Revell blog tour stop plus my review of Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

About the book:

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness to the west in search of true love.

My review:

Wow! If there was ever a "perfect historical romance" category in a contest I'd nominate Courting Morrow Little, hands down. Not only was the cover gorgeous, but the story itself was so beautifully plotted, and the characters so well-crafted, that I was in awe of the story as I read it.

I really enjoyed The Frontiersman's Daughter and this story is even more romantic than the first book. In fact, it's one of most intense love stories that I've ever read in historical fiction. And it was all so believable! If I could give this book ten stars I would, and it's definitely going to be at the top of my best fiction for 2010 list. Why? Because it left me breathless. Any novel that can do that is worthy of a special place on my forever shelf.

I read a lot...around a hundred books a year. This one tops my list. I can't believe the intense emotions I felt whenever Morrow was with the man she loved. And the anxiety I felt when I thought she'd get stuck with a sick-o for a husband almost had me chewing my nails. I didn't want to go to work or do anything because I just wanted to finish this story. It's long, but worthy of every page.

The redemptive theme and the forgiveness in this novel is so natural and so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. There was nothing forced or artificial about the characters' spiritual walks. These people seemed real to me like I knew them personally. The fact that I was sad to have the story end, yet was happy with the outcome says a lot, too.

I especially loved the blossoming love of the heroine and the hero. He was the hottest, most romantic hero of all time, bar none. Every time he whispered Morrow's name, I about melted on the spot. The way their relationship started--with fear--made sense, and over time, because of the hero's patience and love, those initial reactions no longer made sense. Instead of fear, an intense longing and a desire to be with the other person was so strong that I, as a reader, felt it, too. That's great writing. Plus, Ms. Frantz just had a way with words. She ties words together in such a way that you can see the vivid imagery she created, and the poetic beauty of her phrases were awe-inspiring. I don't recall reading a single cliche.

Everything about this book was fresh and solidly grounded in historical times. It's obvious the author has done her research, which I really appreciated. I never once felt pulled into the 21st century like I have experienced at times while reading other historical novels. Bottom line...I can't say enough good things about this book. If you read nothing else this year, read this one.

A copy of Courting Morrow Little was provided Revell for me to review.