Laura Frantz books always transport me to a different time and place. They are beautifully written. I've loved each one that I read.

I loved Juliette in this book. She's the daughter of a tobacco plantation owner. Things have been left for her to do that a young lady wouldn't normally have done, but she makes the best of things and tries her hardest. Then she finds out that her father has promised that she would marry a tobacco baron from Scotland, in order to erase his debt.

This would have been a hard thing to bear. Juliette becomes uncertain what she should do, but she ends up left with no choice. And she chooses to start a new life in Scotland with her new husband (who she barely knows), his twin toddlers (who she doesn't know), and her younger sister.

This book will take you on an incredible journey, through happiest of times, and saddest of times. I loved every word!

This story pulled me in and transported to Colonial America and Scotland. I enjoyed the pacing, the characters, and the plot line. There were a few themes that I wished had been emphasized more and the ending was way too abrupt for my liking, but otherwise a wonderful read!


4.5 stars rounded up.

I devoured The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz. This story hooked my attention from the start, and I didn’t want to put the book down. Frantz crafted beautifully authentic characters in Juliet and Leith. Then, she tied them together in a romance that I adored. Their romantic tension shifted a bit once the couple arrived in Scotland and settled into a daily routine, but I rooted for them until the end.

Other story elements I liked in The Indigo Heiress included the sibling relationship between Juliet and Loveday, Leith’s turn to God (which felt genuine, not too fast or convenient), and a plot twist I didn’t see coming (which I can’t expound on without giving spoilers). I expected the indigo plants to feature more in the story, but I enjoyed what I did learn about the plants.

The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz was my first five star read of 2025. I recommend this beautiful novel to Christian readers who enjoy stories rich in romance and history. The story has lingered in my mind, and I could happily reread it now.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This book really swept me away to colonial America and Scotland. A very character forward, and to me character driven novel, it really took me into a different time and culture.

Juliette was a great lead to the story, as was Leith. I enjoyed following along from when they first met and watching their marriage-of-convenience trope unfold. And I loved seeing their support for each other. They were sweet couple.

Juliette also had a wonderful relationship with her sister, which was heartwarming. And her faith in and reliance on God was a testament. The way he was seamlessly weaved through the story was a gift.

I found the story to be one to just slow down while reading and soak it in - which is more difficult in my season of life right now. I tend to lean towards quicker paced, plot driven novels as a result. Thus, it did take a while for me to really connect to the characters and story. But I did find it to be a well written, unique historical fiction novel. I thought it all came together nicely, and hope to reread it when life slows down here in my house.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the @laurafrantzauthor @revellfiction and @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

With Laura Frantz’s storytelling, I felt I was transported back in time to 1774, the brink of the American Revolution. Beginning on a plantation along the James River and colonial Williamsburg to the bustling streets of Glasgow and the grandeur of a Scottish countryside estate. I learned about the workings of Indigo and tobacco, the work of abolitionist, and society life at the time. Part of the story was filled with intrigue, laced with a touch of danger, and moments that kept me second-guessing. Proverbs 31 is mentioned when speaking of the main character, Juliet. She had strength and dignity, as well as, love and compassion for her family and those less unfortunate. The book is full of great quotes, Scripture, and prayers. I can’t forget to mention the swoony slow-burn love story!🥰 10/10 indigo hearts! I highly recommend.

Juliet Catesby lives with her sister and father on a Virginia plantation that has been in her family for the last century. It’s here she is lead by her own devices and helps run the plantation and she especially likes to get her hands on the Indigo. As a possible Revolutionary War brewing between America and England, Juliet Catesby finds herself somewhat trapped in an arrangement, made by her father, between herself and a Scottish Tobacco Lord. Circumstances cause Juliet to agree to the arrangement, taking her sister and herself to Scotland, a place so different and far from home. 

Marriage of Convenience for the win! Very sweet story. Love the Scottish gentleman and American lady match. Both smart, headstrong, and very perfect for each other. 

As usual, I loved the historical aspects of this book. Very neat to read about the Revolutionary War prior to its start with viewpoints from America and Scotland. The plantation elements were a fun detail and I especially liked the Indigo process. 

I enjoyed the sister piece as well. Loveday is delightful and I really liked her romance in here as well. SO sweet!

The Indigo Heiress is another book you should add on your historical fiction list especially if you like a MOC romance mixed in.

