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.

What's a book that you think should be turned into a movie? I think about this every time I read a book. When I read The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz, I realized I would love to see this book as a movie or a series.

Juliet Catesby lives in the State of Virginia in 1774 on the Royal Vale plantation with her father and sister, Loveday. The plantation is a mix of slaves and indentured servants, and Juliet and Loveday work secretly to help slaves escape to their aunt in Philadelphia. Juliet also is a great help to her father keeping their plantation running, but they find themselves weighed down by debt that is mostly from the tobacco lords from Scotland. One of those lords, Leigh Buchanon is coming to Virginia for a visit, and Juliet is not pleased. Even more so when she discovers that her father has promised Leigh one of his daughters to cancel his debts. Will Leigh chose Juliet or Loveday? Can true love bloom from an arranged marriage?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I greatly enjoyed this novel. I literally couldn’t put it down and kept reading too long into the night.

• I loved the unique story. The book was partially set in colonial Virginia right before the start of the Revolutionary War and partially set in 18th century Glasgow Scotland. I found both settings to be fascinating.

• I loved the characters. Juliet was a strong woman making her way in a man’s world with grace. She was willing to make changes in her life and trust that God would lead her through. I also loved Leigh. He has not had the easiest of lives although he is from a wealthy family. I love how considerate he is to Juliet in their arranged marriage.

• Love bloomed between Juliet and Leigh over time, and I enjoyed the romance.

• There was a great mystery about the death of Leigh’s first wife and a lot of suspense in the last part of the novel.

• Loveday had an orange cat named Hobbes that traveled with them to Scotland. I loved the cat.

• The story is told in alternating chapters between Juliet and Leigh.

• This was a clean romance.

• I knew nothing about the tobacco lords and found that piece of history to be fascinating. There is a great author’s note at the end on the topic as well.

Overall, The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz is a well written captivating historical fiction novel with great characters in a fascinating setting. It’s a story you won’t soon forget. I highly recommend it!

Book Source: Review copy from Revell Books as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Indigo Heiress
Laura Frantz

I love historical fiction and any and all things Scotland. So I knew this book was perfect for me.

This one takes place in the late 1700s in Virginia and Scotland. It is rich with history and beautifully written. I loved learning about indigo farming.

Juliet, the FMC learns that her father arranged a marriage for of his daughters, to pay off his huge debt. Leith the MMC chooses Juliet over her sisters.

The relationship between Juliet and Leith was such a slow burn, but it had me swooning the entire time. I just loved how Leith treated Juliet.

I truly appreciated the faith elements that were weaved throughout the book.
if you love a historical romance or any and all things Scotland, you must check this one out.

The Indigo Heiress is a sweeping novel, spanning multiple continents, countries, cultures and worldviews at the dawn of the American Revolution. Author Laura Frantz offers a transporting tale featuring the strong, compassionate, and deeply Christian woman Juliet Catesby, resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Although the narrative embodies a bit of the “arranged marriage trope”, many more elements are combined to produce a complex story of family, faith, love, and justice on multiple fronts. The forces of good engage with more than one type of evil, all the while Juliet is trying to find her way as the newly-wedded Mrs. Leith Buchanan of Scotland.

For his part, Leith is battling emotional evils of his own as he grieves the scandalous loss of his first wife, who died in dramatic fashion not long ago. Left to rear two young twins and eager to leave controversy behind, he travels to America in part to find a new wife. Little does he know, the woman he has chosen will play an integral role in the redemption of his life’s path. Hardened by a difficult upbringing and the pains of the recent past, dramatic events transpire which alter his perspective for eternity.

As she consistently shows her readers, Laura Frantz once again offers well-researched historical fiction which features characters of depth, realism, and appeal. As an American with Scottish heritage, I thoroughly enjoyed educational tidbits which were sprinkled throughout the story. While I was thoroughly entertained, I also learned new facts about the Revolution, Scottish culture, and the early abolitionist movement. Some who are uninformed assume that the Underground Railroad only existed during the 19th century, but as The Indigo Heiress describes, many individuals were already working to secretly free the enslaved in a similar manner many decades earlier.

Laura Frantz is unabashed in sharing her Christian views within The Indigo Heiress, but the inclusion of spiritual matters feels neither forced nor overly sweet. The characters are flawed individuals with thoroughly realistic struggles. Their faith (or lack thereof) is not mentioned on every page, but issues are addressed in an organic way. The romance is sweet, yet conveys deep passion as well. As such, the content is very family friendly and appropriate for adult audiences, given some of the tough issues which are addressed.

