Tensions are mounting between the French and English right before the French and Indian War in Canada. Sylvie Galant and her family have to deal with the threat of British Invasion and loss of the home that they knew. Sylvie, her mother, and sister are forced on a British ship to somewhere else in the British colonies. A shipwreck leaves Sylvie by herself in the colony of Virginia. She crosses paths with William Blackburn, the former English soldier who warned her to leave Acadie. Will opposed the treatment of the Acadians by the British so he resigned and moved to Virginia to survey land. He is surprised and pleased to find Sylvie, but she is not pleased to see him at first. As things develop, Sylvie learns that her distrust of Will is unwarranted. Both Will and Sylvie have to trust that God will work out things in thier lives.
The history was so well done in this story. I liked learning a little bit about what was happening around this time. The romance between Will and Sylvie was done well and I loved seeing some characters from A Heart Adrift make an appearance! Thank you to Revell for the ARC from NetGalley.

If you are new to Laura Frantz, I will tell you her novels are layered, intricately woven, unhurried gems that will leave you will a full heart, and the deep level of satisfaction readers get from a novel exquistely written. I've read every single novel she has published, and I've loved them all! She is definitely one of my favorite #GuaranteedToRead authors and I count down the days to her next novel every year.

The Seamstress of Acadie is like a warm cup of mulled cider; easy to read, full of characters you will love, with themes of mercy and forgiveness, mixed with adversity and heartbreak, and told with an abundance of grace and love. A story by Laura never fails to warm my heart.

Seamstress was so good that when I reached the end of the book, I realized I hadn't taken notes! Completely transfixed and lost within the beautiful word imagery that is so Laura Frantz as I was, I picked it back up again a month later and enjoyed it just as much, if not more, the second time.

This story is less romance (but that element definitely and delightfully exists) and more the plight of the Acadians as they are ousted from their Canadian homeland and forced to adapt to life in Virginia while being reviled and ostracized by the community. It was well researched, and included Acadian Christmas traditions, as well as the untamed beauty of Nova Scotia in the 1700s.

I loved how Sylvie's love interest in this novel is a mere mention and doesn't really even enter the picture until the 25% mark. So many novels I've read have the characters practically paired together (or you know that is how it is going to end up) by the end of the first or second chapter. Laura so expertly created a longing for the one who would be Sylvie's soulmate that the moment he appeared I loved him already! I also loved how time was divided into the before and the after. It added realism to Sylvie's character as many who have been through a traumatic experience delineate time by the defining circumstance. Notes from the twenty-third Psalm were woven throughout, a reminder that there is hope to be found amid the hopelessness.

As an added bonus, some characters were included from A Heart Adrift...don't worry you don't need to read it in order to completely enjoy this story, but it did make me want to go back and enjoy Esmee's story all over again.

The Seamstress of Acadie is historical fiction at it's finest and I highly recommend reading!

Read this if you love:

• Historical Fiction

• Enemies to Love

• Homecoming stories

• Second Chances


Thank you, Laura Frantz, Revell Fiction and Austenprose PR for the complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

4.75 stars!

First, I did not know anything about the Acadian people before this book, so it was fascinating to learn about them. I really enjoyed this story. The author just writes so beautifully, and the story really comes to life through her words. I loved Sylvie's character; she is so strong and brave. She endures so much but just keeps on going. She is kind to the children she is around and helps take care of them. She also is a great seamstress. I also loved William's character, he is so kind and does what he believes to be the right thing over doing what he is told is right. William and Sylvie's relationship is beautiful and not rushed. Overall, a great story. It has the right amount of history, romance, adventure, danger, and faith. I definitely recommend!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The year is 1754 and the once peaceful shores of neutral, French Canadian Acadie are no more as tensions and rumors of war fly between the French and British. Seamstress Sylvie Galant should be thinking of Noël and the usual preparations for the holiday but talk of war, spies, and William Blackburn— famed and notorious British Army ranger, whose escapades Sylvie’s brothers talk of grimly of— are all weighing heavy on their family.

As chance would have it, Sylvie has a brief encounter with William Blackburn, who, unbelievably, tries to warn Sylvie of a soon and imminent invasion on Acadie. However, no one can save them from what happens next. All of Acadie is forcibly removed from their beloved land and homes onto ships where thousands die of disease, storms on the sea, or lack of proper nutrition. The Galant family is separated and Sylvie must now face a new land—Virginia, all alone and destitute.

