4.5⭐Fantastic story! The beautiful writing engages the reader from the beginning. The story starts tragically and takes you on a journey filled with unexpected friendships, and heartbreaking moments. The whispers of God’s faithfulness are present throughout.

A novel that is full of rich historical detail, based on true events. It is set in 1754 on Canada's Acadian shore, where tensions between the French and the British are escalating. In 1755, Sylvie Galant and her family, who are French-speaking Acadians, encounter a British ship on the horizon. William Blackburn, a member of the ship's crew, warns them of the upcoming invasion. William chooses to resign from his commission rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land. The novel portrays the painful treatment and the injustice of the Acadians and how they suffer due to the selfishness of those in power. The book also has a slow-building love story that overcomes tragedy and finds hope... Laura Frantz's books are exceptional because they evoke an abundance of emotions beyond the typical novel. I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction readers.

Posting Reviews on Goodreads and Bookbub immediately and on Amazon and Barnes & Novels upon release day of January 9.

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

Sylvie Galant lives an idyllic life in French Acadia with her family. Her grandparents escaped persecution in France to build a life filled with family, farming, friends, and freedom of religion. But as the war between England and France spilled over onto North American soil, both sides threatened to shatter the Acadians' neutrality.

Sylvie’s half-brother, Bleu, warns the family of impending disaster at the hands of the ruthless British. He regales them with tales of the dangerous British Army Ranger, William Blackburn. As Christmas approaches, Sylvie basks in the love of her family and worries about the men in her family who want to resist British control.

While content in her home, the social life, dress, and customs of the nearby forts intrigue Sylvie. The sumptuous gowns pique her artistic interest, but the intrigue surrounding the officers and their wives makes her uncertain. While the French fort’s doctor wants to court her, Sylvie doesn’t think his interest in her is genuine.

Sylvie met the only man who has ever stirred her heart outside her family’s barn in a brief encounter. She doubts she’ll ever see the stranger again. Then fate and the British take all hope away when they force the Acadians onto transport ships.

William Blackburn had an uneasy alliance with the British army. When he sees how ruthlessly they rip the Acadians from their homeland, reject their acceptance into the colonies, and care little for reuniting families, William knows he must resign. He moves to Virginia and finds work as a surveyor—a peaceful trade for one who has scouted for the army, spent time enemy in prison, and survived through his woodsman’s skills.

He doesn’t expect to come face to face with beautiful Sylvie Galant in Williamsburg. Can he make restitution for his part in destroying the Acadians’ lives by starting a haven further west? And will Sylvie want any part of his plan?

What I Loved About This Book

If you love historical novels written with the delicate touch of one attuned to the era, you’ll love Laura Franz’s books. Protagonists fall in love slowly as outside circumstances work to form strong characters. Both Sylvie and William will need courage, integrity, and loyalty to survive in colonial America.

Frantz builds characters with depth, devotion, and purpose, making it difficult for readers to tear themselves away from the pages. If you love books by Julie Klassen, you’ll love The Seamstress of Acadie.

I've learned much from this wonderful novel by Laura Frantz. As always she does amazing research for her readers.
I had no knowledge of Acadia or its people until I read this book.
I was fascinated from the beginning and didn't put it down until it was finished.
I admired Sylvie from the get go. She's a strong caring and talented woman. A woman before her time really.
It took me some time for Will to growing on me but when he finally did I'm like wow! What a wonderful man.
I thought him and Sylvie would make a great team.
The faith filled themes that God doesn’t leave us even in the darkest hours were my favorite. It's always good to have a great reminder of that.
I give this book 5 stars for a well written story that was brought to life for me.
Hard to believe that Acadia is now Nova Scotia.
The amazing descriptions of scenery made me feel like I was there and seeing what that area might have been like in 1775. It was fun to imagine.
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

5 stars for a well written story and a beautiful cover too.

As a Canadian who has long been fascinated by the history of my country, and especially that of the Acadian people and the Great Expulsion, I was thrilled to learn that Laura Frantz would be writing a novel based around this area of history. I remember reading Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn’s Song of Acadia series as a teen, which almost certainly had a hand in my interest in this time period and my further university studies of Canadian History. I personally have French Canadian family in Nova Scotia (although no Acadian ties exist as far as I know) and fondly remember visiting Fort Louisbourg as a child.

