The Indigo Heiress - by Laura Frantz (Paperback)

"My heart is yours, has been yours since the moment we met. Nothing can alter that, not separation nor silence nor even death." The Indigo Heiress took me on a captivating journey that I never wanted to end! Set in the backdrop of the years leading up to the American Revolution, it included political intrigue, romance, and suspense. Not only did the pages take me to the colonies and Scotland, but it also was a journey of love between Juliet and Leith. I love a good marriage of convenience. So much tension and pining! Read if you Enjoy: Historical Fiction Themes of Faith A Bit of Mystery He Falls First Marriage of Convenience *I received a complimentary copy from Revell Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own!

From the 1710s to the 1770s Scottish merchants who traded in tobacco grown in the colonies were known as Tobacco Lords. They were innovators in capitalism who became very wealthy. The American War of Independence marked the beginning of the end for this type of tobacco enterprise as growers were then able to send their tobacco directly to Europe, cutting out the middle men. Juliet Catesby, also known as the Indigo Heiress, helped her father run his business interests including the multiple crops that the Royal Vale Plantation grew. In spite of her assistance, Royal Vale continued to accumulate debt, a problem her father chose to alleviate by betrothing her to Tobacco Lord, Leith Buchanan. Laura Frantz weaves a tale filled with action, romance, betrayal, and intrigue, all wrapped around extensive research of the era's history on both sides of the Atlantic. The story includes characters that readers will easily become attached to and empathize with. Emotions will run high as injustices and poor timing impact Juliet and Leith's relationship. Readers will be encouraged by these characters' developing spiritual maturity, evolving priorities, and the power of prayer in their lives. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Indigo Heiress from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

“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. ~ Why ~ 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, 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. ~ Why ~ 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 nicely explained, even when it related to Leith’s two young children. ~ Why Not ~ 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. ~ Wish ~ 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. ~ Want ~ 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.