An uncommon woman

This delightful historical novel is both engaging and very descriptive. The author talent is displayed in this creative story of the American frontier. Here is a beautiful example: “Now, in late spring, the lush woods were in full frolic before starting a slow slide toward autumn.” My favorite character is Clay. He is a mystery that unfolds throughout the book and makes for a heroic frontiersman. Tessa says it best, “ Likewise, Clay was another question mark in britches she might never figure out.” This book is filled with adventure, courage, faith, friendship, and love. A must read.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. The opinions in this review are my own.

An Uncommon Woman” by Laura Frantz is a historical romance depicting American history set in the time period between the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Laura Frantz transports readers to the picturesque, danger-fraught Western mountain frontier, with sensory-rich descriptions and intricate historical details that bring the past to life.

The novel is richly peopled with resilient and compelling characters, each one of them being forces to be reckoned with in their own right. Tessa Swan, unflinchingly honest, frank and plainspoken, with a quicksilver smile and lilting laugh, is famed for her unadorned decency and a bone-deep beauty, with startlingly hued, marbled, violet-blue eyes, and hair “as black as moonless midnight.”

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is a war hero who wins the heart of Tessa Swan, with his thoughtful resonant voice and kind, compassionate demeanor. This inspiring novel depicts “those rare times when your spirit is knit together with another’s, and you love them like your own soul.” I highly recommend this book to all who like Laura Frantz’s historical romances.

I really enjoyed reading the book. Some moments were predictable, but others completely caught me by surprise. Well written and engaging. Look forward to reading the next book by this author.

. "An Uncommon Woman" by Laura Frantz is an historical Christian fiction book. The reader will step into the 18th century frontier and see what life was like then with this well written book. The book is well researched and has excellent backround. I commend the author for the charming characters and well written scenes. The themes in the book are friendship, good vs evil. Indian vs White man. The main character Tessa is rich in her character and steadfast in her principles. She stands for what is morally correct in the tough situations. Laura Frantz is a Christy award winner. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions of this book are my own.

A book you won't want to put down! Laura Frantz has written another winner with An Uncommon Woman! Tessa Swan is a brave young woman who has only known the rough life on the western Virginia frontier. At the age of twelve, her best friend was stolen by Indians while they were berry picking. I was captivated by Clay Tygart who was taken by Lenape Indians as a child but is now the colonel at Fort Tygart. You will experience the difficult life on the frontier, the crowded life inside a fort and being captured by Indians. It is obvious that Ms. Frantz has done thorough research for this book. I highly recommend An Uncommon Woman to anyone who enjoys historical romance. I received advance copies of An Uncommon Woman from NetGalley and Revell Publishing. This is my honest opinion.

In An Uncommon Woman, author Laura Frantz paints a vivid picture of what life might have been like on the early Virginia frontier. It was a time when danger lurked in every moment and life was a constant struggle between the beauty of the land and the harshness of survival, endless ribbon of looking over your shoulder. From the first page, you’ll be swept away to 1770 and the lives of Clay Tygart and Tessa Swan, a most uncommon woman.

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

If Laura Frantz’s name is on it, that is enough to tell me I’m going to love a novel, and most probably, consider it a favorite. An Uncommon Woman is no exception. Ms. Frantz takes the reader back to colonial Virginia, but the far side of the Appalachians, where the Buckhannon River runs free and life is hard. At a time when the Colonies are bursting at their seams, some have traversed the mountains to make the wildlands their home. But with Indian tribes both mistreated and feared, life on the frontier is unstable at best.
Laura Frantz has an enviable way with words that mesmerizes the reader as she paints a comprehensive word picture of the dangers of the forts established at this time.
“How would I feel if” is the question I find myself asking when reading a Laura Frantz novel. One can’t help but be drawn into the lives of Tessa and her bereft family, who are honoring her pa by continuing the life he staked out for them. Yet Tessa remembers a fearful time in childhood that affected the whole community. She also longs to return to the East, a refined land she has never seen.
Colonel Clay Tygart, for whom the fort is named, is an enigma both in appearance and personality. A “white Indian,” where will his loyalties lie when the Indian unrest breaks loose?
The secondary characters of Keturah, Tessa’s brothers, Tessa’s ma and the neighbor fill in the background to help weave a taut, suspenseful narrative that exposes human prejudices for what they are.
Vengeance-based feelings against people who might differ from oneself, held accountable for someone else’s actions. I wanted to cry at times, at others beg and plead with characters and whole groups of people to think more clearly, with forgiveness.
This is a story of many loves. A few romantic. * Sigh. * Several familial, but each different depending on the character of the persons involved. One strong friendship that supersedes all, beautifully portraying that “friend that is closer than a brother.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.

