A Heart Adrift: A Novel

Written by Laura Frantz

Narrated by Barbara McCulloh

It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmée Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed
love affair from which she’s never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.

Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmée. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret
naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Can Esmée and Henri’s shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past and reunite them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705050682

Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz is an award-winning bestselling author who is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th century. She writes her manuscripts in longhand, and her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. A direct descendant of George Hume, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying, she lives in the heart of Kentucky. For more information, visit www.laurafrantz.net.

Reviews for A Heart Adrift

[Bethany · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sweet story about trusting God with the future. This author is really good.

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once again, Laura Franz has written a historical novel that is enlightening and has wonderful characters who draw you into their milieu. You want to be part of this family. It has romance, fallible people, and a Christian worldview. It has many life lessons, one of which is to stand up to evil and do what you can to help others. There is a "happily ever after" ending tempered with sadness and tragedy. But the characters overcome with God's help. Well worth the read.

[bookscookslooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love in Colonial America. I do love historical fiction and while my reading tends towards Europe every now and then I venture to America. In this tale we have a love story that is sweet - after all one half of the couple is a chocolatier - and also a bit bitter. Love, after all never tends to run smoothly.It is a well written, very interesting tale which kept me turning pages until there were no more to turn.

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“How did one let go of the past and risk love again?”Laura Frantz never fails to deliver an emotional, profound historical tale fortified with unique characters, as her latest novel, “A Heart Adrift,” attests. Colonial life in York, Virginia at the beginning of the French and Indian War proves to be a seminal time period, with many apt parallels to current events. Frantz deftly captures the social climate of the time and how multiple factors contributed to both public sentiment and political strategy, without ever sounding like a textbook. Because it seems that the vast majority of Colonial American fiction is set during or after the Revolutionary War, it is an interesting variation for the colonies to still belong to Britain and to be fighting against the French. This offers a new perspective, as well as insight into how the War for Independence came about. Unconventional women are a hallmark of Laura Frantz’s fiction, and “A Heart Adrift” features Esmée Shaw, a chocolatier who has resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood after the man she loved walked out of her life a decade ago. A successful businesswoman, she seeks out the less fortunate to offer what she can rather than joining in the high society that her sister Eliza so enjoys, but both prove to be more intrepid than they seem. Eliza, in particular, demonstrates fascinating character development. Captain Henri Lennox, a privateer who may be the colonial government’s greatest asset, is a steadfast character whose role is more traditional, but he and the other main male figures in the story demonstrate the results of the social structure. With a somber tone throughout much of the narrative, “A Heart Adrift” underscores the fact that no one is shielded from life’s hardships and heartaches, regardless of status. While fiction often provides an escape from the less pleasant aspects of life, there is so much value in works such as this one that address the suffering and those who have been blessed with the gifts to help. The Lord will always show up and put the right people in our lives at the right time. As Esmée reflects, “The only certainty about life was its uncertainty. Only God stayed steadfast. Only the Almighty could walk her through life’s many changes. And when she felt overwhelmed, like now, she simply had to look back to see how faithful God had been, did she not? The heartaches and closed doors of the past had made the present more beloved.” None of the trials that we face today are new. The smallpox outbreak, the glimpses into the inhumanity yet widespread acceptance of the slave trade, and the encroaching war in “A Heart Adrift” all have their direct parallels to today’s headlines. The lighthouse in the novel seems to serve as a beacon for not only Chesapeake Bay and colonial Virginia, but also for contemporary readers who may feel as if their own hearts are adrift. Coming home to the One who loves us, the true Light of the World, is the only way that we can truly live with our hearts firmly anchored amidst life’s storms. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite aspects of Laura Frantz is her amazing character development, and this book did not disappoint as we read about Esmee and Henri. The depth of their individual growth and their relationship is something to savor as you read. The setting is also fascinating; I love historical fiction but I do not frequently read books set in the eighteenth century and it was easy to be transported back in time with the fantastic descriptions. The integration of faith in the story is well done. This novel is well written and definitely worth the read. Highly recommended!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After reading this book, my fascination with chocolate has reached a new level! Author Laura Frantz takes us into the life of a chocolatier in the year 1755 and offers us a fascinating tale that is rich in historical detail and the mention of chocolate. Esmee Shaw operates her family's chocolate shop, and she is a devoted daughter, sister, and friend. She is also a twenty-eight-year woman who still loves the man who left her ten years ago to pursue his love of the sea. Is Captain Henri Lennox a respected privateer, or is he a pirate? Will Esmee ever know the joy that comes from being a wife and mother?I was mesmerized by A Heart Adrift, and my love of history was fed by this story that includes the American colonies becoming involved in a war with France. I felt like I was living in York, Virginia, and I could almost taste those delicious chocolate delicacies. I could feel how torn Esmee was at the return of the man that she had never forgotten, and I also felt Henri's uncertainty when he returned. Watching them reconnect made my own heart flutter, and I truly wanted a happy ending for them!This is a story of love lost, hope regained, and a faith that sustains through the worst of times. I highly recommend A Heart Adrift to all who enjoy historical fiction and clean romance.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation of a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