Beautiful depictions of both colonial America and industrial Scotland shine in this thoroughly researched historical romance. Laura Frantz is unparalleled in her ability to write rich and atmospheric historical romance that points to Christ and includes some of the best heroes and heroines. As a businesswoman myself, I adored Juliet as a colonial businesswoman who was excellent at what she did! To see her Proverbs 31 attributes shine as she faced trials and a new life was incredibly inspiring. Swoony Scottish hero Leith was distant in relationships until he got right with the Lord, and I wanted to come through the page and smack some sense into him until he completely made up for his failings in the most heroic and dreamy of ways. Flawed and real characters that embark on a spiritual journey in addition to a romantic one gave this story a genuine glimpse at the power of the Gospel. The romantic tension that Juliet and Leith experienced in their courtship and arranged marriage was steamy yet sweet, and did not disappoint! This enthralling story also had a mystery that riveted me to the page as much as the slow-burn romance, and each chapter propelled me closer and closer to the happy ending that is always awaiting at the end of a Laura Frantz novel. As always, this Laura Frantz book is worth the investment of time and treasure, and in exchange, you will be transported to another time and place through printers’ ink and paper.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I really did love it!

i can always count on laura for a story rich with history and detail. the indigo heiress follows juliet as she navigates colonial virginia and glasgow, scotland. i immediately fell in love with her. i loved how capable she was at overseeing her father’s business and how she was unafraid to stand up for what she believed in. her love for others really made her stand out and i thought it was beautiful that she was willing to do anything, even forsaking her own happiness, for her father and her sister. i especially loved the work that she and her sister were doing to help runaway slaves.

this story also had the sweetest slow burn of a romance with an arranged marriage that became so much more with time and patience. juliet and leith didn’t have much time to truly get to know each other before they end up married on a ship headed to scotland. what starts out as a marriage in name only becomes a beautiful partnership between two people who genuinely love each other. i loved how the walls slowly came down between leith and juliet as they got to know each other better. i also adorable juliet’s relationship with bella and cole. they took to her so fast and i’m so glad she had them and loveday when she got to scotland

speaking of loveday, i enjoyed her little side romance so much and the support she brought to her sister. the things that unfolded at the end of this book were so unexpected in the best way. i loved how the trials leith went through in the end showed him what was truly important in life — his
family.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
content: closed door

thank you to revell, the author, and austenprose for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.

The Indigo Heiress features a strong female protagonist, a marriage of convenience, complicated family drama, and slow-burn romance.

In 1774, Juliet lives with her father and sister on their Virginia plantation. Indigo production and the exportation of it to the powerful Buchanan family in Scotland is their primary concern. One day, Juliet learns that her father has promised one of his daughters to (widower) Leith Buchanan to cancel out his huge debt. Leith chooses Juliet. Because of circumstances and pressures, she agrees and takes her sister along in hopes of finding a match for her. Once in Scotland, Juliet is faced with caring for Leith’s children as her own and dealing with his powerful family. In this arrangement, Juliet has saved her own family from financial ruin, but will she be able to help Leith with his own family? Will their marriage of convenience blossom into love?

Do you enjoy a Marriage of Convenience trope? Juliet agrees to marry Leith to pay off her father’s debt, and Leith needs a mother for his young children after the recent death of his wife. They begin to work more closely together as a result of family drama and some intrigue.

In modern times, we have little concept about marrying for reasons other than true love. These histfic marriages of convenience that blossom into love are some of my favorite stories. Maybe I’ll collect my favorite titles for a future blog post.

I prefer slow-burn romance over insta-love (insta-lust). As Leith begins to appreciate Juliet in multiple ways, she grows in her understanding of his family situation. They begin to trust one another and depend on each other. Over time, their love grows.

Juliet is a strong protagonist throughout the story. Even though her family’s indigo plantation uses slaves, she works with the Underground Railroad to do her part in helping them escape. Daring, dangerous, and secretive work. In Scotland, Juliet faces difficult situations with grace and determination. She wins the hearts of her young step-children, deals with Leith’s complicated family, and stands by his side on multiple occasions. Juliet is a woman of faith and never wavers in her moral convictions.

The author uses vivid descriptive details to establish a strong sense of time and place in Colonial Virginia and Scotland. She transports us through history and enables us to imagine ourselves growing indigo, bartering deals, and starting a new life..

