Review of 'The Indigo Heiress' by Laura Frantz

Review of 'The Indigo Heiress' by Laura Frantz

Release date: January 21st, 2025

Publisher: Revell

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

REVIEW

After dining on The Indigo Heiress, I am speechless! I am in awe of Laura Frantz’s talent in delivering such a stunning story inspired by a remarkable eighteenth century woman named Eliza Lucas Pinckney who lived on a southern US plantation and experimented with growing indigo. I have been trying to conjure the right words of what to say about this beautifully rendered, superbly researched novel. I have a read a few books of Laura’s now and my respect for her increases as she continues to deliver the most powerful, inspiring, inspirational, sensual, sensitive, deeply moving, enrapturing historical fiction novels I have ever read! And this one is at the top of the pile for me.

The Indigo Heiress covers so many interesting topics such as the American plantation history (and the growing and use of the indigo plant) that includes the business side but also the people involved. Both sides of slavery are explored: those who utilised it and those who tried to free its victims. Juliet, her mother, sister and aunt worked tirelessly in secret to help many escape. The risks were high if caught and Juliet learns what that means. The book also covers glimpses of the American revolution from both the British and American perspective. The struggles and the battles between those with different viewpoints and what it was like for those who lost everything by being loyal to the crown.

The novel opens with a Prologue that plants a seed of suspicion because leading female character Juliet is curious about her father’s latest request. He has hired an artist to paint portraits of her and sister Loveday. Plus he requested they give him a lock of their hair to be encased. He provides a reason that Juliet is not quite buying. For we are told this man is not the sentimental type. What is he really up to? But his two dutiful daughters pose for a miniature which is a tiny watercolour on ivory. Of course, we learn of his real plan later and why, plus his connection to a powerful Buchanan clan in Glasgow, Scotland. As the novel’s blurb reveals: he ‘has arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of cancelling the family's crippling debt.’

Despite Juliet’s initial distress over her father’s arrangement to use her to pay off his debts, after a number of battles when she finds herself between a rock and a hard place, she makes a quick decision. But can she live a life in Scotland with a man she does not know who represents some of the things she does not like? Time and events will show her the right path and who she should be with.

The novel is fashioned with two viewpoints: our heroine Juliet and hero Leith. We get a well-rounded view of their thoughts and events through their eyes. I enjoyed hearing the story from both of these characters who really captured my attention and heart. They possess admirable qualities but have their foibles, too. My emotions ran high for each of them as I watched their tales unfold. Growth happens through their journeys separate and together. Author Laura Frantz carefully plotted their paths and tenderly executed all that needed to happen. Her loving and graceful treatment of these two characters made them feel real as I could envision each one stepping off the page into our physical world. I was moved by their frustrations and cried at their roadblocks but cheered at their hard earned triumphs.

The shrewd villains were marvellously presented: both the obvious and less expected ones. For the latter, Laura leaves bread crumb clues along the way that I picked up on. But how she builds the mystery is exceptionally masterful. As the plot thickened and the drama increased, it all culminated into a feverish pitch with some wonderful surprises!

The descriptions were flawless and highly detailed. Laura’s poetic gift of creating stunning scenes, glitters like a regal sword flashing in the sun. You can see, hear, taste, smell every item described giving us an exquisite sense of the American and Scottish settings while providing alluring atmosphere, too. I got so lost in the rich presentation, I felt I was watching a movie! And this book would make a fantastic one or even a great series. The extra screen time would help recreate and faithfully capture all that occurs.

I loved the opening quotes at the start of each chapter from literary greats like Charlotte Bronte, Martin Luther, Edmund Spencer, Daniel Defoe, etc.)  And the first chapter opens with one from Eliza Lucas Pinckney which is fitting! These selections set the tone and cement the messages carried throughout. Each chapter is a gorgeous morsel of development; of discovering a little more of the characters: who they are and who they aspire to be. And the gentle dance backwards and forwards between Juliet and Leith was warmly exciting.

Another mentionable of importance is the sisterhood theme which shines between Juliet and Loveday. They are inseparable. Although Juliet tries to matchmake her sister with the man who has chosen her, all is not lost for there is a better choice for Loveday. And the sisters get to stay together and be an incredible support for each other through their trials. We also see the less favourable side of sibling relationships. And that is one of rivalry, present in Leith’s family. So this provides a sharp contrast to Juliet and Loveday’s loving bond.

I could rave on forever about this novel as there is so much packed between the pages. One thing I will add is this story has a wonderful uplifting ending. It left my soul singing. So I urge all readers who love exceptional romantic historical fiction with depth and heart to get a copy of The Indigo Heiress for I guarantee you will fall under the spell of Laura Frantz’s writing as she is a masterful and amazing story teller. 5+ Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

Huge thanks to Revell publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.