Review: An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz’s writing is as beautiful as the American frontier settings she writes about. It flows across the pages and brings her stories so vividly to life. Her latest release, An Uncommon Woman, is no exception to this standard.

Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa’s long-lost friend, Keturah, who disappeared from the settlement years earlier.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when circumstances force Clay’s hand-and heart-the stage is set for one very private and one very public reckoning.

Intense, evocative, and laced with intricate historical details that bring the past to life, An Uncommon Woman will transport you to the picturesque and dangerous western Virginia mountains of 1770.

My favorite books are ones that bring history to life and make the characters feel like they actually lived. I kept finding myself wanting to Google the different characters and read more about them, only to remind myself that they are fictional. LOL! But even if these characters are fictional, the harsh circumstances in which they lived were once very real. I now have a much deeper respect for the brave men and women who carved out an existence on the wild frontier in the early days of our country. I can hardly imagine such a life, living every day in fear of death in one form or another. That takes courage and a strong will, indeed.

I loved the theme of true friendship woven throughout the story, something that I don’t think we see enough of in the Christian fiction world. Tessa and Keturah’s bond that was able to stand the tests of time, distance, and tragedy was so touching. I was in tears during the final pages of the book as this part of the plot came to a profound and beautiful close.

5/5 Stars for this superb Colonial tale! If you love early American history, Native American history, sweet romance and heart-pounding adventure, you will love An Uncommon Woman!

I am anxiously awaiting Laura’s next book, which is set in the Jamestown colony in the 1600’s. It as yet has no official title, cover, or description, but judging by her previous works and the little bit about the book that she has shared in newsletters, I know it’s going to be SO GOOD!