 3 reasons:

1. I didn’t feel like there was enough interaction between Magnus and Lark. During the first act, Magnus was married to someone else. During the second act, they were separated or had little real communication during their voyage to Virginia. During the third act, they were separated geographically again. Heck, they weren’t even communicating with letters (albeit it wasn’t their fault). The majority of the book they weren’t even together. It is hard to be interested in a love story where there is so little communication between the lovers. Even the angst of them not being together wasn’t strong enough for me to maintain interest.

2. There wasn’t enough backstory for Magnus and Lark. I didn’t feel like there was a romantic connection between them until far into the second act. As a matter of fact, the first act led the reader to believe Lark’s romantic interest was possibly for a ship captain named Rory!

3. I got bored. Super bored. When Magnus and Lark weren’t together, the rest of the story just felt like filler to me. I could have skipped about 80% of the second act and probably 60% of the third act not missed anything relevant or interesting to the story.

Typically these books will have an issue of some sort before the main characters can “be together”. Either parents don’t approve, one is too high or too low in society so it isn’t proper, or some other contrived misunderstanding between parties. But, they are typically at least in each other’s presence or communicating throughout the story. Magnus and Lark just seemed too apart for this to be a believable love story for me.

Love story aside, I enjoyed the historical aspect of the book. I liked reading about the stillroom activities, and I was interested in the information provided regarding the treatment of slaves and indentures, both in Virginia and the West Indies.

I did not dislike this book, but it wasn’t my favorite of the genre. Admittedly, I can be overcritical at times – I am an engineer and I tend to be very analytical and critical. As such, I am not the type of reviewer that gives 5 stars for every book I read. I have not read any other books by this author so I cannot judge this one in comparison to her other work. That said, I cannot write a book at all so I am in awe of anyone that can! That alone warrants praise from me. I do recommend reading it for people that are strong fans of the genre or strong fans of the author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Revell for a free advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Do you like “clean” historical romance stories? You will enjoy reading about Lark, a young Scottish lass in her twenties who is a herbalist and beekeeper in 17th century Scotland. Lark grew up with Lord Magnus on Kerrera Island, a remote but beautiful place where farmers and fishermen eked out a living and they had to resort to getting stolen food from Captain Rory MacPherson’s ship, The Merry Lass as it was brought to shore by the islanders.
Lord Magnus’s wife, Lady Isla, is barren and unable to produce a child, even with the help of Lark’s potions and the help of physicians.
Lark goes across the island to visit a new mother and she comes back to find she has been accused of being an accessory to murder when Magnus’ wife Isla gets ahold of one of Lark’s unfinished potions for fertility and throws herself off of a cliff and dies.
In 17th century Scotland, Lark is unjustly sentenced to “indentured servitude” and she is sent off to Virginia, even after Magnus tries to plead her innocence in court.
Magnus and Lark are both sent away, you will have to read the story yourself to find out what they endure and how God is with them.

Laura Frantz has written an exceptional historical in the phenomenal book, A Bound Heart. The book releases on Jan 1st, but it is already on my best of 2019 list! Engaging stories like this that sweep me away to another time and place are why I love to read inspiring historical fiction!

The characters of Lark McDougall, the mistress of the castle stillroom who concocts herbal remedies, to Laird Magnus McLeish who oversees his holdings and the people who live on his Kerrera Island, are nothing short of fascinating. The journey they travel takes them from their Scottish legacy to an unknown future. Seeing the darkest side of human nature only allows the light shining within them to shine all the brighter. Even though they suffer pain and false accusations, Lark is pure goodness and Magnus is a strong man of faith determined to set wrongs to right. His prayers throughout the ordeal they endure prove he is a man dependent on God's strength and not his own. His actions spoke loud and clear where Lark was concerned, but it only took one comment from him to make my swoon-worthy guy list.

This is a powerful story that deals with issues and injustices common to the 1750's and yet Magnus and Lark's humanity and beliefs are timeless based on the truths they learned growing up and attending the island kirk.
This story so captivated me I was left awestruck by story's end wondering what I could possibly read next, I just wanted to start reading the whole thing over and experience it all again. That particular feeling is what puts a book on my best books of the year list!

I applaud Laura Frantz's outstanding storytelling! I appreciate Revell Publishers for making a copy of A Bound Heart available for review.

I have been reading Laura Frantz’s historical fiction for years and have been swept away by her colorful prose and rich descriptions. A Bound Heart is no exception. Lark is an endearing heroine and Magnus is the strong man one has come to expect from Frantz. I found the story to be quick moving, even though it did lag some about three quarters into the book. Some readers maybe put off by the amount of Scottish words, but after a few chapters it is not a hindrance (and context typically provides a general definition if you are not interested in flipping to the glossary in the beginning).

The only reason I didn’t give five stars was due to the character of Ilsa. I believe that the difficult subject of miscarriage should be handled with greater sympathy.

All in all a sweeping saga that I definitely recommend.