[kimpotter-309059 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz is a stand-alone colonial romance. Esmee Shaw contents herself by working in her chocolate shop after a failed romance. Captain Henri Lennox returns to York after several years at sea. Can Esmee and Henri overcome the past and start anew? Will they get a second chance? What a lovely romance story; throw in chocolate, a lady light keeper, a sea captain, treasure and political intrigue and you have the makings of a great story. Esmee was such a strong woman. She was always helping those less fortunate. The story ended way too soon!I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Heart Adrift by one of my favorite authors, Laura Frantz, is a wonderful historical romance. Watching Esmée and Henri's journey to a second chance at love was almost magical, although the journey was not without its struggles. Frantz does a masterful job of setting the scenes for this story, making one feel like one is right there in the story--a story rich with detail and full of so many interesting historical events during the mid-1700s in Colonial Virginia. Poignant and heartfelt, A Heart Adrift has history, romance, suspense, grief, family, friends, and faith in God blended throughout. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to miss this book. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and won a copy through LibraryThing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz twice before writing this review. I enjoyed the novel more the second time and came away with the same conclusions. Laura Frantz is a master wordsmith. The lyrical narrative amazed me with its beauty and had me adding words like “mayhap” and “ken” to my daily vocabulary. The plot in A Heart Adrift held my attention, even as it meandered. Chapters 69-73 felt like a set up for another book featuring certain characters from this novel (rumored to be a 2024 release). With excellent historical details of Colonial Virginia, I learned much about this time in history and felt immersed in the setting.A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz rekindled my love for hot chocolate. Almost every day since reading this book, I’ve had a cup. Though my chocolate comes out of a pack, I enjoyed reading about Esmée’s chocolate confections and preferred hot cocoa recipe. Like Captain Lennox’s weakness for chocolate, a good romance can make me melt and the romantic tension in A Heart Adrift had me flipping pages to see how the romance would unfurl. The way the reunion came about disappointed me a bit, but Henri and Esmée still made a lovely couple.A Heart Adrift is not my favorite novel by Laura Frantz, but I’m still a fan of this author and I’m glad I gave it a try. Clean romance readers with a taste for chocolate, beautiful writing, and historical settings will likely enjoy A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz.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.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is fantastic historical fiction with romance and privateers and action and chocolate. Esmee and Henri were two people that had to break apart and have years apart to finally know that they still loved one another. This has been one of my favorite books ever. The story flows beautifully and you will not want to put it down. It was interesting to learn how hot chocolate and other chocolates were made at this time. I also love stories that have light houses in them. I always look forward to reading books by this author and have never been dissatisfied.

