I always appreciate the historical education I receive from a Laura Frantz book! I had no idea that Scottish businessmen were so invested in the Southern plantations pre-Revolutionary War. Juliet is the one holding her father's plantation together, while also continuing her mother's work with the early version of the Underground Railroad. The dilemma of slave-holding is at the forefront of the story, as well as the imminent war with England. The story takes us on a journey from the colonies to Glasgow, and the rich descriptions make it easy to envision the settings and era. Leith is a strong, influential man, needing a marriage of convenience, but immediately drawn to Juliet for her goodness and determination. Their beginning is rocky, but shared experiences bind them together, with loyalty and devotion soon following. Leith and Juliet admirably overcome the worst kind of treachery, relying on their faith in God and love for each other.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Laura Frantz has long been a favourite of mine for Historical Christian Romances. Her novels are clearly well researched and thought out, so it is easy to find yourself fully immersed in the world and time period of the characters. I also love how this book in particular was fascinating for both the story and time period, but also for how much I learnt about indigo, given that the female main character's home and livelihood is an indigo plantation. I was so absorbed in this book, especially once it really got going, and found it hard to put down. The characters were very well written and well-rounded, with an interesting storyline and development. I always love how Laura Frantz is so descriptive of settings and characters (and does so in a beautiful way), and this book was no different. Highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of historical or Christian fiction.

A massive thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publishing house for the complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Laura Frantz writes novels set in the early days of America really, really well. And her latest novel, The Indigo Heiress, is no exception. Set in the final years leading up to the American Revolution it is set in both the Virginia Colony and Scotland. Main character Juliet Catesby is an independent thinker, yet Frantz portrays her as a true-to-life woman of her time. She fights for the enslaved, yet subjects herself to her father’s will. I liked this about the portrayal. It gave me a heroine to love and root for in her historical context. The story employs the marriage of convenience trope, and Frantz handled it in a believable manner, given Juliet’s penchant for going her own way. It didn’t hurt that the man she was to marry was extremely swoony. LOL! Their love story was certainly romantic, and they both grew in their relationship and faith. The political context of the book was secondary, but really interesting. I don’t think I have ever read a story that portrayed British loyalists in such a way. In other books they are usually one-dimensional traitors 😉 , but Frantz provides a realistic view of their choices. The novel also contains a good amount of intrigue and suspense that kept the pages turning. I really did not see the ending coming!

I really liked The Indigo Heiress and am looking forward to a wonderful discussion with my book club.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

The start was a bit slow, but once it got going this book was incredible! I loved all the history, and Juliet was such a great main character. I really liked Leith, though I was confused about his business-like proposal for a while (he liked her immediately, and it wasn't until much later that he said he didn't feel like he could love someone again)... other than that, he was very well-written and he grew and changed a lot during the story, which was great. Even the minor characters were developed well, and I felt completely immersed every time I picked this book up! The ending was perfect, and I will happily continue to read this author!

In an era where men strive for freedom from British rule, Juliet Catesby struggles to manage her father’s plantation, Royal Vale. Her father spends his time courting a visiting widow and shows little interest in the daily operations of their thriving indigo plantation. Juliet must face unscrupulous overseers, financial losses, and debt threatening to ruin the family. Furthermore, she and her younger sister, Loveday, continue their mother’s work of helping escaped slaves as they journey north toward freedom.
Little does she know that her father has promised their primary creditor, Leith Buchanan, the hand of one of his daughters in exchange for canceling Royal Vale’s substantial debts with the Buchanan Firm in Glasgow, Scotland.
Leith Buchanan needs a mother for his children and an end to the rumors surrounding his first wife’s tragic death. He travels across the ocean to meet the colonial bride of his choice, only to discover she spurns his suit. Despite the spark between them, Juliet Catesby cannot believe Leith would prefer her over her younger, prettier sister.
As he prepares to sail for home, Juliet and Loveday seek permission to board his ship, desperate to escape before local lawmen arrest her. Leith and Juliet agree to a marriage of convenience and set sail.
When they arrive in Glasgow, Juliet enters her new life by shocking the locals with her disregard for traditions and astute head for business. When forces conspire to ruin Leith and the company he and his brothers have built up, Juliet repays her debt of gratitude by working tirelessly to clear Leith’s name while dodging the wiles of an unknown foe.
What I Loved About this Book
Franz weaves a memorable second-chance romance into this lush historical novel. History buffs will love the well-researched details, and romance lovers will swoon over the sweet love story.

