I have been a fan of Laura Frantz for years. This may be her best book yet. I like the way she writes. An Uncommon Woman held my attention the entire time, excellent characters, with a clean romance, family, history, danger, this book has it all. I live about 1 hour drive from Pittsburgh, so I know about the 3 rivers, Allegheny, Monongahela forming the Ohio River. I recommend this book and don't think you'll be sorry.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

Amazing book! I love everything Laura writes! This is a beautiful love story between Tessa and Clay that takes place on the 1700’s frontier. I usually read quite fast but I savored this one over several days. A must read for those of you who enjoy a good clean historical book.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!

Giving us a book well worth reading, Frantz has knocked it out of the park again. An Uncommon Woman was not one I could put down as I read about the struggles of the early frontier (think Ohio/Kentucky). I ached with the main character as she lived through the fears of Indian attacks and felt her heart ache with the fear of unrequited love. Without being sappy, Frantz provides a well-written story that touched my heart, challenged my entitled-American beliefs about the settlement of the frontier, and renewed my interest in the history of the early Frontier.

Buckhannon River, Western Virginia Spring 1770 Amazing story of frontier life with the presence of Indians around the settlers. Native Americans who didn't want them there. Tessa and her family have a ferry business not far from Fort Tygart. Just her mother and five brothers. The detail of this story is written as though the author was there. I was fully engaged from the beginning and I swear I held my breath through the entire second half of the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#AnUncommonWoman #NetGalley

I'm always amazed at how this author brings history to life and I feel transported to an era and location that I don't think I would have done well in. What stood out to me was the fear of an Indian attack on a daily basis. It's a fear for good reason, as we see in the novel, and the details about the differences between the various tribes were fascinating. The brutality that existed at the time is astounding to me. Tessa is tired of the constant anxiety and dreams of finer things, while also exhibiting a strength and confident sense of self. She is loyal to her family and still grieves the death of her father at the hands of natives. The variety of responses and the dynamics that emerged as Keturah returns to live with their family for a time were surprising and realistic. The story begins at a somewhat slow pace as we get to know the lifestyle the characters live in, but grows steadily as events begin to unfold until I couldn't put the book down until I reached the last page. I enjoyed the developing romance, but more than that I appreciated coming to know such unique characters with all their layers. Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

It took a full day for me to process An Uncommon Woman. And that’s because Laura Frantz’s latest novel is enriched with fascinating storytelling. As it always happens when I read her books, everything about the story came alive to me. The scenery, the characters, the dialogue, the historical elements… I could almost reach across the pages and touch it. So much so that if this novel where ever to be made into a movie, I would totally watch it!

What I loved most about An Uncommon Woman was how it stayed true to its title. Especially when it came to the characters of the story. The way the persona of the leading man of this novel, Clay Tygart, played throughout the story was something I’ve rarely seen in Historical Christian Fiction. And I liked how there was more than one uncommon woman in the story, and how completely different they were from each other. At least for me, they were that special ingredient that made this novel truly beautiful.

In short, this wasn’t a fast read. This novel took its time framing then building a story that both tore and warmed my heart. But in retrospect, its story isn’t something to be rushed through. Rather one to be slowly enjoyed and appreciated. And that’s what I did. 😉

*Thanks to Revell for providing a free copy for my honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.*

An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz is well-researched and well-written. The characters are believable and likable but I didn't end up enjoying it as much as I wanted to. I think maybe because it has a slow-moving plot and several repetitive scenes. I was interested to learn more about a time in American history where western Pennsylvania and Ohio were considered the "frontier." It is amazing to think about the primitive conditions of that time period and how people survived.

Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

Intense, evocative, and laced with intricate historical details that bring the past to life, An Uncommon Woman will transport you to the picturesque and dangerous western Virginia mountains of 1770.

This was so good. I love Laura Frantz’s writing style and the history of this time period. She went into great detail about life in 1770s Western Virginia. I really like Clay and Tessa and their chemistry together. It was, We like each other but we are not going to admit how we feel. Thank goodness for their friends and family! Life on the frontier was rough. Wonder how many of us would be able to survive?

Tessa Swan was born and raised in the wilderness alongside five brothers, working hard to make a life for themselves, each day fraught with the threat of an Indian attack. The return of Lenape Indian captive and Tessa's childhood friend, Keturah, brings a whirlwind of change in the form of Colonel Clay Tygart.



