 Author: Laura Frantz Genre: Historical Romance Pages: 416 Release Date: January 21, 2025 Publisher: Revell In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland. When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has secretly arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family's debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead. Despite her initial refusal of him, an ensuing altercation forces Juliet to flee Virginia. Agreeing to marry, she sails with Leith to Scotland, hopeful of a better match for her sister, who accompanies her. But once in Glasgow and faced with the contentious, powerful Buchanan clan, she realizes that the man who saved her from financial ruin and scandal is the very one she must now save in return.
 Reviewer: Mindy Houng It's another Laura Frantz winner. I've enjoyed her previous stories of the Scottish coming to America and I've equally enjoyed this book where an American goes to Scotland and acclimates to life there in 1774. It was nice to get acquainted with descendants from the main characters in the author's previous book Tidewater Bride published in 2021 and hear of Esmee Shaw's chocolate shop from A Heart Adrift published in 2022. The colonial atmosphere was rife with dissent and cry for independence in 1774 and it was fascinating to be a part of that environment. Juliet and her family's involvement in freeing the plantation slaves one person at a time was quite moving. I loved learning about the ins and outs of import and export business that flourished in Glasgow, particularly of tobacco. Leith - the author's signature alpha hero who is strong, silent, driven and buried under pain yet with a remarkable capacity for tenderness and love - was a memorable character. Juliet also bore the mark of the author's signature; she exhibited strength of character and mind, compassion and resilience that Laura Frantz' heroines are known for. I loved their delightful conversations that mirrored their relationship - their dialogue moved from aggravation to respect to love. Their banter was so much fun. The love that blossomed from their marriage of convenience was slow but worth the wait. There was a strong faith thread that I appreciated. There were also some surprising twists and turns to the plot that added intrigue and mystery to this historical romance. It was interesting to see the beginnings of the Revolutionary War from Scotland and England's angle. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.  Reviewer: Conny Withay “And now that he’d just seen the object of his affection–his scheme–his determination doubled . . . though perhaps a more biddable lass would be best,” considers Leith in Laura Frantz’s novel, The Indigo Heiress. This 416-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance set in the late 1700s in Virginia and Scotland. With no profanity, topics of abuse, murder, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, a note from the publisher, and a biography with advertisements. In this tale beginning at a Virginian plantation, twenty-six-year-old Juliet has no expectations of being a wife as she dedicates her life to her father’s property where she loves growing indigo. But when Leith, a Scottish heir of a tobacco lord, comes to America to marry her to cancel the family’s debt, Juliet has no idea what is expected of her. As the two move to Scotland in the arranged marriage, both must learn how to accommodate each other to find love, even if it is deeply buried. I enjoy novels where I learn about history, and the author does a superb job explaining both American and Scottish living during an upcoming war. The dysfunctional relationship between the two protagonists is well written as their faults and fears are found and overcome. The hierarchy of Scottish family rites was explained nicely, even when it related to Leith’s two young children. Those who do not like stories about arranged marriages for prosperity’s sake may not be interested in this read. Others who do not have a relationship with the Almighty may not appreciate the added prayers and dependence on God. The ending was a little rushed while other sections had unnecessary details. Since the book has several prayers and relying on God, adding the true eternal plan of salvation would be encouraged. I wish a list of characters were at the beginning of the book and a map provided of the many homes in Scotland. If you like a Scottish historical romance, this one that covers an arranged marriage for varied reasons shows how an inkling of love must be nurtured to bloom. Thanks to Revell and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise One of my favorite eras to read about is Colonial America. Ms. Frantz always educates me to the time and customs of America in its formative years. I learned about Indigo plantations and what other crops they grew. This story also traveled across the ocean to Scotland and told of the rich businessmen who traded and had interests in the Americas. This perspective from Scotland was very eye opening. Juliet has hostile thoughts about Leith and the arranged marriage her father wants, but eventually comes to appreciate his character. This is a vibrant story with people who grow in their faith. It is a story to be savored and pondered over. It has elements of romance, suspense, danger, compassion, charity and selflessness. All wrapped up in the atmospheric settings of Virginia and Scotland. I am always glad to step into the historical stories of Laura Frantz. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author and a NetGalley copy through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone. Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle There’s never any question of if I will read Laura Frantz’s latest book or not. I’ve long loved her books. I know Laura Frantz always weaves a beautiful, spellbinding tale and that she never rushes as she does it. It’s always worth it. That being said, I will say up front that The Indigo Heiress had a very slow start. I knew that if I just kept reading it would go somewhere, but I noticed it took a significant number of pages to grip me. Nevertheless, grip me it did! There were so many characters to love, with the main characters having so much depth! The main character sisters, Juliet and Loveday, are the granddaughters of Selah Hopewell and Alexander Renick from Tidewater Bride. They are even still living in their grandparents’ home, formerly Rose-n-Vale. The settings, characters, and relationships in this book were so vivid and this touch really added to that! I loved both the sisters and their closeness and even came to enjoy their father and stepmother. On the note of faith, I always love the thread of faith that Laura Frantz skillfully weaves through her stories, but I especially enjoyed it in this book. Juliet was a strong character with a dynamic depth of faith. There was a beautiful portrayal of redemption for Leith. I found it very moving! I highly value this aspect! I loved the unfolding of Leith and Juliet’s relationship and watching their tender romance turn a “business agreement” into an enduring covenant. I enjoyed that there wasn’t an overabundance of misunderstanding one another and never clearing it up by just communicating, as there so often is in marriage of convenience tales. They actually had healthy communication more often than not after their marriage, and it was rather refreshing. In hindsight, the book covered a lot of fascinating territory, from helping fugitive slaves in their Virginia home to fleeing across the Atlantic in the opposite direction of nearly all historical fiction I’ve read, to experiencing the opening effects of the American Revolution from the other side. It’s filled with hope and heartbreak, loyalty and treachery, strength and new beginnings. All in all, I loved it and am still thinking fondly of it days after. I recommend it to you without hesitation, bearing in mind that the slow start will be completely worth it. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest review. Reviewer: Adriann Harris The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz is a captivating, detailed historical novel inspired by a remarkable eighteenth-century woman, Eliza Lucas Pinckney. Pinckney transformed agriculture in colonial South Carolina, where she developed indigo as one of its most important cash crops. As we follow Juliet Catesby from the indigo fields of colonial Virginia to Glasgow, readers are drawn into this story of American plantation history and the Tobacco Lords just prior to the Revolutionary War. Slaves vs indentured servants' treatment by plantation owners is the reason Juliet, her sister Loveday, and their Aunt Damarus in Philadelphia secretly help many to escape even though the risks were high if caught. Once Juliet is in Glasgow with her Tobacco King of Lanarkshire husband, Leith Buchanan, she takes on a new challenge to help a former Bow Street Runner discover who is trying to take down her husband. Frantz with her highly detailed vivid scenes entices her readers’ senses of seeing, smelling, hearing, and even tasting throughout, which awed this reader, in this unputdownable story that will have you turning the pages. She delivers a memorable enrapturing historical fiction story in The Indigo Heiress which is powerful, inspirational, and deeply moving, totally worth reading, and I highly recommend doing so! A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own. Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin Once again, Laura Frantz pens an extraordinary book! I was enthralled with the blue gold of Virginia, the tobacco pricing meeting, and the parties in Scotland! The characters are written brilliantly! Juliet is amazing! She is knowledgeable, compassionate, zealous, and loving. She loves her family fiercely, even to the point of sacrificing her future happiness. Loveday is the definition of gentleness and encouragement. Leith, be still my heart! He’s intelligent, savvy, almost royalty, and yet not afraid of a brawl. Bella and Cole are precious and adorable! There’s some intrigue that had me completely guessing as to who the perpetrators were. When they were revealed, I was shocked. Juliet and Loveday are involved in helping those less fortunate, and it soon turns dangerous. There are three romances. Two of love, one of duty. As hearts are mended, duty turns