What an exciting journey I took while reading this book. The author always writes fascinating well researched historical fiction this one taking us from the tobacco fields of Virginia to Scotland.
Rich in history, the James River plantation in Virgina is home to Juliet Catesby, her sister and father. Indigo is cultivated on their plantation along with other crops common in 1774.
Unknown to Juliet the plantation is not faring well, and her father is in terrible debt.
A member of the Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland arrives on the shores to marry one of the plantation daughters. Juliet surely believes it'll be her younger sister.
Leith Buchanan is a widower with two young children after his wife's passing, he knows he will not marry without love this time.
The sea voyages I really enjoy reading about. Lots of detail that could have you envisioning yourself on this long journey.
As Juliet and Leith spend more time in each other's company we can see this will become a lifelong journey of faith, love and hope. Another excellent story by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A lovely read about colonial America but 18th century Scotland.
It’s a story of trade, arranged marriage, and the ultimate betrayal.
I loved the story between Leith and Juliet.
I loved how Juliet embraced the twins and the resulting relationship for her younger sister.
It’s an absorbing read.

This was my first book by Laura Frantz, and it definitely won't be my last! I love reading historical fiction, but this time frame was completely new to me (I typically read WWII), so it took me a little bit to get into the time and place. Once I did though, I was hooked!

Juliet is in Virginia, tending to the indigo fields on a plantation her family founded many years before. Leith is from Scotland and in the tobacco industry - and has also been arranged to marry one of the Catesby daughters. And it's assumed he'll marry the older Loveday, he chooses Juliet, and she is not very happy about it.

I loved getting to know these characters - and how we were able to get to know them as individuals first. Then seeing them together, in all their stubbornness, was made so much better. This was such a great love story!

I received a gifted copy but a positive review was not required.

Thank you to @bethanyhousefiction, @RevellFiction for the advanced copy!

Laura Frantz transported me to Colonial Virginia and tobacco-lord-era Glasgow through The Indigo Heiress with her masterful storytelling and lush prose.

The romance burned slowly, but it's also not the main focus. Rather, it told the story of the intelligent, brave and gracious Juliet Catesby as she navigated the day-to-day operations of their Royal Vale plantations and the rising political tensions between America and Britain.

In order to pay off their debts, her father arranged a marriage with Leith Buchanan, the head of the Buchanan clan and a powerful tobacco lord, the very source of their financial troubles. Once in Scotland, Juliet and Leith get embroiled in mysterious dealings, and must work to protect each other from those who seek to harm them.

The story moved fast, and was able to accomplish a lot in such a short amount of time. From Virginia, to the tumultuous journey across the Atlantic, to Glasgow, we witness Juliet's good heart begin to thaw Leith's gruffness. We see how her faith and devotion helped him want to leave behind his troubled past to look forward to building a lasting legacy working on the things that really matter - family, time spent with loved ones, and extending help to those who need it.

Such an inspiring show of grace and faith through difficult times.

This was also very well-researched, and I learned a lot about the history of the time, as well as merchanting and different crops and plants!

I look forward to reading more from the author.

Content warnings: slavery, murder, betrayal, mental illness, mentions of previous suicide

#RevellFiction #TheIndigoHeiress

Juliet's family coffers are strained, indebted to a Scottish clan across the Atlantic. Only when the heir to the Buchanans arrives ashore does Juliet realize her father's plans for their future include a marriage between one of his daughters and Leith Buchanan. Assuming Leith will choose her sister, Juliet is dismayed when he chooses her instead.
I read some of Laura's books years ago and appreciate her attention to detail and how immersive the setting is for me as a reader. My mild obsession with all things Scotland (thanks grandpa!) motivated me to return to my first love of historical fiction. Historical novels are such great fodder for a marriage of convenience and the inevitability of the relationship makes for such a fun story that we don't often witness in our modern day culture.
Thank you to @bethanyhousefiction for the #gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you to Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for a gifted copy of The Indigo Heiress by Laura Franz.

The story begins in 1774 in Virginia which is a place of turmoil due to preparing for war with England. Juliet Catesby and her sister Loveday live with their father on their family’s plantation. Juliet is witty and smart. Loveday is sweet, smart, and supportive. The relationship between the sisters is beautiful. They can always depend on each other and try to carry on with their mother’s work which can be complicated at times. They both have high morals and try to due what is right even when it isn’t easy.

Leith is a tobacco owner from Glasgow, Scotland. He has recently lost his wife and is looking for an escape from scandal and a new wife from the colonies. He doesn’t really know his true self. He tends to doubt himself. He’s intrigued by an offer from Mr. Catesby to have one of his daughter’s hand in marriage in exchange for wiping out their debt.

I loved the push and pull between Juliet and Leith from the moment they meet. They are both stubborn and honorable which puts them at odds quite a bit. It’s a love story with a bit of mystery.

For everyone timing is important. Trusting in God’s plan and God’s timing to lead you to the life he has planned for you can be hard to understand but it is necessary to live the life he has for you. This is something that Juliet knows but she also sees it more clearly in her story as little things going wrong can lead you to what you need.

