A Moonbow Night by Laura Frantz

Book Description:

After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke--men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew looking for an experienced guide. When his guide appears, Sion balks. He certainly didn't expect a woman. But it is not long before he must admit that Tempe's skill in the wilderness rivals his own. Still, the tenuous tie they are forming is put to the test as they encounter danger after danger and must rely on each other.

With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons readers to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.

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Laura Frantz is one of those authors who have me preordering her books once they are available. Ever since the first novel I picked up by her I have been hooked; and usually from the first page. Which is why, I was a little shocked that it took me longer to be captivated by this story. Don't get me wrong, from the very beginning Frantz weaves her magic with her wording; it is both eloquent, provocative and beautifully descriptive. I'm not sure why it took me longer to be fully invested, but being a fan of Frantz, I knew that the story was sure to be good. And she did not disappoint! All at once, I was held captivate and found it hard to step away from the pages, and indeed it kept me up late finishing it.

Frantz's stories are historically rich and descriptive, and they transport you to another time and place; capturing your imagination and most often leaving you in awe. Her stunning grasp of the time period, influences, speech and life details are so abundant and woven so well that you move seamlessly through the story. She brings deep truths and aspects of faith to the story but in a completely organic way. And she completely delivers, a story that not only stimulates the mind but can enrich both the spirit and soul.

I find myself in awe of this generation, who lived in this land during a time of great unrest and danger, no matter where you lived, and who you were. The bold, brave and determined people who made the way for many to follow. There were obviously some who marked a course for out betterment, while there were others who's actions make you want to cry. Such is the truth of history, the good and the bad. Those who inspire and those who show us the course we do not want to take. 

There is so much more to say, especially about Tempe, Sion and a rich cast of characters. I enjoyed getting to know them, seeing them be stretched and watching the unfolding relationships. I was refreshed by the honesty, the heartfelt pondering, purity and sweetness of the growing relationship between Tempe and Sion. Watching them both work through their past hurts and fears, and move towards a place of freedom. All in all, definitely worth the read!