The Belle of Chatham

Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Publisher: Revell

The call for liberty creates a divide between family and country, desire and duty, love and loyalty.

In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon's quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides--Patriots and Loyalists--causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond.

As Mae's friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Mae, torn between her deepening love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, leaves the only home she's ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she's forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Romance, danger and intrigue make The Belle of Chatham the perfect novel for history lovers. This one was hard to put down, and Laura Frantz did not disappoint.

I loved the premise of this novel. With one sister (Mae) loyal to the Rebel cause and the other sister (Coralie) clearly on the side of the British. When Rebel soldiers billet in their house, sparks fly in all directions. Mae falls for General Rhys Harlow, and Coralie’s sympathies make it difficult for Mae to trust her.

Without giving away any spoilers, I figured out quite early on where things were going to go with Coralie and her British fiancé. I wish Mae had spoken up sooner about her sister’s loyalist ties, but it made for good drama.

I loved the romance between Rhys and Mae and the spiritual element in this book as well. If you enjoy historical romance, you will love this book!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

If you like novels that are jam-packed with history and laced with inspiration and romance, The Belle of Chatham is perfect for you. Talented author Laura Frantz has penned a story that is rich with historical detail. With a setting in 1777 during the American Revolution, the events are centered around Chatham, New Jersey, as well as sites in New York and Virginia. Frantz has obviously researched the subject deeply, and I enjoyed learning more about this area and historical events during this slice of American history. Combined with her signature flowing writing style, this novel captured my attention and kept me turning pages.  

The main characters, Maebel Bohannon and General Rhys Harlow, are well drawn and engaging. Their courage and determination in the fight for independence were indicative of the spirit and sentiment of that time period, and the author captured that well. The family dynamics in the Bohannon family added to a sense of the ambivalent feelings existing during the war for independence from England and how they could tear families apart. I liked the growth shown in both Maebel and Rhys as they faced trials and had their faith tested. Inspirational elements were seamlessly interwoven into the story and added depth.  

I enjoyed the epigraphs at the beginning of the chapter, which spotlighted quotes from different people pertaining to the era. The author’s notes at the end of the story were also interesting and informative. Frantz is an expert at building her stories around actual historical events, which is why historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is as strong as death. . . " - Song of Solomon

Living along the edges of the increasingly volatile Revolutionary War, Maebel Bohannon and her sister Coralie billet the extra rooms in their large Chatham home to their brother James and two additional Patriot officers, one by the name of General Rhys Harlow, an esteemed commander over an elite group of sharpshooters. Not accustomed to being stirred over the sight of a beautiful woman, Rhys cannot resist his inclinations towards the lovely Mae. She seems as warm and accomplished as her sister appears cold and indifferent. Naturally the timing couldn't be worse, romance is a heady distraction that Rhys cannot afford to embrace.

It's barely a secret that the Bohannon family has one member more inclined towards British loyalty, so that as time and circumstances move towards happiness for one sister, the other remains isolated and heartbroken over the dim prospects for her own. War pushes the entire family in new directions, and when subterfuge is exposed, Mae has to wage a battle on two fronts; for her own safety and the love of a good man.

Breathing life and breath into the already bountiful historical fodder of a time period is what this author does best, capitalizing on nearly unbelievable circumstances to celebrate the courage of the past as a means of inspiring hope for the future. She does so with turbulent grace, reminding both characters and readers, that "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, makest me dwell in safety".

And just think, it all started in a closet!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Diana Varela

This is my second book by Laura Frantz, and I really enjoyed reading it. I like her writing style, and this story specifically progressed nicely.

I liked the historical part as well as the love story. The love story was not rushed and was believable. For the historical part, it made me curious, and I wanted to see if certain stuff was real. And they were real. I am not familiar with the battles, so it felt like I got a history lesson without it feeling like school. 

The lesson I got from this book was that sometimes good intentions are not always the best, and as believers, we have to do what we know is right rather than what we hope will be the right thing. 

I liked the conflict. I also liked the way she handled it. I liked how she incorporated the Scripture into the story. I liked the male lead. He stayed true to who he always was. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

This is an amazing historical fiction book! It takes place during the Revolutionary War. There’s so much more than war going on though. Deception, spies, shortages of food, death and more. A love story emerges and at one point becomes a battle itself.

The cast of characters is extraordinary! Mae is incredible! She is a giver, not only of her time, but her resources as well. She’s loyal to her family and the patriots. Rhys is hunkalicious! He is a wonderful general. He’s a protector, loyal and trustworthy. My favorite character is Bronwyn! She brings Mae into the family without hesitation. She becomes a true friend. Lucy is also remarkable! She and Petey are heroes!

My favorite quote is: “Remember officers and soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty.” I am so thankful for those who fought and are still fighting for our freedoms!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book from Revell through NetGalley via Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle

In true Laura Frantz fashion, The Belle of Chatham portrays the realistic nuances of everyday life during the Revolutionary War resulting in an experience that is truly immersive. Laura Frantz never rushes to tell a story, and in that she somehow captures the realness of life as we experience it, making her novels even more relatable. 

I liked many things about this book, the steady and sure romance, the peek into life during the volatile and tense American Revolution, the reminder of just what it took to establish our country, even the honesty of conflict, misunderstanding, and bruised feelings in a good marriage. 

Because there were some times I had difficulty following what was happening, and a pivotal conflict that I felt was handled out of character, I debated whether to rate 4 or 5 stars. But ultimately, I feel the book was very well written and enjoyable, thoroughly researched and interesting. And although I found the aforementioned conflict to be somewhat out of character for one party, it was also plausible. I decided on 5 stars, and recommend it without hesitation either way. Never pass a Laura Frantz book by! 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interviews & Reviews. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment, and all opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

 It is quite a rarity to have a book set in my home State of New Jersey, let alone in Chatham, which happens to be the next town over. I enjoyed seeing the Revolutionary War unfold in my backyard, so to speak. We have, of course, visited the multitude of Revolutionary War sites in this area, but it was another level of experience to walk through these events in 1777 with the characters in the book. Laura Frantz vividly captured the charged atmosphere where anyone could be a spy for the enemy, the passion and determination of the Continental Army, and the tragedies of war. Rhys was steadfast, loyal, and devoted. Mae was bright, optimistic, and brave. 

Though I enjoyed the history behind the book, I could not engage with Mae or Rhys on a deep level. They professed love but did not know each other well enough, and things shattered when their love was tested. For such a smart woman, some of Mae’s actions and thought processes did not line up with her intelligence and intuition. I also did not like Mae’s sister, Coralie, at all. She was supposed to be unlikable, but it would have been nice to see a more layered and multi-dimensional character, even in the selfish, jealous, conniving role she played.

If you enjoy historical romance set during the Revolutionary War, I am sure you will enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment, and all opinions are my own.

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