Clay was taken as a young child by the Lenape, and then returned to his Quaker kin, he is a man who casts two shadows, walking the thin line between two cultures. He is captivated by Tessa's plain spoken ways, encouraged by her faith, but can he ask a woman to walk beside him in the treacherous limbo between two worlds?



A captivating read that paints a realistic picture of frontier life, the loneliness, wariness, and the close bonds of family. I liked Tessa from the start, a young woman who has only known the dangers of the wilderness, yet longs for a glimpse of finer things. She is sincere, and straightforward, taking initiative when she sees a task needing done. I admired her honesty and compassion for others.



Clay is a man shaped by his upbringing, both by the Lenape and the Quakers. His heart is with both sides of the conflict, he is a natural leader, and a man who draws respect wherever he goes. The line he walks is a hard one, and he struggles with reconciling it with his faith.



A memorable read that transported me into the early days of America, realistically showing the struggles of living in the wilderness, with aspects of isolation and fear. I loved the strong themes of friendship, family, and faith throughout. Utterly riveting, and near impossible to put down!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

There is such a beauty to Laura Frantz's writing style that resonates with my soul. Slipping into her stories is like slipping into my coziest pajamas with a cup of hot chocolate. Evocative, beautifully descriptive, with the ability to transport me to a different time that is at once familiar and yet foreign. . .

I have to wonder if each new book of hers will automatically become my favorite. I loved An Uncommon Woman! For all the reasons I just mentioned and more. The language is so natural for the time, with a strong flavor of Scotch-American filled with "'twas" and "aye" and references to everyday objects from the time that I had to look up to figure out what they were - though I did understand from the context - I just like to know for certain.

I loved Tessa's desire for fripperies like ribbons and fans and yet her ability to pole the ferry across the raging river and grind the meal for her huge family every day. She was a study in contrasts, a true frontier woman with a heart of gold.

Alternating between fear and faith, Tessa clung to what she knew about God amid the tragedies of her life.

Clay was fascinating as well, and not only because he had two differently colored eyes. The Lenape Indians had taken him when he was just a boy – after they massacred his family. After living with them for years, he was restored to his Quaker relatives. The ways this shaped his outlook was so interesting. Clay struggled with a fear that if he loved someone, he would lose them and therefore kept his distance from everyone.

Tessa's Aunt Hester was a fun addition to the story. Despite being an ancient spinster, she had matchmaking on her mind and was convinced Clay and Tessa belonged together. Her not-so-subtle attempts and throwing them together were rather sweet.

An Uncommon Woman was full of adventure, suspense, romance and faith. If you enjoy stories with strong heroines, you will delight in this one!

Brought up on the frontier with all its dangers, Tessa is every bit the frontier woman strong, resilient and a great shot. But she's also different although she has never had it, she longs for the comforts of polite society the frills, the manners, the organized nature.
I loved her spirit and her caring nature. She loved fiercely and was very protective of the people she cared about.
And then there's Clay, war hero and survivor of a previous kidnapping by and Indian tribe. He wants the best for the people around him but is scared of falling in love because he feels that anyone he loves dies and fear nearly keeps him from Tessa.
I love that he and Tessa learned to surrender to God and trust him for the best outcome in the midst of all the travails of the frontier and with love.
I also enjoyed the historical nuggets that were brought forth in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley all opinions expressed are solely mine.

***Well Written Story of Faith, Pioneers, Indians & Harsh Reality***

Publisher’s Synopsis: Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.
Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

My Thoughts: This story is a deeply intense reminder of how difficult it was for the settlers to carve out a life for themselves in an often hostile territory where the land was harsh and the natives could be even harsher. In response to “the white man” encroaching on their lands, native people could be swift in trying to protect their way of life, which often meant brutal results. I cannot imagine living in that time when both sides gave up so much; “Everyone on the frontier had a chair that sat empty, a place unoccupied. Who would be next?” This story, for me, has a heaviness to it. It squeezed my heart acknowledging the ruthless reality of it all. Good historical details intertwined with faith here, giving me much to think on. I especially found Keturah interesting; captured as a young girl, raised as an Indian, trained in healing and then traded back to the white people as a grown woman. What a complex part of the story.

