BOOK DESCRIPTION
As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada’s Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family–French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral–are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America’s borderlands.
As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William’s, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.
PRAISE FOR THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE
- “Frantz’s atmospheric writing is easy to sink into, from the grimness of the disease-riddled voyage to the ethereal Acadian landscape. While William and Sylvie’s romance is a slow burn, there’s a rewarding payoff to this tale of second chances born from tragedy. Frantz’s fans won’t be disappointed.”— Publisher’s Weekly
- “This book is undoubtably one of the best books I’ve ever read. I loved the faith thread, I loved the light in the darkness theme, I loved the characters, I loved the hope brimming from almost every page. I loved the growth (through every struggle and triumph), and I loved the history embedded into each detail.”— Tasha, The Clean Read Book Club
- “Fantastic story! The beautiful writing engages the reader from the beginning… 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.”— Milena Bookish, Goodreads
BOOK REVIEW
This is well-researched and moving historical fiction about the forcible removal of the Acadian people from Nova Scotia by the British in 1755. The political climate and the removal itself are well described. The way faith and hope gently shine through even in the dark times is inspiring. The romance between William and Sylvie has to overcome great obstacles and slowly evolves throughout the novel. I learned so much about the removal and forced deportation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia in the 18th Century. The fact that the British stole their lands and belongings and forced them onto ships, causing the death of many, is vividly portrayed.
I love how faith, history, and romance are woven together in this story. The only slight criticism I have is that the first 15 percent of the book moved a bit slowly. It picks up after that, and absolutely captivated me. The author has a gift for combining meticulously researched history with moving characters and storylines. Devastating, yet filled with hope, this is a time in history you will want to visit.
My rating is 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 on sites with no half-star option.
I received a free copy of this book from Revell and Austenprose PR via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
AUTHOR BIO
Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.
According to Publishers Weekly, “Frantz has done her historical homework.” With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.
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