Colonial life in York, Virginia at the beginning of the French and Indian War proves to be a seminal time period, with many apt parallels to current events. Laura Frantz never fails to deliver an emotional, profound historical tale fortified with unique characters, as her latest novel, 'A Heart Adrift,' attests. 'How did one let go of the past and risk love again?' Throw in 18th century chocolate-making and an island lighthouse cottage, and you have an overall enchanting read! As always, I love Laura Frantzs exquisite weaving of words and hearts while also sensitively touching on deeper issues still relevant today. Sea captain Henri Lennox is such a dashing hero as well, wiser than he used to be, and he holds firm to his principles rather than going with the tide, as seen in his staunch loyalty for his crew and valuing of African sailors as some of his most trusted officers, in a time when the slave trade ran rampant on other ships. Esmee has a compassionate heart for others and willingness to stand against the social conventions of her time. I loved having a bit older heroine (nearing 30) who is not afraid to admit to being slightly plumper than she used to be, yet still beautiful inside and out. What a beautiful story this is! A tender reunion romance set amid the lush historical setting of Colonial Williamsburg and York, with threats of war on the horizon.

I read a copy from the library but this is a book to find for my keeper shelf.

Henri is a worthy hero, calm and firm in his convictions. Since when were men the only arbiters of affection?' I liked the way that Esmee's faith grew, especially after she decided to go after her dream rather than stay with what was expected of her. The bestselling Love in Excess raised her father's brows and left Eliza laughing, but Esmee was drawn to the daring premise, challenging the custom that forbade women from declaring their romantic thoughts. It didn't help she'd visited the Williamsburg bookseller and had a novel waiting upstairs.

Will the feelings of both awaken? One of the paragraphs I found amusing was this, when Esmee wasn't thrilled with being at her sister's soiree: 'Though Eliza's entertaining was faultless, Esmee worked to stifle a yawn. It's the story of chocolatier Esmee Shaw who as a teen fell in love with the dashing privateer Captain Henri Lennox but made him choose between her and the sea. If you like a historical novel that is exquisitely romantic and faith filled, yet at times tragic, but also has bits of humor, read A Heart Adrift.

Laura frantz a heart adrift