The Seamstress of Acadie

Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 416
Release Date: January 9, 2024
Publisher: Revell

In a land torn apart by conflict, can love mend the tattered pieces?

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.

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Reviewer: Connie Porter Saunders

I loved this book! Author Laura Frantz transported me to a time of danger, intrigue, and tragedy, and I learned so much about a subject that was previously unknown to me.

The Seamstress of Acadie is a testament to hard work, deep loyalty, and unshakable faith, as shown through a fictional tale that centers around Sylvie Galant, her brother Bleu, and Ranger Will Blackburn. These fantastic characters endure the forceful removal of Acadians from their homeland, and I loved that there's also a reunion with characters that we've met before. Sylvie's fateful journey from Canada to Williamsburg, Virginia, allows for an encounter with Esmee Shaw and Captain Lennox, two beloved characters from Frantz's previous novel, A Heart Adrift.

It's apparent that this author has a deep appreciation for the written word and that she also possesses the ability to mesmerize readers with her own words. Each chapter begins with a thought-provoking quotation, and from there, the magic continues. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy historical Christian romance!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Brimming with history and rich descriptive imagery, The Seamstress of Acadie showcases Laura Frantz’s impeccable research and attention to detail beautifully. The setting of Acadie, present-day Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1755 is a wonderful, intriguing backdrop as the story begins. The French and British had contested this area for years, and the British were finally taking over and forcibly removing the Acadian people from their lands and sending them on ramshackle boats to Virginia. A great many of them perished on their way.

Frantz is a master at creating colorful, engaging, and multi-layered characters that come alive on the page. This tale features Sylvie Galant of Acadie and William Blackburn, a courageous British Army Ranger with a reputation for raising havoc in the area. As Blackburn realizes what the British soldiers are doing to the Acadians, he resigns his commission and heads for Virginia. When Sylvie and Will unexpectedly meet in Virginia, Sylvie finds that Will is really much different than his reputation would suggest. I enjoyed the slowly budding courtship and romance that simmered between the two.

When I read a Laura Frantz book, I’m always torn between wanting to savor each page and needing to hurry to finish the story, and this one was no exception. With her signature beautiful prose and rich historical detail, Laura Frantz has once again created a riveting, poignant masterpiece. Filled with intrigue, action, rich historical detail, and just the right amount of romance, The Seamstress of Acadie is historical fiction at its finest. It has earned a spot on my keeper shelf, and I’m sure it will be a contender for my favorite books of the year list. I heartily recommend it to those who enjoy outstanding historical fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy courtesy of Baker Publishing/Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I've learned much from this wonderful novel by Laura Frantz. As always, she does amazing research for her readers.

I had no knowledge of Acadia or its people until I read this book. I was fascinated by it from the beginning, and I didn't put it down until it was finished.

I admired Sylvie from the get-go. She's a strong, caring, and talented woman. A woman before her time really.

It took me some time for Will to grow on me, but when he finally did, I was like, wow! What a wonderful man! I thought he and Sylvie would make a great team.

The faith-filled theme that God doesn’t leave us even in the darkest hours was my favorite. It's always good to have a great reminder of that.I give this book 5 stars for a well-written story that was brought to life for me.

It is hard to believe that Acadia is now Nova Scotia. The amazing descriptions of scenery made me feel like I was there, seeing what that area might have been like in 1775. It was fun to imagine. I highly recommend this book.

My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of this book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson

Laura Frantz has written yet another historical masterpiece!

Laura Frantz’s The Seamstress of Acadie is historical fiction set in the 1970s in both Canada and the United States of America. Meet Sylvie Galant, a talented young French seamstress living with her parents and siblings in Baie Française, Acadie, Canada. Rumours of war between the French and English seem to cast a shadow on her idyllic life. William Blackburn is a US ranger who is given a life-changing assignment by the English government. The realization of these rumours has Sylvie torn from her home, her family, and eventually taken to Williamsburg, Virginia.

A woman battered and bereaved must learn to start life afresh in a new country among new people. Readers of Laura Frantz’s Heart’s Adrift will get the opportunity to meet beloved characters like Esmee Shaw and Captain Lennox. Journey with Sylvie as she learns to restore her faith in her God, find love, and settle in a new land.

The themes of hope, faith, and romance are very strong in this novel. Laura Frantz, as always, has done a great job with a thoroughly researched novel. The Seamstress of Acadie is the kind of novel to read when one needs a reminder of the goodness of God, even when all things fall apart. I will encourage fans of Laura Frantz and people new to this author to read this novel, as they will not be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

"We are Neutrals. We only desire to farm and raise our families and honor God,” Sylvie reiterates in Laura Frantz’s novel, The Seamstress of Acadie.

