Reviewer's Bookshelf: "A Bound Heart" by Laura Frantz

Book Summary (Amazon): Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning--together.

My thoughts... The first time I saw the cover of this novel I was drawn in. What a beautiful image of the main character, Lark, and the place where this epic tale begins. I can picture in my mind the cliff's edge where Lark lived with her Granny on the Isle of Kerrera in Scotland. It definitely makes me wish I could go there myself. The amazing amount of detail put into this novel breathes life into its characters and settings as we are taken on a journey that begins in Scotland, moves on board a ship to colonial Virginia, and even to the Caribbean Islands. The sights, sounds and smells come alive and create a feast for the senses. 

The novel definitely stays true to its genre of historical Christian fiction, including the Christian faith of the characters (without being "preachy"). The hardships of life in Scotland and the reality of how lives can be turned upside down because of deception and bribery are not sugar coated. Even as they were forced upon a ship bound for America, Lark and Magnus came face to face with human depravity. The horrors of slavery and life on a colonial plantation, as well as a sugar plantation in the Caribbean Islands, were written realistically, but not in overwhelming graphic detail. While there was much hardship, the strong bond between many of the characters offered support, care, and the will to press on. In several instances, Lark was approached by men who wanted to court her, and accepting them could've made her life easier. In each situation, Lark sought God's guidance and made sure that whoever she accepted would share her faith. I also loved the bond between Magnus and Lark. They grew up together on the Isle of Kerrera, and developed a dedicated friendship in their early years. That deep friendship continued throughout the novel, as they both wanted what was best for the other, which is a true depiction of Biblical love. You will delight in the journey you'll take with Lark and Magnus! Devotion, faith, endurance, and love are all beautifully depicted in this novel. I highly recommend it!

Personal takeaway...We can trust God with our deepest fears, greatest losses, and need for love. He is faithful to walk with us through all of these.

I LOVE this fun cookie cutter and recipe that came with my copy of A Bound Heart! Can't wait to try it out! 

**I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinion, which I did.**