The Belle of Chatham

By Laura Frantz

Book Overview

The call for liberty creates a divide between family and country, desire and duty, love and loyalty.

In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon's quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides--Patriots and Loyalists--causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond.

As Mae's friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Mae, torn between her deepening love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, leaves the only home she's ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she's forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty.

On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Laura Frantz offers a stirring friends-to-lovers historical romance of divided loyalties, patriotism, sacrifice, sisterhood, and love set during the American Revolution.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800746562
• ISBN13: 9780800746568
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
• Length: 384 Pages

Customer Reviews

Revolutionary War in NJ

It is quite a rarity to have a book set in my home state of New Jersey, let alone in Chatham, which happens to be the next town over. I enjoyed seeing the Revolutionary War unfold in my backyard, so to speak. We have, of course, visited the multitude of Revolutionary War sites in this area but it was another level of experience to walk through these events in 1777 with the characters in the book. Laura Frantz vividly captured the charged atmosphere where anyone could be a spy for the enemy, the passion and determination of the Continental Army, and the tragedies of war. Rhys was steadfast, loyal, and devoted. Mae was bright, optimistic, and brave. Though I enjoyed the history behind the book, I could not engage with Mae or Rhys on a deep level. They professed love but did not know each other well enough and things shattered when their love was tested. For such a smart woman, some of Mae’s actions and thought processes did not line up with her intelligence and intuition. I also did not like Mae’s sister Coralie at all. She was supposed to be unlikable, but it would have been nice to see a more layered and multi-dimensional character, even in the selfish, jealous, conniving role she played. If you enjoy historical romance set during the Revolutionary War, I am sure you will enjoy this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment and all opinions are my own.