Ms. Frantz’ excellent and thorough research is once again on display in this heartbreaking retelling of a tragic period of history. I appreciated the message that God is ever moving and working in spite of the evil of men. His care for Sylvie was evident through all of the ups and downs of her path.

From their first meeting, Will and Sylvie’s attraction to each other leapt off the page, despite their very different and even opposing circumstances. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop as God worked in Sylvie’s heart.

Ms. Frantz often writes First Nations characters into her stories, and I loved the inclusion of Bleu and would be very interested in seeing him in a future story. I also enjoyed the connection to “A Heart Adrift” with Esmee and Henri being included in part of this story as well.

Thank you, Laura, for writing this story and for shining a light on the history of the Acadian people!

Laura Frantz never disappoints with a rich story full of history and beautiful backdrops. The Seamstress of Acadie is a lovely romance laced with the bittersweet realities of the tragedies of the people living in Acadie. I really enjoyed the twists of Sylvie’s story and loved the happy ending in spite of the heartbreak.

With hauntingly beautiful prose, Laura Frantz has delivered an epic tale that will deftly transport readers to the atmospheric backdrop of the 1750's Canada's Acadian shore and colonial America at the beginning of the French and Indian War. I knew little of the history of the Acadians and found their story tragic. As always, Ms. Frantz' prose is brilliant, filled with imagery that appeals to the senses, allowing her readers to become immersed within the pages of the story.

I absolutely adored Sylvie and Will's story. Laura Frantz has a knack in penning romances that are not usually love at first sight but develop slowly, as characters walk paths of hardship, overcoming tragedy and finding hope.

Seamlessly woven between the threads of history and romance is a compelling faith thread, one of faith amidst the darkest moments of our lives. With a brilliant plot and memorable characters, readers will be held captive from the first to the last page.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A beautiful, heart rendering story that completely captivated me! While Laura Frantz books never disappoint, this story captured my heart with its love of family, romance, hardships, and heartbreaking devastation.

Sylvie Galant is a heroine like no other. Her love of family is a driving force in her life. Regardless of how hard life knocks her down, she never gives up nor loses her kindness.

Captain William Blackburn is a mysterious man that draws you in with his kindness and gentleness when it is needed. He is the type of character you just fall in love with.

Some of the characters from Frantz’s book “A Heart Adrift” make an appearance in this book and help shape the story. If you have read it, you will not learn anything new except how Sylvie and Captain Blackburn stories intertwine with Esme Shaw & Captain Lennox.

This is the perfect historical fiction to lose yourself in and a must read! I absolutely loved it!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz masterfully weaves an exceptional story of faith, hope, and love set in a time of great conflict, war, and the tragic story of the Acadians in the French and British conflict in the pre-American revolution mid 18th century. While I am mostly unfamiliar with this time in history, I greatly appreciated how Ms. Frantz brings this great conflict and tragedy to light in a way that readers could understand and relate to.  I truly enjoy historical fiction that not only has depth of historical context, but that also brings readers a first-person experience of the daily struggles and joys experienced in that time. Ms. Franz excels at the delicate balance between history and fiction, captivating, entertaining, and educating her readers. The characters in The Seamstress of Acadie were so intriguing, unique, and well-developed. I enjoyed seeing the progression and growth in the main characters as they overcame difficulties and learned hard life lessons. I also appreciated the mix of mystery, intrigue, adventure, faith, and romance. There was a great deal of adventure and suspense in this work, but mixed perfectly with sweet, heartwarming, and even heartbreaking times. I appreciated the historical context, the great characters, excellent themes, and the overall package. The Seamstress of Acadie is an exceptional book and I highly recommend it!