[prairiegirl1986 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank you to LibraryThing and Revell for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book.This book transported me back to the 1700s and of life in the Americas before the Revolutionary War. I thought the author did a very good job in capturing the essence of society in the way she wrote and the way the characters responded to one another. I loved the element of chocolate in the story as I am quite a chocolate lover myself. Esmée and Henri's love story was a slow burn and about second chances and was sweet to read. The only thing I struggled with was that it took awhile for me to get really invested in the story. However, by the end I can say I really enjoyed it! I would definitely read more of her books.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After reading A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz, how can I be so disloyal to Esmée and Henri as to start another book? I read this novel as slowly as I could, savoring every poetic turn of phrase and lyrical word picture! A Heart Adrift has left my heart undone!! Replete with romance, intrigue, faith, and history, Laura Frantz has created another enduring masterpiece. The evils of slavery, both for those captured and those who fought it are presented. Trust in God and constant reliance on His Word and communion with Him permeate the lives of both Esmée and Henri, even through harrowing times. Set against the capriciousness of the sea and early colonial politics (1745-1755) mixed with the delicious smells of a chocolatier’s shop and difficult family dynamics, this is one historical romance that will bring the early colonial struggles to vivid life.I received a copy of the book from the author and Revell through NetGalley. I also bought myself and a loved one a paperback copy to treasure.Notable Quotables:“He chose the sea—his captaincy and ship—over me.” “And I could not conscience being left behind onshore.”“And then, much like a courtship, as wooing as a siren’s song, the sea had finally won him over.”Her fervent prayers went the way of her hopes and became floating wreckage.“How can you possibly provide all these items, Miss Shaw?” “I shan’t provide them,” Esmée said with a confident smile, pocketing the paper. “The Almighty shall.”“…the island suddenly felt a tad hollow, as did his cottage. To say nothing of his heart.”“ 'Tis never amiss to hope . . . dream.”“I don’t believe in accidents, nor coincidences, but rather divine instances,”… "Especially in matters of the heart.”“As for myself, I am in the prime of senility.”"The only certainty about life was its uncertainty. Only God stayed steadfast. Only the Almighty could walk her through life’s many changes. And when she felt overwhelmed, like now, she simply had to look back to see how faithful God had been, did she not? The heartaches and closed doors of the past had made the present more beloved."“Those for whom God has mercy in store He first brings into a wilderness.”

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Set in the Virginia Colony in the 1750s, A Heart Adrift tells the love story of Captain Henri Lennox and chocolatier Esmée Shaw. This is no simple love story as the novel delves into the themes of the value of human life, the worth of all no matter the station of life, and the importance of a life well-lived. Themes our culture would do well to consider. As always Frantz's research is evident, placing readers securely in the time and place alongside memorable characters. Her writing evokes deep empathy and compassion. She has inspired me to want to once again visit Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown once this pandemic is under greater control. For now, I will sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Heart Adrift from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“Did she realize she held his heart? Not just a piece of it. The entire whole of it.”I do so love second chance romance and Esmee and Henri have it down perfectly in 1755 Virginia. Laura Frantz has a beautifully lyrical way of writing that transports the reader to the heart of York, Virginia. The story is infused with such realistic backdrop of the port city and such rich and fascinating history ranging from building a lighthouse operated by a woman to delicious details involved in chocolate and candy making during the colonial times to dangers of privateering in the midst of war against the French. I loved Esmee’s strength of character and Henri’s generous compassionate heart. Even in times of terrible grief and suffering, Esmee and Henri hold onto each other and to their faith to guide them. If you are looking for a heart-warming historical romance, you will absolutely love this newest book by Laura Frantz. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[jaymewill-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have enjoyed each and every one of Laura Frantz's books and they are all good! A Heart Adrift is no exception. The author takes the reader back to 1755 when life was hard but simple. I got Jane Austen vibes from this book as the main character and her love broke up years ago just like Anne and Captain Wentworth in Persuasion. Henri and Esmee have never found a love like they experienced together and are both still single. So when Henri returns home, his arrival causes quite a stir. After Henri left Esmee and their future plans, she has been living quietly, managing her dear mother's chocolate shop after her death. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, because it is a rich, satisfying story that I highly recommend!I look forward to Laura Frantz's next book!

