I have never been disappointed in a novel by Laura Frantz. However, because of this book's slow and uneventful start, I almost didn’t finish it. I’m delighted I kept reading.

The story begins in 1774 at Royal Vale, a plantation in Virginia. It follows Juliet Catesby and her sister Loveday (a very unusual name). Juliet has a head for business and her father often leaves her in charge of running the plantation, so she knows they are practically bankrupt. This is where Leith Buchanan enters the picture. Unknown to the girls, their father has brokered a deal with Buchanan, whose export business has ties to Royal Vale. He is looking for a wife to take back to Scotland. To erase his debt, their father offers one of his daughters.

As with most arranged marriage tropes, the reader will find the main characters eventually falling in love through many trials and misunderstandings. What made me keep reading was the Catesby sister’s secret involvement with the underground railroad. What transpires there finally gets the novel moving at a brisk pace.

Once in Scotland, Juliet finds herself the stepmother to two children who take to her right away. Mainly because their father is absent from them most of the time and is not very demonstrative of his affections. This sets a beautiful redemption arc for Leith. His character growth was moving and added depth to the story.

I was surprised at the turn this novel took, especially when the author leaves the reader to believe a secondary character followed Juliet to Scotland. I cannot divulge what happens (spoilers), but I was constantly waiting for this character to show up and fully expected Juliet to be a damsel in distress. Instead, she showed she was ahead of her time, both in women’s rights and her business acumen.

Readers who love historical romance with a faith theme and an unexpected twist will find The Indigo Heiress well worth the read.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley for my honest review.

Laura Frantz’s The Indigo Heiress is a richly detailed historical novel that immerses readers in the tumultuous world of colonial Virginia and 18th-century Scotland. Through the lens of Juliet Catesby, a strong and determined protagonist, Frantz weaves a tale of familial duty, personal sacrifice, and the pursuit of freedom amid societal constraints.

The story opens on the James River plantation of Royal Vale, where Juliet's life revolves around indigo cultivation, her family’s precarious finances, and the weight of expectations. When Leith Buchanan, heir to a Scottish trading empire, arrives with intentions to secure a bride as part of a financial arrangement, Juliet is thrust into an unexpected and undesired engagement. As scandal forces her to flee Virginia, Juliet’s journey across the Atlantic marks the beginning of her transformation, from sheltered planter’s daughter to a woman grappling with her place in a new and often ruthless world.

Frantz excels in her evocative descriptions of both colonial Virginia and Glasgow, bringing these settings to life with vivid sensory detail. The historical backdrop of indigo cultivation and transatlantic trade lends authenticity, while themes of resilience, loyalty, and self-discovery resonate throughout. Juliet is a relatable and well-drawn heroine, though her initial hesitations and eventual courage might have benefited from a deeper exploration of her inner turmoil to heighten the emotional stakes.

The pacing is steady, with moments of suspense and intrigue that keep readers engaged. However, the plot occasionally relies on convenient resolutions, particularly in moments of heightened conflict, which could have been more fully developed to enhance tension. The supporting cast, particularly the Buchanan family, adds layers of complexity, though some members fall into predictable archetypes that could have been enriched with additional nuance.

Frantz’s writing style is elegant and period-appropriate, capturing the cadence of the 18th century without alienating modern readers. Her attention to historical detail is impressive, and her exploration of Juliet's struggle for autonomy amid societal expectations feels timeless and relatable.

The Indigo Heiress is a compelling read for fans of historical romance and family sagas, particularly those who appreciate strong female protagonists navigating the challenges of their time. Readers who enjoy the works of Julie Klassen or Sarah Ladd will find much to admire in Frantz’s latest offering.

The Indigo Heiress is a captivating tale of love, loyalty, and self-discovery set against the rich tapestry of the 18th century. While a few narrative elements could be further refined, the novel’s heartfelt exploration of identity and resilience ensures it will resonate with its intended audience.

I heartily enjoy Laura Frantz's novels! This was no exception. Juliette Catesby is the eldest daughter of a plantation owner, a plantation steeped in debt. She loves her life in Virginia, managing the work and caring for slaves on the run. She's always felt less-than in terms of beauty, never chased after by suitors like her younger sister. Unbeknownst to her, her father arranges a marriage for her with the widower of the powerful Buchanan clan, who arrives on Virginian soil—a marriage of convenience is proposed.

The events spin off from here in unexpected ways. The mystery surrounding his previous wife, Juliette's uncertainty living in a. new land with new expectations, wondering if she'll ever feel like she belongs. Her Christian faith is strong, and despite his guardedness, his eventual circumstances bring him back to faith.

The pacing of the story felt slow to start, but the last third moves quickly and with a few twists. It's an entertaining and evoking read. I recommend it for all the historical fiction lovers.

*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

An intense family drama that had me captive from the start. An insight and encouragement to keep praying and trusting God through all the challenges we face.

I wasn't disappointed at all! In fact I was excited to finally see this book from Frantz that I jumped up and down with joy. Her books are amazing and this one was no exception.
I sure didn't want this story to end.
All the characters were delightful and I really just can't stop thinking about them.
Juliet is one of them. In fact, she's my favorite.
I didn't like her father at all. Scoundrel.
Leith is something else. He's interesting. "Sigh"
I learned quite a lot about Indigo. Fascinating.
5 stars from me. I highly recommend
Looking forward to Frantzs' next book.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

“We can hardly dwell on the past when the future looms.”

This spectacular story was MORE than I expected.

Miss Juliet Catesby reminded me of the value of living as a ‘true Proverbs 31 woman’. In the wake of grief, her father had set into motion a secret agreement that had the potential to drop Juliet to her knees. Juliet (26) and her sister, Loveday (24), responded with more grace than I think I’d muster and showed me how God works all things for good.

In addition to exhibiting grace, I loved how Juliet always looked for the silver lining in “sudden and precipitous situations”. She had me considering fate versus providence and catalyzed my prayer life when it was written that she “saturated the coming night in prayer.” Not much wonder she’s a true Proverbs 31 woman!

I was intrigued by the exploration of ‘blue gold’ and thought Leith Buchanan was a man I’d like to meet in real life! Frantz effortlessly dropped me in Virginia 1774 and had me speaking with the Scottish accent and thinking about her story long after I’d closed the beautiful cover of her book.

Please tell me this isn’t the last we’ve heard of the Buchanan girls!

I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This had that historical fiction element that I was looking for and enjoyed how everything flowed well. The characters had that element that I was expecting and enjoyed going on with the world and storyline. I thought Laura Frantz wrote this well and was invested in what was going on. I was glad I got to read this and am excited to read more from Laura Frantz.

This book was such a good book. I wasn't expecting it to be so good. It's not my kind of read at the moment but I really did enjoy it.