I loved the premise of this book. Neither character is the norm for their time, but they don’t feel modern or out of place either. This brought the frontier to life in a new way for me, and I enjoyed the different take.
The history and description in Laura Frantz’s books are always a huge selling point for me, and she delivered in this one again. I felt like I was there with the settlers at the fort (though sometimes I wished I wasn’t) or walking the path to the ferry with Tessa.
As usual, Laura Frantz delivers an excellent romance as well, with enough conflict and believability to draw the reader along to the very end.
The themes of friendship and loyalty in this book are strong and play out in such cool ways.
My only drawback is that I did feel like there were a few threads left hanging at the end, and that it was a bit of a rush to the end of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Whenever I pick up a historical fiction novel, I think, "why am I reading this? I don't even like historical fiction." But every single time, Laura Frantz changes my mind. Her characters, her sense of place, the intricate plotting--they all capture my attention and pull me into the story, transporting me to a different time and place. Frantz's books are ones that I always intend to savor, yet they are so compelling that I want to consume them in a big gulp. An Uncommon Woman is no exception.
I loved both Tessa and Clay, and could really relate to Tessa's feelings of insecurity and not feeling "good enough". The way the author incorporates the message of the Bible and our self-worth without seeming like she is preaching at the reader is wonderful, because it feels so organic to the story and my own life in turn. I also really liked the secondary characters and how they fill out the story, as well as the humor that lightens what could be heavier sections.
Such a wonderful book, highly recommended. I don't give five stars lightly so you will not be disappointed!

Tessa Swan is indeed an uncommon woman. She seems unaware of her inner or outer beauty as she helps her mother and also pitches in assisting her five brothers at Swan Station along the Buckhannon River in Western Virginia in the mid 1700s. Swan Station is located near Fort Tygart in border country, an area prone to Indian attacks.

Colonel Clay Tygart, recently assigned to the fort bearing his name, prefers to remain unattached and unencumbered, but ignoring the beautiful Miss Swan becomes harder and harder as time goes by. How can he be sure that the people under his care will not be harmed by such a distraction as signs of Indians increase in the border area? How much of that increase may he have brought upon them in the form of the Lenape's warrior Tamanen's resentment of him?

Laura Frantz has given us another piece of wonderful historical fiction. This time there are no fancy gowns, and only simplest of lace. Linen petticoats are more at home in this settlement area of Western Virginia. Even without these fripperies, Tesssa is a true lady among ladies. I recommend this book and this author to all fans of historical fiction, and am grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

I always get really excited when I see that a new Laura Frantz book is coming out! She has an incredible gift at writing intricate detail in her novels. I'm kind of amazed by how she is able to capture the sights, sounds, and smells of of another place and time. It's like stepping into a time machine and walking out into Virginia in the 1700s. I'm there. But let's be honest...kinda glad I live in the 21st century. Frontier life was not easy!
The title, "An Uncommon Woman," had an interesting meaning as well. Both Tessa and Keturah were unique woman and brought different things to the story. Keturah, blonde and fair and Tessa, dark hair and tan skin, were beautiful in their own ways. I pictured Clay as a Daniel Day-Lewis from Last of the Mohicans (basically my favorite hero type) with a little shorter hair, but with all the rugged courage and skill. The romantic tension was gradual and built slowly, but powerfully. A steady-paced plot with a few twists and turns complete this well-rounded novel.
If you enjoy historical Christian fiction I would highly recommend all of Laura Frantz' novels!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in order to share my honest opinions, which I did.**

This book was so good. I loved how unique the characters are. Tessa is one of a kind. She was raised in an area where watching your back was second nature, not that it doesn’t get to you. Their family has faced tragedy, and knows that something could happen again at any time. Being scared all the time can really wear on a body. Doing the best with the life she has, when news arrives of they legendary Clay Tygart making an appearance at the nearby fort, Tessa can’t help but become hopeful. Can Clay, a man once raised by Lenape Indians bring peace to an area that so desperately needs it?

This story took me away to another place and time. I could feel myself holding my breath awaiting what might happen next. I felt the Swan families tension as they fought to protect what was theirs. I can’t imagine tragedy being a part of everyday life, but I know back then that it wasn’t an uncommon thing to face. I can’t comprehend living in fear as they often did, but also can appreciate their bravery and wanting better for their children than what poverty in a big city would give. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. This book made me feel an array of emotions: from heartbreak, to joy, and I also felt their fear. I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The undisputed Queen of frontier romance has done it again.
Transporting us back in to time where things were a little uncivilized but the heart of people were the same. Same hopes,dreams,longings and fears we face today.
The plot is richly descriptive and your imagination will flow with this one as you become immersed in the story line.
The characters are as resilient as the land they dwell upon full of life,dreams and charm.
This early American historical is remarkable and Laura Frantz's best work to date.
Highly recommended!
Expected publication: January 7th 2020
This book was provided by Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews.