Sylvie Galant and her family live on Canada's beautiful Acadian shores, working hard for their living as farmers and seamstresses. The Galant family longs for peace and remains neutral in the face of great danger. The conflict and tension between the British and French escalates and leaves the largely neutral Acadian people in the middle. The British with their ships arrive at Acadian shores in the summer of 1755 to relocate and clear the Acadians from the area. Sylvie runs into a disguised William Blackburn outside of her family farm, a famous British Army Ranger who is well known for his subterfuge, grit, and success in every endeavor. Sylvie discovers William's true identity and when their paths cross again, William warns her of the coming invasion. Distrusting William as an Englishman part of the destruction of her family and life as she knows it, Sylvie disregards his advice. Sylvie and her family are separated, her father taken prisoner with many of the Acadian men, some taken to ships, others going into hiding with the Mi'kmaq, the local Canadian Indian Tribe.

William will not participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their homelands and resigns his commission. Sylvie is relocated to a ship headed to Virginia and endures many heartaches, horrors, struggles, and dangers. Later in a much different situation and place, Sylvie and William discover each other again and struggle to each figure out how to put their shattered lives back together. Can Sylvie overcome her hatred and heartbreak to forgive William and realize that he is not the enemy? Can William learn how to deal with the guilt of his part in the conflict and find healing in helping others? Read The Seamstress of Acadie to discover an excellent trip back in history full of adventure, faith, trials, joys, and love.

Disclaimer: The author graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

I learned something new by reading this book. I had no knowledge of Acadian heritage, Laura Frantz opened my eyes.
I did enjoy the characters, as well as the main character's developing faith, and of course reading about Canadian culture and history.

I would recommend this book and thank NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read it.

The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz is a truly a marvel. The story with a tragic beginning, takes you on a journey filled with uncertainty, unexpected friendships, loyalty from the most unlikely places and love. Ah, the love was so dear and loyalty so true, so steadfast. And God’s hand forever on His people, ever faithful in His love for us. If you have read her book Love Adrift, you will be reunited with wonderful characters from that beloved story. Don’t miss this exquisite tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

In 1755, the English invaded Acadia, which is present-day Nova Scotia, and forced the French Catholic Acadians to leave their homes with little more than they could carry. Many did not survive the sea journey to places in the US. I have Acadian and Mi’kmaq ancestry, which makes this story personally appealing.
Sylvie Galant is an Acadian seamstress. William Blackburn is an American ranger working for the British, but he quits in protest of the Acadian atrocity. Initially enemies, they cross paths in Virginia. Their tentative friendship grows.
Lovely story of a terrible episode in history.

Laura Frantz’s novels always pull me in and take me on an incredible journey to a time and place that comes alive on the pages. The Seamstress of Acadie captured my heart from the first line. As with all of Frantz’s novels, the characters are deep, the history well researched, and the romance satisfying. I didn’t know much about the incredibly sad history of the Acadians before reading this novel. Frantz weaves this history with a story of hope regardless of circumstances.

Sylvie Galant is ripped from the only home she’s ever known, torn away from her beloved family and a life she loved. She meets British Army Ranger Will Blackburn while still in Acadie, but can she trust this man who was once an enemy? Although Sylvie’s journey is full of struggles and danger, she learns to trust and opens her heart to love.

The story is unpredictable, with twists and turns like the Rivanna River until its satisfying end. This is a story I couldn’t put down, and I was sad to see it end! One of my favorites by Frantz!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Laura Frantz’s latest focuses on the plight of Acadians, forced out of their homeland in what is now Canada around the time of the French and Indian war. It’s a period of time I’ve not often seen portrayed in fiction, and I enjoyed learning more through the story of Sylvie. Frantz’s writing is as good and engaging as ever, and her characters always feel very real. I enjoyed the portions of the book set in Williamsburg. Having spent much time in Colonial Williamsburg, I could vividly picture the buildings and areas she described. The only element that didn’t fully work for me related to the relationship between the main characters. As long a timeline as the book covers, the characters spend relatively little time together for much of the first half of the book, making the depth of their relationship seem a little sudden. Overall, though, an enjoyable and educational read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Laura Frantz is one of my favorite authors because she writes my favorite genre, historical fiction, and she writes great books, and this book was another masterpiece! She writes about the French Acadian people, who lived around the modern day Nova Scotia area of Canada, and her story takes place in 1753.

