The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz

 

Title:  The Belle of Chatham

Author:  Laura Frantz

Narrated by:  Pilar Witherspoon

Publisher: Recorded Books

Length: Approximately 12 hours and 22 minutes

Source: Physical review copy from @laurafrantzauthor @revellfiction @greatreadsbookpromo and audio review copy from @NetGalley.  Thank-you!

Do you have a favorite movie, show, or book that features the Revolutionary War?  I enjoyed the Kent Family chronicles series by John Jakes when I was a teenager.

Maebel and Coralie Bohannon live in the small town of Chatham, New Jersey. When American soldiers arrive, they open their home to American officers.  Coralie is enraged as she is a loyalist who is secretly engaged to a British lieutenant, Eben Gibbs.  Eben grew up in Chatham, but his family left and moved to New York City as the revolution broke out.  Mae and Coralie’s brothers are fighting on the American side.  Mae finds herself attracted to American general Rhys Harlow, who is staying with them.  She finds herself torn between her patriotism, growing love for the general, and her sister.  Will Mae find true love while also keeping the love of her sister?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This novel was set in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War.

·       I loved the quotes at the start of each chapter from historical figures from the Revolutionary War.  It was a perfect read for the 250^th anniversary of the United States this year.

·       This novel had great themes such as romance, espionage, family bonds, sisters, and forgiveness.

·       I took turns reading the physical book and listening to the audiobook for this one.  The narrator was great.  Both formats were wonderful for this intriguing story.

·       There are not enough books about the Revolutionary War, and I was happy to read about it.  I also loved the real-life historical figures that were in the story, such as George Washington, and the facts, events, and battles

·       This was a Christian book and featured clean romance.

·       Mae was a strong character and stayed true to her believes and doing what was right.  I loved the romance and relationship between Mae and Rhys.

·       I enjoyed the side characters as well, especially Lucy.  Lucy is a forthright person who is there when Mae really needs her.

·       I have enjoyed every Laura Frantz book that I have read.  She writes excellent historical fiction with detail to bring me into that time period and also writes fascinating characters, moral dilemma, and romance.  I really need to read Frantz’s backlog. 

·       The tension between the two sisters felt real and palpable.  I loved this relationship and wish we had more follow-up with Coralie at the end.

·       The epilogue was great. 

Overall, The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz was an excellent historical romance set during the Revolutionary War with unforgettable characters, espionage, family drama, and forgiveness.