I enjoyed this book very much. After the first few chapters I had trouble putting it down. I look forward to reading more books by Laura Franz.

Christian Fiction
Release Date: January 21, 2025

I found this to be something a little different than the usual historical fiction. For one thing, it takes place right before the Revolutionary War, which is a time I have not read a lot about. For another, there's not a lot of wishy-washiness in the romance. Both good points, in my opinion! There's a bit of a shock in the end, but it all turns out well. I feel like this could be the beginning of a series, but I don't think the author has this in mind...
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

With vivid descriptions of the locations and characters that tug your heartstrings, The Indigo Heiress grabs hold of the reader and keeps us enthralled from page one until the very last. Laura Frantz pens a fully immersive experience, beginning with the Virginia plantation where Juliet Catesby and her sister Loveday carry out the work necessary to maintain the legacy of their ancestors. Managing the tobacco, indigo, and social responsibilities with grace, the sisters also carry on a secret work that puts many lives in danger. However, Royal Vale, their beloved home, is in an entirely different kind of danger. The kind that sees a marriage of convenience as the only option, amidst the struggles of a Virginia planter on the brink of a revolutionary war. Leith Buchanan, is facing his own struggles. The kind that can hopefully be swept aside with a marriage that will shift the gossip and provide a mother for his twins. There is no time for affection in his life, therefore a marriage of convenience will do. Unfortunately, the Catesby sister he has chosen is less than thrilled with this prospect. Affectations and misunderstandings abound as Juliet and Leith learn to lean on each other through the trials they face.

This is a book best read with tissues at hand. The misunderstandings that build walls between Juliet and Leith, and the wounds that lie beneath the surface, are sometimes heartbreaking. And they are written so well that the reader feels each hurt keenly. But fear not, because the joys are sweet as the sadness is bitter, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

3.5 stars

The Indigo Heiress takes place just before the American Revolution, and tells the story of a struggling plantation Loyalist family. The majority of their crop has been in tobacco plants, but also in indigo farming. The family has amassed huge amounts of debt at a time when tobacco credit is no longer acceptable.

Juliet Catesby has a keen eye for business. Her father’s declining health has left the majority of the work on her shoulders, including attending tobacco meetings in town. Lieth Buchanan is a saavy businessman from Scotland, owning several businesses in the US, as well as in Scotland. Theirs is an arranged marriage, an extremely slow-burn romance.

The first half of the story goes into detail about the indigo farming process – fascinating and well-researched. The stirrings of the revolution are touched on, as well as slavery in this part. It isn’t until the mid-point that the story moves forward, introducing an interesting sub-plot that kept me reading.

There are plenty of secondary characters that add layers to Juliet and Leith’s story. Perfectly dislikable villains and sweet friends. The description of the settings provide vivid details, making it easy to envision the characters’ homes and plantation.

This is a well-researched novel and definitely for readers who love digging deeper into historical details.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” – George Washington

“The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.” – Matthew Henry

“There is nor more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” – Martin Luther

💭 MY THOUGHTS: Wow, what an incredible story! This was my first Laura Frantz novel, and it will not be my last! I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, especially the three above and how in The Indigo Heiress we see:

the love and fight for liberty. Despite great risks, Juliet and her sister stand by their convictions and carry on their late mother’s secret work to try and break the chains of slavery and usher those within their care towards freedom.

Through prayer, humility, and gentleness, we see Juliet fight for Leith’s freedom as he battles against the strong grips of grief, scandal, and the wounds of a lonely childhood so that he may abound in his role as husband and father.

And though Juliet and Leith’s relationship is one of convenience, we see truth in Martin Luther’s view on marriage. We see the fruit of a true Proverbs 31 woman and a man whose heart becomes one after God’s.

Overall this is a beautifully written story with rich themes of love, loss, and liberty with a bit of mystery and suspense nicely woven in.

🩵 READ IF YOU LIKE:
* Christian Fiction
* The Georgian Era
* Virginia and Scotland setting
* Well-developed characters
* Light faith themes
* Dual POV
* Clean, closed-door historical romance
 


▫️CONTENT TO CONSIDER:
* Slavery
* Mention of possible self-harm; mental health

🌟 Highly recommend!

Thank you, Revell Books and Baker House Publishing, for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

DNF

This book just wasn't for me. I couldn't get into the story, and I felt like it was too long. The inciting incident didn't happen until almost halfway through the book, and it dragged in the second half.

4.5 stars

“I expected condemnation … But what I see in you is Christ.”

I always get excited when I know a book I’m about to read includes a marriage-of-convenience, but there are a handful of authors that make me absolutely GIDDY when they write a MOC story. Laura Frantz is one of those authors, and The Indigo Heiress is one of those books. I thusly did a little happy dance of anticipation when I cracked open this latest Frantz novel and prepared myself to be thoroughly swept away by the poetry and the heart and the romance of it all.