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Laura Frantz writes the most amazing books, but this one in my opinion tops them all! Every time I read one of Ms. Frantz’s books I learn so much about the time in history. Not just new facts but she matches the emotions and thoughts of those during that era. Talk about a great history lesson that is super entertaining!It is 1755 during colonial America in the colony of Virginia. Esmee Shaw and Captain Henri Lennox were deeply in love and destined for the altar that is until a lover’s spat caused them to part ways, 10 years ago!!! Fast forward 10 years later and she is 28 years old, an old maid for sure in those times! She has settled into the life of caring for her deceased mother’s chocolate shop and her father. She longs for more but what? She won’t admit it but Henri still holds her heart. Much to her confusion and surprise, Captain Lennox returns home after all these years at sea. He has no doubt his love for Esmee has never died and wants to restore their relationship. With love, nothing is ever simple. Because of his bravery and expertise as a sea captain, the government asks him to complete a dangerous and secret mission. His commitment to the sea was the cause of their parting in the beginning. Can he turn his back on his country for love? There is so much more to this book. It was unique in that when you thought the story was ending, it surprises you with new, different, and exciting developments! I loved this! I immediately became immersed not only in their love story but also in the complicated and trying lives the colonists lived. Reading about politics, rules of society, daily life, handling illness, survival and those less fortunate during this era made this more than a novel, it became an experience. What resonated most with me was the characters strong faith and reliance on God. Very inspirational! I would so like to see a sequel to this book. It was an honor to read and review it before publication!

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such an enjoyable read, and it quickly became a page turner! What an amazing job the author did writing this, you never see what is coming around the next corner.We are gifted with a romance that has been broken, a family that is there for each other, then we throw in pirates! There is sadly a pandemic and few are except.I loved how the main character has such heart for her fellow, less fortunate, man. She goes above and beyond, and we walk in her shoes.This read has a great conclusion, you don't want to miss, especially, the grieving widow!I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[lamb521 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: A Heart AdriftAuthor: Laura FrantzPages: 394 (ARC)Year: 2022Publisher: RevellMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.Henri Lennox is a captain in colonial Virginia, serving King George in 1755 during the French and Indian War. He has been at sea for ten years and has decided he wants to settle down on land. He has a reputation as a pirate to some but to others he has been operating as a privateer. He has held Esmee Shaw in his heart since their broken romance ended ten years ago never marrying. He has returned home to Indigo Island where he plans to complete a project of building a lighthouse, a project he and Esmee though up together and wanted to see fulfilled together. Now he will complete the project on his own. He has a chance meeting with Esmee, and his old feelings are rekindled but what is he to do about the situation, if anything?Esmee Shaw has worked in the family’s chocolate shop and given of her time and resources to the local almshouse. Both of these endeavors were her mother’s passion. Esmee took over these positions when her mother died. They aren’t passions of Esmee’s but she just sort of drifted into them. She has heard the rumors that Henri has returned, and the townspeople of York are wondering if their romance will resume. Esmee was so deeply hurt when Henri chose a career at sea over remaining on land with her that she has not been open to other suitors. Upon hearing the lighthouse has been completed, she decides to make a drastic change in her life and do something that interests her.Both of the main characters seem to be floating along with the current of life and not making any waves. They are both strong in their faith, which is the only thing that has allowed them to keep going after their devastating break up. Now that they have met a few times, will they touch their toes in the water of love once again, or will they run away from the waves as they crash on the shore, leaving them safe but alone? Laura Frantz once again has shown her ability to capture the time about which she writes. I was there in 1755, seeing the events through the characters’ eyes and hearts.Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility

[grammy57 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Laura Frantz has done it again. She will transport you back in time to the pre-revolutionary war in Virginia and you will feel like you are actually there. Her descriptions and the story flow make this a most interesting book.I will let you read the synopsis for yourself, but if you like Christian historical fiction, then you will fall in love with this story. Well developed characters, a story that flows well and excellent editing all add up to a must-read book.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was surprised by this book. Although it started out a bit slow for me, the tension began building a bit in, and kept my interest til the end.I just love a second chance at romance story. This one has a nostalgic feel, and centers on a longtime separated love between Esmee and Henri. I loved how they each had their own dreams and passions, and how they tried to avoid their inner feelings. I loved the gentle theme of faith and hope.This is a good, clean read that has me waiting for the next book!Thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for my complimentary copy.