*Hester served sassafras tea. “Two Swan spinsters are too many.” She began her familiar rant.
“Tessa breathed in the beloved scent of sassafras as her own cup was filled, shutting out Hester’s timeworn words. Spring tonic, sassafras. When sweetened with maple sugar, no finer remedy could be had.”
**Closing her eyes, she took a sip of fine English tea from Morris and Willing of Philadelphia. Her childish delight tickled him. She was used to making do with nettles and sassafras, likely. City tea was a luxury.
***Her small part was helping Ma bring the gleaners the noon meal and enough switchel to drink.
****Though they were not given to emotion, their eyes were nonetheless damp. She sat woodenly at the table as Ma poured her a cup of dittany tea.

I researched both Switchel and Dittany: “switchel” is a drink made of water, vinegar and ginger, often sweetened with something like molasses, honey, sugar or maple syrup. It helped keep people from getting sick the way they can if overly heated and drinking cold water. It has been making a comeback in the U.S. and Canada over the last five years. “Compounds of Dittany are powerful antioxidants. The essential oils have also antiseptic and anti-fungal properties and are often used in ointments to treat burns and skin ailments. Tea made from dittany is used to relieve tension headaches and as a relaxant. Dittany is also used to relieve indigestion, colic, stomach cramps and bloating. It is also thought to be a diuretic and to combat fever.”

I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review with no further compensation or expectation. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Laura Frantz writes historical fiction most often taking place during the Colonial Era of America. An Uncommon Woman is her latest offering in the genre.

Tessa Swan is the only daughter among five brothers, and for the most part, no other single men around. When Fort Tygart is built, the man for whom the fort is named comes to take command during tensions between the Lenape Indians and the settlers.

Clay Tygart is a man of uncommon appearance--he has hematochromia (eyes of two different colors--my son has this too, but not to the degree described by Laura in the book) and the Lenape were somewhat afraid of him.

When Clay meets Tessa, he becomes fond and territorial with the Swan family. Often he brings the family to the fort for protection, but the one time he doesn't, tragedy strikes.

Laura has the most engaging way of writing her characters, settings, and plot lines. They are likable, believable, and compelling. Her research is on point and it shows in her descriptions. It is very easy for the reader to place themselves in the setting and imagine life as it was then. Five Stars, two thumbs up, and a corn cake with syrup.

Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the galley I read for this review. All of the opinions stated here are my own.

Readers of historical romance will love this atmospheric, romantic novel. The strong heroine and swoony hero have great chemistry, and the lush setting adds to the tension and romance. There is definitely a slow burn to this love story, and there were times I wanted things to move along a little faster, but, overall, I found this to be a lovely story with a little action thrown in. I would love to read more stories in this setting with some of the other characters featured. I recommend this novel to readers of historical romance who enjoy a little action on the side.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review, but I also bought a copy for myself.

Set along the Buckhannon River in West Virginia in 1770, Tessa, her mother, and her 5 brothers have a large farm as well as a ferry station on the river. But times are tough as the Indian tribes in the area resent the creeping encroachment of white settlers on their lands. Tessa has already lost her father to an Indian attack, and her family is ever watchful. Colonel Clay Tygart has been sent from Pennsylvania to command a nearby fort named for him. Tygart, once an Indian captive, is sensitive to the plight of both the Indians and the white settlers.

Frantz does an incredible job of describing the life and culture of this time period for both the whites and native Americans. She describes the attacks upon one another vividly without making them too detailed. She also did an excellent job of portraying the quandary of those whites who were captured young and developed an Indian life and were torn between the two. Tessa came alive with her frontier independence yet dreams of being a city girl. While Clay easily vacillated between the two cultures fitting into both.

I would definitely recommend this book for readers of historical western expansion fiction.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

I think I have a new favorite Laura Frantz book. When it comes to riveting novels based on the frontier, Frantz is at the top of my list. And with her latest one... I was completely enthralled. She has such a way with words, with dialogue, with descriptions... I felt as if I was right in the middle of the wilderness, seeing, smelling, and tasting it all alongside the characters.

This book pits tragedy against hope, hate against love, and fear against truth. With a rollercoaster of emotions, Frantz builds a plot of ever increasing tension. Prepare to be completely distracted by this one! But also be prepared to fall in love with the hero and heroine. They fully embed themselves in your heart and mind, immersing you in a tale so rich you will hate to see it end!

