Fiction Review: THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE by Laura Frantz

 

The Seamstress of Acadie 

by Laura Frantz

Published January 9, 2024

416 pages

Plot: 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.

Review:  The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz is an intriguing historical romance that beautifully intertwines the history of the Acadian's past with a lovely slow burn romance between Sylvie Galant (an Acadian seamstress) and William Blackburn (a British Army Ranger turned ally). Sylvie is a skilled seamstress who cares deeply for her family and her home and William is a man determined to right some wrongs. It was heartbreaking to know the expulsion of the Acadians (present day Nova Scotia) was something that actually happened in 1755.  There was a lot of suffering and hardship that the Acadians had to endure and you felt every bit of it as the story unfolds. Sylvie was such a wonderful character and you couldn't help but root for her and William to get their happily ever after. The theme of having faith in God is present throughout the story.

Overall, The Seamstress of Acadie is one of those books you just sit back and enjoy over a cup of tea or hot chocolate.  At over 400 pages this is not going to be a quick read, nor do you want it to be. This is a take your time and live the story type of book that is worth every minute you spend reading it.  There is so much history and depth to this story that you feel transported to the time period and experience the story like you are living it too.  This is my first Laura Frantz book and I must say I will definitely be reading more of her stories as I just adore her writing style.  A captivating story of strength, faith, and resilience.  A must read! 

*I received an ARC for an honest review from the publisher.

5 Stars!

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