First sentence: Elisabeth took a breath, breaking an intense hour of concentration. Mindful of the pinch of her stays, she straightened, the ache in her back and shoulders easing. In her apron-clad lap was the round pillow with the new lace she'd worked.
Premise/plot: The Lacemaker is Laura Frantz's newest historical novel; it is set in Virginia in 1775-76. Elisabeth Lawson, our heroine, has grown up in an unhappy--though extremely privileged--home.
Her mother and father have VERY different political views. Elisabeth has always proven herself to be a submissive and obedient daughter, unlike her mother perhaps. She's even agreed to a loveless arranged marriage with a scoundrel. But the political turmoil "caused" by the dispute between Loyalists and Independence Men threaten her marriage before it can even take place.
Several days before her wedding, her father runs away essentially--he takes flight with several other prominent loyalists--leaving her behind. He assumes, perhaps, that her fiancé will go through with the marriage, take her into his home, protect and look after her. After all, the dowry has been paid, the betrothal publicly and extravagantly celebrated. Miles isn't such a good guy. His cousin is, however. And it is into his home that she goes, taking her indentured maid with her. His name is Noble Rynallt; he's a patriot, an "Independence" man.
But will she remain under his care and protection? Or will she struggle to find her own independence? Can a woman make a respectable living for herself? Maybe--maybe not. It doesn't help that her father was a very prominent (though unpopular) Loyalist. The town is in many ways glad to be rid of him and see little use for his daughter.
This novel is all about new beginnings and self-discovery.
My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, LOVED Laura Frantz's newest book. She is one of my favorite authors; though I don't love every single novel equally. This isn't my absolute favorite time period. But that didn't end up mattering very much in the end. The characterization was well done; the romance was just right. I cared about the characters, found the book to be well-paced, and enjoyed it cover to cover. The Welsh hero was swoon-worthy.
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible
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