Content Consideration: slavery

Fans of marriage of convenience and slow-burn romance might enjoy this new historical fiction release. It’s a lovely read and a well-written story; albeit, a bit slower-paced and less dramatic than Seamstress of Acadie (if you’ve read it).

Thanks #NetGalley @RevellBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheIndigoHeiress upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Absolutely breathtaking!

Juliet's focus is entirely on ensuring the success of her family's indigo plantation, resolute that a life of romance and marriage are not for her, so when her father arranges a match between her and a wealthy tobacco lord from Scotland, she is shocked, angry and determined to turn down her would-be groom. Even if he is intriguing...and handsome.

Leith Buchanan has his reasons for selecting Juliet as his wife. It must be her or no one else. And though still haunted by his past, he is hopeful that with Juliet by his side in Scotland, the future will be brighter but powerful enemies threaten to destroy any hope of a happy future together.

What you'll love:
arranged marriage
dual pov
slow burn romance
brooding, protective Scottish hero
intelligent, strong heroine
the miniature portrait
single parent/widower
suspenseful scenes
the entire last two chapters!!!
boat ride
swoony kisses!

An absolutely stunning historical romance! From the wild indigo fields of 1774 Virginia to the teeming streets of Glasgow, the author takes you on a breathtaking journey of despair and hope, of betrayal and trust, of sacrifice and love. To take this journey felt like a beautiful gift and this story of finding an unexpected love completely captured my heart!

One thing I loved is how the characters were introduced. You get to know Leith and Juliet individually - their challenges, their personalities, their dreams - before they even meet! I already loved them both apart and could see how much better even they would be together! It heightened the anticipation of that meet-cute and the hard-fought romance that follows. They are both such stubborn but lovable characters and I felt like I knew them personally and loved every minute of their swoony romance!

Add to this a rich historical backdrop, vivid imagery, plot twists and intrigue, and poetic prose that spoke to my soul, and is it any wonder that this book with so much depth or heart will be a favorite for years to come?

Laura is a masterful storyteller and this story held me captivated from beginning to end. Historical romance fans will fall in love with the genre all over again after reading this book. I know I did!

Read it. Love it. Repeat.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Beautiful storytelling rich with historical nuggets I am constantly learning. I love arranged marriages. It doesn’t happen right away so you can get to know the characters separately. I just wished they had more time together. They were stuck on a ship at the beginning of their marriage but I felt like they didn't connect too often. Then when they get the Scotland Leith was hardly in the picture. I guess I didn't see their slow burn romance grow. The ending was very exciting!

It's another Laura Frantz winner. I've enjoyed her previous stories of the Scottish coming to America and I've equally enjoyed this book where an American goes to Scotland and acclimates to life there in 1774. It was nice to get acquainted with descendants from the main characters in the author's previous book Tidewater Bride published in 2021 and hear of Esmee Shaw's chocolate shop from A Heart Adrift published in 2022. The colonial atmosphere was rife with dissent and cry for independence in 1774 and it was fascinating to be a part of that environment. Juliet and her family's involvement in freeing the plantation slaves one person at a time was quite moving. I loved learning about the ins and outs of import and export business that flourished in Glasgow, particularly of tobacco. Leith - the author's signature alpha hero who is strong, silent, driven and buried under pain yet with a remarkable capacity for tenderness and love - was a memorable character. Juliet also bore the mark of the author's signature; she exhibited strength of character and mind, compassion and resilience that Laura Frantz' heroines are known for. I loved their delightful conversations that mirrored their relationship - their dialogue moved from aggravation to respect to love. Their banter was so much fun. The love that blossomed from their marriage of convenience was slow but worth the wait.

There was a strong faith thread that I appreciated. There were also some surprising twists and turns to the plot that added intrigue and mystery to this historical romance. It was interesting to see the beginnings of the Revolutionary War from Scotland and England's angle.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I LOVED this book. I truly couldn’t put it down and fell asleep a few nights because I refused to put it down.

This book has everything I look for in Christian historical fiction: flawed characters (because aren’t we all) who are striving to do better, friendships, relationships where you watch love develop genuinely, and reminders of how good God is. This last one develops slowly and naturally as it does for so many of us in life.

Juliet is such a strong female character and her sacrifices, her willingness to do what is needed, but in her own way was wonderful to read. I loved seeing her change throughout the story.