Juliet Catesby isn’t perfect but she is definitely a heroine to model oneself after. The very opposite of a wilting flower, Juliet steps up to the plate time and time again with a heart for people, a spirit of grace, a spine of steel (when it counts), and a head for business… much like the woman described in Proverbs 31. In addition to running her family’s indigo enterprises, she also carries on her mother’s covert work helping slaves escape to freedom, something which endeared her to me even further. Juliet’s less-than-delighted feelings toward the surprise marriage-of-convenience arranged by her father to the super swoony Leith Buchanan (a truly classic Frantz hero) – and Leith’s interactions with her, too – reminded me of Pride & Prejudice in all the best ways, and I absolutely loved the slow burn of romance that simmers between them. And pardon me a dreamy sigh since I mentioned Leith. His tragic history with the mother of his children has him understandably gun shy with the depth of his feelings for Juliet and even with his love for his adorable twin toddlers. But does he more than make up for it once he fully opens his heart? Aye… (and here I am in a puddle again).

Bottom Line: The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz brims with vibrant history, lush vocabulary, meaningful redemption, layered characters, swoony romance, and even a bit of mystery! I really enjoyed getting to know Juliet and her younger sister Loveday as their richly-written story unfolded on these pages, from colonial Virginia to Scotland, and I equally delighted in spending time with the yummy (and complicated) Leith. Getting to see the stirrings of the American Revolution from the eyes of Scottish businessmen gave me a new perspective I wouldn’t otherwise have encountered… and all of the above would make this an excellent read – and does. But it’s the tender and bold faith notes that I perhaps loved the most, particularly the spiritual journey that Leith undertakes and the reminder that God can use all things for good. Whether you are a long-time fan of Frantz’s gorgeous writing or are only just discovering her work, The Indigo Heiress is a must-read!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

My family heritage connecting to Scotland, along with award winning author, Laura Franz, made The Indigo Heiress a highly anticipated novel for this new year. The rumblings of pre-revolutionaries and plantation owners in 1774 Virginia and family intrigue on estates owned by tobacco lords in Scotland add to the dramatic unfolding of the life of Juliet Catesby, the indigo heiress.
Franz includes plenty of descriptions and details of indigo plantings and the processes involved in the harvesting and making of the precious blue dye. The arrival of Lord Leith Buchanan, the handsome Scottish risk taker and tobacco lord adds to the plot twists involving matchmaking, board meetings, and family betrayal. All entertaining elements.
Juliet is rooted to the family’s land in Virginia, making her journey to Scotland even more difficult. Franz eloquently captures Juliet’s emotions through dialogue with her sister, Loveday, private thoughts, and her unselfish matchmaking. Following in their mother’s footsteps, the sisters shun slave labor, concealing and assisting in the freeing of slaves. These courageous activities are greatly inspiring.
Juliet’s travels take her from Royal Vale, Virginia to Ardraigh Hall in Scotland. Along the way Juliet and Loveday are encouraged to see a change in fortune as a gift, trusting God to make a way forward. The Indigo Heiress is a reminder that “what we once loved can never be lost to us-it is forever.” Laura Franz’s mission of reaching the heart through friendship, romance, and suspense is encouraging and accomplished.

Leith is a Scottish Tobacco Lord. He is a widower with twins. After the tragic situation of his first wife, he wants his next marriage to not involve feelings. He agrees to marry Juliet in order to cancel her family’s debts to him.
Juliet is the Indigo heiress, American and not happy about this prospective marriage. She had very strong opinions and is working to set slaves free. When her situation changes she has to accept Leith’s proposal.
I think this is my new favorite book by Laura Frantz. I loved it so much! This story is set in 1774, partly in America and partly in Scotland. Juliet is strong, brave and kind. Leith is great too he has a fear of letting himself get close to his wife and children. I love how Juliet is very honest with him and how he learns to open up. I also liked how Juliet takes on his children as her own immediately. There is great Christian content throughout. If you love marriage of convenience, with a bit of tragedy and great romance then this book is for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley and the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Laura Frantz delivers another captivating novel, though I found it a bit challenging to get into at first. Unfortunately, the NetGalley format made reading difficult, with unclear chapter breaks and numerous typos. I’d recommend picking up a physical or properly formatted version for a better experience.

With that said, the story itself was engaging. Set in a historical era where it was uncommon for women to run businesses, the protagonist, Juliet, finds herself in that very position due to her father’s declining health. When her father arranges a marriage for her sister, the intended suitor unexpectedly chooses Juliet instead. With the marriage offering a solution to her family’s financial troubles, she faces a life-altering decision. Will she accept? You’ll have to read to find out!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from NetGalley for my review.