Trying to find work and bearings in a strange place, Sylvie is shocked when she once again runs into Blackburn. Why and how can they be meeting again? She is even more surprised to find Blackburn had resigned from his post rather than participate in the forced removal of Acadie. In fact, Blackburn is actively trying to help the displaced Acadians by giving them work and purpose on his newly purchased land and home. As Sylvie struggles with her new identity in Virginia, can she put away the bitterness and raw grief that ensnare her to work with Blackburn, who consequently, shares a part of her broken past? Can they sort out the broken pieces together and make a new life?


This book reminded me why my first love has always been historical fiction. I learned so much from this book about the sad history and fate of Acadie and its people, displaced in places like Virginia and Louisiana— places so vastly different than their own land. To be able to see an event and place in history that I never would otherwise be able to see, that is a great gift from the author.

This story is vivid in imagery and full of emotion, it is a difficult tale in many aspects but the main characters as well as many of the side characters are so full of courage and perseverance that the story shifts naturally from despair to hope and ultimately, new beginnings. I loved learning about Sylvie’s profession as a seamstress and really found her brother Bleu a very interesting and noble character, I would love to see him have his own story!

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @ for giving me an advanced readers copy of the story.

Content: war, death, kidnapping. Nothing very descriptive in my opinion. No language, closed door.

I so loved this book.
Incredible journey. The British tried to wipe out the very existence of the Acadia people, nearly did. This story of a rare survivor is anguishing, touching, tense, endearing and very hard to put down. So easy to become immersed in the story. Fabulous characters, including big, strong, cunning fighting backwoods men who travel their own hard paths. Such an excellent read. Much as I wanted to see what happened, I didn't want it to end. I'm filing this under "places I'd like to live" and "characters I'd like to meet".

I received this book free from the author, Revell Reads and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheSeamstressOfAcadie #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #Revell #ChristianHistoricalFiction #LauraFrantz

I absolutely adored this book and learned so much history through reading this story. The Seamstress of Acadie is set in 1754, beginning in Canada on the Acadian Shore. During this time in history, the French and British were fighting over territory and the people of Acadia, though completely neutral, became caught between two feuding nations and were horrifyingly removed from their homelands and shipped off by British Army Rangers. Sylvie, the story’s brave FMC, is one such Acadian.

This story was so well told. The author teaches you so much important but lesser-known history, all while telling you an incredible story about characters that you immediately care for. The romance in this story was so sweet, clean, and well-written—think enemies to lovers, if you’re one for tropes, and the author’s discussions of suffering in light of biblical truth were beautiful to read because of the hope that the characters and the reader are left with.

The ending had me on my toes and staying up late to finish! All in all, this was a wonderful historical fiction, and I would highly recommend it! I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Thank you to @netgalley and #revellfiction for my free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Seamstress of Acadia is a well written historical novel set in the 1700s. I enjoyed the plot and character development. If you enjoy historical fiction you will enjoy this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz is a deeply moving tale. I always start a Laura Frantz book with an open mind and a teachable heart. I know I will learn about historical events in a way I never would have, otherwise, and the inspirational seeds burrow deep in my heart, reminding me that God takes what was intended for evil and uses it for good.
In 1755 the British and the French battle for possession of the neutral Acadia. This was a period I knew next to nothing about. Knowing it is modern day Nova Scotia helped to put some context in my mind.
The first part of the book really sets the stage for the tragedy about to unfold. We meet Sylvie Galant and her family (loved Bleu) and learn about their love of the land, especially the orchards. Family, community, open skies, working the land and treasuring the fruit of your labor created a sense of peace to describe this beautiful country.
Sylvie has a brief encounter with Major Blackburn, Will, and the stage is set for their love story. It is definitely a slow burn, but the spark is there and simmers throughout the book.
The second part of the book takes places mostly in Virginia, in Williamsburg. Here, the stage is set for chaos, instability, persecution, and is rife with disease.
Sylvie is mourning her home, her family, and all that she holds dear, while trying to survive. She does not have room in her heart to forgive Major Blackburn, even if it seems she may have been mistaken about him. There are a few kindnesses sprinkled, such as Esmee the chocolatier from A Heart Adrift, and others who are willing to help based on their humanity and willingness to stand for what is right.
As Sylvie learns the truth and learns to flourish where she is planted, the beauty from ashes takes flight and a new story is begun. Frantz takes historical details and weaves them deftly through a rich and deeply moving story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, and NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This story revealed an event in history I knew nothing about. Frantz, with her attention to historical detail wove a fascinating story from the devastation of the Acadian people even as she offered a thread of hope. I love the main character, Sylvie. She’s a talented seamstress thrown into a terrible situation, yet she holds on to her faith and the strength she learned from her parents. William Blackburn is a mystery who unfolds on the pages. And Sylvie’s brother, Bleu, is a fascinating character. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story. Frantz is a gifted writer and I plan to read more of her books. I received this book for free with no expectations. My opinions are my own.