to the sweetest of love. As with most books, I was sorry to see this one end. I eagerly await with anticipation the next book by this author! I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book from Revell via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Reviewer: Demetria Head Laura Frantz’s The Indigo Heiress is a richly detailed historical novel that immerses readers in the tumultuous world of colonial Virginia and 18th-century Scotland. Through the lens of Juliet Catesby, a strong and determined protagonist, Frantz weaves a tale of familial duty, personal sacrifice, and the pursuit of freedom amid societal constraints. The story opens on the James River plantation of Royal Vale, where Juliet’s life revolves around indigo cultivation, her family’s precarious finances, and the weight of expectations. When Leith Buchanan, heir to a Scottish trading empire, arrives with intentions to secure a bride as part of a financial arrangement, Juliet is thrust into an unexpected and undesired engagement. As scandal forces her to flee Virginia, Juliet’s journey across the Atlantic marks the beginning of her transformation, from a sheltered planter’s daughter to a woman grappling with her place in a new and often ruthless world. Frantz excels in her evocative descriptions of both colonial Virginia and Glasgow, bringing these settings to life with vivid sensory detail. The historical backdrop of indigo cultivation and transatlantic trade lends authenticity, while themes of resilience, loyalty, and self-discovery resonate throughout. Juliet is a relatable and well-drawn heroine, though her initial hesitations and eventual courage might have benefited from a deeper exploration of her inner turmoil to heighten the emotional stakes. The pacing is steady, with moments of suspense and intrigue that keep readers engaged. However, the plot occasionally relies on convenient resolutions, particularly in moments of heightened conflict, which could have been more fully developed to enhance tension. The supporting cast, particularly the Buchanan family, adds layers of complexity, though some members fall into predictable archetypes that could have been enriched with additional nuance. Frantz’s writing style is elegant and period-appropriate, capturing the cadence of the 18th century without alienating modern readers. Her attention to historical detail is impressive, and her exploration of Juliet’s struggle for autonomy amid societal expectations feels timeless and relatable. The Indigo Heiress is a compelling read for fans of historical romance and family sagas, particularly those who appreciate strong female protagonists navigating the challenges of their time. Readers who enjoy the works of Julie Klassen or Sarah Ladd will find much to admire in Frantz’s latest offering. The Indigo Heiress is a captivating tale of love, loyalty, and self-discovery set against the rich tapestry of the 18th century. While a few narrative elements could be further refined, the novel’s heartfelt exploration of identity and resilience ensures it will resonate with its intended audience. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
I have never been disappointed in a novel by Laura Frantz. However, because of this book's slow and uneventful start, I almost didn’t finish it. I’m delighted I kept reading. The story begins in 1774 at Royal Vale, a plantation in Virginia. It follows Juliet Catesby and her sister Loveday (a very unusual name). Juliet has a head for business and her father often leaves her in charge of running the plantation, so she knows they are practically bankrupt. This is where Leith Buchanan enters the picture. Unknown to the girls, their father has brokered a deal with Buchanan, whose export business has ties to Royal Vale. He is looking for a wife to take back to Scotland. To erase his debt, their father offers one of his daughters. As with most arranged marriage tropes, the reader will find the main characters eventually falling in love through many trials and misunderstandings. What made me keep reading was the Catesby sister’s secret involvement with the underground railroad. What transpires there finally gets the novel moving at a brisk pace. Once in Scotland, Juliet finds herself the stepmother to two children who take to her right away. Mainly because their father is absent from them most of the time and is not very demonstrative with his affections. This sets a beautiful redemption arc for Leith. His character growth was moving and added depth to the story. I was surprised at the turn this novel took, especially when the author leaves the reader to believe a secondary character followed Juliet to Scotland. I cannot divulge what happens (spoilers), but I was constantly waiting for this character to show up and fully expected Juliet to be a damsel in distress. Instead, she showed she was ahead of her time, both in women’s rights and her business acumen. Readers who love historical romance with a faith theme and an unexpected twist will find The Indigo Heiress well worth the read. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley for my honest review. Leave a Reply. |
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