What a fantastic story! Characters are well written and seem like real people and the storyline is true and believable. Can't wait to read more by this author.

A sweeping tale of love, loss and perseverance, from Scotland to Virginia to Jamaica in the 1750’s. Scottish-born Lark, mistress of the stillroom, is falsely accused of murder and sent to the American colonies as an indentured servant. We get to see her life in Scotland then travel to “British America” where Lark begins her time of servitude as the stillroom mistress to a wealthy plantation owner. Despite being indentured, Lark’s brief acquaintance with the plantation owner sees her quickly accepted into the household and into Williamsburg Society. I found that part a bit surprising especially since the plantation owner isn’t in residence at the time. Nearly everyone in the book loves Lark. Her kindness and love of the Lord guide all of her actions. She faces adversity and doesn’t give up hope. The book flows at a nice pace and though it’s over 400 pages, I finished it in a few days. The ending, while satisfying, seemed a bit abrupt.

I wrote a real review for this on a blog awhile back, but never reviewed it on GR. I think I gave it three stars at that point. However, every time I think of this “hero” he makes me more annoyed. His infidelity to his first wife was infuriating (emotional and directly undermining her with the servants, even though it wasn’t physical) and somehow it was excused because he loved the heroine all along? Color me disgusted.

She should have picked another guy. She’s got three lapping at her heels in this book...surely there’s a fourth, better guy in the wings who’d want her too....

The end never justifies the means. And a husband isn’t justified in liking another woman better than the wife he vowed to love no matter how little he likes her. If he can’t live with her then he should seek a divorce before thinking romantically of another woman. But it’s clear his only use for his wife was for her money and for sex. I couldn’t dredge up any sympathy for him.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

This sweeping epic tastefully covers years of hardships that lead to a dream come true.  The lyrical writing brings to life a misty, rocky isle in Scotland, a perilous journey across the ocean, lush colonial Virginia farmland, and tropical Jamaican sugar cane plantations.  Each character is vivid and plays an important part in telling the heart of the story - one of strength through trial, trust in God, and holding out for what the heart wants most. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

This was a wonderful and beautiful story, I loved the characters of Lark and Magnus. They are strong, vibrant characters. The author paints a beautiful landscape where this story takes place and unfolds. This was a very pleasurable read for me and I look forward to reading more novels by Laura Frantz.

A Bound Heart was better than I expected. The settings were beautiful and completed the story. The gripping tale of disappointment, imprisonment, and adventure settled down towards the middle. Although it kept my interest throughout.
All the Scottishisms had me remembering the autumn I lived in Scotland. Frantz did a great job encorporating the language without it being difficult to read and also describing the scenery. I wasn't sure where the book was headed and quite surprised, but pleased with how the characters ended up in Virginia and the islands. It covered a gambit of settings.
I loved many of the character's names although the Lark-Larkin tie was a bit far fetched and the lady conveniently died. Other than that I really enjoyed the story. I also found myself relating to Lark's patience waiting for Magnus.
It's only the second book I've read by the author but I will definitely be reading more.

*sigh*

I wanted to like this book. I really did! Because ... Scotland! But I didn't read the blurb thoroughly enough, because the book wasn't in Scotland! And I need Scotland, y'all. Especially when I think I've been promised Scotland.

So yes, I ruined this book for myself! And I'm mad, because otherwise it could've been a really good book.

That said, there were some interesting things about it. I felt like the middle dragged majorly, but that's probably because I was taking such a long time to get through it!

A Bound Heart was written by Laura Frantz and is set in the mid-1700s.
Summary: Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall have know each other all their lives. But expectations and promises have created a distance between them as adults.
That is, until Lark is accused of an unspeakable crime-the repercussions of which send Lark and Magnus across the globe and away from all they have ever known.
Can they survive storms, evil men, sickness, and loss on their trek around the world-or will they lose everything in the process?
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. It has a very interesting plot, unique characters, and is well-written. My favorite thing, is that the book takes place in three key places-Scotland, on a ship, and in Virginia. The descriptions of each place were so well-written, I could see them in my mind, and they really became their own characters throughout the story.
My only complaint was in the end where a key decision was made without Lark’s input (trying not to give any spoilers!) It seemed like it could have been done a little differently.
Other than that, I really liked it, and am looking forward to reading more books by this author!
I would like to thank Revell for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Lark works in the stillroom creating herbal tinctures and teas, she refuses to participate in the free-trading done by many of the islanders to survive due to her Christian convictions. She is working on a herbal remedy to help the Lady Isla after the miscarriage of her 6th babe, but an unfortunate accident leaves her wealthy family looking for someone to blame.