[chrirob · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Esmee once burned with the fire of love for Henri Lennox - until his love for the sea doused those fires. Nearly a decade after Henri's abrupt departure, Esmee has found happiness helping to run Shaw's Chocolates, her mother's shop and dream while caring for her aging father. But when she catches word that Henri is back in York and now a captain of his own sailing vessel, Esmee is forced to wonder if she ever stopped loving Henri - and if he might still love her. While the threat of Colonial Wars rage around them, will Esmee and Henri have a chance to right old wrongs, survive the current threats from France, and forge ahead in a future together? This was a good book. I felt it ended abruptly and was left wondering what happened next...so perhaps a sequel is in the future for Henri, Esmee and the family & friends...???

[tealadytoo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ms. Frantz has always been a good author of historical novels, but it seems that each successive book has a depth and maturity greater than its predecessors. She's reached new heights with [A Heart Adrift]. The reader feels authentically immersed in the world of Colonial Virginia near the outset of the French and Indian wars. The story concerns Esmee and Henri, a chocolatier and a sea captain who had been in love when they were young, but parted on hard terms over his devotion to the sea. Esmee's own father spent most of her childhood at sea, and she had seen to toll it took on her mother, and refused to embark on a marriage with similar long separations. Now circumstances bring them together ten years later, and the they struggle with old feelings that never quite died.It's a beautifully told tale, with a bit of a feel of Jane Austen's [Persuasion] about it. Faith is a strong thread in the story, but it flows naturally and believably from the characters, never feeling overly forced or preachy. I highly recommend this story to lovers of historical romantic fiction..I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.

[written-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this story!I enjoyed reading about chocolate, about the ships out to sea, the love that Esmee and Henri still had for each other 10 years after they had broken up over his need to go back to sea and her wanting him to stay with her in their coastal Virginia town. I enjoyed reading about the sisters so different. The lighthouse and the fear of the French and Indian War.I liked that after 10 years Esmee and Henri still loved each other and that even during tense times the story didn't become too dramatic. Problems were solved, their faith in God kept them "afloat". A lot happening in this story but never making me feel like "all is lost". A good solid read that I really enjoyed.So much talk about chocolate did make me stop reading long enough to make a batch of brownies!

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My Impressions:Laura Frantz quickly became a must-read author of historical romance. Her blend of rich detail, real and relatable characters, and spot-on truths provides a very satisfying reading experience. A Heart Adrift met all my expectations. This novel transported me to colonial Virginia, especially York and Williamsburg. I loved how all classes of society were represented. Scenes ranged from the drawing rooms of the elite to the almshouse, giving this novel a complete perspective. The two main characters, Esme and Henri, have been parted for 10 years because of a quarrel that neither of them were prepared to back down from. Now they are given a second chance. The love they have for each other has matured, yet there is still plenty of chemistry for fans of romance. Their love story is set during the years when the British and the French and Native Americans were at war. There is the tension of war, along with the politics of the day, and the everyday life of the colony. Truly, I felt like I was walking the streets and beaches with the characters. Along with Esme and Henri, there is a cast of characters that rounded out the times. It is very evident that Frantz did her homework while researching this book. I found one theme — how we see other people — to be very relevant for a modern-day reader. Then there’s the chocolate! Oh yes, Esme has a chocolate shop. Be prepared to have a mug of cocoa or your favorite chocolate treat nearby. ?A perfect confection, A Heart Adrift will appeal to fans of historical romance.Recommended.Audience: Adults.(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)