Picture a Kentucky-born storyteller who weaves the heart and grit of 18th-century America into every page—meet Laura Frantz! A Christy Award-winning author, Frantz has enchanted readers with her historical fiction, blending meticulous research with soul-stirring romance. From colonial frontiers to Scottish castles, her novels transport you to a time when courage and love shaped a fledgling nation.
With a passion for history sparked at age seven, Frantz’s stories are more than tales—they’re time machines. Her vivid characters and lush settings have earned her a devoted following among history buffs and romance lovers alike. Ready to step into her world? Let’s explore the life, works, and legacy of this remarkable author.
The Making of Laura Frantz
Born and raised in Kentucky, Laura Frantz’s love for history runs deep, inspired by her grandmother’s tales of Daniel Boone and a family lineage tracing back to 18th-century Madison County. As a child, she devoured biographies of historical figures, penning her first novella at age twelve after a visit to Old Sturbridge Village. Though she took only one creative writing class, her natural storytelling gift shone early. A former schoolteacher and social worker, Frantz married a Washingtonian, moved to the Pacific Northwest, and raised two sons while honing her craft. Her Scottish heritage, tied to an ancestor exiled after the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion, infuses her work with authenticity and pride.
Laura Frantz’s Unforgettable Stories
Frantz’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending rich detail with emotional depth. Her debut, The Frontiersman’s Daughter (2009), follows Lael Click, a pioneer’s daughter navigating love and danger in Kentucky’s wilds. Critics praised its vivid portrayal of Appalachian life, setting the tone for Frantz’s career. The Ballantyne Legacy series—Love’s Reckoning (2012), Love’s Awakening (2013), and Love’s Fortune (2014)—traces a Pennsylvania family from the 18th century to the Civil War, weaving faith, romance, and abolitionist struggles. The Lacemaker (2018), a Christy Award winner, immerses readers in colonial Williamsburg at the dawn of the American Revolution, showcasing Frantz’s knack for bringing history to life.
Her latest works, like The Indigo Heiress (2025) and The Seamstress of Acadie (2024), explore lesser-known histories, such as Acadian deportations and Georgian-era romance. Frantz’s style is immersive, with lyrical prose and characters who feel like old friends. Her meticulous research—often done in longhand—ensures every detail, from herbal remedies to revolutionary tensions, rings true. Scottish themes, reflecting her heritage, add a distinctive flair, making her novels a bridge to the past.
Why Laura Frantz Matters
Laura Frantz’s impact lies in her ability to make history accessible and personal. Her novels don’t just recount events—they humanize them, illuminating the resilience and faith of ordinary people in extraordinary times. As a Daughter of the American Revolution, she brings authenticity to her patriotic narratives, earning accolades from Publishers Weekly for her “historical homework.” Her stories resonate globally, with translations in French, Dutch, and Polish, inspiring readers to explore their own heritage. Frantz’s work reminds us that history isn’t just dates—it’s the heartbeat of those who lived it.
- Born: Kentucky, USA
- Key Works: The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Ballantyne Legacy series, The Lacemaker, The Indigo Heiress
- Awards: Christy Award for The Lacemaker (2018)
- Fun Fact: She writes her manuscripts in longhand first!
Snag The Frontiersman’s Daughter or dive into the Ballantyne Legacy series to experience Laura Frantz’s captivating blend of history and heart. Your next favorite read awaits!