Leith is such a complex character, and Juliet’s time and patience and determination to love him being about beautiful changes in him as he realizes what is truly important.

The historical aspect, especially as it related to Scotland and America not long before America was to fight for independence was absolutely fascinating to me.

I don’t want to give it all away. There is so much packed in this beautiful story. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Revell for the copy of this beauty. All views are my own.

From the 1710s to the 1770s Scottish merchants who traded in tobacco grown in the colonies were known as Tobacco Lords. They were innovators in capitalism who became very wealthy. The American War of Independence marked the beginning of the end for this type of tobacco enterprise as growers were then able to send their tobacco directly to Europe, cutting out the middle men.

Juliet Catesby, also known as the Indigo Heiress, helped her father run his business interests including the multiple crops that the Royal Vale Plantation grew. In spite of her assistance, Royal Vale continued to accumulate debt, a problem her father chose to alleviate by betrothing her to Tobacco Lord, Leith Buchanan.

Laura Frantz weaves a tale filled with action, romance, betrayal, and intrigue, all wrapped around extensive research of the era's history on both sides of the Atlantic. The story includes characters that readers will easily become attached to and empathize with. Emotions will run high as injustices and poor timing impact Juliet and Leith's relationship. Readers will be encouraged by these characters' developing spiritual maturity, evolving priorities, and the power of prayer in their lives.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Indigo Heiress from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

“Once and for all she put her vision of marrying at Royal Vale to rest, burying it beneath a wave of wonder that she stood here beside the tobacco lord she’d once loathed.”

One of my very favorite tropes is a marriage of convenience and this story that takes place in the Colonial 1700s is perfect. It really made me wonder–how many of my ancestors married for love and how many married for…convenience? Regardless, the union between Leith and Juliet is sweet, yet a bit as tumultuous as the sea that carried them to Scotland.

I quickly became invested in these characters–Juliet and her beloved life with her sister, Loveday, as well as Leith and his firm bond with his two brothers, Euan and Niall–but it was the attachment between this married couple that tugged at my heart and held me captive. They are written so well and every longing glance and hesitant interaction left me desperately longing for more. I also love the slight hints of mystery woven throughout, which obviously culminate in such a brilliant and surprising way.

This is not only a beautiful tale of imagery, but also of character, romance, religion, and history. I was startled to realize this is my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last.

I'm a huge Laura Frantz fan so I'm always excited when January comes around. This book had her signature rich history that really immerses you into another world and time. I didn't find the storyline as engaging as usual, it was a little flat and boring in parts but still good overall. I was a little sad when the story moved to Scotland as I was quite invested in the Royal Vale story. The element I thought let the storyline down was the romance, I found it a bit hard to follow and that it wasn't built on enough substance and relied on a lot of unspoken thoughts and feelings. In saying all that, a 4 star Laura Frantz book is still a great read and would recommend to anyone interested in immersing themselves history and romance.

The Colonies are starting to push back against the British and there is rumblings of uprising against the trade routes and compensation for the products that are all being sent back across the sea. These plantation owners are hardly making ends meet and yet costs keep rising. Juliet's father is coming to a cross roads with this plantations but he needs to get his daughters married off. Marriage is the furthest thing from Juliet's mind, so when word is that she needs to put together a ball she knows she will do all she can to help her sister find a mate. Little does she know the things her father has already had in the works and agreed to with the Buchanan family from Scotland. When Juliet puts her life and the lives of others in danger, she realizes that her only chance to escape is to heed what her father put in place and become a wife. Taking her sister with, they head to Scotland for a new start. Now a wife and soon to be a mother to twins, Juliet can hardly believe how quickly her life has changed and it's about to change once again as her husband lay on his deathbed and puts her in charge of everything. Will she be a widow before she was really even a wife? How will she be accepted in this new land and in this new family who know nothing about her. Yet she is to be the voice of her husband, a man she doesn't even know herself? This was such an interesting read about indigo and all the trade routes across the ocean. I always connect so well with her characters. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Austenprose for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

What a sweet story of learning to love and be loved!

What a neat time period of right before the revolutionary war, both in the colonies and in Scotland.

The characters were all so great! The romance was so sweet and I loved the marriage of convenience!

The suspense at the end got me good and I couldn't put the book down!