Ms. grants has outdone herself with this book. I loved the plot and the character development. If you enjoy historical romance I recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Do not mistake "An Uncommon Woman" by Laura Frantz to be a common 'pioneer woman' romance novel. The depth of the characters, especially Tessa Swan and Clay Tygart, combined with a talent for making the reader want more makes this story stand out. as the book progresses, the reader comes to know the characters so well that one develops a vested interest in the outcome. The decisions that must be made by Clay Tygart and Tessa Swan are quite similar to those that we might find ourselves making more than two centuries later.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Laura Frantz has swept me away again in this beautifully written tale of frontier life in 1770!
Her writing makes you feel as if you are there in person, seeing the sights, smelling the scents.
This book took me along for a journey into the wilderness that I won't soon forget.
Clay is a man who has come through life battered, and closed himself off.
Tessa is a strong woman, who is dedicated to her family, yet she longs for life outside of the valley she has grown up in.
This is a tale filled with peril, but one filled with hope as well. A reminder that no matter our circumstances, our Lord is with us.
I received this book from the publisher through Netgally. My opinion is completely my own.

Another masterpiece by Laura Frantz...her writing is poetic, her characters are human, and her story telling ability is out of this world. Five Stars.

Laura Frantz was one of the first Christian romance authors I read when I was just starting out in the genre, so it was with a happy sigh that I dove into this new book! The first book I read of hers, Courting Morrow Little, is one I still re-read at least once a year, enjoying the history, drama, and romance intertwined throughout the story. An Uncommon Woman reminded me of that story, with its twists and turns, and a love that endured through many trials.

Tessa Swan has lived in the wilderness of Western Virginia her entire life, born to a life without luxuries like pristine ribbons and books to call her own. Her father killed by Indians and her best friend of childhood stolen away by them, she lives in fear of another attack. When Colonel Clay Tygart comes to the nearby fort, she doesn't expect anything to come of it. However, he bears a former captive upon arrival, and it's none other than Tessa's best friend, Keturah. Having lived with the Indians for years, Keturah has one foot in each world, and she must decide what is best for her. As Tessa and Clay try to support her, they grow closer, and it doesn't go unnoticed. Their love is undeniable, but with so many threats looming around them, it will take all their strength to keep from being pulled apart.

Tessa and Clay were a pair I fell in love with from the very beginning! For being a war hero, Clay was very humble, and he seemed to put others at ease with very little effort. He was quiet, kind, and unwilling to put himself before anyone else. A hero to be admired. A heroine to be cheered, Tessa was a perfect match for him. Instead of letting her prejudice get the best of her, she saw past her best friend's former captivity and saw the human being who just needed comfort. She stood up for Keturah and for herself. Clay was, at times, frustrating, and Tessa didn't beg for his attention. Clay had to realize what he was doing wrong and then fix it, and once that happened, it put a smile on my face. A lovely romance for a refreshing couple.

A must read for any fan of the Christina romance genre! It's a book you won't be able to put down once you start.

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

An Uncommon Woman is not my favorite Laura Frantz novel. That honor belongs to The Colonel’s Lady with The Lacemaker a close second. However, Frantz still managed to grab my attention with an adventurous plot and interesting characters.

I liked Tessa’s plainspoken ways. Not only did it make her a refreshing heroine, it also fit her reality on the frontier. When you’re worried about survival, you don’t have a lot of time to be coy. Frantz did a great job bringing this trait out, especially in Tessa’s interactions with Clay.

Clay himself is a complex character, and I thought Frantz did a great job of fleshing him out. His past as an Indian captive definitely came out in his mannerisms, his clothing, and his strengths as a frontiersman. I also liked the conflict this brought, which side he was more loyal to. And Frantz used Clay’s struggle to highlight the tensions between the Native Americans and the settlers, which I thought was an important aspect of the novel.

Well-written and engaging, An Uncommon Woman is a must-read.

(Review will go live on the blog on Jan. 17 at 5:00 PM)

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." Proverbs 17:17


Christy Award winner, Laura Frantz is a master story teller, and if you haven't read any of her magnificent works of historical fiction I highly recommend that you do. I eagerly look forward to her newest novels and have returned to reread old favorites many times. Her latest novel, An Uncommon Woman, is set in 1770 on the western Virginia frontier. It is an epic novel with a "Last of the Mohicans" or "Dances with Wolves" feel to it. It ranks right up with the Ballantyne Legacy series, which are my absolute favorite Laura Frantz novels.

Laura Frantz writes in a such a descriptive way that I was transported to the frontier, easily picturing the setting and the characters in my minds eye as the story unfolded, a sweeping saga of courage and the unbreakable bonds of true friendship and sacrificial love. The only thing I wished was different...that the story had gone on for a few more chapters. Hopefully we will get to read more of Tessa, Clay and the Swan family in the next book. The characters of this novel were so endearing and the storyline so captivating I can see myself reading this book over and over again.