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.

Laura Frantz books always transport me to a different time and place. They are beautifully written. I've loved each one that I read.

I loved Juliette in this book. She's the daughter of a tobacco plantation owner. Things have been left for her to do that a young lady wouldn't normally have done, but she makes the best of things and tries her hardest. Then she finds out that her father has promised that she would marry a tobacco baron from Scotland, in order to erase his debt.

This would have been a hard thing to bear. Juliette becomes uncertain what she should do, but she ends up left with no choice. And she chooses to start a new life in Scotland with her new husband (who she barely knows), his twin toddlers (who she doesn't know), and her younger sister.

This book will take you on an incredible journey, through happiest of times, and saddest of times. I loved every word!

This story pulled me in and transported to Colonial America and Scotland. I enjoyed the pacing, the characters, and the plot line. There were a few themes that I wished had been emphasized more and the ending was way too abrupt for my liking, but otherwise a wonderful read!


4.5 stars rounded up.

I devoured The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz. This story hooked my attention from the start, and I didn’t want to put the book down. Frantz crafted beautifully authentic characters in Juliet and Leith. Then, she tied them together in a romance that I adored. Their romantic tension shifted a bit once the couple arrived in Scotland and settled into a daily routine, but I rooted for them until the end.

Other story elements I liked in The Indigo Heiress included the sibling relationship between Juliet and Loveday, Leith’s turn to God (which felt genuine, not too fast or convenient), and a plot twist I didn’t see coming (which I can’t expound on without giving spoilers). I expected the indigo plants to feature more in the story, but I enjoyed what I did learn about the plants.

The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz was my first five star read of 2025. I recommend this beautiful novel to Christian readers who enjoy stories rich in romance and history. The story has lingered in my mind, and I could happily reread it now.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This book really swept me away to colonial America and Scotland. A very character forward, and to me character driven novel, it really took me into a different time and culture.

Juliette was a great lead to the story, as was Leith. I enjoyed following along from when they first met and watching their marriage-of-convenience trope unfold. And I loved seeing their support for each other. They were sweet couple.

Juliette also had a wonderful relationship with her sister, which was heartwarming. And her faith in and reliance on God was a testament. The way he was seamlessly weaved through the story was a gift.

I found the story to be one to just slow down while reading and soak it in - which is more difficult in my season of life right now. I tend to lean towards quicker paced, plot driven novels as a result. Thus, it did take a while for me to really connect to the characters and story. But I did find it to be a well written, unique historical fiction novel. I thought it all came together nicely, and hope to reread it when life slows down here in my house.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the @laurafrantzauthor @revellfiction and @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

With Laura Frantz’s storytelling, I felt I was transported back in time to 1774, the brink of the American Revolution. Beginning on a plantation along the James River and colonial Williamsburg to the bustling streets of Glasgow and the grandeur of a Scottish countryside estate. I learned about the workings of Indigo and tobacco, the work of abolitionist, and society life at the time. Part of the story was filled with intrigue, laced with a touch of danger, and moments that kept me second-guessing. Proverbs 31 is mentioned when speaking of the main character, Juliet. She had strength and dignity, as well as, love and compassion for her family and those less unfortunate. The book is full of great quotes, Scripture, and prayers. I can’t forget to mention the swoony slow-burn love story!🥰 10/10 indigo hearts! I highly recommend.

Juliet Catesby lives with her sister and father on a Virginia plantation that has been in her family for the last century. It’s here she is lead by her own devices and helps run the plantation and she especially likes to get her hands on the Indigo. As a possible Revolutionary War brewing between America and England, Juliet Catesby finds herself somewhat trapped in an arrangement, made by her father, between herself and a Scottish Tobacco Lord. Circumstances cause Juliet to agree to the arrangement, taking her sister and herself to Scotland, a place so different and far from home. 

Marriage of Convenience for the win! Very sweet story. Love the Scottish gentleman and American lady match. Both smart, headstrong, and very perfect for each other. 

As usual, I loved the historical aspects of this book. Very neat to read about the Revolutionary War prior to its start with viewpoints from America and Scotland. The plantation elements were a fun detail and I especially liked the Indigo process. 

I enjoyed the sister piece as well. Loveday is delightful and I really liked her romance in here as well. SO sweet!

The Indigo Heiress is another book you should add on your historical fiction list especially if you like a MOC romance mixed in.

Beautiful depictions of both colonial America and industrial Scotland shine in this thoroughly researched historical romance. Laura Frantz is unparalleled in her ability to write rich and atmospheric historical romance that points to Christ and includes some of the best heroes and heroines. As a businesswoman myself, I adored Juliet as a colonial businesswoman who was excellent at what she did! To see her Proverbs 31 attributes shine as she faced trials and a new life was incredibly inspiring. Swoony Scottish hero Leith was distant in relationships until he got right with the Lord, and I wanted to come through the page and smack some sense into him until he completely made up for his failings in the most heroic and dreamy of ways. Flawed and real characters that embark on a spiritual journey in addition to a romantic one gave this story a genuine glimpse at the power of the Gospel. The romantic tension that Juliet and Leith experienced in their courtship and arranged marriage was steamy yet sweet, and did not disappoint! This enthralling story also had a mystery that riveted me to the page as much as the slow-burn romance, and each chapter propelled me closer and closer to the happy ending that is always awaiting at the end of a Laura Frantz novel. As always, this Laura Frantz book is worth the investment of time and treasure, and in exchange, you will be transported to another time and place through printers’ ink and paper.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I really did love it!

i can always count on laura for a story rich with history and detail. the indigo heiress follows juliet as she navigates colonial virginia and glasgow, scotland. i immediately fell in love with her. i loved how capable she was at overseeing her father’s business and how she was unafraid to stand up for what she believed in. her love for others really made her stand out and i thought it was beautiful that she was willing to do anything, even forsaking her own happiness, for her father and her sister. i especially loved the work that she and her sister were doing to help runaway slaves.

this story also had the sweetest slow burn of a romance with an arranged marriage that became so much more with time and patience. juliet and leith didn’t have much time to truly get to know each other before they end up married on a ship headed to scotland. what starts out as a marriage in name only becomes a beautiful partnership between two people who genuinely love each other. i loved how the walls slowly came down between leith and juliet as they got to know each other better. i also adorable juliet’s relationship with bella and cole. they took to her so fast and i’m so glad she had them and loveday when she got to scotland

speaking of loveday, i enjoyed her little side romance so much and the support she brought to her sister. the things that unfolded at the end of this book were so unexpected in the best way. i loved how the trials leith went through in the end showed him what was truly important in life — his
family.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
content: closed door

thank you to revell, the author, and austenprose for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.