In an effort to provide full disclosure, it should be mentioned that I am a bit biased in giving The Indigo Heiress a positive review. A few years ago Laura Frantz became enamored with my orange tabby cat, Hobbes. He’s a rescue kitty named after the tiger in the comic Calvin & Hobbes. He’s an old soul who is called the “Golden Prince” of our household, so His Highness was more than willing to have a role as a character in the novel. We were thrilled that he was included in the book as much as he was, from the Prologue in Virginia to a journey across the Atlantic, all the way to Scotland! Thank you, Laura, for giving this Laura much to smile about as I saw my boy in action on your pages. It was such a delight.

Favorite orange tabby aside, I can thoroughly offer my rousing endorsement for The Indigo Heiress. A tale of family, love, redemption, and justice, it has much to offer Laura Frantz’s readership. Prepare to be transported to a time which stands in stark contrast to our modern world, yet still faces many of the same trials, tribulations, joys and victories.

Drastic times equal drastic measures. Juliet had to do the unthinkable to save herself and her sister, Loveday. She took the risk and married.
A great, historical story of a time period where one had to take a side. Are you for or against the Crown?

Scotland is the home of my maternal grandfather's family. We visited a couple of years ago and loved the beautiful country. I enjoyed visiting this country within the pages of this book.

Leith Buchanan was the Scot Juliet married. He got her attention but could he capture her heart?

I loved the book!

Without fail, Frantz writes thoughtful, intriguing, and informative fiction that always leaves me wanting more.

I loved the main characters in this book - they had their weaknesses, their doubts, and their longings. Was the main female character just a little too perfect? Maybe at times, but you could still see her tendency to care for everyone continually at her own expense which is so relatable as well as her tendency to trust too broadly.

I learned about a period of history that I knew little about, which is so much more than I can say for most fiction.

“How did one navigate an arranged marriage? Did one build fences or bridges?”

Mystery, a touch of suspense, achingly beautiful romance, rich lyrical prose, & a lovely faith thread made Indigo Heiress unforgettable. Laura Frantz masterfully brings Colonial Virginia & Glasgow, Scotland to life in this heartfelt historical romance. Juliet & Leith were two endearing characters who completely drew me in. I couldn’t wait to see how these tenacious characters would navigate an arranged marriage.

Juliet Catesby’s a strong, independent woman who’s thoroughly involved in her father’s Indigo plantation from the planting to the harvesting. But with her father’s mounting debts & war looming, Juliet knows their livelihood at Royal Vale is tenuous. When the heir to a wealthy Scottish exporting firm arrives in Virginia, Juliet discovers her father has arranged a marriage to cancel out their debts. Confident it’s her younger, beautiful sister Loveday, she’s shocked to find Leith Buchanan wants her. Though she refuses the gruff widower, a terrible altercation forces her to reconsider & she & her sister find themselves on his ship bound for Scotland.

I was fully immersed in this gorgeous story. Juliet’s compassion, strong convictions, intelligence, & faith had me cheering for her from the beginning. I appreciated her struggles & courage as she deals with her own personal challenges & the scourge of slavery. Leith is one of those gruff Scottish heroes you can’t help but adore. I loved his darling twins & seeing things from his POV.

Juliet’s & Leith’s slow burn romance kept me anxiously turning the pages. They’re both strong characters & I enjoyed every moment as their relationship develops. But, as their romance blooms, so do the intrigue & plot twists set against the backdrop of the coming Revolutionary War. The author brilliantly captures the dilemmas & historical elements to really make this time period come to life. I loved the vivid descriptions & details of indigo planting & the gorgeous settings.

Highly recommend & a must read for historical fiction fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided. 4.5-5 stars!

Thank you to @laurafrantzauthor @revellfiction @austenprose for the #gifted book.

Set against the rich historical backdrop of Virginia and Scotland in 1774, this captivating fiction novel weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and intrigue. Juliet’s father has orchestrated a marriage for one of his daughters to the Scottish heir, Leith Buchanan, as a means to clear his debts. While Juliet holds out hope that her beloved sister, Loveday, will be the one to wed, her life takes an unexpected turn as she finds herself embroiled in a scandal. In a desperate bid for a fresh start, she accepts Leith’s proposal and embarks on a journey back to Scotland.As she navigates her new life, Juliet is drawn into the complexities of Leith’s young children and the secrets that threaten to unravel everything.

The author’s exquisite descriptions of Virginia and Glasgow breathe life into the historical setting, immersing readers in a world on the brink of revolution. I was particularly moved by the strong faith shared by the sisters and how it intertwines with the Buchanan clan.

The evolving romance between Juliet and Leith is both tender and compelling, while the bond between Juliet and Loveday is refreshingly beautiful. Leith’s journey of growth and self-discovery adds depth to the narrative, making it all the more engaging.