Something in American (North American) history that isn't well known is the land of Acadia and the removal of the Acadians from their land by the British in the mid-1700s. I first really learned about it through Janette Oke's Song of Acadia series. Since I read that series I hadn't experienced any other books about the topic.

Needless to say that when I learned this newest novel from Laura Frantz covers that very topic--I was thrilled to have a chance to read it.

Through the course of the book, you will get to experience the process with Sylvie Galant--a proud Acadian who is one of those forced to migrate via ship by the British. The early portion of the book describes the land and relationships in Acadia. Also why it was so coveted. You get a hint at the turmoil between the French and British due to the French and Indian War.

Then you will go with Sylvie on the migratory journey and experience the hardships that come as a displaced Acadian in a strange new land and city. If you've read Laura Frantz before, you will also enjoy seeing some characters from a previous book A Heart Adrift: A Novel having an active presence in this story as well.

The story was well done and I enjoyed reading it. It was just a solid enjoyable read.

4 stars
*i was given a complimentary copy of an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. The review I've left is 100% my own and i was not required to write a positive review.

What an excellent novel! I simply couldn't put this book down. Right from the start I was swept into the world of Acadie and the life of Sylvie. I could just picture the beauty of the setting and imagine her beautiful orchards. The story takes a turn when tragedy strikes and her whole world changes. The historical aspect of this story is astounding and I had no idea any of these things actually happened! The second part of this book is almost like a part two because it is vastly different and really shows character growth. We get to see characters from A Heart Adrift (one of Frantz earlier books) and the reader really gets to know the hero of the story whom I just adore! There is a sweet love story that progresses slowly and was written to perfection. Laura Frantz has written another beautiful novel and it is absolutely a must read.
I highly recommend!


Five stars!




"I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

'She was known as the seamstress. The blue-eyed daughter of Gabriel Galant, head of a large lowland clan.'

I'm not sure how many readers are aware of Acadie and everything that happened there. I surely wasn't and found this book to be a feast in so many ways-historically and poetically with an amazing love story throughout.

This is an enemies-to-more, fiction (although many events are based on actual occurrences-do not miss the author's notes at the end!) Christian romance.

This book is undoubtably one of the best books I've ever read.

I loved the faith thread, I loved the light in the darkness theme, I loved the characters, I loved the hope brimming from almost every page. I loved the growth (through every struggle and triumph), and I loved the history embedded into each detail.

Laura Frantz has an incredible talent for making her stories come to life and is such a pleasure for readers to experience.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Laura Frantz skillfully and thoughtfully highlights the plight of the French Acadians in 1755 as British and French battle for this area. I had not known the history of this area so it was a fascinating, but also sad and thought-provoking, lesson. I loved the beauty, vastness, and accepting community of Acadie which seemed so different from the crowded and fear-riddled Williamsburg.
Sylvie was a lovable character, full of grit despite heavy losses, grief, and anger. She grew tremendously in faith and maturity. Will was a gallant hero with a noble, loyal, and humble spirit. Their enemies to lovers romance was tender and endured time, distance, and a bit of adventure and danger.

If you enjoy historical romance, you will definitely enjoy this well-written novel by Laura Frantz. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell Books and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Laura Frantz always crafts such tender, emotional stories that touch your soul.

I'll admit, that it took me a bit to get into the book, but I knew it would be 100% worth it and, of course, Ms. Frantz delivered with a delicious romance and lovely faith thread. This was a part of history that I was completely unaware of and I loved how the author painted each scene and setting, making you feel as if you were there and exposing you to this lesser-known historical event.