The Lark and the laird of the island, Magnus, grew up side by side, sharing a deep friendship, with hopes unspoken. Mourning the loss of his wife he seeks to prevent another wrong by defending Lark, but he himself finds himself convicted of crime, and together they are exiled to the New World away from the familiar hills of Scotland.



Could their exile be the start of something new?



A captivating read, riveting in it's stark wildness, beauty, injustices, and hope. Lark is a beautiful young woman, considered a spinster in her community, she lives with her wise grandmother. Lark is descended from a highly regarded family, but their lot has fallen in recent generations. Lark is beautiful inside and out, holding to her convictions of her faith through may trials. Her beauty catches the eye of many men that she meets from a sea captain who lives by his wits, a laird, a plantation heir, and others. She has a big heart, and compassion for those hurting, and I admired her unwillingness to compromise in regard to her faith.



Larkin is a bonnie braw lad, well loved and a unexpected blessing. He brings joy to many around him, seeming to defy his lot in life at every turn. Many of the characters are well developed, and I liked the thoughtful Miss Flowerdew, as well as the many who befriend Lark and Larkin.



Magnus is a man of many responsibilities as laird of an island, he tries to do his best to care for the people under his care, and is unashamed of his Scots heritage. He is bound by his responsibilities, I admired his faith despite the challenges he faced, honorably seeking to glorify God no matter the circumstances, holding back his own desires in the interests of others.



Overall an utterly compelling read that grabbed my heartstrings and didn't let go, from the vast wild beauty of the stark lands, to the noble, faithful, Lark and Magnus who are admirable in the face of injustice. I especially enjoyed the strong themes of faith, holding to the promises, and strength in weakness. You won't regret picking up this epic journey of second chances and faith. Highly recommend!




I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Laura Frantz has such a gift for storytelling. Her settings are superb and draw you into the story. Her characters are intriguing and feel familiar. What a journey this book took me on! From a murder investigation in the Scottish Highlands, life threating illness in the West Indies and finally, looming danger in Virginia Colony. The romance is quite a slow burn and at first it was overshadowed but boy, was it able to hold its own for the last half of the story! At this point I will read anything Laura Frantz wants to write knowing that it will be a wonderful experience. I would recommend this book to fans Jocelyn Green, Lori Benton and Jody Hedlund.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

If you enjoy sweeping historical, romantic sagas, then you're sure to love A Bound Heart.

From an 18th c. Scottish isle to colonial Virginia and Jamaica, the story depicts the locales with details that allow the reader to experience the windswept coasts, stifling southern heat, and tropical island.

The friendship between Lark and Magnus is a long, slow build of affection characterized by their selfless sacrifice for one another over many years. In fact, the two share relatively few scenes, yet their eventual reunion is climactic and satisfying.

I listened on audio and thought the varied voices (Scots to Virginia to Ivory Coat accents) and emotion that the narrator infused into the story were very well done!

I enjoyed every bit of Magnus and Larks story. Traveling from Scotland to Virginia then Jamaica too! The beautiful prose of Laura Frantz again draws you in to the beauty of the story! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated are my own.

Laura Frantz’ “A Bound Heart” is the story of childhood friends Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall who grew up together on the charming and beautiful isle of Kerrera (off the Scottish coast).

Although they had many of the same opportunities as children, they lead quite different lives as adults; Magnus is Laird of Castle Kerrera and Lark is the Keeper of the Bees. Lark has always been quite fond of Magnus and was heartbroken when he returned a few years ago to the isle with a wife. So, she busies herself taking care of her elderly Granny and her beloved bees. She also has a flirtatious friendship with the handsome captain of the Merry Lass, Rory MacPherson.

The inhabitants of the isle soon learn that Magnus’ wife, Lady Isla, hates the isle and living there. She is mean, rude and often physically ill. Furthermore, she does not like “the help” to be seen (including Lark). Matters only worsen when she is unable to produce an heir. Lady Isla is desperate to have a child and dies after ingesting one of Lark’s potions. Lark is soon tried and found guilty or murder. Lark and Magnus’ trials and tribulations and ensuing love story comprise the rest of the book.

Both Magnus and Lark are Christians and Frantz reminds us that it is “better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman” and also that “husbands, love your wives.” She also reminds us that “the true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good!”