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This novel by Ms. Frantz is a frontier adventure and romance done delightfully well. With beautifully rendered scenery, teeming with danger and the unknown, and a lyrical pace telling a story of courage and romance, this was a pleasantly engaging work of historical fiction. Foundations of faith, strong ties of family, and remarkable situations with varying personalities, you'll be carried back to another era and feel like you're observing each situation first hand. Another strong recommendation for anyone who enjoys wholesome American historical fiction. I certainly appreciated that Frantz didn't shy away from some difficult issues of the time experienced in relations with Indigenous Peoples and the often inappropriate treatment and bias this people group faced with early settlers.

Title: An Uncommon Woman

Author: Laura Frantz

Chapters:37

Pages:384

Genre: Christian Historical Christian historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

Laura Frantz is my go to for frontier fiction and I have a new favorite book of hers in An Uncommon Woman . I know I seem to say that about all of her books once I read them, but this one has everything that I love about frontier fiction in one book. It’s the book I wished she’d write since I read The Frontiersman’s daughter. I’ve always loved captive narratives but I’ve never read an historical fiction novel that has done I also didn’t think that any book would replace A Moonbow Night as my favorite but I do think at the very least An Uncommon Woman is tied for first as my favorite.

Tessa Swan is what I’d like to imagine real life frontier woman we’re like I’ve always pictured them being and strong and capable not damsels in distress, and Colonel Clay Tygart is a hero unlike any I’ve read in books before, but enjoyed meeting him. And like previous military heroes Laura shows that war effects all military man rather or not they have physical scars, war scars every fighter. I love that Laura doesn't shy away from that in fiction because in real life no military person comes home un-scared they just aren't all physical. Laura's military heroes hold a special place in my reading heart. I also have to say this book has one of the most stubborn and hard headed characters I’ve ever read. There’s one secondary character that managed to get quite a few chuckles out of me during my reading which was something I wasn’t expecting. The far western Virginia frontier in what is now modern day West Virginia comes alive on the page which shows that Laura does her research. An Uncommon Woman shows why Laura Frantz is the queen of frontier fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Raised in the wilds of the Virginia frontier, Tessa Swan yearns for flounced petticoats, imported spices, and all the trappings of civilization in far-off Philadelphia. Cooking and cleaning for five brothers seems to be her lot in life, however, and ever since the Indian raid that killed her father, the Swan siblings have kept one eye on the forest and one hand on their rifles at all times.

When Colonel Clay Tygart, hero of the French and Indian War, comes to the nearby fort, he brings with him a blond-haired beauty that Tessa thought lost forever. Keturah, Tessa's childhood friend, stolen away by the Indians over ten years ago is back in body--but does her spirit long to be with her new family from the Lenape tribe? As Tessa tries to help Keturah remember her old life, the question is raised: who exactly is the "uncommon woman" of the title? Is it the Indian captive, Keturah, pulled between two worlds? Or is it the plainspoken but compassionate Tessa, determined to do right by her mother, brothers, and friend?

As Tessa learns more about Colonel Tygart, she discovers that his upbringing parallels Keturah's in far too many ways. Raised by the Lenape himself, his unique situation gives him the ability to mourn the injustices on both sides of the fighting between the settlers and the Indians. But at the same time, he has powerful enemies in the tribe he deserted, enemies far too close for comfort in the woods around the Buckhannon.

Amid the Indian sightings and festival days at the fort, Tessa and Clay forge a bond that makes Tessa question what she wants in life--is this buckskin-wearing Colonel worth giving up her dreams of town living? 

This book was a slow starter for me. Despite the continual tension of the Swan family's proximity to danger, the story meandered along without too much happening. The West Virginia setting came alive like its own vibrant character, but the plot felt like a lot of back and forth from the homestead to the fort to the homestead again without a clear trajectory of what was going on (kind of like real life!).

Once Tessa was kidnapped by the Lenape (this is not a spoiler since it's in the book description!), the pace radically changed. Clay swung into action, showing why the Lenape considered him their best hunter and why they now had cause to fear him. This was my favorite part of the book and made the slow lead-in worth it.

As is typical with Laura Frantz's books, the story doesn't end with a wedding but explores more threads beyond a happily ever after. Even though I would have appreciated a little more structured plot, I really enjoyed the frontier setting and the descriptiveness of this story.

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