Laura Frantz is a wonderful storyteller. If you’re a fan of historical fiction that seamlessly blends romance and mystery, this book is a must-read. Its enchanting storyline and well-crafted characters will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

Juliet Catesby is the strong, compassionate oldest daughter on an indigo plantation. She despises the necessity of slave use and secretly works to free as many of them as she can. Her keen mind comes in handy when she must occasionally stand in for her father in his business dealings due to his ill health.

When a visiting tobacco lord from Scotland comes to the area, Juliet sets about making a match with Leith Buchanan and her younger sister. Much to her surprise and chagrin, she discovers her father has already taken matters into his own hands, and if she will agree to marry Mr. Buchanan herself, their family's debts will be wiped away.

Faced with a choice, Juliet weighs options. She hates what the tobacco lord stands for, but the alternative is to leave her father in immense debt. She loves their colonial Virginia home and would not choose to go to Scotland with him. But events unravel that soon force her hand.

I love Laura Frantz's work, but I never felt connected to either Leith or Juliet or their marriage of convenience. Both are proud and withdrawn for various reasons, which made it hard for me to get to know them. The last third of the book is also completely different from the opening sections, diving into the Scottish legal system. You can tell the author combed through mountains and mountains of research material to make this as authentic as possible.

I appreciated the themes of the novel and I believe other readers will enjoy the characters of Leith and Juliet. I enjoyed the minor characters in this novel and all they brought to the scenes as well.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this opinion are my own.

A historically fascinating book that really touched the history nerd inside me. The story is set in the Virginia colonies in pre US Independence time frame and features elements of English/Scottish interaction with trade, slave ownership and plantation life. These were important time frames in this countries history and Frantz really does justice to bringing it to life. Especially in times like now where historically accuracy is in jeopardy for sharing with the children of the future, Frantz tells it how it is. The good and the bad side, especially with the slave trade and treatment of people's during this timeframe.

While I absolutely loved the rich historical elements, I also really enjoyed how complex the main characters were. Frantz really has you spend time in the details of each character, getting to know them in ways I feel I don't always get in other books. There are many times throughout the story where it's like a look in on "a day in the life of so and so". Which gave me more context for the decisions and behaviors of each person represented.

This book really feels like a late 1800s classical literature novel with its depth of detail and prose used. It's a longer book due to this treatment of the details, but so very worth the time to immerse myself into their lives and activities. Juliet and Leith come from such different backgrounds and experiences, yet they come together in such a complimentary way. Their demeanors and interests are the basis for their connection, even as all the negativity surrounding them threatens to tear it all down.

I loved The Indigo Heiress! It was beautifully written in colonial times Virginia and Glasgow, Scotland.

Juliet loves her Virginia plantation that grows and exports Indigo and tobacco. What she doesn’t love is her family’s connection to the powerful Buchanans in Scotland who purchase their goods or the slave labor that makes farming profitable. As she fights moral battles in Virginia and attempts to keep their plantation afloat, her father makes a deal with the Buchanans that ties Juliet to them.

I loved all the unexpected twists and turns, the moral dilemmas, the mystery, action, and threads of faith. Juliet’s faith is strong and helps her through her times of trial and grief. Juliet is all I love in a strong female lead character.

Keith Buchanan is a powerful businessman and not willing to condescend his business methods to meet Juliet’s moral beliefs. He is also wracked with personal grief. I liked him from the start, but liked him even more as the story continued and his character grew.

If you like mystery, history, and faith, this is the one for you!

You will be caught up in the historical events of pre-revolutionary Virginia as Juliet Catesby navigates a world dominated by men. Bold and confident, you’re sure to love her as she stands her ground and represents her father’s interests in the tobacco industry. I loved seeing her grow in her opinion of herself and realizing that she is just as beautiful and gifted as her sister.

Leith Buchanan was a complex man with a past that haunted him. Being reminded of his failed marriage, he was somewhat like Jane Eyre’s Mr. Rochester. Even though Leith had a rough exterior, he was truly a caring and loving man. I was glad to see the way he came to trust Juliet with his business affairs and his family.

Things to love:
Second chances
Juliet’s dresses
Ocean voyage
American/Scottish society
Mini portrait
The twins
Danger
Abolition
Mystery
Enemies to more

I highly recommend this book to those who love historical fiction. I learned a bit about the indigo industry and found it to be fascinating. The descriptive narrative of the fields, the dyeing process and the meetings with the tobacco lords and plantation owners made me feel as though I was part of the story and wishing I could stay longer.

I received a copy of the book from the Revell and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.