By Laura Frantz
The Acadians' history is a tragic one that finds them caught in a war between the British and the French. And it is in the midst of this conflict that The Seamstress of Acadie is set. Sylvie Galant works as a seamstress for the French fort, sewing shirts for the French soldiers. But all too soon her skills are no longer used as the British threat to Acadians becomes more with each passing day.
When her brother warns that soon all they hold will be seized becomes the truth, Sylvie's life is forever altered. But through it all she uses her needle to forge a new life with what little remains of the old.
The Seamstress of Acadie is a tragic story of lives torn apart because of hate and prejudice. The Acadians French ties have them caught in the middle of a conflict between the British and the French. And though they pledge no loyalty to either, claiming neutrality, they are accused treachery and revolution. The British lies soon drive them forcibly from their homes. Families are torn apart and the conditions aboard the ships a cruelty. Loss of life is extreme before events force them into a new existence in Virginia. But this new land views them with distrust, offering hate, fear, and ridicule while they suffer from the losses they cannot easily forgot, not that they want to.
But there are moments of hope for the future and it is to this promise that Sylvie eventually ties all her hopes and dreams. Laura Frantz creates characters who draw one into their story. One feels Sylvie's pain. One hopes with Major Blackburn that he will succeed in providing a home for the displaced Acadians. Set in Pre-Revolutionary America this a perfect read for those who enjoy Historical Fiction set in the New World. And one fun tidbit for those who've read Laura Frantz's works before if you've read A Heart Adrift you just may see a familiar name or two. If you haven't read the author before this book is a standalone title so you can easily pick it and dive right in and read with no issues.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
QUICK FACTS
Title: The Seamstress of Acadie
Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Revell (January 9, 2024)
Length: (416) pages
Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook
ISBN: 978-0800740689
Book Tour Dates: January 8 – 22, 2024
About the Book:
As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.
As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to
navigate the present and forge an enduring future.
PRAISE FOR THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE
“Frantz’s atmospheric writing is easy to sink into, from the grimness of the
disease-riddled voyage to the ethereal Acadian landscape. While William and
Sylvie’s romance is a slow burn, there’s a rewarding payoff to this tale of second
chances born from tragedy. Frantz’s fans won’t be disappointed.”— Publisher’s
Weekly
“This book is undoubtedly one of the best books I've ever read. I loved the faith
thread, I loved the light in the darkness theme, I loved the characters, I loved the
hope brimming from almost every page. I loved the growth (through every
struggle and triumph), and I loved the history embedded into each detail.”—
Tasha, The Clean Read Book Club
“Fantastic story! The beautiful writing engages the reader from the beginning...
Laura Frantz's books are exceptional because they evoke an abundance of
emotions beyond the typical novel. I highly recommend this book to all historical
fiction readers.”— Milena Bookish, Goodreads
PURCHASE LINKS
About the Author:
exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.
According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.
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