With war looming around them between the English and French and Indians, Silvie Galant, the local seamstress who sews mostly for the soldiers at the French fort, lives wit her family, the Galants, of whom her father is head clans man. This family has been prosperous, and like their fellow Acadians, they have decided to remain neutral in the conflict going on all around them. They just want to live their lives, and remain a close community with their nearby neighbors and friends. Well, that doesn't happen, and Silvie, her half-brother Bleu, who is half-indian, and who is neck deep in the resistance against the English, and the rest of their family and community find the conflict they wanted no part of on their doorstep. This conflict causes great harm to the Sophie and her fellow Acadians, and they will be tried beyond all their strength, but Sophie will find help in the form of a man who she originally thought was her enemy, Major William Blackburn, who happens to be English.

This was an incredible story that brought my attention to history I was not familiar with, which is why I love reading Laura Frantz's books! It is incredibly written, engaging from the beginning, an exciting plot, although fiction, written about actual events that took place, and kept me turning the page till the end! The characters and the story flowed wonderfully in my opinion, and I felt like I was there watching the story unfold. It encouraged me to learn more about this part of history, and not many stories do that for me! I give this a 5 star rating, and highly recommend this book!

The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

December 1754 Acadie.
Silvia Galant cares for her family, works hard, is humble and compassionate. With the coming conflict, her family, as well as the Acadian community, face an uncertain future. And when the whole community is placed on ships to be transported to an unknown land, will they survive?

British Army Ranger William Blackburn is not happy with the British and what they have planned for the Acadians. Will is a leader, strong and hardworking. On one of his trips in Acadia, he meets Silvia and warns her of what is coming. But, is he friend or enemy? Will makes plans for a far different life than he has led in past years. Can he make a difference in the lives that have lost so much? What does God have planned for Silvia and Will?

I love the way Laura Frantz incorporates history within the fictional characters’ lives and the challenges they face. I enjoy reading the historical notes, glossary, map and authors note in the book. The Seamstress of Acadie is a story filled with change and new beginnings, betrayal and deceit, heartache, joy, enemies and spies, heartbreaking historical events woven within the fictional story, love and faith. An amazing story.

~I bought the e-book and I received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain was exchanged), this is my honest review~

The cover of this book is charming and lovely. The beginning of the story is rather complex. But you will soon fall in love with the main characters and you will learn what life was like in volatile 1755. (You may be surprised at how hard the men, women and children of that time worked.) “One’s contentment has more to do with one’s outlook than one’s circumstances.”

150 years before the story begins, Acadie (Nova Scotia) was settled by French Catholic families. Acadie was a beautiful region and the French were dedicated to farming and family. As the story starts in 1755, we meet beautiful Sylvie Galant the seamstress and her family with their gentle life and culture, which all too soon will be destroyed. The British and the French are fighting and the French people of Acadie are taken away by the British, many of them to die in leaky ships on rough seas. Sylvie ends up in Williamsburg, Virginia. And her new life begins, which will have many twists and turns and eventually, the possibility of love. The author is masterful with her blend of history, culture, and faith and her vivid descriptions of colonial life. Be prepared to cry. “In the deepest night of trouble and sorrow God gives us so much to be thankful for that we need never cease our singing.”

As the author tells us in her notes, “Sylvia Galant’s journey asks a timeless theological question, ‘Where is God in the midst of suffering and tragedy.’ To which we are blessed to be able to respond with Romans 8:39…nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God…”

Highly recommend and I look forward to reading more of Laura Frantz’ books. Thanks to NetGalley and Revell publishing for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

Wow! Rarely does a book touch my heart as much as this one did. The writing is extraordinary. The setting is picturesque. Acadia comes to life with vivid imagery.

The characters are beyond words. Sylvie is someone I'd like to emulate! She's humble, strong, hardworking, determined, compassionate, and more! Will is complex. He grows so much during the book. I love Bleu! He's a protector. He always shows up just when he's needed. All of the characters tugged on my heart.

This story can be hard to read. History can be full of heartache. It reminds me of the Bible, that we should look after the orphans and widows. But also to look after those who have lost their loved ones, their homes, and even their familiar lives. It also offers hope. That God is looking out for us even in the darkest times.