This four-hundred-and-sixteen-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance set in the mid-1700s in Acadia, before it was called Nova Scotia. With no profanity, topics of abuse, illness, injury, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. While the beginning has a dedication, historical note, map, and glossary, the ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, and a biography with advertisements.

In this tale beginning in Canada’s neutral Acadie, twenty-five-year-old Sylvie Galant’s idyllic life is turned upside down when war breaks out between the French and English, forcing the residents to be taken via ships to America, where they are unwanted and often hated. Although the young seamstress is warned by her brother and British Army Ranger William Blackburn, she finds herself alone and scared when she arrives in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is only when she realizes William’s true feelings that she wonders if her life can be complete.

I enjoy novels where I learn about history, especially when it is well written. The author does an excellent job describing the frustrations and fears the Acadians dealt with while searching for a place to belong. I liked the references to Psalm 23 and how God is always with us, protecting and guiding us with His love. The individuals have depth and emotion, especially when dealing with politics and family traditions.

Those who do not like stories about being rejected and shunned may pass on this book. Although the French glossary is helpful, sometimes it is hard to understand words not included in it as one has to reread sentences several times to get the gist of their meanings. With many characters, initially it is hard to keep track of them. While the Acadian map is simplistic and lacking in detail, including a map of the fictional Rivanna would be welcomed.

I wish a list of characters were at the beginning of the book. Since the book has both Christian and Catholic beliefs, adding the true eternal plan of salvation would be encouraged.

If you like a historical romance that sews two wandering individuals together with threads of love, commitment, and loyalty during war, you will be wrapped up in this engaging read.

I received a review copy of this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle

Laura Frantz has never failed to transport me to a time and place in history, and The Seamstress of Acadie was no different. Upon opening the cover, I stepped into idyllic Acadie and the life of Sylvie Galant, with imagery so vivid I could visualize the sights and smell the scents. Laura introduced me to a piece of history of which I was unaware. She masterfully handled the age-old question of where God is in tragedy and gave us the privilege of watching and walking with Sylvie as she grappled with devastating circumstances beyond her control and gradually realized God was with her all the way. It was beautifully unfolded. 

The characters of Sylvie, Will, and Bleu were expertly crafted and developed, and I fell in love with each. Laura’s characters always have particular depth, and seeing the redemption and growth in each of their lives was heartwarming and inspiring. Sylvie and Will’s gentle romance was something that you felt grew rather than simply read about. It was unhurried and natural, warm, and satisfying. 

I was surprised and delighted to cross paths with Esmeé Shaw, Captain Lennox, and others from A Heart Adrift. I found myself unable to resist putting the book down to go and make a cup of hot chocolate to drink with Esmeé, just as I had to in A Heart Adrift!

Thanks to Laura for another enriching and evocative tale. I appreciate that you warm the heart as well as lift up the Savior! 

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and Interviews and Reviews for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. It was a pleasure. 

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

Wow! Rarely does a book touch my heart as much as this one did. The writing is extraordinary. The setting is picturesque. Acadia comes to life with vivid imagery.

The characters are beyond words. Sylvie is someone I'd like to emulate! She's humble, strong, hardworking, determined, compassionate, and more! Will is complex. He grows so much during the book. I love Bleu! He's a protector. He always shows up just when he's needed. All of the characters tugged on my heart.

This story can be hard to read. History can be full of heartache. It reminds me of the Bible, which says that we should look after orphans and widows. But also to look after those who have lost their loved ones, their homes, and even their familiar lives. It also offers hope. That God is looking out for us even in the darkest times.

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

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

I've said it before: You cannot go wrong with a book by Laura Frantz! And for this Canadian girl, it was not only a look at our sad history, but it had my mind picturing the "rocks", as we call them (Hopewell Rocks near Moncton, NB), where we would walk when the Bay of Fundy (Baie Française) tide was out.

This book was like seeing history play out. I felt like I was there with Sylvie Galant and her family and the horrors they had to endure at the hands of the English.

This story brought out a lot of feelings in me, as my family roots are in Nova Scotia. The author has done her research (as always), and I could picture the scenery and smell the apple blossoms Sylvie loved. The story is compelling, heartbreaking, romantic, and adventurous—it had all the feels!

I loved learning more about Acadians and their history. And I was delighted to see Esmee Shaw and her chocolate shop (from A Heart Adrift) make an appearance.

I really enjoyed this book, and I know you will too if you are a historical romance fan. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary review copy from Revell through NetGalley for my honest review.

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