Laura Frantz is a masterful storyteller, and I think this might be one of her finest works yet. The Indigo Heiress is a rich and beautifully told story, penned with the author’s signature lyrical prose.

It captured my heart and imagination from the first chapter. The character development was outstanding, and the vivid descriptions of that time and place made me feel like I was there. I couldn’t put it down and wanted to savor every single page.

The story takes place in Virginia and Scotland on the eve of the Revolutionary War, and it was really interesting having the perspective of both sides of the conflict.

I can’t say enough good about this book. It’s historical fiction at its best, with an absolutely charming and swoony love story, beautiful faith elements, a strong and admirable fmc, emotionally evocative with topics like slavery and the loss of loved ones, and a dash of danger and intrigue. A highlight for me was the sweet bond between Juliet and her sister, and when she becomes a stepmother to Leith’s twins. I also appreciated Leith’s growth and self discovery.

This was a solid five star read for me, and one that I highly recommend for anyone who is a fan of beautifully written Historical Christian fiction.

I received a copy from Revell Publishing and Austenprose PR via NetGalley, but a positive review was not required.

Laura Frantz has a solid grasp of history, and her inspirational historical romances are always enjoyable, even when they’re not perfect. The Indigo Heiress is at the high end of her oeuvre even with a few minor stumbles along the way.

Juliet Catesby is a Virginia heiress whose life ought to be all satin and roses. But her family and their businesses are struggling in the wake of her mother’s death. Juliet has learned to manage the family’s ancestral plantation, Royal Vale, one her own--her father spends all his time in Williamsburg trying to untangle the threads of their messy and ballooning debts. She knows that they’re running out of funds. On top of that, she has a secret: Juliet has quietly begun helping slaves pursue freedom in Philadelphia, including her own plantation’s slaves. This is something she considers her Christian duty, and something her mother made her life mission. Her father would frown on this if he knew, as he frowned on her attempt at teaching at the local freeman school.

The Catesbys grow plants for dyes, including indigo, their cash crop – to the point that Juliet is known as the titular Indigo Heiress. They export their wares through the tobacco-rich Buchanan family, who live in Scotland. When Juliet learns her father has arranged for one of his daughters to marry family heir Leith Buchanan to cancel the family’s death, she’s aghast. Two-fisted, tough Leith needs a mother for his two small children, twins Cole and Bella – and he wants someone to go back to Scotland with him to help him raise them. Juliet anticipates that her more gorgeous, gently graceful younger sister Loveday will be married off to him. Instead, she’s aghast to learn she’s to marry Leith.

Juliet initially rejects Leith’s suit, a loveless marriage to be based upon appearances. But then Juliet and Loveday are caught in the middle of aiding a slave family to freedom by Royal Vale’s lazy, cruel overseer. The Cates girls make a daring escape to Leith’s boat, and Juliet agrees to Leith’s terms.

In Scotland, Juliet learns that more about her husband. Leith is the subject of murderous rumor thanks to the death of his previous wife, and Juliet is pleased to discover he has freed all of his own slaves. She settles into life in Scotland and they begin to make a family, but soon worries she’s being followed by a too-familiar face. With the Revolutionary War looming over them all, can love survive?

The best thing about The Indigo Heiress, is its smart, lives-by-their-principals and faith heroine and hero. Juliet is a great character, and so is Leith. Each are easy to love, flawed, human, moral people who live their Christian experiences, and their romance is a sweet slow-burner.

There is also a nice secondary romance between Loveday and Leith’s brother, Niall. Even the girls’ father finds something resembling true love. The novel manages combine social chaos, family antics, and world events in interesting ways, as well. Here, as in her other works, Frantz translates the past to the page well.

The book does have a few flaws, however. Bella and Cole are quite young when the book begins. Barely a year old, they embrace Juliet with nary a tantrum. Tiny Bella immediately calls Juliet ‘mam’ upon meeting her, which is something no motherless child would ever do for another woman. Frantz makes parenthood far too easy on Juliet; I wanted more storms and more tantrums, because mothering children, let alone those not of your making, is hard work. The book also has a number of (unnamable due to spoilers) dropped plot threads that put this below DIK level.

But these are really just quibbles. Overall, The Indigo Heiress is a fine read – inviting, involving and warm. If you enjoying inspies with admirable leads and an interesting historical context, Frantz' latest is for you.