I was provided a copy of the book from Revell through Netgalley via Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh my! this story just wrapped me up, held me captive and stole a piece of my heart.
The story begins describing Sylvie’s idyllic everyday life in Acadia. I could picture her close family and beautiful land and orchards. But soon her family and lands and future were no more.
And this is where the story begins to get very hard to read. But Laura dealt with the events quickly but thoroughly. Events like what happened in Acadia is so important to know and learn from. I so appreciate Laura and her research and how she wrapped history into her story.
This is an emotional story of tragedy, heartache and finding hope again. It is a story of love - love of family, of our home, of our intended and of God.

There are so many things that I loved about this book. I decided just to list them or this review might go on forever.
I loved the French words and phrases, it added to the authenticity of the story.
Sylvie and Will both were such great characters, I cared about them equally.
Oh Bleu.! Throughout the book I kept wondering where he was, he was intriguing. He and Sylvie's love for each other and connection made me love him.
I loved seeing the characters from A Heart Adrift spending a little time with them.
Sylvie chose the perfect name for the home property. I thought the way the end was resolved was perfect.
Oh the old prayer from Provence was so beautiful!
I enjoyed so that the story involved Williamsburg, I could just picture the scenes there.
I appreciated the author's notes at the end that gave some books for further reading on Acadia which I plan to seek out.

After all this, I believe there is one major thread and the main thing I took from the story was
'Learning not to hold too tightly to the past'.
For me as I get older, I think this is important. This world is not my home anyway.

I was not ready for this book to end which makes this quote proven true.
“The sweeter the moment, the faster it flees.”

This book's beautiful and evocative cover drew me in. The exquisite writing, rich historical detail and scene painting held me in wonder. I just could not put this book down.

The Acadian Expulsion by the British in 1755, was a travesty by all accounts. The Acadian s were neutral, had made their homes in Acadie for a hundred years, were prayerful and God-fearing. They just wanted to be good stewards of the land and be left in peace. Instead, they were left in pieces. Their homes were destroyed, and families (not necessarily intact) were cast out to sea, trapped in the holds of old unseaworthy ships. The question one may ask is, "Where was God in all of this?"

Ms. Frantz has written an exquisite and moving fictional account (framed by historical fact) of a beautiful, intrepid, strong, and caring woman - Sylvie Galant, a Seamstress Extraordinaire. The reader accompanies Sylvie, experiencing all her joys, fears, and sorrows as she's forced from her home and sent into exile, along with 10,000 fellow Acadians. Her mind struggles with what her heart knows. But can she trust her heart and follow where it leads her? Journey with Sylvie and hear the story of her people.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, then I highly commend this book to you. The writing is superb, the characters well-developed, and the research which went into its telling is herculean. Though this was my first foray into Ms. Frantz's writing, I can assure it will not be my last!

I am grateful to Revell for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: Revell (division of Baker Publishing Group)
Publication Date: January 9, 2024
No. of Pages: 416
ISBN No.: 978-0800745660

Laura Frantz weaves a beautiful story intertwining characters with heartbreak and redemption. We follow Sylvie and her family living their simple lives on the Acadian shores caught in the middle of the battle on which flag will fly. They hear echo’s of what may come but never did they consider separation and relocation to be a part of their future. We follow Sylvie not only on her journey to relocation but on her journey of healing from the burden of loss. We see the strength she finds within forgiveness and mercy and Gods redemption through it all.

We also follow Blackburn as he is processing the inhumane treatment he refused to be involved with and it drastically changes not only his future but his career path. We find a man who comes from a history of loss and pain able to relate to Sylvie. He decides to do whatever he can to help those who were impacted by the relocation and offer Sylvie a hand to hold during her path to a new beginning.

The two bring different points of view to this moving story brimming with faith elements of mercy, grace, forgiveness and love. I was so engrossed with this beautiful book that I just couldn’t put it down. The characters were so well written that they feel like friends, it makes their hurt all the more tender and their laughter all the more real. I smiled, I laughed, I cried and I want to take the adventure all over again from the beginning. What an amazing story written about a time in history I wasn’t even aware of happening. I highly recommend reading The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz it will not be a disappointment.


Though I was gifted this book my thoughts and opinions are my own