I adored Will and Sylvie. They were such beautiful characters with such depth. Also, I really loved Bleu and honestly would love a book about him. Hopefully?

*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

I was not aware of this terrible historical tragedy and this novel was an informative read about the French Acadie people and their forced immigration from their land and everything they had ever known. The Acadian are a people of peace and just want to live their lives neutrally on the land they have had for generations but the British and French have other ideas of what should happen and both countries want this land. Entrapment and enforcement of the Acadian's onto ships and taken to a new unknown land, tragedy befalls many and the Virginian's are not happy about the arrival of these foreigners who cannot speak their language and take sick easily. Many just wanting to get back to their homeland, know this will never happen and so many come to the understanding they must make a new life in this new unknown land. But there is still fear with whisperings of them being forced out of Virginia and back onto ships once again. With the help of an unexpected British Army Ranger and a few others in Virginia, they may just be able to start anew. I really loved Sylvia and her story in this historical event. Thank you to the publisher and author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

An impressive historical tale! Laura Frantz’s novels are always epic, and her attention to historical detail is thorough and thought-provoking enough to keep you rapidly turning the pages. It’s always fun to learn a little bit of history along the way, because I really should have paid more attention to my history classes. Some of the French Acadians (Acadie in French) settled in Louisiana, my home state. Sylvie Galant is my favorite character and my heart really ached for what she and her family went through. The novel takes a trip back to the mid 1700’s where the neutral French speaking Acadians lived near the US and Canadian borders. It will be incredibly easy to immerse yourself into this fascinating era in history.
I have read and enjoyed several of her novels and the hype of her books are much deserved. She has an excellent backlist and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of them. If you enjoy authors like Lynn Austin, Jocelyn Green, and Lori Benton, then I am quite sure that you will love Laura Frant’z novels.
I received an early e-copy copy of this book from Net Galley and 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 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Historical fiction readers will love this book. Readers will learn about the history of Nova Scotia and the Acadians. This is a heartbreaking story set in the 1700s when the British forced the Acadians out of their homeland. Not m favorite by this author but enjoyable. Recommended.

Laura Frantz’s latest The Seamstress of Acadie was simply amazing. The characters, the storyline, the prose…it was all spot on. Page after page only deepened my delight as I was completely immersed in a time far removed from my own. Frantz expertly brought to life the turmoil of the Acadian people as they were ripped from their homes and transplanted into a country ripe with prejudice. A whole range of emotions filled me as I read not only of horror, terror, and injustice, but also of love and compassion. Truly, this novel swept me off my feet.

I highly recommend Frantz’s novels. They never fail to touch my heart.

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

3.5 Stars

Acadia and the plight of French Canadians in the 1700s is an area of history that intrigues me - not only from a national interest point of view, but from a more personal connection. I’ve long enjoyed reading about the early beginnings of Canada and so when I saw that Laura Frantz was tackling this time period in Canada, I was anxious to read the story.

The premise is intriguing as well as the plot. The British community portrayed in the story was done really well. One got a sense of who the British were and what they stood for at the time. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the same vibe from the Acadian/French Canadian community or characters (I live in a community with 70% French Canadian).

There’s a lot of French vocabulary thrown into conversations and thoughts that are mostly written in English, that pulled me from the story. This was really distracting to me since my brain would automatically correct the sentence into complete French sentences (since we speak French at home on a daily basis).

William Blackburn’s character is easy to like as well as Sophie’s brother, Bleu. Descriptions of Acadia are vivid, pulling the reader into Nova Scotia.

There was a lot of work in creating the story world, but the pacing was on the slow side for me at the beginning. It didn’t pick up until halfway through the story and then continued right through to the end.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sylvie Galant and her family live a perilous existence on their idyllic farm in the Acadia region of Nova Scotia. Trying to be neutral in the conflict between the British and French forces stationed nearby, they live in constant fear of being forced to take sides. Notorious Major William Blackburn and his band of Rangers have been tasked with assisting in rounding up the peaceful Acadians. When Sylvie’s and William’s worlds collide, will either of them ever be the same? Journey to the mid 1700s with a master storyteller for a page-turning tale of loss, love, and finding a place to call home.