If you require a lovely historical romance, this is for you! Frantz describes the isle of Kerrera so beautifully you will feel as if you are there. This book is great for any age reader.

Hoping that this may become a series (although the cover did not designate as such). I would love to read more about their lives after the ending of the book.

#ABoundHeart #NetGalley

Publication Date: January 1, 2019
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Scottish
Cover: Stunning and absolutely perfect!
Rating: 5 stars
Source: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

I have never read any books by Laura Frantz previously, and I am so happy to have found a new favorite author. This novel was captivating from start to finish. It indeed was not an easy one to guess how the story would end - it kept me puzzled all along the way. Though, near the end, I wondered just how many twists and turns were there going to be in the story and how is the author going to solve this latest one?!

This tale takes one to historical Scotland in the 1700s with a castle, and it's Laird Magnus and a young heroine called Lark. The concept of a "Stillroom" was new to me, and as a former nurse found this part of the story fascinating as Lark formulates different herbal concoctions suited to various illnesses. Both Magnus and Lark have excellent qualities, and it's plain that they hold to Christian values. They both have a sincere desire to follow God's commands, and they hang onto their faith amidst much struggle and hardship. As a reader, I sincerely appreciate when Christian faith is made clear in Inspirational or Christian fiction instead of merely alluded in the novels.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for this my honest review. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author!

Set in the 1700s, first in Scotland along the sea, then America. Lark is descended from a fierce warrior clan whose laird was killed and their castle destroyed. She and her Granny lived and worked at the castle nearby, in the stillroom. Which means they gathered plants and tended bees, for medicinal and other uses, preparing medicines for the Laird and his people. She grew up with Magnus, the current Laird, learned with him. He is a good and handsome man, but forced by his father married another woman - and it didn't go well. Rich, deep Christian historical fiction. I want to spend more time with these people.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz was such an intriguing novel. I was quickly absorbed into the story and enjoyed following the characters along their journey.

The writing was fantastic. I felt like I was transported back in time and it all felt so real. I wasn't sure about the romance at first, but in the end I loved it.

All in all, A Bound Heart was a lovely read. It was realistic and told a great story. I loved it and recommend it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Magnus is the laird of the castle and Lark the stillroom maid and beekeeper. They care for each other very much, as they took their lessons together at school and have been friends for so long. But their stations keep them from being more than friends. When Magnus’s wife falls ill and dies, accusations arise and Magnus and Lark become indentured servants sent from their beloved home in Scotland across the Atlantic to Virginia. Along the way Lark becomes the caregiver to an orphaned child and Magnus and Lark become separated. What does the future have in store for them? Will they have a chance to be together at last? This book had me turning pages from the start, from the descriptions and language of Scotland, to the adventures of travelling to Virginia and Jamaica. As a fan of historical fiction and Christian fiction as well this novel was well written and the language of the time was easy to follow. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it. 4/5 stars.

With vibrant storytelling, believable characters, and epic settings, I didn’t just read this book, I LIVED IT. This is beautifully crafted historical fiction and it completely immersed me in another world.

We begin the story in 1752 on the Scottish Isle of Kerrera where we meet Lark and her friends, including Magnus, her childhood playmate of long ago who is now “laird” (lord) of the castle and the island. The friendly affection of their childhood has never waned, but now that Magnus has inherited his estate and Lark is one of his servants, there is an insuperable social gulf between them that restrains their conversations and dealings with each other.

After Lark and Magnus are imprisoned on false charges and condemned to indentured servitude in the New World, we follow them to a plantation in Virginia (and later, to Jamaica), where they work alongside African slaves. Although the book is sobering in the parts that reference slavery, the story never becomes brutal or gory.

I enjoyed the vivid sensory details about Scotland, Virginia, and Jamaica that painted each scene so clearly that it became a movie in my head. I loved the omniscient third person narrator that gave me access to the thoughts of Lark and Magnus and a few of the other principal characters; it was done so well that each character had a very distinctive “voice” and stayed true to themselves. And I absolutely adored the complex relationship between Lark and Magnus and the subtle deepening of their love over time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for a digital advance review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book was a solid read. I found parts dragging, but that could just have been that I was reading at 11:00 pm rather than how it was written! The plot was unique. The characters were solid, but I just didn't get into it. I had a really hard time getting to like the main characters. As mentioned earlier, it might be me! I really didn't care about the characters until almost the half way point. I wanted to love it, but I just liked it. If I reread it with fresh eyes, I might like it more.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise.

A story that travels from Scotland right across different continents.
Absolutely beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this book.